Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced a 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, highlighted by the return of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey, the team’s deputy captain, is back in the squad after missing four of Ghana’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to injury. With over 50 caps since his debut in 2016, the 31-year-old’s experience will be crucial as Ghana looks to strengthen its position in Group I.
Jordan Ayew will captain the squad, which includes three home-based players: Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu, and Nations FC defender Razak Simpson.
Among the notable selections is Southampton winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, who returns after recovering from a long-term injury. CD Lugo’s Jerry Afriyie also retains his place following an impressive display against Niger in November 2024. Another exciting addition is Christopher Bonsu Baah of KRC Genk. The versatile left-footed attacker, who started his career at Accra Shooting Stars, has risen through the ranks in Europe, playing for Norway’s Sarpsborg 08 before joining Genk in July 2023.
The Black Stars will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a four-day training camp before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24, in their second Group I fixture.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, level with leaders Comoros. Their campaign began with a 1-0 win over Madagascar, followed by a loss to Comoros. However, back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in June 2024 reignited their hopes of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
