Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has addressed growing speculation about a potential switch in his international allegiance from England to Ghana as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The 26-year-old, who holds the record for most goals scored for England’s Under-21 team with 16 goals, has only made one senior appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023. Under FIFA rules introduced in 2020, players can switch nationalities if they have played no more than three competitive matches at the senior level before turning 21 or have not participated in a major tournament like the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. Nketiah, born in London to Ghanaian parents, has expressed pride in his Ghanaian heritage but remains focused on his club career. ‘At the moment, I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace—that’s been my main focus,’ he told BBC Sport Africa. ‘I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.’ The debate over diaspora players like Nketiah and Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi joining the Ghanaian national team has intensified since Ghana qualified for the 2026 World Cup. While some fans and officials argue against including players who did not contribute to the qualification campaign, others see their potential as a boost for the Black Stars. Nketiah has not ruled out a switch but denied recent contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). ‘I haven’t had any calls or anything recently, so my focus has just been on playing well each week and helping my team win trophies,’ he said. Ghana’s national team coach, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of commitment and unity, stating that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, Nketiah’s charitable work in Ghana, recognized at last month’s Best of Africa Awards, highlights his deep connection to the country. ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed by God with this ability and opportunities,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to use that really well and try to give back to as many people as we can.’ Despite the ongoing debate, Nketiah remains focused on his career and avoids social media distractions. ‘There’s a lot of negative and a lot of positive, so I just try to stay level-headed,’ he concluded.