Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has omitted veteran forward Andre Ayew from his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending weeks of speculation over the player’s international future.
Ayew, 36, has not featured for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team exited at the group stage. Despite a late-season return to club football with Dutch side NAC Breda on a short-term deal, expectations of a recall to the national team ultimately went unmet.
Reports indicate that Queiroz did not include the former West Ham United and Swansea City forward even in his provisional 53-man list submitted to FIFA, effectively ruling him out ahead of the final squad announcement scheduled for June 1 in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association.
Public debate around Ayew’s potential return intensified in recent weeks, with Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, previously backing his inclusion.
He described the forward as an experienced presence capable of offering leadership on and off the pitch, even suggesting his role could extend beyond playing duties.
Ayew remains Ghana’s most capped player in history, but his recent club situation has been uncertain following NAC Breda’s relegation from the Dutch top flight. He made 16 appearances and scored once during his short stint with the club.
Ghana, preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, before taking on England on June 23 in Boston. Their final group match comes against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Preparations will continue with international friendlies against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2 as the squad builds toward the tournament.
