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

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.

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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.

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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. 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.

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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.

Summary Table: Top Football Academies in Ghana and Their Fees (

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.

• He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football.
• Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore.
• It has been a successful and at times dramatic season for Antoine Semenyo.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Match officials, coaches and medical personnel received briefings on the communication needs of deaf athletes before the competition commenced.

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 https://ghanabettingacademy.org/ his performances have not been up to the mark this season.

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• The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.
• 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.
• With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage.
• Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches.
• 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.
• 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.
• Queiroz arrived in April with credibility and a track record that commands respect.
• With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.
• GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise.
• 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.

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The exercise was overseen by GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah and FIFA Talent Coach Stuart McLaren, alongside coaches from Coach Hene Sporting Club, who monitored standout performers throughout the programme. Players aged between U15 and U20 from leading academies including Chelsea FC, Everton FC, Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC were assessed during the session held in Bromley. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. 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. “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys. “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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

“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.

• “When you watch our World Cup games and then the AFCON qualifiers, there was a huge difference. There were a lot of criticisms around after failing to qualify for AFCON but the World Cup is huge.
• 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.
• 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.
• No, he has not been included in Ghana’s final squad due to a quad injury.
• The session focused on rugby skills, teamwork and the values of the sport.
• This academy has built a reputation for consistency in developing competitive players.
• The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region.
• 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.
• For today’s football schedule and results visit our football live score page.
• 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.
• Below is a detailed breakdown of Ghana’s leading football academies, their fees, and what they offer.
• Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team.
• The 31-year-old currently plays for Spartak Moscow and his performances have not been up to the mark this season.

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.

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.

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• 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 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.
• WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience.
• 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.
• “We need to make sure we stay focused because it’s different to friendly games – anything can happen in a tournament. We shouldn’t think about England or how they’re going to perform. Our main focus is to qualify from the group stage.
• One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas.
• Antoine Semenyo is the latest player to join the Black Stars squad in Wales, taking…
• Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.
• The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.
• The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.
• Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Another goalkeeper who has not been included in Ghana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament.
• This season, he has registered four goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions and has remained a regular starter whenever fit.

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“When you watch our World Cup games and then the AFCON qualifiers, there was a huge difference. There were a lot of criticisms around after failing to qualify for AFCON but the World Cup is huge. “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring. Addressing the gathering, Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of creating stronger bonds between Ghana and its emerging talents abroad.

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…

• 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 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.
• 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.
• They defeated African Warriors Juniors 5-0 before overcoming Accra Majestics Juniors 19-0 in the Cup Final.
• 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.
• 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.
• Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative.
• Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
• 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.
• “We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope.
• Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany.
• Four players have earned places in the Black Queens squad for the June camping programme…

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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.

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.

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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.

• “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.
• Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.
• Mohammed Salisu also missed out after the Monaco centre ⁠back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Ligue 1 clash in January.
• 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?
• The Black Stars swapped football boots for golf clubs on Sunday morning as part of…
• Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies.
• Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years.

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Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated. 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. Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament. With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes. The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.

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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.

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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…

Carlos Queiroz Names Final Ghana World Cup Squad as Two Goalkeepers Miss Out

• 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.
• But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top.
• Take the time to research, attend trials, and commit fully — the next football star could be you.
• “Grassroots football is the foundation of every successful football nation,” he said.
• Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League.
• 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.
• It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle.
• The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.
• That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline.
• The exercise was overseen by GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah and FIFA Talent Coach Stuart McLaren, alongside coaches from Coach Hene Sporting Club, who monitored standout performers throughout the programme.
• The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup.
• Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.
• Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats.

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.

As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision. Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion. With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.

Addo, Otto

Ghana is known for its energetic playing style, technical skill, and passionate fan support. 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 naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail. 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.

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. There are also statistics for each player in all competitions with all total played and started matches, minutes played, number of goals scored, number of cards and much more. The complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025) above shows that Ghana continues to invest in grassroots football, producing talents that shine locally and abroad.

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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.

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.