Sports Ministry Approves $1.12m for Black Stars World Cup Campaign
Ghana\’s Black Stars Receive $1.12 Million for World Cup Qualifiers
The Ghanaian Ministry of Sports and Recreation has officially approved a budget of $1,120,000 to support the national football team, the Black Stars, in their upcoming matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This funding is crucial as the team prepares for its final two fixtures in the qualification campaign.
Ghana is set to face the Central African Republic (CAR) and Comoros in the next phase of the qualifiers. The team will begin its journey against CAR on October 8 in Casablanca, Morocco, before returning home to host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium. These matches are pivotal for the Black Stars as they aim to secure their place in the global tournament.
Budget Approval Process
On Monday, September 29, Kofi Adams, the spokesperson for the Sports Ministry, addressed the press and provided details about the budget approval process. According to Adams, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) submitted its budget on September 18, which was then forwarded to the Office of the President for final approval the following day.
“The FA submitted a budget within an acceptable range, and the Ministry did not need to add any comments,” Adams stated. “The two-match engagement carries a total estimated cost of $1.12 million—$733,000 for the away game in Casablanca and $387,000 for the home fixture in Accra.”
Breakdown of Expenses
The approved funding is expected to cover all expenses related to the qualifiers. This includes travel, accommodation, matchday operations, and other logistical requirements for both matches. The allocation of funds reflects the importance of these games for the team’s aspirations of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Financial Details:
- Total Budget: $1,120,000
- Away Match (Casablanca): $733,000
- Home Match (Accra): $387,000
The breakdown ensures that both the away and home fixtures receive adequate financial support to maintain the team’s performance and operational standards.
Importance of the Matches
These two matches represent a critical juncture in Ghana’s World Cup qualification campaign. The results of these games could determine whether the Black Stars will be able to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team has been working diligently to prepare for these challenges, and the government’s financial backing underscores the significance of this stage in the competition.
Looking Ahead
As the Black Stars gear up for their upcoming fixtures, the support from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation provides a strong foundation for their efforts. The team will need to perform at its best in both matches to ensure a successful outcome in the qualification race.
With the budget now approved, the focus will shift to the players and coaching staff as they prepare for the intense challenges ahead. The hopes of millions of Ghanaian fans rest on the team’s ability to deliver in these crucial matches.
