Carlos Queiroz names 23-man Black Stars squad for Mexico friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has announced a 23-man squad for the Ghana national football team’s upcoming international friendly against the Mexico national football team on Friday, May 22.

The fixture forms a key part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Portuguese tactician using the opportunity to assess a broader pool of players ahead of naming his final squad.

Opportunity for Fringe and Home-Based Players

With the match scheduled outside the official FIFA international window, European clubs are not obliged to release players. As a result, several regular stars are absent, giving fringe players, debutants, and locally based talents a rare chance to impress.

This approach reflects Queiroz’s philosophy since his unveiling in Accra—selection will be based strictly on merit, not reputation.

New Faces and Key Returns

The squad features several potential debutants, including Augustine Boakye, Paul Reverson and Joseph Opoku, all of whom have been rewarded for their recent performances at club level.

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There are also notable returns, with Majeed Ashimeru back after a long injury layoff, while Felix Afena-Gyan re-enters the national setup after his last appearance in 2025.

Strong Representation from Local League

Six home-based players have been included, highlighting the coach’s commitment to evaluating domestic talent. Among them are Salim Adams of Medeama SC, Razak Simpson of Nations FC, and Dreams FC duo Ebenezer Adade and Gidios Aseako.

Their inclusion offers a significant opportunity to prove their readiness for international football under one of the game’s most experienced coaches.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:
Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak), Paul Reverson (Ajax), Gidios Aseako (Dreams FC)

Defenders:
Oscar Oppong (Granada), Ebenezer Adade (Dreams FC), Ebenezer Annan (St Etienne), Manu Duah (San Diego FC), Nathaniel Adjei (Lorient), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Dacosta Antwi (Anderlecht Futures), Ebenezer Abban (Heart of Lions)

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Midfielders:
Emmanuel Edjei (Dundee United), Abdul Aziz Issah (Barcelona B), Augustine Boakye (St Etienne), Majeed Ashimeru (La Louvière), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Stoke City), Salim Adams (Medeama SC)

Forwards/Wingers:
Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor), Felix Afena-Gyan (Amedspor), Ibrahim Osman (Birmingham City), Prince Amoako (Nordsjaelland), Francis Amuzu (Gremio), Joseph Opoku (Zulte-Waregem)

Bigger Picture: Final Preparations for World Cup

The Mexico clash is one of three warm-up matches before the World Cup. Ghana will also face the Wales national football team on June 2, before another friendly in the United States.

Queiroz is expected to name his final 26-man squad on June 1 as Ghana prepares for Group L alongside the England national football team, the Croatia national football team and the Panama national football team.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England and Croatia in subsequent group matches.