Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant blow after experienced defender Alexander Djiku was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The Black Stars centre-back, who was initially named in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s provisional squad for the tournament, will now miss football’s biggest stage after failing to recover from an injury sustained while playing for his club, Spartak Moscow.
Djiku picked up the injury during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final victory over FC Krasnodar. The defender was forced off the pitch before the match eventually went to penalties, with Spartak emerging victorious. Despite joining Ghana’s training camp in Cardiff, concerns quickly emerged over his fitness after he was unable to participate fully in training sessions.
Following thorough medical examinations and consultations between the Ghana Football Association’s medical team and the technical staff, a decision was made to withdraw Djiku from the squad. The move was taken to prevent further complications and allow the defender adequate time to recover.
The absence of Djiku represents a major setback for the Black Stars, as the defender has been one of Ghana’s most reliable performers in recent years. His leadership, experience, and defensive composure have made him a key figure in the national team setup.
With the World Cup rapidly approaching, Ghana’s technical team has moved quickly to find a replacement. Cyprus-based defender Derrick Luckassen, who plays for Pafos FC, has been called up to join the squad and strengthen Ghana’s defensive options.
Luckassen now has an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage as Ghana prepares for one of its toughest World Cup campaigns in recent history.
The Black Stars have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The four-time African champions will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23.
Ghana will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27.
Coach Carlos Queiroz will now be forced to rethink his defensive plans ahead of the tournament, with Djiku’s absence leaving a notable gap in the team’s backline.
Despite the setback, Ghana remains determined to make a strong impression at the expanded 48-team World Cup and secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
The focus will now shift to ensuring the remaining squad members are fully fit and ready as the Black Stars continue their preparations for the global showpiece.
