2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana earns maiden Black Stars call-up

Cagliari midfielder, Ibrahim Sulemana has received his first call-up to the Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, according to 3Sports.

Sulemana, who started his career in Sunyani, joined Atalanta's youth team in 2019 after a series of successful trials but he left the club due to a series of injuries. He subsequently moved to Hellas Verona in 2021.

The defensive midfielder made his senior team debut for Verona in October, playing in a 2-1 loss to Salernitana. In July 2023, the 21-year-old transferred to Cagliari, where he has since made 14 Serie A appearances and scored two goals.

Ghana is set to face Mali on June 6 at the Stade du 26 Mars before hosting Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Otto Addo’s team currently sits fourth in the qualifiers with three points from two matches and must win the two upcoming games to enhance their chances of qualification.

Sulemana's inclusion highlights Otto Addo’s confidence in young players, similar to the opportunities given to Forson Amankwah and Ibrahim Osman.

Despite this, Sulemana will need to compete for a spot in the lineup against established midfielders like Abdul Salis Samed and Baba Iddrisu.