Otto Addo Names Black Stars Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali
- Otto Addo has named a strong 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September
- Several notable names made the squad to pursue back-to-back World Cups, with an important decision made about Thomas Partey
- The Black Stars are set to face Chad in N’Djamena on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8
Ghana coach Otto Addo has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali next month.
The Black Stars are in a strong position to qualify for next year’s tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana leads Group I in the African qualifiers with 15 points, having recorded five wins and one loss from six matches, and are currently three points ahead of second-placed Comoros and five points ahead of Madagascar, according to ESPN.
As noted by Ghanafa.org, the Black Stars face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before returning home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8, ahead of their two final games in October.
The Black Stars post on X about their next two fixtures is below:
Ghana's squad to face Chad and Mali
The list of players representing Ghana features familiar names including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams.
Union Berlin left-back Derrick Arthur Köhn, who has been monitored by the technical team, has earned his first call-up after impressing on loan at Werder Bremen.
According to Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old defender made 27 appearances and scored two goals in the German Bundesliga after joining Bremen on loan last season from Turkish giants Galatasaray, and already has a goal for his new German club.
Source: Getty Images
Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, who recently completed a move from Southampton to Serie A side Atalanta, has also been included after making a bright start to life in Italy.
Midfielder Elisha Owusu, who is currently based in France, makes his return to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury.
Youngster Caleb Yirenkyi, who impressed at the Unity Cup in May this year, has been rewarded for his strong performances with Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.
Defender Tariq Lamptey is also back in the squad, while Christopher Bonsu Baah and Ireland-based goalkeeper Joseph Anang have also been handed opportunities.
Villarreal’s new signing, Thomas Partey, has been included in Coach Addo’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and will continue serving as deputy captain.
Earlier reports from YEN.com.gh had suggested that Partey might miss on selection for the Black Stars, but the former Arsenal midfielder ultimately made the cut.
The BBC reported that the 32-year-old is currently facing five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his spell at the Premier League side.
Below is the full Ghana squad for the next to World Cup qualifiers, as posted by the Black Stars on X:
While none of the African 2026 World Cup qualifier slots have been filled, some teams have emerged as top contenders.
Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Tunisia are currently leading their groups.
Mensah backs Ghana qualifying for World Cup
YEN.com.gh previously reported that John Mensah's belief that Ghana would qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as early as September.
The former Black Stars captain stressed that maintaining consistency would be crucial in guaranteeing a position at the global tournament.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
