2026 World cup: I Won’t be surprised to see Dede Ayew in the squad - Sports Minister
3rd March 2026
Ghana’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, says he would have no objection to Andre Ayew earning a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on Burning Issues on Adom FM, the Buem MP indicated that the experienced forward is steadily regaining form and remains in contention as long as he has not retired from international football.
“We have asked the Technical Team to put up a strong team so we can go and compete. Players like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, among others, are doing well,” Mr Adams said.
“Dede Ayew, too, is picking up, and as long as he has not retired, I won’t be surprised if he makes it to the squad,” he added.
Ayew, 36, joined Dutch side NAC Breda on 31 December 2025 as a free agent and has made eight appearances so far this season. The former Under-20 World Cup winner last featured for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
His potential return has divided opinion among supporters. Some argue that his vast experience, including multiple World Cup appearances, could prove invaluable on the global stage. Others believe Ghana should look to younger, more dynamic options as the team builds for the future.
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on 17 June, face England on 23 June and conclude the group stage against Croatia on 27 June.
In preparation for the tournament, the team will regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, before a final warm-up match against Mexico in May.
The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that the squad will be based at Bryant University in the United States throughout the competition.
With months to go before the final squad is named, debate over Ayew’s inclusion is likely to intensify, but for now, the Sports Minister has made it clear he would not stand in the way of a potential comeback.