Carlos Queiroz Names Experimental Black Stars Squad for Mexico Friendly as World Cup Preparations Intensify

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has announced a 23-man squad for an upcoming international friendly against Mexico, signaling a strategic shift toward talent evaluation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The friendly, scheduled for late May in Mexico, is a cornerstone of Ghana's preparation for the tournament. Due to the match falling outside the standard FIFA international window, Queiroz has predominantly selected a blend of U-23 prospects, standout performers from the Ghana Premier League, and fringe European-based players. This fixture is viewed as a final high-stakes audition for many individuals before the definitive World Cup squad is finalized by May 31.

The squad is headlined by several high-profile debutants and returning stars. Notable among the newcomers is winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who recently switched his international allegiance from England. He is joined by other first-time call-ups including defender Dacosta Antwi, who has impressed in Belgium, and MLS-based versatile defender Manu Duah. The roster also sees the welcome return of Majeed Ashimeru and Felix Afena-Gyan, both of whom are looking to reclaim their spots after lengthy absences due to injury. Domestic interest remains high with the inclusion of six local players, including goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi and midfielder Salim Adams. To ensure technical readiness, goalkeepers’ coach Daniel Gaspar has been actively monitoring local talent, recently observing Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare to strengthen the national team’s goalkeeping depth.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new talent, the national team’s trajectory has met with critical assessment from prominent football figures. Herbert Mensah, former Chairman of Asante Kotoko, has publicly questioned Queiroz’s historical World Cup track record. While acknowledging the coach's extensive experience, Mensah expressed concerns regarding the Black Stars' readiness and the administrative challenges that have historically hindered the team’s performance. These concerns come as Ghana prepares to face a challenging World Cup group containing England, Croatia, and Panama. Strategically, the technical team is under pressure to use the Mexico friendly to solve lingering tactical issues and boost player morale before the global showpiece begins.

Financial and administrative discipline also remains a focal point of the World Cup campaign. The government has proposed a budget of $12.3 million for the tournament, a figure that Minister of Sports Kofi Adams defends as a mark of fiscal discipline compared to previous cycles. There are ongoing calls from critics for the establishment of a National Sports Endowment Trust to create a more sustainable funding model for the Black Stars, reducing reliance on taxpayer funds. As the team heads into the final stretch of preparations, the combination of tactical experimentation in the Mexico friendly and the search for administrative stability will define Ghana’s quest for success on the world stage.