The website for the Ghana football association, the Ghana premier league and the Ghana football team

The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.

Hearts of Oak working tirelessly to resolve transfer ban ahead of new season

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 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.

PLAYGROUNDS

However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. 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.

The media engagement session was successful, allowing the GFA to address pressing issues and concerns related to Ghana’s football development. “When the game was made, I was like, ‘this is it, I just want to do something for my national team’. It was even one of my best games for Ghana and I scored in the last minute. It was a great moment. “We need to make sure we stay focused because it’s different to friendly games – anything can happen in a tournament. We shouldn’t think about England or how they’re going to perform. Our main focus is to qualify from the group stage. Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies. In fact, Ghana have not won any of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup, in which they topped their group, and face Wales in a friendly on Tuesday. “There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.

VIDEO: Watch highlights as Medeama seal Ghana Premier League title with victory over Heart of Lions

But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman. The former Chelsea fullback was in the 2022 World Cup squad but has featured in only one international for Ghana since. Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns ‌before finalising his 26-man selection.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz: ‘Let the river flow until court finds truth on Partey charges’

The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled.
Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has encouraged Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as he and his charges dream of success at the tournament.
Ghana previous match was against Mexico in International Friendly Games, the match ended with result (Mexico won the match).
If the 28-man list is functionally the World Cup squad with only two spots to be resolved, why name 28 at all?
You can click on players from the roster above and see available personal information such as nationality, date of birth, height, preferred foot, position, player value, transfer history etc.
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.
Paintsil missed out on the previous World Cup after then Black Stars coach Otto Addo omitted him from the final squad, and a similar situation appears to have unfolded under new Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz.
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.
“When you watch our World Cup games and then the AFCON qualifiers, there was a huge difference. There were a lot of criticisms around after failing to qualify for AFCON but the World Cup is huge.
The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport.

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.

Cyprus-based Derrick Luckassen replaces Alexander Djiku in Carlos Queiroz’s Black Stars final squad for 2026 World Cup

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.
The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions.
Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and…
“To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.”
Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches.
“The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” the statement added.
If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream.
Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany.
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.

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.

Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament.
The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.
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.
Domestic football in Ghana cannot compete financially with even mid-tier European opportunities.
There was nothing, not a single footballing reason that required the GFA to name 28 players, generate a week of public debate, and then quietly trim out two names the day before the friendly against Wales.
The final list of players to represent the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been unveiled.
The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday.
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.
The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport.
Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond.
The event was expertly moderated by respected BBC presenter and Communications Director of Coachhene Sports Club, George Addo Jnr, whose leadership helped guide meaningful conversations around talent development, identity, and opportunity.
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.

Black Stars

There are also all Ghana scheduled matches that they are going to play in the future. When the match starts, you will be able to follow Malawi vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics. 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. 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. Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed that Ghana only had their full squad available on the eve of Tuesday’s friendly against Wales, describing the situation as one of the…

Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament. With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes. The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac. Ghana’s worst performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.

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.
“To go into a World Cup warm-up friendly with players arriving the day before, it’s about innovations in the game.”
The event was also attended by British-Ghanaian rugby player and advocate, Zainab Alema.
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.
No academy can guarantee contracts, but they significantly improve a player’s chances by offering exposure and development.
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.
In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions.
The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.
This season, he has registered four goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions and has remained a regular starter whenever fit.

“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.

The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons. The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad. Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.

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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 https://footbal-school-ghana.com/blog/psychological-preparation-for-matches-helping-young-footballers-in-ghana-cope-with-stress/ looked steep. The opportunity to rise above expectations begins the moment the groups are confirmed on Friday.

His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament.
“We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said.
“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.
“It’s our duty to make the right decisions to manage fitness and mental freshness. We want players to come here excited, not exhausted.”
To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process.
If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream.
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.
An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Queiroz tasked with leading the four-time African champions into the expanded global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Our vision is to build strong national teams for the future by identifying the best Ghanaian talents wherever they may be in the world.
Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland.

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.

Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League. Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team. One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas. And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people. Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany. “Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he stated.

“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.

The Black Stars’ official World Cup squad has been confirmed.

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.

Medeama crowned 2025/26 Ghana Premier League Champions in grand coronation triumph

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.

THE IMPREGNABLE FUTURE OF OFFICIATING IN GHANA – “CATCH THEM YOUNG REFEREEING POLICY”

AFCON and World Cup campaigns offer substantial bonus structures, with qualification and progression bonuses reaching six figures for deep tournament runs. “The level of talent and professionalism we witnessed here was very encouraging. 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. Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important step in reconnecting talented young players of Ghanaian heritage with the national setup. Latest news on the Ghana National Football Team, including team selections, fixtures, results and coverage of their progression within international tournaments.

Ghana Football Association launches UK Talent Identification Programme

Carlos Queiroz, with his extensive international experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and others, may prove harder to manage internally than his predecessors. But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top. The complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025) above shows that Ghana continues to invest in grassroots football, producing talents that shine locally and abroad. If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream. WAFA has produced many players for the Ghanaian national team and European clubs.

Finance & Career

The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) several times and consistently ranks among the continent’s elite. “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.” With strong collaboration between the GFA, Coachhene Sports Club, Prince Lamona Consult, and the Ghana High Commission, the future of Ghana football continues to look increasingly bright.

Being in the lowest pot guarantees that Ghana will face a top team from Pot 1, either a co-host nation or one of the world’s strongest sides. They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely. The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed. The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.

Squad Ghana

Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years.
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.
Coach Christopher Nimley has sounded strong words of caution to LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, urging him to focus on his club career after being left out of Ghana’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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.
Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important step in reconnecting talented young players of Ghanaian heritage with the national setup.

“They only started arriving because of club games until May 25. They needed rest, three, four, five days depending on minutes and intensity.” For Ghana, the fixture comes at an important stage of their World Cup preparations. Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad. The match offers Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz another chance to assess his squad ahead of the tournament in North America, where Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in Group L.

Phobia Soccer Academy (Hearts of Oak)

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.

Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme. 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. With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session. 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.

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.

Ghana next match

“Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world. Today, I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. 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. The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland.
Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League.
“We deserve to qualify for the World Cup in terms of how we played in the qualifiers. But in the AFCON qualifiers, it was a big disaster, we didn’t play that much to our level.
Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches.
The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament.
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.
“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.
Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and…
According to Queiroz, more than half of the squad were unavailable when preparations began because they were still involved in league and cup competitions with their clubs.
If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream.

And yes, history often remembers moments of heartbreak,” President Simeon-Okraku said. 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. Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches. They defeated African Warriors Juniors 5-0 before overcoming Accra Majestics Juniors 19-0 in the Cup Final.

Asamoah Gyan: Ghana legend on Antoine Semenyo influence and facing England at the 2026 World Cup

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.

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.

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.