More than 400 Ghanaians, including football fans, club owners and top football officials, have reportedly been denied US visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The mass rejection, which has sparked outrage and disappointment across Ghana’s football community, was disclosed by former Ghana Football Association communications director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara.
According to Daara, one of the worst-hit groups involved 150 supporters who attended visa interviews at the US Embassy in Accra. Out of the entire group, only three applicants were granted visas.
Most of the rejected applicants were denied under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, a clause commonly used when applicants fail to convince consular officers that they have strong enough ties to their home country to guarantee their return after visiting the United States.
The rejection letters reportedly stated that applicants failed to prove sufficient financial independence, stable employment, family obligations or other commitments strong enough to ensure they would leave the US after the tournament.
Reacting to the development, Daara used football metaphors to describe the situation, saying the embassy “played a low block, counter-pressed, and eliminated 147 supporters before kick-off.”
The issue has since triggered mixed reactions online. While some Ghanaians expressed frustration over the low approval rate despite applicants allegedly meeting requirements, others argued that many people may have viewed the World Cup as an opportunity to relocate abroad.
Some social media users pointed to previous public comments suggesting that qualification for the tournament represented a pathway to life in America for many young Ghanaians.
Despite the setback, others noted that Ghana still has a large diaspora population in the United States and Canada capable of supporting the Black Stars during the competition.
The visa denials come months after US embassy officials repeatedly warned that possessing a World Cup ticket does not automatically guarantee entry into the country.
Embassy representatives had advised applicants to apply early, provide proof of financial capability and demonstrate strong personal and economic ties to Ghana.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama had also earlier appealed to citizens planning to attend the tournament to obey visa conditions and return home after the competition, warning that overstays could damage Ghana’s diplomatic standing with the United States.
The development is also linked to tighter US immigration policies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
