Organisers of the annual Democracy Cup have announced that the 2026 champions will face Premier League side Sunderland in an international friendly.

The development follows a partnership agreement with the English club, which shares strong ties with Ghana through former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, who spent just over a season with Sunderland.

The announcement was made on Wednesday night at Parliament’s D.F. Annan Auditorium in Accra during a ceremony honouring sponsors and partners of the 2025 edition.

Henry Asante Twum, who moderated the event, broke the news referencing permission from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.

“Through the efforts of the organisers, Primeval Media Limited, and the Office of the Right Honourable Speaker, we have secured a partnership with Sunderland Football Club in England. So, the winner of the next edition will travel to England,” he said.

A framed number three jersey, symbolising Speaker Bagbin’s position in Ghana’s political hierarchy, was presented to him as a gift from Sunderland.

The Democracy Cup, launched in 2024 to promote peace ahead of Ghana’s general elections, aims to use football as a vehicle to advance democratic values and national unity.

Hearts of Oak won the 2025 edition in September, beating Great Olympics 1-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium, reclaiming the trophy after losing to Asante Kotoko in the inaugural final.

Kotoko played MLS side D.C. United in Washington after winning the first edition, while Germany and the United States are being considered for Hearts of Oak this year.