2026 World Cup: Ticket Alone Won’t Secure Visa — Immigration Expert Warns Ghanaian Fans

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A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Marie Keita Amarteifio, has cautioned Ghanaian football fans planning to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that securing match tickets or accommodation bookings does not guarantee visa approval.

Ghana’s Black Stars will be making another appearance at football’s biggest stage after qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 2026 edition guarantees Ghana at least three group-stage matches, as the team seeks to improve on their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Ghana supporters (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking on the visa application process to Citi Sports on Thursday 5th February, 2026, Amarteifio stressed that enthusiasm to attend the tournament must be matched with proper immigration preparation.

“Simply having a match ticket or accommodation booking does not guarantee approval. Each applicant must independently satisfy the visitor visa requirements,” she said.

According to her, visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with applicants required to demonstrate strong ties to Ghana, clear travel intentions, valid travel documentation and sufficient financial capacity, irrespective of their interest in attending World Cup matches.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images

Her caution comes at a time when interest among Ghanaian supporters is expected to rise sharply ahead of the tournament, with fans being advised to apply early and avoid individuals or agents promising guaranteed visas outside official embassy channels.

Black stars training Photo Courtesy: Black stars X

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Black Stars are already stepping up preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with international friendly matches lined up to fine-tune the squad. Ghana is scheduled to face Austria in an international friendly in March, as part of a series of games aimed at sharpening the team ahead of the global showpiece.