Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has rejected claims that Ghanaian supporters are being denied US visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is now just 23 days away.
Speaking at a press briefing, Adams clarified that supporters linked to the government’s organised travel arrangements have not been rejected by the United States Embassy, but are instead still waiting for interview appointments as part of the visa process.
“The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the World Cup Oversight Committee through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have held similar engagements with the United States Embassy regarding Ghana’s recreation toward the 2056 FIFA World Cup. The engagements have been positive and compact. I have read many reports that suggest FIFA recreation and that only 8 or 8 Ghanaian fans have been featured in it,” he said.
The Minister explained that the group of supporters expected to travel under the Ministry’s arrangements had not yet completed the embassy interview stage, insisting reports suggesting fans had been turned away were inaccurate.
“The truth of the matter is that the organised fans that the Ministry is leading are yet to submit themselves to the American Embassy for FIFA people. And so one is surprised that only 8 people will speak about only 8 people when that is not okay,” Adams stated.
“However, we do know that individuals may be applying for visas to travel to America, Canada, Mexico.”
The comments come amid growing public concern over visa access for supporters hoping to travel to the tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Adams’ clarification appears aimed at easing fears that Ghanaian fans could face restrictions ahead of the competition, while also stressing that official engagements between Ghanaian authorities and the US Embassy have remained positive.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to be hosted across three countries and is expected to attract large travelling support from participating nations around the world.
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