Black Stars Target 2026 World Cup Success: Queiroz Faces Squad Dilemmas Amid $2M Funding Boost

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have intensified as the national team receives a significant financial boost and enters a critical phase of squad selection. Indigenous mining and engineering firm Engineers and Planners, led by Ibrahim Mahama, has presented a US$2 million payment at the Ministry of Finance, marking the first installment of a US$5 million commitment. This contribution is part of a broader US$30 million fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the Black Stars' campaign in North America. Under the leadership of 73-year-old head coach Carlos Queiroz, who replaced Otto Addo following a string of defeats, the team is gearing up for a challenging Group L featuring England, Croatia, and Panama. Queiroz is currently scouting talent across Europe ahead of the final squad submission deadline on June 1.

However, the road to the tournament is fraught with personnel challenges and debates over team selection. Former Black Stars defender Daniel Opare has expressed grave concern over the potential absence of talismanic forward Mohammed Kudus, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury that may end his season. While Opare warns that the team could be in "deep trouble" without Kudus, other veterans are advocating for stability and patience. Augustine Arhinful has urged Ghanaians to support captain André Ayew, who recently joined NAC Breda. Arhinful argues that Ayew requires time to regain his peak form after a late start to the season and that his experience remains vital for a competition of this magnitude. Meanwhile, former winger Albert Adomah has praised Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, describing him as a key pillar for Ghana’s attacking future.

Beyond current stars, the technical team is also looking at emerging talent and defensive stability. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, a 21-year-old goalkeeper for AZ Alkmaar born to Ghanaian parents, has emerged as a high-profile target after being ranked as the fourth-best young shot-stopper in the world by the CIES Football Observatory. His potential inclusion comes at a time when the goalkeeping department is under scrutiny; Opare recently defended Richard Ofori against "harsh" public backlash following his AFCON error, stressing the need for fan support over condemnation. Daniel Opare further emphasized that the Black Stars must prioritize team cohesion and functional systems over individual brilliance if they hope to progress past the group stages.

As the June 17 opener against Panama approaches, the Black Stars will test their readiness in upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and Wales. Despite recent concerns over form, there is a sense of cautious optimism among former players. Opare believes the team is capable of "surprising" the world if they can build a unified squad under Queiroz’s experienced guidance. With the $2 million injection already transferred to the Ministry of Finance, the focus now shifts entirely to the pitch, where the final 26-man roster will be expected to restore national pride on the global stage.