Ghana's World Cup Preparations: Queiroz Names 28-Man Squad
Carlos Queiroz has drawn his first World Cup battle lines.
The Black Stars head coach has named a 28-man squad for Ghana’s preparation camp and the high-profile friendly against Wales in Cardiff, a tune-up that doubles as an early test of his ideas before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The group is heavy on options across the pitch: five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, seven forwards. Competition everywhere. No hiding places.
Camp opens, spotlight on Cardiff
The squad reported to camp on Monday, May 25, 2026, and went straight to work at Dragon Park in Cardiff. Those sessions lead into the friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — a fixture that will offer the first real glimpse of how Queiroz intends to shape this team for the summer ahead.
For some, this camp is a continuation. For others, it is a rebirth.
Baba Rahman’s road back
Among the headline stories is the return of Baba Abdul Rahman. The Greece-based defender, now a key figure at PAOK, is back in the national team for the first time since September 2023.
He has earned it the hard way.
Rahman has put together a strong season in Greece, with 35 appearances, three goals, and three assists across all competitions. The former Chelsea left back has rebuilt both rhythm and reputation, and Queiroz has taken notice. A position that has often raised questions for Ghana suddenly looks more secure.
Nuamah and Mumin re-emerge
On the wings, there is another significant comeback. Ernest Nuamah of Olympique Lyon returns after close to a year out. The winger has finally shaken off the anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him sidelined for more than 12 months and is now back to full fitness.
His pace and direct running were badly missed. If he finds form quickly, Ghana’s attack gains an entirely different dimension.
Abdul Mumin is also back in the fold. The Rayo Vallecano defender, like Nuamah, has fought through a long layoff caused by an ACL injury. His recall signals both his recovery and Queiroz’s intent to deepen the defensive pool with players who can handle high-level European competition.
Saint-Étienne midfielder Augustine Boakye returns as well, adding energy and creativity in the middle of the park, while Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu reclaims his place in the back line. Both bring familiarity with the international stage and the kind of edge needed for a World Cup campaign.
A look to the future: Paul Reverson
Not every name is about the present.
Ajax Amsterdam youngster Paul Reverson has been included, a clear nod to the long-term project. At 20, he is still emerging, but his performances for Ajax’s youth side in the Netherlands have impressed enough to earn a call for closer assessment.
This is a chance for Queiroz and his staff to see him up close, to test whether he can grow into a role beyond 2026. For Reverson, Cardiff is an audition on the biggest possible platform.
World Cup on the horizon
The friendly against Wales is only the beginning. Once camp breaks, all eyes turn to North America.
Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Group L, playing in Toronto. After that, the stakes climb sharply: England in Boston, then Croatia in Philadelphia. Three cities, three very different challenges, one unforgiving group.
Queiroz’s 28-man list is not just a roll call for a training camp. It is the first sketch of the squad that will carry Ghana into a World Cup packed with travel, pressure, and opportunity. The work starts in Cardiff.
What it becomes will be decided in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia.
