Mohammed Kudus has issued a rallying call to his Black Stars teammates, urging them to approach the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with unwavering determination, declaring that “qualification is non-negotiable.”
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder admitted that the pain of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations still lingers, but emphasized that the squad’s full focus is now on reaching football’s biggest stage.
“Not qualifying [for AFCON] was a big disappointment, but I think the full focus now is on the World Cup qualifiers,” Kudus said.
Playing for Ghana: A Matter of Pride
For Kudus, representing Ghana transcends footballing achievement:
“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.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s iconic 2010 World Cup quarterfinal run, Kudus believes the current generation can go even further:
“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.”
Kudus’ leadership — both on and off the pitch — continues to inspire a squad hungry to restore Ghana’s place among the world’s elite.
With 19 points atop Group I, Ghana needs just four more to secure a fifth World Cup appearance when they play in the final qualification doubleheader against Central Africa Republic and Comoros this month.
Comments