Black Stars 2026 FIFA World Cup jersey numbers revealed: EPL star opts for No. 10 as Ati-Zigi grabs No. 1
Lawrence Ati-Zigi will wear the number 1 jersey for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed as the Black Stars unveiled their final 26-man squad and official jersey numbers.
The St Gallen shot-stopper, who has been a mainstay under Queiroz, leads a goalkeeping department that includes St Patrick's Athletic's Joseph Anang, wearing number 12 and Hearts of Oak veteran Benjamin Asare, taking number 16. The trio will be responsible for guarding the posts as Ghana aim to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
Luckassen replaces injured Djiku
The most significant late change to the squad came in defence, where Derrick Luckassen was called up as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku. The Spartak Moscow centre-back was ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a knock sustained late in the club season.
Luckassen, who plays his club football for Pafos FC in Cyprus, will wear the number 23 jersey previously allocated to Djiku. The 30-year-old defender brings versatility and experience, having earned previous call-ups to the national team. His late inclusion adds depth to a defensive unit that will need to be at its best against England and Croatia in the group stage.
Baba Rahman reclaims number 17
Baba Rahman's long-awaited return to the Black Stars fold sees him reclaim the number 17 jersey, the same shirt he wore during his previous campaigns. The PAOK left-back has not featured for Ghana since September 2023 but earned a recall after an impressive season in Greece, where he made thirty-five appearances across all competitions.
The former Chelsea defender joins a defensive unit that includes Alidu Seidu (number 2), Jonas Adjetey (number 4), Abdul Mumin (number 6), Gideon Mensah (number 14), Jerome Opoku (number 18), Kojo Peprah Oppong (number 21), and Marvin Senaya (number 26).
Augustine Boakye earns maiden World Cup call-up
In midfield, Augustine Boakye has been handed a dream debut at a major tournament. The Saint-Etienne midfielder, who has been called up to the national team for the first time, will wear the number 20 jersey in what is his maiden World Cup appearance.
Boakye joins a midfield engine room led by vice-captain Thomas Partey (number 5) and including Caleb Yirenkyi (number 3), Kwasi Sibo (number 8), and Elisha Owusu (number 15). The 25-year-old Boakye will be hoping to make an impact should Queiroz call upon him during the tournament.
Queiroz at the helm
The Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who took charge of Ghana in April 2026, will lead the Black Stars at his fourth World Cup, having previously coached Iran at the last three tournaments. His backroom staff includes experienced assistants who have worked with him across multiple international assignments.
Queiroz has had limited time with the full squad, with several players only joining camp days before the Wales friendly due to visa issues. Despite the disjointed preparations, the coach has expressed confidence that the team will be ready for their Group L opener against Panama on 18th June in Toronto.
Experience meets youth
The 26-man squad blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talents. Captain Jordan Ayew (number 9), Inaki Williams (number 19), and Antoine Semenyo (number 11) lead the attack, while youngsters such as Ernest Nuamah (number 24), Kamaldeen Sulemana (number 22), and Prince Kwabena Adu (number 25) provide pace and creativity from the flanks.
The Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, who helped guide his club to Premier League promotion, will wear the iconic number 10 jersey, following in the footsteps of Stephen Appiah and Andre Ayew.
Ghana will play their opening Group L match against Panama on 18th June in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on 23rd June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27th June. Queiroz has set a minimum target of reaching the knockout stage, framing the three group matches as a single 270-minute contest.
