“We Have to Qualify at All Costs”-Kudus Rallies Black Stars
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has called on his Ghana teammates to give their all in the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, stressing that qualification for the global showpiece is non-negotiable.
Ghana’s qualification hopes rest on two crucial fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros. The Black Stars require just four points from those matches to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker admitted that missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was a painful setback but insisted that the disappointment has only sharpened the squad’s focus.
“Obviously, AFCON is also 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, the chance to represent Ghana goes far beyond footballing accolades.
“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.
“We have to qualify at all costs. I think we are on the right path now.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s historic run to the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Kudus expressed confidence that the current generation of players has the potential to achieve even more.
“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 said.
With Kudus’ words setting the tone, the Black Stars will enter their decisive qualifiers with belief and determination, aiming to return to the world stage and write a new chapter in Ghanaian football history.
