Don’t Just Watch, Run Away: Pastor’s Advice to World Cup Travelers | Discuss Ghana

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, a video of a Ghanaian preacher addressing a church member about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America has gone viral, sparking both laughter and debate online.

In the clip, the pastor is heard giving "unconventional" advice to a congregant who expressed hope to travel to the United States for the tournament this summer.

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The Advice: Run Away

The preacher’s counsel focused less on the football and more on the opportunity for "japa" (migration):

"Make sure to be part of the supporters at the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. If you get there, don’t just go and watch football, run away."

The pastor’s comment is part of a broader trend of "migration ministry" in Ghana, where some self-styled preachers have been offering "divine visa tips" to fans. These tips often include advice on how to manipulate bank statements or use family photos to bypass strict U.S., Canadian, and Mexican visa requirements.

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Prophetic Warnings vs. Opportunities

While some pastors are encouraging fans to use the tournament as a gateway for migration, others have issued "doom prophecies" concerning the event’s safety:

The Attack Warning: Prophets such as Nigel Gaisie and Eric Boahen Uche warned in early 2026 that the tournament could be marred by jet attacks or stadium violence due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.

The Postponement Theory: Prophet Gaisie suggested that the World Cup might even be postponed if "prayers are not intensified" to avert an aerial attack on American soil.

Black Stars Fate: Despite the warnings of "doom," many of these same prophets have predicted that the Black Stars will defy the odds and reach the final of the 2026 tournament.

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Reality Check: Visa Scams

The "run away" advice comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for Ghanaian travelers:

Strict Vetting: Following the "Sakawa" fraud scandals involving individuals like Van Yeboah, U.S. and Canadian consular offices have reportedly intensified their vetting of "football supporters" to prevent mass disappearances.

Official Warning: GFA President Kurt Okraku and MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met with North American officials in late 2025 to discuss fair visa access, but they also cautioned fans against using fraudulent documents or following the advice of "travel consultant" pastors.

Financial Risk: Authorities have warned that "running away" on a fan visa leads to immediate blacklisting and can permanently ban an individual—and sometimes their family members—from future international travel.