Portugal begin another quest for World Cup glory when they face DR Congo in their opening Group K fixture at NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday, June 17.While Portugal arrive in the United States as one of the tournament favourites, DR Congo return to football's biggest stage for the first time in more than five decades, hoping to make a statement on their long-awaited comeback.Portugal Eye Strong Start to World Cup CampaignFew teams enter the 2026 World Cup in better form

Carlos Queiroz is poised to enter the history books this week as one of footballâ??s most enduring World Cup figures, even though he remains one tournament short of matching the record for most consecutive appearances by a coach.The veteran Portuguese tactician takes charge of Ghana as they open their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a global coaching career that has spanned more than four decades.Queirozâ??s World Cup journey

Defending champions Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a Group J clash against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday, June 17.Lionel Scaloni's side look to take the first step towards retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.With Austria and Jordan also in Group J, both nations know that a positive start could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stages.Argentina Begin Title DefenceArgentina arrive at the tournament among the

Croatia midfielder Nikola Moro believes England is the strongest side in Group L, but Ghana and Panama cannot be underestimated. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalist will face England in Group L's opener before engaging Panama and Ghana later on.Ahead of Wednesday's game, Moro - who plies his trade in Italy for Bologna - admits it will be a tough match against England."The English have players who play big games, they have intensity and they have exceptional players

Ibrahim Sannie Daara has paid tribute to Kwesi Nyantakyi's leadership qualities, describing the former GFA president as an intelligent and inclusive decision-maker who valued opinions from everyone around him.Speaking to Kafui Dey, the former Ghana FA Communications Director, said he learned valuable leadership lessons while working with Nyantakyi before the latter's exit from football administration in 2018."I learned a lot from Kwesi Nyantakyi," Daara said."He

Former Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara believes Kwesi Nyantakyi's openness and accessibility played a significant role in the circumstances that led to his dramatic downfall in 2018.Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Daara reflected on his time working under the former GFA president, who resigned after the release of Anas Aremeyaw Anas' investigative documentary Number 12.According to Daara, Nyantakyi maintained an open-door

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his heroic performance against Spain sparked an extraordinary surge in his social media following.The veteran shot-stopper, whose real name is Josimar Dias, saw his Instagram account explode from around 45,000 followers to more than 2.7 million after helping Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw in their first-ever World Cup match.The 40-year-old produced a string of outstanding saves

Thomas Partey's bid to overturn Canada's decision to deny him entry for Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially reached the Federal Court of Canada.A hearing list published by the court shows that a motion for an interlocutory injunction involving the Ghana midfielder was scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, under the case Thomas Teye Partey v. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.The listing identifies the matter as case number IMM-12882-26,

Midfielder Thomas Partey has been forced to stay in the United States after failing to acquire an entry visa to Canada for Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama. Partey was refused visa by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada over allegations of rape and sexual assault. The Vilarreal man has been accused of seven counts of rape and sexual assault by multiple women. Partey has denied all charges.However, according to Canada's immigration rule, no person

Ghana's Black Stars were given a warm welcome following their arrival in Toronto for their opening game against Panama in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The West African heavyweights touched down in the Canadian city on Monday afternoon and were met by hundreds of fans, who cheered and chanted their names in a morale-boosting manner.The players, the technical team and officials of the Black Stars left moments after interacting with the fans to their base, where two will spend the

Senegal national team head coach Pape Thiaw held a press conference Monday to discuss the Group I showdown against France, following French coach Didier Deschamps' earlier appearance.The Lions' manager has his full squad available and harbors no inferiority complex against Les Bleus."I have my entire group at my disposal, Kalidou Koulibaly entered during the last match, our friends served us well. We know we'll have a very good team in front of us, but we're

Former Asante Kotoko captain and Durban City goalkeeper Frederick Asare has thrown his full support behind the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is capable of making a strong impression despite external doubts.Speaking on Akoma FM, the Ghana international rejected claims that the current squad is weaker than previous generations, arguing that the team still has enough quality to compete at the highest level."This isn't a weaker Black Stars

Ghanaian attacker Stephen Appiah Asare is set to part ways with Accra Hearts of Oak following the expiration of his contract, bringing his spell with the Phobians to an end.Sources close to the player have confirmed that the forward will leave the club as a free agent, with both parties expected to go their separate ways ahead of the upcoming season.The development has already sparked interest from several clubs across the African continent, as Appiah Asare becomes available on

Former Minister of Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has admitted he is not entirely confident in the Black Stars' ability to make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He cited poor preparation, instability in the technical department, and the likely absence of deputy captain Thomas Partey for Ghana's opening game.Speaking on Citi FM ahead of Ghana's Group L opener against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in Toronto, Vanderpuye drew a contrast between the current

The Tunisian Football Federation has moved quickly to appoint Mondher Kebaier as interim head coach following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after the teamâ??s 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden.Kebaier, 56, is a familiar face to Tunisian football. He previously managed the Carthage Eagles from 2019 to 2022, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations before stepping down after they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup."An agreement has been

Egypt were left heartbroken on Monday night as a late own goal from Mohamed Hany denied the Pharaohs what would have been their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, forcing them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their Group G opener at Lumen Field Stadium.The North Africans produced an impressive performance for much of the contest and looked on course for a famous victory before misfortune struck in the second half.ð???ð?¿ Egypt and Belgium share points!Whoâ??s

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, popularly known as Vozinha, has seen his popularity soar after his outstanding performance against Spain.The veteran goalkeeper has reached one million followers on Instagram after the match.Cape Verde GK Vozinha finds out LIVE he gained OVER 1 MILLION Instagram followers after his heroics vs #SpainReporter: "You have 1.2 million now..."Vozinha: "What?! No way ð???"Zero ego. Pure legend. This is football ❤️#FIFAWorldCup

Cape Verde supporters were filled with excitement and pride after the Blue Sharks secured a memorable 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance.The result marked a historic moment for the island nation, which earned a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites and showcased its ability to compete on football's biggest stage.Few gave Cape Verde much chance against one of the tournament favourites, but the African debutants

England star Bukayo Saka has expressed optimism about the Three Lionsâ?? chances of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.According to the Arsenal talisman, head coach Thomas Tuchel has what it takes to win the title for the Lions after decades of waiting."I think Thomas Tuchel is a great manager; I think he will be able to help us secure the World Cup. We're very itchy to get started,â? Saka said in a pre-match interview.On his readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,

Spanish forward Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after a court found him guilty of sexually assaulting two women alongside another footballer.The ruling was delivered on Monday by a lower court in Valencia, which found that Mir and fellow player Pablo J. G. sexually assaulted the women at Mir's home in the Spanish city in 2024 while he was playing for Valencia.The 28-year-old was sentenced to seven years in prison for sexual assault and an additional