Former Chelsea defender Baba Rahman could face England at next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup after earning a recall to the Black Stars squad for the first time since September 2023.
The PAOK left-back has been included in Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man squad for Ghana’s World Cup preparation camp in Cardiff and the international friendly against Wales on June 2.
Rahman returns to the national team after a lengthy absence, having last featured in Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in September 2023.
Following that appearance, the 31-year-old stepped away from international football to focus on his recovery and regain full fitness at club level. He also withdrew from Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as he continued to manage injury setbacks.
One of the most experienced players in his position, Rahman has made 52 appearances for Ghana since his debut in 2014, scoring two goals. He was also part of the Black Stars squad that competed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
His return comes after a productive season with Greek champions PAOK. Rahman made 25 league appearances and registered four goal contributions, underlining his importance to the club throughout the campaign.
Rahman is among several returnees named by Queiroz as Ghana step up preparations for the World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Black Stars opened camp at Dragon Park in Cardiff on Monday and will use the Wales friendly as part of their final preparations before the tournament.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L and will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto before taking on England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Rahman’s return means he could be in line to face the Three Lions, three years after officially leaving Chelsea following a spell that included Premier League and UEFA Champions League appearances.
