Ghanaian football fans and officials hit by mass visa denials ahead of World Cup

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has disclosed that numerous Ghanaian football fans and officials have been denied United States visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to him, some fans shared their rejection letters, which stated that they were ineligible for visas as they did not meet the requirements.

He further revealed that his checks indicated about 400 football fans, officials, and even club owners were denied visas, with rejection letters citing that they were “not convincing or impressive” during their interviews.

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“The American Embassy in Ghana appears to have a ready-made rejection template waiting for Ghanaian football fans hoping to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Since I made a post last night, more than 20 football fans have sent me their visa rejection letters, which are the same as those received by others who have been rejected.

"So far, more than 400 are said to have been ‘bounced,’ including top football officials and club owners. For many Ghana supporters, the dream of cheering the Black Stars in America is being stopped not by opponents on the pitch, but by Section 214(b) at the embassy window,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Sannie Daara explained that the rejection letters essentially expressed a lack of trust in the applicants’ willingness to return to Ghana after the World Cup.

Applicants were informed that they could reapply but would have to go through the entire visa application process again, including submitting a new form, paying the fee, and attending another interview.

“Applicants usually meet this requirement by demonstrating strong ties overseas that indicate they will return to a foreign country after a temporary visit to the United States. Such ties include professional, work, school, family, or social links to a foreign country. You have not demonstrated that you have the ties that will compel you to return to your home country after your travel to the United States.

"Today’s denial cannot be appealed. However, you may reapply at any time. If you decide to reapply, you must submit a new application form and photo, pay the visa application fee again, and make a new appointment to be interviewed by a consular officer. If you choose to reapply, you should be prepared to provide information that was not presented in your original application,” portions of the letter read, as shared by Sannie Daara.

This development raises major concerns for the Black Stars ahead of the Mundial, as fans are expected to provide crucial support during matches. Neither the GFA nor the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has commented on the issue yet.

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