The Acting Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Matthew Asada, has expressed excitement about the expansion of the U.S. Embassy and ACE Consult Spoken Word Competition to Accra, describing it as an important part of activities leading to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media on June 5 on the sidelines of the ACE Spoken Word competition's finale at the University of Ghana (UG) Cedi Conference Centre, Asada said the embassy was proud to partner with ACE Consult for the inaugural Accra edition of the programme.

According to him, the competition has been held in Kumasi for the past three years, but this year's event marked its debut in the capital city.

He noted that the theme of the competition, 'World Cup 2026: When the whistle blows, borders fade,' focused on sports and sports diplomacy, and aligns with activities surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Growing Confidence Among Students

Reflecting on the impact of the programme over the years, Asada said one of the most significant outcomes has been the increasing confidence displayed by participating students.

He cited the example of the previous year's winner, whom he first watched perform in Kumasi and who is now studying law at the University of Ghana.

Asada said students contribute to the competition in different ways, including performing, designing costumes and participating in dance productions, all while representing their schools as part of activities linked to the World Cup journey.

Year-Long World Cup Countdown Activities

The embassy official disclosed that the U.S. Embassy has been organising programmes related to the FIFA World Cup over the past year through the American Center in Accra, the American Space in Kumasi and the American Space at Academic City.

According to him, activities have focused on sporting culture, culinary traditions, the arts, sports integrity and efforts to prevent trafficking related to sports.

He described the spoken word competition as the embassy's final event before the tournament begins.

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Speaking about the United States' preparations for the tournament, Asada said the country is committed to delivering a successful event.

He noted that 11 American cities will host matches, beginning in Los Angeles and concluding in New York.

Asada also highlighted collaboration between the U.S. government and Ghanaian institutions, including the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

According to him, efforts have focused on preparing cultural performers, delegations, supporters and officials travelling to the United States for the tournament.

He further revealed that visa appointment availability had been expanded through the FIFA PASS system to facilitate travel for interested supporters.

"We've added tens of thousands of visa appointments and we've had an incredible number of people come through and they're going to participate in this journey to the 2026 World Cup," he said.

Opportunities for Competition Participants

Asada said participants and winners of the spoken word competition would gain access to services and information relating to higher education opportunities in the United States.

He praised Ghanaian students for their academic achievements, noting that Ghana sends more students to the United States on a per-capita basis than any African country except Nigeria.

He added that Ghana ranks 14th globally in terms of students studying in the United States.

According to him, some of the contestants participating in the competition could eventually pursue studies in the U.S.

Theme Focuses on Unity Through Sports

Addressing the significance of the competition's theme, Asada said sports have the ability to bring people together regardless of nationality.

"When the whistle blows, borders fade," he said.

He explained that sporting events provide an opportunity for people from different countries to compete while fostering unity and shared experiences.

Asada said the United States is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, describing the period as a "decade of sports."

Support for Ghana's Participation

Asked about African teams he was looking forward to seeing at the World Cup, Asada focused on Ghana's participation in the tournament.

He said the U.S. Embassy has been working with the Ghana Tourism Authority to support watch parties across the country during the competition.

According to him, the initiative will connect the 16 World Cup host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Ghana's 16 regions.

He announced that a watch party would be held at the National Sports Stadium in Accra for the United States' opening match on June 13, while similar activities would take place in Cape Coast, Tamale and other locations throughout the tournament.

Visa Access and Student Travel

Responding to concerns about perceptions that the United States is discouraging international travel and study, Asada said the U.S. administration has taken steps to facilitate travel linked to the World Cup.

He reiterated that additional visa appointments have been created to accommodate those seeking to attend the tournament.

Asada added that after the World Cup, attention would also focus on ensuring that students accepted into U.S. universities have opportunities to apply for student visas.

He said the embassy remains committed to supporting qualified Ghanaian students seeking educational opportunities in the United States.

The 2026 global showpiece featuring a historic 48 countries and 104 matches will begin tomorrow June 11, with a match between the Mexico and South Africa.