Mohammed Kudus Withdraws from Black Stars Squad as Coach Carlos Queiroz Finalizes Contract Terms

Mohammed Kudus has officially withdrawn from the Ghana national team ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Despite being included in the initial 24-man squad by head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has opted to remain in London to prioritize his recovery from a long-term injury. This development comes as Queiroz himself negotiates the final details of his return to the Black Stars, including specific demands regarding his technical backroom staff following his reappointment on September 2, 2026.

Kudus’ decision to pull out follows a grueling seven-month layoff due to a significant quad injury. Although the playmaker recently made his competitive return for Tottenham in the Premier League, he communicated to both the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Queiroz that he requires more time to regain peak physical condition before returning to international duty. The Black Stars will miss his creative presence on the pitch; his last international appearance on October 12, 2025, saw him find the net in a World Cup qualifier against Comoros.

Simultaneously, administrative adjustments are underway as Carlos Queiroz prepares to lead the team. Reports indicate that Queiroz has requested the GFA to make specific adjustments to the backroom team of the Black Stars prior to finalizing his new contract. The coach is reportedly keen on ensuring his support team aligns with his tactical vision as the GFA seeks to stabilize the technical department. Notably, the current 24-man roster also sees the absence of veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, signaling a potential shift in the team's composition for this qualifying cycle.

Ghana faces a challenging schedule as they look to restore their standing in African football after a period of absence from major tournaments. The Black Stars are set to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 and The Gambia on September 29 in critical AFCON qualifiers, followed by a high-profile friendly against Morocco on October 4. While Kudus' absence is a significant blow to the team's depth, the upcoming fixtures represent a pivotal moment for Queiroz to re-establish the Black Stars as an elite force on the continent.