By Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out government‑funded mass travel for Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the estimated cost of nearly $11,000 per fan unsustainable under current economic conditions.
Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, he explained that fully sponsoring fans, including travel, accommodation, feeding and match tickets, would be impractical given the financial demands, especially with the tournament spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Why mass travel is not feasible
The multi‑country hosting format means Ghana’s Group L matches are in Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia, which significantly increases travel and logistical costs compared to a single‑host‑nation tournament. Mahama estimated that the full cost per fan to be fed, accommodated, transported and given tickets would be close to $11,000, a figure he described as beyond what the government can responsibly spend.
Alternative plan for diaspora fans
Instead of a state‑sponsored travel scheme, the government will purchase match tickets and distribute them through organised Ghanaian community groups in the diaspora, targeting Ghanaians already living in or near the host cities. Tickets will be made available to Ghanaians in Boston, Philadelphia and Canada via their local chapters, with Mahama urging fans to coordinate through recognised community associations to ensure fair access.
Ghana’s World Cup campaign
Ghana will compete in their fifth World Cup appearance, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars open against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, then face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia, aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic 2010 quarter‑final run.
