5 Ghana Wonderkids and Rising Stars to Watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Led by veteran coach Carlos Quieroz, the feeling around this summer’s tournament is different in Ghana, with future stars breaking through and seasoned veterans set to make their last dance.

Many of Ghana’s rising stars have come through the ‘Right to Dream Academy’, which is a world-class hub based in Ghana’s capital city of Accra, and is dedicated to educate and provide a platform for up and coming footballers in the country.

Set up in 1999 by former Manchester United scout Tom Vernon, the academy is fast growing and has now grown into a multi-club network involving Egyptian side FC Masar, US side San Diego and perhaps most notably FC Nordsjælland in Denmark.

The Black Stars are grouped with England, Croatia and Panama in Group L of the competition, but what can we expect from Ghana’s future stars at the tournament?

5. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)

The man who needs little introduction, following a true break out season, no player will strike more confidence into the Ghanaian fans like Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo.

Being deployed on either wing, Semenyo signed for City in January for a reported £64 million, becoming Ghana’s most expensive player.

He became the second ever player to score 10 goals for two different teams in the same Premier League season, after Andy Cole in 1994-95.

The 26-year-old has had an unconventional route to the elite level, representing the likes of Highworth Town and Bath City before breaking through at Bristol City and Bournemouth, and is set to play in his second World Cup for Ghana.

His explosive pace, versatility and technical ability will be very important, and after a season in which he scored 21 goals, got 6 assists, and won the League Cup and FA Cup – scoring the winner in the latter – he will be full of confidence that he can inspire his country to World Cup success.

Failing trials at Arsenal, Tottenham and Millwall in his teens, and released by Crystal Palace after an unsuccessful trial period, this summers tournament will be monumental for the man who once considered giving up on football entirely.

Semenyo will be hoping he can continue his staggering form into Ghana’s 5^th ever World Cup.

4. Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City)

Born in Ghana’s third largest city Tamale, the Leicester City man brings pace and skill to the wing of the Black Stars.

Formerly of Sporting, the winger now plies his trade at Leicester City, and despite just suffering relegation to League One, still boasts Premier League and Champions League experience.

Still just 22 years old, Fatawu has already featured 28 times for Ghana, and is typically deployed off the right of the countries 4-2-3-1 system.

16 goals and 23 assists in 100 appearances for Leicester, he has often been praised as a shining star in what has been a very negative season for the Foxes.

His last international goal came against Germany in March, and his ability to press and strong direct threat will very exciting to watch and dangerous for the opposition.

Fatwawu is often incredibly unpredictable and will likely cause a massive threat for any full-back he comes up against.

Once described as “arguably the best African prospect of his generation”, this World Cup will be so important to Fatawu, as after suffering relegation with the Foxes, he will be hoping he can put on a show to propel his country and potentially earn a top move this summer.

3. Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjælland)

A lesser-known star than the two previously mentioned, but Ghana’s hidden gem at this tournament is set to be 20-year-old midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi.

A product of the Right to Dream academy, Yirenkyi signed for Danish giants FC Nordsjælland in 2024 and has just had a breakout season in the Danish Superliga, making 21 appearances and picking up 7 goal contributions.

The star is credited for his highly valued versatility, being able to play as an 8, a 6, and even as a right back. He has even gained comparisons to Michael Essien.

Yirenkyi has just been awarded the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year and has earned a place in the divisions team of the season.

Ghana’s hidden gem has earned himself 11 caps and scored his first international goal in a 1-1 draw against Wales a week ago.

Highly recognised for his technical skill, presence in midfield and composure under pressure, Yirenkyi will be a very important piece in the middle for Ghana.

After an incredible season, the World Cup can give the midfielder an opportunity to announce himself to the world on the biggest stage.

2. Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta)

Another product of the Right to Dream academy, Sulemana also joined FC Nordsjælland before joining Rennes, Southampton and now Atalanta.

Still only 24 years old, Sulemana has experience in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and Serie A. He also featured in Southampton’s play-off win in 2024.

Sulemana is praised for his explosive pace, physical presence and tricky dribbling skills in the final third, he is a left winger by trade but can be deployed anywhere across the front 3.

Picking up 37 appearances this season, including involvement in the Champions League, the Ghanian’s experience at such a young age will be very important in a young and promising Black Stars squad.

Many have criticised Sulemana for his lack of consistency, however this World Cup is massively important for Sulemana in proving his ability and importance. He is not expected to start but will be looking to fight for his place in Carlos Quieroz side.

1. Ernest Nuamah (Lyon)

Tipped by many to be Ghana’s true breakdown star of the tournament, Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah will be the man that Ghanaian supporters hope can be their secret weapon in attack.

Another product of the Right to Dream academy, Nuamah was born in Kumasi, before once again joining FC Nordsjælland in Denmark.

Making his debut in 2022, he came on and scored the equaliser on his debut, being named man of match in the process.

After joining RWD Molenbeek, he later signed for Lyon for just under €30 million. The forward was even close to signing for Fulham in 2024, before a deal fell through at the last minute.

Electric pace, exceptional dribbling skills and strong finishing ability, Nuamah will be looking to add to his 4 international goals this summer.

Whilst most of his minutes will likely come off the bench, he will certainly provide a threat for defenders in late stages of games.

Despite still only being 22, the World Cup will be massively important for Nuamah, as after suffering an ACL injury last year, he has struggled for a run of games this season and will be looking to announce himself to the world on the biggest stage.

Can Ghana's Young Stars Deliver a World Cup Surprise?

This will be the 5^th consecutive World Cup for Ghana, and after a disappointing group stage elimination in 2022, they will be hoping they can get into the knockout stages and produce a historic run for the country.

After Morocco’s success in Qatar in 2022, and after the drastic growth of African football, the summers tournament will be a great opportunity for the Black Stars to make history.

Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, formerly Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, will be making history, managing at his 5^th consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Their squad features more talent who play in Europe’s top 5 leagues, such Inaki Williams and Brandon Thomas-Asante, and despite the absence of key players such as Mohammed Kudus through injury, they will be optimistic that they can provide some excitement at the tournament.

Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on Thursday 18^th June at midnight at the Toronto Stadium in Canada.