Inaki Williams Retires as Carlos Queiroz Revamps Black Stars Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Inaki Williams has officially announced his retirement from the Ghana national team, marking a significant shift in the Black Stars' attacking lineup just as head coach Carlos Queiroz prepares for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the decision, noting that the Athletic Bilbao forward has chosen to focus exclusively on his club career at this stage. This development coincides with reports that Queiroz is planning a major squad overhaul, which may involve dropping several players who featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to improve overall team performance.

According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, Williams personally communicated his decision to Coach Queiroz, emphasizing the need to prioritize his commitments in Spain. Williams, who committed to the Ghanaian national team ahead of the 2022 World Cup, has been a consistent figure in the squad, but his departure now paves the way for Queiroz to accelerate his rebuilding process. The technical team is reportedly looking to move away from certain established veterans to inject fresh energy into the side as they target a successful qualifying campaign for the next continental tournament.

While the team navigates the exit of Williams, there is positive news regarding the fitness of veteran midfielder Thomas Partey. The 33-year-old Al Shabab player has resumed intensive training after recovering from an injury that has kept him out of action since August. Partey, who sustained the injury during a match against Al Riyadh, has been working with fitness coaches to regain the form necessary to lead the midfield in the upcoming international break. His return is timely as Ghana prepares for high-stakes fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 and The Gambia on September 27.

The confluence of these changes—the retirement of a key forward, the return of a senior midfield leader, and the coach's intent to "axe" underperforming World Cup veterans—signals a transformative period for Ghana football. As the Black Stars transition under Queiroz’s leadership, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit capable of reclaiming continental dominance. The upcoming qualifiers will serve as the first major test of this new selection strategy and the team's ability to adapt without some of its most recognizable names.