The first squad of a new coach always tells a story. Sometimes it is about identity. Sometimes it is about survival. Sometimes it is about experimentation. Carlos Queiroz’s first Black Stars squad?
It feels like all three at once.
With Ghana set to face Mexico in an international friendly on May 22, 2026, the new Black Stars coach has unveiled a 23-man squad that already says a lot about the direction he wants to take this team.
And the biggest message is impossible to miss: This is not a “big names” squad. It is an audition.
The context matters
This squad must be understood properly. The game falls outside the FIFA international window, meaning many of Ghana’s established stars were unavailable due to club commitments.
No Thomas Partey.
No Jordan Ayew.
No Antoine Semenyo.
No Inaki Williams.
Ordinarily, that would weaken the excitement around the squad. Instead, it has created an opportunity. What Queiroz has done here is fascinating.
Rather than panic or simply fill spaces, he has used this camp to examine the next layer of Ghanaian talent; fringe players, returning names, Ghana Premier League performers, and young prospects who could become important heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This is less about the present. And more about discovering who can survive in a Queiroz system.
The biggest theme? structure over reputation
One thing immediately stands out when you look through the squad: This team looks built for tactical discipline. That is classic Carlos Queiroz.
He has never been a coach obsessed with star power. His best teams, especially with the Iran national football team, were built around organization, work-rate, and players willing to follow structure.
And this squad reflects exactly that. There are exciting names, yes. But there are very few luxury players.
Almost everyone here fits one of three categories:
- tactically flexible
- physically hardworking
- defensively responsible
That is not accidental.
The Ghana Premier League presence is significant
Six home-based players made the squad, and that alone sends a message. For years, there has been criticism that Ghana’s local league players only get token opportunities with the Black Stars. Under Queiroz, that narrative might start changing at least for players willing to adapt tactically.
The inclusion of Solomon Agbasi, Gidios Aseako, Razak Simpson, and Salim Adams suggests that Carlos Queiroz is serious about widening competition for places in the final squad.
Photo Courtesy: Medeama SC x
And perhaps no call-up says more than Razak Simpson’s. The Nations FC captain has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and consistent defenders in the Ghana Premier League. He is vocal, disciplined, and physically committed, all qualities Queiroz values heavily.
Salim Adams’ inclusion also feels important. The Medeama SC midfielder has quietly become one of the most intelligent local midfielders in the league, combining energy with positional awareness.
In many ways, this squad is a reminder that Queiroz is not just looking at pedigree. He is looking at functionality.
The return of forgotten names
There are also some intriguing returnees.
Majeed Ashimeru
Ashimeru’s return could be one of the most important developments of this squad. For years, many fans believed the midfielder never truly established himself in the national team despite flashes of quality in Europe. Injuries, inconsistency, and coaching changes disrupted momentum.
But stylistically? He might actually fit Queiroz very well. He works hard without the ball, keeps possession moving, and understands tactical shape. His only problem? Injuries. This could finally be the coach who unlocks him internationally.
Felix Afena-Gyan
This is another fascinating return. Afena-Gyan’s Black Stars journey has been chaotic; early hype, inconsistent club form, injuries, and periods completely out of the picture.
But Queiroz clearly sees something. And it probably comes down to one thing: Transition football.
Afena-Gyan is at his best attacking space quickly, which is exactly how Queiroz likes his teams to break. This might be the environment where he finally settles.
Youth is everywhere
This squad is younger than many expected. Names like Abdul Aziz Issah, Dacosta Antwi, Prince Amoako, and Paul Reverson point toward long-term thinking beneath the short-term World Cup pressure.
The inclusion of Aziz Issah is particularly exciting. Currently linked with Barcelona Atlètic, he represents the type of modern attacking midfielder Ghana has been producing more regularly; technical, confident, and brave on the ball.
But under Queiroz, talent alone will not be enough. Young players will have to prove they can stay disciplined within the structure. That is the real test.
Defensively, the squad tells the biggest story
The defenders selected reveal what Ghana could become under Queiroz.
- Nathaniel Adjei
- Razak Simpson
- Oscar Oppong
- Ebenezer Adade
These are physical, aggressive, duel-winning profiles. And that is very deliberate. For years, Ghana’s biggest issue has not been talent. It has been controlled. Queiroz appears determined to fix that first before anything else.
So what is this squad really about?
Simple: Assessment. This is a coach trying to answer critical questions quickly.
Who listens tactically?
Who handles structure?
Who can survive tournament football?
Who becomes a useful role player at the World Cup?
Because not everyone in this squad will make the final tournament roster. But some absolutely will.
And the players who adapt fastest to the demands of Queiroz’s football could completely change their international futures.
Final thoughts….
This squad might not have all the superstar names fans are used to seeing. But it may end up being one of the most important Black Stars squads in recent years. Because this is where the rebuilding truly begins.
Not through hype. Not through reputation. But through competition, discipline, and tactical identity.
Carlos Queiroz’s first squad is not screaming for attention. It is quietly setting a standard for what Ghanaian football lovers should expect. And over the next few weeks, with Ghana to Play Mexico on May 22nd , fans will begin to discover which players are truly ready for what comes next.
