The 26 for 2026: Ghana Black Stars Full Squad Profiles & Player Analysis

As the Black Stars intensify preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head coach Otto Addo has named a 26-man squad for crucial friendlies against Austria (March 27) and Germany (March 30) . These matches, set for Vienna and Stuttgart, represent the team’s final major tests before heading to North America, where Ghana will face Croatia, England, and Panama in Group L .

The squad announcement carries a clear message: renewal balanced with experience. Four debutants—Patrick Pfeiffer, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, and Daniel Agyei—have been handed first call-ups, signaling Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece . Meanwhile, established stars like Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams, and Jordan Ayew return to provide leadership and quality .

This ASJ guide provides comprehensive profiles of every player in the squad, analyzing their club form, international experience, playing styles, and expected roles in the team’s World Cup campaign.

The Four New Faces: Debutants to Watch

Derrick Luckassen (Defender)

Club: Pafos FC (Cyprus)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 29
Previous Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, PSV Eindhoven, Hertha BSC, Anderlecht, Kasımpaşa, Fatih Karagümrük, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Profile:
A product of AZ Alkmaar’s famed academy, Luckassen brings extensive European experience to the Black Stars defense . His career has taken him through top leagues in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, and Israel, accumulating valuable experience against diverse playing styles.

Recent Form:
Luckassen enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season, winning the Cypriot league title with Pafos and scoring the club’s first-ever goal in UEFA Champions League qualification . This European pedigree makes him a valuable addition as Ghana prepares to face world-class opposition in the World Cup.

Strengths: Physical presence, aerial dominance, experience across multiple leagues, ability to score from set pieces .

International Outlook: Expected to compete for a centre-back spot alongside Alexander Djiku and Jonas Adjetey. His Dutch-style technical foundation suits Addo’s preference for ball-playing defenders.

Marvin Senaya (Defender)

Club: AJ Auxerre (France)
Position: Full-back / Wing-back
Age: 24
Previous Clubs: RC Strasbourg, FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, FC Lausanne-Sport

Profile:
Senaya has steadily risen through French football since making his professional debut in 2021 . Currently featuring regularly in Ligue 1 with Auxerre, he has developed into a reliable and promising defensive talent .

Recent Form:
Consistent playing time in France’s top flight has sharpened his defensive awareness and attacking contributions. Notably, Senaya was also named in Togo’s squad for these friendlies, indicating his dual-nationality appeal .

Strengths: Versatility across defensive positions, technical comfort on the ball, pace, ability to contribute to attacks .

International Outlook: Provides depth at full-back and could feature as a wing-back if Addo employs a system with attacking width. His French football upbringing aligns with the technical profile Ghana increasingly values.

Daniel Agyei (Forward)

Club: Kocaelispor (Turkey)
Position: Forward / Winger
Age: 27
Previous Clubs: Burnley, Oxford United, Crewe Alexandra, Leyton Orient

Profile:
Born in England, Agyei has built his career across the English football pyramid before moving to Turkey . He made three substitute appearances in the Premier League with Burnley, giving him a taste of top-flight football .

Recent Form:
Regular football in Turkey’s second tier has provided consistent playing time and goal-scoring opportunities. His versatility across forward positions makes him a valuable squad option.

Strengths: Pace, direct running at defenders, ability to play centrally or wide, physical presence .

International Outlook: Agyei adds depth to Ghana’s attacking options and will compete for minutes behind established stars. His English football background brings familiarity with the physical demands of British football—relevant given Ghana’s World Cup group includes England.

Patrick Pfeiffer (Defender)

Club: SV Darmstadt 98 (Germany)
Position: Defender
Age: 25
Previous Clubs: Darmstadt 98

Profile:
Pfeiffer plies his trade in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga with Darmstadt 98, a club chasing promotion to the Bundesliga during the 2025-26 season  . His call-up reflects Addo’s close monitoring of German football, where he previously served as a Borussia Dortmund assistant.

Recent Form:
Regular starter for a promotion-chasing side, providing valuable experience in high-stakes matches. His German football upbringing brings tactical discipline and positional awareness.

Strengths: Defensive solidity, tactical discipline (typical of German-trained defenders), aerial ability, composure under pressure .

International Outlook: Pfeiffer strengthens Ghana’s defensive options and represents the type of dual-heritage player Ghana has successfully integrated. His German football education complements the squad’s existing defensive profiles.

Goalkeepers: The Last Line

Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Club: St. Gallen (Switzerland)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 29
Caps: 20+ (estimated)

Profile:
Ati-Zigi remains Ghana’s most experienced goalkeeper and the likely first choice for the upcoming friendlies . His consistent performances in the Swiss Super League have established him as a reliable last line of defense.

Strengths: Shot-stopping, command of penalty area, experience with national team, consistency.

International Outlook: Expected to start against Austria and Germany as Addo assesses his readiness for World Cup duty. His experience will be crucial in a group featuring Croatia, England, and Panama.

Benjamin Asare

Club: Accra Hearts of Oak (Ghana)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 28
Caps: Debutant

Profile:
Asare is the only Ghana Premier League player selected in the squad, a testament to his exceptional form for Accra Hearts of Oak . The GFA has clarified that his inclusion was based strictly on performance data and technical assessment, not tokenism .

Recent Form:
Asare has been dominant in the Ghana Premier League, keeping 11 clean sheets while demonstrating sharp reflexes, authority in the air, and composure under pressure . His performances have earned widespread praise, with analysts suggesting “he doesn’t look like someone ready to give up that number one spot anytime soon” .

Strengths: Communication with defense, shot-stopping, command of crosses, consistency .

International Outlook: Asare’s inclusion signals that domestic performances can still earn national team recognition. He provides a credible alternative to Ati-Zigi and could feature in these friendlies.

Joseph Anang

Club: St. Patrick’s Athletic (Ireland)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 24
Caps: Uncapped

Profile:
The youngest goalkeeper in the squad, Anang has been developing his career in the League of Ireland Premier Division. His call-up reflects Addo’s commitment to expanding the goalkeeper pool.

Strengths: Youth, potential, opportunity to learn from senior colleagues.

International Outlook: Unlikely to feature prominently in these friendlies but gains valuable experience training with the senior squad.

Defenders: The Shield

Alexander Djiku

Club: Spartak Moscow (Russia)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 31
Caps: 30+ (estimated)

Profile:
Djiku is the heartbeat of Ghana’s defense—aggressive, vocal, and fearless . His leadership at the back has been invaluable since committing his international future to Ghana.

Strengths: Reading danger early, physical presence, commitment to challenges, organizational skills .

International Outlook: Remains first-choice centre-back and will anchor the defense against Austria and Germany. His partnership with younger defenders like Adjetey will be crucial.

Jonas Adjetey

Club: VfL Wolfsburg (Germany)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 21
Caps: 5+ (estimated)

Profile:
Adjetey represents the future of Ghana’s defense. His move to Wolfsburg came off the back of strong performances in Switzerland, and he has shown he can adapt quickly to higher levels .

Strengths: Calm on the ball, physically strong, composure beyond his years, ability to complement more aggressive partners .

International Outlook: Expected to partner Djiku in central defense. His composure balances Djiku’s intensity, forming a potentially excellent long-term partnership.

Gideon Mensah

Club: AJ Auxerre (France)
Position: Left-back
Age: 26
Caps: 20+ (estimated)

Profile:
Mensah remains a constant presence at left-back. Even with Auxerre battling relegation, he has quietly put together a consistent run of performances, playing over 20 games in a tough European league .

Strengths: Defensive awareness, recovery pace, reliability, predictability in the best sense .

International Outlook: First-choice left-back. His experience in French football, including alongside new teammate Marvin Senaya at Auxerre, adds familiarity.

Jerome Opoku

Club: İstanbul Başakşehir (Turkey)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 26
Caps: 10+ (estimated)

Profile:
Opoku provides additional centre-back depth with experience in Turkey’s top flight. His physical profile complements Djiku and Adjetey.

Strengths: Aerial ability, physical presence, comfort in possession.

International Outlook: Valuable squad option who could feature if Addo rotates the defense.

Caleb Yirenkyi

Club: FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
Position: Right-back / Midfield
Age: 22
Caps: 3+ (estimated)

Profile:
Yirenkyi adds a modern twist to the right-back role. Naturally comfortable in midfield, he doesn’t just overlap—he inverts, steps into central areas, and helps Ghana control possession .

Strengths: Tactical flexibility, technical quality, ability to shift shapes mid-game, defensive discipline .

International Outlook: Competing for the right-back position. His ability to play multiple roles makes him valuable for tournament squads.

Derrick Köhn

Club: Union Berlin (Germany)
Position: Left-back / Wing-back
Age: 26
Caps: 5+ (estimated)

Profile:
Köhn provides competition for Mensah at left-back. His experience in the German Bundesliga with Union Berlin adds quality depth.

Strengths: Attacking contributions, crossing, energy up and down the flank.

International Outlook: Valuable squad option who could feature in friendlies as Addo assesses options.

Kojo Oppong Pepprah

Club: OGC Nice (France)
Position: Defender
Age: 20
Caps: Uncapped

Profile:
One of the youngest players in the squad, Pepprah represents the emerging talent within Ghana’s defensive ranks. His development at Ligue 1 club OGC Nice suggests a bright future.

Strengths: Youth, potential, exposure to French top-flight training.

International Outlook: Likely to gain experience rather than significant minutes, but inclusion signals long-term planning.

Midfielders: The Engine Room

Thomas Partey

Club: Villarreal (Spain)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Age: 32
Caps: 50+ (estimated)

Profile:
Partey remains Ghana’s most experienced midfielder and a crucial figure in the squad. Despite a stop-start season, his quality is undeniable . He returns to the squad alongside fellow experienced heads after previous absences .

Strengths: Positional awareness, ability to dictate tempo, breaking lines with passes, experience at highest level .

International Outlook: Expected to anchor midfield alongside a more defensive partner. His ability to control games will be vital against Austria and Germany.

Kwasi Sibo

Club: Real Oviedo (Spain)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Age: 26
Caps: 5+ (estimated)

Profile:
Sibo does the dirty work in midfield. He is not there to create headlines—he is there to win tackles, disrupt opposition rhythm, and provide a shield in front of the defense . His form has earned consistent recognition .

Strengths: Tackling, energy, defensive positioning, work rate .

International Outlook: Expected to partner Partey, providing the defensive balance that allows Ghana’s attackers freedom.

Elisha Owusu

Club: AJ Auxerre (France)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Age: 27
Caps: 10+ (estimated)

Profile:
Owusu provides additional midfield depth with experience in French football. His club connection with Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya at Auxerre adds familiarity.

Strengths: Ball-winning, energy, tactical discipline.

International Outlook: Valuable squad option who could feature off the bench or in rotated lineups.

Ibrahim Sulemana

Club: Cagliari (Italy)
Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 21
Caps: 5+ (estimated)

Profile:
Sulemana returns to the squad after previous call-ups, bringing energy and technical quality from his experience in Serie A .

Strengths: Technical ability, energy, box-to-box potential.

International Outlook: Competing for minutes behind Partey and Sibo. His youth makes him a candidate for the 2026 World Cup squad and beyond.

Forwards: The Firepower

Antoine Semenyo

Club: Manchester City (England)
Position: Forward / Winger
Age: 26
Caps: 25+ (estimated)

Profile:
Semenyo is in the form of his life. Fifteen Premier League goals for Manchester City is no fluke—it reflects a player full of confidence, power, and belief . He drives at defenders, takes risks, and has developed a clinical edge in front of goal.

Recent Form:
Veteran Ghanaian coach J.E. Sarpong identifies Semenyo as the squad’s standout player, noting he is “playing regularly at a very high level” while expressing concern that the team lacks sufficient players at elite clubs .

Strengths: Power, direct running, clinical finishing, confidence, ability to create chances .

International Outlook: Ghana’s most dangerous attacking outlet. Expected to start and be the focal point of attacks against Austria and Germany.

Iñaki Williams

Club: Athletic Bilbao (Spain)
Position: Forward
Age: 31
Caps: 20+ (estimated)

Profile:
Williams returns to the squad after previous spells with the national team . His pace and power have troubled defenses throughout his career at Athletic Bilbao.

Strengths: Electrifying pace, movement, ability to stretch defenses, experience at highest level.

International Outlook: Provides a different attacking dimension—direct running in behind defenses. Could feature alongside or in competition with Semenyo.

Jordan Ayew

Club: Leicester City (England)
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Age: 34
Caps: 90+ (estimated)

Profile:
Jordan Ayew brings invaluable experience to the squad. Operating in the number 10 role, he offers intelligence over flair—dropping deep to link play, holding up the ball, and creating space for others . In a squad without a natural creator, his adaptability becomes crucial .

Strengths: Experience, hold-up play, tactical intelligence, versatility, leadership.

International Outlook: Expected to feature centrally behind the main striker. His experience will be vital in a young squad.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku

Club: Leicester City (England)
Position: Winger
Age: 21
Caps: 15+ (estimated)

Profile:
Fatawu brings excitement to Ghana’s attack. His numbers—9 goals and 7 assists in the Championship—tell only part of the story . He is direct, fearless, and always looking to take on defenders.

Strengths: Dribbling, creativity, unpredictability, ability to cut inside or stretch play wide .

International Outlook: Expected to feature on one flank. His partnership with Jordan Ayew at Leicester adds club-level understanding.

Brandon Thomas-Asante

Club: Coventry City (England)
Position: Forward
Age: 26
Caps: 5+ (estimated)

Profile:
Thomas-Asante is a forward who thrives on movement and instinct. His 11 goals in the Championship highlight his ability to be in the right place at the right time .

Strengths: Movement, pressing from the front, linking play, goal-scoring instinct .

International Outlook: Provides a different forward option—mobile, hard-working, and intelligent. Could feature centrally or wide.

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Club: Atalanta (Italy)
Position: Winger
Age: 24
Caps: 15+ (estimated)

Profile:
Sulemana adds pace and trickery to Ghana’s attacking options. His move to Atalanta has exposed him to Italian tactical sophistication.

Strengths: Pace, dribbling, ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

International Outlook: Competing for minutes on the wings. His direct style could be valuable against tired defenses.

Christopher Bonsu Baah

Club: Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia)
Position: Winger
Age: 21
Caps: 3+ (estimated)

Profile:
Bonsu Baah represents Ghana’s next generation of attacking talent. His move to Saudi Arabia’s growing league provides competitive football.

Strengths: Pace, direct running, potential.

International Outlook: Development squad member gaining valuable experience.

Prince Adu

Club: Viktoria Plzeň (Czech Republic)
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Caps: 2+ (estimated)

Profile:
Adu has been developing his game in Czech football, gaining European experience with Viktoria Plzeň.

Strengths: Physical presence, hold-up play, European experience.

International Outlook: Long-term prospect for Ghana’s attack.

The Absentee: Mohammed Kudus

Injury Sidelines Key Playmaker

One notable absence from the squad is influential midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who has been sidelined with an injury since January 7, 2026 . Kudus has been a transformative figure for Ghana, and his absence is significant.

Impact:
Kudus’s creativity and goal-scoring ability from midfield will be missed in these friendlies. His absence places greater responsibility on Jordan Ayew to create chances and on Thomas Partey to dictate play from deeper positions .

Recovery Outlook:
Assuming full recovery, Kudus remains central to Ghana’s World Cup plans. These friendlies would have provided ideal preparation, but the priority must be his complete fitness for the tournament.

Tactical Analysis: The Best Possible XI

Based on current form and tactical fit, analysts have identified the strongest lineup Addo could field :

Analysis:
This XI may not be filled with global superstars, but it has clarity in roles, balance across the pitch, and players who understand their responsibilities . The midfield pairing of Partey and Sibo provides defensive solidity, while the front four offer pace, creativity, and goal threat.

If Otto Addo can get them to click, Ghana will not just compete—they will be a difficult side to break down and an even harder one to stop .

Expert Assessment: J.E. Sarpong’s Verdict

Veteran Ghanaian coach J.E. Sarpong, who previously managed Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko and played a key role in developing Asamoah Gyan, has delivered an honest assessment of the squad .

The Concern:
Sarpong believes the squad lacks enough top-level players competing regularly at the highest level. Aside from Antoine Semenyo, who features consistently for Manchester City, the team does not currently have sufficient players at elite clubs .

His Words:

When you look at the squad critically, and you want to be honest, apart from Antoine Semenyo, who is playing regularly at a very high level, we don’t have many players competing consistently in the top leagues. That is something we must admit.”

The Context:
Sarpong contrasts the current squad with Ghana’s 2010 generation:

If Ghana wants to be competitive at the World Cup, we need more players featuring regularly at the highest level because that experience makes a big difference. That would even make Otto Addo’s job easier. When we performed well in 2010, we had a lot of quality; Sulley (Muntari), Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng, and co.

This assessment frames the challenge facing Addo: maximizing a talented but not star-studded squad through tactical organization and collective effort.

Squad Summary Table

Conclusion: Building for the World Cup

The Black Stars squad named for the Austria and Germany friendlies reflects Otto Addo’s vision: a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting newcomers, all building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup .

The four debutants—Luckassen, Senaya, Agyei, and Pfeiffer—represent the renewal Addo seeks, while established stars like Partey, Williams, and Ayew provide the backbone . Benjamin Asare’s inclusion as the sole local player demonstrates that domestic performances can still earn recognition .

The matches ahead are stern tests. Austria and Germany will push Ghana defensively and expose any tactical weaknesses. But these are precisely the challenges needed before facing Croatia, England, and Panama in Group L .

As J.E. Sarpong noted, this squad may not have the individual star power of 2010 . But it has something equally important: clarity in roles, balance across positions, and players who understand their responsibilities . If Otto Addo can mold them into a cohesive unit, Ghana will arrive in North America ready to compete.

The journey continues in Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30. For the 26 players selected, these 180 minutes could determine their World Cup fate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are the four debutants in the latest Black Stars squad?
The four new faces are Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC, Cyprus), Marvin Senaya (AJ Auxerre, France), Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor, Turkey), and Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt 98, Germany) .

2. Which players returned to the squad after previous absences?
Key players returning include Iñaki Williams, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, and Ibrahim Sulemana .

3. Why is Mohammed Kudus not in the squad?
Kudus has been sidelined with an injury since January 7, 2026 and was not fit for selection .

4. Who is the only Ghana Premier League player selected?
Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak is the sole local-based player in the squad, selected based on his exceptional form and 11 clean sheets .

5. When are the friendlies against Austria and Germany?
Ghana faces Austria on March 27, 2026 in Vienna, followed by Germany on March 30, 2026 in Stuttgart .

6. What is Ghana’s World Cup group for 2026?
Ghana is in Group L alongside Croatia, England, and Panama .

7. Who is expected to be Ghana’s starting goalkeeper?
Lawrence Ati-Zigi is the most experienced option, but Benjamin Asare’s domestic form has created genuine competition .

8. Which player is in the best form currently?
Antoine Semenyo has scored 15 Premier League goals for Manchester City and is widely considered Ghana’s most dangerous attacking outlet .

9. What is the tactical analysis of the best possible XI?
Analysts suggest a lineup featuring Asare in goal, Yirenkyi and Mensah at full-back, Djiku and Adjetey at centre-back, Partey and Sibo in midfield, with Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Semenyo, and Thomas-Asante in attack .

10. Has Otto Addo named a 26-man squad?
Yes, the squad consists of 26 players for the two friendly matches .