Set to be thrust into the starting XI following injuries to Jojo Wollacott and Richard Ofori, Ati-Zigi has made over a century of appearances in the Swiss top flight, although he’s rarely shown for the Black Stars that he’s got the quality to be No. 1.
Faces a straight race with Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion to start at right-back, with Odoi contributing experience and defensive stability.
The former Belgium international only made his debut in March, despite currently being 34, having been consistently overlooked by the country of his birth.
Took his sweet time to commit to Ghana, indicating he preferred to focus on his club career, but now comes into the squad to immediately bolster the defensive.
Rugged, physical presence, who is also comfortable playing out from the back; does Otto Addo break up is Amartey-Djiku partnership, or add Salisu into a back three?
Hasn’t always appeared to have had the trust of managers at Leicester City, but has been praised by Brendan Rodgers this season for his warrior-like qualities and professionalism.
His versatility—he can play at right-back or at the base of the midfield—makes him a valuable squad member.
Assertive, composed centre-back who is also comfortable on the ball, Djiku has endured some fitness issues in the build-up to the tournament, but should be good to go in Qatar.
Raised in France, he’s the reigning Ghanaian Footballer of the Year.
Likely to start at left-back ahead of Abdul Rahman Baba, Mensah has been playing in Ligue 1 this season after struggling to assert himself at Red Bull Salzburg.
Potential match-winner on his day, helping Ghana win the midfield battle and also chipping in with goals.
He’s enjoying a fine season with Arsenal alongside Granit Xhaka, but concerns persist about his brittle fitness.
The injury absence of Iddrisu Baba means that Owusu is the only pure defensive midfielder still standing in the squad, but with only a few caps to his name, will he be trusted to deputise for the crocked Real Mallorca man?
Enjoyed a remarkable turnaround at Ajax this season, from pushing for a transfer ahead of deadline day to establishing himself as one of the Dutch giants’ chief goal threats.
He’s scored four in the Champions League group stage, and a further five in the Eredivisie, demonstrating his versatility by starring as a false nine.
It will be intriguing to see how Ghana use him in Qatar.
Work rate and endeavour are rarely faulted, even if his goal threat with both club and country isn’t what it should be.
One of the squad’s experienced heads, at 31, Jordan is one of the two sons of Abedi Pele to be representing Ghana in Qatar.
The last man standing from the 2010 squad that reached the World Cup quarter-final, Dede is the Black Stars’ skipper and remains a dangerous presence in front of goal.
However, his stock has fallen following a difficult Nations Cup in which he rowed with Gabon’s coach, criticised the Panthers after the match, and then got sent off against Comoros when Ghana needed him most.
New arrival in the Ghana squad, despite having been capped—once—by Spain in the past.
He arrives at the World Cup in the midst of an all-time La Liga run of consecutive starts and, in the absence of other options, is expected to lead the line.
His brother Nico represents Spain.
Only made his debut for the national side earlier this year, and despite impressing in the Chile victory in June, is only likely to be used on the bench, even considering the country’s goalkeeping crisis.
Introduced to the squad due to the goalkeeping injury crisis, but the 19-year-old Asante Kotoko man will be firmly Ghana’s third-choice in Qatar.
One for the future, perhaps…
Has been in and out of the Brighton team this season amidst fitness issues, but has proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s most watch-able full-backs since leaving Chelsea for the south coast.
He can be a dangerous threat pushing forward, and also enjoys one-on-one duels with speedy opponents.
Made the squad ahead of Abdul Mumin, having impressed for Celta Vigo in La Liga.
He moved to Spain in a £7 million deal in 2018, but will be a back-up option for Addo in Qatar.
His career unravelled spectacularly following a devastating injury at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, which completely derailed his nascent career at Chelsea.
He’s still on the books of the Premier League giants, but has become one of their extensive loan army, and currently features for Championship Reading.
Versatile defensive option who’s one of nine defenders named in the squad by Addo, suggesting he’s considering using a back three/five during the tournament.
He lacks stature for a centre-back, but compensates with tenacity and astute marking.
Wonderkid who has played in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon and surely represents the future of the national side.
He was Player of the Tournament at the U-20 Afcon last year.
Part of a growing German influence in the squad, although Kyereh actually made his debut in 2021, long before Addo’s appointment.
He was arguably fortune to retain his spot in the squad after making just five starts for Freiburg so far this season.
Serbia-based wideman who can contribute goals from the flanks—although he hasn’t yet found his scoring boots for Ghana.
He’s also comfortable in a more central role, and should contribute pace off the bench if used by Addo.
Samed only made his debut in the pre-World Cup fixture against Switzerland, but looks set to step into a key role in the side following the injury to Baba.
He’s among the top ten most accurate passers in Ligue 1 so far this season, although no player in the division averages more fouls per match.
Unfairly pipped to the Caf Young Player of the Year award by Senegal’s Pape Matar Sarr, Sulemana remains one of the continent’s brightest talents and can make an impact cutting in from wide areas.
He’s only just returning from a long-term injury, and is likely to be used from the bench.
Another home-based player in the squad, Afriyie is currently on the books of Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak, having been included at the expense of some European stars.
He featured on the right flank in the pre-tournament friendly victory over Switzerland.
Only received his first cap as a sub in the pre-tournament friendly with Switzerland, but has been included ahead of the likes of Felix-Afena Gyan, Jeffrey Schlupp or Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer.
He signed for Club Brugge for £7 million from Leicester City, and has since excelled in both the Champions League and the Belgian Pro League.
London-born forward who only made his debut for Ghana earlier this year, but has squeezed the likes of Richmond Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh out of the squad.
He has had a hand in five goals in 16 Championship games for Bristol City this season, having directly contributed 20 goals last term.
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