2026 World Cup: Ghana Reportedly Submit Provisional Squad to FIFA, Mohammed Kudus Included
- Ghana has reportedly submitted its provisional squad to FIFA as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gather momentum
- Although the list is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that Andre Ayew and another key player have been excluded
- Meanwhile, injured attacker Mohammed Kudus has reportedly been included in the provisional squad despite fitness concerns
- Coach Prince George Koffie expressed concern over the possible inclusion of Mohammed Kudus in Ghana’s squad
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Ghana has taken a major step towards the 2026 World Cup after submitting its provisional squad list to FIFA, according to reports.
Sources close to the senior men's national team claim 53 players have been named in the long list, which will serve as the pool for final selection ahead of the June deadline.
Source: Twitter
The four-time African champions are expected to trim this down to 26 players for the global showpiece.
Early reports also suggest notable omissions, alongside encouraging news surrounding key figures such as Mohammed Kudus.
Carlos Queiroz reportedly snubs Ayew and Salisu
Ghanaian journalist Bismark Owusu Bempah, popularly known as Ayala, reported on X that veteran forward Andre Ayew and defender Mohammed Salisu were left out of the provisional list entirely.
Their absence effectively ends any hopes of featuring at the World Cup.
For Salisu, the decision appears linked to injury concerns: a season-ending setback suffered in January halted his progress, and despite returning to light training, it came too late to influence selection.
Ayew’s omission, however, has raised eyebrows across the football community.
Several high-profile voices, including Dr Lawrence Tetteh, outspoken sports broadcaster Countryman Songo, and Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, had publicly called for his inclusion.
Still, recent form did little to strengthen his case.
The experienced forward has managed just one goal in 17 appearances, according to Transfermarkt, and has not featured regularly for the national team since March 2023.
Source: Getty Images
Is Kudus in Ghana's World Cup list?
In more positive news, Kudus is understood to have been included in the provisional squad, keeping alive his chances of playing at a second consecutive World Cup.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since picking up an injury on January 4 against Sunderland.
Although initial expectations pointed to a return after the March international break, complications slowed his recovery.
There were even reports in England suggesting possible surgery that could have ruled him out completely.
However, journalist @Iamamanoa cryptically indicated that Kudus has avoided an operation and is currently progressing well in rehabilitation.
Below is her post, as shared on X:
Under FIFA regulations, only players named in the expanded provisional pool can be considered for the final 26-man squad, which must be submitted by June 1 and published a day later.
Ghana will also use upcoming friendlies, including a clash with Mexico on May 23 (Ghana time), to assess fringe players as competition for places intensifies ahead of the World Cup.
The pros and cons of adding Kudus
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, former Great Olympics and Swedru All Blacks coach Prince George Koffie admitted he has mixed feelings about the possible inclusion of Mohammed Kudus in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He acknowledged Kudus’ immense quality but questioned whether the attacker would be fully ready for the demands of the tournament after being sidelined since January.
“Look, no coach will reject having a player of Kudus' calibre in their squad for a major tournament like the World Cup, but the truth is, what about his fitness? He might be physically and mentally fit, but football-wise, I don't think he will be ready. Kudus has not played since January and lacks match fitness. Considering how gruelling and competitive the World Cup will be, you would not want to carry a half-fit player to the competition.”
Despite those concerns, Koffie stressed that Ghana could still benefit from Kudus’ creativity, especially given the team’s struggles in attack.
He suggested that with careful management and a tailored training programme, the midfielder could still play an important role off the bench.
“But on the flip side, Kudus is arguably Ghana's most creative spark and looking at how the Black Stars struggles to create something out of the ordinary, you would need players cast in the mould of Kudus to weave some of his magic for you. If we managed his load properly and lighten his training regimen, he could come on and give us a good 10-15 minutes at the World Cup.”
The experienced tactician also urged both head coach Carlos Queiroz and Kudus to prioritise the player’s long-term future when making a final decision on his participation.
“Hopefully, both Carlos Queiroz and Kudus will make the right decision that will not only take the World Cup into consideration but also the future of the player.”
Carlos Queiroz warns Semenyo and others
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz had emphasised that discipline and teamwork would be the key criteria for selection in his 2026 World Cup final squad.
The Portuguese tactician said that even in-form players like Antoine Semenyo and veterans such as Jordan Ayew would only be considered if they aligned with his tactical and collective philosophy.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Prince George Koffie (CAF License 'A' International Football Coach) Prince George Koffie is a seasoned CAF License "A" Professional Football Coach with three decades of experience, ranging from grassroots development to international competitions, including a CAF Champions League campaign. He excels in both player development and competitive tactical coaching.
