Queiroz's bold Black Stars squad selection for Mexico friendly sparks debate

Some Ghanaians on social media have expressed mixed reactions towards Carlos Queiroz's squad selection to face Mexico in an international friendly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 23-man squad features several fresh faces and players who are not regulars, as many of the usual names were omitted.

The squad is composed of players from both the domestic league and European leagues, closely monitored by coach Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.

BREAKING: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz announces squad for Mexico friendly

Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.

The squad announcement triggered positive reactions on social media, with many impressed to see new names included alongside players who had not been called up recently, as well as local talents.

Fans thanked Queiroz for giving players like Majeed Ashimeru and Felix Afena-Gyan a second chance to prove themselves and possibly regain their spots in the team.

Others expressed excitement about the six local players who were called up, noting that their inclusion helps to project the Ghana Premier League and showcase native footballers.

Many believe Queiroz intends to give these players the opportunity to justify their inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, some questioned Queiroz’s decision to use a second-string side for a crucial friendly against Mexico, especially considering the timing ahead of the World Cup.

Read the reactions below:

Are they saying the previous team is dissolved?

This is not the time to raise a new team o

Use the ones that qualified and build them up. After all they're doing well respectively in their clubs. We've just not been able to harness the best in them

— theloveherald (@revjamesnenyo) May 7, 2026

Where are this people from? 😂

— PrimeEdge (@primeedgel) May 6, 2026

Well who knows, they could be the unexpected new black stars we need. You all go and justify your inclusion. Ghana is always behind you 🙌

— Chris Aglah (@chris_aglah) May 6, 2026

Ghana dieer every time we will go disgrace our saaaaa eeei a Barcelona B player toi qualify for a call up eei hmmmm see some basaaa teams bi them call...some division two teams bi like better call the local teams more mpo

— Pee whyne gh (@pee_whyne) May 6, 2026

Let's see what the home base players can do when given the opportunity

— Real Madrid DNA🤍 (@themiles_stone) May 6, 2026

This perhaps the Team B list. However, it may be a good thing in order to get a fair assessment of all players before the WC final list.

— Dr Bobbylegger (@narh_dr) May 6, 2026

Saw Afena-Gyan and got excited.

Then I wet through the list and realised these are players who will not make the WC, UNLESS they put o a good showing.

Ashimeru must definitely make the WC 26

— man.like.kwame (@kosh_coucou) May 6, 2026

Wait oo, Black Stars get ein own calender or what? Cos eiihhh!! The nxt men's international break be somewhere June so will this guys play their "friendlies" while leagues are actively in session?

— E-Levy (@ElectronicLevy) May 6, 2026

Wow wow wow errh

Since Kwesi Appiah as black stars coach, this is the next wise coach after Kwesi Appiah era, even from his first call up, and after Solomon Gbasi will end up becoming black stars number goalkeeper fantastic fantastic fantastic 👌

— Abraham Ohene (@Abrahampromis) May 6, 2026

Why are the ones we are going to play with not called up?

These are the games you use to figure out your first XI

— ɢᴏᴅᴇʏ𖤐™🗽 (@G___FRD) May 6, 2026

This coach is not serous

— Donkor Emmanuel (@DonkorEmma80452) May 6, 2026