Why Ghana Risk Struggling at 2026 World Cup Without Mohammed Kudus
- Daniel Opare warned that Ghana could struggle at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Mohammed Kudus fails to recover in time
- Kudus is currently sidelined with an injury after scoring nine goals for Tottenham Hotspur this season
- Carlos Queiroz is set to name his final squad as Ghana prepare to face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L
- Meanwhile, Charles Taylor has told YEN.com.gh that Ghana can cope without Mohammed Kudus despite calling him the team’s best player
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Former Ghana defender Daniel Opare has warned that Ghana could face serious difficulties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Mohammed Kudus does not recover from injury in time for the tournament.
The 25-year-old midfielder is currently sidelined with an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season, raising concerns about his availability for the global showpiece set to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to JoySports, Opare highlighted Kudus’ importance to the national team, insisting his absence would significantly weaken the squad.
“If he doesn't come back, we're in deep trouble,” Opare said.
“Like I said, football is, you know, the ones there can play, but I think with Kudus in there, he will add more value to the team.
“So, you know, fingers crossed, we pray that he recovers on time so that he can make the World Cup. You understand,” he added.
Kudus, who has been a key player for Tottenham Hotspur this season, scored nine goals in all competitions before suffering the injury setback in January.
Charles Taylor backs Ghana to cope without Kudus
Meanwhile, former Ghana international Charles Taylor believes that although Mohammed Kudus is the team’s best player, the coaching staff can still find ways to cope in his absence.
“Kudus is Ghana’s best player, no doubt,” Taylor told YEN.com.gh. “But the coaches can come up with a strong strategy to reduce the impact if he’s not available, especially by bringing in other quality players into the team.”
He added:
“We’ve seen this before. In 2010, Michael Essien didn’t make the squad because of injury, and Sulley Muntari wasn’t even a regular starter at the time, but Ghana still performed very well. We had a good tournament and went far.”
Kudus’ injury setback at Tottenham
Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, things have not gone according to plan so far. Just as Mohammed Kudus was starting to adapt and build momentum within Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking system, he was halted by injury at a crucial stage of his development.
Meanwhile, new Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to name his final 26-man squad by June 1 as Ghana prepare for their fifth World Cup appearance.
The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama and Croatia .
They will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Old prophecy about Mohammed Kudus
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that renewed attention on a prophecy involving Mohammed Kudus has sparked widespread discussion following his latest recovery concerns.
The warning, which has resurfaced on social media, has added an extra layer of anxiety around the player’s current situation at Tottenham Hotspur.
Source: YEN.com.gh
