The Black Stars of Ghana have officially begun preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Carlos Queiroz named a 28 man squad for a training camp in Cardiff and an international friendly against Wales.
The team opened camp on Monday, May 25, 2026, and held their first training session at Dragon Park in Cardiff ahead of the much anticipated friendly scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The squad announcement has generated excitement among Ghanaian football supporters, particularly due to the return of several experienced players who have spent lengthy periods on the sidelines because of injuries.
The team selected by Queiroz includes five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards as Ghana intensifies preparations for the World Cup tournament which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
One of the major talking points from the squad announcement is the return of defender Baba Abdul Rahman. The experienced left back is making his first appearance for the Black Stars since September 2023 after an impressive campaign with Greek giants PAOK.
The former Chelsea defender has enjoyed a consistent season in Greece, making 35 appearances in all competitions while contributing three goals and three assists. His return is expected to strengthen Ghana’s defensive options ahead of the Mundial.
Speaking after the first training session in Cardiff, Baba Abdul Rahman expressed his happiness at returning to the national team setup.
“It feels great to be back with the national team again. It has not been easy staying away for this long, but I kept working hard and believing in myself. Representing Ghana is always an honour for me,” he said.
Another major boost for the Black Stars is the return of winger Ernest Nuamah of Olympique Lyon. The talented attacker has been absent from the national team for almost a year after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Nuamah has now fully recovered and is expected to play an important role in Ghana’s attack during the World Cup preparations. His pace, creativity and ability to take on defenders are qualities many fans have missed during his absence.
Coach Carlos Queiroz described the return of injured players as a positive development for the team.
“We are happy to welcome back players who have worked very hard to recover from difficult injuries. Their experience and quality will help the team as we continue preparing for the World Cup,” Queiroz said.
Defender Abdul Mumin of Rayo Vallecano is also back in the squad after recovering from a long term injury setback. Midfielder Augustine Boakye of Saint Étienne and defender Alidu Seidu of Stade Rennes have also earned recalls.
The inclusion of these returning players is expected to increase competition within the squad as Ghana seeks to build a balanced and competitive team capable of performing strongly on the world stage.
One fresh face that has attracted attention is 20 year old Paul Reverson from Ajax Amsterdam. The youngster has impressed for Ajax’s youth side in the Netherlands and has now been handed an opportunity to train with the senior national team.
According to officials, the technical team wants to assess the player closely as part of long term plans for the Black Stars.
A source close to the technical team said the invitation is aimed at gradually integrating young talents into the national setup.
“Paul is a talented player with a bright future. The technical team wants to observe him closely and help him adapt to the demands of international football,” the source revealed.
The friendly against Wales is expected to provide Queiroz and his technical staff an important opportunity to assess the squad ahead of the World Cup. Wales, known for their physical and disciplined style of play, are expected to provide a strong test for the Black Stars.
Football analysts believe the match will help Ghana identify areas that need improvement before the tournament begins later this year.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will begin their campaign against Panama in Toronto. Ghana will then face England in Boston before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Many supporters believe Ghana has a challenging group but remain optimistic that the team can progress beyond the first round with proper preparation and squad unity.
Football fans in Ghana have already started expressing excitement over the return of experienced players and the introduction of younger talents ahead of the tournament.
Some supporters who spoke to Africa Live News said they are hopeful the Black Stars can make the country proud at the World Cup.
“This team has quality players and experienced coaches. If the players stay fit and united, Ghana can do very well,” one supporter said.
Another fan added, “The return of Baba Rahman and Ernest Nuamah is a huge boost. These are players who can change games.”
As preparations continue in Cardiff, attention will now turn to the friendly against Wales, where fans are expected to get a first glimpse of the squad being shaped for the biggest football competition in the world.
For the Black Stars, the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and expectations across Ghana continue to grow with every training session and every returning player.
Africa Live News
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