World Cup 2026: Black Stars squad packed with qualification experience as Ayew and Semenyo lead the way

Ghana's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country's successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and striker Antoine Semenyo emerging as the most experienced members of the squad.

Ayew and Semenyo each featured in all 10 of Ghana's World Cup qualifying matches, underlining their importance to the Black Stars' journey to the global showpiece.

The duo were instrumental in helping Ghana secure qualification and are expected to carry that experience into the tournament in North America.

Captain Ayew leads a group of seasoned campaigners that includes Gideon Mensah, who made nine appearances during the qualifiers, while deputy captain Thomas Partey played seven matches.

Inaki Williams and Benjamin Asare each featured six times, with Jerome Opoku, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah all making five appearances.

Several emerging talents also earned places in the squad after contributing significantly during qualification. Jonas Adjetey, Caleb Yirenkyi, Elisha Owusu and Alidu Seidu each played four matches, while Kwasi Sibo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku made three appearances apiece.

The squad also includes a number of players who were not involved in the qualifying campaign but have impressed at club level to earn World Cup call-ups.

New faces such as Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, Joseph Anang, Augustine Boakye, Prince Adu Kwabena and Baba Rahman did not feature in the qualifiers but will now have the opportunity to represent Ghana on football's biggest stage.

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Mumin and Christopher Bonsu Baah each made two appearances during the qualification series, while Kojo Peprah Oppong made one appearance.

The statistics highlight the blend of continuity and fresh talent selected by coach Carlos Queiroz as Ghana prepares for its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.

The Black Stars will be hoping that the experience gained during the qualification campaign will translate into success when they begin their World Cup journey later this month.