Eddie Nketiah’s World Cup Dreams End After Injury Setback.
Queiroz Finalises Ghana’s 26-Man Squad — Kudus Out, Rahman Returns
Crystal Palace Striker Eddie Nketiah Ruled Out for Season as Ghana Talks Heat Up
Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has suffered an injury setback in training, and manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed the 26-year-old will not return before the end of the current campaign.
“For Eddie, unfortunately, it’s the end of the season,” Glasner said.
The timing of the injury carries added significance on the international front. Discussions between the Ghana Football Association and Nketiah’s representatives had recently resumed over a potential switch of nationality.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Nketiah has long been on the Black Stars’ radar. Though he has represented England at the youth level, the striker has left the door open to a switch in senior allegiance. Reports suggest growing optimism that he could be secured for Ghana ahead of the next World Cup.
Carlo Queiroz has named Ghana’s official 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the announcement made on June 1, 2026, marking an important milestone in the Black Stars’ journey to North America.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with some notable storylines dominating the announcement.
Major Inclusions and Exclusions
Baba Abdul Rahman’s return is the headline inclusion — the Greece-based left-back returns to the national team for the first time since September 2023 after an impressive season with PAOK, where he made 35 appearances with 3 goals and 3 assists.
Ernest Nuamah makes a comeback after spending more than a year recovering from a serious ACL injury, marking an emotional return for the Olympique Lyonnais winger.
However, the squad excludes star forward Mohammed Kudus, who has not recovered from a thigh injury sustained earlier in the year. Defender Alexander Djiku also missed out due to an ACL injury and was replaced by Derrick Luckassen from Cyprus.
The Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (FC St. Gallen), Joseph Anang
Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Derrick Luckassen
Midfielders: Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew (Captain)
World Cup Fixtures Confirmed
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, followed by a much-anticipated clash with England on June 23 in Boston, before concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Source: Ghana Football Association official announcement, June 1, 2026