Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus ruled out of 2026 World Cup with injury

Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a setback in his recovery from a quadriceps injury, forcing coach Carlos Queiroz to reshuffle the Black Stars squad ahead of the tournament.

ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus will miss next month’s FIFA World Cup after suffering a setback in his recovery from a quadriceps injury, coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed when naming the Black Stars’ provisional squad on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old has not played since January after sustaining the injury during Tottenham’s Premier League campaign and was initially expected to return in March before complications during rehabilitation ruled him out of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Kudus’ absence leaves Ghana without one of its most experienced attacking players ahead of Group L matches against England, Croatia and Panama.

The midfielder is regarded as one of Africa’s leading attacking talents following standout performances in the Premier League and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he scored twice for Ghana.

Kudus played key role in Ghana’s qualification campaign

Kudus has become central to Ghana’s attacking system since making his senior international debut in 2019, earning praise for his dribbling ability, creativity and goalscoring contributions.

Reuters reported that the midfielder had scored 13 goals in 46 appearances for Ghana before the injury setback. He also played a decisive role during Ghana’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup and had been expected to lead the Black Stars’ midfield and attacking transitions during the tournament.

The former West Ham United player joined Tottenham last summer and made 19 Premier League appearances before the injury interrupted his season.

Salisu’s injury deepens Ghana’s concerns.

Ghana’s preparations have also been affected by the absence of defender Mohammed Salisu, who has been ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while playing for AS Monaco earlier this year. Medical assessments indicated Salisu’s recovery could take up to nine months, ending his chances of featuring at the World Cup.

The double injury setback has forced Queiroz to reorganise both Ghana’s midfield and defence ahead of pre-tournament matches against Wales and Panama. Experienced defender Baba Rahman and winger Ernest Nuamah have been recalled, while forwards Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are expected to assume greater attacking responsibility during the tournament.

Pressure grows ahead of difficult World Cup group

Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. Kudus had been expected to play a central role in Ghana’s attacking plans because of his ability to carry the ball through midfield and create chances in transition against higher-ranked opponents.

His absence is likely to increase pressure on Ghana’s remaining attacking players as the Black Stars attempt to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2010. Despite the injury setbacks, Queiroz said Ghana remained focused on preparing a competitive squad capable of challenging stronger opponents during the tournament.

The team is expected to continue preparations in Cardiff before travelling to North America ahead of the opening match.

Reporting and analysis by Edem Hodasi