Black Stars Coach Carlos Quieroz has officially released the Black Stars squad for the upcoming international friendly against Mexico, to be played on Friday, 22 May 2026. The tournament marks a significant moment in Ghana’s preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup, as the technical team looks to assess depth and cohesion across all departments of the squad ahead of the FIFA Tournament
The 23-man ssquad spans three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards and wingers, drawing from clubs across Europe, the Americas, and Ghana’s domestic league.
The squad reflects a conscious effort to balance seasoned internationals with emerging talent, a hallmark of the ongoing transition within the Black Stars setup.
Between the posts, Hearts of Oak second choice Goalkeeper, Solomon Agbasi leads the goalkeeping unit alongside Ajax FC’s Paul Reverson and Dreams FC’s Gidios Aseako, a trio that combines local and International Experience.
The defensive line is anchored by Oscar Oppong of Granada and St Etienne’s Ebenezer Annan, with additional cover provided by Dreams FC’s Ebenezer Adade, Nathaniel Adjei of Lorient, and San Diego FC’s Manu Duah. Razak Simpson, DaCosta Antwi, and Ebenezer Abban round out a compact and versatile back line.
In midfield, the squad boasts notable creativity through Emmanuel Edjei of Dundee United and Abdul Aziz Issah, who plies his trade with Barcelona B. Augustine Boakye (St Etienne) and Majeed Ashimeru (La Louvierre) provide additional dynamism, while Rak-Sakyi Jesurun of Stoke City and Medeama SC’s Salim Adams add local and English Championship experience respectively to the Midfield.
Up front, the attacking contingent is headlined by Felix Afena-Gyan of Amedspor who helped his club to qualify for the Turkish Super Lig, scoring six and assisting five times and Ibrahim Osman, who returns to the Black Stars for the first time since September 2025.
The winger has been in good form since his loan move January, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in the second tier of English football. Daniel Agyei brings experience from Kocaelispor, while Prince Amoako of Nordsjaelland, Francis Amuzu of Brazilian side Gremio, and Zulte-Waregem’s Joseph Opoku offer a wide range of attacking options that offers mobility ahead of the fixture.
The match against Mexico represents one of the more high-profile pre-tournament tests available to an African side.
For the Black Stars, the encounter serves a purpose of providing fringe players a platform to press their case crucial, to justify their inclusion and prove they deserve a place in the final 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Carlos Queiroz was officially unveiled last month by the Ghana Football Association, marking the beginning of a new era for the Black Stars as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With expectations high and competition for places even higher, Queiroz’s first squad announcement carries weight. Every player called up understands that selection is only the beginning, not a guarantee.