A detailed view of the World Cup Trophy is seen prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

South Sudan cabinet on Friday approved a budget of about 2.6 million United States dollars for the participation of South Sudan national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers.

The Minister of Information Michael Makuei said the budget was approved during the Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Kiir.

According to Makuei, the budget will cater for all expenses of the national football team from November 2023 up the end of the qualification in October 2025.

He said the Ministry of Finance and Planning will release the money in installments starting with 500,000 to cater for the two upcoming matches against Senegal and Mauritania on 18^th, and 20^th November respectively.

“South Sudan Football Association it said they have a program of competing with other countries, and the program will continue up to 14 October 2025, on this they have requested a sum of 2,583,000 USD for this period,” Makuei said during a press briefing.

“The cabinet approved a sum of 500,000 USD for this period, and the rest will be released in 2024 and also in 2025, so the whole amount is approved but it will be paid gradually.”