Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has named Antoine Semenyo and Thomas Partey in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Black Stars set to face Wales in a friendly on Tuesday before travelling to North America.
Queiroz waited until the final stages of preparation before confirming his selection for Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance. The Black Stars will compete in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
Semenyo arrives as one of Ghana’s most dangerous attacking players. The forward enjoyed an outstanding second half of the season after his January move from Manchester City. He scored 11 goals in 27 appearances following a £62.5 million transfer from Bournemouth and now carries significant expectations heading into the tournament.
Partey also secured a place in the squad. The 32-year-old midfielder currently plays for Villarreal and remains one of Ghana’s most experienced international players. His inclusion comes despite an ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom. Partey is due to stand trial on rape and sexual assault charges at a later date and has pleaded not guilty.
Jordan Ayew will captain Ghana during the tournament. The Leicester City forward brings experience and leadership to a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent.
Ghana suffered one major setback before the tournament. Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohammed Kudus misses the World Cup through injury. His absence removes one of the team’s most creative attacking outlets and places greater responsibility on players such as Semenyo and Ayew.
The Black Stars now turn their focus to Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff. Queiroz will use the match to fine-tune his side before the World Cup begins in the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June.
Ghana open their campaign against Panama on 17 June. Matches against England and Croatia will follow in what looks one of the most demanding groups in the tournament. To reach the knockout stage, Ghana will need strong performances from their experienced leaders and continued goals from Semenyo, whose form has made him one of the country’s key hopes heading into the competition.
