Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a 25-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Chad and Mali, bringing back some key players as the team intensifies its push for a fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The squad, revealed on Thursday, features a blend of experienced stars and promising young talents, with Thomas Partey and Kamaldeen Sulemana making a return to international duty. The selection includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards.
In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) remains Ghana’s first-choice option, joined by Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic) and Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), who will be seeking to prove himself on the international stage.
The defensive unit offers a mix of youth and experience. Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), and Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahçe) provide solidity at the back, while Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir) and Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion) add versatility. Rising talents such as Jonas Adjetey (FC Basel), Derrick Arthur Köhn (Union Berlin), and Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland) round out the options in defence.
The midfield sees the much-anticipated return of Ghana vice-captain Thomas Partey (Villarreal CF), alongside Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Osman (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Atalanta), and Abdul Salis Samed (OGC Nice). Their presence ensures both creativity and stability in the middle of the park.
One of Ghana’s brightest stars, Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur), also returns to the fold after a blistering start to his Premier League career. His form will be key to unlocking opposition defenses in the crucial qualifiers.
In attack, Otto Addo has gone for pace, skill, and clinical finishing. Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), in fine form, leads the line alongside Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth). Supporting options include Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah), and Jerry Afriyie (RAAL La Louvière).
The inclusion of Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta) adds flair and speed on the wings, while Jordan Ayew’s consistency in front of goal will be crucial.
Ghana will begin this international window with an away clash against Chad on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena. The Black Stars will then return home to face Mali on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Both games are considered must-win fixtures as Ghana sits at the top of Group I after six matches, with the goal of booking a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Coach Otto Addo expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge, emphasizing the importance of focus, discipline, and determination. The return of key figures like Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus is expected to strengthen Ghana’s midfield and attacking balance.
With the stakes higher than ever, Ghana’s 25-man squad blends experience, youthful energy, and individual brilliance. Fans across the nation will be eagerly watching as the Black Stars aim to continue their march toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
