2026 World Cup: $11,000 Per Fan Too Costly, Mahama Rules Out Mass World Cup Sponsorship

President John Dramani Mahama says government cannot fund large-scale travel for Ghanaian fans to the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the cost is too high.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, Mahama put the estimated cost per supporter at about $11,000. He said that figure covers travel, accommodation, feeding, and match tickets, and is beyond what the state can reasonably bear.

He stressed that the government is committed to fiscal discipline and cannot spend public money on full travel packages for large numbers of fans.

“We cannot spend our money in that manner. The cost for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000,” he said.

Instead of mass sponsorship, Mahama disclosed that government will buy match tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend games in the host cities.