GFA president Kurt Okraku said Ghana’s 2026 World Cup roster must show commitment before being officially named.
Okraku outlined conditions for players interested in joining the Black Stars.
The Black Stars joined the list of qualified teams for next year’s global showcase.
Ghana topped Group I in the first CAF round qualifiers in October 2025.
This will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup, hosted in North America next year.
Ghana secured one of Africa’s eight World Cup slots.
Ghana’s 2026 World Cup roster to play with ‘heart, passion’ and ‘pride,’ says Okraku
Okraku emphasized the squad should consist of players with heart and passion.
The GFA set clear selection conditions for the official Black Stars lineup for 2026.
Interest in the Black Stars increased after their strong results in World Cup qualifiers.
“I want players who love Ghana, who play from the heart, with passion, and are proud to represent the nation in every competition,” Okraku told 3Sports.
“To be honest, we treat these matters on a case-by-case basis,” he added.
Review our predictions and results as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Eight CAF qualifiers join 48-team field
| Team | Region | Method of Qualification | Date of Qualification | Last times qualified | Total times qualified (including 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group A winners | October 8 , 2025 | 2018 | 4 |
| Algeria | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group G winners | October 9, 2025 | 2014 | 5 |
| Ghana | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group I winners | October 12, 2025 | 2022 | 5 |
| Cape Verde | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group D winners | October 13, 2025 | ____ | 1 |
| South Africa | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group C winners | October 14, 2025 | 2010 | 4 |
| Ivory Coast | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group F winners | October 14, 2025 | 2014 | 4 |
| Senegal | Africa (CAF) | CAF first round Group B winners | October 14, 2025 | 2022 | 4 |
GFA assures ‘no mercenaries’ in Black Stars’ lineup amid interest from foreign-born players
The GFA guaranteed the World Cup roster will not include uncommitted players.
Okraku is aware of reports that some foreign-born players have shown interest in playing for Ghana.
Eddie Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Francis Amuzu are just some players of Ghanaian descent who are reportedly interested in playing for the Black Stars.
The GFA warned that those who previously declined to play will not be considered.
“If you refused us in the past or showed disrespect to Ghana, I won’t open the door to you just because we’ve made it to the World Cup,” Okraku said.
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Okraku warns players can’t use any coach to push themselves to claim spots in the Ghana roster
Okraku warned interested players that they cannot use any coach as he cautioned players against relying on coaches to secure roster spots.
Otto Addo coached Ghana in the October 2025 qualifiers that punched them a ticket to North America next year.
Okraku stressed his responsibility in making final roster decisions.
“I don’t care what the coach wants in that regard,” the GFA leader said.
“At the end of the day, my responsibility lies with me, and I am accountable for Ghana,” he added.
Stay updated on World Cup tickets news and hospitality packages here.
Ghana’s World Cup roster: October 2025 qualifiers
| Player | Position | Pro Team |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Ati Zigi | Goalkeeper | St. Gallen |
| Joseph Anang | Goalkeeper | St Patrick’s Athletic |
| Benjamin Asare | Goalkeeper | Accra Hearts of Oak |
| Gideon Mensah | Defender | AJ Auxerre |
| Derrick Arthur Kohn | Defender | Union Berlin |
| Mohammed Salisu | Defender | AS Monaco |
| Jerome Opoku | Defender | Istanbul Basaksehir |
| Alexander Djiku | Defender | Fenerbahce |
| Jonas Adjetey | Defender | FC Basel |
| Tariq Lamptey | Defender | Brighton and Hove Albion |
| Caleb Yirenkyi | Defender | FC Nordsjaelland |
| Elisha Owosu | Midfielder | AJ Auxerre |
| Mohammed Kudus | Midfielder | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Ibrahim Osman | Midfielder | AJ Auxerre |
| Ibrahim Sulemana | Midfielder | Atalanta BC |
| Thomas Partey | Midfielder | Villareal CF |
| Abdul Salis Samed | Midfielder | OCC Nice |
| Antoine Semenyo | Forward | AFC Bournemouth |
| Kamaldeen Sulemana | Forward | Atalanta BC |
| Joseph Paintsil | Forward | LA Galaxy |
| Jerry Afriyie | Forward | Raal La Louviere |
| Jordan Ayew | Forward | Leicester City |
| Christopher Bonsu Baah | Forward | Al-Qadsiah |
| Inaki Williams | Forward | Athletic Club |
Source: Ghana Football Association
Will GFA, Okraku keep Oddo’s October 2025 roster for the 2026 World Cup?
The biggest question posed by the GFA and Okraku is whether they will keep Oddo’s roster during the October 2025 qualifiers for the World Cup.
That lineup helped Ghana post an 8-1-1 (win-draw-loss) record to top Group I with 25 points to qualify for the World Cup.
Injuries and other external factors may force Oddo to recommend a few changes before June 2026 for the World Cup.
Whether the coach’s recommendations and the GFA’s assessment of other players will be on the same page remains to be determined.
Okraku and Oddo must meet to align selections for the Black Stars.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
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