Australia coach Tony Popovic has reiterated his respect for Egypt ahead of Australiaâ??s crucial Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while expressing confidence in his squadâ??s ability to continue their impressive tournament run.The Asian giants takes on the African football powerhouse in a highly competitive clash on Friday evening, with victory crucial to securing a place in the last 16 of the global showpiece, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Ahead

Egyptian international Emam Ashour has set sights on snatching victory against Australia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The African powerhouse takes on the Asian giants in a highly competitive clash on Friday evening, with victory crucial to securing a place in the last 16 of the tournament.According to Ashour, the North African outfit will head into the highly anticipated encounter with only one objective, securing victory and continuing their impressive journey

Vladimir Petkovic has called on Algeria to â??see the glass half fullâ? after their 2-0 loss to Switzerland ended the Desert Foxesâ?? 2026 World Cup journey in the round of 32 in Vancouver.The Bosnian coach admitted there were regrets, but insisted this campaign should still be viewed as a historic step forward for Algerian football.Reflecting on the match, Petkovic pointed to the start of the second half as the turning point. â??I think the second goal was the decisive

The Confederation of African Football has paid tribute to Riyad Mahrez following his decision to retire from international duty, marking the end of a remarkable chapter for one of Africaâ??s most decorated modern footballers.Mahrez, who captained the Algeria for several years, has called it a quit on international career after the sidesâ?? elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.The experienced winger was in action when the North African outfit succumbed to a

Algeria star Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The experienced winger and captain was in action when the North African outfit succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the round 32, bringing an end to their World Cup participation.After the match, the former Manchester City star confirmed his retirement from international football, stating that the defeat against Switzerland marks his

Switzerland booked their place in the Round of 16 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Algeria on Friday morning.The result saw the Swiss finally ending a long-standing knockout curse that had seen them eliminated in each of their previous seven appearances at this stage of the tournament.On the matchday, the Swiss made a slow start to the contest and were helped by a key early moment when Algeria appealed for a penalty after Ramiz Zerrouki went down inside

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz believes Colombia have some weakness that the Black Stars can exploit when the two sides meet in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Colombia are yet to lose a game at the tournament and were surprises winners of Group K, which had European heavyweights and one of the favourites to win the World Cup Portugal.Queiroz, who is Portuguese, coached Colombia between 2019 and 2020, and admits the South Americans have a good team but remains confident of

Italian Serie A side Genoa have sealed the signing of Ghanaian teen sensation Samuel Wiafe. The 18-year-old a four-year deal to join the club in the summer transfer window from Serie B side Modena.Wiafe, who was born in Ghana but represents the Italian at international level, is currently with the U19's for the European championship in Wales.He is expected to join his new teammates at the end of the tournament."Joining Serie A Enilive is a dream come true: I thank Genoa

German top tier side FC Koln are working on signing Ghana defender Gideon Mensah in the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old Black Stars left-back became a free agent after his contract with Ligue 1 side Auxerre expired on June 30.Due to his involvement with Ghana at the World Cup in North America, the defender is yet to announce his next move.However, the Germans are in talks with his camp and it is believed talks are far advance, with Mensah ready for a new adventure.The

French-born Ghanaian defender Dennis Appiah has parted ways with St Etienne following the end of his contract. The veteran right-back leaves after four years at the club, helping them return to Ligue 1 a season after their demotion.In an emotional farewell message, Appiah thanked the club but admitted regrets to not being part of the team for their Ligue 1 return."Supporters of Les Verts, friends of Saint-�tienne, the time has come for me to say goodbye. Wearing the green

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has confirmed that nearly his entire squad is available for selection ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 encounter with Colombia.The Black Stars are set to face the South American side on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake in what promises to be a tightly contested showdown.Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Queiroz revealed that only one player has been ruled out of

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz believes Colombia's impressive form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will count for little when they face Ghana in Friday's Round of 32 clash, insisting his side will present a completely different challenge.Colombia topped Group K with seven points, finishing ahead of Portugal, and have emerged as one of the tournament's most organised teams under Néstor Lorenzo.Queiroz acknowledged the progress the South Americans have made since

Former AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca believes Colombia will be strong for Ghana in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The South Americans face the West Africans after finishing top of Group K while Ghana placed 3rd following defeat to Croatia in Philadelphia last Saturday.According to Bacca, a star of the Colombia team that reached the quarter-final of the World Cup in 2014, the current team comprises a good blend of youth exuberance and experience with Bayern Munich winger

Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo has argued that playing well may not be enough to beat Ghana on Saturday in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The coach and his side are set to lock horns with the Black Stars in a crucial clash this weekend for a place in the Round of 16.Speaking in a pre-match interview, Nestor Lorenzo said that, in a game where he is unsure how Ghana will set up, Colombia will need a bit of luck to emerge victorious."I don't know if

Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo is going into their Round of 32 clash against Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the mindset that it is anybodyâ??s game to win.The South American side will lock horns with the Black Stars on Saturday, July 4, hoping for a win to advance to the Round of 16 stage.Speaking in a pre-match interview, Nestor Lorenzo indicated that his side is unsure of Ghanaâ??s approach for the contest, stressing that Colombia will need to be at their best

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged his players to keep Africa's World Cup dream alive by defeating Colombia in Friday's Round of 32 clash in Kansas City.Africa enjoyed a record tournament in the expanded 48-team World Cup, with nine nations progressing beyond the group stage. However, the continent has already seen Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal exit the competition, all after surrendering leads in heartbreaking fashion.Queiroz believes Ghana now have

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must deliver a near-flawless performance if they are to overcome Colombia in Friday's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, insisting there is no room for mistakes in knockout football.Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Kansas City Stadium, the Portuguese tactician, who coached Colombia from 2019 to 2020, described the encounter as one that offers everything to the winner and nothing to the loser."It is an important

Ghana's Ambassador to Senegal, H.E. Dr Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo, has paid a morale-boosting visit to the Black Maidens ahead of Friday's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier against Senegal.The Ambassador visited the team's camp in Diamniadio on Thursday, accompanied by officials from the Ghana Embassy in Senegal, where he was warmly received by the players and technical staff.Addressing the squad, Dr Anebo praised the players for their commitment to representing

Ghana's Black Maidens have intensified preparations for Friday's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier against Senegal by holding their first training session in Dakar.The team trained at the Centre d'Excellence Youssoupha Ndiaye in Guéréo on Thursday, with all 24 players taking part in an intensive workout as preparations gathered pace ahead of the crucial first-leg encounter.Head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his technical team focused on tactical organisation,

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has congratulated Black Stars assistant goalkeepers' coach Abdul Fatawu Dauda after he completed the UEFA Licence B coaching course with the Football Association of Wales.In a statement, the GFA praised the former Ghana international for his dedication to personal development, describing the achievement as another important milestone in his coaching journey.Dauda completed weeks of intensive coursework, practical sessions and assessments