Ghana star Mohammed Kudus ruled out of 2026 World Cup

Ghana star Mohammed Kudus’ quest of making a second successive World Cup appearance has been dealt a heavy blow after suffering a serious hamstring setback that will sideline him for an extended period.

The 25-year-old attacker, who has been a central figure for the Ghana in recent years, has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines since January.

Before this devastating news, there had been optimism surrounding his recovery after he returned to individual training.

But fresh medical scans have now confirmed a relapse that will keep him out for at least three months, effectively ending his hopes of featuring at the tournament.

Kudus’ absence is a massive blow to Ghana’s ambitions, with the Black Stars preparing to face a daunting group that includes England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team. The dynamic forward was widely expected to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s attacking setup, given his creativity, flair, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.

Renowned for his dribbling, vision, and eye for goal, Kudus has grown into one of Ghana’s most influential players, capable of turning games with moments of brilliance. His unavailability now forces the technical team into a major tactical rethink as they scramble to fill the void left by their talisman.

The injury setback also extends to club level, where Tottenham Hotspur will be without one of their key attacking assets. New manager Roberto De Zerbi now faces the challenge of navigating the remainder of the season without the Ghanaian, whose impact was expected to be significant.

To compound matters further, Ghana will also be without defender Mohammed Salisu, adding to the growing list of concerns for the squad ahead of the tournament.

With two key pillars missing—one in attack and one in defense—the Black Stars must now dig deep and find new solutions if they are to compete against some of the world’s best. The road ahead has become significantly tougher, and Ghana’s resilience will be tested like never before on football’s biggest stage.