Benjamin Asare Stands Alone as Ghana’s Only Home-Based Player in Final World Cup 2026 Squad

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has emerged as the sole home-based player included in Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining his remarkable rise and consistent performances for both club and country.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper earned his place ahead of fellow Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, who was omitted from the final selection. Asare has enjoyed an impressive campaign and is widely tipped to start as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament in North America.

His inclusion is a significant achievement for domestic football in Ghana, as he becomes the only player currently plying his trade in the Ghana Premier League to make Carlos Queiroz’s World Cup squad.

Asare will be joined in the goalkeeping department by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. Despite Ati-Zigi’s experience as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Asare’s outstanding performances during the qualification campaign have strengthened his claim to the starting role.

The former Great Olympics goalkeeper played a crucial role in securing Ghana’s place at the global showpiece, featuring in six qualification matches and conceding just one goal. His composure, leadership and consistency between the posts have made him one of the Black Stars’ most dependable performers over the past year.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup continue with an international friendly against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday before a final warm-up fixture against Jamaica. The two matches are expected to provide Queiroz with an opportunity to fine-tune his squad ahead of the tournament’s commencement on 11 June.

The Black Stars have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside 1966 world champions England, 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia, and Panama. Ghana will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage and make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.

The squad also features a blend of experience and youthful talent, with established stars such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo joined by exciting emerging talents including Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Caleb Yirenkyi.

Ghana’s Final 26-Man 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

With Benjamin Asare carrying the hopes of Ghana’s domestic league into the World Cup, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper now has the opportunity to cement his place in Black Stars history on football’s grandest stage.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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