AMBASSADOR SMITH MEETS WITH TASK FORCE ON FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, HE Victor Emmanuel Smith on Wednesday 18th March, 2026, convened a meeting with the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC.

Present at the meeting were members of the Embassy’s Committee in charge of the FIFA World Cup, chaired by the Head of Consular Services, Mr. Bernard Quantson.

Discussions centered on visas for Ghanaians traveling to the US for the World Cup 2026, availability and cost of tickets, safety and security, public transportation, proximity from base camp to stadiums and plans for dignitaries attending the tournament. It was also to explore the possibility for collaboration to enhance Ghana/US sports diplomacy.

The Task Force, led by Executive Director, Andrew A. Guiliamo, assured the Ambassador that everything needed to make it possible for Ghanaians to attend the tournament has been put in place just like for other participating countries.

There were concerns, however, about the perceived high level of visa refusals and the possibility of a relook at visa considerations outside the B1- B2; as well as ensuring that supporters would return home to Ghana immediately after the tournament to avoid problems with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).