Former Ghana international Daniel Opare has expressed concern that the Black Stars could struggle at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if key midfielder Mohammed Kudus fails to recover from injury in time for the tournament.
Kudus, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential attacking players, is currently sidelined with an injury that has ruled him out for the entirety of the 2025/26 season. The 25-year-old now faces a race against time to regain full fitness ahead of the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in June.
The midfielder played a pivotal role for Ghana during the 2022 tournament, where his performances drew widespread praise. His ability to carry the ball and unlock defences has made him a central figure in the national team setup. Concerns are now growing about how the squad would cope in his absence should he fail to recover in time.
Speaking to JoySports, Opare warned of the potential impact Kudus’s absence could have on the team’s fortunes. “If he doesn’t come back, we’re in deep trouble”, he said.
While acknowledging that other players in the squad are capable, Opare stressed that Kudus brings a distinct quality that is difficult to replace. “Like I said, football is, you know, the ones there can play, but I think with Kudus in there, he will add more value to the team,” he added.
Ghana is expected to rely heavily on its core group of players as it prepares for the global tournament. However, Kudus’s injury has cast uncertainty over the team’s attacking options, particularly given his track record on the international stage.
Opare also expressed hope that the midfielder would recover in time to feature at the competition. “So, you know, fingers crossed, we pray that he recovers on time so that he can make the World Cup, you understand,” he said.
The situation leaves Ghana’s technical team facing a difficult period of planning and preparation. While contingency options may be explored, replacing a player of Kudus’s calibre remains a significant challenge.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, attention will be firmly fixed on Kudus’s rehabilitation progress. His availability could prove crucial to Ghana’s ambitions on the global stage, with fans and former players alike hoping for positive news in the coming months.
For now, uncertainty remains over whether one of Ghana’s brightest talents will be fit in time to take part in football’s biggest tournament.
