Elisha Owusu Eyes 2026 World Cup Qualification With Black Stars

Ghana midfielder Elisha Owusu has set his sights on representing the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it the pinnacle of any footballer’s career.

Owusu, who earned his first call-up in 2022 and was part of Ghana’s squad for the Qatar World Cup, did not feature in any of the three group-stage matches.

Now plying his trade with French side AJ Auxerre, the 27-year-old has appeared in two matches during the ongoing World Cup qualification campaign and is determined to play a more prominent role as the journey to North America continues.

“The World Cup is the biggest tournament for a footballer because you dream of it from childhood,” the 27-year-old said in an interview with Flashscore.

“Playing for your country at the biggest stage, with everyone watching, it’s crazy, and you feel proud. It’s difficult to describe such a feeling in words.”

However, Owusu’s path to the 2026 tournament hasn’t been without hurdles. In March 2025, he was ruled out of Ghana’s qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar due to injury—an absence he admitted was a tough pill to swallow.

Still, the midfielder remains optimistic and committed.

“I am looking forward to the 2026 World Cup. Every Ghanaian player is working hard to have the chance to be in the final squad. When you work hard, you want to be in the squad for the World Cup. I train every day and work hard to try and be in the squad for the tournament next year,” he added.

Ghana currently leads Group I in the qualifiers after securing back-to-back victories over Chad and Madagascar during the March international window.

With Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali scheduled for September, Owusu is expected to return to the squad as he continues his push for a World Cup place.