All eyes will be on Jordan Ayew as the Black Stars captain shoulders the hopes of an entire nation in Ghana’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leicester City forward is expected to lead Ghana’s attack in their crucial final Group I qualifying matches against the Central African Republic (CAR) and Comoros, with a fifth World Cup appearance hanging in the balance.
Ayew, who took over the captain’s armband from his brother, Andre, following his years of service to the national team, has been in red-hot form throughout the qualifiers. The 33-year-old has netted six goals so far, including a vital equalizer in Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Chad in Ndjamena.
His composure, experience, and eye for goal have been central to Ghana’s campaign, which currently sees the Black Stars top Group I with 19 points, three ahead of second-placed Madagascar.
Born into football royalty as the son of Ghanaian legend Abedi “Pele” Ayew, Jordan has carved out his own legacy through perseverance and consistency at both club and international levels. From his early days in France with Marseille to his Premier League exploits with Crystal Palace and now Leicester City, Ayew has earned a reputation as a hard-working, versatile forward capable of leading by example.
As Ghana prepares to face the Central African Republic on Thursday before rounding off the qualifiers against Comoros in Accra on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the pressure is mounting on Ayew to lead his country towards a fifth FIFA World Cup.
The nation’s football faithful see him as the man to guide the Black Stars back to the global stage after missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Under head coach Otto Addo, the team has blended experience with youthful energy, aiming to restore Ghana’s dominance on the continent and reaffirm its presence among football’s elite. Ayew’s leadership, both on and off the field, has been crucial in maintaining discipline and belief within the squad.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents not only another chance for Ghana to shine globally but also an opportunity to inspire a new generation of footballers.
