Daniel-Kofi Kyereh aims to decline World Cup call-up if not ready to contribute

Ghana international Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has stated he would rather miss the 2026 World Cup than be included in the Black Stars squad without being able to make a meaningful impact.

The 30-year-old, who is working his way back from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury, insists personal honesty will guide any decision about a potential return to the global stage.

While he retains the ambition of featuring at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Kyereh has made it clear that selection alone is not enough motivation.

"On the other hand, I need to be honest with myself and see every day how I am feeling because I don't want to go to the World Cup just to be a part of it or just have it on my CV that I have been to another World Cup if I cannot really help the team or have the impact like before," he told Joy Sports.

"At the end of the day, I am not the one who decides. I can just do what I can and leave the rest to the decisionmakers."

Kyereh, who has earned 18 caps for Ghana and was part of the squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is prioritising performance and readiness over sentiment, underlining a commitment to contributing meaningfully rather than simply participating.