Ghana name 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft Antoine Semenyo

“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. 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. Mohammed Kudus is not going to represent Ghana at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled.

Black Stars

Take the time to research, attend trials, and commit fully — the next football star https://ghanaoddsreview.org/ could be you. Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League. Liberty remains a household name in youth football development in Ghana. 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.

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.

• 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.
• “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring.
• The 28-man list announced on May 25 is not, strictly speaking, the final World Cup squad.
• 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.
• You can click on players from the roster above and see available personal information such as nationality, date of birth, height, preferred foot, position, player value, transfer history etc.
• You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.
• Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice.
• While injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, the 28-year-old has continued to play a key role for LA Galaxy.
• To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process.

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. To ensure full participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches. In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions. An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials. Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important step in reconnecting talented young players of Ghanaian heritage with the national setup. “When the game was made, I was like, ‘this is it, I just want to do something for my national team’. It was even one of my best games for Ghana and I scored in the last minute. It was a great moment.

No, he has not been included in Ghana’s final squad due to a quad injury. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams. The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite.

Ghana boxing icon D.K. Poison lands PKO role amid renewed support

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. Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach. 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. Four players have earned places in the Black Queens squad for the June camping programme…

FIFA TDS: Elite U15 Boys Championship Enters Final Round of Group Matches

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.

FIFA TDS: Elite U15 Boys Colts Championship Produces Thrilling Results on Matchday Two

We may have video highlights with goals and news for some Ghana matches, but only if they play their match in one of the most popular football leagues. 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. On average, tuition and training fees range between ₵5,000 to ₵50,000 per year in 2025.

Three experienced and outstanding coaches have been shortlisted for the NASCO Coach of the Month… Four outstanding players have been nominated for the NASCO Ghana Premier League Player of the… For now, however, another World Cup dream has slipped away from one of Ghana’s most exciting attacking talents.

This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs. Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training. Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice.

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. 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.

• 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.
• There are also all Ghana scheduled matches that they are going to play in the future.
• “We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope.
• Ghana and England have met just once before – a friendly at Wembley in March 2011 when Gyan scored a late equaliser for the Black Stars in a 1-1 draw.
• The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite.
• Ghana are due to announce their official 26-man squad on June 1, a day before the friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.
• But it is symptomatic of a broader culture in which the GFA manages its own exposure rather than prioritising clarity for fans and respect for players.
• The naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail.
• Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany.
• Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
• With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland.

Hadina Bariu’s shoot-out heroics power relegated Nations FC to MTN FA Cup success

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 level of talent and professionalism we witnessed here was very encouraging. These young players are developing in some of the best academies in the world, and initiatives like this allow us to engage them early and monitor their progress closely,” Prof. Mintah noted. “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.

“There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations. 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.

Related News

The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one. The public would have had the information it deserved without being strung along through a two-stage announcement that serves the administration more than it serves the supporters, the players, or the coach. “We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope. I want to appeal to corporate Ghana to support football development because the future of our game depends on what we build today,” he added. 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. 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.

School abductions: Protest in Oyo, Ogun as NUT begins nationwide rally today

It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. 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.

Related Posts

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. 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. Latest news on the Ghana National Football Team, including team selections, fixtures, results and coverage of their progression within international tournaments.

Antoine Semenyo joins Black Stars camp, takes total to 25 players in Wales

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. On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship.

Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies. In fact, Ghana have not won any of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup, in which they topped their group, and face Wales in a friendly on Tuesday. “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. 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. With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one. The GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team.

Carlos Queiroz to address media on Monday ahead of Wales friendly

• It shows all personal information about the players, including age, nationality, contract duration and market value.
• Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.
• Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.
• 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.
• “There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.
• But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman.
• Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament.
• “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.
• The 25-year-old has not been called up to be present in the final squad.
• “We deserve to qualify for the World Cup in terms of how we played in the qualifiers. But in the AFCON qualifiers, it was a big disaster, we didn’t play that much to our level.
• Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme.

If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream. 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.

PLAYGROUNDS

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. “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.” The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday. 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. Latest Ghana football news, including the latest updates on the Ghana Premier League, Ghana FA Cup, Ghana Super Cup, the CAF Champions League and much more.

The 73-year-old Portuguese has substantial World Cup experience having previously overseen South Africa, Portugal and Iran on the global stage. “Grassroots football is the foundation of every successful football nation,” he said. 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. 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. With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage.

• They defeated African Warriors Juniors 5-0 before overcoming Accra Majestics Juniors 19-0 in the Cup Final.
• Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany.
• 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.
• “We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope.
• Ghana’s worst performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.
• Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative.
• 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.
• Ghana are due to announce their official 26-man squad on June 1, a day before the friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.
• Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
• But it is symptomatic of a broader culture in which the GFA manages its own exposure rather than prioritising clarity for fans and respect for players.
• Four players have earned places in the Black Queens squad for the June camping programme…
• With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz: ‘Let the river flow until…

Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day’s top stories from the UK and around the world. Ghana previous match was against Mexico in International Friendly Games, the match ended with result (Mexico won the match). Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons. Antoine Semenyo is the latest player to join the Black Stars squad in Wales, taking… Nations FC etched their name into Ghana football history on Saturday, beating Dreams FC 5-4…

Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore. While injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, the 28-year-old has continued to play a key role for LA Galaxy. This season, he has registered four goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions and has remained a regular starter whenever fit. Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation. The GFA President praised Gyan for his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the national team, describing him as a symbol of courage and patriotism whose influence continues to inspire generations of footballers. He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football.

• Right to Dream Academy is fully funded and admits players on scholarships.
• Medeama Sporting Club head coach Ibrahim Tanko has pointed to the trust given to him by President of the club…
• “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.
• Ghana is known for its energetic playing style, technical skill, and passionate fan support.
• For now, however, another World Cup dream has slipped away from one of Ghana’s most exciting attacking talents.
• In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions.
• Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies.
• Latest Ghana football news, including the latest updates on the Ghana Premier League, Ghana FA Cup, Ghana Super Cup, the CAF Champions League and much more.
• Mohammed Salisu also missed out after the Monaco centre ⁠back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Ligue 1 clash in January.
• The Black Stars swapped football boots for golf clubs on Sunday morning as part of…
• “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.
• It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall.
• If the 28-man list is functionally the World Cup squad with only two spots to be resolved, why name 28 at all?
• Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.

ON STAGE

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 winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region. Paintsil, on the other hand, has consistently featured for LA Galaxy and remains one of the club’s key attacking outlets whenever available. In contrast, Kamaldeen Sulemana endured a difficult season after securing a move to Atalanta Bergamo from Southampton. The winger was used sparingly throughout the campaign and made most of his appearances from the bench, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter. Medeama SC Director of Communications Benjamin Willie Graham believes clubs from Ghana’s Western Region are enjoying sustained success because they…

The 2026 Elite U15 Boys Colts Championship continued with another exciting round of matches on… Ghana Black Queens have withdrawn from the upcoming three-nation women’s tournament scheduled to take place… The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Division One League clubs,…

African Games contracts: Auditor-General goes after GH¢580m losses

Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats. Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise. President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, praised the collaboration behind the programme and highlighted its long-term importance for Ghana football.

With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign. The GFA highlighted this experience as central to his appointment, stating that he “boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree” and is expected to bring leadership and structure to the Black Stars setup. The team with the largest stadium is Asante Kotoko with the capacity of 40528. The top scorers in the last season of Ghana Premier League Premier League 25/26 season were Kumi Attah.Last season top scorer is Kumi Attah with 18 goals. Sofascore tracks live football scores and Ghana Premier League table, results, statistics and top scorers. “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.

Ghana FA strengthens future of Black Stars with successful UK Talent Engagement Programme

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. You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart. 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. 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 event was also attended by British-Ghanaian rugby player and advocate, Zainab Alema.

• 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.
• Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.
• The 2026 Elite U15 Boys Colts Championship continued with another exciting round of matches on…
• In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.
• On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship.
• 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.
• By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy.
• Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
• This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said.

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. 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. England’s World Cup group rivals Ghana have appointed former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach, two months out from the tournament finals. 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 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. 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.

Ghana Premier League standings, fixtures, results and stats

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.

Match Progress for Ghana in 2024

Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies. You can click on players from the roster above and see available personal information such as nationality, date of birth, height, preferred foot, position, player value, transfer history etc. 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.