The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that he would not be surprised if Andre Ayew earns a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ayew, who currently plays for NAC Breda, has been absent from the Ghana national football team since featuring in friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda in March 2024. Since then, the 36-year-old forward has been left out of multiple squad selections, including qualifiers for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.
Despite his recent absence from international duty, Adams believes the experienced forward could still have a role to play if he maintains good form and remains active.
“Dede Ayew, too, is picking up, and as long as he has not retired, I won’t be surprised if he makes it into the [2026 World Cup] squad,” Adams said during an interview on Adom FM.
Ayew joined NAC Breda in January after spending months without a club following the expiration of his previous contract at the end of last season. The former Le Havre attacker has since worked his way into the starting lineup, featuring in the club’s last three Eredivisie matches as he seeks his first goal for the Dutch side.
His recent run of games suggests he is regaining match fitness and sharpness, something that could strengthen his case for a potential recall to the Black Stars. Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most experienced players, having represented the country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cup competitions.
While the final decision on squad selection lies with the Black Stars technical team, the Sports Minister’s remarks may reignite discussions among fans about Ayew’s future with the national team. Some supporters believe his leadership and experience could prove valuable, particularly in high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup, while others argue that younger players should be given priority as Ghana rebuilds.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching and qualification campaigns ongoing, competition for places in the Black Stars squad is expected to intensify. For now, Ayew’s continued activity at club level keeps the door open — and as Minister Adams suggests, a return to the national team cannot be ruled out.
