Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called for greater depth in the Black Stars squad, insisting that a strong bench could prove decisive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, four-time African champions, are set to feature at the global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With head coach Carlos Queiroz expected to announce his final squad on June 1, attention is building around team selection and balance.
Agyemang-Badu, who represented Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, believes the focus should not only be on the starting XI but also on the impact substitutes can make during matches.
“It’s good to have quality everywhere. It’s good to have a solid bench,” the U-20 World Cup winner told Graphic Sports.
“My problem is not about the starting players. I prefer a bench where, when you turn and look, you see powerful players there, and the coach is not panicked and can do whatever he wants,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have begun preparations in Cardiff, with 22 players currently in camp ahead of their pre-tournament friendly against Wales on June 2.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. They will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. The group stage will conclude against Croatia on June 27.
The Black Stars are aiming to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable run in 2010.
