During the squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, responded to the growing speculation surrounding Callum Hudson-Odoi’s potential switch to the Ghana national team.
Despite widespread reports indicating that Hudson-Odoi, currently playing for Nottingham Forest, would be selected, he was notably absent from the list revealed on Wednesday.
Local media had suggested that Addo had successfully persuaded the former Chelsea star to represent Ghana.
Hudson-Odoi, aged 22, is eligible to play for Ghana through his parents and can switch his international allegiance despite having made three senior appearances for England.
Having played for the Three Lions before turning 21, he retains the option to switch to another nation if he chooses.
His most recent appearance for England was in a 4-0 Euro qualifying victory over Kosovo, and he was included in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad following injuries to key players.
However, his inclusion in the Ghana squad remains uncertain at present, with Addo prioritizing securing crucial points in the World Cup qualifiers.
“It is difficult to talk about the future. I haven’t spoken to him yet. To be honest, my head is not there at all. I’m fully focused on Mali,” Addo stated, clarifying his current priorities.
Ghana will face Mali on June 6 at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako, followed by a home match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
