World Cup dream ends for Solomon Agbesi as Ghana names final 26-Man World Cup Squad

Soccer goalkeeper in a blue kit and purple gloves standing on the pitch, looking down at his hands with advertising boards in the background.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 2, 2026

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi has been omitted from Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed his selections for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Agbesi, one of the surprise inclusions in the Black Stars’ provisional 28-man squad, had been hoping to secure a place on football’s biggest stage following a rapid rise in his international career.

The 23-year-old, who developed through Qatar’s Aspire Academy, strengthened his case for selection when he made his senior debut for Ghana in a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico on 22 May. Introduced as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 defeat, Agbesi became the only player from that squad to be promoted to the Black Stars’ main training camp as preparations continued in Wales.

Despite the opportunity to impress the technical team, Agbesi did not make the final cut. Queiroz instead selected Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang as Ghana’s goalkeepers for the tournament.

Agbesi’s exclusion leaves Benjamin Asare as the only home-based player in Ghana’s World Cup squad. The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper will now carry the hopes of domestic football supporters when the Black Stars begin their campaign.

For Hearts of Oak, Asare’s inclusion represents another significant milestone. The club will have a player at a second successive FIFA World Cup and stands to benefit financially through FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, which compensates clubs whose players participate in major international tournaments.

Although missing out on the final squad will be a disappointment for Agbesi, his first senior international appearance marks an important step in his career. Having earned his maiden Black Stars cap, the goalkeeper remains firmly in contention for future national team opportunities.

Ghana’s Final Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders: Derrick Luckassen, Abdul Mumin, Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi, Augustine Boakye

Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Prince Adu Kwabena, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante