2026 World Cup: I will be extremely surprise if Andre Ayew does not make Black Stars squad list - Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has made a strong case for the inclusion of André Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 36-year-old forward, currently a free agent after his release from NAC Breda following the club’s relegation, has not featured for the Black Stars since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Ghana exited at the group stage.

Despite his absence from recent national team action, Ayew’s name has remained a talking point, with growing calls for his return following his stint in the Netherlands.

With head coach Carlos Queiroz set to name his final squad on June 1, Ampofo Ankrah says he would be surprised if the former West Ham United and Swansea City attacker is left out.

Speaking to Sporty FM, he stressed that Ayew’s experience would be invaluable to the team at the global showpiece.

“I will be extremely surprised if Dede Ayew does not secure selection at least into the provisional squad list for the World Cup," he said.

"Beyond his recent solid strides to regain fitness, Dede’s immense experience would be a huge asset for Ghana at the biggest football gathering of all time,” Ampofo Ankrah added.

Ayew, one of Ghana’s most experienced internationals and the country’s second-highest scorer at the FIFA World Cup, has already featured at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Overall, he has made 17 World Cup appearances, eight of them starts, playing 881 minutes and scoring once.

Ghana will be making their fifth World Cup appearance when the tournament kicks off in North America, with the Black Stars drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

They begin their campaign against Panama on June 18, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.