As Ghana gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first-ever 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Black Stars stand at the threshold of both a challenge and a golden opportunity.
Beyond its domestic talent pool, Ghana’s success on football’s biggest stage may depend on how effectively the nation harnesses its wealth of dual-nationality and diaspora players competing across Europe’s top leagues.
From England to Belgium, the Netherlands to Italy, a new generation of footballers with Ghanaian roots is emerging. Many of these players qualify to represent Ghana under FIFA’s nationality switch regulations, and their potential inclusion could inject technical depth, tactical flexibility, and global experience into the national setup.
This analysis explores their profiles, eligibility status, and potential impact, while also examining how FIFA’s modern eligibility rules could shape the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup campaign.
Understanding FIFA Eligibility and Nationality Switch Rules
Before assessing individual players, it’s crucial to understand the FIFA framework that governs player nationality and eligibility switches – the very system underpinning Ghana’s recruitment of diaspora talent.
Under Articles 5–8 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes, a player can represent a national team if they:
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Hold the nationality (citizenship) of that country;
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Have a parent or grandparent born in the country; or
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Have lived continuously in the country for at least two years.
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A player who has already represented another national team may still apply for a one-time nationality switch, provided that:
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They held the new nationality at the time of their first appearance for the previous team;
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They played no more than three competitive senior matches before turning 21;
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They never featured in the final stage of a World Cup or continental tournament; and
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At least three years have passed since their last competitive appearance.
In February 2025, FIFA introduced the Change of Association Digital Platform, a global online registry for approved nationality switches. This system promotes transparency and compliance and is now being actively utilised by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to manage eligibility cases more efficiently.
Profiles of Eligible Players for Ghana
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Winger, Nottingham Forest/England)
A skilful winger renowned for pace, flair, and ball control, Hudson-Odoi remains eligible for Ghana despite featuring for England in friendly matches. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he qualifies through descent. A switch would give Ghana’s attack a proven Premier League dribbler capable of unlocking tight defences — reminiscent of André Ayew in his prime.
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Eddie Nketiah (Striker, Arsenal/England)
The Crystal Palace man has matured into an instinctive, composed striker. Though capped in friendlies by England, he remains eligible for Ghana. His finishing prowess and Premier League pedigree could solve Ghana’s long-standing goal-scoring dilemma, especially in high-pressure tournament moments.
Romeo Lavia (Midfielder, Chelsea/Belgium)
The Belgian-born midfielder of Ghanaian descent combines elite defensive discipline with ball-carrying ability. Though capped by Belgium, his limited competitive appearances leave the door open for Ghana. Lavia could anchor the midfield alongside Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, providing both balance and control.
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Jayden Addai (Winger, Como/Netherlands)
One of Serie A’s most exciting young attackers, Jayden Addai blends speed and creativity with growing tactical maturity. Eligible for both Ghana and the Netherlands, he has shown interest in joining Ghana’s project. His inclusion would provide long-term attacking options and youthful energy on the flanks.
Jayden Owusu-Oduro (Goalkeeper, AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands)
A modern, confident goalkeeper, Owusu-Oduro has impressed with his reflexes and ball distribution. Born to Ghanaian parents but raised in the Netherlands, he remains eligible for Ghana and has drawn attention from the GFA. His sweeper-keeper style fits Otto Addo’s evolving tactical system.
Tarique George (Defender/Midfielder, England)
A versatile player capable of operating in both defence and wings, George represents a developmental prospect for Ghana. Though not yet widely known, his technical ability and adaptability make him a valuable depth option for the future.
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Josh Acheampong (Defender, Chelsea/England)
Born on May 5, 2006, in Waltham Forest, England, Josh Kofi Acheampong is one of Chelsea’s brightest young defenders. Standing at 1.90 metres, he combines composure, strength, and aerial dominance. Having represented England at youth levels, he remains eligible for Ghana. His rapid rise within Chelsea’s academy positions him as a long-term defensive cornerstone should Ghana secure his allegiance.
Nationality Status and Switch Potential
Most of these players remain eligible for a one-time FIFA nationality switch, as they have not yet featured in competitive senior matches for their current national teams.
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High-priority targets such as Hudson-Odoi, Nketiah, Lavia, and Owusu-Oduro meet FIFA’s criteria, and the GFA, under Coach Otto Addo and the Technical Directorate, is reportedly in contact with their representatives. The new digital tracking system has streamlined the approval process, enabling faster, transparent transitions.
Tactical and Squad Implications
Attack: The inclusion of Hudson-Odoi, Nketiah, Addai, and Matos would revolutionise Ghana’s attack with pace, creativity, and adaptability. Their profiles allow Otto Addo to alternate between fluid counter-attacking and high-press systems.
Midfield: Romeo Lavia’s defensive intelligence would provide the midfield with structure and composure, complementing Kudus’ dynamism and Partey’s leadership.
Goalkeeping: Owusu-Oduro represents a forward-thinking goalkeeping option, aligning with Ghana’s modern tactical evolution and ensuring long-term depth.
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