Ghana appoint Queiroz as coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup

“Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world. Today, I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. He also revisited the unforgettable 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Ghana stood on the brink of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

All Time World Cup Stats for Ghana

The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.

• But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top.
• With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history.
• And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.
• Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Otto Addo earlier this month.
• The comments are likely to generate fresh discussions among supporters, particularly because Paintsil has remained one of Ghana’s most productive attacking players abroad in recent years.
• Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.
• Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA.
• Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career.
• The confirmation comes as a major blow for Ghana, with Djiku having been expected to play a key role at the World Cup thanks to his experience and leadership at the back.
• Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.
• The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.
• Paintsil, on the other hand, has consistently featured for LA Galaxy and remains one of the club’s key attacking outlets whenever available.

Ghana Premier League

Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.

“The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” the statement added. Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats. GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise. The Association’s commitment to transparency and accountability was evident throughout the session, and the media could ask questions and seek clarification on various matters. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.

VIDEO: Watch highlights as Medeama seal Ghana Premier League title with victory over Heart of Lions

But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman. The former Chelsea fullback was in the 2022 World Cup squad but has featured in only one international for Ghana since. Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach ​Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns ‌before finalising his 26-man selection.

• The event was expertly moderated by respected BBC presenter and Communications Director of Coachhene Sports Club, George Addo Jnr, whose leadership helped guide meaningful conversations around talent development, identity, and opportunity.
• Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has encouraged Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as he and his charges dream of success at the tournament.
• The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday.
• The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.
• There was nothing, not a single footballing reason that required the GFA to name 28 players, generate a week of public debate, and then quietly trim out two names the day before the friendly against Wales.
• For Queiroz, the role represents another chapter in a long international career, but also a unique challenge — guiding one of Africa’s most storied national teams on the world stage.
• Ghana previous match was against Mexico in International Friendly Games, the match ended with result (Mexico won the match).
• Another goalkeeper who has not been included in Ghana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• The initiative, delivered in partnership with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult, is aimed at identifying and engaging elite young talents to strengthen Ghana’s national teams for the future.
• Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament.
• The Black Stars had also lost their previous four games and failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite a squad featuring Premier League-based players such as Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.
• The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport.

Carlos Queiroz enjoys Ghana’s passion for football ahead of Wales friendly

The squad numbers for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been published by FIFA following coach Carlos Queiroz’s confirmation of his final 26-man squad.The Black Stars, who have… Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours. Several academies, such as Right to Dream and WAFA, integrate academics with football training. This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.

Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League. Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team. One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas. And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people. Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany. “Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he stated.

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Lizzy Sports combines football, fitness, and personal development in a supportive environment. Right to Dream focuses on academic excellence, character development, and world-class football training. Below is a detailed breakdown of Ghana’s leading football academies, their fees, and what they offer. Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies. Complete guide to the top football academies in Ghana and their fees for 2025.

The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs. This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally. WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience. Ghana football icon and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is on a new chapter of national service after being unveiled as Ambassador for Ghana’s national football teams and colts football by the Ghana Football Association.

• Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season.
• He did make it to the preliminary squad, but wasn’t included in the final list of players.
• Addressing the gathering, Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of creating stronger bonds between Ghana and its emerging talents abroad.
• A young squad with talent and energy can still compete with higher-ranked opposition, particularly in a format that allows third-placed teams to reach the knockout stage.
• Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
• It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle.
• If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know.

The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite. «When the World Cup draw was made, I saw the game in my mind. We made history and I’ve been part of that game to score that incredible goal. I’m very happy about that especially playing against England.» With strong collaboration between the GFA, Coachhene Sports Club, Prince Lamona Consult, and the Ghana High Commission, the future of Ghana football continues to look increasingly bright.

However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away https://ghanaoddsreview.org/live-betting-guide/ from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.

Black Stars

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a successful media engagement session on Monday, February 7, 2024, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi. «It’s our duty to make the right decisions to manage fitness and mental freshness. We want players to come here excited, not exhausted.» According to Queiroz, more than half of the squad were unavailable when preparations began because they were still involved in league and cup competitions with their clubs. When the match starts, you will be able to follow Wales vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics. In 2026, the four-time African winners will be looking to change that when they play Panama, England, and Croatia, the bronze medallists from the previous tournament. Mohammed Salisu also missed out after the Monaco centre ⁠back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Ligue 1 clash in January.

Ghana Premier League vs. European Wealth Gap

Addressing the gathering, Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of creating stronger bonds between Ghana and its emerging talents abroad. Ghana previous match was against Mexico in International Friendly Games, the match ended with result (Mexico won the match). Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland. Those campaigns remain reminders that Ghana have often thrived when the odds looked steep. The opportunity to rise above expectations begins the moment the groups are confirmed on Friday.

Carlos Queiroz embraces pressure ahead of Wales friendly

«They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest, three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity.» For Ghana, the fixture comes at an important stage of their World Cup preparations. Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad. The match offers Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz another chance to assess his squad ahead of the tournament in North America, where Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group L.

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On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions. A major highlight of the competition was the participation of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through a collaboration between Coach Hakim and Madam Inusah. The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.

His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom. Ghana’s football export business thrives as European clubs compete for Black Stars talent. Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves. With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage. His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament. Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive international coaching resumes in world football, particularly at the World Cup.

“Our vision is to build strong national teams for the future by identifying the best Ghanaian talents wherever they may be in the world. Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated. Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years. He did make it to the preliminary squad, but wasn’t included in the final list of players. The 31-year-old currently plays for Spartak Moscow and his performances have not been up to the mark this season.

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The initiative, delivered in partnership with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult, is aimed at identifying and engaging elite young talents to strengthen Ghana’s national teams for the future. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA. Had Queiroz simply named a 26-man squad on May 25, the squad he was always going to take to the World Cup, the debate would have been sharper, clearer, and concluded in a single day. The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.

Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings. While qualification results added some ranking points, progress has not been enough to lift Ghana closer to the top nations. Their position is a result of performance over a longer period, not just a single qualifying campaign. By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy. On June 1, when two players are dropped, there will be new headlines, new accusations, and new questions about why those specific two were cut. The process that was supposedly designed to reduce uncertainty has instead created a fortnight of rolling debate where a single announcement on May 25 would have sufficed.

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In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage. Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet. It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. Jordan Ayew is expected to captain Ghana, while Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among the players pushing for starting places. «We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,» he said. Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.

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On average, tuition and training fees range between ₵5,000 to ₵50,000 per year in 2025. He was unveiled at a ceremony in Accra on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) to signal a renewed commitment to strengthening support for the national teams ahead of Ghana’s fifth appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities. The performances of the deaf athletes, they noted, highlighted the potential for deaf rugby to grow in Ghana if given sustained support and competitive opportunities. Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000.

• With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history.
• Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season.
• Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora.
• WAFA has produced many players for the Ghanaian national team and European clubs.
• Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad.
• Ghana have previously reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 — the best performance by an African team at the time — and will be hoping to make a renewed impact in 2026.
• The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.
• WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience.
• «When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.

The Tottenham Hotspur star could’ve played an important role for the Ghana national football team, but has been left out due to an injury. The Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament. According to him, Paintsil’s influence and consistency at club level surpass that of several players currently in the national team setup especially Atalata’s Kamaldeen Sulemana. Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has explained his decision to call up Derrick Luckassen as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North… Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…

That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings. Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football. Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.

There are also all Ghana scheduled matches that they are going to play in the future. When the match starts, you will be able to follow Malawi vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics. The confirmation comes as a major blow for Ghana, with Djiku having been expected to play a key role at the World Cup thanks to his experience and leadership at the back. Speaking after Ghana’s latest training session in Cardiff, Queiroz revealed that Djiku had already been replaced in the squad as preparations continue for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed that Ghana only had their full squad available on the eve of Tuesday’s friendly against Wales, describing the situation as one of the…

«People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes. «To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.» Queiroz also criticised the scheduling of some domestic competitions, noting that certain countries continued to stage cup finals beyond FIFA’s recommended release period for international duty.

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The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons. The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad. Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.

Nimley went further by comparing Paintsil’s performances with some of the players who made the squad and insisted the Galaxy winger has done enough to merit consideration. Paintsil missed out on the previous World Cup after then Black Stars coach Otto Addo omitted him from the final squad, and a similar situation appears to have unfolded under new Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz. Coach Christopher Nimley has sounded strong words of caution to LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, urging him to focus on his club career after being left out of Ghana’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Medeama Sporting Club head coach Ibrahim Tanko has pointed to the trust given to him by President of the club… No academy can guarantee contracts, but they significantly improve a player’s chances by offering exposure and development. This academy has built a reputation for consistency in developing competitive players.

• Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA.
• Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad.
• “Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world.
• The Deaf Rugby Team was accompanied by its coach and president, Yaw Kunadu, as well as Rugby Sports Development Officer at the National Sports Authority, Kumasi, Owusu Amuah, and interpreter Gifty Sammy.
• Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours.
• Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.
• They defeated African Warriors Juniors 5-0 before overcoming Accra Majestics Juniors 19-0 in the Cup Final.
• The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.
• With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history.
• That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline.
• And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.
• Kyereh first underwent surgery in February 2023 to repair the ligament damage.

That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline. There was nothing, not a single footballing reason that required the GFA to name 28 players, generate a week of public debate, and then quietly trim out two names the day before the friendly against Wales. The Portuguese coach revealed on Monday that the entire group only trained together for the first time on the eve of the match, with several players arriving late after completing club commitments across Europe. Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and… It shows all personal information about the players, including age, nationality, contract duration and market value. It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall.

Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline. According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities. The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport. The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country. The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.

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With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history. The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra. Thomas Partey currently holds this position with $36.4 million net worth from his Premier League career and African business investments. His former £200,000 weekly Arsenal salary established him as Ghana’s highest-earning active player.

• With the tournament set to be hosted in North America, some observers have questioned Paintsil’s exclusion, considering his familiarity with the environment and conditions.
• The problem is structural; when a football association retains local assistants, influences backroom composition, the question of who ultimately controls selection cannot be answered by citing a scouting database.
• This modest compensation forces talented prospects toward European academies that offer times higher wages immediately.
• Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko’s top earners make $20,000-$40,000 yearly, forcing talented prospects to Europe by their late teens.
• The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past.
• Even though he is the oldest player in the current generation, he is still a dependable source of motivation.
• Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.
• Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team.
• The team has produced world-class players like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan who have been instrumental in raising Ghana’s profile on the global stage.
• The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country.
• Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.

Richest Football Players in Ghana

Ghana Football Association compensates players modestly compared to European powerhouses. Kudus’ £150,000 weekly Tottenham contract represents the new benchmark for Ghanaian player salaries in Europe’s elite leagues. His £200,000 weekly salary made him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid African players before his 2025 Villarreal move. Ghana have previously reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 — the best performance by an African team at the time — and will be hoping to make a renewed impact in 2026. The 73-year-old’s appointment comes after Ghana parted ways with Otto Addo on March 31, following a poor run of results that included defeats to Germany and Austria in friendly matches.

With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers. Another goalkeeper who has not been included in Ghana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Ajax man was present in the preliminary squad, but due to competition for the position, he might not have received a call-up from Carlos Queiroz. President Kurt Okraku took the media through the events leading up to Ghana’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and other relevant matters regarding the team’s early exit from the competition.

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Being in the lowest pot guarantees that Ghana will face a top team from Pot 1, either a co-host nation or one of the world’s strongest sides. They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely. The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed. The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.

Partey exemplified smart wealth management by investing his Arsenal earnings into businesses across Africa and Europe. His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko’s top earners make $20,000-$40,000 yearly, forcing talented prospects to Europe by their late teens.

The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey. To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process. The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.

A young squad with talent and energy can still compete with higher-ranked opposition, particularly in a format that allows third-placed teams to reach the knockout stage. Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season. The pair played every minute of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 World Cup and were widely expected to form the backbone of the Black Stars defence once again.

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“There is so much Ghanaian talent across the UK, and this initiative gives these young players the opportunity to connect with their roots while showcasing their abilities to the Ghana Football Association. This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said. Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.

The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled. The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup. Virtually every major footballing nation calls up exactly the players they intend to take to the tournament for their final pre-tournament warm-up, sometimes with one or two additional cover options. They do not name 28 players, generate a week of squad controversy, and then quietly trim out two names.

The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.