Ghana World Cup 2026 speculation has intensified after Ghana’s Sports Minister hinted at the veteran forward’s possible return to the Black Stars squad. With the tournament set for June and July, discussions around experience and leadership have placed Andrew Ayew firmly back in the conversation.
With Ghana preparing for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next June and July, discussion around squad selection has already begun. Ayew’s name, despite recent absence from the national team, appears to remain firmly in the conversation.
Speaking in an interview with Adom FM, Adams suggested that the former Ghana captain’s experience and continued club activity may still earn him a place in the final squad.
“Dede Ayew, too, is picking up, and as long as he has not retired, I won’t be surprised if he makes it into the 2026 World Cup squad,” the minister said.
Ayew, now 33, has not featured for Ghana since the friendly fixtures in March 2024 against Nigeria and Uganda. His absence fuelled speculation that the national team had moved on to a new generation.
However, Adams stressed that selection ultimately rests with the head coach, Otto Addo, and his technical team. The minister’s comments nevertheless signal that the door remains open.
Ayew recently joined Dutch side NAC Breda in January 2026 after leaving French club Le Havre at the end of last season. The move was seen as an effort to regain match fitness and remain competitive at the club level.
Few players in Ghana’s modern era boast his experience. Ayew is the country’s most capped outfield player, with 120 international appearances and 24 goals. He has featured in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cups, offering leadership in high-pressure environments.
Ghana’s squad planning ahead of the World Cup has centred on finding the right balance between emerging talent and seasoned campaigners.
The Black Stars, who finished runners-up at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, face a challenging group in 2026, with Panama, England and Croatia awaiting them.
As preparations begin, the coaching staff must decide whether Ayew’s tournament experience outweighs the rising influence of younger attackers within the squad.
Adams’ remarks suggest that leadership and composure in big tournaments still matter.
Whether Ayew makes the final squad will depend on form, fitness and tactical fit over the coming months. For now, his international chapter appears unfinished.
Elsewhere in international football, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has backed Mohamed Salah to rediscover his scoring touch following a rare goal drought.
The Egyptian forward recently endured his longest run without a Premier League goal since November, going nine matches without finding the net. Although he scored an equaliser against Aston Villa, Liverpool eventually lost late to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Slot dismissed concerns about Salah’s form, pointing to the exceptionally high standards the forward has set.
“He set his own standards, and those are so, so, so high,” Slot said. “The biggest compliment he can get is when he doesn’t score for a few games. That is the reality.”
The Liverpool manager emphasised that the team’s scoring struggles are not Salah’s burden alone. He highlighted other attackers, including Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, who have also experienced dips in form.
Slot added that improved defensive performances and clean sheets have reduced pressure on the forward line, giving the team space to rebuild confidence. “I know in the end he always starts scoring again,” he said.
Liverpool now turns their focus to a league meeting with West Ham. Slot expects Salah to respond as he has done throughout his career, by delivering when it matters most.
