2026 World Cup: Baba Rahman's return to Black Stars squad due to technical decision - GFA

The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the return of Baba Rahman to the Black Stars setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the decision as purely technical.

The PAOK FC left-back has been included in Ghana’s 28-man provisional squad for the tournament, marking his first national team call-up since September 2023.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum explained that previous attempts to reintegrate the former Chelsea defender into the squad under former coaches Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful.

However, he noted that current head coach Carlos Queiroz has successfully brought the player back into the fold.

"Baba Rahman’s return is a purely technical decision. Previous efforts by Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful, but Carlos Queiroz has now made it happen," Asante Twum said.

He further clarified that the 28-man provisional list represents the core of Ghana’s World Cup squad, with final adjustments still to be made before the tournament.

"The 28 players called up for the Black Stars are the final squad for the World Cup. Twenty-six of them will make the cut based on the assessment of head coach Carlos Queiroz," Asante Twum added.

Ghana, who will be making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The team is currently in Cardiff as part of its final preparations, where they are scheduled to play a friendly against Wales on June 2.

Queiroz has named a 28-man provisional squad ahead of the tournament, with the final 26 expected to be confirmed on June 1. Ghana will be hoping to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010, having exited in the group stages in 2014 and 2022.

The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the return of Baba Rahman to the Black Stars setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the decision as purely technical.

The PAOK FC left-back has been included in Ghana’s 28-man provisional squad for the tournament, marking his first national team call-up since September 2023.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum explained that previous attempts to reintegrate the former Chelsea defender into the squad under former coaches Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful.

However, he noted that current head coach Carlos Queiroz has successfully brought the player back into the fold.

"Baba Rahman’s return is a purely technical decision. Previous efforts by Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful, but Carlos Queiroz has now made it happen," Asante Twum said.

He further clarified that the 28-man provisional list represents the core of Ghana’s World Cup squad, with final adjustments still to be made before the tournament.

"The 28 players called up for the Black Stars are the final squad for the World Cup. Twenty-six of them will make the cut based on the assessment of head coach Carlos Queiroz," Asante Twum added.

Ghana, who will be making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The team is currently in Cardiff as part of its final preparations, where they are scheduled to play a friendly against Wales on June 2.

Queiroz has named a 28-man provisional squad ahead of the tournament, with the final 26 expected to be confirmed on June 1. Ghana will be hoping to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010, having exited in the group stages in 2014 and 2022.

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