Ablakwa assures of improved cordial diplomatic relations with US, Canada and Mexico to guarantee appreciable visa quotas for Ghana
Ghana has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a narrow 1-0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium. In response to the historic qualification, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has pledged that the government will work to secure favorable visa arrangements for Ghanaian supporters planning to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by the three North American countries and will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Ghana’s win ensures the Black Stars will make their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Shortly after the Black Stars’ qualification, Minister Ablakwa took to his official X account (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the team and address travel concerns for fans. He assured the public that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would use Ghana’s strong diplomatic relations with the host nations to advocate for increased visa quotas and smoother entry processes for Ghanaian football supporters.
“Ghanaians can be fully assured that under my leadership, the Foreign Ministry 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,” he posted.
This announcement is especially timely as fans begin planning for what will be the first World Cup held across three different countries, with significant travel and logistical considerations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents an opportunity not just for football excellence, but also for economic, cultural, and diplomatic engagement. With more African teams qualifying due to the expanded format, the continent has an increased presence and visibility on the global stage.
For Ghana, the tournament is more than just a sporting event. It is a platform to showcase national talent, foster patriotism, and potentially boost tourism and trade relationships with the host countries. Ensuring that Ghanaian fans can attend and participate in the experience is vital to maintaining this global representation.
Football is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Ghana. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, over 1,000 Ghanaians traveled to support the national team, despite high travel costs and limited visa slots. With the North American edition expected to be even larger in scale, proactive diplomatic efforts could significantly increase participation.
The Black Stars secured qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Comoros on Sunday night in Accra. While Ghana needed only a draw to confirm its place at the World Cup, the team pushed for a win and succeeded with a controlled, disciplined performance.
The match started cautiously, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. Comoros threatened early when Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare misread a cross, although the resulting header went wide.
Ghana’s best first-half moment came when Jordan Ayew made a dazzling solo run, evading multiple defenders before floating a cross into the box. However, no teammate was available to finish the move, and the first half ended goalless.
Meanwhile, news filtered in that Mali was leading Madagascar 2-0 in a concurrent Group I match. This result gave Ghana some breathing room at the top of the table, knowing that a draw would be sufficient.
Just two minutes into the second half, Ghana broke the deadlock. Mohammed Salisu delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which found Thomas Partey inside the box. Partey calmly squared the ball to Mohammed Kudus, who tapped it into an empty net to give Ghana the lead.
From that point, Ghana managed the game professionally. The defence, led by Salisu and Alexander Djiku, remained composed, and the midfield controlled the tempo to prevent any significant threats from Comoros.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations in the stadium as Ghana confirmed its place in the 2026 tournament.
Sunday’s victory also marked a personal milestone for head coach Otto Addo. He becomes the first Ghanaian coach to qualify the Black Stars for two FIFA World Cup tournaments, having previously led the team to the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Under his leadership, the team has undergone a rebuilding phase, with an emphasis on blending experienced players with emerging talents like Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
Addo’s achievement reinforces Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations, having now qualified for five of the last six World Cups since their debut in 2006.
As Ghana prepares for its journey to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, attention is now turning to logistical planning. The expanded World Cup format will feature 104 matches across multiple cities, with significant travel between venues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to improving visa access will be crucial in ensuring that Ghanaian fans are well represented. Travel agencies and sports tour operators have already begun preparing packages, but many details, including ticket allocations and visa timelines, are yet to be finalized.
Ghana’s return to the FIFA World Cup represents more than just a sporting milestone. It is a moment of national pride and a chance to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with three major global economies. As preparations unfold, effective government support will be essential to ensure Ghana’s fans can share in the global football experience.
