In their subsequent two competitions, in 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars have failed to go past the competition’s group stage. Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet. It is a convenient posture that extends the uncertainty while managing the news cycle. Jordan Ayew is expected to captain Ghana, while Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among the players pushing for starting places. “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said. Ghana fixtures tab is showing the last 100 football matches with statistics and win/draw/lose icons.

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The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons. The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad. Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.

His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom. Ghana’s football export business thrives as European clubs compete for Black Stars talent. Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves. With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage. His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament. Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive international coaching resumes in world football, particularly at the World Cup.

The GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team. There are also statistics for each player in all competitions with all total played and started matches, minutes played, number of goals scored, number of cards and much more. We may have video highlights with goals and news for some Ghana matches, but only if they play their match in one of the most popular football leagues. Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore. Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has encouraged Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as he and his charges dream of success at the tournament. While injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, the 28-year-old has continued to play a key role for LA Galaxy.

The engagement session served as the curtain raiser for the Ghana talent identification programme, with Category One academy assessments scheduled to continue on Thursday. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.

For now, however, another World Cup dream has slipped away from one of Ghana’s most exciting attacking talents. With the tournament set to be hosted in North America, some observers have questioned Paintsil’s exclusion, considering his familiarity with the environment and conditions. The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region. Paintsil, on the other hand, has consistently featured for LA Galaxy and remains one of the club’s key attacking outlets whenever available. In contrast, Kamaldeen Sulemana endured a difficult season after securing a move to Atalanta Bergamo from Southampton. The winger was used sparingly throughout the campaign and made most of his appearances from the bench, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter.

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• But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman.
• Conquerors SC Juniors emerged overall champions after winning all three of their matches.
• According to Queiroz, more than half of the squad were unavailable when preparations began because they were still involved in league and cup competitions with their clubs.
• Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup boasts a strong core of players who played key roles during the country’s successful qualification campaign, with captain Jordan Ayew and…
• “We deserve to qualify for the World Cup in terms of how we played in the qualifiers. But in the AFCON qualifiers, it was a big disaster, we didn’t play that much to our level.
• “It’s our duty to make the right decisions to manage fitness and mental freshness. We want players to come here excited, not exhausted.”
• Ghana are due to announce their official 26-man squad on June 1, a day before the friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.
• Virtually every major footballing nation calls up exactly the players they intend to take to the tournament for their final pre-tournament warm-up, sometimes with one or two additional cover options.
• According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities.
• His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament.
• “We want to play great football, we want to play to win and bring joy to our fans,” he said.
• The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac.

Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament. With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes. The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac. Ghana’s worst performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.

• The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.
• The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.
• Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.
• Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…
• His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries.
• Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion.
• This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
• Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football.
• Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.
• Kudus’ £150,000 weekly Tottenham contract represents the new benchmark for Ghanaian player salaries in Europe’s elite leagues.
• “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.

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The initiative, delivered in partnership with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult, is aimed at identifying and engaging elite young talents to strengthen Ghana’s national teams for the future. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA. Had Queiroz simply named a 26-man squad on May 25, the squad he was always going to take to the World Cup, the debate would have been sharper, clearer, and concluded in a single day. The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.

However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.

Ghana name 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Antoine Semenyo

“Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer. That will not let up this summer either with the Manchester City forward expected to be a key player Ghana at the World Cup. “Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.” The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.

Why Join a Football Academy in Ghana?

“Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world. Today, I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. He also revisited the unforgettable 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Ghana stood on the brink of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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“We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope. I want to appeal to corporate Ghana to support football development because the future of our game depends on what we build today,” he added. For Queiroz, the role represents another chapter in a long international career, but also a unique challenge — guiding one of Africa’s most storied national teams on the world stage.

A young squad with talent and energy can still compete with higher-ranked opposition, particularly in a format that allows third-placed teams to reach the knockout stage. Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season. The pair played every minute of Ghana’s matches at the 2022 World Cup and were widely expected to form the backbone of the Black Stars defence once again.

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Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training. Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice. If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know. You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.

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• Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career.
• That means two players currently in camp will be cut, and in theory players currently absent could still be added before the FIFA deadline.
• Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours.
• Queiroz is still settling into his role after taking charge in April and has had limited time to work with the full squad.
• The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia.
• They defeated African Warriors Juniors 5-0 before overcoming Accra Majestics Juniors 19-0 in the Cup Final.
• Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Otto Addo earlier this month.
• And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.
• Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level.
• Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation.
• Kyereh first underwent surgery in February 2023 to repair the ligament damage.
• But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top.

Queiroz brings extensive World Cup experience to the role, having previously managed at four editions of the tournament. The Black Stars are going to face tough competition in the group stage as they will take on Panama, England and Croatia. Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.

West African Football Academy (WAFA)

The squad numbers for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign have been published by FIFA following coach Carlos Queiroz’s confirmation of his final 26-man squad.The Black Stars, who have… Despite his omission, Paintsil is expected to return his full attention to LA Galaxy as the MLS season returns after the global showpiece, with the forward aiming to help the club climb the standings and challenge for honours. Several academies, such as Right to Dream and WAFA, integrate academics with football training. This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.

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“Our vision is to build strong national teams for the future by identifying the best Ghanaian talents wherever they may be in the world. Programmes like this are critical to strengthening our talent pipeline and creating opportunities for young players to represent Ghana at the highest level,” he stated. Alexander Djiku was a decent centre-back option for the Ghana national football team in recent years. He did make it to the preliminary squad, but wasn’t included in the final list of players. The 31-year-old currently plays for Spartak Moscow and his performances have not been up to the mark this season.

All Time World Cup Stats for Ghana

Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach. The problem is structural; when a football association retains local assistants, influences backroom composition, the question of who ultimately controls selection cannot be answered by citing a scouting database. For today’s football schedule and results visit our football live score page.

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On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions. A major highlight of the competition was the participation of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through a collaboration between Coach Hakim and Madam Inusah. The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has explained his decision to call up Derrick Luckassen as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North… Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…

Coaches in 2024

The public would have had the information it deserved without being strung along through a two-stage announcement that serves the administration more than it serves the supporters, the players, or the coach. To ensure full participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches. In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions. An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.

• The opportunity to rise above expectations begins the moment the groups are confirmed on Friday.
• The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons.
• While injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, the 28-year-old has continued to play a key role for LA Galaxy.
• The 73-year-old Portuguese has substantial World Cup experience having previously overseen South Africa, Portugal and Iran on the global stage.
• There are also statistics for each player in all competitions with all total played and started matches, minutes played, number of goals scored, number of cards and much more.
• Painful omissions such as Paintsil, Ashimeru and Köhn are not technically final yet.
• Latest news on the Ghana National Football Team, including team selections, fixtures, results and coverage of their progression within international tournaments.
• Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies.
• The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.
• “There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.

The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey. To the GFA’s credit, they have gone to considerable lengths to explain the current process. The Communications Director revealed that the technical team reviewed approximately 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live.

• “There is so much Ghanaian talent across the UK, and this initiative gives these young players the opportunity to connect with their roots while showcasing their abilities to the Ghana Football Association.
• This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said.
• The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.
• That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
• Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day’s top stories from the UK and around the world.
• Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore.
• This academy focuses on creating pathways for young players to professional football locally and internationally.
• When the match starts, you will be able to follow Malawi vs Ghana live score, standings, minute by minute updated live results and match statistics.
• Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.
• His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom.

• If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know.
• This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
• The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad.
• His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries.
• WAFA competes in Ghana’s top football leagues, providing players with elite competition experience.
• Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.
• Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora.
• Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.
• The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey.
• Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion.
• The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region.
• In contrast, Kamaldeen Sulemana endured a difficult season after securing a move to Atalanta Bergamo from Southampton.

“There is so much Ghanaian talent across the UK, and this initiative gives these young players the opportunity to connect with their roots while showcasing their https://ghanabettingacademy.org/uncategorized/early-odds/ abilities to the Ghana Football Association. This is only the beginning, and we believe the future is very bright,” he said. Solomon Agbasi has come up with decent performances for his club this season.

Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline. According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities. The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport. The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country. The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.

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Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League. Players with exceptional talent may graduate into Hearts of Oak’s professional team. One of the fastest-growing academies in Ghana, known for discovering raw talent from rural areas. And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people. Queiroz succeeds Otto Addo, who was sacked 72 days out from the tournament following emphatic defeats by Austria and Germany. “Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he stated.

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The Portuguese coach declined to discuss the identity of Djiku’s replacement but made it clear that the squad had already been adjusted following the defender’s withdrawal. “We have to make a decision and replace Alexander Djiku. It doesn’t matter who was the player that I called, Djiku was replaced,” Queiroz said. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has confirmed that defender Alexander Djiku will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury, ending speculation over the availability of one of the Black Stars’ most experienced defenders.

The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.

But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman. The former Chelsea fullback was in the 2022 World Cup squad but has featured in only one international for Ghana since. Ghana finally announced its World Cup squad late on Monday after coach ​Carlos Queiroz was forced to juggle last-minute injury concerns ‌before finalising his 26-man selection.

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Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme. Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora. With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session. In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.

The media engagement session was successful, allowing the GFA to address pressing issues and concerns related to Ghana’s football development. “When the game was made, I was like, ‘this is it, I just want to do something for my national team’. It was even one of my best games for Ghana and I scored in the last minute. It was a great moment. “We need to make sure we stay focused because it’s different to friendly games – anything can happen in a tournament. We shouldn’t think about England or how they’re going to perform. Our main focus is to qualify from the group stage. Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies. In fact, Ghana have not won any of their matches since qualifying for the World Cup, in which they topped their group, and face Wales in a friendly on Tuesday. “There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.

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• To ensure full participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches.
• And yes, history often remembers moments of heartbreak,” President Simeon-Okraku said.
• The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has organised an inclusive rugby competition that brought together deaf and hearing athletes at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra.
• This academy has built a reputation for consistency in developing competitive players.
• The 28-man list announced on May 25 is not, strictly speaking, the final World Cup squad.
• Jordan Ayew is expected to captain Ghana, while Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah are among the players pushing for starting places.
• In 2026, the four-time African winners will be looking to change that when they play Panama, England, and Croatia, the bronze medallists from the previous tournament.
• However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation.
• Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has revealed that Ghana only had their full squad available on the eve of Tuesday’s friendly against Wales, describing the situation as one of the…

Ghana sit well outside the world’s leading teams in the latest FIFA rankings, and seeding for the draw is decided strictly by those standings. While qualification results added some ranking points, progress has not been enough to lift Ghana closer to the top nations. Their position is a result of performance over a longer period, not just a single qualifying campaign. By announcing 28 names rather than 26, the GFA has guaranteed a second wave of controversy. On June 1, when two players are dropped, there will be new headlines, new accusations, and new questions about why those specific two were cut. The process that was supposedly designed to reduce uncertainty has instead created a fortnight of rolling debate where a single announcement on May 25 would have sufficed.

“When it comes to world football, England are up there, but as a Ghanaian, I have to root for my boys. “We deserve to qualify for the World Cup in terms of how we played in the qualifiers. But in the AFCON qualifiers, it was a big disaster, we didn’t play that much to our level. “When you watch our World Cup games and then the AFCON qualifiers, there was a huge difference. There were a lot of criticisms around after failing to qualify for AFCON but the World Cup is huge. “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring. Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season. “Some countries didn’t even respect FIFA’s mandatory period and scheduled cup finals until May 29. This is the modern game.”

That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings. Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football. Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.