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Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.

Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.

However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.

The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.

Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.

The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.

His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.

Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.

The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.

The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.

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Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.

Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.

Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.

It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.

The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.

South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.

Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.

More to follow…

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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their narrow 2–1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly played on Wednesday night in Leiria.

The match took place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on June 10, where both sides delivered a competitive encounter that served as an important preparation fixture ahead of next year’s global tournament.

Portugal Strike First, Nigeria Respond Quickly

Portugal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, who finished off a well-constructed attacking move to give the hosts an early advantage.

Nigeria, however, responded impressively before halftime. Akor Adams restored parity for the Super Eagles after connecting neatly with a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, calmly slotting past the Portuguese defence to level the match.

The equaliser reflected Nigeria’s resilience and attacking intent as they matched Portugal for significant spells in the first half.

Conceição Delivers Winning Goal

After the break, Portugal increased their intensity and regained control of possession. Their pressure eventually paid off when Francisco Conceição scored the decisive goal that secured the win for Roberto Martínez’s side.

Despite Nigeria’s efforts to find another equaliser, Portugal managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle.

Ronaldo Reacts After Victory

Following the match, Ronaldo took to social media to express satisfaction with Portugal’s performance and preparation level.

“The preparation is done. Eyes on the World Cup,” he wrote on Instagram, signaling confidence ahead of the tournament.

Portugal are placed in Group K for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face DR Congo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Although Nigeria lost the match, the Super Eagles delivered a spirited performance that produced several positives against a top European side.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye stood out with a series of important saves that prevented a heavier defeat, while defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey were solid and composed under pressure.

In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi impressed with his energy and discipline, helping Nigeria compete strongly in central areas.

Akor Adams continued his good form with a well-taken goal and posed a constant threat to the Portuguese defence before being substituted late in the game.

Alex Iwobi marked his 100th international appearance for Nigeria but had a relatively quiet outing, while Moses Simon struggled to make a major impact before being withdrawn in the second half.

Substitutes Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika added more stability in midfield, but Nigeria were unable to find a second goal as Portugal held on for victory.

Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s performance offered encouraging signs ahead of future international fixtures, particularly in terms of organization, intensity, and attacking combinations against elite opposition.