Crystal Palace forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi joins Black Stars for the first time ahead of Mexico friendly

English-born Ghanaian forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has joined the Black Stars for the first time ahead of the international friendly against Mexico on Friday, May 22, 2026.The 23-year-old, who represented England at youth level, received his maiden invite to the Black Stars for the Mexico game following an outstanding season on loan at Stoke City.

He scored 3 goals in 15 matches in the second half of the season for Stoke, having spent the first half in Turkey with Rizespor.Rak-Sakyi trained with the Black Stars in Puebla on Tuesday as the team prepares to engage the World Cup co-hosts in what will be new coach Carlos Queiroz's first match.The Crystal Palace player is expected to justify his call-up by fighting for a place in Queiroz's final list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.The former Chelsea youth player is likely to make the team for June's friendly against Wales before the Black Stars leave for America for the tournament.The Black Stars have been placed in Group L of the World Cup, where they will face Panama, England and Croatia.