Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially ruled Alexander Djiku out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that the experienced defender will not be part of the Black Stars squad heading to North America.
The announcement puts an end to uncertainty surrounding Djiku’s fitness after the defender suffered an injury setback in the build-up to the tournament.
Addressing the media after a training session in Cardiff, Queiroz disclosed that a replacement had already been drafted into the squad, although he stopped short of naming the player.
“We have to make a decision and replace [Alexander] Djiku. It doesn’t matter who was the player that I called, Djiku was replaced,” Queiroz said.
The Ghana coach stressed that the team had already adjusted to the defender’s absence and was moving forward with the available options in camp.
“Now we’re to the same group of central backs in camp. The names you know, you saw them today on the pitch. So we’re ready to take off,” he added.
Djiku’s withdrawal represents a significant setback for the Black Stars given his importance to the national team over recent years. The defender was expected to be one of the leaders in Ghana’s backline during the World Cup, bringing both experience and composure to the squad.
While Queiroz avoided revealing the identity of the replacement, indications suggest that Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen has been called in to occupy the vacant slot. The 30-year-old recently joined the Black Stars camp after an impressive season in Cyprus and has been strongly linked with a place in the final World Cup squad.
Ghana are currently based in Wales as they conclude their preparations for the tournament. The Black Stars will face Wales in an international friendly on Tuesday before travelling to the United States ahead of the global showpiece.
The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Their World Cup journey begins on June 17 in Toronto, where they will take on Panama in their opening group-stage fixture.