US Embassy Ghana Holds Media Training Program ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States of America Embassy-Ghana held an engagement with the media and social media influencers ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The event took place at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Wednesday, March 18 with the meeting aimed at briefing participants regarding rules on media coverage, accessibility, travel, logistics, sponsorship and restrictions in connection to this year’s World Cup.

The United States of America is one of three host countries for the 2026 World Cup that has Ghana competing in Group L with England, Panama and Croatia. Mexico and Canada are the remaining co-hosts.

The program was headlined by Chargé d’affaires ad interim (a.i.) of the U.S. Embassy-Ghana, Rolf Olson, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy-Ghana, Elliot Fertik and Acting Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy-Ghana Matthew Asada.

Participants were taken through briefings on issues that touched on ethical media coverage, media etiquette and publication of verified information of the World Cup and of the host nations, particularly the United States of America.

Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Henry Asante Twum and veteran sports journalists Eva Otchere and Gary Al-Smith took turns to share their experiences and knowledge on covering mega sports events such as the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at the event, Chargé d’affaires ad interim (a.i.) of the U.S. Embassy-Ghana, Rolf Olson, reiterated the call for Ghanaians who travel to the U.S. for this year’s World Cup to respect the terms of their visas and return when their time is due.

On his part, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy-Ghana, Elliot Fertik called on the media to educate their audience to apply for visas to travel by using the right channels.

According to the New York Times, over a million international visitors are expected in the United States of America for this year’s World Cup.