Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has underlined the team’s determination to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that missing out is not an option.
Ghana return to action this month for the decisive final round of qualifiers, facing the Central African Republic on October 8 in Morocco before hosting Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 12.
The four-time African champions need just four points from the two fixtures to secure their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the Tottenham Hotspur star admitted that the sting of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations remains fresh but said the squad’s focus has now fully shifted to the global stage.
“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, representing Ghana goes beyond sport, carrying deep personal pride.
“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 added.
Kudus stressed that qualification is non-negotiable: “We have to qualify at all costs. I think we are on the right path now.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s historic 2010 World Cup run, where the Black Stars reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, Kudus expressed belief that the current squad can go even further.
“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.”
Ghana currently top Group I with 19 points, needing just four more to guarantee a place at what would be their fifth World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Otto Addo has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming games.
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