Ghana vs Wales: Carlos Queiroz Releases 28-Man Squad Ahead of 2026 World Cup Preparations
- Carlos Queiroz has unveiled a 28-man squad for Ghana’s preparatory clash against Wales ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The squad features key names such as Thomas Partey and Antoine Semenyo, while Baba Rahman returns to the national setup
- Notable absentees include former captain Andre Ayew, injured midfielder Mohammed Kudus, and winger Joseph Paintsil
- Former Great Olympics coach Prince George Koffie shared his perspective on the list in an interview with YEN.com.gh
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled a 28-man squad for Ghana’s training camp and upcoming international friendly against Wales as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The squad, made up of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven attackers, opened camp in Cardiff on Monday, May 25, with training sessions already underway at Dragon Park before the clash on June 2.
After a difficult run of results in recent months, the latest call-ups offer a mix of returning faces, recovery stories and fresh talent as the Black Stars attempt to build momentum before the tournament in North America.
Source: Twitter
Carlo Queiroz releases 28-man squad
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the return of Baba Abdul Rahman.
According to Ghanafa.org, the defender is back with the national team for the first time since September 2023 following an impressive campaign with PAOK.
The Greece-based left-back made 47 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and three assists, according to Transfermarkt statistics.
Also making a long-awaited comeback is Ernest Nuamah.
The Olympique Lyonnais winger returns after spending close to a year on the sidelines recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Elsewhere, Abdul Mumin has also rejoined the squad after recovering from an ACL setback suffered during his time with Rayo Vallecano.
Midfielder Augustine Boakye of AS Saint-Étienne and Alidu Seidu of Stade Rennais also return after lengthy injury absences.
Another notable inclusion is 20-year-old Paul Reverson.
Watch highlights of Reverson's performance, as shared on X:
The youngster, who has impressed within the youth ranks of AFC Ajax, has been invited for further assessment as Queiroz continues planning for both the immediate future and the long term.
Source: Getty Images
Ayew leads big absentees from Ghana squad
Surprisingly MLS duo Joseph Paintsil and Prince Owusu missed out on the 28-man squad despite impressive performances with their respective clubs.
Additionally, there was no room for Mohammed Kudus, who many felt could have gatecrashed the squad list despite not playing actively since picking up a muscle injury in January.
Below is the full list, as shared on X:
Former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew did not make the list.
Experienced coach reacts to Carlos Queiroz's list
As debate continues over Ghana’s expected World Cup squad announcement, coach Prince George Koffie has urged patience and highlighted the difficult decisions facing head coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of the June 1 announcement, especially with injuries and tactical considerations still in play.
He told YEN.com.gh:
"I am not holding brief for Queiroz, especially when he has not released the final squad for the Mundial — mind you, injuries do occur, and there could be changes at the last minute. So I will entreat Ghanaians to exercise patience for the list on June 1.”
The experienced tactician added:
“That said, Queiroz is expected to explain why he chose player A over player B after the announcement is made. One thing I say is everyone has an opinion and sometimes coaches have the worst of jobs when it comes to selecting players for a competition.”
He concluded:
“While Derrick Kohn's and Joseph Paintsil's absence raises eyebrows and questions, it might be down to specific coaching methodology Queiroz would want which informed his decision. For Andre Ayew to some extent it is understandable if he doesn't get a nod in, same as Mohammed Kudus, who has been injured since January. In the end I don’t envy Carlos Queiroz at all, and I will pray his selections ultimately work in favour of Ghana at the World Cup.”
The Wales encounter is expected to offer several players a final opportunity to impress before Ghana officially confirms its squad for the Mundial.
The Black Stars will begin their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Semenyo warns Ghana's WC opponents
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo had sent a strong warning to Ghana's opponents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 26-year-old is expected to play a key role as the Black Stars chase a first knockout-stage appearance at the tourney since 2010.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Prince George Koffie (CAF License 'A' International Football Coach) Prince George Koffie is a seasoned CAF License "A" Professional Football Coach with three decades of experience, ranging from grassroots development to international competitions, including a CAF Champions League campaign. He excels in both player development and competitive tactical coaching.
