Ghana’s pursuit of highly rated forward Ilyas Ansah has suffered a setback after the no.1 FC Union Berlin attacker indicated he will not switch international allegiance in time to feature for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association has been working to convince the 21-year-old, who is eligible through his Ghanaian heritage, to commit his future to the four-time African champions. However, Ansah has made it clear that his immediate focus remains on his development in Germany.
Speaking to German outlet Bild, the forward said he intends to continue with Germany’s Under-21 side and will only revisit the issue after the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. “As things stand, I will not be going to the World Cup with Ghana,” he stated.
Ansah joined 1. FC Union Berlin from SC Paderborn last summer and has made a steady impression in the Bundesliga. He has scored five goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances, enhancing his reputation as one of Germany’s emerging attacking prospects.
