Ghana Engages US and Canada on Visa Plans for Fans Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has begun high-level discussions with officials from the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to facilitate visa arrangements for Ghanaian football supporters following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The talks, held in Accra, were attended by key government and football officials, including Betty Krosbi Mensah, Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, GFA President and CAF Vice President Kurt Okraku, as well as senior directors from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Representing the host nations, Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson led the American delegation, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team.
Confirming the development in a Facebook post, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted that the objective of the engagement was to build a strong collaborative framework to ensure smooth travel processes for Ghanaian fans during the tournament.
The discussions also explored the possibility of creating special visa arrangements for supporters, team officials, and other accredited members of Ghana’s delegation—outside the standard visa application procedures.
This initiative follows the recent reversal of the United States’ single-entry visa policy, which now allows multiple entries. The change means Ghanaian fans attending World Cup matches in the US can easily travel between Canada, Mexico, and the United States during the tournament.
Minister Ablakwa further disclosed that a similar consultation with the Mexican Embassy is scheduled for Friday, to complete Ghana’s diplomatic coordination with all three co-host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The move forms part of government’s broader plan to ensure seamless travel and support for the Black Stars as they prepare to represent Ghana on the world’s biggest football stage.
