Ghana was anticipating another friendly ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17; however, following unsuccessful negotiations with the targeted teams, including Jamaica and Honduras, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that there will be no additional friendly matches for the Black Stars.

Speaking during a media interview, the GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, said his outfit has not scheduled an alternative game following the failed negotiations with the two teams.

“At this point, it is a big no [to playing another friendly game]. We don’t have any game on paper at this point. It doesn’t look likely, but I am not in the position to rule out anything yet.”

He explained that any late decision would depend on the technical team’s assessment of the squad’s needs, but indicated that only a low- or mid-intensity match would be considered at this stage.

“If it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play, maybe a mid- to low-intensity game, I don’t think he will accept a high-intensity game at this point. But if it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play a mid- to low-intensity game, we will make it public. At this point, there is nothing of the sort on paper,” he said.

However, he noted that decisions regarding friendly matches and other aspects of the squad’s preparations will be made jointly by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and head coach Carlos Queiroz, with both parties aligned on the final approach to the tournament build-up.

“If the coach wants a game, we arrange. If he doesn’t need a game, we move. We told him about a second game before we played against Wales. We were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, and collectively we have decided to move on. So it’s not about only the coach or the FA. We work hand in hand to ensure that the best possible arrangements are made for the team.”

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama as they chase a first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since the 2010 tournament.

Each Black Stars player is to be paid a $100,000 appearance fee

Ghana’s Sports Minister has confirmed that the Black Stars will receive a $100,000 appearance fee for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He disclosed this during a live TV3 Hot Issues interview on Sunday, May 31. According to him, there were suggestions of a possible increase linked to the cedi's appreciation against the dollar.

"The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player. Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar (equivalent) so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so."

The practice of paying appearance fees is as old as Ghana's participation in the World Cup, with Ghana pegging the appearance fee at $100,000, in the last sixteen years

Since 2010, however, the appearance fees have been pegged at $100,000, and per the Minister's comments, the current group will also benefit.

On players currently camping for the June 2 fixture against Wales as a preparatory game ahead of the tournament,he indicated that 28 players are currently in Ghana's pre-tournament camp in Wales, with 26 slots up for grabs.

Two of the 28 players will be dropped before Ghana confirms the final 26-man squad on Monday, June 1, 2026.

On Saturday, Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams joined their teammates as the Black Stars prepared for their first pre-World Cup friendly against Wales.

Final list for World Cup

Ghana's head coach has released the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) published the squad list on its official website and social media platforms.

Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi have been omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and is replaced by Derrick Luckassen.

Here is the full squad:

Goalkeepers

Benjamin AsareLawrence Ati-ZigiJoseph Anang

Defenders

Baba Abdul RahmanGideon MensahMarvin SenayaAlidu SeiduAbdul MuminJerome OpokuJonas AdjeteyKojo Oppong Nkrumah PreprahDerrick Luckassen

Midfielders

Thomas ParteyElisha OwusuKwasi SiboAugustine BoakyeCaleb YirenkyiAbdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana

Forwards

Jordan AyewAntoine SemenyoInaki WilliamsErnest NuamahChristopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu.