Derek Boateng, a former midfielder for Ghana, has urged the Black Stars to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a decisive victory, emphasizing that a great start might set the tone for the competition.
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, will play their first match against Panama in Toronto on June 17. They will then play England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 to round off the group stage.
Boateng stressed the significance of the first game against Panama while characterizing Ghana’s group as difficult in an interview with Sporty FM.
“I feel like that’s a tough group. We all know how England plays—some of our players compete in the English league, so we know their style,” he said. “Croatia also always performs well in tournaments, and people respect them a lot; they have very good players who work hard.”
He highlighted Panama as a team not to be underestimated, pointing to the influence of their captain, who plays alongside him at San Diego.
“Here comes Panama, who we don’t know much about, and their captain plays in our team. I watch him every day in training; he is not a guy who runs a lot, but when the game starts, he has more brains than anyone on the field. He picks passes that can destroy your defenders in one move. They qualified because they play well—they are really good—and we face them in our first game,” Boateng said.
“Here comes Panama, who we don’t know much about, and their captain plays in our team. I watch him every day in training; he is not a guy who runs a lot, but when the game starts, he has more brains than anyone on the field. He picks passes that can destroy your defenders in one move. They qualified because they play well—they are really good—and we face them in our first game,” Boateng said.
After early exits in 2014 and 2022 in Brazil and Qatar, Ghana will be aiming for a deeper run in the expanded 2026 World Cup, beginning with a statement victory in Toronto.
Joseph Paintsil: “I was disappointed to not be included in the Black Stars squad for the 2022 World Cup.”
Joseph Paintsil, a forward for LA Galaxy, has expressed his disappointment at not being included in the Black Stars’ roster for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The former KRC Genk attacker was included in the provisional roster prior to the competition, but Otto Addo removed him from the final team.
In 13 games in the Belgian first division, Paintsil, who was attempting to join the squad, recorded five assists and six league goals.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Paintsil reflected on his experience of being left off the squad, saying, “It was strange, and I was unhappy, but I always have to accept the decision of the coach.”
“I was disappointed, but my job is to stay focused. There are more World Cups ahead, and my hope is to be part of the squad for this next one,” he added.
After playing a crucial part in Ghana’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup next summer, Paintsil is expected to make the squad for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1.
In order to safeguard and maintain the national stadium’s playing fields for non-football events, the National Sports Authority (NSA) purchased pitch covers.
The Accra Sports Stadium is being installed, and in the upcoming weeks, the venue will host a number of musical performances.
The acquisition comes after the Authority’s Marketing Unit spearheaded a partnership initiative that enlisted investors and private organizations to promote cutting-edge pitch-protection technologies.
The Authority claims that the covers are made to protect turf quality, prevent surface deterioration, and provide ideal conditions for athletic endeavors. The NSA verified that the purchase of the pitch coverings was entirely sponsored by a company that is entirely controlled by Ghanaians.
According to the Authority, the assistance will prolong the life of stadium fields and enhance facilities management.
With the equipment already delivered, deployment across selected national stadia is expected to commence shortly.
The NSA stated that the covers will also reduce routine maintenance demands and enhance venue readiness for major competitions and events.
Revenue generated from hosting concerts and other events contributes significantly to the NSA’s operational resources.
The Authority explained that such events provide higher short-term income compared to regular domestic football fixtures.
The NSA reiterated its commitment to balancing commercial use of stadium facilities with the need to maintain high-quality playing surfaces
At the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the US, Ghana promised to earn $10.5 million.
Following Ghana’s confirmed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Council agreed a record-breaking financial package for the expanded 48-team competition, and Ghana would get at least USD 10.5 million.
Ghana will get USD 9 million in participation prize money and an additional USD 1.5 million to cover team preparation expenses since the Black Stars have already advanced to the World Cup next year.
Ghana is now one of the recipients of FIFA’s record USD 727 million distribution plan, which is a 50% increase over the money distributed at Qatar 2022 and the biggest financial payout in World Cup history.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the financial rewards attached to participation and performance add another layer of significance to the Black Stars’ campaign.
The guaranteed USD 10.5 million provides the Ghana Football Association (GFA) with a major opportunity to strengthen national team logistics, enhance technical preparation and improve player welfare ahead of the tournament.
More importantly, the funds offer room for long-term investment, particularly in youth development, infrastructure and grassroots football – areas critical to sustaining Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Prize money will increase significantly with progression. Teams reaching the round of 16 will earn USD 15 million, while a quarter-final finish is worth USD 19 million, with the champions set to receive USD 50 million.
As Ghana prepares to return to the world’s biggest football stage, FIFA’s expanded financial commitment ensures that qualification delivers not only pride and visibility, but also substantial resources capable of shaping the future of Ghanaian football.
“Free Kobbie Mainoo”: The brother of a Manchester United player begins to protest the English-Ghanaian midfielder’s lack of playing time.
The senior brother of English-Ghanaian footballer Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, has launched an effort to free the 20-year-old from Manchester United.
Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has had difficulty getting playing time this season and hasn’t started a Premier League game in 16 games.
The 20-year-old rose from the bench to play in the last half of Monday night’s thrilling match against AFC Bournemouth.
Napoli is apparently keeping a close eye on the Man United Academy graduate, who has been linked to a move away in January.
It’s unclear if his performance will persuade Amorim to give him more playing time, even though he was among United’s top players that evening.
However, in show of support from his senior brother at Old Trafford, Jordan was spotted in a shirt which read ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo.’
The Love Island star shared the photo of the moment on his Instagram story, which has since gone viral.
Earlier, United manager, Amorim, disclosed he opened to have talks with Mainoo over his situation.
“First of all, I say the same thing: the team comes first,’ he said before the game.
“If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I’m not going to say what I’m going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that.
“I just want my players happy, and I understand that every individual has their goals. The frustration doesn’t help anybody but, again, the focus is in this game and we will see if that happens.”
Meanwhile, in the thrilling encounter, Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo netted his seventh goal of the season.
Antoine Semenyo ends 8-game goal drought in Bournemouth’s thriller against Manchester United
On Monday night, AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United drew thrillingly at Old Trafford thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s return to the scoring sheet following an eight-game drought.
Amad Diallo had started the score for Manchester United, but the Ghanaian international equalised for the Cherries in the first half.
But Casemiro’s goal just before halftime put Manchester United ahead once more.
A minute after halftime, Evanilson gave the visitors an equalizer, but after 52 minutes, Marcus Tavernier’s stunning free kick gave Bournemouth the lead.
Bruno Fernandes responded with an equally well-taken freekick with 13 minutes remaining before Matheus Cunha gave United the lead again.
But second-half substitute Eli Junior Kroupi denied United victory with a quick-feet finish to make it 4-4.
Semenyo, who is on the radar of the Red Devils, have now recorded his seventh goal of the season and tenth goal contribution in the Premier League this campaign.
Otto Addo will reveal his final Black Stars team for the 2026 World Cup on June 1, according to Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
For the competition, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer, Ghana has been placed in Group I with Panama, England, and Croatia.
Asante Twum stated on Asempa FM that all eligible teams are required to reveal their provisional lineup on April 11 and that the tournament’s final squad must be revealed on June 1.
“All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026.”
Asante Twum further said that every Ghanaian player who is playing and competing will have a chance to earn a call-up ahead of the tournament.
“Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up.”
Ghana’s campaign will start on June 17 in Toronto against Panama, and on June 23 they will fly to Boston to play England.
On June 27 in Philadelphia, the Black Stars will play their last group game against Croatia.
After participating in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions, Ghana will make its fifth appearance on the largest football platform. Their most notable run was their thrilling quarterfinal finish in South Africa in 2010.
Black Stars to play Germany in a friendly on March 30 in Stuttgart as part of 2026 World Cup preparations
In an effort to get ready for the 2026 World Cup, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the Black Stars will play Germany in a prominent friendly.
Ghana will play Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L of the competition, which is co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, the Black Stars will travel to Stuttgart for an international friendly against Germany on Monday, March 30, ahead of the global tournament.
After losing in the group stages of the World Cup in both 2014 and 2022, Ghana hopes to improve on previous results.
Their 2026 campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on June 23. The group stage concludes with a match against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Next year’s tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, with previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable run came in South Africa in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in high demand worldwide, as seen by the five million ticket requests made in a single day.
Twenty-four hours after the FIFA World Cup 2026TM third round of ticket sales began, demand from all over the world reached unprecedented heights. Excited to see the first-ever 48-team tournament, which will take place throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, fans from more than 200 countries and territories submitted 5 million ticket requests via FIFA.com/tickets.
With Colombia vs. Portugal (Miami, June 27) emerging as the most sought-after match thus far during the Random Selection Draw phase, the early numbers indicate a high demand for memorable group-stage encounters.
Brazil v Morocco (New York New Jersey, 13 June), Mexico v Korea Republic (Guadalajara, 18 June), Ecuador v Germany (New York New Jersey, 25 June), and Scotland v Brazil (Miami, 24 June) round out the top five matches – involving nine teams from five different continents.
After 24 hours, the three host nations lead the way, with the subsequent top ten countries of residence for ticket requests being Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
The strong presence of South American neighbours Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina, as well as Central Americans from Panama, further demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup 2026 is capturing the imagination across the Americas. Scotland’s appearance in the top ten reflects fans’ excitement at seeing the team on the global stage again for the first time in 28 years, adding to the growing expectation that football will unite the world in North America in six months’ time.
The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET), and the timing of a ticket request within this window does not affect the chances of success. Fans are encouraged to enter the draw at FIFA.com/tickets for a chance to be part of a tournament that promises unforgettable moments, unprecedented scale and a celebration of football like never before.
Throughout this sales phase, fans will be able to select which match(es), respective ticket category(ies), and number of tickets per match they would like to purchase, subject to household restrictions. Tickets will also be available for purchase via the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace at FIFA.com/tickets starting on Monday, 15 December 2025.
Fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets for FAQs and all published legal documents applicable to the purchase and use of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Ticket applications are subject to the Official Rules of the Random Selection Draw, available on FIFA.com. No purchase is required to enter or win, but if an applicant wins, the payment card will automatically be charged in accordance with the payment authorization. Winning means that a fan is automatically purchasing allocated FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Fans must be 18 years old or older to apply.
Fans who would like to immediately purchase access to specific match-ups and are looking for a premium, elevated matchday experience can purchase hospitality packages, which include match tickets, at FIFA.com/hospitality through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Additionally, fans can consider all-inclusive travel packages from Qatar Airways, which include match tickets, transport, hotel stays and flights.
As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA reinvests the revenue it generates from the FIFA World Cup to fuel the growth of football (men’s, women’s and youth) throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations globally. In fact, FIFA expects to reinvest over 90% of its budgeted investments for the 2023–2026 cycle back into the game, with the aim of significantly boosting the development of football around the world. A full overview of the FIFA World Cup investment budget is available on FIFA.com.
Tariq Lamptey of Ghana was unexpectedly turned away from the stadium during Fiorentina’s match versus Dynamo Kyiv.
Before Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League match against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday night, Ghanaian international Tariq Lamptey was almost turned away from his home stadium.
According to the Viola News, Lamptey first had trouble gaining entry to the Stadio Artemio Franchi after joining the Italian team in the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion because security personnel and stewards were unable to recognize him as a Fiorentina player.
Lamptey had to watch the game from the stands and cheer on his teammates while he recovered from a ligament injury.
Only when a Fiorentina supporter intervened, identified him, and presented him to the stewards and security as a squad member did the Black Stars defender eventually obtain entrance.
Putting on a stellar performance in the high-stake, the Italian outfit cruised to a 2-1 home victory over their opponent. Currently, Fiorentina find themselves in the eleventh position with 9 points after five matches into the Conference League phase.
The former Chelsea youth defender joined Fiorentina from Brighton in September for €6 million, but is yet to settle at the club due to injury setbacks.
The Ghanaian international made only two appearances for the Viola before succumbing to a cruciate ligament injury, from which he is still recovering.
