Thomas Partey made Ghana’s World Cup squad, but injured Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus was ruled out after a setback in recovery.
Ghana have named ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in their preliminary World Cup squad, but Mohammed Kudus will miss the tournament through injury. The Black Stars announced a 28-man group ahead of next month’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed the squad as Ghana began preparations in Cardiff for a pre-World Cup friendly against Wales on 2 June. The final 26-man squad must be submitted before the tournament starts next month.
Kudus’ absence is the biggest blow for Ghana ahead of the competition. The Tottenham winger has not played since January after suffering a quadriceps injury during a Premier League match against Sunderland.
The 25-year-old was expected to return in March, but his recovery suffered another setback. Reports later suggested surgery could be required, ending any realistic hope of featuring at the World Cup. Kudus scored 13 goals in 46 appearances for Ghana and was one of the country’s key players during qualification. He also scored twice at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and played a decisive role in Ghana’s latest qualifying campaign.
His absence leaves Ghana without one of their quickest and most creative attacking players. Queiroz must now rebuild his attack around other experienced forwards.
Former Arsenal midfielder Partey was included despite ongoing legal proceedings in England. The 32-year-old, now playing for Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku defended the decision to include the midfielder. He described Partey as one of the best midfielders in the world and reiterated the federation’s support for the vice-captain. Partey left Arsenal in 2025 after making 167 appearances in all competitions. Injuries affected much of his final seasons in North London, but he remains central to Ghana’s midfield plans.
With Kudus unavailable, Ghana’s attacking hopes will largely depend on Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams. Semenyo enjoyed an impressive campaign with Manchester City and enters the tournament in excellent form. Williams also returns after earlier fitness concerns. The Athletic Bilbao forward is expected to play a leadership role alongside captain Jordan Ayew.
Several players also returned after lengthy injury absences. Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin and Baba Abdul Rahman were all recalled after recovering from serious setbacks. Queiroz also handed a first senior call-up to Ajax goalkeeper Paul Reverson after strong displays in the Dutch youth system. Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante also retained their places.
Ghana opened their training camp this week at Dragon Park in Cardiff. The Black Stars recently lost a friendly to Mexico, though that match largely featured domestic-based players. The African side begin their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on 17 June. They then face England in Foxborough before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Ghana reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 and remain one of Africa’s most recognisable international sides. However, the loss of Kudus significantly weakens their attacking options heading into a difficult group.
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic), Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak), Paul Reverson (Ajax)
Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City)
Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)
