Sports
Mahama rules out state-funded fan travel to 2026 World Cup, cites $11,000 cost per supporter
President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out any government-funded mass travel for Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the estimated cost of nearly $11,000 per fan as unsustainable under current economic conditions.
Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, the President said the financial demands of fully sponsoring fans—covering travel, accommodation, feeding, and match tickets—make the arrangement impractical.
“We cannot, you know, spend our money in that manner. The cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000,” he said.
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents additional logistical challenges compared to previous editions held in a single country.
Ghana’s Group L matches are scheduled to be played in Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia, further increasing travel costs for any organised fan programme.
Instead of a state-sponsored travel scheme, Mahama announced a targeted alternative aimed at Ghanaians already living in host cities. According to him, the government will purchase match tickets and distribute them through organised Ghanaian community groups in the diaspora.
“What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game,” he said.
“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia, and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he added.
He urged Ghanaians abroad planning to attend matches to coordinate through recognised community associations to ensure fair access to tickets.
Ghana will be making its fifth World Cup appearance at the tournament, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on June 27.
The team will be aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
