Injury blow for Ghana as Alexander Djiku is likely to miss 2026 World Cup

Soccer player in a yellow jersey with the number 23, standing with hands behind his back on the field during a match.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 1, 2026

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant setback, with defender Alexander Djiku expected to miss the tournament after arriving in camp with an injury.

The experienced centre-back was named in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s provisional 28-man squad but has been unable to participate fully in training since joining the Black Stars camp in Cardiff.

Djiku picked up the injury during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final victory over FC Krasnodar, where he was forced off before his side eventually triumphed in a penalty shootout.

With FIFA’s deadline approaching and Queiroz required to reduce his squad to 26 players for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 28-year-old is now facing an anxious wait over his World Cup future.

Although a final decision has yet to be announced, sources close to the team indicate that Djiku is increasingly likely to miss out, raising questions about who could fill the void left by one of Ghana’s most dependable defenders.

Since making his debut for the Black Stars in October 2020, Djiku has earned 38 international caps and scored four goals. He has established himself as a key figure in Ghana’s defence and was part of the squad that competed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The potential loss of Djiku comes at a crucial stage of Ghana’s preparations. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Wales in Cardiff on 2 June before taking on Jamaica on 10 June as part of their final warm-up matches ahead of the tournament.

Ghana have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. Their campaign begins against Panama on 17 June at BMO Field before high-profile clashes with England on 23 June at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on 27 June.

The four-time African champions will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

For now, however, attention remains fixed on Djiku’s fitness, with Ghana hoping for positive news but preparing for the possibility of entering the tournament without one of their most experienced defenders.