Burkina Faso football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former international defender Ben Aziz Zagre at the age of 27 after a battle with bone cancer.The central defender, who represented Burkina Faso at various levels, had been suffering from bone cancer in his knee, an illness that forced him to bring his playing career to a premature end in 2025.Zagre was widely regarded as one of Burkina Faso's promising defensive talents and proudly wore the national

FIFA has unveiled additional performers for its World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert series, a landmark live music event set to take place simultaneously across three cities on Wednesday, 10 June - the eve of the tournament's kick-off.Developed in collaboration with the Grammy Awards, the concerts will light up Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles with an extraordinary blend of music, football, and culture.In Toronto, Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams will be joined by The Beaches,

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi has delivered a sobering assessment of Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that it is "almost impossible" for him and many of his teammates to ever play on football's biggest stage.The 27-year-old forward, who has been a regular in Nigeria's attacking setup, opened up about the harsh reality facing the current generation of Super Eagles stars."I'm 27 now; in the next World Cup I'll

Nations FC are open to selling forward Faruk Mohammed to Vision FC on a permanent deal, according to reports.The two clubs are currently exploring the possibility of a transfer, with discussions underway between both parties.The 21-year-old forward has attracted interest following his performances, and Vision FC appear keen to secure his services as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.Faruk, who has been part of Nations FC's setup, is seen as

Debibi United have decided to retain head coach Isaac Nii Armah for their historic first-ever Ghana Premier League campaign, following the club's promotion to the top flight.The highly rated tactician, who guided the club to promotion, has been entrusted by management to lead the team into the elite division next season.The decision reflects confidence in Armah's vision, tactical acumen, and ability to build on the momentum that secured the club's place among Ghana's

Two days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, large-scale protests in Mexico City have created uncertainty around preparations for the tournament's opening match at the famous Estadio Azteca.Thousands of demonstrators from a dissident faction of Mexico's National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) blocked the main access routes to the stadium on Tuesday, disrupting traffic and drawing the attention of authorities and football fans worldwide.The stadium is

Newly promoted Ghana Premier League side Debibi United have decided to retain head coach Isaac Nii Armah to lead their historic, maiden top-flight campaign next season.The decision comes as a major vote of confidence in the highly-rated tactician, who successfully guided the "Victory Boys" to promotion after securing a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Tamale City FC at the Accra Sports Stadium to clinch the competitive Zone One championship.According to reports from

Former Sweden-based defender Bobbie Friberg Da Cruz has revealed his biggest football regret, admitting that turning down the chance to represent Cape Verde remains a decision he wishes he could reverse.Speaking ahead of Cape Verde's historic participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 44-year-old reflected on an opportunity that slipped away during his playing career.Friberg Da Cruz, who has Cape Verdean roots, was invited to join the national team setup and attended a training

The United States government has denied entry to history-making Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking intense international backlash and a sharp public rebuke from former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Footballâ??s (CAF) Best Male Referee for 2025, was slated to become the first Somali referee to ever officiate a World Cup match.He arrived at Miami International Airport on June

Ghanaâ??s opening match against Panama in Toronto on June 17 will carry more than competitive significance. It will also spotlight a squad that reflects the changing geography of modern football, with eight of the 26 Black Stars players born outside Ghana. Their presence underlines how deeply the national team has evolved into a product of global migration and diaspora identity.Across the expanded 48-team World Cup, 310 of the 1,248 players were born in countries different from

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has revealed he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States, ending his hopes of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to work at a World Cup finals, was turned away at Miami International Airport despite travelling with what he says were valid travel documents and a diplomatic passport."I had the right papers and everything. I had

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to redefine football's biggest tournament, with several major changes making it the most ambitious edition in the competition's history.Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, the tournament will introduce a new format, more teams, more matches and a number of innovations on and off the pitch.Here are five features that will make the 2026 World Cup unique.1. The first 48-team World CupFor the first time, 48

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has attributed the decision that ended his 2026 FIFA World Cup dream to problems between the US and his country.The 34-year-old was denied entry into the United States despite holding what he described as valid documentation and a visa.Artan had been poised to make history as the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup finals, but his journey was halted at Miami International Airport following an 11-hour immigration interview and subsequent

Christopher Ennin has reportedly informed FC Samartex of his decision to step down as head coach ahead of next season, according to reports from journalist Shaban Mohammed.The young tactician has already submitted a formal letter of resignation to the clubâ??s hierarchy, indicating his desire to end his tenure with the Samreboi-based side.However, the management of the "Timber Giants" is yet to approve or finalize his departure, as they continue to review the terms

Former Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah, a veteran of two FIFA World Cups, is trading his boots for a camera at the 2026 tournament â?? shifting from player to storyteller as he documents the raw emotions of football's biggest stage.Mensah, who represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, is now capturing the scenes and feelings of players and fans through his photography, offering a unique perspective that only someone who has lived the experience can provide.Some of

Former Ghana international Ahmed Barusso has offered a fascinating perspective on how football has evolved since his playing days, drawing a clear line between the physicality of his era and the speed and power of the modern game.In an exclusive interview, the former Roma and Ghana midfielder compared the two generations, insisting that while the stars of his time were exceptional, today's players operate in a completely different footballing landscape."During our time,

Former Ghana midfielder Ahmed Barusso has opened up about his international career, admitting he never played a full 90 minutes for the Black Stars but insisting he has no bitterness over the limited opportunities.The former Roma and Ghana midfielder, who earned 10 caps between 2007 and 2009, reflected on his role as a squad player during one of Ghana's most talented eras."I can't say much because I didn't play a 90-minute game. All the games I played, I had

Former Ghana international Ahmed Barusso has offered a candid and refreshingly honest reflection on his limited playing time for the Black Stars, accepting that not every player can be a regular starter for the national team.Barusso, who earned 10 caps between 2007 and 2009, never played a full 90 minutes for Ghana, often coming off the bench in the few appearances he made. Yet, he harbours no bitterness over his role."Not all of us will get the opportunity to play," he

Former Black Stars midfielder Ahmed Barusso has cautioned Ghana against underestimating Panama, insisting the teamâ??s World Cup opener could shape its entire tournament campaign.Ghana will begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, a fixture widely viewed as pivotal in a competitive Group L that also includes England and Croatia.Barusso, who represented Ghana at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and previously played for AS Roma, stressed

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in France, accusing him of playing a central role in preventing him from becoming world football's governing body chief.The complaint comes just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, placing fresh scrutiny on FIFA's leadership ahead of the tournament.Platini's legal team confirmed that the complaint, lodged