Black Stars open camp in Cardiff ahead of Wales friendly and 2026 World Cup

Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are underway after the Black Stars opened a training camp in Cardiff on Monday ahead of their international friendly against Wales.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players gathered at Dragon Park for the start of a week-long training programme as they begin final preparations for next month's tournament in North America.

The camp forms part of Ghana's build-up to the World Cup and will culminate in a friendly match against Wales on June 2, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad before naming the final 26-man roster for the tournament.

Several familiar faces have returned to the national team setup, including PAOK defender Baba Rahman, who is back for the first time since September 2023. Olympique Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah also rejoins the squad after recovering from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Other returnees include Rayo Vallecano defender Abdul Mumin, Saint-Etienne midfielder Augustine Boakye and Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu, all of whom have overcome injury setbacks to earn recalls.

The camp also offers a chance for Ajax youngster Paul Reverson to impress after the 20-year-old was included for further assessment with a view to the future.

Hearts of Oak goalkeepers Benjamin Asare and Solomon Agbasi are the only home-based players in the squad, reflecting Queiroz's preference for an experienced group ahead of the World Cup.

Ghana will use the Wales friendly as their final competitive test before travelling to North America, where they have been drawn in Group L.

The Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.