GFA Seeks $1.12m Budget for Black Stars’ Final 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
- The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is seeking over $1 million in budget approval from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation
- The proposal was submitted weeks ahead of Ghana’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros
- Four points from the Black Stars’ final two matches would be enough to book their ticket to the tournament in North America
Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that a budget of $1.12 million has been presented for approval to fund the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams revealed at a press briefing in Accra that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) submitted its estimates on September 18.
Source: Twitter
GFA proposes $1.12 million budget to Sports Ministry
The proposal was forwarded to the Office of the President the following day for consideration.
According to Ghanasoccernet, the breakdown $733,000 has been allocated for the away clash with the Central African Republic in Casablanca on October 8, while $387,000 has been set aside for the return fixture against Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 12.
The allocation will cover travel, accommodation, per diems, training facilities, officiating fees, match bonuses, and other essential logistics.
The minister assured that all the figures fall within the agreed fiscal guidelines, emphasising that “there has been no deviation.”
He also dismissed suggestions of political meddling or delays, stressing that player welfare remains the top priority.
“The players are our priority, and we have treated them with respect and professionalism,” he said.
Adams praised the GFA for its collaboration throughout the process, adding,
“I want to take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the GFA for their cooperation and the maturity shown throughout this process.
"These engagements are often technical and time-sensitive, and the posture of the Association throughout has reflected a shared commitment to proper governance and accountability.”
Source: Twitter
Black Stars chase qualification for 2026 World Cup
The financial backing comes at a crucial moment as Ghana looks to seal qualification for next year’s World Cup.
The Black Stars currently sit top of Group I with 19 points from eight games. They lead Madagascar by three points, Comoros by four, and Mali by seven.
Otto Addo’s side will need at least four points from their final two matches to book a ticket to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Recent form has been mixed, with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Chad in N'Djamena followed by a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Mali in Accra, per African Football.
That result put the team in a strong position heading into October’s double-header despite a reported protest by Mali challenging Ghana's victory.
Should Ghana pick up the needed points, Otto Addo could write his name in history as the first Ghanaian coach to guide the Black Stars to successive World Cup appearances.
Check out Ghana's results and fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers:
Black Stars suffer injury setback
In an earlier publication, YEN.com.gh reported that the Black Stars have suffered a major setback after Tariq Lamptey sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The defender was part of Ghana’s squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.
Source: YEN.com.gh
