Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has admitted that the organisation was unhappy with Inaki Williams’ decision to end his international career after the 2026 World Cup.
The Athletic Bilbao captain announced his retirement from the Black Stars after Ghana finished their campaign at the tournament in North America.
“I was disturbed about his decision. Not only me, but the entire Football Association. However, when you hear him out, you will understand his situation,” Okraku told Asempa FM.
Okraku explained that Williams had been dealing with ongoing pain and injuries and was also receiving careful treatment from his club.
“He has been playing through a lot of pain and injuries, and even at club level, he is being managed,” Okraku said.
“As a Football Association, we were disappointed, but we had to understand. His parents spoke to me and the Football Association and we just have to appreciate what he has done for us as a country.
“I have seen people quoting his numbers but what we have to do is that we have to appreciate his effort.”
Williams chose to play for Ghana in July 2022 after previously making one appearance for Spain. His only game for Spain came in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016, but he later decided to represent Ghana because of his family connection to the country.
The forward was first invited to the Black Stars in September 2022 by then-coach Otto Addo. He was called up for friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua ahead of the World Cup.
Inaki Williams made his Ghana debut on 23 September 2022 when he came on during the second half of a 3-0 loss to Brazil in Le Havre, France.
He was then included in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and played in all three of the team’s group matches.
Four years later, Williams was part of Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
He started Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England and the Round of 32 loss to Colombia. He did not play in the matches against Panama and Croatia, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.
Across his two World Cup appearances with Ghana, Williams played in five matches.
His first goal for the Black Stars came in November 2023 in a dramatic World Cup qualifying match against Madagascar. Williams scored with a header in the 96th minute to give Ghana a 1-0 victory.
He found the net for the second and final time for Ghana in March 2025 when the Black Stars faced Chad during the same World Cup qualifying campaign.
Williams finishes his international career with 28 appearances and two goals for Ghana. He represented the country at two World Cups and also played at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire…Continue to read more sports.
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