Joseph Paintsil could be heading toward another heartbreaking FIFA World Cup disappointment after being left out of Ghana’s 28-man squad for the Black Stars’ preparation camp in Cardiff and next week’s international friendly against Wales.
The LA Galaxy winger was among the notable absentees when Carlos Queiroz named his provisional squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh uncertainty over the attacker’s chances of securing a place in Ghana’s final 26-man roster for the tournament.
Paintsil has been one of the brighter performers for LA Galaxy this season despite the club’s mixed campaign in Major League Soccer. The 27-year-old has registered three goals and two assists in 11 league appearances, form which many supporters believed had earned him a strong case for inclusion in the national team setup.
However, his omission from the current squad has sparked debate among fans as competition for places intensifies ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Black Stars have already opened camp at Dragon Park in Cardiff as preparations begin for the friendly against Wales on June 2. The match is expected to serve as a key assessment opportunity for the technical team before the squad travels to North America for the World Cup.
With only 26 players set to make the final squad, Queiroz now faces difficult selection decisions as he balances experience, form and squad chemistry ahead of Ghana’s fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
