2026 FIFA World Cup: Black Stars of Ghana's Potential Starting Lineup, Including Eddie Nketiah
- Eddie Nketiah sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaian fans ahead of the Black Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup participation
- Otto Addo is expected to keep the core of his team for the World Cup qualifiers, with very few changes likely to be made
- A veteran Ghanaian sports journalist has backed the coach's call to include Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi in the line-up
The Black Stars are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, and names that could add extra sparkle to Otto Addo’s attacking force are Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Nketiah, the 26-year-old Crystal Palace striker who was born in England to Ghanaian parents, remains eligible to play for either the Three Lions or the Black Stars at the international level.
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According to the BBC, though Nketiah has represented England across various youth levels and even made his senior debut in a friendly against Australia on October 13, 2023, his international future still hangs in the balance.
He was previously called up by England for their fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland, but did not feature competitively, meaning he could still switch allegiance to Ghana.
The same circumstance applies to Nottingham Forest winger, Hudson-Odoi.
In a past interview, the Nketiah hinted at his openness to representing the Black Stars if approached, stating that if Ghana called, he would be open to it.
With the Ghana Football Association and Otto Addo keen on strengthening the team’s attack, Nketiah’s inclusion could be a major boost as the team aims to make a deep run in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
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Potential Ghana line-up for 2026 World Cup
This line-up blends experience, creativity, and youthful energy, with Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus controlling things, and Eddie Nketiah, if he joins, providing pace and precision up front.
To be honest, if Ghana secure Nketiah’s commitment before the tournament, the Black Stars could possess one of the most balanced and dynamic sides heading into the 2026 World Cup.
YEN.com.gh has analysed how the Black Stars could line up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup below.
Between the sticks, Hearts of Oak's Benjamin Asare could be trusted to command the goal area with confidence and composure. His consistency and leadership make him a reliable presence at the back.
In defence, Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah are likely to occupy the full-back positions, offering width and speed on both flanks.
At the heart of the defence, Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku form a solid central partnership, combining strength, positioning, and tactical awareness.
The midfield could see Real Oviedo's Kwasi Sibo operating as the defensive shield, breaking up play and protecting the back line.
Villarreal's Thomas Partey, with his experience and composure, will dictate the tempo from the centre, while Mohammed Kudus provides flair, creativity, and goal threat in the attacking midfield role.
Up front, Antoine Semenyo and skipper Jordan Ayew will bring directness and trickery on the wings, constantly stretching opposition defences.
Leading the line as the main striker, Eddie Nketiah could be Ghana’s new weapon, a mobile No. 9 with pace, movement, and an eye for goal.
In the meantime, Nketiah’s potential inclusion in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has stirred lively debate among fans and pundits.
While many are excited about the prospect of the Crystal Palace striker donning the Black Stars jersey, others remain sceptical about his commitment.
Salia backs Otto Addo’s final decision
Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, football journalist Alhaji Mahama Salia shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s potential involvement with the Black Stars.
He said Coach Addo should be given the freedom to make the final call on both players, emphasising that the coach is ultimately accountable to the Ghana Football Association and the nation for the team’s performance.
''At the end of the day, Otto Addo is the one answerable to the authorities. He knows the kind of players who fit his system and what he wants to achieve at the World Cup. We can share our opinions, but the final decision should rest with him.”
Predicted Ghana squad for 2026 World Cup
YEN.com.gh also previously predicted Otto Addo's 26-man Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup after the Ghanaian team secured a ticket to the tournament.
Ghana qualified by defeating Comoros 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 12, 2025, with most of the players who featured there likely to join the squad.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
