By: Kwame Bediako
Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus has called on his Ghana teammates to approach the final hurdle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with unwavering determination, stressing that qualifying for the global showpiece is “non-negotiable”.
The Tottenham Hotspur star made the rallying call in an interview with Sports Illustrated as the Black Stars prepare for two decisive fixtures that will determine their World Cup fate.
Kudus admitted that the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations still weighs heavily on the squad and the nation.
However, he was quick to point out that the team has shifted its focus from the heartbreak of AFCON to ensuring success in the World Cup qualifiers.
“Not qualifying was a big disappointment, but I think the full focus now is on the World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
For the 25-year-old attacking midfielder, representing the Black Stars is an emotional privilege that transcends footballing achievement alone.
“I think 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,” Kudus explained as he underlined the national pride that comes with donning Ghana’s famous colours.
Ghana’s qualification hopes rest on their final Group matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros. The Black Stars require at least four points from the two games to secure a ticket to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Kudus remains steadfast about the team’s objective, insisting, “We have to qualify at all costs. I think we are on the right path now.”
Reflecting on Ghana’s most memorable World Cup journey in 2010, when the team reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, Kudus expressed his belief that the current generation has the potential to surpass that feat.
“2010 we went all the way to the quarterfinals. And 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,” he declared confidently.
