Global Sports Outlook: From 2026 World Cup Expeditions to Future Olympic Ambitions

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, excitement is building through unique fan initiatives and unprecedented career opportunities. Wanderlust Ghana has announced a historic overland and transoceanic journey from Accra to Toronto to rally support for the Ghana national football team. This ambitious expedition, led by Kwabena Peprah and supported by Star Oil and SIC Insurance PLC, will cross three continents and approximately 12 countries. The journey aims to showcase Ghanaian culture globally and arrive in North America just in time for the tournament. Simultaneously, media giant FOX Sports, in partnership with Indeed, has launched a nationwide search for a "Chief World Cup Watcher." This role offers a $50,000 salary for one individual to watch all 104 matches of the 2026 tournament from a custom viewing space in Times Square, sharing their experience with fans worldwide.

While fans prepare for the stands, Ghanaian talent continues to make significant impacts on the field in international leagues. Tyrese Asante, a Dutch-born defender of Ghanaian descent, recently delivered a standout performance for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli top-flight league. Asante earned an impressive 8.4 rating after scoring his third goal of the season during a 4-0 victory against Hapoel Petah Tikva. His contribution, which doubled his side's lead just before halftime, highlights his growing influence in the squad, where he has also recorded two assists across 28 appearances this season. His form provides a positive narrative for Ghanaian players abroad as the national team looks toward its future competitive cycles.

Looking beyond the immediate horizon, the global landscape of international sports is evolving through long-term hosting bids and regulatory shifts. The UK government is currently exploring potential bids to host the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s, marking the first such initiative since the London 2012 Games. These discussions include assessing socio-economic benefits and the feasibility of hosting other major events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup in the 2030s, with potential venues identified in northern England. To support these ambitious bids, the UK plans to introduce a new sporting events framework that includes criminalizing the unauthorized reselling of tickets, ensuring a more regulated and secure environment for future global competitions.