Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams, has revealed the country’s ambition to co-host a future FIFA World Cup alongside regional neighbors Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Minister believes the era of single-nation hosting is rapidly fading and is being replaced by multinational partnerships that reflect football’s expanding global footprint.
He believes this could become one of the most transformative projects in African football history.
FIFA is expected to open bidding for the 2038 World Cup in the coming years, giving the three nations time to begin strategic planning, feasibility studies, and long-term partnerships.
‘Ghana, Nigeria, & Côte d’Ivoire Could be Next’ – Kofi Adams
Hon. Adams analysed FIFA’s recent approach to tournament hosting, pointing to the unprecedented multi-country arrangements already approved.
“This is the first time three nations are going to host the World Cup in 2026, and it looks like FIFA is adapting that role now,” Hon. Kofi Adams said.
“The 2030 and 2034 editions are following the same path. Morocco, Portugal, and Spain are already confirmed for 2030. So who knows?”
“The next one could be Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire coming together to host the biggest sporting event on the planet.”
Adams noted that FIFA’s shift, like awarding the 2026 tournament to the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and planning the 2030 edition across six countries, suggests strong support for large-scale, regional hosting models.
Why a West African World Cup Bid Makes Sense
The Minister argued that the trio of West African nations possess unique advantages that could form a powerful, unified bid.
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Côte d’Ivoire
Recently hosted the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (played in early 2024), showcasing six world-class stadiums and modern infrastructure. -
Nigeria
Holds one of the largest and most passionate football fan bases in Africa, alongside widespread international football influence. -
Ghana
Expected to undergo major infrastructure rebirth under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
Adams is confident that Ghana’s upcoming infrastructural transformation would align smoothly with Nigeria’s and Côte d’Ivoire’s existing investments.
“With the level of infrastructure His Excellency John Dramani Mahama wants us to undertake, I believe that we, together with Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, who have already invested heavily because they hosted AFCON not too long ago, can also ask for the right to host the World Cup,” he added.
No Official Talks Yet
Although neither government nor football associations have formally initiated a joint proposal, Hon. Adams emphasised the readiness for:
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Government-level engagement
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Regional collaboration
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Initial consultations with FIFA
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Assessment of hosting requirements
A tri-nation bid, he said, could distribute costs, responsibilities, and infrastructure commitments across the region, making the massive undertaking more feasible while amplifying West Africa’s global profile.
A Chance to Bring the World Cup Back to Africa
If successful, the bid would mark only the second time in history that the FIFA World Cup is held on African soil.
The first and only time remains South Africa 2010, an unforgettable moment that transformed global perceptions of African hosting capability.
A West African tournament would offer:
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A showcase of the region’s vibrant football culture
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A boost to tourism, commerce, and infrastructure
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A rare platform for regional cooperation and unity
