Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after dependable defender Alexander Djiku was ruled out of the tournament through injury, just as Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz announced his final squad for the global showpiece.
The experienced centre-back, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most reliable defenders, will miss the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury expected to keep him sidelined for at least six weeks. His absence is a significant blow to the Black Stars’ defensive plans ahead of a challenging group-stage campaign.
To fill the void left by Djiku, Queiroz has handed a call-up to Cyprus-based defender Derrick Luckassen, who joins a squad that blends experience with a new generation of talent.
The final list, released by the Ghana Football Association after months of scouting, analysis and assessment of eligible players, features 13 players set to make their FIFA World Cup debuts.
Among the newcomers are defenders Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Peprah and Abdul Mumin, goalkeepers Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang, midfielders Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye and Caleb Yirenkyi, as well as attacking talents Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Prince Kwabena Adu.
While several fresh faces have earned their first taste of World Cup football, the squad retains a strong core of experienced campaigners. Captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Gideon Mensah, Baba Abdul Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams are all set for another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
In goal, Queiroz has opted for Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang, with Solomon Agbesi included as an additional squad member.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Wales in an international friendly in Cardiff on June 2 before travelling to Washington, D.C., to continue preparations for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive Group L.
The squad announcement signals Queiroz’s determination to inject fresh energy into the national team while relying on a trusted group of senior players to guide Ghana’s quest for a memorable World Cup campaign.
Black Stars Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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 Luckassen
Midfielders:
Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards:
Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew.
