Ghana at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Ghana made their World Cup debut in 2006 in Germany, advancing from the group stage in their first appearance. Their finest hour came in 2010 in South Africa, where they became the last African side to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup on African soil, narrowly losing to Uruguay in a penalty shoot-out after Luis Suarez's infamous handball on the line in the final minute of extra time. Ghana also appeared in 2014, exiting in the group stage, and returned in 2022 in Qatar. They have qualified for five of the six World Cups held since their debut in 2006, cementing their status as one of Africa's most consistent footballing nations. They have never won the tournament.

Qualification

Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup by topping CAF qualifying Group I with an impressive record of eight wins, one draw, and one loss, accumulating 25 points from 10 matches and scoring 23 goals while conceding only 6. A decisive victory over Comoros, featuring a goal by Mohammed Kudus, clinched first place in the group. This is Ghana's fifth World Cup qualification overall and their first since 2022. The qualification was overseen in its earlier stages by Otto Addo, who had returned to the role in March 2024, before he was dismissed in early 2026.

Preparation

Ghana's pre-tournament preparation was turbulent. Coach Otto Addo was dismissed in April 2026 following heavy defeats in March 2026 friendlies, including a 5-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 defeat to Germany. Carlos Queiroz was appointed on April 13, 2026. Ghana lost 2-0 to Mexico on May 22, 2026. Queiroz named a 28-man preparation squad on May 26 and opened camp in Cardiff. Defender Alexander Djiku was ruled out through injury (Spartak Russian Cup final); Derrick Luckassen was called up as replacement. The final 26-man squad was named on June 1, cutting goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi; Mohammed Kudus (quad surgery) and Andre Ayew were the most notable longer-term absentees. Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales on June 2 to end a five-match losing run. The squad trained in Washington D.C. (American University, then D.C. United facility) after Queiroz raised privacy concerns over the Bryant University base camp. A Honduras friendly (June 9) fell through. The squad flew to Rhode Island on June 12 and travelled to Toronto on June 15. On June 13, Canada denied Thomas Partey entry due to his pending rape and sexual assault charges in the UK (trial June 2027; he pleads not guilty); Partey missed the Panama opener. In their World Cup Group L opener on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ghana beat Panama 1-0: Caleb Yirenkyi tapped in a Brandon Thomas-Asante cross in the 90+5 minute. Goalkeeper Ati-Zigi was injured in a first-half collision and replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare. By June 20, scan results reported by multiple outlets indicated a groin injury with a roughly three-week recovery. Antoine Semenyo was named Player of the Match vs Panama. For the second group match against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, Queiroz made four changes: Partey returned to midfield; Williams earned his first tournament start; Asare retained goal; Sibo joined midfield. Ghana produced a highly disciplined defensive display in a 0-0 draw, conceding 19 England shots but keeping a clean sheet through Asare's saves. Both teams now sit joint-top of Group L on 4 points. The squad held recovery training at Bryant University on June 24 before departing for Philadelphia on June 25. In their final group match at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27, Ghana lost 2-1 to Croatia: Sucic struck from 30 yards (31'), Luckassen equalized from a free-kick (73'), but Vlasic headed in from a Modric corner (83'). Queiroz made three changes, bringing in Luckassen, Owusu, and Sulemana. Asare again started in goal for the still-absent Ati-Zigi. Ghana finished third in Group L with 4 points (1W 1D 1L) and advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the 8 best third-placed teams. Queiroz said 'We win or we learn. Today we learn. The real World Championship starts in the next game.' Ghana faced Group K winners Colombia at Kansas City Stadium on July 3: Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute from a Luis Suarez cross, and Ati-Zigi, back from his groin injury, made several late saves as Ghana lost 1-0 and were eliminated in the Round of 32, their first World Cup knockout appearance since 2010. Two days later, Queiroz posted a farewell message on social media announcing he was stepping down, though Ghana's Sport and Recreation Ministry said it had not received a formal resignation letter as of the same week; his contract, signed in April 2026, had been due to run through August 2026.

Latest news

Carlos Queiroz confirms he is stepping down as Ghana coach; ministry says no resignation letter received

· general

Two days after elimination, Queiroz posted a farewell message on social media saying 'you either win or you learn' and that he leaves 'with pride in what we achieved.' Minister Kofi Adams said the ministry had not received a formal resignation letter: 'He wasn't appointed on social media, so I don't think that he resigned via social media.' His April 2026 contract ran through August 2026.

Colombia end Ghana's World Cup with 1-0 Round of 32 win in Kansas City

· matches

Jhon Arias struck in the 14th minute, guiding home a cross from substitute Luis Suarez, sending Colombia through 1-0 at Kansas City Stadium in sweltering 30C heat. Lawrence Ati-Zigi, back from the groin injury that had sidelined him since the Panama match, started in goal and made several late saves. Ghana's run ended in the Round of 32, their first World Cup knockout appearance since 2010.

Queiroz: 'We win or we learn' after Croatia defeat; Ghana face Colombia in Round of 32 on July 4

· general

Queiroz said: 'We win or we learn. Today we learn. The real World Championship starts in the next game.' He called the group stage 'warming up for qualification' and said knockout football demands absolute commitment: 'Everything to the winner, nothing to the loser.' Ghana advanced as one of the 8 best third-placed teams, facing Group K winners Colombia at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday July 4.

Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in group finale; Luckassen equalizer not enough as Black Stars finish third in Group L

· matches

Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Sucic opened with a 30-yard strike (31'), Luckassen equalized from a free-kick (73'), but Vlasic headed home a Modric corner (83'). Queiroz made three changes: Luckassen, Owusu and Sulemana in for Opoku, Yirenkyi and Williams. Asare again started in goal for the injured Ati-Zigi. Ghana finished 3rd in Group L on 4 points.

Black Stars depart Rhode Island for Philadelphia ahead of decisive Croatia decider

· general

Ghana's squad departed Bryant University in Rhode Island on Thursday for Philadelphia, where they will hold one training session on Friday before facing Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday June 28 (5 p.m. kickoff). Ghana need a win to guarantee Round of 32 qualification; a draw may also be enough depending on final standings.

Sibo: 'I believe we will take all three points' from Croatia after England stalemate

· general

Sibo: 'I don't think, I just believe that we're going to take all three points, because we want to be leaders in the group.' Queiroz's half-time message vs England: 'He told us to keep our mentality tough and fight from the first minute to 90 minutes.' The squad held a light recovery session at Bryant University on June 24.

Ghana hold England to 0-0 draw; Asare shines as Black Stars climb to joint-top of Group L

· matches

Ghana earned a goalless draw vs England at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. Asare made key saves (including denying Saka) as England dominated with 19 shots to Ghana's 2. Both teams on 4 points, joint-top of Group L. Ghana face Croatia June 28; a win secures Round of 32 qualification. Queiroz: 'We have not won anything yet. Points in this World Cup are terribly expensive.'

Partey and Williams start as Queiroz makes four changes for England clash at Gillette Stadium

· matches

Queiroz made four changes for Ghana's Group L match vs England at Gillette Stadium: Partey returned to midfield (missed Panama via Canada visa denial); Williams earned his first tournament start; Asare kept goal for injured Ati-Zigi; Sibo joined midfield for Nuamah. Ghana 4-3-3: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Sibo, Partey, Yirenkyi; Semenyo, Williams, Ayew (captain).

Partey: 'We are here to compete' as Black Stars prepare for England

· general

Partey confirmed fitness ahead of the England match: 'I feel OK and I'm ready to play' and 'we are here to compete.' He acknowledged facing ex-Arsenal teammate Declan Rice: 'I am happy to play against him.' First competitive England-Ghana meeting since a 1-1 Wembley friendly in 2011.

Ati-Zigi ruled out for approximately three weeks with confirmed groin injury; Asare to start vs England

· injuries

Scan results reported by multiple outlets indicate a groin injury with a roughly three-week recovery, ruling Ati-Zigi out of the England match (June 23) and potentially the rest of the group stage. The GFA had not published an official medical statement as of June 20; Ati-Zigi was doing individual training under goalkeeping coach Dan Gaspar. Benjamin Asare is set to start vs England.

Ayew and Opoku react after Panama win; Black Stars hold recovery session at Bryant University

· general

Captain Jordan Ayew said the Black Stars 'showed strength and patience to beat Panama - that's all that matters.' Defender Jerome Opoku said the win 'was the perfect start, but we want three points every game.' The squad conducted post-match recovery work at their Bryant University base in Rhode Island before preparing for the England match on June 23.

Ati-Zigi injury scare puts Ghana's first-choice goalkeeper in doubt for England clash

· injuries

Ghana face an injury concern over goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi after he was forced off at halftime of the Panama win with what is suspected to be a groin problem. No official diagnosis was given by the GFA. The Black Stars' medical team faces a race against time for the June 23 England match; if unavailable, Benjamin Asare is expected to start.

Yirenkyi's 90+5 stoppage-time tap-in gives Ghana 1-0 win over Panama in chaotic World Cup opener

· matches

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in their Group L opener at BMO Field, Toronto. Caleb Yirenkyi tapped in a Thomas-Asante cross in the 90+5 minute. Thomas Partey missed the match after Canada denied him entry. Ati-Zigi was injured in a first-half collision and replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare. Semenyo named Player of the Match. Ghana sit second; England top after a 4-2 win over Croatia.

Canada denies Thomas Partey entry; midfielder to miss World Cup opener against Panama

· general

Canada refused Thomas Partey a visa citing his pending seven rape and one sexual assault charges in the UK (trial June 2027; he pleads not guilty). FIFA confirmed he could not travel from Boston to Toronto. Ghana's foreign ministry called the decision 'high-handed and extremely unfair'. Partey remains eligible for the US-based matches against England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27).

Black Stars arrive in Providence for final phase of World Cup preparations

· general

Ghana's 26-man squad flew from Virginia to T.F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island on Thursday afternoon, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m. The team will train at their Bryant University base camp in Smithfield and conduct community engagement activities before travelling to Toronto on 15 June, two days ahead of their Group L opener against Panama on 17 June.

Jordan Ayew: 'Three massive games, we want to make Ghana proud'

· general

Captain Jordan Ayew, preparing for his third World Cup, said: 'We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud, we want to make Ghana proud.' He called for prayers from supporters and said the squad is determined to make history despite facing a tough Group L draw against Panama, England and Croatia.

Ghanaian diaspora bids Black Stars farewell in Virginia; GFA president vows 'we are not here to be counted'

· general

Hundreds of Ghanaians gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, to bid the Black Stars farewell before their departure to Rhode Island. GFA President Kurt Simeon-Okraku said: 'We strongly believe in this team, and we know that we are not here to be counted among the numbers but to compete and fight for the title.' Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley attended.

Ati-Zigi says 'the biggest moment is now' as Black Stars finalise World Cup prep

· general

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi said the Black Stars are 'very ready and focused on teamwork' as they wrap up preparations at D.C. United's training ground for their World Cup opener. He highlighted strong team spirit and unity, said everyone is fighting for each other, and stressed the squad's collective mindset over individual performance.

Black Stars relocate training base to D.C. United over privacy concerns at Bryant

· general

Ghana moved their training base to D.C. United's facility in Virginia. Queiroz had raised concerns that sessions at the Bryant University base camp in Rhode Island were open to students and the public, a privacy/security issue; protocol officer Alex Asante, assistant coach Desmond Ofei and high-performance coach John Paintsil were tasked with finding a venue. The GFA said it carried added cost.

GFA: no further friendly before World Cup opener as Honduras withdraw

· matches

GFA's Henry Asante Twum said a second pre-World Cup friendly is unlikely: 'At this point it is a big no. We don't have any game on paper.' A closed-door Honduras friendly set for 9 June fell through when the Honduran federation withdrew over its commitments after a 2-0 loss to Argentina; an earlier Jamaica fixture also collapsed. Ghana rely on the Wales draw and training before Panama on 17 June.

Black Stars open US World Cup camp with training at American University

· general

After their Wales friendly, Ghana travelled to the United States, arriving on Wednesday and holding their first session on Thursday at the American University pitch in Washington, D.C., with all 26 players under Carlos Queiroz. The squad will train there before relocating to their tournament base camp at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on 12 June.

Ghana to face Jamaica on June 10 in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Ghana will play Jamaica on 10 June 2026 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup, with the squad training at their US base. The Black Stars open their Group L campaign against Panama on 17 June, and also face England (23 June) and Croatia (27 June).

Ghana confirm 2026 World Cup squad numbers; Thomas-Asante gets No.10

· squad

The GFA confirmed the Black Stars' shirt numbers for the 2026 World Cup. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi takes No.1, Thomas Partey wears No.5, captain Jordan Ayew keeps his favoured No.9, Brandon Thomas-Asante is handed the No.10 and Antoine Semenyo the No.11; late call-up Derrick Luckassen, who replaced the injured Alexander Djiku, was given No.23.

Ghana end five-game losing run with 1-1 draw at Wales in final warm-up

· matches

In their last friendly before the World Cup, Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales in Cardiff. Substitute Caleb Yirenkyi put Ghana ahead in the 66th minute after the ball struck a post, but Lewis Koumas headed home a Neco Williams cross in stoppage time to level it. The result ended a run of five consecutive defeats; Queiroz drew positives from a more composed second half.

Queiroz names final 26-man World Cup squad; Reverson and Agbasi cut

· squad

Carlos Queiroz named Ghana's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup: 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 7 midfielders and 7 forwards. The two players dropped from the 28-man Cardiff group were goalkeepers Paul Reverson (Ajax) and Solomon Agbasi (Hearts of Oak). Mohammed Kudus (quad surgery) and veteran Andre Ayew were the most notable absentees.

Derrick Luckassen called up as Djiku's replacement

· squad

Pafos FC centre-back Derrick Luckassen was called up to the Black Stars as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku. The 30-year-old, born in the Netherlands, made his senior Ghana debut in the March 2026 friendlies against Austria and Germany. He has linked up with the camp in Cardiff ahead of the Wales friendly.

Queiroz confirms Alexander Djiku ruled out of World Cup through injury

· injuries

Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed in a press conference that defender Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow) will miss the 2026 World Cup. Djiku sustained a knock in Spartak's Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar and was unable to train fully in the Cardiff camp; after medical assessment the technical team ruled him out to avoid aggravating the injury.

Queiroz says there are 'no friendlies when we wear the shirt' before Wales

· matches

Ahead of Ghana's friendly against Wales in Cardiff on 2 June 2026, Carlos Queiroz said the team is ready to 'take off and start the flight straight to the World Cup', that training had gone well, and that the match would be played to win rather than treated as a preparation exercise.

GFA: final 26-man squad to contain no new names beyond the Wales group

· squad

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the final 26-man World Cup squad would be drawn from the 28-man preparation group, with changes only in case of injury: 'It is unlikely there will be changes to the squad unless there are injuries.' Two players would be cut, with the final list expected on 1 June 2026.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Benjamin AsareGKHearts of Oak
Lawrence Ati-ZigiGKFC St. Gallen
Joseph AnangGKSt Patrick's Athletic
Baba Abdul RahmanDFPAOK
Gideon MensahDFAJ Auxerre
Marvin SenayaDFAJ Auxerre
Alidu SeiduDFStade Rennes
Abdul MuminDFRayo Vallecano
Jerome OpokuDFİstanbul Başakşehir
Jonas AdjeteyDFVfL Wolfsburg
Kojo Peprah OppongDFOGC Nice
Derrick LuckassenDFPafos FC
Elisha OwusuMFAJ Auxerre
Thomas ParteyMFVillarreal CF
Kwasi SiboMFReal Oviedo
Augustine BoakyeMFSaint-Étienne
Caleb YirenkyiMFFC Nordsjælland
Abdul Fatawu IssahakuMFLeicester City
Kamaldeen SulemanaMFAtalanta
Christopher Bonsu BaahFWAl-Qadsiah
Ernest NuamahFWOlympique Lyonnais
Antoine SemenyoFWManchester City
Brandon Thomas-AsanteFWCoventry City
Prince Kwabena AduFWViktoria Plzeň
Iñaki WilliamsFWAthletic Club
Jordan AyewFWLeicester City

Recent results

  • 2023-11-17 — GHA 1-0 MAD (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — COM 1-0 GHA (qualification)
  • 2024-01-08 — GHA 0-0 NAM (friendly)
  • 2024-03-22 — NGA 2-1 GHA (friendly)
  • 2024-06-06 — MLI 1-2 GHA (qualification)
  • 2024-06-10 — GHA 4-3 CTA (qualification)
  • 2025-03-21 — GHA 5-0 CHA (qualification)
  • 2025-03-24 — MAD 0-3 GHA (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — CHA 1-1 GHA (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — GHA 1-0 MLI (qualification)
  • 2025-10-08 — CTA 0-5 GHA (qualification)
  • 2025-10-12 — GHA 1-0 COM (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — KOR 1-0 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — AUT 5-1 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-30 — GER 2-1 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-05-22 — MEX 2-0 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-02 — WAL 1-1 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-17 — GHA 1-0 PAN (group)
  • 2026-06-23 — ENG 0-0 GHA (group)
  • 2026-06-27 — CRO 2-1 GHA (group)
  • 2026-07-03 — COL 1-0 GHA (round_of_32)

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