Every Ghanaian Player Has a Chance to Earn a World Cup Spot- Kofi Adams
Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has reiterated that selection for the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup squad will be determined solely by merit and the discretion of the technical team, emphasizing that every eligible Ghanaian player has an opportunity to represent the nation.
Speaking after Ghana’s 1–0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium — a result that sealed the Black Stars’ place at the global showpiece — Adams addressed ongoing discussions about whether new or foreign-born Ghanaian players should be included in the final squad.
“Every Ghanaian who knows how to play has the opportunity to go to the World Cup if the coach decides that he wants,” Adams told Asempa FM.
The Sports Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, highlighted that while the country boasts several talented players both locally and abroad, the ultimate decision rests with the head coach and his technical staff.
“I have watched some players, and I believe that they are good enough. Despite their talent, the final selection of players like Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi remains with the technical team and the coach,” he explained.
Adams also expressed his readiness to provide any necessary support to bolster the Black Stars’ preparations ahead of the World Cup, emphasizing collaboration beyond political lines.
“That is my responsibility, and if I am contacted to help, I will. Even some of the players playing now, I did some background work to get them to the national team. It’s not about my party people but even people in opposition, I talked to them just to bring them to the national team, so whoever they want to bring in, I will be there to assist,” he added.
His comments come amid divided opinions among football fans, with some labeling diaspora players as “opportunists” for making themselves available only during major tournaments.
Nonetheless, Adams maintained that national interest and quality must remain the guiding principles for team selection.
The Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents when the official 2026 FIFA World Cup draw takes place on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
