2026 World Cup: Ablakwa pledges visa support for Black Stars fans

Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has congratulated the Black Stars on their emphatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, promising to ensure Ghanaian fans secure fair access to travel visas for the tournament.

In a statement celebrating the team’s success, Mr Ablakwa said the Foreign Ministry under his leadership would leverage Ghana’s cordial diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup, to facilitate appreciable visa quotas for supporters eager to cheer the team abroad.

“Ghanaians can be fully assured that the Foreign Ministry under my leadership shall leverage our improved cordial diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada, and Mexico to guarantee appreciable visa quotas for our globally acclaimed football fans,” Mr Ablakwa said.

He expressed optimism that the Black Stars’ return to football’s biggest stage would rekindle national pride and unity. “Congratulations to the Black Stars on Ghana’s emphatic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. GHANA, here we come!” he added.

Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 1–0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. The lone goal from Mohammed Kudus in the second half confirmed their qualification at the top of their group.

The result marked Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.

The team’s qualification came as a huge excitement for fans and the Ghana Football Association, following a qualifying campaign that affirmed the Black Stars’ status as an African giant.

Supporters across the country have since taken to social media and the streets to celebrate the achievement, with many commending coach Otto Addo and his players for restoring faith in the national team.

Mr Ablakwa’s assurance is expected to bring further excitement among fans, many of whom have long faced difficulties obtaining travel visas for major tournaments.

Following the qualification, FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a video statement congratulating the Black Stars on their qualification. Referencing the Ghana team’s historic qualification to the quarter-final stage during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he said he was convinced that the team was going to make Ghana proud once more.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams.