Chad has announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with a strong reliance on home-based talent.
Head coach Tahir Zakaria Gardia has included 14 players from local club AS PS, highlighting a commitment to domestic football development despite the nation’s struggles on the international stage.
Currently bottom of Group I with zero points, Chad faces a formidable challenge in their next two fixtures.
They travel to Accra to face Ghana on March 21 before taking on Comoros in Morocco on March 26.
Heavy domestic representation
Unlike most African teams that incorporate a mix of European-based stars, Chad’s squad is overwhelmingly homegrown.
Only two foreign-based players—goalkeeper Mbaynaïssem Jourdain (CSK Dushanbe, Tajikistan) and midfielder Mahamat Thiam Maintah (CO Castuera, Spain)—have been included.
Their experience will be crucial as the team seeks its first points in the qualifiers.
Coach Gardia’s decision to depend on a core of players from AS PS suggests he is banking on their chemistry and familiarity with one another to improve Chad’s competitiveness.
The local dominance in the squad also underlines the country’s limited player pool abroad, making international exposure through these matches even more vital for Chad’s footballing growth.
Tough test against Ghana and Comoros
Chad enters both matches as the underdog, particularly against Ghana, which boasts a squad filled with top-level European-based talent.
Facing the Black Stars in Accra presents a daunting task, as Ghana remains one of Africa’s most formidable teams.
The match against Comoros in Morocco is another difficult assignment.
The island nation has seen significant progress in recent years, earning respect on the continental stage.
Chad will need a disciplined and spirited performance to stand a chance against either opponent.
While their qualification hopes remain slim, these fixtures provide a platform for Chad’s local players to gain international experience and showcase their talent on a larger stage.
Full Chad squad for World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Adaossou Mathieu (Renaissance – Chad)
- Abramanne Ekiang (AS PS – Chad)
- Mbaynaïssem Jourdain (CSK Dushanbe – Tajikistan)
Defenders:
- Ahmat Abderamane (Galons FC – Chad)
- Abdoulaye Mahamat (AS PS – Chad)
- Daba Gabkala (AS PS – Chad)
- Noubara Felix (AS PS – Chad)
- Noël Allaramadji (AS PS – Chad)
- Haroun Abakar (AS PS – Chad)
- Djimothoum Moral (TP Elect Sport – Chad)
Midfielders:
- Mahamat Thiam Maintah (CO Castuera – Spain)
- Allarabaye Yves (AS PS – Chad)
- Merba Benjamin (Foullah Edifice – Chad)
- Mahamat Djibrine (AS PS – Chad)
- Djodje A. Yves (AS PS – Chad)
- Djodje J. Lingar (AS PS – Chad)
- Youssouf Abderamane (Gazelle FC – Chad)
- Mahamat Adam (Gazelle FC – Chad)
Forwards:
- Masra Yannick (Galons FC Ndjamena – Chad)
- Mahamat Abakar (AS PS – Chad)
- Ali Mahamat Adam (AS PS – Chad)
- Mahamat Abakar (AS PS – Chad)
- Gouda B. Azaz (AS PS – Chad)
- Abakar Goukoui (TP Elect Sport – Chad)
With a squad primarily composed of local talent, Chad will be looking to defy the odds and put up a strong fight in the World Cup qualifiers.
