Ghana’s Black Stars achieved large wins over Chad and Madagascar in March’s World Cup qualifiers.
With simply over a month left till the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June eleventh, the countdown is beginning to get actual. A number of nations have already began pre-competition camps, and others have began naming provisional groups. The main focus will flip firmly to ultimate choice within the coming weeks as coaches make troublesome choices forward of soccer’s largest stage.
For Ghana, a lot of that expectation facilities on what head coach Carlos Queiroz will do when the time involves finalize the 26-man Black Stars squad.
Accidents to key gamers in latest months have difficult the choice state of affairs. Ghana has already submitted a compulsory provisional 55-man record to FIFA earlier than the ultimate squad deadline, however the federation has chosen to not publish the names.
Nonetheless, provisional squads usually present clues as to which gamers are being thought of, what positional issues coaches wish to tackle and the way far the federation is in buying dual-national expertise.
With that in thoughts, listed below are seven names who might need a compelling case, or at the very least an attention-grabbing argument, for inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup plans.
Frank Junior Ajayi: the midfield wildcard Ghana might have
The depth of Ghana’s midfield has grow to be a rising concern, notably with accidents and inconsistent kind affecting latest alternatives. This uncertainty might depart room for surprises, and one participant who has been quietly making a case is Frank Junior Ajayi.
The 22-year-old has steadily tailored to the excessive degree since becoming a member of prime membership Hammarby from Swedish aspect Vernamo. Though nonetheless within the early levels of his improvement, he’s already exhibiting maturity, contributing one objective and one help in seven video games.
Imposingly athletic and tactically disciplined, Ajay can operate as a defensive midfielder whereas additionally taking part in in a extra superior function. That versatility might turn out to be useful at a place the place Ghana lacks depth.
Traditionally, Ghana has benefited from gamers rising by the Swedish soccer system. Celebrities reminiscent of Yo Pleko, Majeed Waris and Michael Baidoo all constructed necessary components of their careers right here.
It might be too early to name him up for the World Cup, but it surely would not be unrealistic for him to be included within the interim squad.
Veles Owusu: a twin citizen able to take the initiative
Velez Owusu might not but be a family identify amongst Ghanaian supporters, however the defender is quietly having fun with a wonderful season in Austria.
The 22-year-old, who was born in France to Ghanaian dad and mom, got here by the youth ranks of AS Saint-Etienne earlier than becoming a member of Austrian Bundesliga aspect Glazer AK on mortgage in quest of common soccer.
The transfer paid off.
Owusu turned an everyday starter, showing in 29 video games throughout his breakthrough season and vastly growing his profile.
In an interview with Pleasure Sports activities, the defender reaffirmed his need to characterize Ghana regardless of the potential scrutiny over the timing of his choice.
“I do know these feedback are coming as a result of the timing shouldn’t be good, however I’ve to say that is my heartfelt selection,” he mentioned.
“If I’ve an opportunity to inform them earlier than then I can definitely inform them, however for now I’ve an opportunity to point out my choice”
Owusu, who beforehand performed for Kevyi Rouen Metropole in the USA, additionally mentioned he would welcome the chance to characterize Ghana’s U-23 staff if wanted.
Though his probabilities of being referred to as up for the World Cup are low, his younger, athletic and defensively versatile profile makes him a participant to observe.
Bismarck Ejozi: From Ada to Denmark
The rise of Bismarck Ejoji displays the rising globalization of younger Ghanaian footballers.
The 19-year-old, who hails from Ada Fore within the Larger Accra Area, grew up by native organizations reminiscent of Puteh Presby Main College and Ashaiman Younger Liberation, after which in youth soccer in Bechem.
After a spell at Bechem United, Ejozi secured a transfer to Danish membership Vejle Daring, the place he tailored nicely to European soccer.
In his first season abroad, he performed in 24 league video games and recorded one objective and three assists.
For an adolescent who’s adapting to his new environment, these numbers counsel actual potential, even when his World Cup call-up comes before anticipated.
Prince Amoako Jr.: Denmark’s rising attacking power
Few younger Ghanaian forwards have precipitated as a lot pleasure in Europe as Prince Amoako Jr.
At FC Nordsjælland, the winger has developed into one of many staff’s most fun attacking threats, combining velocity, directness and technical high quality.
His performances have reportedly attracted the eye of scouts throughout Europe, which isn’t stunning contemplating the affect he has had this season.
Amoako Junior lately scored within the draw with Brøndby IF, taking his tally to eight targets and 5 assists in all competitions.
For a nationwide staff on the lookout for an unpredictable assault, his means to interrupt by defenders in one-on-one conditions might convey one thing completely different.
Whether or not that might be sufficient to persuade Queiroz forward of the World Cup stays to be seen, however few would dispute the eye he’s getting.
Emmanuel Adjei: profile of the lacking participant in Ghana’s midfield
Emmanuel Atget’s identify nonetheless reminds us of Desires FC’s memorable run to the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.
Agei emerged as one of many standout performers throughout that marketing campaign, exhibiting composure, tactical intelligence and defensive consciousness in midfield.
At the moment, he continues his improvement with Dundee FC in Scotland, showing in 10 video games and recording one objective and one help.
His profile feels notably related given the persevering with issues in Ghana’s midfield.
Queiroz has beforehand proven a willingness to check rising expertise, together with in friendlies, suggesting Agei might at the very least be included within the broader dialog.
Prince Osei Owusu: Goal of Ghana could also be lacking
If Ghana wants a bodily focus in assault, no participant matches that description higher than Prince Osei Owusu.
The striker is arguably having fun with the most effective type of his profession with CF Montreal and was lately named Participant of the Month for April 2026.
Within the opening 11 MLS video games of this season, Owusu has six targets and 5 assists, averaging one direct contribution per recreation.
The 1.91m ahead supplies a physicality that has usually been missing in Ghana’s assault in main tournaments.
Robust within the air, efficient in hold-up play and in a position to information attacking runners into harmful areas, Owusu represents the profile of a typical goal man.
In a match the place Ghana might battle to take the initiative, a striker who can relieve strain and occupy defenders might show invaluable.
Oscar Nasei Oppong: Defensive depth for long-term turnaround
The ultimate identify on this record is high-profile defender Oscar Naasei Opong. The 21-year-old has reportedly attracted curiosity from Actual Madrid Castilla throughout talks with supervisor Alvaro Arbeloa.
Oppong is presently creating at Granada CF, gaining worthwhile expertise by showing in 38 video games whereas persevering with to develop his defensive expertise.
Further depth might be necessary given Ghana’s latest harm issues, notably a long-term knee harm that has affected a number of defenders.
Oppong might not be among the many favorites for the ultimate World Cup spot, however his trajectory suggests {that a} break into the nationwide staff might be solely a matter of time.
large image
World Cup squads are hardly ever as predictable as they could be a few months upfront. Plans can change rapidly attributable to accidents, health, tactical match or a late surge. Ghana’s ultimate squad will nearly definitely include some surprises, and whereas a few of these names might find yourself lacking out, every represents a pretty profile for the Black Stars now or sooner or later.
With the event simply across the nook, the talk over who deserves a seat on a airplane is simply simply starting.
