Black Stars forward, Mohammed Kudus
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has urged his Ghana teammates to approach the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with absolute determination, insisting that qualification is non-negotiable.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the Tottenham Hotspur star admitted the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations still lingers, but stressed that the squad’s full focus is now on reaching football’s biggest 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, playing for the Black Stars goes beyond footballing achievement. “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.
Ghana’s hopes hinge on their upcoming fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros, which will ultimately decide their qualification fate.
The Black Stars need just four points from the two games to book their place at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Kudus remains unwavering in his stance: “We have to qualify at all costs. I think we are on the right path now.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s most iconic World Cup campaign in 2010, when the Black Stars reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, Kudus believes the current generation can surpass that achievement.
“In 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.”
Watch as addresses beneficiaries of the government’s ‘Adwumawura’ programme
