The Government of Ghana has approved the release of more than GH¢76 million to support the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing its commitment to the national team ahead of the tournament.

In a statement issued on Friday, government disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had authorised GH¢76,466,919.20 to cover Ghana’s preparations and participation in the global showpiece being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The funding package has been allocated to support the team’s World Cup campaign while also settling outstanding qualification bonuses owed to players and officials.

According to the statement, GH¢58,929,500.00, representing the cedi equivalent of US$5 million, has been released in advance to finance the Black Stars’ preparations and meet expenses related to their participation in the group stage of the competition.

Government noted that the early disbursement of funds is intended to ensure that the players, technical team and management have the necessary resources to focus fully on the tournament.

A further GH¢17,537,419.20, equivalent to US$1.488 million, has been approved for the payment of outstanding qualification bonuses.

The statement explained that the payment forms part of an earlier agreement reached during the qualification campaign, under which players and officials received half of their bonuses during the qualifiers, with the remaining balance due upon securing a place at the World Cup.

The Black Stars recently concluded a pre-tournament training camp in Washington, D.C., before relocating to Providence, Rhode Island, where they are completing their final preparations ahead of the competition.

Led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will begin their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17. They will then face England in Boston on June 23 before rounding off the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The tournament marks Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously competed in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.

Ghana’s most memorable World Cup campaign came in 2010, when the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and narrowly missed out on becoming the first African nation to advance to the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat.

Government reiterated its commitment to supporting the Black Stars and sports development in the country, expressing confidence that the timely release of funds will contribute to a successful campaign.

It also urged Ghanaians to continue backing the national team as they seek to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage and bring pride to the nation.