Baba Rahman Returns To Ghana World Cup Camp
Baba Rahman has returned to Ghana World Cup camp after nearly three years away from the Black Stars. Carlos Queiroz named the left-back in a 28-man preparation squad for Cardiff. The group opened camp at Dragon Park on May 25 before a June 2 friendly against Wales. Ghana will use that week to test returning players before the final squad deadline.
The Baba Rahman return gives Ghana a proven option before Group L starts against Panama, England, and Croatia. He last played for the national team in September 2023, so the Wales camp becomes a live fitness and rhythm check. His club season at PAOK brought 35 appearances, three goals, and three assists. Those minutes explain why the technical staff brought him back into the selection race.
Queiroz Gets A Real Left-Back Test In Cardiff
Ghana’s preparation squad includes five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards. The size gives Queiroz room to compare full-backs, centre-backs, and wide options before trimming the final group. Baba’s return sits inside that wider defensive audit. It also gives Ghana an experienced left-sided defender who understands tournament football.
The timing makes the Wales friendly more than a warm-up match. Ghana need evidence on match sharpness, repeated sprints, and defensive spacing before June 1. Baba can help in possession because he offers width without forcing a winger to hold the touchline. Still, Ghana must check whether his national-team timing returns after the long absence.
| Player | Camp Status | Confirmed Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Baba Rahman | Returned | First Ghana involvement since September 2023 |
| Ernest Nuamah | Returned | Back after an ACL injury layoff |
| Abdul Mumin | Returned | Included after a long ACL recovery |
| Paul Reverson | Assessment | Ajax youngster included for evaluation |
Ghana’s Wider Squad Race Stays Open
Baba is not the only returnee in the Cardiff camp. Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin, Augustine Boakye, and Alidu Seidu also came back into the group. That gives Ghana more competition across defence and wide attacking roles. The staff also included Ajax youngster Paul Reverson for assessment, which points to an open final selection process.
Ghana’s group path will not allow a slow start. Panama offer a physical opening test, while England bring pace and depth in Boston. Croatia then add midfield control in Philadelphia. Ghana need full-backs who can defend wide spaces and still support attacks when possession turns.
Baba’s PAOK season gives him a strong selection case because he played enough football to answer durability concerns. The national-team gap still matters, since club rhythm and international timing differ. Queiroz now has a short evaluation window rather than a long camp. As a result, training details and the Wales friendly could decide whether Baba makes the final cut.
The wider World Cup 2026 schedule also rewards squads with flexible defenders. Ghana may need to change tempo between group matches, especially if early points change the risk level. Baba can support a back four or a more cautious left side. That versatility becomes useful if Ghana protect a lead late in group play.
The return also gives Ghana a left-back who can help younger players through tournament routines. Experienced defenders often set the line, manage restarts, and calm games after pressure spells. Ghana will still need younger pace around him if opponents attack behind the full-back channel. That mix is exactly what the Cardiff camp has to test.
Baba’s case also affects how Ghana balance risk on the opposite flank. If Queiroz trusts him to hold the left side, Ghana can release more runners through midfield. If the staff see rust in Cardiff, the final squad may lean toward safer defensive cover. That makes his return one of the cleanest selection tests in camp.
The Wales match gives Baba a clear stage rather than a closed-door assessment. Ghana can judge his timing against international pressing, not only training patterns. The staff can also see how he communicates with centre-backs after a long national-team gap. Those small details often decide the final defensive places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baba Rahman has a clear route back into Ghana’s final squad if his Cardiff week matches his club season. Ghana now have one friendly and several training sessions to decide whether his experience still fits the tournament plan.
Read Also: Vancouver Releases World Cup Human Rights Action Plan
