When Ghana heads to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, squad selection could prove decisive — with fine margins likely to separate progress from an early exit.
At tournament level, raw talent alone is rarely enough. Coaches must strike the right balance between form, tactical flexibility and players who can solve specific problems under pressure. For Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, getting that blend right may matter just as much as picking household names.
One player increasingly entering that conversation is Prince-Osei Owusu. The 29-year-old striker may not yet be a headline figure in Ghana, but his performances for CF Montréal have been steadily building a strong case built on form, leadership and a tactical profile that could suit the Black Stars.
Strong form at the right time
Tournament selections often favour players peaking at the right moment, and Owusu fits that pattern. He recently earned CF Montréal’s Player of the Month award for April after an impressive start to the 2026 MLS season.
In his first 11 league matches, he has registered six goals and five assists — 11 direct goal contributions in total, averaging a goal involvement per game. For a Ghana side that has at times struggled for consistency in attack, that kind of output is difficult to ignore.
At international level, confidence can be decisive, and Owusu currently appears to be playing with plenty of it.
Leadership experience
Heading into the 2026 season, Owusu was handed the captain’s armband at Montréal — a clear reflection of his influence within the squad. Leadership at club level goes beyond technical ability, demanding discipline, communication and the trust of teammates.
Ghana’s most successful tournament squads have often featured strong dressing-room leaders who help steady the team in high-pressure moments.
At 29, Owusu brings a blend of experience and ambition that fits that mould, offering maturity that can be vital in a demanding tournament environment.
A missing profile in attack
For several years, Ghana have lacked a consistent physical presence up front. Standing at 1.91m (6ft 3in), Owusu offers a different attacking option — a traditional No. 9 capable of holding up play, winning aerial duels and occupying defenders.
His strength allows midfielders to push forward, while his ability in the air and in combination play gives Ghana flexibility, particularly in tight, defensive matches.
Against stronger opponents, where Ghana may spend long periods without the ball, a striker who can relieve pressure and stretch defences becomes especially valuable.
Experience across two continents
Owusu also brings valuable international exposure. Developed in the academy system of VfB Stuttgart and shaped by years in Germany’s lower divisions, he has a solid European football foundation.
Just as importantly, the 2026 World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico — regions he already knows well from his time in Major League Soccer.
That familiarity with travel demands, stadium conditions and climate could offer Ghana a quiet but meaningful advantage, especially compared with players arriving in North America for the first time.
For a tournament often decided by small details, that kind of experience may prove more important than it first appears.
5. A striker built for modern pressing football
Modern football is increasingly shaped by what teams do without the ball. At international level, the most effective sides press high up the pitch, with forwards leading the first wave of defensive pressure.
That is an area where Owusu stands out. At Montréal, he is not just a goal scorer but a key part of the team’s overall structure. His relentless pressing, high work rate and constant pressure on opposition centre-backs make him an important tactical asset.
He regularly sets the tone for defensive actions, forcing errors and helping his team win back possession in dangerous areas. For a coach like Carlos Queiroz, who is known for tactical discipline and compact defensive organisation, those qualities could be particularly appealing.
A forward who combines aggressive pressing with goals and physical strength remains a rare and valuable profile in the modern game.