Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that the government will sponsor up to 800 fans to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement, made on March 30, 2026, follows a detailed financial assessment of the costs associated with the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the plan, the government has allocated approximately $9,250 per supporter, bringing the total projected cost for fan participation to more than $7.4 million. The sponsorship package will cover airfare, accommodation, and local transportation throughout the competition. However, selected fans will be required to cover their own visa fees and daily feeding expenses.
The initiative is primarily targeted at members of the Ghana Supporters Union who have consistently backed the national team, the Black Stars, during their qualification campaign.
To expand opportunities for participation, the government, in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association, has also introduced a national raffle. Fans can enter by dialing *899# at a cost of GHS 10 per entry for a chance to win fully sponsored trips to the tournament.
Despite the initiative, the plan has drawn criticism from sections of the public, including some legal practitioners, who argue that the expenditure is excessive given competing national development priorities.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has engaged officials from the United States and Canada in discussions aimed at easing travel requirements for supporters. The talks have focused on securing streamlined visa processes, including multiple-entry visas for fans expected to travel between host countries.
Ghana is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign on June 17, 2026, with an opening match against Panama in Toronto.
Source: Omanghana
