Ghana’s Sports Minister Says Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire Could Jointly Host World Cup

Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has hinted that a joint FIFA World Cup bid involving Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire could be closer than many expect, signalling early interest in what would be West Africa’s biggest-ever football partnership.

Adams’ remarks have sparked renewed discussion about a regional bid that aligns with FIFA’s growing approval of multi-nation tournaments. The three countries are among Africa’s most successful football nations, each boasting Africa Cup of Nations titles and multiple World Cup appearances. Côte d’Ivoire, hosts and winners of the 2023 AFCON, have developed some of the continent’s newest football infrastructure, while Ghana hold five AFCON titles and Nigeria three.

Their World Cup pedigree also strengthens the idea. Nigeria have featured in six of the last eight tournaments, while Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have booked their places at the 2026 edition.

Multi-country hosting is no longer unusual. Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted the 2000 AFCON, Kenya–Tanzania–Uganda will stage the 2027 tournament, and the 2026 World Cup is shared by the US, Canada and Mexico. A broader spread awaits in 2030, with Morocco, Portugal and Spain jointly staging the event. This global shift has opened the door for regions with strong cultural and logistical ties to consider collective bids.

Adams believes the trio can take advantage of this trend once Saudi Arabia concludes its hosting in 2034. On the prospect of a West African bid, he said, “They [FIFA] are beginning to adapt a number of nations doing it so maybe who knows… it will be good.” He added that Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire already meet major hosting standards due to recent investments, noting, “We can also make a strong case to host.”

With Côte d’Ivoire’s successful AFCON, Ghana’s recent tournament hosting, and Nigeria’s long history of staging FIFA youth events, a united West African World Cup bid could become one of Africa’s strongest future contenders.