Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has finally addressed growing speculation about a potential switch of international allegiance from England to Ghana as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.

The 25-year-old striker remains eligible to represent Ghana despite featuring for England two years ago, having made just one senior appearance — a substitute outing in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players are permitted to change nationality if they have not exceeded the limit of competitive senior appearances or featured at a major international tournament.

Interest in Nketiah has intensified in Ghana following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The possible inclusion of diaspora players such as Nketiah and Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Nketiah stressed that his immediate focus remains on club football.

“At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace — that’s been my main focus,” he said.
“I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m proud of my roots and where I’ve come from. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.”

Nketiah rose through Arsenal’s youth system and earned promotion to the senior team in 2020. During four seasons with the Gunners, he scored 38 goals and registered seven assists in 168 appearances. Limited opportunities under Mikel Arteta eventually prompted a move across London, with the striker joining Crystal Palace in a £30 million transfer in August 2024.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park, Nketiah has struggled for consistent starts, further fuelling conversations around his international future.

Ghanaian Pundit Backs Nketiah Call-Up

Ghanaian football pundit Christopher Nimley has publicly endorsed the idea of Nketiah joining the Black Stars, arguing that the striker brings a unique profile currently missing from the national team.
“Nketiah’s inclusion would be a big plus for Ghana,” Nimley told Sportsblog247.com.

“We don’t have any player with his movement, finishing and energy. That’s why he would make a real difference.”

Born in Lewisham, South London, to Ghanaian parents, Nketiah began his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Arsenal. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has previously approached him as part of its ongoing efforts to recruit eligible diaspora players, a strategy that has recently seen renewed interest with the World Cup drawing closer.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged that some players who initially turned down Ghana have reconsidered as the global showpiece approaches. However, Nketiah confirmed there has been no recent contact from the GFA.

“I haven’t had any calls recently,” he said.
“My focus is on playing well each week. If I’m doing the right things, the international future will sort itself out when the time comes.”

While the door to a Ghana switch remains open, Nketiah insists his priority for now is delivering on the pitch for Crystal Palace.