By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially unveiled the final 26-man Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlos Queiroz making key decisions as Ghana prepares for its return to football’s biggest stage.
The final list, announced on Tuesday, sees two players dropped from the provisional squad that had been camping in Cardiff, while an injury setback to vice-captain Alexander Djiku has forced a late change in defence.
Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi have both been omitted from the final squad after initially making the provisional list.
Their exclusion leaves Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang to battle for the number one position heading into the tournament.
The biggest casualty, however, is Djiku, who has been ruled out through injury.
The experienced defender, who has been one of the most dependable performers in recent years and serves as vice-captain of the national team, misses out at the last minute.
In his place, Queiroz has handed a World Cup opportunity to defender Derrick Luckassen.
The squad retains a strong core of experienced internationals led by captain Jordan Ayew, midfield general Thomas Partey, attacking stars Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo, as Ghana seeks to navigate a challenging Group L campaign against Panama, England and Croatia national football teams.
The squad also includes returning winger Ernest Nuamah, who has recovered from a long-term injury, while players such as Kamaldeen Sulemana, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Christopher Bonsu Baah are expected to provide creativity and pace in attack.
With the final squad now confirmed, the Black Stars will intensify preparations before departing for North America, where hopes remain high that Ghana can progress beyond the group stage and make a significant impact at the expanded 48-team tournament.
Final 26-Man World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang
Defenders:
Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Derrick Luckasse
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards:
Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu.
