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World Cup 2026
Ghana secured a fifth World Cup berth with eight wins in ten qualifiers, boasting a star-studded attack.
Eight victories in ten qualifying matches secured Ghana's place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the Black Stars' fifth appearance at the tournament. The squad, brimming with attacking talent from Europe's top leagues, will aim to replicate the quarter-final run of 2010 when they face Panama, England, and Croatia in the group stage.
Premier League stars Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo headline an exciting forward line that also includes Athletic Club's Inaki Williams and Leicester City's Jordan Ayew. The team will look to rebound from the disappointment of missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by making a deep run in North America.
Benjamin Asare of Heart of Oaks has established himself as Ghana's first-choice goalkeeper, impressing in the domestic league. St Gallen's Lawrence Ati-Zigi and St Patrick's Athletic's Joseph Anang are expected to serve as backups for manager Otto Addo.
The defense conceded just six goals across ten qualifiers, anchored by the partnership of Alejander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu. However, the Black Stars suffered a significant blow with news that Monaco defender Salisu will miss the World Cup due to an ACL injury. Gideon Mensah faces increased competition at left-back from Union Berlin's Derrick Kohn, who has impressed in the Bundesliga this season.
Young Nice defender Kojo Peprah Oppong hopes to retain his place after earning his first international call-up late last year. Otto Addo has also invited Patric Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Derrick Luckassen to pre-tournament friendlies, giving them a chance to secure a spot in the final 23.
Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus remains the midfield's marquee name, having scored the decisive goal against Comoros that sealed qualification. Despite a difficult Premier League campaign and injury struggles in 2026, the 25-year-old is expected to be fit for the tournament. Villarreal's Thomas Partey continues to play a vital role despite limited La Liga minutes, bringing experience from the qualifying campaign.
Auxerre's Elisha Owusun aims to overcome his own injury issues to start, while Ibrahim Sulemana rejoined the squad for March friendlies. Abu Francis will miss out after suffering a double leg fracture in a friendly against Japan late last year.
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo is a guaranteed starter after lighting up the Premier League with Bournemouth before his January move, where he lifted the Carabao Cup in March. Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew are also certainties, boasting strong scoring records at club and international level.
Debate persists over veteran Andrew Ayew's inclusion. The 36-year-old has not played since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but supporters have called for his loyalty to be rewarded with a World Cup spot. Fatawu Issahaku and Kamaldeen Sulemana provide additional excitement, with Issahaku known for spectacular goals and Sulemana for his dribbling ability.
Benjamin Asare is expected to start in goal behind a defensive line featuring Alejander Djiku, likely partnered by Jerome Opoku due to Salisu's absence, with Seidu and Mensah as full-backs. Thomas Partey will anchor the midfield alongside Kwasi Sibo, with Mohammed Kudus providing creativity. Captain Jordan Ayew will lead the attack alongside Antoine Semenyo and potentially Fatawu Issahaku in a 4-3-3 formation.
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3): Asare; Seidu, Opoku, Djiku, Mensah; Partey, Sibo, Kudus; Fatawu Issahaku, Jordan Ayew, Semenyo.
