The Shadow Squad: Who really picks Ghanas Black Stars?

The squad numbers for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been published by FIFA following coach Carlos Queiroz’s confirmation of his final 26-man squad.The Black Stars, who have… Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours. Several academies, such as Right to Dream and WAFA, integrate academics with football training. This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.

Carlos Queiroz wants Black Stars to play great football and make fans proud

Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team.
The GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team.
“Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer.
This modest compensation forces talented prospects toward European academies that offer times higher wages immediately.
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.
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.
Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.
The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.
The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past.
Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.
Thomas Partey currently holds this position with $36.4 million net worth from his Premier League career and African business investments.

On average, tuition and training fees range between ₵5,000 to ₵50,000 per year in 2025. 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. 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. Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000.

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With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers. 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. President Kurt Okraku took the media through the events leading up to Ghana’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and other relevant matters regarding the team’s early exit from the competition.

Antoine Semenyo, Alexander Djiku and Augustine Boakye yet to report as Black Stars camp hits 24 players

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 Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament. 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. Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.

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This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally.
With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session.
They do not name 28 players, generate a week of squad controversy, and then quietly trim out two names.
With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign.
Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative.
With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.
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.
In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.
The squad numbers for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been published by FIFA following coach Carlos Queiroz’s confirmation of his final 26-man squad.The Black Stars, who have…
The team with the largest stadium is Asante Kotoko with the capacity of 40528.
It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall.
The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra.
AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses.

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. 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. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.

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. Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns ‌before finalising his 26-man selection.

Ghana Sports News: Football, Basketball, Boxing & More

A young squad with talent and energy can still compete with higher-ranked opposition, particularly in a format that allows third-placed teams to reach the knockout stage. Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season. The pair played every minute of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 World Cup and were widely expected to form the backbone of the Black Stars defence once again.

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When the match starts, you will be able to follow Malawi vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics.
Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore.
The Portuguese coach revealed on Monday that the entire group only trained together for the first time on the eve of the match, with several players arriving late after completing club commitments across Europe.
This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said.
His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom.
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The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.
You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.
The former Chelsea fullback was in the 2022 World Cup squad but has featured in only one international for Ghana since.
“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.
Match officials, coaches and medical personnel received briefings on the communication needs of deaf athletes before the competition commenced.
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.

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. The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra. Thomas Partey currently holds this position with $36.4 million net worth from his Premier League career and African business investments. His former £200,000 weekly Arsenal salary established him as Ghana’s highest-earning active player.

Partey exemplified smart wealth management by investing his Arsenal earnings into businesses across Africa and Europe. His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko’s top earners make $20,000-$40,000 yearly, forcing talented prospects to Europe by their late teens.

The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday. 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. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.

“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.

That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings. Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football. Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Queiroz tasked with leading the four-time African champions into the expanded global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Otto Addo earlier this month. 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. 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.

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Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.

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. 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. The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport. The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country. The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.

“Some countries didn’t even respect FIFA’s mandatory period and scheduled cup finals until May 29. This is the modern game.”
Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years.
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.
As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision.
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.
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.
Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated.
AFCON and World Cup campaigns offer substantial bonus structures, with qualification and progression bonuses reaching six figures for deep tournament runs.
Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
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.
The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup.
The naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail.
When the match starts, you will be able to follow Wales vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics.

In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage. Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet. It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. Jordan Ayew is expected to captain Ghana, while Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among the players pushing for starting places. “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said. Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.

The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs. 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. Ghana football icon and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is on a new chapter of national service after being unveiled as Ambassador for Ghana’s national football teams and colts football by the Ghana Football Association.

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That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline. 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. The Portuguese coach revealed on Monday that the entire group only trained together for the first time on the eve of the match, with several players arriving late after completing club commitments across Europe. Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and… 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.

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He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football. Established players in their late 20s often maximize earnings through lucrative Asian or Middle Eastern contracts. These leagues pay 2-3 times European salaries, allowing players to secure financial futures before retirement. AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses. 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.

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You can click on players from the roster above and see available personal information such as nationality, date of birth, height, preferred foot, position, player value, transfer history etc. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed full confidence in players selected for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.Ghana are set for their fifth World Cup appearance, after booking a… 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.

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Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative. 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. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day’s top stories from the UK and around the world. 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. Even though he is the oldest player in the current generation, he is still a dependable source of motivation. Antoine Semenyo, an attacker for Manchester City, will supply firepower up top.

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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 team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac. Ghana’s worst performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.

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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. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA. 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. The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.

The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.
Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
His former £200,000 weekly Arsenal salary established him as Ghana’s highest-earning active player.
It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle.
When the match starts, you will be able to follow Wales vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics.
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…
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.
Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion.
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.
Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.
This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
“Let’s be realistic. More than 50% of the squad wasn’t here with us,” Queiroz said.
The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup.

The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey. 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.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has explained his decision to call up Derrick Luckassen as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North… Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…

“Our vision is to build strong national teams for the future by identifying the best Ghanaian talents wherever they may be in the world. Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated. Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years. https://ghanafootballlegends.com/ 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 his performances have not been up to the mark this season.

“They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest, three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity.” For Ghana, the fixture comes at an important stage of their World Cup preparations. Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad. The match offers Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz another chance to assess his squad ahead of the tournament in North America, where Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group L.

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On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. 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. 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. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.

Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings. While qualification results added some ranking points, progress has not been enough to lift Ghana closer to the top nations. Their position is a result of performance over a longer period, not just a single qualifying campaign. 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. The process that was supposedly designed to reduce uncertainty has instead created a fortnight of rolling debate where a single announcement on May 25 would have sufficed.

The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. 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. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.

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.

“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. 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.

“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. Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats. GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise. The Association’s commitment to transparency and accountability was evident throughout the session, and the media could ask questions and seek clarification on various matters. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.

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His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom. Ghana’s football export business thrives as European clubs compete for Black Stars talent. Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves. With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage. His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament. Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive international coaching resumes in world football, particularly at the World Cup.

The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed.
With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign.
However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation.
Carlos Queiroz, with his extensive international experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and others, may prove harder to manage internally than his predecessors.
“Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.”
With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes.
Complete guide to the top football academies in Ghana and their fees for 2025.
In 2026, the four-time African winners will be looking to change that when they play Panama, England, and Croatia, the bronze medallists from the previous tournament.
This academy has built a reputation for consistency in developing competitive players.
The 28-man list announced on May 25 is not, strictly speaking, the final World Cup squad.
The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra.

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“People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes. “To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.” Queiroz also criticised the scheduling of some domestic competitions, noting that certain countries continued to stage cup finals beyond FIFA’s recommended release period for international duty.

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.
Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.
“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.”
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 GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team.
“They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest, three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity.”
The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past.
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.
The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.
Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.
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.
Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.

However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.

The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons. 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.

Being in the lowest pot guarantees that Ghana will face a top team from Pot 1, either a co-host nation or one of the world’s strongest sides. They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely. The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed. The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.