Ghana spent $1.26m on 2,922 World Cup spectator tickets – Sports Minister

Ghana allocated around $1.26 million to purchase 2,922 spectator tickets for the Black Stars' preliminary matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, announced Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams during a parliamentary hearing. The minister appeared before Parliament's Select Committee on Youth and Sports to explain the expenditure related to Ghana's involvement in the tournament hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.

Adams specified the tickets were procured for the three group-stage games against Panama, England, and Croatia. The ticket allocation detailed in the committee's presentation showed that 948 tickets were bought for the opening match against Panama, 1,000 tickets for the match against England, and 974 tickets for the final group game against Croatia.

The total expenditure on these tickets amounted to $1.26 million, according to Adams. The recipients of these tickets included members of the Ghana Supporters Union, Ghana's High Commissions in the United States and Canada, Ghanaians living abroad, the Ghana Students Association, official government delegation members, and select officials from the Ghana Football Association.

The minister stated that these ticket purchases were part of the arrangements made to ensure Ghana's presence and spectator support during the World Cup. The Black Stars participated in four matches at the tournament, advancing from the group stage after defeating Panama, England, and Croatia. However, they were ultimately eliminated in the Round of 32 following a loss to Colombia in Kansas City.