Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has reinforced Ghana’s determination to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that missing out on the global tournament is not an option.
The four-time African champions return to action this month for their decisive final qualifying fixtures, taking on the Central African Republic in Morocco on October 8 before hosting Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 12. Ghana need just four points from the two games to seal their place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the Tottenham Hotspur star admitted that the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) still lingers, but stressed that the team’s focus is firmly on the World Cup.
“Obviously, AFCON is one of the major tournaments that the country loves and wants to participate in. Not qualifying was a big disappointment, but I think the full focus now is on the World Cup qualifiers,” Kudus said.
For the 25-year-old, wearing the Black Stars jersey carries profound meaning beyond football.
“I think you represent your country like a one-time thing. That’s the one with the biggest emotion and feeling for me. It means a lot wearing that jersey with a lot of pride,” he explained.
Kudus was emphatic about Ghana’s mission: “We have to qualify at all costs. I think we are on the right path now.”
Reflecting on the Black Stars’ historic run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Ghana reached the quarterfinals, Kudus expressed optimism that the current generation can surpass that achievement.
“2010, we went all the way to the quarterfinals. And I believe this squad can even do more than that. But first we have to qualify, and then we can focus on the tournament itself,” he noted.
Ghana currently sit at the top of Group I with 19 points, needing just four more to secure what would be their fifth World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, head coach Otto Addo has released a 24-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers, featuring a mix of seasoned internationals and new call-ups.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
