Ghana’s World Cup hopes have received a calculated boost after star midfielder Mohammed Kudus underwent surgery on a recurring injury, keeping him in contention for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur attacker initially resisted surgical intervention in favour of conservative rehabilitation.
However, following a fresh hamstring setback on top of a previous quad injury that has sidelined him since January, Kudus opted for the procedure under the advice of club specialists.
He has already begun a strictly supervised rehabilitation program.
Group Stage Target
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz remains optimistic about including the playmaker in Ghana’s final squad.
Medical staff are targeting a potential return for Ghana’s final group-stage match against Croatia on June 27, with the hope that he will be fully fit for the knockout rounds should the team progress.
This will mark Kudus’ second World Cup appearance if he is selected. He was Ghana’s standout performer at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he scored twice in a 3-2 victory over South Korea.
Kudus has netted 13 goals in 46 international appearances since his debut in 2019.
Management Urges Squad Resilience
Speaking to Asempa FM, Stephen Appiah, Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, acknowledged the gravity of Kudus’ situation but urged the nation to maintain faith in the rest of the squad.
“We know his contribution to the team, but even during my playing days, when a player was not available, we went ahead and played. We should have that level of belief that someone will step up,” Appiah said.
“Kudus is a special player, and when he plays, he gives the team a massive lift. But we should just pray and see what happens, as I am equally impressed with the performance of our other players abroad.”
Before his injury layoff, Kudus had made 19 appearances and scored two goals for Tottenham Hotspur this season.
World Cup Schedule
Ghana will compete in a challenging group alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, aiming to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2010.
The Black Stars head into the tournament looking to redeem themselves after disappointing group-stage exits in both the 2014 and 2022 editions.