Gremio winger Francis Amuzu believes the door to the Ghana national team may finally be opening, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in his sights after a challenging but ultimately encouraging spell in Brazil.
The 25-year-old attacker, who recently made the switch from Belgian football to South America, has endured a testing introduction to life at Gremio. Despite Ghana already booking qualification for the World Cup to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Amuzu says he now feels ready, both mentally and professionally, to answer a potential call from the Black Stars.
Francis Amuzu: Choosing Ghana was about identity, not the World Cup
In an interview with Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, Amuzu offered an honest reflection on his early struggles following the move, admitting that his future at the club was once uncertain.
“I’ve played very little for Gremio. So I considered going back to Anderlecht in the summer,” he revealed.” Anderlecht is my hometown, so it was definitely an option for me. I told my agent, and we were in touch, but it never materialised.”
While life away from football settled quickly for Amuzu and his family, matters on the pitch were far less smooth. Limited game time, extended spells on the bench, and even exclusion from Matchday squads marked a frustrating start to his Brazilian adventure.
That narrative, however, began to shift in September. The pacey winger gradually forced his way into contention and has since become a consistent presence in the Gremio setup, restoring belief and momentum to his career.
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Amuzu is determined to build on that progress and keep his international ambitions alive.
“The league starts again next weekend. I want to continue on the same path as last season,” he says. “Who knows, I might even be able to go to the World Cup with Ghana.”
Amuzu’s contract with Grêmio runs until the end of the year, but his broader ambition remains clear: a return to Europe and a move into one of the continent’s elite leagues. For now, though, his focus is firmly on consistency, form, and making himself impossible to ignore.
Kurt Okraku: Only true patriots will wear the Black Stars jersey
A former teammate of Manchester City star Jeremy Doku, Amuzu has long been on Ghana’s radar. He previously turned down invitations to join the Black Stars during the reigns of Kwasi Appiah and CK Akonnor, but circumstances, and priorities, appear to have changed.
With renewed confidence, regular football, and a World Cup on the horizon, Francis Amuzu is quietly positioning himself for what could be a long-awaited chapter in red, gold and green.
