2026 World Cup: Injuries are part of football - Kofi Adams disappointed with Mohammed Kudus' absence
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has conceded that the Black Stars will miss the influence of Mohammed Kudus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while stressing that injuries remain an unavoidable part of the game.
The 25-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury that initially sidelined him with hopes of a return in late April. However, a setback during recovery ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the season and forced his omission from Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the tournament in North America.
Kudus, who was expected to play a key role under head coach Carlos Queiroz, was left out of the final selection as the team confirmed its travelling party for the competition.
Speaking on TV3 Sports, Mr Adams said the management had hoped the attacker would recover in time to make the squad, but accepted the disappointment as part of football’s realities.
"We prayed for Kudus to be fit in order to play the World Cup tournament, but injury is part of the football profession," the Buem MP said.
Kudus remains a standout figure in Ghana’s recent World Cup history, having scored twice in the Black Stars’ memorable 3-2 victory over South Korea at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the global showpiece in North America, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their group-stage fixtures conclude against Croatia on June 27.