Organisers of the Democracy Cup have announced that the champions of the 2026 edition will play English Premier League side Sunderland in an international friendly.
The confirmation was made on Wednesday night during a ceremony at Parliament’s D.F. Annan Auditorium in Accra, where sponsors and partners of the 2025 tournament were honoured.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, who moderated the event, revealed that the partnership with Sunderland was secured through the efforts of Primeval Media Limited and with the approval of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.
“Through the efforts of the organisers, Primeval Media Limited, and the Office of the Right Honourable Speaker, we have secured a partnership with Sunderland Football Club in England. So, the winner of the next edition will travel to England,” he said.
In a symbolic gesture, Sunderland presented a framed No. 3 jersey to Speaker Bagbin, representing his position in Ghana’s political hierarchy.
Introduced in 2024 as a platform to promote peace and unity ahead of national elections, the Democracy Cup continues to harness the power of football to advance democratic values nationwide.
Hearts of Oak lifted the 2025 crown in September with a narrow 1-0 victory over Great Olympics at the University of Ghana Stadium, reclaiming the title after losing the inaugural final to Asante Kotoko.
As Kotoko did after their maiden triumph—when they played Major League Soccer side D.C. United in Washington—plans are underway for Hearts’ international friendly this year, with Germany and the United States being considered as possible venues.
Sunderland shares a special connection with Ghanaian football, having previously featured Black Stars legends Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah.