ACCRA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz on Tuesday announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The squad, which contains few surprises, features three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards, with most of the Black Stars' key players included alongside several young talents recently called up.

Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku are the two notable absentees, with both missing out through injury.

Making its fifth World Cup appearance, Ghana has been drawn in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia.

Ghana reached the quarterfinals in 2010 but failed to advance beyond the group stage in its last two World Cup appearances, in Brazil and Qatar.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, including a record 10 African representatives. ■