Ghana’s golden era culminated in a glorious run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, where the country was controversially knocked out by Uruguay. Since then, Ghana have failed to advance out of the group stage twice, with a failure to qualify in 2018.
Despite the ignominy of failing to qualify for the AFCON finals earlier this year, Ghana was among the beneficiaries of an expanded World Cup, with Africa’s places moving from five to nine.
While Otto Addo was the mastermind behind the move to North America, a series of defeats in November last year and March this year led to his resignation. Two months before the World Cup, the Black Stars entrusted the experienced Carlos Queiroz to navigate a difficult group campaign.
Ghana suffered injuries to key players in the build-up, with Mohammed Salisu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Dijiku missing the trip.
The 26-man squad has a good mix of youth and experience, with experienced striker Jordan Ayew expected to lead the charge. Inaki Williams is another option at the top but has not set the stage on fire in La Liga this season. Former Arsenal man Thomas Partey provides strength and technical quality in midfield and has a tendency to find the odd goal.
Much of the hope will be pinned on English-born winger Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to translate his Premier League goalscoring form to his national side. But he will need support in attack from youngsters Abdul Fatawu and Caleb Yirenkyi, who are expected to make a big impression at the World Cup.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Sare; Seidu, Oppong, Adjetey, Mensah; Partey, Yirenky; Fatoo, Nuamah, Semenyo; Day
Although expectations will be high at home, it will be a difficult task even for Queiroz to achieve a turnaround in such a short time.
Player to watch out for: Antoine Semenyo
Although Semenyo has yet to make significant progress for the national team, the wide forward has scored 21 goals for both Bournemouth and Manchester City this season. Semenyo has the speed and passing ability with both feet that will make him a nightmare for defenders.
Coach
Although expectations will be high at home, it will be a difficult task even for Queiroz to achieve a turnaround in such a short time. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Although expectations will be high at home, it will be a difficult task even for Queiroz to achieve a turnaround in such a short time. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Carlos Queiroz is no stranger to the World Cup and is about to participate in the quadrennial showpiece for the fifth time in a row. However, his previous performances with Portugal (round of 16 in 2010) and Iran (group stage in 2014, 2018, 2022) do not make for much reading pleasure. The role of Ghana’s head coach will be the ninth international team he will be in charge of. His coaching philosophy is built around pragmatism, with defensive solidity central to his team’s chances. Favorites usually have difficulty breaking down Queiroz’s teams.
World Cup statistics
Appearance: 5
Best result: Quarter-finals (2010)
FIFA ranking: 74
MP: 15
W: 5
D: 3
L: 7
GF: 18
GA: 23
Highest active scorer: Jordan Ayew (34)
TEAM
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Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, Paul Texn
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Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Alexander Djiku, Elisha Owusu.
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Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
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Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prins Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew
Published on June 12, 2026
