By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, detailed a comprehensive budget of $13,776,965 USD (GH¢146,268,659.80) for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, February 26.
The tournament, set for June and hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, sees Ghana drawn in a tough Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
Kofi Adams broke down the costs during a briefing, emphasizing preparations from pre-tournament friendlies to potential finals glory.
Pre-tournament expenses kick off the budget at $1,230,465 USD (GH¢13,063,723.90), covering a FIFA camp with four planned friendly matches to sharpen the team’s edge.
“The FIFA camp, you would be engaged in some activities, including friendly matches that you organise. And so, the pre-tournament, per the estimates, we are utilising $1,230,465 USD converted to cedis, is GH¢13,063,723.90. This will finance the friendly matches”; Kofi Adams mentioned.
Adams highlighted these as essential for building momentum before the group stage, where costs rise sharply to $6,284,000 USD (GH¢66,716,599).
This chunk funds appearance fees, match bonuses, per diems for players and technical staff, plus allowances for additional officers.
Progression beyond the group stage trims some fees but boosts bonuses for deeper runs.
“When we get to the round of 32, our expenditure drops because at that stage, you are not paying any appearance fee anymore. It drops to $690,000 USD or in cedis, GH¢7,325,661”; He outlined.
The round of 32 budget drops to $690,000 USD (GH¢7,325,661), focusing on performance incentives without appearance fees.
It climbs to $920,000 USD in the round of 16, $1,137,500 USD at the quarterfinals, $1,365,000 USD in the semifinals, and peaks at $1,840,000 USD for the finals, reflecting escalating rewards for success.
An additional $310,000 USD covers honorariums for management, officials, and support staff throughout the tournament. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will foot the full bill, as Kofi Adams noted.
“The total budget requested from the Ghana Football Association for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 World Cup came to $310,000 USD or in cedi terms, GH¢146,268,659.80”; Kofi Adams affirmed.
With Group L’s mix of underdogs like Panama and powerhouses England and Croatia. The budget underscores government’s commitment, but execution on the pitch will be key to justifying every cedi.
