FIFA WC 2026: All to know about Ghana

Identity card
Nickname: The Black Stars
Federation: Ghana Football Association (GFA)
FIFA Ranking (May 2026): 44th in the world (5th African)
Coach: Carlos Queiroz (73 years old, Portugal)
Iconic captain: Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
History in the World Cup: 5th participation after 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022 and 2026



Ghana secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after a strong campaign in Group I of the African qualifiers. The Black Stars finished first with a record of eight wins, one draw and one loss.

If the Ghanaian selection has long dominated its group, it had to wait until the last day to finally take shelter against the surprising team of Madagascar. A victory against the Comoros thanks to a decisive goal by Mohammed Kudus allowed the men then led by Otto Addo to secure their qualification.

The campaign’s top scorer with seven goals, Jordan Ayew was one of the great architects of this return to the World Cup. This qualification allows Ghana to make a second consecutive appearance after Qatar in 2022.

A nation that dreams of returning to its golden age

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Since its first participation in Germany in 2006, Ghana has established itself as one of the references of African football on the world stage. From their baptism of fire, the team had reached the last 16 before being eliminated by Brazil. But it was especially during the 2010 World Cup that the Black Stars made history. Led by Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng and André Ayew, the Ghanaians became the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup after Cameroon and Senegal.

The memory, however, remains painful. Against Uruguay, Ghana had seen their dream of a semi-final go away after the famous hand of Luis Suarez on his goal line in the last seconds of overtime. The missed penalty by Asamoah Gyan and then the penalty shootout remain one of the greatest regrets in the history of African football.

Since this feat, the Black Stars have never regained such a global level. Eliminated in the first round in 2014 and then in 2022, they approach this 2026 edition with the ambition to reconnect with their prestigious past.

Carlos Queiroz, the man of reconstruction

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Appointed as head coach in April 2026, Carlos Queiroz took charge of the Ghanaian national team just a few weeks before the World Cup. As an experienced technician, the Portuguese has immense international experience having led Portugal, Iran, Egypt, Colombia, Qatar and even Oman.

The former Real Madrid coach quickly set the course, his goal is to establish a culture of victory and strengthen the cohesion of a group sometimes criticized for its irregularity in recent years.

During his official presentation in Accra, Queiroz described Ghana as "a country of footballers" that he wants to transform into "a country of champions". His speech is based on discipline, exigency, and the collective. A philosophy that will have to quickly bear fruit in the face of a particularly distinguished group.


The 28 Black Stars for the American adventure
Keepers

Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen)
Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)
Solomon Agbasi (Hearts of Oak)
Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Paul Reverson (Ajax Amsterdam)

Defenders


Jonas Adjetey (VfL Wolfsburg)
Abdul Rahman Baba (PAOK Thessaloniki)
Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow)
Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre)
Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano)
Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir)
Kojo Peprah Specialist (OGC Nice)
Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennais)
Marvin Senaya (AJ Auxerre)

Midfielders


Augustine Boakye (AS Saint-Étienne)
Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City)
Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre)
Thomas Partey (Villarreal)
Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta)
Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland)

Attackers


Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah)
Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzeň)
Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon)
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City)
Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club)

Three players to watch

1. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)

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The offensive player arrives at the World Cup in the skin of Ghana’s main offensive weapon. Fast, powerful and able to play in several positions of the attack, Semenyo has become the new headliner of the Black Stars. Its explosiveness could hurt a lot during rapid transitions, an area in which Ghana intends to rely against the major nations.

2. Thomas Partey (Villarreal)

At 32 years old, the former Arsenal midfielder remains the boss of the Ghanaian midfield. His technical quality, high-level experience and leadership will be essential to manage a relatively young team. In difficult times, Ghana will naturally turn to its midfield to maintain balance and guide the collective.

3. Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)

Captain of the national team and best Ghanaian scorer in the playoffs, Jordan Ayew remains a key reference for the Black Stars. Often criticized during his international career, the striker responded on the field by bringing his team to qualification. Its effectiveness could be decisive in a group where every opportunity will count.

The group and the opponents at the 2026 World Cup (Group L)

Ghana inherits a particularly strong group with England, finalist of the Euro 2024, Croatia, accustomed to major international events, and Panama, underdog capable of creating surprise.

The Black Stars will start their tournament against the Panamanians in a match that is already crucial for qualification. They will then face England in one of the most anticipated matches of the first round before concluding against Croatia.

On paper, the English appear as the group’s favorites. Behind them, the fight between Croats and Ghanaians for the qualifying places promises to be intense. In a World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the Black Stars can legitimately believe in a presence in the knockout phase.

June 17, 2026
Ghana – Panama
Toronto Stadium

June 23, 2026
England – Ghana
Boston Stadium

June 27, 2026
Croatia – Ghana
Stade de Philadelphie