The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that each player of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, will receive an appearance fee of $100,000 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minister disclosed the figure during an interview on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, describing it as part of the financial package approved for the team ahead of the tournament in North America.
According to him, the arrangement forms part of broader government preparations for Ghana’s participation in the global football showpiece, with a reported GH¢150 million budget currently awaiting final approval and release from the Ministry of Finance.
Mr Adams also clarified that the Black Stars’ provisional 28-man squad will be trimmed to FIFA’s official 26-man limit before the team departs for the tournament.
He noted that the expected squad reduction will likely affect the goalkeeping department, where five players are currently competing for final selection.
“The coach will have to drop two players from the 28 preliminary players he has called up,” he explained, adding that decisions are expected to be made as preparations intensify.
The Black Stars are currently in camp in Cardiff as they continue preparations for the World Cup. The team is scheduled to play an international friendly on June 2 before traveling to North America.
Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a second group match in Boston on June 23, before concluding the group stage in Philadelphia on June 27.
While expressing optimism about the team’s chances, the Sports Minister urged Ghanaians to rally behind the squad.
“All I want is the spirit of the nation behind the team,” he said.
The confirmation of the $100,000 appearance fee is expected to spark public debate, especially given ongoing conversations about national team financing, accountability, and transparency in sports expenditure.
World Cup participation typically comes with significant costs, including preparation camps, travel, accommodation, technical support, medical care, and player allowances.
For authorities, balancing these commitments with transparency and performance expectations remains crucial.
