The Government of Ghana has provided a major financial injection for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, releasing more than GH¢76 million to support the team’s preparations and participation in the global tournament.

The funding package, announced in an official statement on Friday, was approved through the Ministry of Finance and is intended to cover both operational costs and outstanding player entitlements as Ghana gears up for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the statement, a total of GH¢76,466,919.20 has been made available to facilitate the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.

The largest portion of the allocation, GH¢58,929,500.00 — the cedi equivalent of US$5 million — has been released in advance to finance the team’s preparations and cover expenses related to the group stage of the tournament.

Government officials noted that the early disbursement is aimed at ensuring the players, technical staff and management team can focus fully on performance without logistical or financial distractions.

A further GH¢17,537,419.20, representing US$1.488 million, has been earmarked for the payment of outstanding qualification bonuses owed to players and officials.

The payment settles the remaining balance of an arrangement reached during the qualification campaign, where beneficiaries received half of their bonuses before qualification was secured, with the outstanding amount becoming due after Ghana booked its place at the World Cup.

The Black Stars recently concluded a training camp in Washington, D.C., before relocating to Providence, Rhode Island, where preparations have entered their final phase ahead of the tournament.

Under head coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will begin its World Cup journey against Panama in Toronto on June 17. The Black Stars will then face England in Boston on June 23 before wrapping up their Group L campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The four-time African champions are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously competed in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.

Ghana’s finest moment at the tournament remains the 2010 edition, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national team and promoting sporting development across the country, expressing confidence that the timely financial support will strengthen Ghana’s chances of making a positive impact at the tournament.

The statement also encouraged Ghanaians to unite behind the Black Stars as they embark on another World Cup adventure, with hopes high that the team can produce a memorable campaign on football’s biggest stage.

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening Group L encounter against Panama following the refusal of his application to enter Canada.

The former Arsenal midfielder, now with Villarreal, had been named in Ghana’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico and travelled with the team to Washington D.C. on June 4 before joining the squad’s training base in Rhode Island.

However, Ghana will be without one of their most experienced players when they take on Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17.

FIFA confirms Canada’s decision

A FIFA statement confirmed that the world governing body had no authority over immigration decisions taken by host nations.

“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

The development leaves Ghana facing a difficult opening assignment without a player who has remained a key figure in the national team setup.

Legal case remains ongoing

Partey, 32, was charged by London’s Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to those charges in September that year.

He was subsequently charged with two additional counts of rape in February this year and again entered not guilty pleas in April. The case remains before the courts and Partey has not been convicted.

According to guidance published on the Canadian government website, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Focus shifts to the remaining fixtures

After the Panama encounter, Ghana’s World Cup campaign continues with a high-profile clash against England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before the Black Stars conclude their Group L fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

Whether Partey becomes available for those matches remains unclear, with the Ghana Football Association and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Christopher Ennin has reportedly informed FC Samartex of his decision to step down as head coach ahead of next season.

The young tactician has already submitted a formal letter of resignation to the club’s hierarchy, indicating his desire to end his tenure with the Samreboi-based side.

However, the management of the “Timber Giants” is yet to approve or finalize his departure, as they continue to review the terms of the termination.

Ennin was appointed midway through the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League campaign to turn around the fortunes of the reigning champions FC Samartex at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex following the sudden exit of their title-winning manager, Nurudeen Amadu.

The former Berekum Chelsea manager, who won the Ghana Premier League Coach of the Month accolade during his tenure, has decided not to lead the technical team into the upcoming football season.

While Ennin has made his intentions clear, the club’s administration is carefully studying the document before making a definitive resolution regarding contract termination or release terms.

This brewing technical vacancy leaves FC Samartex in a critical position as they prepare for the future.

The management will soon need to decide whether to look for a permanent replacement to restore stability to the team or hold further talks to find