GFA capo Kurt Okraku engages Ghanaâ??s U.S. Ambassador to deepen 2026 FIFA World Cup collaboration

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and 2nd CAF Vice-President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a working visit to Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, as preparations intensify for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, with discussions centred on Ghana’s group placement and the logistical and operational planning required ahead of the global showpiece. Ghana has been drawn in Pot 4, Group L, alongside Panama, England and Croatia.

President Simeon-Okraku noted that the Black Stars’ group arrangement will require matches across multiple venues—Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto—presenting unique logistical demands for the team, technical staff and supporting delegation. He stressed the importance of early coordination and strategic collaboration to ensure smooth preparations and efficient operations throughout the tournament.

The President further noted that the Football Association is working in close collaboration with his office, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated experience for Ghanaians throughout the tournament.

The GFA President underscored the need for close cooperation with the Ghanaian Embassy before and during the World Cup, describing the tournament as a significant global platform to project Ghana’s image and interests. He expressed confidence that strong institutional support would be critical in facilitating team operations and enhancing Ghana’s overall presence on the world stage.

As part of the Football Association’s wider engagement strategy, President Simeon-Okraku announced plans to launch Ghana’s new national team jerseys in Washington, D.C. He also revealed that the GFA intends to use the World Cup period to establish talent identification camps aimed at discovering and nurturing young Ghanaian players for the future.

Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, in response, pledged the Embassy’s full support to ensure a successful and memorable World Cup campaign for the Black Stars. He assured the GFA of the Mission’s commitment to working closely with the Association to address coordination challenges linked to the tournament’s multi-city format and to advance Ghana’s broader objectives around the competition.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to collaboration, agreeing to work together to deliver on the outlined initiatives and provide the necessary support to position Ghana strongly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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