Ghana have officially confirmed the squad numbers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the announcement of the Black Stars’ final 26-man squad by head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Portuguese tactician unveiled his squad on Monday, June 1, ahead of the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The final selection has been heavily influenced by injuries to several key players. Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of the tournament, while first-choice defender Alexander Djiku will also miss out. Centre-back Mohammed Salisu is another major absentee after suffering an ACL injury during the club campaign.
With several experienced names unavailable, Queiroz has turned to a new generation of players, with 15 members of the squad set to make their World Cup debut.
Captain Jordan Ayew remains the most experienced player in the team and is preparing for his third FIFA World Cup appearance. Thomas Partey, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Gideon Mensah are among the players set for their second appearance at the global showpiece.
Jordan Ayew has retained the number nine shirt and is expected to play a key leadership role for the Black Stars both on and off the pitch.
Several senior players have also kept their familiar squad numbers. Thomas Partey will wear number five, Inaki Williams takes number 19, Antoine Semenyo has been handed number 11, while Baba Rahman returns with the number 17 jersey following his return to the national team setup.
First-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been assigned the number one shirt, with Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare taking number 16.
However, the biggest talking point from the squad list is the allocation of Ghana’s iconic number 10 jersey.
With Andre Ayew omitted from the squad and Mohammed Kudus sidelined through injury, the famous shirt has been handed to Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The striker is preparing for his first FIFA World Cup and will carry one of the most iconic jersey numbers in Ghana football history as the Black Stars aim to make an impact in North America.
Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad numbers:
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi
- Alidu Seidu
- Caleb Yirenkyi
- Jonas Adjetey
- Thomas Partey
- Abdul Mumin
- Fatawu Issahaku
- Kwasi Sibo
- Jordan Ayew
- Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Antoine Semenyo
- Joseph Anang
- Christopher Bonsu Baah
- Gideon Mensah
- Elisha Owusu
- Benjamin Asare
- Baba Rahman
- Jerome Opoku
- Inaki Williams
- Augustine Boakye
- Kojo Oppong Peprah
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Derrick Luckassen
- Ernest Nuamah
- Prince Kwabena Adu
- Marvin Senaya
Preparations for the tournament are already underway, with Ghana scheduled to face Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium before taking on Jamaica in a final warm-up game on June 10.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England in a highly anticipated encounter six days later. Their final group-stage match will be against Croatia on June 27.
The four-time African champions will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup after suffering early exits in recent tournaments.
Source: adomonline.com
