For 85 minutes at MetLife Stadium, Senegal's World Cup opener against France was a story of what might have been.Nicolas Jackson had hit the post. Ismaila Sarr had blazed over from point-blank range. The chances came and went, and the Lions of Teranga were left to chase a French side that had found its rhythm through Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola.Then, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, a teenager who wasn't even born when Senegal last faced France at a World

Thomas Partey's absence has left Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz with his biggest tactical decision ahead of the Black Stars' opening 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Panama, but his only match in charge offers a strong indication of how he could reshape the midfield.The Villarreal midfielder was ruled out after losing his appeal against Canada's decision to deny him entry into the country, forcing Queiroz to rethink the heart of his team just hours before kickoff.In

Ghana's Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged the Black Stars to play with courage, unity and determination as they prepare to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama.The Vice President delivered the message during a visit to Ghana's team hotel in Toronto on Tuesday, where she met the players, technical team and officials ahead of Wednesday's crucial Group L opener at BMO Field.Conveying the goodwill of President John Dramani

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku believes the Black Stars are ready to "rewrite the story" as they prepare to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday.Speaking during Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's visit to the team's hotel in Toronto, Okraku expressed confidence that the players and technical team are fully prepared to meet the expectations of Ghanaians."One thing is very clear,

Thomas Partey's bid to secure entry into Canada ahead of Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was dismissed after a Federal Court judge concluded that the midfielder had failed to meet the legal requirements for emergency relief.Justice Roger R. Lafreniere delivered the ruling on Tuesday, rejecting Partey's motion and allowing Canada's decision to deny him entry to remain in force.Here are the key reasons behind the decision:1. The court could not

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has been dealt a major blow ahead of the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey lost his appeal against Canada's decision to deny him entry into the country.The Canadian court's ruling means Partey will play no part in Wednesday's Group L clash against Panama in Toronto, depriving Queiroz of one of his most experienced players for Ghana's tournament opener.The Portuguese coach had remained

France opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Senegal, eventually pulling away in the second half after a difficult first half of limited opportunitiesThe two-time world champions struggled to find their rhythm at the start of the contest at MetLife Stadium, with Senegal creating the better chances before the break.However, Didier Deschampsâ?? side returned from the break with greater intensity and control, as Kylian Mbappé and Bradley

Panama's chances of causing an upset in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a significant lift after Ghana were officially deprived of midfield star Thomas Partey for the Group L encounter.The Black Stars will be without one of their most influential players after the 32-year-old lost his emergency appeal against Canada's decision to deny him entry into the country.The ruling brings an end to days of uncertainty that had overshadowed Ghana's

Canada has successfully defended its decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country, with a court dismissing the Ghana midfielder's emergency appeal just hours before the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The ruling means Partey will miss Ghana's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto, despite an intensive diplomatic and legal effort by the Ghanaian government to overturn the decision.The case has also intensified debate over visa and

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has refused to allow the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's visa situation to distract Ghana's preparations for their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting his sole focus remains on beating Panama.Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Toronto on Tuesday, Queiroz told reporters he already has a plan in place regardless of whether Partey is cleared to join the squad before kickoff.The Ghana midfielder remains in the United

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh believes Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in the 2026 World Cup opener was missed opportunity because the Atlas Lions lacked a world-class finisher like Nigeria's Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman.Saturday's match in Group E saw the African champions dominate statistically but fail to secure the win against the Selecao, despite Ismaël Saibari's delicate lob over Alisson in the 21st minute.Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti

Veteran Ghanaian coach Abdul Karim Zito has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as the team prepares for their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, insisting that strong national support could play a decisive role in their success.Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the global showpiece and are expected to open their Group L campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in what promises to be a crucial opener.After facing Panama, the Black Stars will come

Grenada goalkeeper Luca Zidane is set to lead Algeria into the 2026 World Cup as the Fennecs prepare to challenge world champions Argentina in Kansas City.Twelve years after Algeriaâ??s historic 2014 quarterfinal against eventual champion Germany, the 28-year-old feels excited to play in his first World Cup.Speaking during the teamâ??s final training session, Zidane emphasised his love for the moment. "We play football to compete against the best. Tomorrow (Tuesday),

Egypt walked into their World Cup Group G opener against Belgium in Seattle carrying a curious psychological balance. Three wins in their previous four meetings against the Red Devils suggested a side that knew how to trouble European opposition, yet their own World Cup history remained stubbornly barren of victories.Belgium, meanwhile, came armed with pedigree and momentum, unbeaten in their last 13 group-stage matches at the tournament. On paper, it looked like a mismatch of experience

Veteran Ghanaian trainer Abdul Karim Zito believes the experience of Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz could prove crucial to the Black Stars hopes of making a strong impact at the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.Ghana are making their fifth World Cup appearance and are expected to open their account against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in what promises to a crucial Group L opener.After facing Panama in their opener, the Black Stars will take on European giants, England

Fidelity Bank Ghana has contributed GHS 1 million to support the Black Stars' preparations and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing the private sector's commitment to Ghana's participation on the global stage.The donation was presented by the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Julian Opuni, to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, at a brief ceremony in Accra.Presenting the cheque, Mr Opuni said Fidelity Bank's decision to

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has decided to leave his position after the ongoing 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.Martinez has chosen not to renew his contract, which officially expires this summer, meaning his tenure with the Seleção das Quinas will end regardless of how the team performs on the world stage.The timing of the revelation adds an unexpected layer of drama for a star-studded Portugal squad captained by Cristiano Ronaldo.The team is currently

Thomas Partey's legal team has urged a Canadian court to deliver a swift decision on the Ghana midfielder's emergency visa application, arguing that time is running out before the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The hearing concluded on Tuesday, with the judge reserving his decision after listening to submissions from both Partey's lawyers and counsel representing Canada's immigration authorities.With Ghana set to face Panama in Toronto

Sierra Leone-born defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to Englandâ??s 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.The late inclusion comes after a devastating calf injury during a training session at the teamâ??s basecamp in Kansas City forced Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento to withdraw from the tournament entirely.Under strict FIFA tournament regulations, national teams are permitted to replace a seriously injured player up to 24 hours before their opening

Kevin Danso has outlined Austriaâ??s growing belief ahead of the World Cup, insisting Ralf Rangnickâ??s side are ready to test themselves against the worldâ??s best after nearly three decades away from the tournament.Austriaâ??s return ends a 28-year absence, with Danso acknowledging the significance of the moment for an entire footballing generation.The Tottenham defender, who is of Ghanaian heritage, says the squadâ??s strength lies in its collective identity rather