Ghana World Cup Squad Ladder: Who's making Black Stars squad for Qatar?

One of the most talented Ghana players of his generation, Atsu should be in his prime at 30, and has already represented the Black Stars at the World Cup.

He hasn’t featured for the national side since 2019, but could a move to Super Lig side Hatayspor help him get his career back on track and perhaps give him one last shot at Black Stars glory.

Here's the latest @GhanaBlackstars squad, but a lot can change between now and the World Cup.

With 72 days to go until Qatar, I'm launching my Ghana World Cup Ladder - ranking the top 50 candidates to make the Black Stars squad.

Here: https://t.co/DbZGjBOJ5G#BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/H8qm7jan70

— Ed Dove (@EddyDove) September 9, 2022

Duncan ought to be in his prime at 29, but he isn’t even discussed in Black Stars circles anymore.

Not considered by Otto Addo so far, but this could be a mistake.

The defensive midfielder has featured in every match during Racing Club de Lens’ magnificent start to the Ligue 1 season; they currently sit third in the table.

Has started the season sensationally with Rubin Kazan, scoring five goals in seven outings; if he maintains this goalscoring form across his next seven outings, should Addo consider him?

A goal-getter in the African Nations Championship victory over Benin, but it doesn’t appear to be enough to get Awako promoted to the seniors.

It’s utterly baffling that Schlupp continues to be overlooked by the national side, who have never effectively utilised his versatility, in-game intelligence, or finishing ability.

Some elements within the Ghana Football Association are reportedly pushing for veteran Muntari to return to the fold, although Addo is resisting their calls, for now…

Africa’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup, Gyan still has his admirers within local circles, despite his advancing years and lack of consistent football over recent years.

BabyJet has told BBC Sports that he’s pushing to emulate Roger Milla and return to the squad. Stranger things have happened.

A consistent member of the squad, but the goalkeeper came under fire after conceding four against Japan in the Kirin Cup, and has been dropped from the latest squad.

It appears as though he’s now on the outside looking in.

In-form Darmstadt wideman who offers a goal threat from the flanks.

Having been dropped from the squad after being involved last time—albeit without making his debut—Manu possibly needs injury or loss of form to befall his rivals in order to be promoted to the squad.

The left-sider featured as a substitute in Ghana’s last game—the friendly meeting with Chile—but has been dropped ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

It’s too soon to rule him out entirely.

Former Bayern Munich who’s losing momentum at the wrong time, and now finds himself in the German second tier with Holstein Kiel.

He’s made three substitute appearances for Ghana this year, but has been pushed out of the picture.

Long-term servant of the Black Stars, but Wakaso was axed ahead of the Nigeria double-header and—despite some calls for his return—hasn’t made the latest squad.

Age—although he still should have something to offer at 32—and fitness problems appear to be counting against him.

One of the older heads dropped from the squad after the Afcon debacle, Mensah is only 32—which should be a defender’s prime—and it’s not impossible to see him returning to the fold in time for the tournament, particularly if any of those players ahead of him receive injuries.

One of several baffling exclusions from the latest Ghana squad.

Former wonderkid Tekpetey is tearing it up in Bulgaria so far this season, having scored five goals in seven league games so far.

Has his move to Ludogorets Razgrad completely taken him out of Otto Addo’s thinking?

Forced his way back in contention under Milovan Rajevac only to have been grossly underused during the Nations Cup.

He’s been squeezed out by Inaki Williams, and hasn’t made the latest cut.

Boakye has vowed to do his best at club level to force his way back into the Black Stars’ plans and he must find his scoring boots quickly at new club Lamia.

Two-cap Hearts of Oak full-back, who—at best—finds himself third in the classement on the left side of the defence.

Excellent for Darmstadt so far this season, Pfeiffer was expected to have been named in the recent Ghana squad after confirming his switch in nationality.

However, the 23-year-old Hamburg-born defender finds himself on the outside looking in as the World Cup approaches.

Reading’s Footballer of the Year last term, but Yiadom appears to have been pushed out of the squad by Tariq Lamptey’s arrival and faces an uncertain wait to see if he makes the World Cup.

He’s made more appearances for the national side this season than Denis Odoi, but it’s the Club Brugge man who’s made the latest squad.

Has made seven appearances for the national side this season, but the Red Star Belgrade new boy has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming friendlies.

He could be a beneficiary should Thomas Partey miss out due to injury.

Outstanding in the Belgian top flight so far this season, Paintsil has had a hand in four goals in seven games so far.

He also caught the eye during the dismal Afcon campaign, and it appears utterly bizarre that he wasn’t included in the squad for the September friendlies.

Is this evidence that the technical team have lost faith in the 24-year-old?

Hamburg-born centre-back who’s received his first call-up to the squad for the upcoming friendlies.

He may have definitively pushed Jonathan Mensah out of the squad, but is only likely to be Ghana’s sixth-choice in the heart of the defence.

Left winger Barnieh has made the latest squad after impressing with Hearts of Oak and the Black Galaxies.

He’s pushing to represent the domestic top flight at the grandest stage of all, and has made no secret of his desire to make it to Qatar.

Appears to have unseated Ati-Zigi as Ghana’s third-choice keeper.

One of several players born in Germany to now be committing their futures to Ghana.

Yeboah has been named in the latest squad, with his arrival on the scene representing bad news for the likes of Samuel Owusu and Joseph Attuquaye.

He’s netted twice in the German second tier this season, although the Black Stars technical crew may see the 20-year-old as one for the future.

His speed, in particular, could make him a useful World Cup option.

Has started just one game for Ghana this year, and his place in the squad could be jeopardised by some of the new arrivals.

Defensive midfielder who’s made one substitute appearance for the Black Stars to date.

He’s been named in the upcoming squad—boosting his World Cup hopes—but he’s struggled with injury in recent weeks.

Growing into the squad under Otto Addo, and has been included again, but may only make the cut due to his versatility and ability to play across the backline.

The defender, who was sent off in the recent friendly against Chile, made the majority of his Clermont Foot appearances so far this term at right-back.

Should still travel to the World Cup, but the arrival of Inaki Williams and the emergence of Felix Afena-Gyan push him down the pecking order.

He’s also facing injury concerns, and may be a doubt for the upcoming international break.

Fit again, and back on loan at Reading, Baba should head to the World Cup in fine fettle, although—as with a few other players on this list—there’s always an element of uncertainty about the full-back’s fitness until the final squad is announced.

Veteran right-back who started the two playoffs against Nigeria, however, does the addition of Tariq Lamptey throw Odoi’s place in the team in doubt?

The Bristol City attacker made his debut during the last international break, and has made the cut once again.

He only has one Ghana substitute appearance under his belt so far, but his goal record off the bench in the Championship this term—two goals from three sub outings—suggests this may be an ideal role for him.

Missed the Nations Cup due to injury, but remains a key figure and experienced head behind the scenes.

Ofori, who used to be Ghana’s No. 1, will be charged with putting pressure on his replacement, Jojo Wollacott.

Attacking midfielder who’s made seven appearances this term, and made the cut for the upcoming friendlies.

He signed for Freiburg from St. Pauli earlier this year.

One of Ghana’s bright new talents, the wonderkid may still be at the start of his career, but it would be a surprise if he missed out on the World Cup.

He’s featured in 10 games for the Black Stars so far this year, and made his debut at Sporting Lisbon.

The teenager is yet to establish himself in the first team for the Portuguese giants, so a lack of gametime might be a concern, particularly if some of his positional rivals are excelling at their clubs.

He hasn’t featured for the Black Stars since 2021, but remains a member of the squad.

At this stage, Aidoo appears in line to travel to Qatar as the side’s fourth-choice centre-back.

Has featured in six matches for Ghana during 2022, and the question really is whether he starts for the Black Stars or comes off the bench.

His move from AS Roma to Cremonese raises some doubt about how the next few weeks and months will go, although in principle, it should mean more gametime for one of Ghana’s brightest stars.

Having confirmed his nationality switch, Lamptey has been named in Ghana’s squad for their September friendlies.

He’s in line to travel to Qatar—likely as first-choice right-back ahead of Odoi—but must still integrate into the squad.

Will vie with Abdul Rahman Baba for the left-back berth, and after featuring in both legs of the playoff against Nigeria, is favourite to start in this position in Qatar.

First name on the teamsheet if he’s fit, but Partey’s ongoing injury woes represent a constant concern, and Ghana will be hoping (rather than expecting) he’s fit for the World Cup.

One of the brightest talents in the African game, Sulemana has made four appearances for the national team this term, and should add to that number for Ghana later this month.

However, only one start for Stade Rennais later this season isn’t entirely encouraging as the World Cup approaches.

Primed to make his debut for the Black Stars later this month, there are few doubts that Salisu will make the cut for the World Cup.

Will Addo break up his Djiku-Amartey axis to bring in the Southampton man straightaway.

Having finally succeeded in their long-term pursuit of the Athletic Bilbao frontman, there’s surely no way that Williams won’t make the squad for Qatar.

The Ajax midfielder appears to be returning to top form, having scored two goals in his last two games with the Dutch giants.

However, he’s reportedly been unhappy with a lack of gametime at the Johan Cruyff Arena recently, and attempted to force a move away from Ajax ahead of transfer deadline day.

Has stepped into a key role in the heart of the midfield, typically alongside Partey, and should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

He’s another who’s had some injury concerns.

Remains a key player in the squad, despite his advancing years, and is on course to feature at his third finals, having been part of the team that reached the quarter-finals in 2010.

Dede must perform better than at the Nations Cup earlier this year.

One half of Ghana’s first-choice defensive partnership, Djiku absolutely has to travel, although will his place in the side by threatened by Salisu?

Has made seven appearances for Ghana so far this year—scoring just once—and appears in line to play in his second World Cup, having been part of the squad at Brazil 2014.

Leicester City centre-back who’s made 10 appearances for the national side so far this year and has been named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies.

Injuries permitting, he appears one of the players most certain of making the cut to Qatar, although will the Foxes’ signing of Wout Faes eat up Amartey’s minutes in the Premier League?

Currently Ghana’s No. 1, the Charlton Athletic man will travel to Qatar.