The United States Embassy in Accra has urged Ghanaians, particularly football fans hoping to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, to follow the appropriate procedures when applying for visas.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico, Elliot Fertik, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, advised potential travellers to avoid fraudulent or illegal methods of entry into the United States.

“We want to make sure Ghanaians understand the proper way to apply for a visa and what is expected of them when and if they do receive a visa,” he said.

The Consul General emphasised the embassy’s commitment to public education on U.S. visa processes, adding that misinformation or noncompliance could lead to serious consequences.

“We are committed to educating Ghanaians about the visa process so that they can avoid any problems or complications.”

Fertik cautioned that any attempt to flout U.S. immigration laws would attract sanctions.

“If you try to enter the United States illegally, if you lie to get a visa, if you work without permission, if you overstay beyond the time allotted to you to stay in the United States when you have the visa, there will be serious penalties.”

He added that the Department of State undertakes a thorough review of visa applicants and leverages multiple tools to safeguard U.S. national security.

“The department takes a careful review of the information that violates visa eligibility, including arrest, criminal convictions and overstays. We use all available tools to ensure we secure the national security of the United States and enforce compliance with our laws.”

Fertik also expressed optimism about Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup and welcomed the global community to the U.S. for both the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

“We do look forward to continuing to welcome the world as we prepare to co-host the World Cup soccer tournament in 2026, and I am very much hopeful that Ghana will qualify, and we are also very much looking forward to hosting the Summer Olympics in 2028. America is very proud to host these two events, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our shores who follow our rules.”