Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has made it clear that players who do not demonstrate full commitment to the nation will not feature in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana secured its fifth qualification to the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reigniting interest from several European-born talents, including Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have expressed a desire to represent the four-time African champions.
Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku emphasized that only players who show loyalty, respect, and passion for the national team will be considered.
“Players who have not shown enough commitment to the Ghanaian flag will not be part of us. There must be a good reason why a player is included in the travelling party. I want players who display high levels of dedication, passion, and respect for Ghana.”
Okraku further asserted his authority in maintaining the standards of commitment and pride expected of anyone donning the national jersey.
“As a leader, I don’t really care what anybody says. At the end of the day, the responsibility lies with me, and I am accountable for Ghana.”
He added a firm warning to those who have previously declined call-ups or shown disrespect to the national team.
“If we have approached you before and you turned us down, if you’ve shown a lack of respect or declined to play for Ghana in the past, count yourself out. It’s not going to happen,” he added.
Ghana will discover its group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5.
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