“I won’t be surprised if Dede Ayew makes it into the 2026 World Cup squad”- Kofi Adams

Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has indicated that a return to the Black Stars fold for Andre Ayew remains a realistic prospect, stating he would not be shocked to see the veteran forward feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ayew, who currently plays for NAC Breda, has been absent from Ghana’s national team setup since the international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda in March 2024. The 36-year-old has subsequently missed multiple call-ups, including Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Despite his prolonged absence, Adams believes the door is not closed on the experienced attacker.

“Dede Ayew, too, is picking up, and as long as he has not retired, I won’t be surprised if he makes it into the [2026 World Cup] squad,” Adams said on Adom FM.

Ayew recently secured a move to NAC Breda in January after spending months without a club following the expiration of his previous contract. Since arriving in the Netherlands, he has started the club’s last three Eredivisie matches and continues to work toward opening his goal account.

The former Le Havre forward remains one of Ghana’s most decorated internationals, bringing leadership and tournament experience that could prove valuable should the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 global showpiece.

While selection decisions ultimately rest with the technical team, Adams’ comments suggest that Ayew’s international career may yet have another chapter — provided his club form continues to improve in the coming months.