Agyemang-Badu: Including local players in Ghanaâ??s World Cup squad will boost the league and economy

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has shared his thoughts on whether home-based players should be given a special quota in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is widely expected to make the trip to the United States after playing a key role in Ghana’s qualification campaign. However, there have been growing calls for more locally based players to be included, especially since FIFA provides financial benefits to clubs whose players participate in the tournament.

In the 2022 World Cup, Ghana included striker Afriyie Barnieh and goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim, with Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, King Faisal, and Berekum Chelsea all benefiting financially from the participation of their players.

Speaking on Sporty FM’s Drive Show, Agyemang-Badu noted that the inclusion of local players could have both economic and sporting benefits.

“It’s two things. Economically, it would be good to have some of them in the squad because the FIFA money that comes will help the clubs financially and support the local league,” he said.

“On the other hand, players must also prove themselves. When I was playing for Berekum Arsenal and the U20 team, I proved myself before getting the national call-up. So they must show they deserve it. But if possible, we can still push a few in so that the local clubs can benefit financially and strengthen our league,” he added.

Agyemang-Badu featured in two World Cup tournaments, in 2010 and 2014, following his victory with the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2009.

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