Head coach Otto Addo has unveiled a restructured Black Stars squad ahead of Ghana’s upcoming international friendlies against Austria and Germany later this month, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The squad reflects a deliberate mix of continuity and transition, with several familiar names retained from the qualifiers, while a handful of new faces earn their maiden invitations. Among the debutants are Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei — players expected to inject fresh energy into the team.
One notable highlight is the inclusion of Benjamin Asare, who stands as the only locally-based player in the squad, representing Accra Hearts of Oak and the Ghana Premier League.
Meanwhile, the squad announcement has sparked conversation over some high-profile omissions. Veteran forward Andre Ayew remains absent despite renewed calls for his return. The 36-year-old, now with NAC Breda, recently opened his goal account at the club but has not featured for Ghana since March last year.
Also missing from the lineup are regular wingers Osman Bukari and Joseph Paintsil, along with goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott and defender Alidu Seidu.
Injury concerns have also influenced selections, with Mohammed Kudus ruled out due to a muscle problem that has kept him sidelined since January. The midfielder is, however, expected to return after the international break.
On a positive note, Inaki Williams makes his return to the national team setup, adding depth and experience to the attacking department.
Ghana will first lock horns with Austria in Vienna on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart for a high-profile clash against Germany on March 30. These fixtures are expected to provide crucial tactical insights and team cohesion ahead of the Mundial, where the Black Stars have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
Full Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders:
Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), Derrick Köhn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Başakşehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VfL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (AJ Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre)
Midfielders:
Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Elisha Owusu (AJ Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo)
Forwards/Wingers:
Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzeň), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al-Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor)
