Ghana have received a timely lift ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after influential midfielder Mohammed Kudus successfully underwent surgery in a bid to speed up his recovery from injury.
The Tottenham Hotspur star had been battling fitness problems for months after suffering a quad injury in January that kept him out of action for an extended spell. Just as hopes of a comeback began to grow, the 25-year-old sustained a hamstring injury, raising fears that his World Cup dream could be over before the tournament even begins.
Medical specialists working with Tottenham reportedly advised Kudus to undergo surgery as the safest route toward a full recovery. The Ghana international was initially reluctant to go under the knife, preferring rehabilitation treatment because of concerns that an operation might completely rule him out of the global showpiece.
Kudus holds out hope for World Cup as he rejects surgery over injury setback
After further consultations, however, Kudus eventually agreed to the procedure and has now begun an intensive rehabilitation programme under close supervision.
The latest update has sparked renewed belief within the Ghana camp that the midfielder could still play a role for the Black Stars in North America.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz remains optimistic about the player’s progress and is reportedly weighing up the possibility of including Kudus in Ghana’s final World Cup squad despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
There is increasing confidence that the former Ajax playmaker could recover in time for Ghana’s final Group L fixture against Croatia, while a deeper tournament run could further improve his chances of featuring during the knockout rounds.
Kudus has become one of Ghana’s most important players since making his senior international debut in 2019. In 46 appearances for the Black Stars, he has scored 13 goals and consistently delivered standout performances on the biggest stages.
Kudus sounds caution as Ghana brace for tough World Cup group
The midfielder particularly shone at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he emerged as Ghana’s brightest performer. He scored twice in the memorable 3-2 victory over South Korea, a match that produced Ghana’s only win of the tournament before their eventual group-stage exit.
Ghana will face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
