Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has strongly backed André Ayew for a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the experienced forward still has plenty to offer the Black Stars on football’s biggest stage.
Ayew, 36, is currently without a club after leaving NAC Breda following their relegation from the Dutch top flight. The former Black Stars captain has not featured for Ghana since the disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, where the team suffered another early group-stage exit.
Despite questions surrounding his future with the national team, calls for Ayew’s return have continued to grow in recent months, particularly after his efforts to regain fitness and maintain competitive form in Europe.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Ampofo Ankrah stressed that Ayew’s leadership, experience, and understanding of major tournaments could prove crucial for Ghana at the World Cup.
“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.”
The NSA Director-General joins several former players, pundits, and supporters who believe Ayew’s experience could help guide Ghana’s relatively youthful squad during the tournament in North America.
Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most experienced internationals and is the country’s second-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history. He has represented the Black Stars at the 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, making 17 appearances and scoring once across those editions.
Ghana will make their fifth appearance at the World Cup in 2026 after being drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.
The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their campaign against Panama on June 18 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Attention will now turn to head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is expected to announce Ghana’s provisional squad on June 1, with Ayew’s inclusion likely to become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament.
