AL RAYYAN, QATAR - NOVEMBER 28: Andre Ayew of Ghana celebrates his side's first goal after the Video Assistant Referee review during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Korea Republic and Ghana at Education City Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

2026 World Cup: Having Andre Ayew in Black Stars' squad is like having an extra player and coach — Kofi Adams

· GhanaSoccernet

Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, says he has no doubt seeing Andre Ayew make Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The 36-year-old has been out of the senior national team after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast, where the team suffered group phase elimination under his leadership.

With Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz set to name his final squad for the tournament on June 1, the Buem MP expressed that even players older than Ayew play at the Mundial.

According to him, having Andre Ayew in Ghana’s squad is like having an extra coach.

"Andre Ayew is one of the great players. I have no doubt seeing him at the World Cup because even older players than Andre Ayew go to the World Cup," he told Adom TV.

"I just want results, and I believe that if you have someone like Andre Ayew, it is like having an additional player-coach in the team," he added.

After a short stint with Dutch side NAC Breda, Andre Ayew has been released by the club following their relegation from the top flight.

The Black Stars have been housed in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

Ahead of the tournament, Queiroz’s side will play friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.