Carlos Queiroz Names 23-Man Ghana Squad for Mexico Friendly with Eye on World Cup

Queiroz hands debuts to Boakye and Reverson as Ghana prepares for 2026 World Cup

Augustine Boakye, Paul Reverson, and Majeed Ashimeru feature in Queiroz’s first Ghana squad as the Black Stars begin World Cup preparations outside the FIFA window.

Ghana will face Mexico, Wales, and an unnamed USA opponent before announcing their final 26-man squad for Group L against England, Panama, and Croatia.

Carlos Queiroz has announced a 23-man Ghana squad for the friendly against Mexico on Friday, May 22, mixing uncapped prospects with local-based players as he expands his World Cup pool.

The Black Stars will use the non-FIFA window clash as a key warm-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz’s selection balances experienced fringe options, first-time call-ups, and domestic league standouts, treating the game as a trial run for those pushing for a spot in his final 26-man tournament roster.

Since being introduced at Accra’s Alisa Hotel in April, the Portuguese coach has been active scouting talent across Europe and monitoring the Black Galaxies, and this squad marks his first concrete step in shaping the team.

Friendly Held Outside FIFA Calendar

The Mexico encounter falls outside the official FIFA international window, and that timing has shaped the roster Queiroz was able to pick.

Limited Access to Europe-Based Stars

Because clubs aren’t required to release players during this period, Queiroz couldn’t call on key regulars such as Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Iñaki Williams.

Room for Fringe and New Faces

In their place, the coach has brought in fringe squad members and several players who are yet to make a senior appearance for Ghana.

Merit-Driven Selection in Practice

At his April unveiling, Queiroz stressed that no one has an automatic claim to the Black Stars shirt and that every call-up would be earned on performance. This squad is the first clear example of that approach.

New Faces and Returning Names

Several players are in line for a first Ghana cap against Mexico, including Augustine Boakye, who has been linked to the squad for some time, along with Ajax’s Paul Reverson and Zulte-Waregem’s Joseph Opoku after his strong form in Belgium.

Majeed Ashimeru headlines the returnees after a lengthy spell out with a muscle injury that kept him away from the national team since his time at Anderlecht and now at La Louviere.

Felix Afena-Gyan is also back in the fold for the first time since May last year, when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago during the Unity Cup in London.

The Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak), Paul Reverson (Ajax FC), Gidios Aseako (Dreams FC)

Defenders: Oscar Oppong (Granada), Ebenezer Adade (Dreams FC), Ebenezer Annan (St Etienne), Manu Duah (San Diego FC), Nathaniel Adjei (Lorient), Razak Simpson (Nations FC), Dacosta Antwi (Anderlecht Futures), Ebenezer Abban (Heart of Lions)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Edjei (Dundee United), Abdul Aziz Issah (Barcelona B), Augustine Boakye (St Etienne), Majeed Ashimeru (La Louviere), Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Stoke City), Salim Adams (Medeama SC)

Forwards/Wingers: Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor), Felix Afena-Gyan (Amedspor), Ibrahim Osman (Birmingham City), Prince Amoako (Nordsjaelland), Francis Amuzu (Gremio), Joseph Opoku (Zulte-Waregem)

🚨 Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico, featuring a blend of home-based talents, foreign-based players, and emerging U-23 prospects. 🇬🇭

✍🏾 more on: https://t.co/4qODH18WkO#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/JmWRYrcVPv

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 6, 2026

Three Warm-Up Matches Before the World Cup

The Mexico game is the first of three scheduled friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ghana also set to meet Wales in Cardiff on June 2 and an unnamed opponent in the USA.

Final Squad Announcement Timeline

Queiroz is expected to name his definitive 26-man World Cup roster on June 1.

Ghana’s Group Stage Schedule

Ghana will compete in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. The Black Stars kick off against Panama in Toronto on June 17, take on England in Boston on June 23, and conclude the group stage versus Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.