Black Stars’ qualification to the World Cup has opened many doors for Ghana – Neil Armstrong Mortagbe

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has revealed that the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already having a positive impact across several sectors of the country, beyond football.

Speaking in an interview with Asaase FM, the GFA’s Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, explained that the achievement has created opportunities throughout Ghana’s football ecosystem, including women’s football and other national teams.

“Qualifying for the World Cup has created opportunities across the ecosystem — not just for the Black Stars but for women’s football and other national teams,” he said.

Mortagbe further highlighted that the benefits extend beyond sports, with industries such as tourism, fashion, media, travel, and hospitality beginning to feel the impact of Ghana’s qualification campaign.

According to him, there has been an increasing demand for Black Stars merchandise and travel packages ahead of the global tournament, creating new business opportunities for several stakeholders.

“On the back of football, we are engaging tourism, health, and other sectors… it opens doors beyond the game itself,” stressed.

Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will now prepare for a fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Beyond competing on the pitch, the tournament is expected to provide Ghana with another major platform to showcase its culture, tourism, and national identity to the rest of the world.