Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed that goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi will remain with Ghana’s World Cup camp despite missing out on the final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper was one of two players cut from the provisional 28-man squad, alongside forward Paul Reverson, as Queiroz finalized his selections ahead of the tournament in North America.

Despite not making the official squad list, Agbasi will continue to train with the team and travel as an emergency goalkeeping option throughout the competition.

Queiroz explained that keeping a fourth goalkeeper close to the squad is an important precaution, particularly during a major tournament where injuries or illnesses can occur unexpectedly.

“He’s young with fantastic qualities. We have eyes on the future,” the Portuguese coach said.

The former Egypt manager also emphasized that Agbasi’s continued presence is part of the Black Stars’ long-term development strategy, with the technical team keen to expose promising players to the demands of elite international football.

FIFA regulations permit teams to keep additional goalkeepers on standby, allowing them to be drafted into the squad should any of the registered goalkeepers become unavailable during the tournament.

Agbasi has been part of Ghana’s preparations since reporting to camp in Cardiff on May 25 and has impressed the technical team with his attitude and performances in training.

His continued involvement ensures Ghana will have extra cover behind first-choice goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang as the Black Stars prepare for football’s biggest stage.

The Black Stars will face Wales in their final warm-up match before departing for the United States, where they will compete in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

While Agbasi may not be part of the official 26-man squad, Queiroz’s decision to keep him close to the team highlights the confidence the coaching staff have in his future with the national team.

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially unveiled Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to weeks of anticipation ahead of the tournament in North America.

The Portuguese tactician finalized his squad following an intensive training camp in Cardiff, where players battled for places ahead of Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

Two players who made the provisional 28-man squad failed to secure places on the final roster. Goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and forward Paul Reverson were the unfortunate casualties as Queiroz trimmed his squad to meet FIFA’s requirements.

The Black Stars were also forced into a late defensive adjustment after experienced centre-back Alexander Djiku was ruled out through injury. His absence paved the way for Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen to earn a place in the final squad.

Queiroz’s selections reflect a blend of experience and youth as Ghana seek to make a significant impact at the tournament.

Captain Jordan Ayew headlines the squad alongside senior figures Thomas Partey, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Baba Abdul Rahman and Gideon Mensah, while exciting talents such as Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Caleb Yirenkyi and Christopher Bonsu Baah represent the next generation of Black Stars players.

The squad also includes Premier League-based stars Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams and Kamaldeen Sulemana, who are expected to play crucial roles in Ghana’s attacking ambitions.

Before heading to the World Cup, the Black Stars will face Wales in an international friendly as Queiroz looks to fine-tune his side for the challenges ahead.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The four-time African champions will open their campaign against Panama before taking on England and concluding the group stage against Croatia.

Ghana’s 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful and united as the national team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Portuguese tactician shared an inspiring message ahead of the tournament, insisting that the Black Stars are dreaming of a successful campaign that can bring pride and happiness to the nation.

Ghana will make its fifth appearance at the World Cup after securing qualification for the expanded tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, with their campaign set to begin against Panama before clashes against the two European sides.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s final warm-up match against Wales, Queiroz said the team remains focused on achieving something special at the tournament.

“My message is positive — a message of hope. We dream of success at this World Cup, bringing joy and happiness to the people,” he said.

The former Real Madrid, Portugal and Iran coach also acknowledged the passion and differing opinions that surround the national team, describing debate as a healthy part of football.

“Football is a game of opinions. That’s the beauty of it. All opinions are valid. Debate, even conflict, is welcome — it keeps the fire burning. It drives us to be better, to grow, to be champions,” Queiroz added.

The Black Stars coach further stressed that his role is to bring players together rather than divide them, highlighting the importance of unity as Ghana prepares for football’s biggest stage.

“For us coaches, it’s about inclusion. Exclusion is for commentators, press and fans. My job is inclusion,” he stated.

Ghana will face Wales on June 2 in Cardiff in their final friendly before departing for the World Cup, where hopes are high that the four-time African champions can make a strong impact.

The Black Stars’ best World Cup performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals, and Queiroz will be hoping to guide Ghana beyond the group stage for the first time in 16 years.

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has opened up on the decision to hand Derrick Luckassen a late call-up to Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad following the injury setback suffered by Alexander Djiku.

The experienced Portuguese tactician admitted losing Djiku was a major disappointment but expressed confidence that Luckassen is capable of stepping up and making a positive impact at the tournament.

Djiku was forced out of Ghana’s World Cup plans after sustaining an injury during the Turkish Cup final, prompting the technical team to look for a replacement ahead of the tournament in North America.

Luckassen, who plays for Pafos FC, was subsequently drafted into the squad and has now secured a place in the final team for the World Cup.

Speaking about the situation, Queiroz described Djiku’s absence as a significant loss for the Black Stars.

“It’s one of those moments we don’t like. Djiku got injured during the Cup Final. It was a very difficult decision. We’ll miss him — he’s a great guy, a great professional,” Queiroz said.

The Ghana coach revealed that despite not working directly with Djiku for an extended period, he took time to study the defender and gather information about his qualities and character.

“I didn’t work with him directly, but I spent hours watching videos and speaking with people around him,” he added.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Queiroz stressed that the team must now focus on the players available and trust those selected to deliver when called upon.

“But that’s football. We have to move forward and show full trust in the players we have,” he stated.

The former Iran manager also explained that Luckassen’s selection was not a rushed decision, insisting the defender had always been part of the wider plans and was ready to answer the call when needed.

“The replacement was based on observation. We don’t work with just 11 or 22 players. You can win games with 22, but to be champions you need a full squad ready,” Queiroz explained.

“When we knew about the injury, we went to our list. Luckassen was ready. I know he’ll be committed, dedicated, and will perform fantastically for the national team.”

Luckassen now has the opportunity to cement his place in the squad as Ghana continue preparations for the tournament, beginning with Tuesday’s international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

The Black Stars will head to the World Cup hoping to make a strong impression in Group L, where they will face Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage.

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew believes Ghana have what it takes to exceed expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is capable of surprising many people on football’s biggest stage.

The experienced forward shared his optimism ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales in Cardiff, a match that forms a key part of the Black Stars’ preparations for the tournament in North America.

Ayew, who is set to lead Ghana at his fourth World Cup, expressed confidence in the quality within the squad and the impact of new head coach Carlos Queiroz.

“We just want to go there and put on a show and represent Africa and Ghana the best that we can,” Ayew said.

The 35-year-old believes the combination of the players’ commitment and Queiroz’s tactical ideas can help Ghana produce a memorable campaign.

“I’m confident that with the manager’s ideas and the boys’ commitment, I’m sure we will surprise people,” he added.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and will be hoping to improve on their performances in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

The Black Stars remain Africa’s closest side to reaching a World Cup semi-final after their historic quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010.

Ayew is expected to play a crucial leadership role in a squad that blends experienced campaigners with a new generation of talented players eager to make their mark on the global stage.

The friendly against Wales will provide Queiroz with another opportunity to assess his team before the final stages of preparation. Ghana are also scheduled to face Jamaica on June 10 before departing for the World Cup.

Drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 as they seek a place in the knockout stages.