Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has urged the Black Stars technical team to include Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi in Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana will make their fifth World Cup appearance next summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, having topped their qualification group with 25 points. Reports suggest both Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi are prepared to represent Ghana despite previously featuring for England at youth and senior levels.

Vanderpuye’s Argument




    • On facing England:

“The good thing is that we are going to play against England. It will rather give us a psychological advantage over them. They won’t have that overconfidence.”


    • On squad strength:

“Imagine having Jordan [Ayew], [Antoine] Semenyo, Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi in attack! It makes us stronger.”

  • On Ghanaian roots:

Emphasized that players of Ghanaian descent are crucial, especially given the high-profile clash against England.

Ghana’s Group L Fixtures


  • June 17 – vs Panama (Toronto, Canada)

  • June 23 – vs England (Boston, USA)

  • June 27 – vs Croatia (Philadelphia, USA)
Historical Context

  • World Cup Appearances: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, and now 2026.

  • Best Run: Quarter-final finish in South Africa 2010, where Ghana came within inches of a historic semi-final.

The potential inclusion of Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi would add firepower and depth to Ghana’s attack, blending experience from Europe’s top leagues with the established presence of Ayew and Semenyo. Vanderpuye’s comments reflect the growing anticipation around Ghana’s squad composition, particularly with the emotionally charged fixture against England on the horizon.