Ghana eyes Josh Acheampong for 2026 World Cup campaign

Chelsea's 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong has caught the attention of Ghana's national football setup as the Black Stars prepare for next summer's World Cup in North America.

The London-born player has recently started making an impact at Stamford Bridge, earning starts in Chelsea's last two Premier League matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.​

Despite representing England at the Under-21 level and progressing through the Three Lions' youth system since the Under-16s, Acheampong remains eligible for international football through his heritage. His parents provide him with options to represent both Ghana and the Republic of Ireland, making him an attractive prospect for multiple nations.

According to BBC, Ghana's technical team sees considerable potential in the emerging defender and hopes to persuade him to commit to the Black Stars. The report adds that football officials view him as a key long-term prospect for their World Cup campaign.

In the 2025/26 Premier League season, Acheampong has made limited appearances but is gradually establishing himself within Enzo Maresca's squad as competition intensifies for positions across Chelsea's defensive line.