The Government of Ghana spent GH¢58 million to support the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed.
The disclosure was made on Thursday, July 23, during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, where the Finance Minister outlined expenditure across key government programmes and sectors approved under this year’s budget.
Presenting the breakdown of spending, Dr Forson said the funds were used to finance Ghana’s preparation, participation and logistical arrangements for the tournament.
“To support Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an amount of GH¢58 million has been paid,” he told Parliament.
The Finance Minister explained that the disclosure formed part of the government’s commitment to openness in the management of public funds.
“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, allow me to lay before this House a clear account of some of the expenditure we have made so far in support of government programmes and sectors approved in the 2026 Budget,” he said.
The Black Stars, under the guidance of veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, returned to the FIFA World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament. Ghana progressed from Group L, which included England, Croatia and Panama, before exiting in the newly introduced Round of 32 following a narrow defeat to Colombia.
Despite their early knockout exit, the Black Stars’ performances were widely praised, with the team finishing 24th among the 48 nations that competed in the expanded tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The GH¢58 million disclosure provides the first official figure released by the government on the cost of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and is expected to fuel further discussions on the financing of national teams and the need for continued transparency in sports spending.
