Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has assured Ghanaians that the final Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be announced within the required timeframe, dismissing concerns over delays in naming the team.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, June 1, the Minister explained that the technical team is still assessing players and finalising its selection process ahead of the tournament.
According to him, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz initially shortlisted about 50 players before reducing the list to 28.
“The coach has put out his 28-member team. I think he started first by shortlisting about 50. Then he screened it down to 28. And hopefully, after today, he should be able to settle the 26 that will go for the World Cup,” he said.
Adams noted that, unlike some countries that have already announced their final squads, Ghana is still in the process of evaluating players and preparing for a key friendly match.
He stressed that there was no need to rush the announcement as long as the team remains within FIFA’s deadline.
“Senegal had finished looking at every player they are supposed to look at, so they have announced. Ghana is still going through a process. We have a critical friendly to play, and so why do you rush if you have not been timed out?” he stated.
The Minister reiterated that the most important thing is for the final squad to be submitted and announced on schedule.
“So once we haven’t been timed out, why the rush? It will surely be announced, and when it is announced, we will carry through. What is most important is that it is announced within time, and that will surely happen,” he added.
His comments come after Coach Queiroz named a provisional 28-man squad for Ghana’s World Cup preparations and the international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
The squad includes the return of defender Baba Abdul Rahman, forward Ernest Nuamah, defender Abdul Mumin, midfielder Augustine Boakye and defender Alidu Seidu.
Ghana will face Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L, where they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.
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