The United States Embassy in Ghana has held a specialised media training session to prepare Ghanaian journalists and content creators for coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Mr Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. – U.S. Embassy Ghana, said journalists play an increasingly influential role in shaping global sporting events.
He noted that advances in technology and changing audience behaviour have transformed the way major tournaments are covered.
“As journalists and content creators, you all play a vital role in major sporting events like the World Cup, and we have seen how media coverage has evolved. The stories you tell, the standards you uphold and the innovations you bring to your coverage contribute to the excitement of the tournament,” Mr Olson said.
Mr Olson added that the training was designed to help participants identify opportunities and anticipate challenges associated with reporting on a large-scale event such as the World Cup.
He also highlighted the strong football history between Ghana and the United States, recalling their three consecutive World Cup meetings in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
He said the U.S. looks forward to welcoming Ghanaian fans as the country marks the 250th anniversary of its independence this year.
Mr Elliot Fertik, Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, urged both fans and journalists intending to travel for the tournament to begin the visa application process early.
He cautioned applicants against using unapproved intermediaries or submitting falsified documents, warning that such actions could lead to severe penalties, including lifetime travel bans.
The training session featured renowned sports journalists Gary Al-Smith and Eva Okyere, who conducted sessions on developing compelling story ideas and equipping reporters for high-pressure international assignments.
Mr Henry Asante Twum, a member of the Ghana Football Association communications team, briefed journalists on tournament logistics, accreditation processes, and movement protocols expected to guide journalists during the competition.
With less than 100 days before the world’s biggest football event kicks off, Ghana is hoping to build on its historic 2010 quarter-final run.
The Black Stars have been drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in the group stage as they aim to progress deep into the tournament.
