Ghana's qualifying campaign began unconvincingly, but after just two matches in the African qualifiers the Black Stars found their rhythm and performed strongly for the remainder of the process. They secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing top of CAF Qualifying Group I with 25 points from eight wins, one draw, and one defeat, ending ahead of Madagascar, Mali, Comoros, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Captain Jordan Ayew led the way with seven goals during qualifying.
Ayew, the 34-year-old Leicester City forward, will wear the captain's armband and is tied with his brother André for the most appearances in Ghana's history, with 120 caps each. The team's attacking threat rests largely on Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo, the latter standing out for his power, pace, versatility, and ability to take on defenders one-on-one. Other key inclusions are Kamaldeen Sulemana and Thomas Partey.
One of the most striking aspects of the announcement is the return of several key players who had been sidelined for months through injury or selection decisions. Among them are Baba Abdul Rahman, uncapped since September 2023, along with Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Mumin, both back after recovering from serious ligament injuries. Young Ajax goalkeeper Paul Reverson was also called up for a closer evaluation after impressing in the Dutch youth system.
The most notable absentee is Mohammed Kudus, usually a central figure but ruled out by an injury he could not recover from in time. Alexander Djiku was likewise left out due to injury. Placed in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana open their campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, before facing England six days later at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. They conclude the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 27.
Ghana 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (VfL Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (OGC Nice)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atlanta BC), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre)
Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Iñaki Williams (Athlétic Club), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)