World Cup 2026: From Danso to Yeboah, meet 11 players with Ghanaian heritage representing other countries

Ghana will have a huge representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, both directly and indirectly, proving once again how genetically talented the West African nation is when it comes to soccer/football.

With the Black Stars set for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, the Football Association has in recent years tried to convince players of Ghanaian heritage born abroad to play for the national. A move that has resulted in scooping one of Europe's most in-form stars, Antoine Semenyo.

While some agreed to represent Ghana, others decided to play for their country of their birth.

And with a little over 48 hours left for the 2026 World Cup to start, GHANASoccernet looks at the 11 players of Ghanaian descent representing other countries at the tournament.

Kevin Danso - Austria

Born in Voitsberg, Danso could have played for Ghana and England at senior level, having spent part of his formative years in Milton Keynes. However, when time came for him to decide, the 27-year-old chose Austria and has since been an integral part of Ralf Ragnick's side. He has already made 32 appearances for the Europeans, helping them qualify for the tournament for the first time in 28 years.

Jeremy Doku - Belgium 

Doku's potential raised eyebrows early in his career, prompting the FA over a move for him to switch his nationality. But the then-Anderlecht teen sensation, who had started his international career with the Red Devils' U17, needed time to decide where his allegiance lied, and when the moment came, he chose Belgium. Since making his senior debut in 2020, Doku has made 43 appearances for Belgium, scoring 7 goals for the Europeans.

Richie Laryea - Canada 

One of the best full-backs in the Major League Soccer, Laryea was born in Toronto to Ghanaian players and could have played for the Black Stars. However, the 31-year-old, who has spent most of his career in the United States and Canada, and a brief spell in England with Nottingham Forest, will be embarking on his second World Cup with the co-hosts. Laryea has featured 76 times for Canada and has a goal to his credit.

John Yeboah - Ecuador 

One of the most uncommon switches at international stage is seeing players with African heritage representing South American nations. It is rare, but Yeboah's decision to play for Ecuador ahead of Ghana and Germany, the country of his birth, left many wondering. Yeboah's father hails from Ghana while his mother comes from Ecuador. He has already amassed 22 appearances for the South Americans, and featured for Ecuador during last year's Copa America.

Kobbie Mainoo - England 

Perhaps the biggest what if Ghana had Kobbie Mainoo! Unfortunately, the Manchester United star was so good England had to convince him to play for them at a very tender age. Mainoo was just 19 when he played for England at Euro 2024 and after another blistering season with the Red Devils, he is in line to play a huge role for the Three Lions in North America. Interestingly, Mainoo will face the country of his parents in Group L of the World Cup in Boston on June 23. This is expected to be Ghana vs Kobbie Mainoo.

Jarell Quansah - England 

Another player with Ghanaian descent in the English team is Quansah. His inclusion to the team for the World Cup shocked many, having only made a single senior appearance prior to the announcement of the squad. The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back is heading for his first major tournament with the Three Lions, and Thomas Tuchel seems to have much confidence in him over experienced defender Harry Maguire.

Jamie Leweling - Germany 

Leweling received an invite from the Black Stars in 2021, but he never really showed interest in playing for Ghana. The Stuttgart forward kept faith in his German dreams and it paid off quickly following a series of blistering performances in the Bundesliga. He has already made 5 appearances for the Die Manshaft, and will be expected to play a huge role in Julian Nagelsmann's side for the tournament.

Zion Suzuki - Japan 

Suzuki could have played for Ghana and the United States. The 23-year-old Parma shot-stopper was born in Newark, New Jersey to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, making him eligible to represent the World Cup hosts. However, Suzuki decided to play for Japan, having spent most of his early life in Urawa.

Brian Brobbey -Holland 

The Dutch national is one of the most diverse teams in the world, with players of different heritage making the squad. At the last World Cup, Memphis Depay and Jeremie Frimpong made the team, but the latter was not included in the summer's tournament, giving way to another Ghanaian, Brian Brobbey. Brobbey's first season in the English Premier League saw him lead Sunderland to Europe. The interesting part of Brobbey's story is that his brother, Derrick Luckasen, will play for Ghana in the same competition.

Memphis Depay - Holland 

Depay is a veteran of the Dutch national team, representing the Orange at various tournament. He even broke Robin Van Persie's all-time record to become Holland's top scorer with 52 international goals. Depay has made over a 100 international caps for Holland and heads to the tournament as their talisman. Depay never thought of playing for Ghana at the beginning of his career because of his relationship with his father. But after many years in Europe, the former Manchester United player reconnected with his roots.

Mohammed Muntari - Qatar 

Of all the players listed, Muntari was born is the only one born in Ghana. Muntari grew up in Kumasi before moving to Qatar, where he started his career. His talent gained him attention and was immediately invited by the U23 side, and after four games made his way into the senior team. He has since made 65 appearances for the Asian giants. Muntari made history by becoming Qatar's first and only goal at the World Cup.

By Lukman Abdul Mumin