Ghana’s World Cup Spending: A breakdown of costs in 2022 and 2026

Ghana’s overall expenditure estimates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was lower than the amount recorded for the 2022 edition, which sparked public outrage over the cost of the team’s participation.

Following the backlash over the 2022 budget, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, led by Kofi Adams, took steps to review some of the items submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), with the aim of reducing expenditure and safeguarding taxpayers’ money.

According to data from the sports ministry, the total expenditure for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 edition stood at GH¢55.08 million, compared with approximately GH¢65.93 million for the 2022 World Cup. This represents a reduction of about GH¢10.85 million.

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While some budget items were significantly reduced, others remained unchanged or were adjusted to reflect changes in the number of personnel involved in the delegation.

Overall Ghana Football Association budget estimates

2022 World Cup: $14,184,100

2026 World Cup: $13,776,965

Difference: $407,135

Total World Cup delegation

2022: 87 persons

2026: 69 persons

Difference: 18 fewer persons in 2026

Breakdown of selected budget items

Players’ appearance fees

2022: $2,600,000

2026: $2,600,000

Difference: No change

Management Committee

2022: $600,000

2026: $250,000

Difference: $350,000 reduction

Physiotherapists

2022: $200,000 for two physiotherapists

2026: $120,000 for three physiotherapists

Difference: $80,000 reduction

Goalkeeper coaches

2022: $100,000 for one coach

2026: $90,000 for two coaches

Difference: $10,000 reduction

Video analysts

2022: $100,000 for two analysts

2026: $100,000 for three analysts

Difference: No change in the total allocation, despite the addition of one analyst

Dietician/Nutritionist

2022: $50,000

2026: $20,000

Difference: 60% reduction

Purse holder/Ministry accountant

2022: $50,000

2026: $10,000

Difference: 80% reduction

Appearance Fees

2022: GH¢59,150,000

2026: GH¢50, 787,942.77

Difference: GH¢8.6 million lower in 2026

Total Estimate

2022: GH¢65,933,924.68 ($5,071,840.36)

2026: GH¢55,079,487.97 ($4,673,337.46

Difference: GH¢10,854,436.71 ($398.502.9

Forex Rates: $1= GH¢13 for 2022 / 1 = GH¢11.7859 for 2026

SB/JKB

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