Ghana experienced a challenging preparation for the World Cup after coach Otto Addo was let go amid a series of disappointing outcomes just 72 days prior to the tournament kickoff.

The seasoned Carlos Queiroz stepped in to lead the side for his fifth straight World Cup, having previously managed Portugal and Iran.

He would have been pleased with the team's opening result, a dramatic late win against Panama that boosted hopes for a return to the knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010.

BBC Sport highlights five standout players England must keep an eye on.

Antoine Semenyo

Club: Manchester City Age: 26 Position: Winger Caps: 35 Goals: 3

When discussing this Ghana squad, their standout performer, Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, deserves top mention.

He entered the World Cup after placing third in the Premier League Golden Boot race for 2025-26, netting 17 goals during spells with Bournemouth and Manchester City.

He adapted quickly at the Etihad Stadium following his 65 million pound January transfer and contributed to two cup successes, including the decisive goal in the FA Cup final.

Comfortable with both feet, he has taken 103 shots with his left and 95 with his right over the last two Premier League seasons, splitting his time evenly on either wing.

It remains surprising that he has managed just three international goals in 35 appearances for Ghana, with only one coming in his previous 28 caps.

Caleb Yirenkyi

Club: Nordsjaelland Age: 20 Position: Midfielder Caps: 12 Goals: 2

Among Europe's promising young midfield talents, Yirenkyi increased his profile by netting a 94th-minute winner in Ghana's first game versus Panama.

Previous Black Stars coach Addo deployed the box-to-box midfielder at right-back, yet new manager Queiroz has returned the 20-year-old to his preferred central role where he has thrived at club level.

Among midfielders in the Danish top flight during 2025-26, Yirenkyi topped the charts for possession won in the opposition final third (26) and ball recoveries (205), while ranking third overall for successful passes in the opposition half (881).

A dedicated learner in his youth, he claimed Ghana's 2019 National RiSE Robotics Championship at age 13.

Jordan Ayew

Club: Unattached Age: 34 Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder Caps: 121 Goals: 34

Ayew became Ghana's all-time leading appearance maker in their opener against Panama, surpassing the prior record of 120 held by his brother Andre.

When Jordan assumed the captaincy in 2025 he described it as destiny, following in the footsteps of his father Abedi Pele and brother as leaders of the Black Stars.

Seeking his first World Cup goal at his third tournament, the 34-year-old has found the net 14 times in his last 22 caps, including a hat-trick during qualifying against Central African Republic.

He actually scored more goals in qualifying for this World Cup (seven in 10) than during his time at Leicester City in 2025-26 (six in 45). The Foxes released him following their second straight relegation.

Brandon Thomas-Asante

Club: Coventry City Age: 27 Position: Forward Caps: 9 Goals: 1

The adaptable forward, capable of playing across the attack, earned a spot in Ghana's World Cup squad after a strong campaign with Coventry.

He contributed 13 goals in their Championship title-winning season, second only to Haji Wright among his teammates.

Born in Milton Keynes, Thomas-Asante progressed through their academy and featured for clubs including Ebbsfleet, Oxford City and Salford City before stepping up to the Championship with West Brom and then the Sky Blues.

He made an instant impression in Ghana's opening match against Panama, entering as a substitute to assist Caleb Yirenkyi's winner.

He is noted for his dance skills and once performed with a street dance crew. His initiation dance for the Ghana squad became widely shared.

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Club: Atalanta Age: 24 Position: Winger Caps: 29 Goals: 1

Sulemana was measured as the quickest player at the Qatar World Cup with a top speed of 22.2mph. His former Southampton colleague and noted speedster Theo Walcott called him the fastest player he had shared the pitch with.

The left winger, who can also operate as a centre-forward or creator, excels in dribbling.

However, doubts persist over his finishing. He last scored for Atalanta in February and has found the target only once across 29 caps for Ghana.

He moved from the Championship to the Champions League after departing Southampton last summer for Italy.

Antoine Semenyo

Caleb Yirenkyi

Jordan Ayew

Brandon Thomas-Asante

Kamaldeen Sulemana

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