As Ghana edges closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, excitement and expectation continue to build across the nation. But beyond national pride, many in Ghana’s football circles are eyeing another major incentive, the financial windfall that comes with participation.
Under FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, a total of $355 million has been earmarked to reward clubs whose players feature in the global showpiece. This, according to Eric Alagidede, General Manager of Accra Great Olympics, presents a unique opportunity for local clubs to finally get a share of football’s biggest payday.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Alagidede urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure that at least four locally based players make the final World Cup squad.
“If we make a list of 23 players, maybe only 18 or 19 will actually play,” he explained. “So what happens to the remaining slots? There should be a deliberate policy to include some home-based players, not just to fill numbers but to ensure our local clubs benefit from FIFA’s funds.”
Alagidede suggested that the GFA could establish a memorandum of understanding (MoU) among Premier League clubs to share proceeds from the programme, arguing that such a move could yield over a million dollars for the domestic game.
“It could be your player from Medeama, Kotoko or Hearts of Oak. When the money comes, it must trickle down to benefit the entire league,” he added.
Currently, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and Medeama midfielder Prince Owusu are the only local players in the Black Stars setup.
Ghana currently top Group I of the World Cup qualifiers with 19 points and need just four more to secure a spot at their fifth World Cup appearance.
For Alagidede and many others, qualification would not just be a sporting triumph, it could also provide a financial lifeline for Ghana’s struggling domestic clubs.
