The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled. The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup. Virtually every major footballing nation calls up exactly the players they intend to take to the tournament for their final pre-tournament warm-up, sometimes with one or two additional cover options. They do not name 28 players, generate a week of squad controversy, and then quietly trim out two names.
Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament. With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes. The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac. Ghana’s worst performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.
THE IMPREGNABLE FUTURE OF OFFICIATING IN GHANA – “CATCH THEM YOUNG REFEREEING POLICY”
MTN FA Cup chairman Wilson Arthur says the growing commercial pressures in Ghana football have forced most GPL clubs into… Campus Cybercafe Blog provides well-researched content on education, global salary trends, net worth insights, career growth, and personal finance. Our mission is to empower students, professionals, and job seekers with reliable and actionable information. Take the time to research, attend trials, and commit fully — the next football star could be you.
- On June 1, when two players are dropped, there will be new headlines, new accusations, and new questions about why those specific two were cut.
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- Queiroz also criticised the scheduling of some domestic competitions, noting that certain countries continued to stage cup finals beyond FIFA’s recommended release period for international duty.
- With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one.
- Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns before finalising his 26-man selection.
- However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings.
- MTN FA Cup chairman Wilson Arthur says the growing commercial pressures in Ghana football have forced most GPL clubs into…
- Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.
- Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach.
- The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a successful media engagement session on Monday, February 7, 2024, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi.
- “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring.
World Cup 2026: Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi misses out on Ghana’s final squad
In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage. Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet. It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. Jordan Ayew is expected to captain Ghana, while Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among the players pushing for starting places. “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said. Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
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However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.
Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme. Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora. With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session. In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.
Partey exemplified smart wealth management by investing his Arsenal earnings into businesses across Africa and Europe. His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko’s top earners make $20,000-$40,000 yearly, forcing talented prospects to Europe by their late teens.
Hyundai to establish West Africa automotive plant in Ghana – Ablakwa
On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions. A major highlight of the competition was the participation http://africancfta.org of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through a collaboration between Coach Hakim and Madam Inusah. The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.
Carlos Queiroz wants Black Stars to play great football and make fans proud
Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training. Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice. If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know. You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.
Who will Ghana face in group stage of FIFA World Cup 2026?
Being in the lowest pot guarantees that Ghana will face a top team from Pot 1, either a co-host nation or one of the world’s strongest sides. They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely. The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed. The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.
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On average, tuition and training fees range between ₵5,000 to ₵50,000 per year in 2025. He was unveiled at a ceremony in Accra on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) to signal a renewed commitment to strengthening support for the national teams ahead of Ghana’s fifth appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities. The performances of the deaf athletes, they noted, highlighted the potential for deaf rugby to grow in Ghana if given sustained support and competitive opportunities. Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000.
- Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football.
- Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season.
- Ghana have previously reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 — the best performance by an African team at the time — and will be hoping to make a renewed impact in 2026.
- The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region.
- Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament.
- In contrast, Kamaldeen Sulemana endured a difficult season after securing a move to Atalanta Bergamo from Southampton.
- This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
- The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad.
- “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.
- Kudus’ £150,000 weekly Tottenham contract represents the new benchmark for Ghanaian player salaries in Europe’s elite leagues.
Ghana Sports News: Football, Basketball, Boxing & More
Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League. Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team. One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas. And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people. Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany. “Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he stated.
That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline. There was nothing, not a single footballing reason that required the GFA to name 28 players, generate a week of public debate, and then quietly trim out two names the day before the friendly against Wales. The Portuguese coach revealed on Monday that the entire group only trained together for the first time on the eve of the match, with several players arriving late after completing club commitments across Europe. Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and… It shows all personal information about the players, including age, nationality, contract duration and market value. It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall.
Ghana Institution of Engineers proposes rainwater storage systems to reduce Accra flooding
The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey. To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process. The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.
For now, however, another World Cup dream has slipped away from one of Ghana’s most exciting attacking talents. With the tournament set to be hosted in North America, some observers have questioned Paintsil’s exclusion, considering his familiarity with the environment and conditions. The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region. Paintsil, on the other hand, has consistently featured for LA Galaxy and remains one of the club’s key attacking outlets whenever available. In contrast, Kamaldeen Sulemana endured a difficult season after securing a move to Atalanta Bergamo from Southampton. The winger was used sparingly throughout the campaign and made most of his appearances from the bench, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter.
VIDEO: Brazil wallop Ghana’s group opponent Panama in pre-World Cup friendly
The media engagement session was successful, allowing the GFA to address pressing issues and concerns related to Ghana’s football development. “When the game was made, I was like, ‘this is it, I just want to do something for my national team’. It was even one of my best games for Ghana and I scored in the last minute. It was a great moment. “We need to make sure we stay focused because it’s different to friendly games – anything can happen in a tournament. We shouldn’t think about England or how they’re going to perform. Our main focus is to qualify from the group stage. Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies. In fact, Ghana have not won any of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup, in which they topped their group, and face Wales in a friendly on Tuesday. “There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.
Asare, Jordan, Semenyo: Ghana’s predicted XI to face Wales
“Our vision is to build strong national teams for the future by identifying the best Ghanaian talents wherever they may be in the world. Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated. Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years. He did make it to the preliminary squad, but wasn’t included in the final list of players. The 31-year-old currently plays for Spartak Moscow and his performances have not been up to the mark this season.
Asamoah Gyan named Ambassador for Ghana’s national football teams
- “People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes.
- Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League.
- “The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” the statement added.
- The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Queiroz tasked with leading the four-time African champions into the expanded global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- The Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament.
- Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and…
- To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process.
- “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said.
Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach. The problem is structural; when a football association retains local assistants, influences backroom composition, the question of who ultimately controls selection cannot be answered by citing a scouting database. For today’s football schedule and results visit our football live score page.
The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.
- The performances of the deaf athletes, they noted, highlighted the potential for deaf rugby to grow in Ghana if given sustained support and competitive opportunities.
- A young squad with talent and energy can still compete with higher-ranked opposition, particularly in a format that allows third-placed teams to reach the knockout stage.
- The naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail.
- “Let’s be realistic. More than 50% of the squad wasn’t here with us,” Queiroz said.
- Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important step in reconnecting talented young players of Ghanaian heritage with the national setup.
- It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle.
- “Some countries didn’t even respect FIFA’s mandatory period and scheduled cup finals until May 29. This is the modern game.”
- The Wales friendly on June 2 is probably Ghana’s final preparatory match before the World Cup.
- The complications kept him out for an extended period, with the midfielder only returning to partial team training in late 2025 before resuming full training in January 2026.
- Ghana football icon and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is on a new chapter of national service after being unveiled as Ambassador for Ghana’s national football teams and colts football by the Ghana Football Association.
- Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies.
- AFCON and World Cup campaigns offer substantial bonus structures, with qualification and progression bonuses reaching six figures for deep tournament runs.
- Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated.
The Tottenham Hotspur star could’ve played an important role for the Ghana national football team, but has been left out due to an injury. The Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament. According to him, Paintsil’s influence and consistency at club level surpass that of several players currently in the national team setup especially Atalata’s Kamaldeen Sulemana. Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.
Ghana next match
“Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer. That will not let up this summer either with the Manchester City forward expected to be a key player Ghana at the World Cup. “Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.” The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.
Which team in Ghana Premier League has the most titles?
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- The top scorers in the last season of Ghana Premier League Premier League 25/26 season were Kumi Attah.Last season top scorer is Kumi Attah with 18 goals.
- Their position is a result of performance over a longer period, not just a single qualifying campaign.
- Had Queiroz simply named a 26-man squad on May 25, the squad he was always going to take to the World Cup, the debate would have been sharper, clearer, and concluded in a single day.
- Ghana Football Association compensates players modestly compared to European powerhouses.
- “We need to make sure we stay focused because it’s different to friendly games – anything can happen in a tournament. We shouldn’t think about England or how they’re going to perform. Our main focus is to qualify from the group stage.
- Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach.
- “Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer.
- Antoine Semenyo, an attacker for Manchester City, will supply firepower up top.
- Below is a detailed breakdown of Ghana’s leading football academies, their fees, and what they offer.
- Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult, is aimed at identifying and engaging elite young talents to strengthen Ghana’s national teams for the future. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA. Had Queiroz simply named a 26-man squad on May 25, the squad he was always going to take to the World Cup, the debate would have been sharper, clearer, and concluded in a single day. The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.
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“People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes. “To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.” Queiroz also criticised the scheduling of some domestic competitions, noting that certain countries continued to stage cup finals beyond FIFA’s recommended release period for international duty.
- Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline.
- In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.
- Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000.
- With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session.
- Carlos Queiroz, with his extensive international experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and others, may prove harder to manage internally than his predecessors.
- And yes, history often remembers moments of heartbreak,” President Simeon-Okraku said.
- The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.
- AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses.
The squad numbers for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been published by FIFA following coach Carlos Queiroz’s confirmation of his final 26-man squad.The Black Stars, who have… Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours. Several academies, such as Right to Dream and WAFA, integrate academics with football training. This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
- An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials.
- According to Queiroz, more than half of the squad were unavailable when preparations began because they were still involved in league and cup competitions with their clubs.
- Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training.
- Virtually every major footballing nation calls up exactly the players they intend to take to the tournament for their final pre-tournament warm-up, sometimes with one or two additional cover options.
- Sofascore tracks live football scores and Ghana Premier League table, results, statistics and top scorers.
- The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions.
- “It’s our duty to make the right decisions to manage fitness and mental freshness. We want players to come here excited, not exhausted.”
- The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament.
- If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream.
- These young players are developing in some of the best academies in the world, and initiatives like this allow us to engage them early and monitor their progress closely,” Prof. Mintah noted.
The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs. This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally. WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience. Ghana football icon and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, is on a new chapter of national service after being unveiled as Ambassador for Ghana’s national football teams and colts football by the Ghana Football Association.
Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline. According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities. The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport. The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country. The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.
“When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys. “We deserve to qualify for the World Cup in terms of how we played in the qualifiers. But in the AFCON qualifiers, it was a big disaster, we didn’t play that much to our level. “When you watch our World Cup games and then the AFCON qualifiers, there was a huge difference. There were a lot of criticisms around after failing to qualify for AFCON but the World Cup is huge. “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring. Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season. “Some countries didn’t even respect FIFA’s mandatory period and scheduled cup finals until May 29. This is the modern game.”
But the squad did see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman. The former Chelsea fullback was in the 2022 World Cup squad but has featured in only one international for Ghana since. Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns before finalising his 26-man selection.
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Lizzy Sports combines football, fitness, and personal development in a supportive environment. Right to Dream focuses on academic excellence, character development, and world-class football training. Below is a detailed breakdown of Ghana’s leading football academies, their fees, and what they offer. Ghana’s success in African and global football is closely linked to its network of grassroots academies. Complete guide to the top football academies in Ghana and their fees for 2025.
Boadu, Dormon, and Tanko Shortlisted for Ghana Premier League April/May Coach of the month
He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football. Established players in their late 20s often maximize earnings through lucrative Asian or Middle Eastern contracts. These leagues pay 2-3 times European salaries, allowing players to secure financial futures before retirement. AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses. The Black Stars had also lost their previous four games and failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite a squad featuring Premier League-based players such as Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.