Defender Alexander Djiku injury blow hits Ghana’s World Cup preparations

Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been dealt a major setback, with defender Alexander Djiku expected to miss out on the final squad due to injury concerns, according to media reports.

The experienced centre-back was named in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man provisional squad but arrived in camp in Cardiff already carrying a knock.

The injury is believed to have been picked up after he was withdrawn during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final win over FC Krasnodar, which ended 4–3 on penalties.

Since reporting for international duty last week, Djiku has been unable to take part in full training sessions.

With Queiroz preparing to trim his squad to 26 players ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the defender is now widely expected to miss out due to fitness doubts.

His potential absence would be a significant loss for the Black Stars. Since making his international debut in October 2020, Djiku has established himself as a key figure in the team, earning 38 caps and scoring four goals.

He was also part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

It remains unclear who will replace him in the final selection.

After the squad is finalised, Ghana will continue their preparations with a friendly against Wales on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium, before taking on Jamaica on June 10 in their final warm-up match.

The Black Stars will be making their fifth World Cup appearance in 2026. They have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, opening their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on June 27.

Ghana will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.