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0 Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has revealed a budget of $13,776,965 (GH¢146,268,659.80) for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June, has placed Ghana in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Presenting the breakdown on Thursday, February, 26 before Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Mr Adams detailed how the funds would be allocated, from pre-tournament preparations to potential progression through the knockout stages.
Pre-tournament activities account for $1,230,465 (GH¢13,063,723.90). This includes a FIFA-approved training camp and four international friendly matches.
“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 converted to cedis, is GH¢13,063,723.90. This will finance the friendly matches”; he said.
The largest portion of the budget is $6,284,000 (GH¢66,716,599) which is earmarked for the group stage. This covers appearance fees, match bonuses, per diems for players and technical staff, as well as allowances for additional officials.
He explained that the costs reduce in certain areas once the team advances beyond the group stage, particularly as appearance fees are no longer paid.
“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 or in cedis, GH¢7,325,661”; he outlined.
The projected spending for the round of 32 stands at $690,000 (GH¢7,325,661).
If Ghana progress further, the budget rises in line with performance bonuses. The round of 16 is estimated at $920,000, the quarter-finals at $1,137,500, the semi-finals at $1,365,000, and the final at $1,840,000.
An additional $310,000 has been allocated for honorariums for management, officials and support staff during the tournament.
“The total budget requested from the Ghana Football Association for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 World Cup came to $310,000 or in cedi terms, GH¢146,268,659.80″.
Ghana will face Panama in their opening group match before taking on England and Croatia.
