BY Issah Olegor
The preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup received another significant boost on Thursday as six additional players arrived in Cardiff to join the Black Stars training camp ahead of next month’s tournament in North America.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, defender Abdul Mumin, midfielder Kwasi Sibo, defender Jonas Adjetey and forward Prince Kwabena Adu all reported to camp and immediately joined their teammates for training at Dragon Park.
Their arrival increases the number of players in camp to 22 as head coach Carlos Queiroz intensifies preparations for Ghana’s upcoming international friendly against Wales on June 2.
Countdown to the World Cup
The Black Stars are entering a crucial phase of their World Cup preparations, with the technical team eager to use the friendly matches to fine-tune tactics, assess player fitness levels and build cohesion within the squad.
The friendly against Wales will be followed by another test against Jamaica on June 10, giving Queiroz an opportunity to evaluate his options before finalizing his plans for the tournament.
The Portuguese tactician, who took charge of Ghana ahead of the World Cup, is expected to use the training camp to instill his philosophy and establish a tactical identity for the team before their opening match.
Key Reinforcements Across the Squad
The arrival of the latest group provides additional strength across all departments of the team.
Ati-Zigi’s presence enhances competition in the goalkeeping unit, where he is expected to play a key role following his impressive performances for Ghana in recent international competitions.
Sulemana brings pace, creativity and attacking threat to the flanks, while Prince Kwabena Adu offers another option in attack as the technical team looks to improve the team’s goal-scoring efficiency.
Midfielder Kwasi Sibo adds energy and versatility in the middle of the park, while Abdul Mumin and Jonas Adjetey strengthen the defensive setup with their physical presence and experience.
Ghana Chasing Another Historic World Cup Run
The Black Stars will head into the tournament hoping to recreate the success of their memorable 2010 campaign in South Africa, where they became only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals of a FIFA World Cup.
Since then, Ghana has featured at the 2014 and 2022 tournaments but failed to advance beyond the group stage.
The four-time African champions secured qualification for the 2026 edition and now face the challenge of progressing from a difficult Group L.
Tough Group Awaits Black Stars
Ghana has been drawn alongside Panama, England and Croatia in Group L.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before taking on England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium.
Their final group-stage fixture will come against Croatia on June 27 in a match that could prove decisive in determining qualification for the knockout stages.
