2026 World Cup: GFA explains decision behind delay in Black Stars squad announcement

Head of Public Relations and Strategy for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, has called for patience on the release of Black Stars' squad for the 2026 World Cup.

His plea comes amid growing concerns raised as the entire country awaits the announcement of the squad for the 23rd edition of the Mundial in North America this summer.

Speaking to 3Sports, Neil Mortagbe revealed that a deadline had been set, insisting that Carlos Queiroz is working behind the scenes to assemble a squad capable of proudly representing Ghana.

“Well, there's a deadline that FIFA have given for the countries to release it. Until that deadline passes, I don't think that there's anything to be worried about. Carlos Queiroz is working, and they are preparing to release a squad that we believe will go out there and defend the honour of mother Ghana,” he said.

He further explained that the squad selected for Friday’s friendly against Mexico will help fine-tune the team’s tactical setup and assess squad depth ahead of the final call-up for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

“It's a preparatory game. I believe that there's a purpose for why the squad that was called up for that game was called up. Let's say, from a football fan's perspective, they might have an expectation that they wanted to see some more familiar faces.

"But I believe from the technical team's perspective, they also want to see what other options they could bring up to help to bring some level of additional competitiveness within the ultimate squad that is announced, and I reckon that is the reason why we saw the call-up that we saw.

"And after tomorrow's game, I reckon that the technical team will be in a position to release the long-awaited squad for mother Ghana,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will test their readiness ahead of the Mundial with a friendly game against Mexico Saturday morning.

The Black Stars, who are making their fifth Mundial appearance, have been housed in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Ghana, participating in its fifth World Cup, will kick off its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18, before taking on England and Croatia on June 23 and June 27, respectively.