Queiroz Names 23-Man Squad for Mexico Friendly

Key facts

• Twenty-three players were called up for the friendly against Mexico.
• The squad includes six players from the Ghana Premier League.
• Fifteen players are invited to the national team for the first time.
• Eight players are returnees to the squad.
• The friendly is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026.
• The match serves as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Coach Carlos Queiroz is overseeing the selection.

Queiroz Selects Squad for Mexico Encounter

Coach Carlos Queiroz has announced a 23-player squad for an upcoming international friendly against Mexico, a match crucial for Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The selection features a blend of established domestic league stars, European-based talent, and emerging U-23 players who are also in contention for Olympic Games qualifiers. This friendly, scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026, will see Ghana travel to face the World Cup co-hosts. The squad composition highlights a strategic approach by Queiroz, aiming to assess new talent and provide opportunities for players to stake a claim in the national team. Several usual names have been omitted, making way for a significant influx of fresh faces and returning players, signaling a potential shift in the team's dynamics as the World Cup cycle progresses.

A Mix of Newcomers and Familiar Faces

A notable aspect of the squad is the inclusion of fifteen players who will be making their debut for the national team. Among these newcomers are goalkeepers Solomon Agbasi of Accra Hearts of Oak and Gideon Aseako of Dreams FC, who will compete for the goalkeeping duties. In defense, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC and Ebenezer Abban of Heart of Lions join Razak Simpson of Nations FC, who returns after a significant absence. These new call-ups underscore Queiroz's commitment to broadening the player pool and identifying potential assets for the future. The inclusion of these players suggests a desire to inject new energy and competition into the squad, providing them with a platform to prove their worth on the international stage.

Key Players and Notable Returns

The squad also features a contingent of eight players who are returning to the national team fold. Majeed Ashimeru makes a comeback after a prolonged period sidelined by a muscle injury, which had limited his appearances for both club and country. Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last outing for Ghana was in May of the previous year against Trinidad and Tobago, is also included. Salim Adams, a standout midfielder for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the contingent of six home-based players. His inclusion, alongside other domestic talents like Nations FC captain Razak Simpson, highlights the coach's attention to form within the local league. European-based players such as Abdul Aziz Issah of Barcelona B, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC are also part of the selected group.

Strategic Vision for World Cup Aspirations

The friendly against Mexico is more than just an exhibition match; it is a critical component of Ghana's strategic planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Coach Queiroz appears to be using this fixture to assess the readiness of his squad, test different tactical approaches, and identify players who can contribute to the team's long-term goals. By integrating new talent with experienced players and observing their performance against a strong opponent like Mexico, Queiroz aims to build a cohesive and competitive unit. The inclusion of U-23 players further suggests a dual focus on immediate World Cup qualification and the development of future national team prospects.

Squad Dynamics and Future Outlook

The selection process has resulted in a squad that features several players who are not typically regulars, a deliberate move by Queiroz to evaluate a wider range of talent. This approach is believed to be aimed at strengthening the team's depth and ensuring that Ghana has a robust squad capable of navigating the challenges of World Cup qualification and the tournament itself. The friendly in Mexico will provide valuable insights into the team's current form and the potential of its less-experienced members. The results and performances from this match will undoubtedly inform future squad selections and tactical decisions as Ghana continues its journey towards the 2026 World Cup.

The bottom line

• Ghanaian coach Carlos Queiroz has selected a 23-player squad for a friendly against Mexico.
• The squad features a significant number of new faces, with 15 players invited for the first time.
• Six players from the Ghana Premier League have been included in the team.
• The friendly is scheduled for May 22, 2026, and is part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Notable inclusions are Majeed Ashimeru and Felix Afena-Gyan, alongside promising domestic talents like Salim Adams.
• The selection aims to assess new talent and strengthen the squad's depth for future competitions.