World Cup 2026: Black Stars players to receive $100,000 appearance fee each for tournament

Black Stars players selected for Ghana's final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will each receive an appearance fee of $100,000, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has confirmed.

The minister disclosed the figure during an interview with TV3, ending speculation over whether the payment structure would be reviewed ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

According to Adams, government rejected suggestions to increase the amount despite the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies.

"The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player," Adams said.

"Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar equivalent so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so."

World Cup appearance fees for Black Stars players have increased over the years, rising from $50,000 at the 2006 tournament in Germany to about $82,500 at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before reaching $100,000 for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

The figure remained unchanged for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will again apply for the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The latest confirmation comes as the Black Stars continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup in a training camp in Cardiff, Wales.

Twenty-eight players are currently in camp, but only 26 will make the final squad for the tournament, meaning two players are expected to be dropped before the official submission deadline on Monday, June 1.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before facing England and Croatia in their remaining group-stage fixtures.