The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded to growing public concern over the delay in announcing the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the technical team is carefully finalising a competitive squad capable of representing the nation with pride on football’s biggest stage.
With excitement building across the country ahead of Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, supporters have been anxiously waiting for head coach Carlos Queiroz to reveal his final selection for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, according to the GFA’s Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, there is no cause for alarm as the federation remains within FIFA’s official deadline for squad submissions.
Speaking to 3Sports, Mortagbe appealed for calm and patience while explaining that Queiroz and his technical staff are using the remaining preparation period to thoroughly assess players and build the strongest possible squad for the tournament.
“There’s a deadline that FIFA has given for countries to release their squads. Until that deadline passes, I don’t think there is anything to worry about,” he said.
“Carlos Queiroz is working behind the scenes, and they are preparing a squad that we believe will go out there and defend the honour of mother Ghana.”
Why Ghana’s squad announcement has been delayed
The delay has generated intense debate among football fans, especially after several countries already unveiled provisional lists for the World Cup.
But the GFA believes the extra time will allow the technical team to make better decisions regarding player form, fitness levels, tactical balance and squad depth.
Mortagbe explained that the recent international friendly against Mexico national football team was intentionally used as part of the assessment process before the final squad announcement.
According to him, the coaching staff wanted to test alternative options and evaluate players who could provide additional competition within the team ahead of the tournament.
“It’s a preparatory game. There’s a purpose behind the squad that was called up,” Mortagbe explained.
“From a fan’s perspective, people may have expected to see more familiar faces, but from the technical team’s point of view, they also want to assess other options that can improve competitiveness within the final squad.”
The GFA official further hinted that the squad announcement could arrive shortly after the Mexico friendly, with the technical team expected to complete its final evaluations.
Carlos Queiroz under pressure ahead of World Cup
The upcoming tournament represents a huge challenge for Queiroz, who was appointed following the dismissal of former coach Otto Addo after disappointing defeats to Austria and Germany in March.
The experienced Portuguese manager was brought in specifically to restore discipline, tactical organisation and stability within the Black Stars setup ahead of the Mundial.
Since his appointment, Queiroz has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a balanced team rather than relying solely on individual talent.
His immediate focus has been improving Ghana’s defensive structure while maintaining the attacking threat provided by players such as Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah.
The former Portugal national football team and Iran national football team coach faces enormous expectations from Ghanaian supporters, many of whom are desperate to see the Black Stars progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010.
Ghana face difficult World Cup group
Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.
The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Football analysts believe Ghana’s opening game against Panama could prove decisive in determining whether the team advances to the knockout stages.
With preparations entering a crucial phase, all attention now turns to Queiroz’s final squad announcement, which is expected to spark major debate nationwide.
For now, the GFA insists the delay is part of a deliberate strategy aimed at ensuring Ghana heads to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the strongest and most competitive squad possible.
