Powerful return: Baba Rahman back in Black Stars squad for Wales clash

Baba Abdul Rahman has returned to the Ghana national team for the first time since 2023 after being named in Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man Black Stars squad for the upcoming international friendly against Wales and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced left-back headlines a squad that combines returning players, established internationals and emerging talents as Ghana begin another important phase of their World Cup preparations.

The Black Stars officially opened camp in Cardiff on Monday, May 25, 2026, before holding their first training session at Dragon Park ahead of the friendly match scheduled for June 2.

Much of the focus surrounding the squad announcement has centred on Baba Rahman’s long-awaited comeback.

The defender has not featured for the national team since September 2023 but returns following a strong campaign with Greek side PAOK.

The former Chelsea player enjoyed an impressive season, making 35 appearances while contributing three goals and three assists across all competitions.

His return gives Ghana additional experience and depth in defensive areas ahead of the World Cup.

The Black Stars coaching staff will also be encouraged by the return of Ernest Nuamah.

The Olympique Lyon winger rejoins the national side after a lengthy absence caused by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Nuamah had been sidelined for more than a year as he worked through rehabilitation and recovery.

His inclusion in the latest squad signals an important step forward as he attempts to regain full fitness and re-establish himself within the national team setup.

Another player returning after injury is defender Abdul Mumin of Rayo Vallecano.

The centre-back had also been unavailable for an extended period because of an ACL problem but is now back in contention for Ghana.

The squad further includes recalls for Augustine Boakye of Saint-Étienne and Stade Rennes defender Alidu Seidu, adding further options for Queiroz as he evaluates the team ahead of the World Cup.

While the experienced names have attracted attention, one of the most intriguing additions is Ajax Amsterdam youngster Paul Reverson.

The 20-year-old has impressed with Ajax’s youth setup in the Netherlands and has now earned an opportunity to train with the senior national team.

His inclusion is viewed as part of Ghana’s effort to assess young talent capable of contributing in future competitions.

Queiroz selected a balanced squad made up of five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven attackers.

The Portuguese coach continues to shape the squad as Ghana prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in international football.

The Wales friendly is expected to provide another important test for the Black Stars before the World Cup begins.

Friendly matches often allow coaches to experiment tactically, evaluate player partnerships and assess fitness levels without the pressure attached to competitive fixtures.

For several returning players, the Cardiff camp also represents an opportunity to rebuild momentum after difficult injury periods.

Baba Rahman’s comeback, in particular, will be closely followed by Ghanaian supporters.

The left-back has remained one of the country’s most recognisable defenders over the years and his experience could become valuable during a demanding World Cup campaign.

His performances with PAOK this season demonstrated his ability to regain form after previous setbacks.

The defender showed consistency both defensively and offensively, contributing regularly in attack while maintaining an important role for the Greek club.

The same applies to Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Mumin, who now have an opportunity to gradually reintegrate into the national setup after long recoveries.

Ghana’s preparations are focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars have been placed in Group L.

Their campaign will begin against Panama in Toronto before further matches against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia.

Those fixtures present a major challenge for the four-time African champions, who are aiming to make a strong impression on the global stage.

The current training camp in Cardiff is therefore considered an important stage in the team’s development.

It provides the technical staff with time to assess player condition, improve tactical organisation and strengthen squad chemistry before the tournament begins.

For Queiroz, the upcoming weeks could play a decisive role in shaping Ghana’s World Cup ambitions.

The squad announcement already reflects a mixture of experience, recovery stories and emerging potential.

Above all, however, the return of Baba Rahman has provided one of the biggest talking points as the Black Stars begin preparations for another major international challenge.