Grêmio forward Francis Amuzu has been named in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming international friendly against Mexico on May 22. This marks his first-ever senior call-up to the Black Stars. The inclusion comes under new head coach Carlos Queiroz and represents a remarkable turnaround for the 26-year-old, who previously publicly declared his preference for Belgium before reversing course and pledging his future to Ghana.
Amuzu, a Belgian-Ghanaian dual national born in Ghana and raised in Belgium, spent the early part of his international career with Belgium’s youth setup, earning caps at U-19 and U-21 levels. In May 2022 while at Belgian club Anderlecht he appeared to close the door on Ghana when he told local media that the Ghana Football Association had repeatedly contacted his agent. “My sporting heart lies with Belgium,” Amuzu said at the time. “With Belgium you can go very far at such a World Cup, with Ghana there is a real chance that you will be out quickly.”
That stance drew widespread attention in Ghana, where Amuzu was viewed as a promising talent capable of bolstering the attack. However, he soon rescinded the comments. By early 2023, reports emerged that he had formally requested a switch of allegiance through FIFA, citing his Ghanaian heritage and completing the necessary paperwork, including obtaining a Ghanaian passport.
The winger’s change of heart was again revealed in October 2025, after Ghana qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a widely shared interview, Amuzu said, “I’m really with Ghana. If they call, I’ll definitely go.” He emphasized that his decision wasn’t opportunistic, as he had secured his Ghanaian passport two years earlier and was motivated by family ties, especially his late father, Theophilus Amuzu, a former Ghanaian footballer, and his close friendship with Black Stars midfielder Majeed Ashimeru.
Amuzu, who joined Grêmio from Anderlecht ahead of the 2025 season, has continued to shine at club level. This season, he has scored seven goals and provided five assists across all competitions. His impressive form has kept him in the running for a spot on the national team despite Ghana’s strong attacking options.
Queiroz’s call-up of Amuzu heralds a new era for both the player and the team. This squad, which also includes fellow dual-national prospects and established names like Ashimeru and Augustine Boakye, is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Ghana Football Association has not yet commented publicly on the selection, but the move is expected to be well received by fans eager to see the pacey winger in Black Stars colours. Amuzu has previously described representing Ghana as a “dream” underscoring his commitment after years of navigating dual eligibility.
As the Black Stars prepare for their seventh World Cup appearance, Amuzu’s inclusion adds depth and experience from European and South American leagues to an attack that will be crucial in the expanded tournament format. His debut could come as early as the Mexico friendly providing an early test of his readiness on the international stage.