Kurt Okraku Draws the Line: Only Committed Players Will Represent Ghana at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku has sent a firm message to prospective players eyeing a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that only those who have demonstrated unwavering loyalty and respect for the nation will be considered.
Following Ghana’s qualification for the global showpiece, reports have surfaced suggesting renewed interest from several dual-national players — including Eddie Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Francis Amuzu — who had previously turned down opportunities to play for the country.
However, Okraku made it clear that the national team is reserved for players who truly value the Ghanaian jersey and have proven their commitment beyond doubt.
“Players who have not shown enough commitment to the Ghanaian flag will not be part of us,” he told 3Sports.
“There must be a good reason why a player is included in the travelling party. I want players who display dedication, passion, and respect for Ghana.”
The GFA boss further emphasized that character and national pride will remain central to the team’s selection process as Ghana prepares for its fifth World Cup appearance.
“If we have approached you before and you turned us down, if you’ve shown a lack of respect or refused to play for Ghana in the past — count yourself out,” Okraku cautioned.
His statement reinforces the association’s stance on maintaining discipline and unity within the national setup, especially as the technical team, led by Otto Addo, gears up for the tournament to be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Ghana secured its qualification with a 1-0 victory over Comoros in Accra, marking a major comeback after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents on December 5, when FIFA conducts the official draw.
