Foreign Affairs Ministry begins diplomatic engagement with US and Canada to facilitate fan visa issuance for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has commenced discussions with the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to simplify visa procedures for Ghanaian football enthusiasts in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The initiative follows the Black Stars’ successful qualification for the global tournament and aims to minimize the challenges faced by supporters in obtaining travel documentation to North America.
Technical Advisor to the Minister for Sports, Betty Krosbi Mensah, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku, and senior directors from both the Foreign Affairs and Sports ministries represented Ghana’s interests during the consultations.
The United States delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed high-level meetings with US government officials, noting that the engagements aim to foster mutual understanding, enhance coordination, and facilitate streamlined visa procedures for Ghanaian travelers.
“The objectives of these engagements include ensuring mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, enhancing coordination, improving visa facilitation, and developing clear working roadmaps to maximize satisfaction,” he stated.
Discussions also centered on possible special arrangements for football fans, team officials, and delegation members outside the regular visa application framework.
Furthermore, the talks addressed travel flexibility in light of the US government’s recent reversal of its single-entry visa policy, now allowing Ghanaians multiple-entry access during the World Cup period.
Ablakwa added that similar consultations with Mexican Embassy officials are scheduled for Friday, as part of broader efforts to secure seamless travel opportunities for Ghanaian supporters eager to cheer on the Black Stars across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
