World Cup 2026: Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi misses out on Ghana’s final squad

Solomon Agbesi has been left out of Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Carlos Queiroz named his 26-man squad for the tournament.

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper was one of the surprises in the Black Stars’ provisional 28-man squad and was hoping to secure a place in the final team for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Agbesi, a product of the Aspire Academy in Qatar, boosted his chances when he made his senior debut for Ghana in a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico on May 22, 2026. He came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat and became the only player from that friendly squad to be drafted into the Black Stars’ main camp while the rest of the team continued preparations in Wales.

Despite the opportunity to impress, the shot-stopper failed to make the final cut, with the technical team opting for Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang as Ghana’s goalkeepers for the tournament.

Agbesi’s omission means Benjamin Asare remains the only home-based player included in the final squad. The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper is set to represent both club and country on football’s biggest stage.

For Hearts of Oak, Asare’s inclusion marks a second consecutive World Cup representation for the club and is expected to bring significant financial benefits through FIFA’s club compensation programme.

Ghana's Final Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers:
Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders:
Derrick Luckassen, Abdul Mumin, Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya

Midfielders:
Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi, Augustine Boakye

Attackers:
Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Prince Adu Kwabena, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante

While missing out on the World Cup squad will be a disappointment for Agbesi, the 23-year-old can take pride in earning his first Black Stars cap and will hope to remain in contention for future national team assignments.