Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has begun the final phase of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after opening a training camp in Cardiff ahead of next week’s friendly against Wales.

The Portuguese tactician named a 28-man squad for the camp, but only 26 players will make the final roster for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, meaning crucial decisions still lie ahead.

The squad gathered at Dragon Park on Monday for the start of preparations, with the Wales friendly on June 2 expected to play a key role in determining the final selections.

Several players have been handed an opportunity to stake their claim for a place on the plane to North America. Among them is Ajax youngster Paul Reverson, who has earned a call-up for further assessment after impressing at youth level in the Netherlands.

The camp has also welcomed back several experienced players. Baba Rahman returns to the national team for the first time since September 2023, while Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin, Augustine Boakye and Alidu Seidu are all back in contention after lengthy injury absences.

For Queiroz, the challenge now is finding the right balance between experience and youth ahead of Ghana’s fourth World Cup appearance.

The Black Stars will use the coming days to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their fixture against Wales in Cardiff, a game that could have a significant impact on the final squad announcement.

Ghana have been drawn into Group L and will begin their campaign against Panama in Toronto before taking on England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.