World Cup 2026: Jordan Ayew explains how Andre is still inspiring Ghana’s campaign

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has opened up about playing at the 2026 World Cup without his brother Andre following Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

Speaking to reporters in Philadelphia after the Black Stars’ final Group L fixture, the forward downplayed media speculation about navigating the 2026 FIFA World Cup without his older brother.

The Ayew brothers have been pillars of Ghana’s national team for over a decade, making Andre’s omission from the tournament squad a focal point of media questions.

“After all, he [Andre] is my brother,” Jordan stated. “He’s my blood. He’s my big brother and, of course, I take his advice, and he encourages me and the team. So there’s nothing to say about it. It’s just a normal thing.”

The comments came at a critical stage of Ghana’s tournament campaign. Despite the narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia, where Derrick Luckassen’s equaliser was cancelled out by a late Nikola Vlašić winner, the Black Stars had already mathematically secured qualification for the Round of 32.

Ghana finished third in Group L with four points, marking their first appearance in the knockout stage since their historic run in 2010.

Jordan emphasized that Andre remains an important source of leadership and motivation from afar as the united squad shifts its focus to the knockout rounds.

The Black Stars will now travel to Kansas City to face Colombia in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash.