Otto Addo announces squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has announced the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in June 2026.
The Black Stars will face Mali in Bamako on June 6 before returning home to play against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.
The 26-man squad includes debut call-ups for Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Frederick Asare, goalkeeper for Asante Kotoko, is the only home-based player selected by Addo.
Addo has maintained trust in several key players for the crucial match against Mali, including Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who has returned from injury.
Other notable names in the squad include Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), and Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).
In addition to the established players, newcomers like Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton) and Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City) have also been included.
Unfortunately, seven players are sidelined due to injuries, including Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, and Inaki Williams. Daniel Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo are also dealing with long-term injuries.
The squad will begin preparations at the University of Ghana Stadium on Thursday before departing for Bamako on June 4, 2024, ahead of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Jojo Wollacot (Hibernian FC), Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders
Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre), Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari Calcio), Edmund Addo (FK Radnicki Nis), Thomas Partey (FC Arsenal), Elisha Owusu ( AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge).
Forwards
Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City, loan from Sporting CP), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).
