Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has opened up on his team’s approach for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to him, the plan is to try to improve in every match, with the ambition of going as far as possible in the tournament.

"I think we are in a good position to start the tournament. And the goal is to improve match after match. So, I have no complaints,” Ouahbi said.

On the opening Group C match against Brazil, the Morocco coach noted that he is optimistic about the chances of the Atlas Lions.

"It's clear that the atmosphere is positive. We are very confident. We trust in the physical condition of the players, in what we have put in place, and in the principles and values we have instilled,” Mohamed Ouahbi said.

The Morocco coach added, “Ultimately, it will be the matches we win that will show us where we stand, but we already saw that against Norway.”

The highly anticipated Group C clash between Brazil and Morocco is scheduled to kick off at 22:00GMT on Saturday, June 13.

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Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has emphasised that the Atlas Lions must defend well as a team to neutralise the quality of Brazil and stand any chance of winning their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The PSG star is expected to start in defense for the North African giants on Saturday, June 13, when they take on the record champions in the Group C opener.

Speaking in a pre-match interview, Hakimi acknowledged the strength in the Brazil attack and rallied his teammates to defend well as a unit to stand any chance of claiming all three points at the end of the game.

"I think everyone knows the Brazilian national team, we know Vinicius' qualities. I've already played against him many times, and he's a great player. To defend against Vinicius and the other Brazilian players, who are all top-level, you have to defend as a team, with clear ideas.

"I believe that we have trained and prepared for this kind of match. I think the team is ready. Personally, I feel ready, and I have the confidence needed to play a great match and deliver a great performance,” Achraf Hakimi said.

The Group C clash between Brazil and Morocco is scheduled to kick off at 22:00GMT on Saturday.

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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that they are ready for their opening clash against Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The record champions are set to lock horns with the Atlas Lions on Saturday, June 13, in the opening Group C match of the tournament.

Speaking in his pre-match interview, Ancelotti acknowledged Morocco as the champions of Africa despite the pending dispute over the AFCON 2025 final, stressing that Brazil will need to be at their best to secure victory on the matchday.

“Don’t forget, tomorrow we are facing the champions of Africa, Morocco. They’re a great team,” Ancelotti said.

The Brazil coach added, “Morocco is a great team and they have complete players who perform in Europe. In order to beat them, we have to defend better and attack better, otherwise we will be in trouble.”

Saturday’s Group C cracker is scheduled to kick off at 22:00GMT at MetLife Stadium. Both Brazil and Morocco will be aiming for a win to begin their campaign at this year's global showpiece on a positive note.

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Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has praised the efforts of Team Ghana Liaison Officer Mabel Addai and the Providence Police Command for their support as the Black Stars settle in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the team's arrival in Rhode Island on Thursday, Okraku, together with Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, paid a visit to Ms. Addai and members of the Providence Police Command to acknowledge their contribution to Ghana's preparations.

The GFA President highlighted the importance of the work being done behind the scenes to ensure the Black Stars can focus fully on football during the tournament.

"I expressed my sincere appreciation to Ms. Addai for her dedication and tireless coordination in facilitating arrangements for Team Ghana," President Okraku said. "I also commend the Providence Police Command for their professionalism, partnership, and readiness to support our delegation throughout this important global tournament".

The Black Stars landed at T.F. Green International Airport on Thursday evening and will use Providence as their training base before beginning their World Cup campaign.

Ms. Addai has been responsible for coordinating key logistical arrangements, including accommodation and security matters, while the Providence Police Command continues to work closely with Ghana's security team to ensure the delegation's safety throughout its stay.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before taking on England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.

The Black Stars are in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

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A stark divide in North American immigration enforcement has sent shockwaves through the FIFA World Cup 2026 camps as Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry by the Canadian government, forcing him to miss the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama in Toronto on June 17.

Meanwhile, Moroccan superstar Achraf Hakimi remains fully cleared to lead his side onto the pitch for their opening fixtures.

The contrast has ignited a fierce global debate regarding how host nations manage high-profile athletes navigating unresolved criminal indictments.

However, unlike a total tournament ban, Partey’s restriction is purely geographical. He remains in the United States with the Ghanaian squad and is eligible for their remaining group stage matches

The discrepancy comes down to localised border laws and where each match is scheduled.

Ghana’s opener takes place at BMO Field in Toronto. Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, individuals facing unproven foreign charges equivalent to serious Canadian offences are routinely deemed "criminally inadmissible".

Because Partey is currently out on bail awaiting trial in the UK for rape and sexual assault allegations, Canadian border authorities applied strict statutory boundaries, leaving FIFA powerless to intervene.

Conversely, the US government approved Partey's visa earlier this month. He remains at the team's training base near Boston, cleared to play against England on June 23 in Foxborough and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Hakimi, facing similar active legal proceedings in Paris, avoids an immediate block because Morocco’s early schedule is anchored entirely in the United States.

US immigration frameworks grant wider discretionary powers for temporary visitor visas prior to an actual criminal conviction, allowing Hakimi to take the pitch.

While Hakimi is safe for the opening match, his tournament remains on a razor's edge. Legal experts point to three distinct triggers that could mirror Partey's fate as the World Cup progresses:

If Morocco advances out of the group stage and draws a knockout match routed through Canadian venues (Toronto or Vancouver), Hakimi will run directly into the same strict Canadian border algorithms that barred Partey.

Hakimi remains under judicial supervision in France. If French prosecutors alter his travel authorisation, or if an unexpected emergency court date is set mid-tournament, his passport could be effectively frozen.

The US Department of State retains the right to revoke a temporary visa at any point if new evidence surfaces or if public pressure shifts internal risk assessments, which would instantly end his tournament. For now, Partey is confined to US soil, forced to watch Ghana's opener from afar before rejoining the lineup in Massachusetts.

Hakimi will play, but he does so under a shadow, knowing that a single logistical turn or court update could alter his status in an instant.

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Partey was denied entry into Canada due to his visa application being refused by Canadian authorities, ruling him out of Ghana's Group L opener at Toronto's BMO Field on June 17.

While he remains eligible for the team's remaining group matches against England (Boston) and Croatia (Philadelphia), his future participation in the tournament could be compromised if Ghana advance to knockout stages hosted in Canada.

Under the 2026 World Cup format, Ghana's potential knockout path could bring them back to Canada:

- If Ghana finish second in Group L, they would play their Round of 32 match in Toronto — meaning Partey would be unavailable.

- If Ghana finish as one of the best third-placed teams and win their Round of 32 match, they would then play their Round of 16 tie in Vancouver – again ruling Partey out.

That means the 32-year-old midfielder could only feature in matches played on US soil. Any knockout fixture scheduled in Canada would see him barred from entry.

The visa issue has already forced coach Carlos Queiroz to adjust his plans for the Panama opener, with youngster Caleb Yirenkyi among those tipped to step in. But if Ghana exceed expectations and go deep into the tournament, Partey's availability could become a recurring headache.

Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He has denied all charges. Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the specific reason for the visa refusal, though Canadian immigration rules allow for denial based on criminal charges.

Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia. Their path beyond the group stage remains uncertain, but Partey's limited availability adds another layer of complexity to the Black Stars' hopes.

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Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has been dealt a major blow before the Black Stars have even stepped onto the pitch, with midfielder Thomas Partey ruled out of the team's opening match against Panama following a visa refusal by Canadian authorities.

The unexpected development has left Ghana without one of its most experienced players ahead of a crucial Group L encounter, turning what should have been a moment of excitement and anticipation into an early setback for the four-time African champions.

FIFA Confirms Partey Will Miss Panama Clash

FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, United States, to Canada for the June 17 fixture after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.

In a statement, the world football governing body emphasised that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host nations.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government."

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."

The governing body added that any further questions regarding the decision should be directed to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

A Crushing Blow Before Kick Off

The Black Stars have spent weeks preparing for their return to the world's biggest football stage, with Partey expected to play a leading role in the team's ambitions.

The midfielder's experience at the highest level of European football and his importance within C's squad made him one of the key figures expected to guide Ghana through a challenging group featuring Panama, England and Croatia.

Instead, Ghana must now begin its campaign without the player many expected to anchor the midfield in the tournament opener.

Legal Troubles Continue to Cast a Shadow

Partey's absence comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The Ghana international has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Through his legal representatives, Partey has denied all allegations, and the case remains before the courts.

Neither FIFA nor Canadian authorities have publicly stated whether the ongoing legal case played any role in the visa refusal.

Hope Remains for the Rest of the Tournament

While the Panama fixture is now out of reach, FIFA confirmed that Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana's remaining Group L matches, both of which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars will face England in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. With those matches taking place on American soil, Partey is expected to remain available for selection for other matches.

With the major blow now confirmed, the immediate focus is on overcoming an unexpected obstacle. Carlos Queiroz must find a way to get the best out of the remaining midfielders to ensure a good result against Canada.

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Senegal will not be able to count on its supporters from Dakar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as fans of the Lions of Teranga have been refused visas to enter the United States, Senegalese authorities confirmed to AFP.

Like their Ivorian counterparts, Senegalese supporters have been denied entry, meaning no official delegation of fans will travel to support the national team during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The development follows a troubling pattern of visa denials affecting African football participants. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was named by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was recently turned away at a US airport and sent back to Istanbul despite holding a diplomatic passport. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied entry to Canada for his country's opening match against Panama due to his legal situation, though he remains eligible to play in the United States.

From referees to players to fans, the 2026 World Cup has seen a significant number of entry denials affecting African nations, raising questions about equitable access and the consistency of immigration enforcement across the tournament's host countries.

The absence of a vocal backing from home could impact the Lions of Teranga, who have come to rely on passionate support at major tournaments.

Senegal reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and were controversially stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after a protracted legal dispute with Morocco.

Senegal begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against France in Group I. The Lions of Teranga will then face Norway on June 23 and Iraq on June 26 to conclude the group stage.

The visa denials add to the logistical challenges facing African nations at this year's tournament. For Senegal, the focus will now shift entirely to the players on the pitch, as their supporters watch from thousands of miles away.

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Ghana's preparations for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major blow following the confirmation that midfield talisman Thomas Partey will be unavailable for the clash against Panama.

The Black Stars will enter the crucial Group L encounter without one of their most experienced and influential players after FIFA confirmed that Partey is unable to travel from the team's base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada due to visa-related issues.

For head coach Carlos Queiroz, the absence of Partey creates a significant tactical challenge.

The former captain has long been the heartbeat of Ghana's midfield, providing defensive stability, leadership and composure in possession.

His ability to break up opposition attacks and dictate the tempo of matches has made him one of the first names on the team sheet whenever fit.

With the stakes high in Ghana's opening World Cup fixture, the Black Stars must now find a way to compensate for the loss of their midfield anchor.

Partey's absence leaves a leadership vacuum in the centre of the park and places added responsibility on players such as Kwasi Sibo, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Elisha Owusu to step up on the biggest stage.

The timing could hardly be worse for Ghana. An opening match often sets the tone for a team's World Cup campaign, and facing a well-organised Panama side without one of their key performers increases the difficulty of the task.

Beyond his technical qualities, Partey's experience at major international tournaments and elite club level makes him an invaluable figure in the squad.

Younger players frequently look to him for guidance during high-pressure situations, and his calm presence will undoubtedly be missed.

The setback also adds to growing concerns surrounding administrative and travel issues that have affected several participants at the expanded World Cup.

What should have been a straightforward journey between two host nations has instead become a major talking point ahead of Ghana's first match.

Despite the disappointment, Ghana must quickly regroup and focus on the challenge ahead.

Queiroz’s men remain determined to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign, but there is little doubt that doing so without Thomas Partey makes the task considerably more difficult.

As the Black Stars prepare to take on Panama, the spotlight will now fall on the rest of the squad to prove they can rise to the occasion and overcome the absence of their midfield leader.

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Ghana have been dealt a major blow ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the clash against Panama because of an immigration issue.

The experienced midfielder will miss Wednesday's Group L encounter in Toronto after the Canadian government refused his visa application, preventing him from travelling from Ghana's team base in Boston.

FIFA confirmed the development in a statement, saying the governing body has no role in the immigration decisions of host countries and that the final decision rests with the relevant government authorities.

Partey's absence is a significant setback for coach Carlos Queiroz, who will be without one of the Black Stars' captains for a fixture expected to play a key role in determining Ghana's chances of reaching the knockout stage.

While Ghana's tactical approach is not built solely around the 32-year-old, Partey was expected to provide leadership, experience and stability in midfield against Panama.

The visa setback now leaves Queiroz with a selection dilemma, with youngster Caleb Yirenkyi among the players who could be handed an opportunity to fill the void after impressing during the team's pre-World Cup preparations.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the charges through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

Despite missing the Panama fixture, Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining Group L matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, with both games taking place in the United States.

The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia as they target a place in the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament.

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Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars' clash against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

FIFA confirmed that the experienced midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto after the Canadian government denied his visa.

The decision leaves coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most experienced players for a fixture widely regarded as crucial to Ghana's hopes of progressing from Group L.

Partey was expected to play an important role in midfield and provide leadership as one of the team's captains, although the Black Stars are not built entirely around the 32-year-old.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

Despite missing the Panama encounter, Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, both of which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

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Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars' opening Group L clash against Panama due to visa issues.

The development was confirmed by FIFA on Friday, just days before Ghana's first match of the tournament.

According to the world football governing body, the Canadian government rejected Partey's visa application, preventing him from travelling from the team's base camp in Boston, United States, to Canada for the fixture.

FIFA Confirms Visa Refusal

In an official statement, FIFA clarified the situation and explained that the decision was entirely within the jurisdiction of Canadian authorities.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," parts of the statement said.

The statement further directed all enquiries regarding the matter to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Major Blow for the Black Stars

Partey's absence comes as a major disappointment for Ghana, with the experienced midfielder expected to play a key role in the team's World Cup campaign. Having been one of the leaders in the squad throughout the qualification process, his absence leaves a noticeable gap in midfield ahead of a crucial opening fixture.

The Black Stars have been holding their pre-tournament camp in Boston and were expected to travel to Canada with a full squad before the unexpected development emerged.

Ghana will now have to face Panama without one of their most influential players as they seek a positive start in a group that also includes England and Croatia.

Legal Issues Remain in Focus

The visa refusal comes against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings involving the Ghana international in the United Kingdom.

Partey is currently facing multiple criminal charges, including several counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Through his legal representatives, the midfielder has denied all allegations. The matter remains before the courts, and no verdict has been reached.

Neither FIFA nor Canadian authorities have publicly linked the visa decision to the ongoing legal case.

Available for Remaining Group Matches

Despite being unavailable for the Panama encounter, FIFA confirmed that Partey remains eligible to participate in Ghana's remaining group stage matches, both of which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face England in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Since both fixtures are being staged on American soil, Partey is expected to remain with the squad and could return to action if selected by head coach Carlos Queiroz.

Ghana must now begin their World Cup journey without one of their most experienced stars, turning what began as a routine training camp in Boston into an unexpected tournament setback before a ball has even been kicked.

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The development was communicated through FIFA’s WhatsApp platform, indicating that the influential Ghanaian international would not be available for selection in Ghana’s opening World Cup encounter.

Partey’s absence is expected to deal a significant blow to the Black Stars, given his experience and central role in Ghana’s midfield setup. The 32-year-old has been a key figure for the national team over the years, often providing leadership, defensive cover and composure in the middle of the park.

Neither FIFA nor Ghana’s football authorities immediately provided details regarding the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry into Canada. The situation has, however, sparked concern among Ghanaian supporters, with many questioning how the setback could affect the team’s chances in the competition.

The Black Stars’ technical team may now be forced to reconsider its tactical approach and explore alternative options ahead of the crucial opening fixture.

As the World Cup gets underway, attention will be on the Ghana Football Association and FIFA for further clarification on the matter, as fans await official updates on Partey’s status for the remainder of the tournament.

Thomas Partey has earned nearly 100 caps for Ghana and remains one of the country’s most recognisable football exports. His unavailability for the tournament opener could represent one of the biggest selection headaches for the Black Stars as they seek to make a strong start on football’s grandest stage.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been hit by another wave of criticism after Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada, adding to a growing list of off-field controversies that have overshadowed the tournament before and during its opening week.

FIFA confirmed that Partey will miss Ghana's Group L opener against Panama after the Canadian government refused his visa application, leaving the Black Stars without one of their senior players for a match regarded as crucial to their qualification hopes.

The decision has triggered widespread debate, with many Ghanaian supporters describing it as unfair and arguing that the midfielder is effectively being punished before the conclusion of his criminal trial in the United Kingdom. Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations he has denied through his legal representatives.

The visa controversy is the latest in a series of incidents that have drawn criticism of the expanded tournament.

Earlier this month, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite being appointed to officiate at the World Cup. FIFA later confirmed it was unable to overturn the decision because immigration matters remain the responsibility of national governments. Artan has since been appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

Iranian football officials also encountered visa difficulties, with the president of the country's football federation, Mahdi Mohammad Nab, among those unable to travel to the tournament because of United States entry restrictions.

Several participating teams have also complained about strict immigration procedures. Senegal's delegation underwent lengthy security checks on arrival in the United States, prompting criticism from supporters and observers.

Away from immigration issues, FIFA has faced scrutiny over ticket pricing and availability. Fans and several football associations complained about limited allocations and the high cost of tickets, with prices ranging from around $120 for some group-stage matches to $7,875 for premium seats at the final, while resale prices have climbed significantly higher.

Security concerns have also dominated discussion around the tournament, with host nations implementing extensive measures amid fears of extremist threats and organised crime.

Although FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly defended the tournament and called for unity, the latest controversy involving Partey has intensified questions over whether immigration policies and geopolitical issues have overshadowed football at what is supposed to be the world's biggest sporting event.

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Former Asante Kotoko captain Samba O'Neil is set to continue his career in South Africa after reaching an agreement to join Premier Soccer League side Sekhukhune United.

The experienced defender has signed a two-year contract with Babina Noko and is expected to complete the move after the current international break.

O'Neil departs the Ghana Premier League following a strong 2025/26 season in which he emerged as one of Kotoko's most consistent and influential players.

He featured in 34 matches across all competitions and scored six goals despite primarily playing as a centre-back. His leadership on and off the pitch earned him the captain's armband during the campaign, further underlining his importance to the Porcupine Warriors.

Although born in Congo, O'Neil represents Niger at international level after switching nationality. He is currently in camp with the Niger national team as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures against Benin and Mauritania.

The move to Sekhukhune United marks a significant step in his career, as he prepares to test himself in one of Africa's most competitive leagues after making a strong impression in Ghana.

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Thomas Partey has remained fully focused on supporting Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign despite being ruled out of the Black Stars' opening match against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

Despite the disappointment, Partey has remained composed and committed to the team's objectives, continuing to work with the squad from its base in the United States.

The 32-year-old is expected to stay with the Black Stars as they prepare for their remaining group stage fixtures, with his attention now turning to Ghana's matches against England and Croatia.

FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey remains eligible to feature in both games because they will be played in the United States, where the midfielder has no travel restrictions.

His absence from the Panama fixture is nevertheless a major setback for coach Carlos Queiroz, who had expected one of his senior leaders to play a key role in the opening match. While Ghana's tactical approach was not built solely around Partey, the experienced midfielder is one of the team's captains and an influential figure both on and off the pitch.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal.

Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

The Black Stars will now begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most experienced players before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Should Ghana qualify for the knockout stage as runners-up in Group L, they would return to Canada for the Round of 32, meaning the visa issue could become relevant again later in the tournament.

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