Ghana has missed only the 2018 World Cup since its first entrance into the competition in 2006, but a dark cloud hangs over the African behemoth ahead of this summer's tournament. The decision to part ways with manager Otto Addo just 72 days before the beginning of the World Cup raised eyebrows and concerns.
Uncertainty now engulfs the Black Stars prior to their opening group game against Panama, which precedes arduous battles with one of the favorites to win the tournament, England, and Croatia.
The Road to the World Cup
Qualification record: 8W–1L–1D
Goals for / against: 23 / 6
Top scorer: Jordan Ayew (7)
Assist leader: Jordan Ayew (7)
Despite failing to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana eased to top spot in its World Cup qualification group. Eight wins from 10 outings saw it finish six points clear at the summit, with veteran forward Jordan Ayew—playing in the English second tier with Leicester City—shining brightest. The 34-year-old scored seven and made seven also as Ghana punched its ticket.
Manager
Carlos Queiroz answered Ghana's SOS message around two months out from the start of the World Cup.
World Cup experience: Portugal (2010), Iran (2014, 2018, 2022)
Time in charge: Since April 2026
Manager meter: Disciplinarian/pragmatist
The 73-year-old is closing on 40 years of management experience and is no stranger to competing on the world stage. Queiroz has overseen four separate World Cup campaigns with Portugal and Iran, and is known to be a manager who instills discipline but high standards.
Ghana has the ability to disrupt the elite, if it can pull together and play as a cohesive unit, and Queiroz will know his first job is to get every player on his roster to buy into his way of thinking.
Tactics & Formation
Preferred formation: 4-1-4-1
Key strengths: Defensive solidity, organized structure
Key weaknesses: Keeping possession for long periods, creative play
Prior to Addo's dismissal, Ghana had been employing a 3-4-1-2 system that regularly became a 5-4-1 against more formidable opponents.
Queiroz is renowned as a defensive manager who often prioritizes avoiding defeat over targeting victory. And while that could be the wisest approach against strong group opponents England and Croatia, the chance to get three points out of the Panama game could encourage a more adventurous approach—especially given the attacking talent and powerful runners at his disposal in this Ghana team.
Key Players
X-Factor: Manchester City's willingness to bring Semenyo in for $87 million during the winter window underscored his incredible ascent to elite level. Ghana's hopes of progressing to the knockout stage are shouldered by the immensely talented forward leading its charge.
Breakout Star: Injury robbed Abdul Fatawu of his breakout Premier League season in 2024–25, but the Leicester City winger is set to raise eyebrows this summer. Renowned for spectacular strikes from a wicked left boot, he is a direct runner who has the ability to thread inch-perfect passes.
Antoine Semenyo is a ray of sunlight for one of the weakest Ghana teams in many years, but the Manchester City star will need major support from his compatriots to avoid embarrassment.
What Ghana Will Be Wearing
Few jerseys—if any—will stand out more than Ghana's this summer. An asymmetric pattern pays homage to the country's iconic Kente cloth, weaving national identity with a modern, fresh look. It's certain to divide opinion.
Ghana's away jersey has a yellow base that is enhanced by a geometric motif running across the shirt, inspired by traditional patterns.