Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says the $9 million prize money Ghana’s Black Stars will earn for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be paid into the country’s newly established Sports Fund.
Under FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, each qualified nation is guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million, made up of $9 million in prize money for group-stage participation and a further $1.5 million set aside for preparation costs.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Adams said expected World Cup earnings played a key role in the decision to establish the fund.
“If you look at the rationale behind the bill we presented to Parliament, one of our main objectives was to take advantage of the current period and preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Once the bill is signed into law, it becomes an act,” he said.
The minister explained that revenues from international competitions will be channelled directly into the fund.
“One source is earnings from tournaments. For instance, FIFA will award us $9 million, while the $1.5 million is allocated for preparation. Unless there are unavoidable costs, the $9 million will go directly into the fund,” Adams noted.
He added that the new structure will ensure funds are used sustainably to support long-term sports development.
“Once in the fund, there will be structured utilisation. For the first time, we can have infrastructure and facilities that are a direct result of our World Cup participation,” he said.
Adams also emphasised the government’s aim to create a lasting impact from Ghana’s participation at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We intend to showcase projects that demonstrate what we have achieved through our participation in the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Looking ahead, the minister pointed to the extra prize money available as teams advance and expressed confidence in the Black Stars chances.
“If we progress to the next round of 32 teams, there’s an additional $3 million, and advancing further to the round of 16 adds another $4 million. The further we go, the greater the returns. We just have to perform, and I believe we can be among the top four,” he concluded.
By: Pascal Amoah
