In a significant move ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana’s newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz has named Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams to the Black Stars’ preliminary 28-man squad. The final roster will be determined following a friendly match against Wales on June 2, after which two players must be cut—one goalkeeper and one outfield player. The announcement marks a return to the international fold for Williams, who had been omitted from recent FIFA windows under previous coach Otto Addo.
That omission had been a point of frustration for the 31-year-old attacker, but Queiroz’s arrival in April has opened the door once again. Addo was dismissed in March after Ghana suffered heavy friendly defeats to Austria and Germany, leading the Ghana Football Association to turn to the vastly experienced Portuguese tactician. Queiroz, who has previously managed national teams including Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman, has a contract that runs through the conclusion of the World Cup on July 31, underscoring the high-stakes nature of his tenure.
For Williams, the inclusion is a golden opportunity to feature in back-to-back World Cups. He and younger brother Nico both represented their respective nations at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, a proud moment for the family and Athletic Club. Nico has already secured his place in Luis de la Fuente’s final 26-man Spain squad, meaning the siblings could once again share the sport’s grandest stage. Iñaki’s path, however, remains narrower, with the Wales friendly serving as the final audition.
The preliminary squad selection suggests Queiroz values experience and versatility, both of which Williams offers in abundance. The Bilbao-born forward switched international allegiance to Ghana in 2022, and despite intermittent appearances, his ability to stretch defences, hold up play, and contribute in wide areas makes him a valuable asset. With the World Cup set to unfold across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, conditions that often demand physicality and pace, Williams’ attributes align well with the tournament’s demands.
Athletic Club’s presence at the World Cup extends beyond the Williams brothers. Central defender Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Unai Simón are both nailed-on starters for Spain, while Dani Vivian remains on standby as part of La Roja’s 55-player reserve list. Meanwhile, Mexican goalkeeper Álex Padilla faces an uphill battle to make El Tri’s final squad, as coach Javier Aguirre is already working with three of the five goalkeepers from the 55-man preliminary pool.
The concentration of Athletic players in international setups highlights the club’s enduring ability to develop elite talent, even as it upholds its unique Basque-only policy. For Iñaki Williams, a strong World Cup could further cement his legacy at San Mamés and potentially attract attention from outside, though his long-term commitment to Athletic remains unquestioned.
Queiroz’s decision to reintegrate Williams also speaks to Ghana’s intent to blend youth with seasoned campaigners. The Black Stars, who are aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010, will rely on the forward’s top-level experience in LaLiga and European competitions. The June 2 friendly against Wales, a team that narrowly missed qualification itself, will be a stern test both tactically and psychologically.
The match not only provides a final evaluation for Queiroz but also a chance for Williams to build chemistry with teammates he has seldom played alongside. Ghana’s attacking unit has undergone changes since the last World Cup, and a player of his profile could be the catalyst for a more direct, counter-attacking approach in the tournament proper.
Beyond individual narratives, the 2026 World Cup represents a landmark edition with its expanded 48-team format and tri-nation hosting. For players like Williams, who will be 32 by then, it may represent one of the last opportunities to shine on such a platform. His brother Nico, still in his prime at 23, adds a compelling subplot of sibling success—a storyline that transcended Athletic Club lore to become a global talking point in Qatar.
As the clock ticks toward the June 2 cutoff, all eyes will be on the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes or wherever the Wales encounter takes place, where Williams’ World Cup fate will be decided. For now, being back in the fold under Queiroz is a victory in itself, but the forward will know that the real work is just beginning.
Based on reporting from Marca.
