- Gov’t Spent GH¢58 Million on Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign – Finance Minister
The Government of Ghana released GH¢58 million to finance the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 23, when the Finance Minister presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, providing a detailed account of government spending across key sectors and programmes approved under this year’s national budget.
According to Dr Forson, the allocation formed part of government expenditure to support Ghana’s campaign at the global football showpiece, where the Black Stars returned to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition.
“To support Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an amount of GH¢58 million has been paid,” the Finance Minister told Parliament.
He explained that the disclosure was in line with government’s commitment to transparency and accountability 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,” Dr Forson stated.
The Black Stars, coached by veteran Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz, produced a spirited campaign in the expanded 48-team tournament staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ghana advanced from Group L, which featured England, Croatia and Panama, before bowing out in the newly introduced Round of 32 after a narrow defeat to Colombia. Despite the early knockout exit, the team’s performances earned widespread praise as they exceeded pre-tournament expectations.
The Black Stars ultimately finished 24th out of the 48 participating nations, marking a respectable return to football’s biggest stage.
Government’s financial support covered Ghana’s preparation, participation and logistical arrangements throughout the tournament, with the latest disclosure providing the first official figure spent on the national team’s World Cup campaign.
The announcement is expected to generate public discussion on sports financing, especially as stakeholders continue to call for greater transparency in the funding of Ghana’s national teams.
