New York Red Bulls central midfielder Ronald Donkor has earned his maiden senior call-up to the Ghana national team as head coach Carlos Queiroz named a 24-man squad for an extended international break. The 21-year-old secures his place in the Black Stars setup ahead of crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside a marquee international friendly. Donkor’s inclusion highlights his impressive club form in Major League Soccer, providing Queiroz with fresh dynamic options in midfield as Ghana prepares for a demanding autumn schedule.
Donkor’s initial international recognition comes on the back of standout performances in North America. Operating in central midfield for the Red Bulls, the youngster has emerged as a key contributor across all competitions this season. He’s recorded two goals and four assists, putting him directly involved in six goals. His consistent output convinced Queiroz to integrate him into the 24-man selection. Meanwhile, Queiroz is set to arrive in Ghana to finalize a contract extension, signaling continuity at the helm as the technical staff prepares the national team for its upcoming campaign.
The roster selection brings several major structural changes to the squad. Mohammed Kudus makes his return to the Black Stars, offering an immediate boost in attack. However, midfielder Thomas Partey misses out on the squad for the September-October international window, even though he’s back in training ahead of the opening fixtures. Beyond tactical preparations, off-field issues remain unresolved as Ghana’s Sports Minister confirmed that players haven’t yet received their 2026 World Cup bonuses due to ongoing tax issues.
Ghana’s schedule features a mix of competitive qualifiers and a high-profile testing ground. The Black Stars start their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia in their opening two matches. Côte d’Ivoire has already announced its squad for their upcoming encounters against Ghana and Somalia. Following those initial qualifiers, Queiroz’s squad will travel to Tangier to face Morocco in an international friendly scheduled for October 4.
With 24 players selected for the extended international window, Ghana carries a balance of experienced mainstays and fresh dynamic talent like Donkor. The upcoming fixture list demands sharpness right from the opening whistle of the qualifiers through to the trip to Tangier. For Donkor, this maiden call-up represents a vital milestone, rewarding his production at the club level with a chance to make his mark on the international stage.
