2026 WC: State will not fund fans' travel due to soaring costs - Mahama

John Dramani Mahama ruled out state-sponsored mass travel for Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that "the financial implications are far beyond what the country can currently justify." This announcement was made at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31.

Mahama stated that the estimated cost of sending a single supporter to the tournament is "almost $11,000," covering accommodation, transport, feeding, and match tickets. He described this figure as unsustainable under current economic conditions, making mass sponsorship impossible. Instead, the government will purchase match tickets and distribute them through organised Ghanaian community groups in the diaspora. Mahama said, "What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games...The tickets that we have purchased will be given to them to enable them to watch the matches."

Ghana's group-stage matches are expected to be played in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia. The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Ghana is in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.