Mohammed Kudus has played 46 times for Ghana, scoring 13 times and assisting six more goals. | Photo Credit: AP

Ghana, which reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in 2010, will look for a similar run as it opens its 2026 campaign against Panama at the Toronto Stadium in Canada on Wednesday.

The Black Stars are grouped with England, Croatia and Panama, and have not gone beyond the group-stage since 2010. However, one of the players missing from their World Cup squad is their third captain, Mohammed Kudus.

Why is Mohammed Kudus not playing in Ghana vs Panama in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Mohammed Kudus is out of Ghana’s FIFA World Cup squad as he could not get fit in time for the tournament.

Kudus, who has scored 13 ‌times in 46 international ‌appearances, ⁠suffered a quad injury ⁠in January and was expected to return in March. However, ​the 25-year-old forward ‌suffered a setback in his recovery and has not played a game ‌since Thomas Frank was ​coaching Tottenham.

In the last edition of the World Cup, the forward took centre stage with a brace against South Korea in their group-stage match, ensuring a win for the Black Stars and keeping them in contention for the next round.

The 25-year-old has played 46 times for Ghana, scoring 13 times and assisting six more goals.

In his absence, coach Queiroz will rely on Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo and Athletic Club ‌forward Inaki Williams.

Published on Jun 18, 2026