2026 World Cup: 'Impressive' Emmanuel Agyei pushes to make final Black Stars squad list

Dundee United midfielder Emmanuel Agyei delivered an eye-catching performance despite Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in an international friendly played at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla on Saturday morning.
The promising midfielder was handed a place in the starting lineup against the North American side and seized the opportunity with a commanding display in the heart of midfield.
With assistant coach Desmond Ofei taking charge in the absence of Carlos Queiroz, Agyei emerged as one of Ghana’s standout performers and strengthened his case for inclusion in the final 26-man Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Mexico secured victory through goals in either half, with Brian Gutiérrez opening the scoring before Guillermo Martínez sealed the result for the hosts.
Despite the defeat, Agyei’s performance offered a major positive for Ghana. Operating alongside Majeed Ashimeru, the Dundee United midfielder impressed with his composure on the ball, intelligent decision-making and incisive line-breaking passes that helped drive Ghana forward.
The 21-year-old played 75 minutes before making way for Salim Adams and earned a match rating of 8.0 following his influential display.
His showing is expected to leave a strong impression on the Black Stars technical team ahead of the upcoming squad announcement for the friendly against Wales and the World Cup finals.
Agyei joined Dundee United in January and enjoyed a solid maiden campaign in the Scottish top flight, making 11 appearances as he settled into life with the club.
Ghana are preparing for their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and have been drawn in Group D alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17 before facing England at Boston Stadium on June 23. Ghana will wrap up their group-stage fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.