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Carlos Queiroz Delivers Message of Hope to Ghanaians Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has delivered an inspiring message of hope and unity to Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the nation to dream big while remaining realistic about the challenges that lie ahead.

The experienced Portuguese tactician, who was appointed to lead Ghana into the global tournament, believes the Black Stars have the potential to make the country proud as they prepare for their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.

With the tournament set to kick off next week across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, excitement continues to build among Ghanaian football fans as the national team finalises preparations for the competition.

Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside European heavyweights England, 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in their remaining group-stage fixtures.

Despite the difficult task ahead, Queiroz remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances and believes the team can create special memories for the nation.

Queiroz Calls for Hope and Belief

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the former Real Madrid manager encouraged supporters to remain positive and continue believing in the team.

“My message is positive — a message of hope. We dream of success at this World Cup, bringing joy and happiness to the people,” Queiroz said.

The veteran coach, however, was quick to acknowledge the realities of international football, noting that success can only be achieved through hard work, commitment, and collective effort.

“But I must also deliver a realistic message. Football is a game of opinions. That’s the beauty of it. All opinions are valid. Debate, even conflict, is welcome — it keeps the fire burning. It drives us to be better, to grow, to be champions,” he added.

A Philosophy Built on Inclusion

Since taking charge of the Black Stars, Queiroz has repeatedly stressed the importance of unity and teamwork, and he reinforced that philosophy once again.

According to the Portuguese coach, his role is not to focus on divisions but rather to bring everyone together in pursuit of a common goal.

“For us coaches, it’s about inclusion. Exclusion is for commentators, press, fans. They can enjoy talking about exclusion. My job is inclusion,” he stated.

The comments are likely to resonate with Ghanaian supporters, particularly following months of intense debate surrounding squad selection, player performances, and the team’s prospects at the World Cup.

Queiroz has consistently maintained that every player must feel valued and that success can only be achieved when the entire squad works together as one unit.

Wales Friendly Offers Final Opportunity

Before heading to North America, Ghana will play their final preparatory match against Wales on June 2, 2026.

The friendly will provide Queiroz with one final opportunity to assess his squad, fine-tune tactical plans, and build momentum ahead of the tournament opener against Panama.

The Black Stars are currently in camp as preparations enter their final phase, with players and coaching staff fully focused on ensuring they arrive at the World Cup in peak condition.

Ghana Chasing Another Historic World Cup Run

The Black Stars have a proud history at the FIFA World Cup, having previously participated in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions.

Their greatest achievement came in South Africa in 2010 when they became only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-finals.

After disappointing group-stage exits in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Ghana will be determined to write a new chapter under Queiroz and return to the knockout rounds.

With a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, the Black Stars enter the tournament with renewed ambition and belief.

For Queiroz, the objective is clear: unite the squad, inspire confidence, and help Ghana compete fearlessly against some of the world’s best teams.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, his message to Ghanaians remains simple but powerful — keep believing, keep supporting, and dare to dream.

FIFA Publishes Black Stars Squad Numbers for 2026 World Cup Campaign

FIFA has officially released the squad numbers for Ghana’s Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several notable shirt allocations generating excitement among supporters ahead of the tournament in North America.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz recently confirmed his final 26-man squad for the competition, with Ghana set to compete in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

The Black Stars will head to the tournament with a squad that blends experienced campaigners and emerging talents as they seek to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Injuries Force Changes to Ghana’s World Cup Plans

Queiroz has been forced to make significant adjustments to his squad following injuries to several key players.

West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of the tournament, while experienced defender Alexander Djiku is also unavailable after failing to recover from injury in time for the competition.

Another major absentee is central defender Mohammed Salisu, who suffered a serious ACL injury during the club season, ruling him out of Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

The absence of these influential players means a number of younger and less experienced squad members will have the opportunity to step up on football’s biggest stage.

More than half of Ghana’s final squad will be participating in a FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting the beginning of a new era for the national team under Queiroz.

Jordan Ayew Leads the Squad

Captain Jordan Ayew remains one of the most experienced members of the squad and will wear his familiar number nine shirt.

The forward is the only player in the squad preparing for a third FIFA World Cup appearance after featuring in both the 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Several senior players have retained shirt numbers associated with them in recent years. Thomas Partey will wear number five, while Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams keeps number 19.

Antoine Semenyo has been assigned number 11 following a remarkable season at club level, while Baba Rahman returns with the number 17 shirt as he prepares for his World Cup comeback.

In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been entrusted with the prestigious number one jersey, while Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare will wear number 16.

Brandon Thomas-Asante Handed Iconic Number 10 Shirt

Perhaps the most surprising decision from the squad number list is the allocation of Ghana’s famous number 10 jersey.

With long-time wearer Andre Ayew omitted from the final squad and Mohammed Kudus unavailable due to injury, the iconic shirt has been handed to Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.

The 26-year-old is set to feature in his first FIFA World Cup and will carry one of the most prestigious numbers in Ghanaian football history.

The number 10 shirt has previously been worn by some of Ghana’s greatest players, making Thomas-Asante’s selection for the jersey a significant vote of confidence from the technical team.

Full Black Stars Squad Numbers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

  1. Lawrence Ati-Zigi
  2. Alidu Seidu
  3. Caleb Yirenkyi
  4. Jonas Adjetey
  5. Thomas Partey
  6. Abdul Mumin
  7. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
  8. Kwasi Sibo
  9. Jordan Ayew
  10. Brandon Thomas-Asante
  11. Antoine Semenyo
  12. Joseph Anang
  13. Christopher Bonsu Baah
  14. Gideon Mensah
  15. Elisha Owusu
  16. Benjamin Asare
  17. Baba Rahman
  18. Jerome Opoku
  19. Inaki Williams
  20. Augustine Boakye
  21. Kojo Oppong Peprah
  22. Kamaldeen Sulemana
  23. Derrick Luckassen
  24. Ernest Nuamah
  25. Prince Kwabena Adu
  26. Marvin Senaya

Black Stars Ready for World Cup Challenge

Ghana will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England on June 23 in Boston.

The Black Stars will then conclude their Group L fixtures against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

With a refreshed squad, a new coaching team led by Carlos Queiroz, and a blend of youth and experience, Ghana will be hoping to make a strong statement at the tournament and end their recent run of group-stage exits.

The release of the squad numbers marks another important step in Ghana’s preparations as the Black Stars count down to their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Alexander Djiku Injury Blow Threatens Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup Plans

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback following reports that experienced defender Alexander Djiku is expected to miss the tournament due to injury concerns.

The centre-back was initially named in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man provisional squad for the Black Stars’ final preparations ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, Djiku arrived in camp in Cardiff already carrying a knock sustained after being withdrawn from Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar. Despite his absence, his club went on to win the match on penalties.

Since linking up with the national team camp, the 28-year-old has been unable to participate in full training sessions, raising serious doubts about his fitness ahead of the global showpiece.

With Queiroz expected to trim his squad to 26 players before final submission, Djiku is now widely expected to miss out, although an official decision is yet to be confirmed by the technical team.

The situation represents a major blow for Ghana, as Djiku has been one of the team’s most consistent defenders in recent years. Since making his debut in October 2020, he has earned 38 international caps and scored four goals, establishing himself as a key figure in the Black Stars backline.

He was also part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team exited at the group stage.

His potential absence now leaves Carlos Queiroz with a difficult selection dilemma as he looks to finalise a balanced defensive unit capable of competing against elite opposition.

Ghana will continue their build-up to the tournament with friendly matches against Wales on June 2 at Cardiff City Stadium and Jamaica on June 10, which are expected to play a crucial role in final squad decisions.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest groups at the tournament.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

With expectations rising and pressure mounting, the Black Stars will be hoping to overcome key injury setbacks and assemble a squad capable of improving on their recent World Cup performances.

For Ghana, the ultimate goal remains clear: progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.

Black Queens Pull Out of Tanzania Three-Nation Tournament Ahead of WAFCON 2026

Ghana’s Black Queens have officially withdrawn from the upcoming three-nation women’s tournament scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during the June FIFA international window.

The competition, which was expected to run from June 1 to June 9, was set to feature hosts Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi as part of preparations for future international assignments and major tournaments.

The Black Queens were expected to use the tournament as a key component of their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Ghana hopes to make a strong return on the continental stage.

However, the Ghana women’s national team will no longer participate after deciding to pull out of the competition.

At the time of writing, the reasons behind Ghana’s withdrawal have not been officially communicated by the Ghana Football Association or the team’s management.

The decision means tournament organisers and participating teams will now have to adjust their schedules and plans ahead of the competition.

The three-nation tournament was designed to provide valuable international match experience during the FIFA window, allowing participating teams to assess players, improve tactical systems and strengthen squad chemistry.

For Ghana, the June international break remains an important period in the team’s preparations despite the withdrawal.

The Black Queens are expected to remain in Accra and continue their training programme under the supervision of the technical team.

Reports indicate that alternative arrangements are being considered, with the team likely to engage in a series of friendly matches in the capital instead of travelling to Tanzania.

These matches are expected to help maintain the team’s competitive rhythm while providing the coaching staff with opportunities to evaluate players ahead of future competitions.

Preparations for WAFCON 2026 remain a major priority for the Black Queens as they seek to build a squad capable of challenging the continent’s leading nations.

The technical team has been working to strengthen the squad in recent months, blending experienced players with emerging talents as part of a long-term development strategy.

The June FIFA window was viewed as a crucial stage in that process, making the withdrawal from the tournament a notable development in the team’s preparations.

Despite missing out on the Tanzania competition, Ghana’s focus remains firmly on ensuring the Black Queens are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Supporters will now be eager to see how the team utilises the remaining weeks of preparation as they continue their quest to return to the top level of women’s football in Africa.

With WAFCON 2026 approaching, every training session and friendly match will play a vital role in shaping a team capable of competing successfully on the continental stage.

Ghana winger Ernest Nuamah believes the Black Stars’ success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will largely depend on how quickly the players adapt to the tactical demands of new head coach Carlos Queiroz.

Speaking from the team’s training camp in Cardiff ahead of their final pre-World Cup friendly against Wales, the Olympique Lyon forward emphasized the importance of embracing the Portuguese coach’s football philosophy as preparations enter a critical phase.

Queiroz, who was appointed as Ghana’s head coach earlier this year, has been tasked with leading the Black Stars at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The experienced tactician is known for his disciplined approach, tactical organisation and ability to build competitive teams capable of challenging top opposition.

For Nuamah, adapting to the coach’s methods is the most important challenge facing the squad ahead of the global showpiece.

“Every coach has their style of play, and we need to adapt to his style. That is the most important,” the 22-year-old said.

The winger is one of the most exciting players in Ghana’s squad and returns to the national team after a lengthy injury absence that kept him out of action for more than a year.

His return has provided a major boost for the Black Stars, with supporters eager to see the talented attacker rediscover the form that made him one of Ghana’s standout performers during the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nuamah admitted he is delighted to be back with the national team and is enjoying the atmosphere within the camp as players continue preparations for the tournament.

“It’s been good. It feels good to be back around the team. Everyone is dedicated. We are all happy and ready to give it all for the competition,” he added.

The former FC Nordsjaelland star also expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their unwavering support throughout his recovery journey.

After spending over a year sidelined with a serious knee injury, Nuamah acknowledged the role supporters played in helping him remain motivated during one of the most challenging periods of his career.

Now fully focused on the future, the winger is determined to repay that faith with strong performances on football’s biggest stage.

The Black Stars have stepped up preparations in Cardiff, where Carlos Queiroz and his technical team are working to build cohesion and sharpen the squad ahead of the tournament.

Ghana’s friendly against Wales is expected to provide a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to assess players and fine-tune tactical plans before the final squad announcement.

The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia, with many football observers describing it as one of the toughest groups at the tournament.

Ghana will begin their World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

For Nuamah and his teammates, the mission is clear: fully embrace Queiroz’s vision, build a strong team identity and make Ghana proud on the global stage.

With one of the country’s brightest young talents back in the fold and confidence steadily growing within camp, the Black Stars will be hoping their preparations translate into success when the tournament kicks off in North America.

Six More Players Arrive in Black Stars Camp Ahead of Wales Friendly

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued to gather momentum on Thursday following the arrival of six additional players at the Black Stars training camp in Cardiff.

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, defenders Abdul Mumin and Jonas Adjetey, midfielder Kwasi Sibo and forward Prince Kwabena Adu all reported to camp and immediately joined their teammates for training sessions at Dragon Park.

Their arrival increases the number of players in camp to 22 as head coach Carlos Queiroz intensifies preparations ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales on June 2.

The latest arrivals bring added quality, competition and experience across several departments of the squad. Ati-Zigi strengthens the goalkeeping unit, while Sulemana and Adu add pace and attacking threat in the final third.

Kwasi Sibo offers further options in midfield, while Abdul Mumin and Jonas Adjetey provide defensive reinforcement as the technical team continues shaping the squad ahead of the tournament in North America.

The six players joined an already impressive group that includes captain Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Elisha Owusu among others.

With the squad steadily nearing full strength, Queiroz is expected to increase the intensity of training sessions over the coming days as he works on tactics, team chemistry and match fitness before the Wales encounter.

Two training sessions have been scheduled for Friday as the Black Stars continue fine-tuning preparations for what will be their final major test before the FIFA World Cup begins.

The friendly against Wales is expected to offer Queiroz another important opportunity to assess his squad, test combinations and make final decisions ahead of naming his definitive World Cup squad.

Ghana will head into the tournament hoping to improve on disappointing group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 editions of the competition.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama in what many consider one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before facing England in Boston on June 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

With preparations now entering a crucial stage, excitement continues to build among Ghanaian supporters as hopes rise for a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.

40 UK-Based Players Participate in GFA Talent Identification Programme Ahead of Future Black Stars Plans

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken another major step toward strengthening the future of Ghana football after successfully organising its inaugural UK Talent Identification Programme involving 40 young players of Ghanaian descent.

The scouting and development initiative took place in Bromley, England, bringing together highly-rated footballers between the U15 and U20 age categories as part of efforts to expand Ghana’s talent pool for future national teams.

The programme featured players currently developing in some of England’s elite Category One academies, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton, providing Ghana’s technical team with a valuable opportunity to monitor emerging talents with Ghanaian roots.

The initiative was organised through a collaboration between the GFA, Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult.

Leading the exercise were GFA Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah and FIFA Talent Coach Stuart McLaren, who worked closely with coaches from Coach Hene Sporting Club to assess the players throughout the programme.

The scouting exercise forms part of the GFA’s long-term vision to identify and nurture talented dual-national players at an early stage while building stronger connections between them and Ghana’s national teams.

With competition among countries for dual-national players becoming increasingly intense, the Football Association has stepped up efforts to widen its scouting network beyond Ghana’s borders in order to secure some of the best young talents eligible to represent the country.

Many of the participants are currently progressing through academy systems known for producing Premier League stars and international footballers, making the programme an important platform for Ghana to evaluate potential future Black Stars and youth national team players.

The event also gave the young footballers the opportunity to showcase their abilities directly to Ghana’s technical team while learning more about the pathway toward representing the Black Stars and other national teams.

The programme comes at a time when Ghana continues to focus heavily on long-term squad development ahead of future international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Following the successful maiden edition, the GFA is expected to continue monitoring the progress of the participants while exploring plans to expand similar talent identification initiatives across Europe and other regions with large Ghanaian communities.

The initiative has already generated excitement among Ghanaian football followers, with many seeing it as a positive step toward building stronger and more competitive national teams for the future.

2026 World Cup: Benjamin Asare Determined to Win Back Ghanaians’ Trust

Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare says the current Ghana squad must earn the trust and confidence of Ghanaians through strong performances ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Wales national football team, the goalkeeper admitted the team is aware of the doubts surrounding the national side but insisted the players are fully focused on changing the narrative.

“We have now started preparations for the World Cup, so we have to make everything possible to succeed so that the fans can have enough trust in us,” Asare said.

The Black Stars have faced criticism in recent months following inconsistent performances and a difficult run of results in friendly matches leading up to the tournament.

However, Asare believes the team can restore confidence among supporters by showing commitment, unity and determination on the pitch.

He also appealed to Ghanaians to continue supporting the team, even during challenging moments.

“We may lose, but we need to have enough confidence going forward. That’s what will help prove to Ghanaians that the best set of players are here and make them happy,” he added.

Competition within the squad has intensified ahead of the World Cup, particularly in the goalkeeping department, where five goalkeepers are currently battling for places in the final squad.

Despite the internal competition, Asare stressed that unity within the camp remains the team’s biggest strength.

“We need to maintain unity in the team so that we can reach our goal as a strong team. We believe in each other. I also believe in myself,” he said.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to announce his final 26-man squad on June 1 as Ghana intensify preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama national football team on June 17 before facing England national football team on June 23 and Croatia national football team on June 27 in Group L.

Ghana will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

2026 World Cup: GFA Explains Extensive Scouting Behind Black Stars’ 28-Man Provisional Squad

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.

2026 World Cup: Asamoah Gyan Backs Black Stars but Warns About Lack of Experience

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan believes the Black Stars have the quality to perform strongly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although he admits the team’s lack of experience could become a major challenge.

The tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team and Panama national football team in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.

Speaking to 3Sports, Gyan, who currently serves as Brand Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams and Colts football, expressed confidence in the squad’s potential but stressed that experience remains an important factor at major tournaments.

“We have the tools. We have young players coming up. The experience is a bit dicey. As somebody who has been in the game, we will do everything, we will give our support,” he said.

The Black Stars are currently in camp in Cardiff as preparations intensify ahead of their international friendly against Wales national football team next month.

Among the players already in camp are Ernest Nuamah, Jordan Ayew, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku and Benjamin Asare.

The players trained at Dragon Park on Monday, while the remaining members of the provisional 28-man squad are expected to join camp soon.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group-stage fixture will come against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.

Having suffered group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, Ghana will be determined to return to the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.