Carlos Queiroz reacts to final squad says players want to die for the shirt Ghana Football Association

His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom. Let’s https://fchearts-ghana.org/ see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. Ghana’s football export business thrives as European clubs compete for Black Stars talent. Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves.

Ghana Football Association holds successful media engagement in Kumasi

• We may have video highlights with goals and news for some Ghana matches, but only if they play their match in one of the most popular football leagues.
• It has been a successful and at times dramatic season for Antoine Semenyo.
• Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies.
• Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.
• Weeks, day and night, of observation, analysis, conversations with club coaches, and consultations with everyone around our players.
• The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.
• The 30-year-old has endured nearly three years on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022, a setback that has repeatedly stalled his comeback attempts.
• With head coach Carlos Queiroz absent for personal reasons, assistant coach Desmond Offei will lead the Black Stars, placing a significant emphasis on how the team adapts under interim leadership in a high-pressure environment.
• I have full trust in the 26 players I’ve put in the squad.
• He was also included in the preliminary Ghana squad for the World Cup.
• In the qualifiers, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists.
• He did make it to the preliminary squad, but wasn’t included in the final list of players.
• Saleem Sial is an aspiring writer and Admin at Football Arroyo.

The confirmation comes as a major blow for Ghana, with Djiku having been expected to play a key role at the World Cup thanks to his experience and leadership at the back. The Portuguese coach declined to discuss the identity of Djiku’s replacement but made it clear that the squad had already been adjusted following the defender’s withdrawal. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has confirmed that defender Alexander Djiku will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, ending speculation over the availability of one of the Black Stars’ most experienced defenders. The Black Stars swapped football boots for golf clubs on Sunday morning as part of… Four outstanding players have been nominated for the NASCO Ghana Premier League Player of the… Sign up to receive all things FAW, from team news, tickets, domestic, grassroots, to exclusive offers and prize draws.

Ghana next match

Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup has been announced as coach Otto Addo has revealed the full list of 26 players the Black Stars will be taking to United States, Canada and Mexico. We dream of success at this World Cup, bringing joy and happiness to the people. Debate, even conflict, is welcome — it keeps the fire burning. This may be new to a lot of people — an additional player not in the official 26, but a squad member. Tthe Mexico vs Ghana International Friendly match will be played at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. Whether you are looking for defensive stability or explosive attacking play, this encounter promises to be a compelling indicator of both teams’ current form as the road to the World Cup enters its final stretch.

Mexico Vs Ghana, International Friendly 2026: Live Streaming Details

Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000. This modest compensation forces talented prospects toward European academies that offer times higher wages immediately. 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. 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.

Squad Ghana

That’s why the game is beautiful — everything is possible, realistic and fantasy at the same time. While friendly in nature, the impending World Cup adds a competitive edge, as every player on the pitch will be fighting to cement their spot in the final tournament squads. For Mexico, this match is about asserting dominance and testing the cohesion of a roster packed with experienced talent, including stars like Edson Álvarez and Hirving Lozano. Having recently drawn 1-1 against Belgium, El Tri will be eager to secure a confidence-boosting victory in front of their home supporters.

It has been a successful and at times dramatic season for Antoine Semenyo. 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.” “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 Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.

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• 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.
• The expected XI for the Black Stars features a mix of disciplined defensive setups, with players like Solomon Agbasi likely to start in goal, and a dynamic midfield looking to transition quickly against a formidable Mexican side.
• 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 team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite.
• “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.
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• Sky has cut 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs until June 17, including the more budget-friendly Air model which now starts from £4.50 per month.
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• Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative.
• Pot 4 status highlights the scale of the task, but does not limit Ghana’s potential.
• Selection must be genuinely insulated from administrative influence.

Dilpreet is a dedicated football writer with a keen eye for World Football. As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision. Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion. With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers. Another goalkeeper who has not been included in Ghana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“When the World Cup draw was made, I saw the game in my mind. We made history and I’ve been part of that game to score that incredible goal. I’m very happy about that especially playing against England.” Ghana and England have met just once before – a friendly at Wembley in March 2011 when Gyan scored a late equaliser for the Black Stars in a 1-1 draw. “Semenyo can have a huge influence in the team,” Gyan added. “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.

Big stars come and want to express themselves, sometimes without that connection. Today — the day before the game — is the first time we have the team together. To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before… it’s about innovations in the game. I was caught by surprise with unusual situations in previous competitions. In the last two World Cups, I covered myself by convincing a development player to be with us, be part of the team, and be ready. Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years.

Boadu, Dormon, and Tanko Shortlisted for Ghana Premier League April/May Coach of the month

“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. 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. The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday. With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one.

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After earning a bachelor’s degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.

• 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.
• His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom.
• But it is symptomatic of a broader culture in which the GFA manages its own exposure rather than prioritising clarity for fans and respect for players.
• 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.
• Ghana had already been hit by the absence of Mohammed Kudus after he failed to recover from a thigh injury in a ​major blow to the ‌country’s World Cup hopes.
• The teams in Ghana Premier League are placed in 3 groups.
• In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage.
• 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.
• Players aged between U15 and U20 from leading academies including Chelsea FC, Everton FC, Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC were assessed during the session held in Bromley.
• “For every in Ghana, that is the game they want to win,” Gyan added.
• Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves.
• Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.
• 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.

Premier League

Here are the 26 players who have made it into the final squad for FIFA Worldcup 2026. With head coach Carlos Queiroz absent for personal reasons, assistant coach Desmond Offei will lead the Black Stars, placing a significant emphasis on how the team adapts under interim leadership in a high-pressure environment. AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses. His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament. “There is so much Ghanaian talent across the UK, and this initiative gives these young players the opportunity to connect with their roots while showcasing their abilities to the Ghana Football Association. This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said.

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. Kyereh first underwent surgery in February 2023 to repair the ligament damage. However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation.

Match 21 – Ghana vs Panama

Ghana previous match was against Mexico in International Friendly Games, the match ended with result (Mexico won the match). Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland. In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage. Ghana had already been hit by the absence of Mohammed Kudus after he failed to recover from a thigh injury in a ​major blow to the ‌country’s World Cup hopes. Those campaigns remain reminders that Ghana have often thrived when the odds looked steep.

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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. In national teams, with few training minutes, it’s sometimes hard to build that collectiveness, that chemistry.

No, he has not been included in Ghana’s final squad due to a quad injury. 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. President Kurt Okraku took the media through the events leading up to Ghana’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and other relevant matters regarding the team’s early exit from the competition.

Day In Pics: June 02, 2026

Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season. He was also included in the preliminary Ghana squad for the World Cup. The 25-year-old has not been called up to be present in the final squad. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a successful media engagement session on Monday, February 7, 2024, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi.

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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. 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. “The level of talent and professionalism we witnessed here was very encouraging. 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.

Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet. Officials can deflect questions by pointing to the June 1 announcement. It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy.

Kudus’ £150,000 weekly Tottenham contract represents the new benchmark for Ghanaian player salaries in Europe’s elite leagues. His £200,000 weekly salary made him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid African players before his 2025 Villarreal move. 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. With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign. Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. Players aged between U15 and U20 from leading academies including Chelsea FC, Everton FC, Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC were assessed during the session held in Bromley.

The Ajax man was present in the preliminary squad, but due to competition for the position, he might not have received a call-up from Carlos Queiroz. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. The Association’s commitment to transparency and accountability was evident throughout the session, and the media could ask questions and seek clarification on various matters. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams. The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.

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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. Ghana is known for its energetic playing style, technical skill, and passionate fan support. The team has produced world-class players like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan who have been instrumental in raising Ghana’s profile on the global stage. 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. 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.

In the qualifiers, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists. Antoine Semenyo, an attacker for Manchester City, will supply firepower up top. Mohammed Salisu also missed out after the Monaco centre ⁠back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Ligue 1 clash in January. 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.

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. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance. AFCON and World Cup campaigns offer substantial bonus structures, with qualification and progression bonuses reaching six figures for deep tournament runs.

• Andre wears the captain’s armband and is one of the most capped players in the tournament.
• President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, praised the collaboration behind the programme and highlighted its long-term importance for Ghana football.
• Get real-time updates on cricket, IPL 2026 news, tennis, badminton, and major sporting events worldwide, only on Outlook India.
• 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 President, Executive Council Members, the General Secretary, Departmental and Committee heads, and other key officials have also been present to interact with the media.
• Established players in their late 20s often maximize earnings through lucrative Asian or Middle Eastern contracts.
• In the last two World Cups, I covered myself by convincing a development player to be with us, be part of the team, and be ready.
• There are also all Ghana scheduled matches that they are going to play in the future.
• 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.
• Even though he is the oldest player in the current generation, he is still a dependable source of motivation.
• If the 28-man list is functionally the World Cup squad with only two spots to be resolved, why name 28 at all?
• Debate, even conflict, is welcome — it keeps the fire burning.
• Today — the day before the game — is the first time we have the team together.

When Carlos Queiroz unveiled Ghana’s 28-man squad for 2026 World cup preparation camp, on May 25, the immediate reaction was not excitement but bewilderment. Ghana have also been hit by injuries ahead of the World Cup. Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of the tournament, while defender Alexander Djiku will also miss out after suffering an injury setback. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations and the first time Wales have hosted African opposition. The 30-year-old has endured nearly three years on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022, a setback that has repeatedly stalled his comeback attempts. 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.

Ghana Premier League standings, fixtures, results and stats

It’s our duty to make the right decisions to manage fitness and mental freshness. We have to move forward and show full trust in the players we have. You can win games with 22, but to be champions you need a full squad ready. I know he’ll be committed, dedicated, and will perform fantastically for the national team. Stay updated with the latest football news, live scores, match schedules, and exclusive coverage from all the football tournaments. Get real-time updates on cricket, IPL 2026 news, tennis, badminton, and major sporting events worldwide, only on Outlook India.

Sky has cut 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs until June 17, including the more budget-friendly Air model which now starts from £4.50 per month. The Mexico vs Ghana match will not be available for live telecast on Indian TV channels. The match will be televised in Spanish on FOX Deportes, TUDN, and Univision.

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. Andre Ayew has only scored one goal for his club NAC Breda this season. 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. “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.

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. The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled. The naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail. But it is symptomatic of a broader culture in which the GFA manages its own exposure rather than prioritising clarity for fans and respect for players.

• 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.
• The 25-year-old has not been called up to be present in the final squad.
• And when it comes to squad announcements, the simpler the process, the harder it is to obscure.
• 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.
• The GFA highlighted this experience as central to his appointment, stating that he “boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree” and is expected to bring leadership and structure to the Black Stars setup.
• 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.
• The 73-year-old’s appointment comes after Ghana parted ways with Otto Addo on March 31, following a poor run of results that included defeats to Germany and Austria in friendly matches.
• The 28-man list announced on May 25 is not, strictly speaking, the final World Cup squad.
• Ghana are due to announce their official 26-man squad on June 1, a day before the friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.
• The MEET THE PRESS series, instituted by President Okraku, aims to address Ghanaians through the media.
• “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.
• “Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.”

Who will Ghana face in group stage of FIFA World Cup 2026?

• I was caught by surprise with unusual situations in previous competitions.
• The Black Stars swapped football boots for golf clubs on Sunday morning as part of…
• Pot 4 status highlights the scale of the task, but does not limit Ghana’s potential.
• “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.
• “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said.
• Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day’s top stories from the UK and around the world.
• Carlos Queiroz, with his extensive international experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and others, may prove harder to manage internally than his predecessors.
• 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.
• Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme.
• They do not name 28 players, generate a week of squad controversy, and then quietly trim out two names.

They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest — three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity. Some countries didn’t even respect FIFA’s mandatory period and scheduled cup finals until May 29.