As the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations heat up, former Ghana national football team goalie Fatau Dauda has shown confidence in the team’s goalkeeping prospects.
There is still disagreement about who should be Ghana’s top choice at the world championship, with about four months till the competition. Dauda, however, maintains that there is no need for alarm, pointing out that the technical staff is keeping a careful eye on a number of goalkeepers who are playing well at the club level.
“I’m keeping an eye on several of our promising goalkeepers who are performing well. Dauda stated, “God willing, we’ll have more options,” suggesting that the handlers are sweeping the field to guarantee that only the best and most mentally prepared goalkeepers reach the final roster.
The goalkeeping department has been one of the most discussed areas of the squad in recent months. A section of supporters believes Benjamin Asare should head to the World Cup as Ghana’s undisputed first choice following his performances in the qualifiers. Others argue that selecting a goalkeeper with European experience could provide an added advantage at the highest level.
At the domestic level, calls have also grown for the inclusion of Hearts of Oak’s second-choice goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, whose performances have attracted attention and intensified competition for places.
Head coach Otto Addo has already confirmed that Asare remains Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper after playing a key role in securing qualification. His composure, shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area have earned him the trust of the technical team.
Ghana face a daunting task in Group L, where they have been drawn against the England national football team, Panama national football team and the Croatia national football team.
With strong opposition awaiting, the decision over who guards the post could prove decisive in Ghana’s quest for a successful World Cup campaign.
At the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the US, Ghana promised to earn $10.5 million.
Following Ghana’s confirmed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Council agreed a record-breaking financial package for the expanded 48-team competition, and Ghana would get at least USD 10.5 million.
Ghana will get USD 9 million in participation prize money and an additional USD 1.5 million to cover team preparation expenses since the Black Stars have already advanced to the World Cup next year.
Ghana is now one of the recipients of FIFA’s record USD 727 million distribution plan, which is a 50% increase over the money distributed at Qatar 2022 and the biggest financial payout in World Cup history.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the financial rewards attached to participation and performance add another layer of significance to the Black Stars’ campaign.
The guaranteed USD 10.5 million provides the Ghana Football Association (GFA) with a major opportunity to strengthen national team logistics, enhance technical preparation and improve player welfare ahead of the tournament.
More importantly, the funds offer room for long-term investment, particularly in youth development, infrastructure and grassroots football – areas critical to sustaining Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Prize money will increase significantly with progression. Teams reaching the round of 16 will earn USD 15 million, while a quarter-final finish is worth USD 19 million, with the champions set to receive USD 50 million.
As Ghana prepares to return to the world’s biggest football stage, FIFA’s expanded financial commitment ensures that qualification delivers not only pride and visibility, but also substantial resources capable of shaping the future of Ghanaian football.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in high demand worldwide, as seen by the five million ticket requests made in a single day.
Twenty-four hours after the FIFA World Cup 2026TM third round of ticket sales began, demand from all over the world reached unprecedented heights. Excited to see the first-ever 48-team tournament, which will take place throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, fans from more than 200 countries and territories submitted 5 million ticket requests via FIFA.com/tickets.
With Colombia vs. Portugal (Miami, June 27) emerging as the most sought-after match thus far during the Random Selection Draw phase, the early numbers indicate a high demand for memorable group-stage encounters.
Brazil v Morocco (New York New Jersey, 13 June), Mexico v Korea Republic (Guadalajara, 18 June), Ecuador v Germany (New York New Jersey, 25 June), and Scotland v Brazil (Miami, 24 June) round out the top five matches – involving nine teams from five different continents.
After 24 hours, the three host nations lead the way, with the subsequent top ten countries of residence for ticket requests being Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
The strong presence of South American neighbours Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina, as well as Central Americans from Panama, further demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup 2026 is capturing the imagination across the Americas. Scotland’s appearance in the top ten reflects fans’ excitement at seeing the team on the global stage again for the first time in 28 years, adding to the growing expectation that football will unite the world in North America in six months’ time.
The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET), and the timing of a ticket request within this window does not affect the chances of success. Fans are encouraged to enter the draw at FIFA.com/tickets for a chance to be part of a tournament that promises unforgettable moments, unprecedented scale and a celebration of football like never before.
Throughout this sales phase, fans will be able to select which match(es), respective ticket category(ies), and number of tickets per match they would like to purchase, subject to household restrictions. Tickets will also be available for purchase via the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace at FIFA.com/tickets starting on Monday, 15 December 2025.
Fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets for FAQs and all published legal documents applicable to the purchase and use of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Ticket applications are subject to the Official Rules of the Random Selection Draw, available on FIFA.com. No purchase is required to enter or win, but if an applicant wins, the payment card will automatically be charged in accordance with the payment authorization. Winning means that a fan is automatically purchasing allocated FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Fans must be 18 years old or older to apply.
Fans who would like to immediately purchase access to specific match-ups and are looking for a premium, elevated matchday experience can purchase hospitality packages, which include match tickets, at FIFA.com/hospitality through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Additionally, fans can consider all-inclusive travel packages from Qatar Airways, which include match tickets, transport, hotel stays and flights.
As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA reinvests the revenue it generates from the FIFA World Cup to fuel the growth of football (men’s, women’s and youth) throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations globally. In fact, FIFA expects to reinvest over 90% of its budgeted investments for the 2023–2026 cycle back into the game, with the aim of significantly boosting the development of football around the world. A full overview of the FIFA World Cup investment budget is available on FIFA.com.
Black Stars Prepare for World Cup Qualifying Match Against CAR
The Black Stars will gather in Casablanca this weekend, according to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), as they get ready for their penultimate Group I qualifier against the Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Benjamin Asare and Prince Owusu, two players who are based in Accra, together with the coaching staff, will leave Accra on Saturday to join the rest of the team in Morocco, according to the GFA. In contrast to earlier plans, players would go straight from their clubs to Morocco rather than meeting in Accra before departing.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to have his full squad by Monday to prepare for the crucial clash at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The team will hold three training sessions in Morocco before the match.
With 19 points from eight games, Ghana leads Group I right now. They need four points from their final two games to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Due to safety concerns, Trump has threatened to move the 2026 World Cup matches.
Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, US President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about the tournament’s hosting by stating that he will shift matches away from any American locations he deems unsafe.
In the 48-team event, which will also be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, the United States will host 78 of the 104 matches. Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle are among the eleven US cities that have been confirmed as locations. The final will also be held in the US.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump insisted safety would be paramount. “It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” he said. He singled out Democratic-run cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, both due to stage six matches, as well as Los Angeles, which is scheduled to host eight fixtures and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit,” Trump added.
Whether the president has the power to impose such reforms is still up for debate. The tournament’s organization and host city selection are entirely under the purview of FIFA, the body that oversees world football. At this point, changing locations would provide significant logistical difficulties, such as stadium preparation, tickets, lodging, and broadcasting plans.
Nonetheless, Trump is presently the leader of the World Cup taskforce and has a tight relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, which may allow him some control over tournament scheduling.
The remarks highlight the political undertones of the competition, which is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever staged in North America. With just under a year to go before the opening match, questions now remain over whether Trump’s threat could reshape the tournament’s schedule.
Ahead of the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month, Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu says he is excited to rejoin the Black Stars.
The Rennes center-back has returned to club play after missing almost a year of international duty due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Seidu disclosed throughout his recuperation that he kept a close eye on Ghana’s qualifying campaign and rejoiced in the team’s valiant 1-0 triumph over Mali following the unfortunate 1-1 tie with Chad in September.
“I supported the Black Stars from afar. I was very happy when we beat Mali because they are a strong team with big talents. I hope to join the group as fast as possible for the last two matches,” Seidu told Flashscore.
He might make his international comeback in the October doubleheader against Comoros and the Central African Republic. “Playing for the national squad is a huge accomplishment. I would sacrifice everything for the squad if I could join them in October. “That’s my goal,” he declared.
Seidu is adamant about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. As everyone knows, Ghana is a major football-playing country. For Ghanaians as well as other players who couldn’t believe it, missing the 2025 AFCON was a letdown. We have to make it to the World Cup. We need patience because this team has a lot of young guys. In a few years, we’ll be very strong and difficult to beat.”
For the 2026 World Cup, Ghanaian clubs will reap the benefits of the unprecedented FIFA Club Benefits Program.
FIFA announced that a record USD 355 million will be given to clubs globally for the release of players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the final tournament, and Ghanaian clubs will be among the recipients of the FIFA Club Benefits Programme (CBP).
A major change in the way solidarity payments are distributed will occur as clubs releasing players for the World Cup qualifiers will also directly profit for the first time in the program’s history.
In the past, compensation was only given to clubs whose playersparticipated in the final competition.
Due to this modification, Ghanaian Premier League teams that supply players to the Black Stars throughout the qualifying campaign, including Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, Medeama SC, Dreams FC, Nations FC, and others, would receive cash compensation.
One of the many instances where Ghanaian clubs stand to gain even if their players do not make the final roster for the 2026 World Cup is Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who has recently earned Black Stars outings in the qualifiers.
The program acknowledges the importance of local clubs in developing talent for international competitions and offers a more equitable and inclusive allocation of resources across global club football.
Since the Ghana Premier League plays a significant role in the national team’s success, this development is a welcome boost that may result in much-needed funding for youth development, player welfare, and infrastructure.
USD 209 million was distributed among 440 teams globally in the previous edition (Qatar 2022), but the new extended model now guarantees that Ghana’s local clubs will gain even more for their support of the national team’s football.
Black Stars World Cup qualifying budget for Chad and Mali games cut by over $732,000
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has cut more than $732,000 from the Black Stars’ budget for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Mali and Chad. This is in accordance with President John Mahama’s order to guarantee budgetary restraint and transparency in national team spending.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) had originally asked for $2,053,240, but after careful consideration, the government authorized $1,320,490, Sports Minister Kofi Adams told reporters in Accra on Tuesday.
“Submission by the GFA, adjustments by the Ministry, vetting by the Presidency, and final clearance from the Ministry of Finance,” he continued, were the four steps of the budgeting process.
The GFA requested $1,239,090 for Matchday 7 versus Chad at N’Djamena; however, the government approved $856,890, saving $382,200.
Imprest was cut, facility user fees were eliminated, transportation was rationalized, and bonuses were restructured, with players’ winning bonuses being cut in half from $260,000 to $130,000.
Matchday 8 versus Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium followed a similar strategy. The GFA requested $814,150, but the government authorized $463,600, saving $350,550. Once more, $310,000 was saved by reducing imprest, lodging, transportation, and bonuses.
Adams stressed the cuts demonstrate government’s commitment to prudent spending.
“Across both match windows, we have realised total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates government’s resolve to protect taxpayers while ensuring the essentials required for the Black Stars to perform are fully funded,” he said.
Just hours before Auckland was set to host the first match of the Women’s World Cup, the city awoke to the news of a fatal shooting, casting a cloud over what was intended to be a day of celebration.
The event occurred in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, near a fan park where hundreds of football fans were expected to congregate. Two people were killed and six others were injured.
Fifa said it had been advised that the incident was isolated and that the match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on Thursday will go ahead as planned.
People have travelled to the city from across the globe for the start of the World Cup, which has been labelled the biggest women’s sports event ever to be staged.
Jacob Johnson, a reporter for 1 News in Auckland, told BBC Sport: “The fact it has happened on the day that was meant to be a huge celebration for New Zealand is just gobsmacking.
“The Women’s World Cup was supposed to be a huge win for women’s sport.
“In New Zealand, it is something we are really trying to push. It’s such a shame that something like this will probably dominate the headlines for days.
“The Women’s World Cup has been years in the making. I hope organisers are not going to completely let this overshadow the event. The Women’s World Cup is a really big deal for New Zealand.”
The shooting took place on a construction site in the central business district at 07:22 (20:22 BST). The gunman was declared dead after the attack, which is not being seen as an act of terrorism.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said all Fifa personnel and football teams were safe and had been accounted for.
Fifa released a statement saying it had been “in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident”.
It added: “Fifa extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.”
A record 32 teams are taking part in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand over the next four weeks.
Auckland is hosting nine of the 64 games.
“It is the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever hosted,” added Auckland-based reporter Johnson. “We had our breakfast crews down at the fan zone this morning.
“There were excited fans and children. It’s just across the road from where this horrible incident took place.”
Among those visiting the city for the tournament is Sonia Orvaz, who has travelled to Auckland from California to support four-time world champions the United States.
“It’s sad when this sort of thing happens,” she said. “This will obviously overshadow the start of the tournament which is very unfortunate.
“It just makes me a little bit sad for Auckland. They’ve waited years for this.”
A Canada fan, Cherry Andrews, had been on her way to the fan park when she was diverted because of the incident.
“We didn’t know what was going on,” she said.
“Hopefully it is not going to deter people enjoying the Women’s World Cup and why we are all here in the first place.”
The World Cup will begin in Australia the next week, and England will be one of the teams competing for the championship.
France, a European powerhouse that will be competing in the World Cup as well, will be hoping to put their recent issues behind them in order to compete for the honor. The French Football Federation created a fantastic tournament advertisement in collaboration with Orange.
The opening sequence of the two-minute commercial features superstars from the men’s team, including Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
In the series of highlights, players can be seen producing tricks, flicks and brilliant strikes.
Halfway through, however, the ad produces a killer twist.
A message on screen reads: “Only Les Bleus can give us these emotions. But that’s not them you’ve just seen.”
The video then rewinds to the beginning, and reveals that all of the clips shown were actually from France’s women’s team matches – edited with VFX to look like their male counterparts.
It then proceeds to show the real clips, with Delphine Cascarino and Co producing moments of magic.
Seeing the advert on Reddit, fans praised its originality.
One wrote: “I’m tricked. Going to question the rest of my reality now.”
While a second commented: “Absolutely bamboozled me. Great ad.”
A third admitted: “Pretty clever that. Can’t wait for the WC to start.”
Another added: “That’s actually really awesome.”
While a further social media user joked: “Knew it was fake when I saw Griezmann beat a man but great ad.”
France enter the tournament having sacked head coach Corinne Diacre in March.
The 48-year-old was said to have caused a “a very significant divide” within the squad.
Her tenure was littered with high-profile feuds with some of her most high-profile players – including Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer.
The final straw came earlier this year, when skipper Wendie Renard announced that she would no longer be available for her country because she “can no longer support the current system”.
