As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup gets underway on Saturday, June 14, in the United States, Ghanaian football will have more than a passing interest in the competition. Three Ghanaian internationals—Yaw Yeboah, Samuel Obeng Gyabaa, and Edmund Baidoo—are officially set to represent the nation at the global club tournament, which now features an expanded 32-team format similar to the FIFA World Cup.
The inclusion of these three players not only brings pride to Ghanaian football fans but also offers a significant platform for these athletes to shine on the world stage. As the tournament unfolds from June 15 to July 13, their performances will be closely followed by national team scouts, local fans, and international observers alike.
The Ghanaians Flying the Flag
Yaw Yeboah – Los Angeles FC (USA)
Yaw Yeboah, a 27-year-old winger currently playing for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer, headlines Ghana’s representation at the tournament. A former star of Ghana’s U-20 side and a four-time senior international for the Black Stars, Yeboah has seen a steady climb in his career, playing in several countries including Spain, France, and Poland before landing in the U.S.
At LAFC, he has established himself as a key attacking figure, bringing flair, pace, and technical precision to the flanks. With the tournament being hosted in the U.S., Yeboah’s familiarity with local conditions and fan expectations could make him one of the standout African performers of the tournament. His club will be aiming for a deep run, and he is expected to play a central role in their campaign.
Yeboah’s presence in the tournament is particularly meaningful for Ghanaian fans, who view him as a player capable of making a return to the national team setup with strong showings at this level.
Samuel Obeng Gyabaa – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
Another exciting Ghanaian prospect, Samuel Obeng, will lead the attack for Wydad Casablanca, one of North Africa’s most successful and popular clubs. The 27-year-old forward, known for his strength and ability to hold up play, brings experience and grit to a Wydad side that is looking to assert itself on the world stage.
Obeng was born in Ghana but developed much of his football career in Spain, eventually representing Ghana’s U-23 national team in the past. After spells with Spanish sides such as Real Oviedo and SD Huesca, he made a bold switch to the Moroccan giants, where he has flourished as a reliable goal-scorer.
Placed in a tough group that includes Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, Obeng’s composure and physicality in front of goal could be Wydad’s secret weapon in breaking down compact defences. For Ghana, his performances could reopen the conversation about bringing him into the senior Black Stars setup, especially as the team continues to search for consistent strikers ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Edmund Baidoo – RB Salzburg (Austria)
Perhaps the most intriguing of the trio is Edmund Baidoo, a 20-year-old attacker for Austrian Bundesliga champions RB Salzburg. While Baidoo has yet to be capped at any level by Ghana, his rapid rise through the ranks in Austria has caught the attention of many back home.
Baidoo, who started the season with Salzburg’s feeder club FC Liefering, was promoted to the senior side after an impressive run of form and has since featured in both domestic and European competitions. His pace, intelligence, and willingness to take on defenders make him a dangerous option from either flank or behind the striker.
His inclusion in Salzburg’s Club World Cup squad is a clear indication of the club’s belief in his abilities—and it also provides a chance for Ghana to evaluate him in a competitive, high-stakes environment. A strong showing could prompt calls for him to be fast-tracked into Ghana’s U-23 or senior teams as the Black Stars aim to refresh their attacking options.
Ghana-Born Talents to Watch
In addition to the three officially recognized Ghanaian internationals, two Ghana-born players are also set to participate in the Club World Cup, although they currently represent other national teams.
Taufik Seidou – Atlético Madrid (Spain)
One of the rising stars of European football, Taufik Seidou, is part of Atlético Madrid’s squad for the tournament. Seidou, who was born in Ghana but moved to Spain at a young age, currently captains Spain’s U-17 national team and is widely regarded as a top talent in Atlético’s youth setup.
Though he is yet to declare his international allegiance definitively, the Ghana Football Association is reportedly monitoring his progress closely. A breakthrough performance in the Club World Cup could further complicate the race for his international future, with both Spain and Ghana likely to be interested in securing his services long-term.
Josh Acheampong – Chelsea FC (England)
Another promising Ghana-born player, Josh Acheampong, has made the final 23-man squad for Chelsea FC, one of England’s biggest clubs. Acheampong, who has come through the Chelsea academy, has yet to be capped by Ghana but remains eligible.
Known for his defensive versatility and calmness on the ball, the teenager is viewed as a future first-team regular. His participation in the Club World Cup could provide him with valuable minutes at the senior level and add to the pool of Ghanaian-eligible players making waves in Europe.
The Club World Cup: A New Era
This year’s tournament is historic as it marks the first time the FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, mimicking the traditional structure of the FIFA World Cup. The competition will span four weeks, with matches being played across various U.S. cities.
The expanded format allows for more representation from different continents, and as a result, African teams such as Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Mamelodi Sundowns will have the opportunity to face some of the biggest names in world football like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Flamengo.
For Ghanaian players, this presents a rare and valuable opportunity to test themselves against elite competition, gain international visibility, and potentially secure moves to even bigger clubs.
What It Means for Ghana
The inclusion of Ghanaian players in such a prestigious competition is a testament to the growing global presence of Ghanaian football talent. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in youth development, both at home and abroad.
With national team scouts likely keeping a close eye on performances, this could be a defining moment for Yeboah, Obeng, Baidoo, and the others. Success at this level could catapult them into the Black Stars fold ahead of important continental and global qualifiers.
Conclusion
As the world tunes in to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Ghana will be quietly hopeful that its sons—both official and Ghana-born—make a lasting impression. Whether it’s Yaw Yeboah dazzling for LAFC, Obeng battling for Wydad, or Baidoo emerging as a breakout star for Salzburg, this tournament promises to be a thrilling ride for Ghanaian football fans around the globe.
