During the squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, Ghana coach Otto Addo addressed the speculation surrounding Callum Hudson-Odoi’s potential switch to the Ghana national team.

Despite reports indicating Hudson-Odoi’s inclusion in the squad, he was not named in the announced list. Addo, amidst local media claims of successful persuasion, clarified that he hasn’t yet spoken to the Nottingham Forest star regarding representing Ghana.

Hudson-Odoi, 22, holds eligibility to play for Ghana through his parents and can switch international allegiance, having made appearances for England before turning 21.

While his last appearance for England was in a Euro qualifying victory over Kosovo, his inclusion in the Ghana squad remains uncertain. Addo emphasized his current focus on securing points in the World Cup qualifiers, stating, “My head is not there at all. I’m fully focused on Mali.”

Ghana’s upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic are critical, with the team aiming for positive results. They face Mali on June 6 in Bamako, followed by a home fixture against the Central African Republic on June 10 in Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

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