The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended the selection of the Black Stars’ provisional 28-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing the extensive scouting and analytical process behind the team selection.
The squad announcement has generated significant debate among football fans and sections of the media, particularly following the omission of key players such as Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru and Derrick Köhn.
Questions have also been raised over the inclusion of five goalkeepers in the provisional squad ahead of Ghana’s pre-World Cup preparations in Cardiff.
However, speaking on Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum explained that the selection process was based on detailed scouting, live monitoring and technical evaluations carried out by the national team’s technical department.
According to him, the coaching staff undertook a comprehensive review of player performances over an extended period before arriving at the final provisional list.
“About 200 videos were reviewed to assess individual players. The technical team also analysed 170 matches through live monitoring,” he revealed.
“During this period, 75 players were systematically scouted, while 30 were observed live.
“All assessments were documented to support medium- and long-term planning and inform the selection of the 28-man squad,” he added.
The Black Stars are currently in camp in Cardiff as preparations intensify ahead of the international friendly against Wales national football team on June 2.
The match is expected to provide head coach Carlos Queiroz with a final opportunity to assess his squad before confirming Ghana’s final team for the FIFA World Cup.
Ghana will make their fifth appearance at the global tournament and have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team.
The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Ghana will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
After disappointing group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 tournaments, Ghana will be hoping to make a strong impression and reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
