2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz confirms near-full squad fitness ahead of Ghana’s clash with Colombia

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has confirmed that 25 out of his 26-man squad are available for selection ahead of the Black Stars’ Round of 16 showdown with Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The West Africans face the South American side on Saturday at the Kansas City Stadium in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter for a place in the quarter-finals.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Queiroz said only one player will miss out due to injury.

“With regard to injury, 25 players are ready to play against Colombia. The only player who did not recover on time for the game is Kojo Oppong Peprah,” the Ghana coach said.

The sole absentee is OGC Nice defender Kojo Oppong Peprah, who has been ruled out after failing to recover from a knock sustained in training.

The 22-year-old featured in Ghana’s group-stage matches against England and Croatia, offering defensive solidity with his pace and reading of the game.

Despite his absence, Ghana’s camp remains upbeat, with Queiroz still able to call on a near-full squad and a wide range of tactical options for the decisive fixture.

The Black Stars are competing in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since their historic 2010 campaign in South Africa, where they came within touching distance of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Ghana will now look to continue that legacy when they face Colombia, with kick-off set for 01:30 GMT on Saturday.