The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced concerns about Ghana’s prospects in their Group L encounter with Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the European nation as a particularly dangerous opponent. Ghana has been drawn alongside Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L and will face the Croatians after their matches with Panama and England. Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Mr. Adams singled out Croatia for their tactical versatility, noting the unique challenge this poses for the Black Stars. “Everybody knows how dangerous Croatia have been in previous World Cups. They have had different strategies. It doesn’t necessarily mean we should go and read their previous strategies as part of our preparation. They are a team that can change their style about three times within 90 minutes of play,” he said. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first-ever 48-team tournament. The expanded format will feature 104 matches and a record nine automatic qualification slots for Africa. The upcoming tournament will be Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars have previously competed in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions, with their best run coming in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals in South Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The tension was palpable at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as nations around the world tuned in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. For Ghanaian fans, anticipation quickly turned to excitement and determination when the Black Stars were drawn into Group L, alongside football powerhouses England and Croatia, as well as Panama. This group promises high-octane competition, with Ghana needing to navigate formidable opponents to keep their dreams of a deep World Cup run alive. Memories of 2010 still linger, when Ghana came agonizingly close to becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to reach the semi-finals in South Africa. That historic run remains their best performance yet, a source of both pride and motivation. The 2026 tournament marks a new chapter for Ghana, as it will be their fifth World Cup appearance. This edition is particularly special, as it is co-hosted across three countries, the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and features an expanded lineup of 48 nations instead of the traditional 32. The event’s grand scale was evident in the draw, with a screenshot from the live event displaying all 12 groups, from A to L, capturing the global spirit of the competition. Despite recent setbacks, including a lackluster showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and a disappointing campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghanaian supporters have reasons for renewed optimism. Under Coach Otto Addo, the team’s performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers improved dramatically. Ghana dominated Group I, overcoming Mali, Chad, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Madagascar, signaling a possible resurgence at just the right time. Now, with their group-stage opponents revealed, the Black Stars are set for another shot at World Cup glory. The road ahead is challenging, but Ghana’s journey in Group L promises to be one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The award has been introduced this year by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, designated for a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”. It was widely expected that Trump, who arrived at the ceremony with Infantino and has made several public appearances with him in recent months, would be the winner. That was confirmed at the ceremony in Washington DC on Friday. As well as receiving a large golden trophy, Trump was also given a medal and certificate by Infantino before making a speech. Trump stated he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and had “stopped wars happening just before they started”. “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” Trump said, before claiming that the 2026 World Cup has set a new record for ticket sales. “Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” Trump said. “The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.” The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will take place between June 11 and July 19. Trump later returned to the stage alongside Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to perform the ceremonial opening to the draw. The three leaders drew the balls of their respective nations, which had already been assigned their groups. Afterwards, the trio posed for a selfie taken by Infantino. Mexico are in Group A – and will play in the tournament’s opening match – while Canada are in Group B and USA feature in Group D. Trump, after repeating his comments about ticket sales, joked about the name clash between American football and what Americans generally call soccer. “We have to find another name for the NFL,” Trump said. “This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football. It doesn’t make sense that we call it soccer.” | Getty Images (Pic): Trump and Infantino have appeared together at many public events in recent months Analysis: A draw with a political feel Staged just a mile from the White House, this is a World Cup draw with a distinctly political feel. The glittering ceremony is at the Kennedy Center, the famous Washington arts venue now chaired by US President Donald Trump after he overhauled its board this year. Alongside stars from football, US sports and show business, Trump was in attendance, as will the leaders of the other two co-hosts – Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. Proceedings, however, seem to have been planned with the US president very much in mind. Seventies group Village People were booked to play YMCA, a Trump favourite that is regularly heard at his campaign rallies. And, in a break with tradition, the draw ceremony featured the awarding of a new Fifa Peace Prize. Such gestures will only underline the alliance forged between the US president and Fifa’s Infantino, who announced the award last month, saying that Trump deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, and enthusiastically praising his policies. For critics, such moves are a threat to Fifa’s commitment to political neutrality, one enshrined in its statutes, and risk turning the draw – and the tournament itself – into propaganda tools. Those critics believe Infantino and Trump are effectively too close for comfort, and that it sends a message that world football’s governing body is aligning with the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement, and endorsing what many feel is a divisive administration. Asked about the new peace award, amid reports that the Fifa Council was not consulted about it, one senior official at the governing body told BBC Sport: “Why can’t this be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize? Football has huge global support, so it’s right that it recognises extraordinary efforts to bring about peace every year.” They pointed to the fact that in 2019 there was no such controversy when Fifa gave the president of Argentina an award to honour his contribution to football, and said the organisation deserves praise for endorsing peace in a divided world. Source: bbc.com

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has taken significant steps to ensure that Ghanaian football fans can support the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with greater ease. In a series of high-level meetings held in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa met separately with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions on visa facilitation for supporters traveling to the tournament. The engagements brought together representatives from Ghana’s key sports and foreign affairs institutions, including the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Miss Betty Krosbi Mensah; Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku; and senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports. The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team. According to Mr. Ablakwa, the purpose of these meetings was to foster mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, improve coordination, and develop roadmaps for streamlined visa processes. “These engagements are about building practical frameworks that make it easier for Ghanaian fans to travel, celebrate, and support the Black Stars during the World Cup,” he noted. The discussions explored the possibility of special visa arrangements for football supporters and delegations—separate from the standard application process. The Minister also welcomed the recent reversal of US visa restrictions, which now allows for multiple-entry visas, enabling flexible travel between the tournament’s host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The meetings ended on a cordial note, with GFA President Kurt Okraku presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to US and Canadian officials as gestures of appreciation. Mr. Ablakwa revealed that similar discussions were scheduled with the Mexican Embassy, completing Ghana’s diplomatic outreach to all three host countries. This initiative underscores Ghana’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for its fans and officials as preparations for the global football showpiece intensify. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Jubilation echoed through the Jubilee House as President John Dramani Mahama warmly welcomed the victorious team and management of the University, who had stunned the world by defeating Brazil in the final to lift the coveted trophy. Addressing the delegation during their courtesy call, President Mahama described their victory as an extraordinary achievement that has brought immense pride to Ghana. “Your triumph on the international stage is not only a testament to your hard work and determination but an inspiration to the entire nation,” he remarked. In recognition of their remarkable feat, President Mahama announced a special reward from the presidency. “The presidency is also pleased to present you with something. We won’t let you go empty-handed. So this is GHS500,000. It is a reward to the team for the good job you have done,” the President stated, as applause filled the room. The ceremony underscored the national significance of the team’s accomplishment and the government’s commitment to celebrating excellence and perseverance on and off the field. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and Commonwealth Sports–Ghana have inaugurated 10 specialized committees. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots and school-level sports while placing a strong emphasis on women’s participation and empowerment in athletics. The newly formed committees include Legal, Marketing, Fundraising and Sponsorship, Olympic Education, Culture and School Sports, Games and Technical, National Federations Relations, Medical and Anti-Doping, Events and Programmes, Finance, Women in Sports, and Government Relations and Stakeholders. Each committee is composed of carefully selected professionals and passionate sports advocates. At the swearing-in ceremony, Vice President of the GOC, Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu, praised the committee members for answering the call to serve. He encouraged them to bring dedication, innovation, and resilience to their roles, urging, “Be bold. Challenge every outdated assumption. Be accountable—not just to the GOC Executive Board, but to the young girl in Wa running barefoot who dreams of Olympic gold. Her dream is your KPI.” Mr. Afadzinu also reminded the committees of the challenges ahead, including bureaucracy, cynicism, and budget constraints, but urged them to view these as hurdles to overcome on the journey to sporting success. He congratulated all members, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana’s Olympic movement. Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Mr. Wisdom Kobina Woyome, Chairman of the Government Relations and Stakeholders Committee, pledged their commitment to leveraging their expertise and networks to drive sports development nationwide. The event also saw the presence of Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankra, Director General of the National Sports Authority, underscoring the collaborative effort to uplift Ghanaian sports at every level. Full List of Committees and Members Legal CommitteeMohammed Sahnoon, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Eva Okyere, Juliana Addo Yobo, Prosper Harrison Addo Marketing, Fundraising and Sponsorship CommitteeMawuko Afadzinu, Dr. Ben Asante, Adelaide Abbiw, Nathaniel Johnson, Ken Ashigbey, Mawuli Ocloo, Cynthia Ofori Olympic Education, Culture and School Sports CommitteeBawah Fuseini, Dr. Austin Luguterah, Michael Ntow Ayeh, Rafatu Inusah, George Lamptey, Cathrine Tukpe Games and Technical CommitteeFrederick Lartey Otu, Vivian Dougblor, Richmond Quarcoo, Prof. Sarpong, Iddrisu Gamel Ayambire, Shaban Mohammed National Federations Relations CommitteeGeorge Owusu Ansah, Delphina Quaye, George Tettey, Philip Ameku, Rafiq Mohammed Arthur Government Relations and Stakeholders CommitteeHon. Wisdom Kobina Woyome, Bernard Mornah, Aurora Commodore-Toppar, Richmond Quarcoo, Ali Shaib Tanko Women in Sports CommissionMrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Mrs. Joyce Mahama, Madam Elizabeth King, Helena Williams, Christiana Ashley, Delphina Quaye, Rafatu Inusah, Phillipina Frimpong, Rita Odei Asare, Cathrine Tukpe, Ayishatu Farida Iddriss Finance CommitteeMawuko Afadzinu, Evans Yeboah, Edward Nii Lante Bannerman, Ato Van-Ess, Julie Asante, Rodney Oddoye, Robert Yeboah Amponsah Events and Programmes CommitteeKamal Sulley, Samuel Ayer, Isaac Abe Duah, Rita Odei Asare, Yaw Boakye Yiadom Medical and Anti-Doping CommitteeDr. Julia Derban, Dr. Akwesi Adomako, Prof. Jonathan Quartey, Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, Prince Azanu, Justine Sitsofe Dzadzetor, Dr. Beatrice Dwumfour Williams, Prince Addo, Dr. Abena Yeboaa Tannor Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court. The 32-year-old is accused of raping two women, as well as sexually assaulting a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. Partey spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his not guilty pleas during a 14-minute hearing on Wednesday. The Ghanaian midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, faces trial under a High Court judge at the same court on November 2 next year. Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing before his contract expired at the end of June. Days later, he was charged on July 4. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said in July he was “100 per cent” sure the club had followed all the correct processes around the arrest and investigation. Partey’s latest court appearance comes the day after he came on as a substitute in Villarreal’s Champions League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in London. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Christopher Hehir told Partey: “Your trial will take place at this court on November 2 of next year, 2026. “I appreciate that it is quite a long way in advance. As you may appreciate, the crown courts have a huge backlog of work, which means that trials do take a long time to come on. “Because you have bail, effectively you are sitting behind a queue of people in prison who are waiting to be tried.” The judge granted bail on the same conditions as Partey was placed under at a previous hearing – that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. Source: skysports.com