Government Unveils $13.7m Budget for Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup Campaign

Ghana has set aside $13,776,965 (GH¢146.27 million) to finance the Ghana national football team participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has disclosed. The tournament, scheduled for June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see Ghana compete in Group L alongside Panama national team, England national team and Croatia national team.

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Presenting details of the expenditure before Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee on Thursday, February 26, the Minister explained that the budget spans preparations, group-stage matches and potential progression through the knockout rounds. Pre-tournament activities have been allocated $1,230,465 (GH¢13.06 million). This amount will cover a FIFA-sanctioned training camp and four international friendly matches to fine-tune the squad ahead of the competition. The bulk of the allocation $6,284,000 (GH¢66.72 million) is reserved for the group stage. This includes appearance fees, match bonuses, daily allowances for players and technical staff, as well as payments for additional officials.

Mr Adams noted that some costs reduce once the team advances beyond the group stage, particularly appearance fees. For instance, the projected spending for the round of 32 drops to $690,000 (GH¢7.33 million).

However, expenditure increases in subsequent stages due to performance-related bonuses. The round of 16 is estimated at $920,000, the quarter-finals at $1,137,500, the semi-finals at $1,365,000, and the final at $1,840,000. An additional $310,000 has been set aside as honorariums for management, officials and support staff during the tournament.

Ghana will open its World Cup campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in the remaining group fixtures.