Alidu Seidu: World Cup Qualification Will Restore Ghana’s Pride

Black Stars defender Alidu Seidu says qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the best way for the national team to regain the trust and pride of Ghanaians after the setback of missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana currently sit at the top of Group I in the African qualifiers with 19 points from eight matches. Under coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars are just one victory away from sealing their spot at the global tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Ghana’s last two qualifying games are scheduled for October against the Central African Republic and Comoros, matches that could confirm their return to football’s biggest stage.

Seidu, who has recently returned to full fitness after a long injury setback, underlined how important it is for the national team to meet expectations.

Speaking to Flashscore.com in a recent interview, the 25-year-old revealed:

I think that’s the best way to appeal to Ghanaians [qualifying for the World Cup], and it’s very, very important for Ghana to qualify because as a big nation you have to always qualify for the World Cup.

The Stade Rennais defender admitted the team’s failure to book a spot at AFCON 2025 was a major blow, but insisted the Black Stars still have the quality to bounce back strongly. He added:

We did not qualify for AFCON 2025, but we have a very good team, and we have to qualify for this World Cup.

Ghana’s next fixture will be played at the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, on October 8, 2025, where they face the Central African Republic.

They will then return home for their final qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium against Comoros on October 12, 2025.

Victory in either game will secure Ghana’s fifth appearance at the global tournament and offer fans renewed hope after a difficult year.

Source: Pulse Ghana