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. “We have to make a decision and replace Alexander Djiku. It doesn’t matter who was the player that I called, Djiku was replaced,” Queiroz said. 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.
“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.
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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. With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one. Pot 4 status highlights the scale of the task, but does not limit Ghana’s potential.
About our Ghana National Football Team news
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.
All Time World Cup Stats for Ghana
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.
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- It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall.
- Nimley went further by comparing Paintsil’s performances with some of the players who made the squad and insisted the Galaxy winger has done enough to merit consideration.
- With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers.
- Speaking after Ghana’s latest training session in Cardiff, Queiroz revealed that Djiku had already been replaced in the squad as preparations continue for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally.
- The 31-year-old currently plays for Spartak Moscow and his performances have not been up to the mark this season.
- Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.
- The team with the largest stadium is Asante Kotoko with the capacity of 40528.
- Top domestic players earn $20,000-$40,000 yearly, with most professionals making $10,000-$25,000.
- They do not name 28 players, generate a week of squad controversy, and then quietly trim out two names.
- 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.
The public would have had the information it deserved without being strung along through a two-stage announcement that serves the administration more than it serves the supporters, the players, or the coach. To ensure full http://aviatorghana.pro participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches. In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions. An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials. “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.
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 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.
- They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely.
- But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top.
- 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.
- Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings.
- Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.
- The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite.
- “Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world.
- 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.
- However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation.
- 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.
- To ensure full participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches.
West African Football Academy (WAFA)
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. Players left out need a clear explanation as to why they have been left out, so does every supporter who has spent a week debating a squad that is not yet technically final. If the 28-man list is functionally the World Cup squad with only two spots to be resolved, why name 28 at all? 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.
Current Ghana players
This season, he has registered four goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions and has remained a regular starter whenever fit. England’s World Cup group rivals Ghana have appointed former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach, two months out from the tournament finals. The GFA President praised Gyan for his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the national team, describing him as a symbol of courage and patriotism whose influence continues to inspire generations of footballers.
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Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings. While qualification results added some ranking points, progress has not been enough to lift Ghana closer to the top nations. Their position is a result of performance over a longer period, not just a single qualifying campaign. By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy. 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. The process that was supposedly designed to reduce uncertainty has instead created a fortnight of rolling debate where a single announcement on May 25 would have sufficed.
Wales vs Ghana: World Cup test awaits Black Stars in Cardiff
- With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes.
- “Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world.
- Medeama Sporting Club head coach Ibrahim Tanko has pointed to the trust given to him by President of the club…
- They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely.
- “Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.”
- 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.
- The Deaf Rugby Team was accompanied by its coach and president, Yaw Kunadu, as well as Rugby Sports Development Officer at the National Sports Authority, Kumasi, Owusu Amuah, and interpreter Gifty Sammy.
- 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 team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite.
- Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings.
With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history. The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra. Thomas Partey currently holds this position with $36.4 million net worth from his Premier League career and African business investments. His former £200,000 weekly Arsenal salary established him as Ghana’s highest-earning active player.
That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings. Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football. Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.
- In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions.
- By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy.
- Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches.
- Ghana is known for its energetic playing style, technical skill, and passionate fan support.
- 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.
- Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training.
- In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage.
- GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise.
- He also revisited the unforgettable 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Ghana stood on the brink of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
- “To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.”
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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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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.
“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.
Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.
Asamoah Gyan: Everything will depend on Antoine Semenyo at the World Cup
Addressing the gathering, Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of creating stronger bonds between Ghana and its emerging talents abroad. 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. Those campaigns remain reminders that Ghana have often thrived when the odds looked steep. The opportunity to rise above expectations begins the moment the groups are confirmed on Friday.
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- 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.
- The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad.
- 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.
- 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.
- Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats.
- The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.
- 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.
- WAFA has produced many players for the Ghanaian national team and European clubs.
- “When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys.
This modest compensation forces talented prospects toward European academies that offer times higher wages immediately. 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 naming of a 28 then 26 format might seem like a minor procedural detail.
Domestic football in Ghana cannot compete financially with even mid-tier European opportunities. With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign. The team with the largest stadium is Asante Kotoko with the capacity of 40528. 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. Sofascore tracks live football scores and Ghana Premier League table, results, statistics and top scorers.
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- 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.
- “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.
- The academy maintains its focus on producing technically skilled players for Ghanaian and international clubs.
- Organisers described the competition as a demonstration of how sport can break barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities.
- “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.”
- Pot 4 status highlights the scale of the task, but does not limit Ghana’s potential.
- 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.
- “They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest, three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity.”
- 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 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.
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.
“Let’s be realistic. More than 50% of the squad wasn’t here with us,” Queiroz said. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations and the first time Wales have hosted African opposition. 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.
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. Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season. The pair played every minute of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 World Cup and were widely expected to form the backbone of the Black Stars defence once again.
“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. Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.
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.
Ghana scores, fixtures, standings and player stats
“We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope. I want to appeal to corporate Ghana to support football development because the future of our game depends on what we build today,” he added. For Queiroz, the role represents another chapter in a long international career, but also a unique challenge — guiding one of Africa’s most storied national teams on the world stage.
“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.
Ghana Football Association compensates players modestly compared to European powerhouses. 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. 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.
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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. 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.
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.
Carlos Queiroz enjoys Ghana’s passion for football ahead of Wales friendly
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.