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| Roger De Sa believes injuries to key players had a significant impact on Ghana's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. |
Ghana's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could have looked very different if the Black Stars had their full squad available. According to assistant coach Roger De Sa, injuries to several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, played a major role in the team's struggles during the tournament.
Missing Stars, Bigger Challenges
Speaking after Ghana's World Cup campaign, De Sa revealed that the technical team had to cope without some of the squad's most influential players. The absence of experienced defenders and attacking players forced the coaching staff to rely on younger and less experienced replacements in crucial matches.
Among the biggest losses was Mohammed Kudus, one of Ghana's most creative and dangerous attackers. The Tottenham Hotspur star missed the tournament because of injury, leaving a significant gap in the team's attacking options.
Defensive Problems Added Pressure
Roger De Sa admitted that losing regular centre-backs was especially difficult for the Black Stars. Defensive stability is often vital in major tournaments, and the injuries meant Ghana had to depend on players with less international experience. According to the coach, this made preparation and squad selection much more complicated.
He explained that the technical team had hoped to build consistency, but the constant injury setbacks disrupted their plans and forced them to make difficult decisions before the competition began.
Limited Playing Time Also Became an Issue
In addition to injuries, De Sa pointed out that some players who were available were not getting enough minutes at club level before the World Cup. This made it harder for the coaching staff to assess form and determine who was fully prepared for the demands of the tournament.
Lessons for the Future
Despite the disappointing outcome, the experience has provided valuable lessons for the Black Stars. The emergence of younger players could benefit the team in future competitions, while the return of injured stars may strengthen Ghana's chances in upcoming tournaments.
With talented players such as Mohammed Kudus expected to return fully fit, many supporters remain optimistic that the Black Stars can bounce back stronger and challenge for major honours again.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are part of football, but losing several key players before a tournament can dramatically change a team's fortunes. Roger De Sa believes that was exactly what happened to Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the Black Stars faced difficult circumstances, the team will now focus on rebuilding, learning from the experience, and preparing for the next challenge with renewed determination.