Mahama Rules Out State-Funded Fan Travel For 2026 World Cup

President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out government-funded mass travel for Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the high cost of sponsoring fans to attend the tournament in North America.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London, President Mahama said it would cost nearly $11,000 to fully support one fan with travel, accommodation, feeding and match tickets, making such an arrangement unsustainable under current economic conditions.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Ghana’s Group L matches scheduled in Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia.

According to the President, the multi-country format significantly increases travel and logistical expenses compared to previous tournaments hosted by a single nation.

Instead of financing travel from Ghana, the government plans to purchase match tickets and distribute them through organised Ghanaian community groups in the diaspora.

The initiative is expected to target Ghanaians already living in or near the host cities.

President Mahama urged Ghanaian communities in Canada and the United States to coordinate through recognised associations to ensure fair access to the tickets.

Ghana will be making its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance and has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.