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

The Ghanaian government has begun efforts to assist Ghanaians in the diaspora to secure tickets for the Black Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto, following an initial distribution of 1,000 tickets for Ghanaians abroad.In a statement, the Ghana High Commission in Canada said it had been directed by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to collect details of Ghanaians in Canada who wish to attend the match on June 17 but have been unable to obtain tickets

FIFA has officially appointed Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio to officiate the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026.The highly anticipated fixture will kick off the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Millions of football fans around the world are expected to tune in for the tournamentâ??s opening match.Sampaio, one of South Americaâ??s most experienced match

Somalian top referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has broken his silence after being denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. Artan had been selected as one of the 52 referees for the global showpiece co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and was set to become the first Somali official to referee at football's biggest tournament.However, his participation at the tournament suffered a major setback after being denied entry into the

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has declared himself fit ahead of the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in North America. The experienced defender had been a major fitness concern for Senegal in recent weeks after sustaining an injury while on club duty, raising fears that he could miss part of the tournament. However, with the World Cup set to begin on June 11, Koulibaly has reassured supporters that he is back to full fitness and preparing alongside his teammates.Speaking

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has reiterated the Pharaohsâ?? determination to make their supporters proud at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the squadâ??s entire focus is on preparation and hard work ahead of the tournament.Speaking to Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, Salah stressed the importance of maintaining concentration during Egyptâ??s training camp as the team gears up for its return to footballâ??s biggest stage.â??What Iâ??m thinking is that we should

Former Ghana international Yaw Acheampong Joachim insists the Black Stars can pull a surprise at the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.Ghana are set to make their fifth World Cup appearance after securing qualification for the expanded tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The West African giants have been drawn in Group L alongside England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and Panama. Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama before facing

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged his players to embrace the weight of expectation that comes with representing Ghana, urging them to commit fully to building a team capable of â??making historyâ? on the global stage.Addressing the squad during a motivational session, the veteran coach reflected on Ghanaâ??s past World Cup experiences and stressed the need for higher standards as preparations continue for upcoming international fixtures.â??Okay, guys,

Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has acknowledged that the absence of Mohammed Kudus will be a major setback for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while insisting that injuries are an unavoidable part of the game.The 25-year-old, who was expected to return to full fitness in late April after a hamstring problem, suffered a relapse that ruled him out for the rest of the season and ultimately forced his exclusion from Carlos Queirozâ??s final 26-man