By Kwame Bediako
GFA President Kurt Okraku has expressed disappointment over Kobbie Mainoo’s decision to represent England instead of Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the midfielder’s choice “most unfortunate” and regrettable.
Mainoo, a Manchester United midfielder eligible for Ghana through heritage, has been named in England’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Okraku believes that “full‑blooded Ghanaians” should represent Ghana, emphasizing that players with strong Ghanaian roots ought to choose the country of their origin when it comes to national‑team representation.
He says he does not wish to comment too much on such choices, but recalled watching France win the World Cup with a team composed largely of players of African origin, which he sees as a sign that the issue of dual‑nationality representation needs deeper discussion.
At the same time, he acknowledged England’s strength and the quality of their manager and technical staff, stressing that Ghana would approach the match with England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium as a highly competitive and determined side.
Mainoo could now face Ghana at the World Cup, as both nations are in Group L, with the Black Stars set to meet England in one of the group’s most anticipated fixtures.
