Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has recalled seven players who were not part of the country’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he begins preparations for the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Portuguese coach has named his squad for Ghana’s upcoming qualifying fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with a number of familiar faces returning to the national team alongside fresh additions.
Among the players who have received another opportunity at senior international level are Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Nathaniel Adjei, Jan Gyamerah, Ronald Donkor, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ibrahim Osman.
Kudus is arguably the most prominent of the returning names.
The Tottenham midfielder was unavailable for Ghana’s final World Cup squad because of an injury setback, but he has since returned to action for his club.
Kudus has featured from the bench in two Premier League matches and also started Tottenham’s League Cup defeat to Liverpool, giving him competitive minutes ahead of the international break.
His return provides Queiroz with another experienced attacking option as the Black Stars begin a new phase under the Portuguese coach.
Alexander Djiku has also been brought back into the squad after missing the World Cup through injury.
The defender was initially included in Ghana’s World Cup plans but was later replaced after suffering a hamstring problem. Despite being withdrawn from the tournament squad, Djiku has now recovered and retained his place in the national team setup.
French-based defender Nathaniel Adjei is another player returning to the Black Stars.
The Lorient defender was not part of Ghana’s World Cup squad but has now been given the opportunity to establish himself under Queiroz.
His inclusion adds another option to Ghana’s defensive department as the new coach assesses his available personnel.
Ibrahim Sulemana has also earned a return to the national team.
The midfielder, who plays for Italian side Sassuolo, missed out on Ghana’s World Cup squad but has now been brought back for the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Brighton and Hove Albion forward Ibrahim Osman is another player who has been recalled after being absent from the World Cup squad.
Osman gives Queiroz another attacking option as the coach reshapes the forward line ahead of the qualifiers.
There is also a maiden senior Black Stars opportunity for two players who did not make the World Cup squad.
SV Elversberg defender Jan Gyamerah has received his first senior call-up, while New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor has also been invited to the national team for the first time.
Gyamerah, who was born in Berlin, Germany, has developed his career within the German football system and has now earned recognition from the Black Stars technical team.
Donkor, meanwhile, has impressed with his performances in Major League Soccer for New York Red Bulls, earning a place in Queiroz’s plans after establishing himself as an important player for the American club.
While several players who missed the World Cup have returned, a number of members of Ghana’s tournament squad have been left out of the latest selection.
Deputy captain Thomas Partey is among the notable absentees.
The midfielder recently moved to the Gulf region and has also been dealing with an injury setback, which has affected his availability and match fitness.
Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jonas Adjetey and Elisha Owusu are also missing from the squad despite their involvement in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana has also been left out as he continues to deal with an injury, while Brandon Thomas-Asante has not been selected for the upcoming qualifiers.
Another significant absence is Iñaki Williams.
However, the Athletic Club forward is unavailable for a different reason after announcing his retirement from international football.
Williams ended his Black Stars career after making 28 appearances and scoring two goals for Ghana since switching his international allegiance.
His decision leaves Queiroz with another gap to address in the attacking department as he prepares the team for the next stage of the national programme.
The latest squad therefore represents a mixture of returning players, new faces and omissions from the group that represented Ghana at the World Cup.
Queiroz will use the upcoming fixtures to assess his options as Ghana seeks to begin the AFCON qualifying campaign on a strong footing.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire away from home before hosting The Gambia in Accra.
The squad is also expected to form the basis of the team for Ghana’s international friendly against Morocco in October.
With several players returning and others being given their first opportunity, Queiroz’s latest selection signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Black Stars as Ghana works towards qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
