Otto Addo Names Black Stars Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali
- Otto Addo has named a strong 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali next month
- There are several notable names in the squad as Ghana aim to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, with a key decision made on Thomas Partey’s inclusion
- The Black Stars face Chad in N’Djamena on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8
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Ghana head coach Otto Addo has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali scheduled for next month.
The Black Stars are aiming to qualify for next year’s World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana currently leads Group I in the African qualifiers with 15 points, having recorded five wins and one loss from six matches.
As noted by Ghanafa.org, the Black Stars will first face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on Thursday, September 4, before returning home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025.
See Black Stars fixtures below.
Otto Addo's squad to face Chad and Mali
The list features familiar names including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Antoine Semenyo, and Inaki Williams.
Union Berlin left-back Derrick Arthur Köhn, who has been closely monitored by the technical team, earns his maiden call-up after an impressive season with Werder Bremen.
The 26-year-old defender joined Union Berlin this summer following an outstanding loan spell at Werder Bremen, where he registered 27 appearances and scored two goals in the German Bundesliga.
Source: Getty Images
Winger Kamal Deen Sulemana, who recently completed a move from Southampton to Serie A side Atalanta, has also been included after making a bright start to life in Italy.
Midfielder Elisha Owusu, based in France, returns to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury.
Youngster Caleb Yirenkyi, who caught the eye at the Unity Cup in London, has been rewarded for his strong performances with Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.
Defender Tariq Lamptey is also back in the squad, while Christopher Bonsu Baah and Ireland-based goalkeeper Joseph Anang have been handed opportunities to feature in the crucial double-header.
Did Partey make Ghana squad?
Villarreal’s new signing, Thomas Partey, has been included in Otto Addo’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and will continue serving as deputy captain of the Black Stars.
Earlier reports from YEN.com.gh had suggested that Partey might be left out, but the midfielder ultimately made the cut.
The BBC reported that the 32-year-old is currently facing five counts of non-consensual acts involving two women, along with an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his spell at Premier League side Arsenal.
Below is the full Black Stars squad.
John Mensah backs Black Stars for early World Cup qualification
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh shared John Mensah’s belief that Ghana could secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as early as next month.
The former Black Stars captain stressed that maintaining consistency will be crucial in guaranteeing a place at the global tournament.
Source: YEN.com.gh
