Kurt Okraku Disappointed Over Kobbie Mainoo’s Decision To Play For England Instead Of Ghana

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has expressed disappointment over Kobbie Mainoo’s decision to represent England instead of Ghana at the international level.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Okraku said he believes players with strong Ghanaian roots should choose to play for their countries of origin.

Mainoo, who was born in England to Ghanaian parents, committed his international future to England and has since become part of the Three Lions squad. The Manchester United midfielder is expected to feature for England at the upcoming World Cup, where they would face Ghana in the group stage.

Reacting to the situation, Okraku described Mainoo’s decision as “most unfortunate.”

“Full-blooded Ghanaians should be representing their countries. That’s my clear opinion on representation when it comes to national teams in football,” he said during the interview.

The GFA president also spoke about the wider issue of African heritage players choosing European national teams over African countries. He referenced France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, which featured several players with African roots.

“I wish I never comment on such situations because when I watched the French national team win the World Cup, the team was made up of Africans. It always tells me there’s a subject that has to be discussed,” he stated.

Despite his disappointment, Okraku acknowledged England’s quality and experience but insisted Ghana would not be intimidated when both countries meet at the World Cup.

“England has a good team. It’s important we respect the manager and the experience he brings, but they will meet a very competitive and determined Ghanaian side,” he added.

Mainoo, who currently plays for Manchester United, has represented England from the youth level before making his senior debut in 2024. The midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the country’s brightest young talents.