About two months ago, discussions emerged about foreign-based Ghanaian players who have expressed interest in switching their allegiance to Ghana. Prominent among those reportedly interested are Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Many people raised concerns, expressing discontent over their possible inclusion in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. Others believe that players who did not feature in the qualifiers should be excluded from the final squad. However, the former Sports Minister, who currently represents the people of Odododiodio Constituency, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, stated during an interview on Onua TV has vouched for the players, stressing that the duo would be a good fit alongside players such as Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo.

Highlighting the importance of including Eddie and Callum, and citing their experience as former England internationals, he believes their presence would give Ghana an upper hand, especially since the Black Stars have been drawn in the same group as England.

“The good thing is that we are going to play against England,” the former Member of Parliament for “It will rather give us a psychological advantage over them. They won’t have that overconfidence.

“Imagine having Jordan [Ayew], [Antoine] Semenyo, Eddie Nketiah, and Hudson-Odoi in attack! It makes us stronger,” he added.

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June next year.

This was confirmed by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, in an interview with Accra-based radio station Asempa FM on December 15. He stated that ahead of the official squad announcement, a provisional list is expected to be released by all qualified nations on May 11, with the final squad to be released on June 1.

“All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026,” he said.

He added that Ghanaian players performing well domestically or abroad will all be considered for selection.

“Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up,” Asante Twum noted.

Drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will be looking to improve on previous campaigns at the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23. Their final group match against Croatia is scheduled for June 27 in Philadelphia.

Next year’s tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The team’s most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign will begin against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

GFA President’s takeon Ghanaian foreign based playersSpeaking on the issue and matters arising concerning it, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, during an interview with 3Sports, explicitly stated that Ghana will not make room for just talent but genuine commitment, respect and love for Ghana.

Referring to his son, who was born and raised in the UK, the GFA President noted that his outfit has no intention to snub any talent, but these players must demonstrate they understand their roots and are committed to making a difference in the team.

“To be honest, we treat these matters on a case-by-case basis. I often use my own son, Kurt Junior, as an example,” Okraku explained.

“He was born and schooled in England, and if he were as talented as Abedi Pele, I wouldn’t deny him the chance to play for Ghana just because he was born abroad. But if he wants to represent Ghana, he must show that he loves, respects, and is committed to Ghana. Thankfully, he visits Ghana every year, so he understands his roots.”

He also stressed that GFA will not entertain players who are suddenly showing interest in representing Ghana just because the squad made it to the tournament, adding that players who previously turned down opportunities to represent the Black Stars would not automatically be reconsidered.

“I don’t want mercenaries coming to Ghana. I don’t want players jumping on board just because we’ve qualified for the Mundial. I want players who love Ghana, who play from the heart, with passion, and are proud to represent the nation in every competition.”

“I’ve been very categorical; if you refused us in the past or showed disrespect to Ghana, I won’t open the door to you just because we’ve made it to the World Cup.

“I don’t care about what the coach wants in that regard. You must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you want to wear the national colours, that you’re proud to be Ghanaian, and that you’re fully committed to the flag,” he added.