Kwasi Sibo enters Armenian football history: former Urartu player features at the World Cup

Former Urartu midfielder Kwasi Sibo came on for Ghana in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama.

The 27-year-old footballer appeared in the second half and became part of a historic moment for Armenian football. Sibo became the first former Armenian Premier League player to take the field in a World Cup match after previously playing in Armenia.

Players with World Cup experience had appeared in the Armenian championship before, but they moved to Armenian clubs only after playing at the tournament. In Kwasi Sibo’s case, the story is different: he first played in the Armenian Premier League and only later reached the biggest tournament in international football.

Sibo began his European career in Armenia. In 2017, the then 18-year-old midfielder joined Yerevan-based Banants from Ghanaian club Cheetah. Banants was later renamed Urartu.

Kwasi spent one season with the Yerevan club before moving to English side Watford. His career then included loan spells and appearances across Europe, while in the 2025/26 season he made his Spanish La Liga debut with Real Oviedo.

Kwasi Sibo: from the Armenian championship to Spanish La Liga

At the end of the season, Oviedo were relegated from Spain’s top division, while Sibo’s contract with the club runs until the end of June 2026.

Sibo’s historic achievement could be repeated at this World Cup by two more players connected with Armenian football. Yerevan’s Noah goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, who represents DR Congo, and former Noah player Logan Rogerson, who was called up by New Zealand, are both included in their national teams’ squads.

The Ghana — Panama match ended in a 1-0 victory for Ghana thanks to Samuel Yirenkyi’s goal in the 95th minute. England and Croatia are also competing in Group L.

From the Armenian Championship to the World Cup: from the local stage to the global arena