Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has thrown his support behind the possible inclusion of veteran forward André Ayew in the Ghana national football team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the experienced attacker as an “additional player-coach” whose leadership could prove vital to the team’s campaign.
Speaking during an appearance on Adom TV’s Fire for Fire program, Adams stressed that Ayew’s experience and influence within the national team setup remain invaluable despite growing debate over his form and age.
“I just want results, and I believe that if you have someone like André Ayew, it is like having an additional player-coach in the team,” Adams stated. He further argued that veteran players often continue to make important contributions at the FIFA World Cup, even in the latter stages of their careers.
The 36-year-old former Black Stars captain has not featured regularly for Ghana since the team’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, discussions surrounding a potential recall have intensified ahead of the tournament in North America.
Despite publicly endorsing Ayew’s inclusion, Adams acknowledged that the final decision rests entirely with head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is expected to announce Ghana’s final World Cup squad on June 1, 2026.
The prospect of Ayew returning to the national team has sharply divided opinion among Ghanaian football fans and analysts. Supporters of the move believe his leadership, experience, and dressing-room influence could provide stability for a relatively younger squad. Some have compared his potential role to that played by former captain Stephen Appiah during Ghana’s memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Critics, however, argue that Ayew’s recent performances do not justify a return to the squad. Concerns have also been raised about his recent short-term spell with Dutch club NAC Breda, which ended with the club suffering relegation from the Eredivisie. Others fear that his presence could complicate tactical balance and create unnecessary distractions within the squad.
The Ghana national football team have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghana will begin its campaign against Panama national football team on June 17 before facing England national football team on June 23 and Croatia national football team on June 27.
Source: Omanghana
