Ghana Minute.
Friday, 31 July 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 31 July 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Event

2026 World Cup

Also known as: FIFA World Cup 2026 · FIFA 2026 World Cup · the World Cup

2026-04-272026-07-31

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Joy Online

    Saibari’s finish was a record breaker: the fastest so far at FIFA World Cup 2026 and Morocco’s fastest ever at the global showpiece.

    Saibari screamer seals Morocco victory against Scotland
  3. Daily Guide

    Konate, who is part of his country’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £35m on a five-year contract.

    Konate To Join Real Madrid On Four-Year Deal
  4. Daily Guide

    Wahi becomes the second player at the 2026 World Cup to be denied entry into Canada, following Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, whose visa application was rejected because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

    Ivory Coast’s Wahi Denied Entry To Canada Ahead Of Germany Clash
  5. The Chronicle

    Ghana has recorded the highest number of Canadian visa refusals among all countries that applied under the FIFA World Cup 2026, with 1,423 of its 1,953 applications being turned down, a refusal rate of roughly 73 percent, Toronto Star has reported.

    World Cup Visa Rush: Canadian High Commission ‘Bounces’ 1,423 Applicants
  6. The Chronicle

    Coca-Cola has launched its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Ghana, unveiling a series of fan engagement activities, watch parties and entertainment events aimed at bringing the excitement of the global football tournament closer to consumers.

    Coca-Cola Rolls Out FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign In Ghana
  7. The Chronicle

    Two players who made positive impacts in Sweden’s 5-1 demolition of Tunisia in their 2026 World Cup opener have taken different approaches to their preparations for the upcoming Group F match against the Netherlands on Saturday, 20th June (19:00 CEST).

    Isak trains alone as Sweden step up preparations for Netherlands
  8. The Chronicle

    USA and Australia will bid to maintain their perfect starts in Group D of the 2026 World Cup when they meet on Friday at the Seattle Stadium.

    USA, Australia bid to maintain their perfect starts in Group D
  9. The Chronicle

    Gillette Stadium will play host to a fascinating 2026 World Cup fixture today, as Scotland and Morocco lock horns in Group C.

    Scotland and Morocco lock horns in Group C
  10. Joy Online

    Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has congratulated the Black Stars on their victory over Panama in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto, Canada.

    Opoku-Agyemang congratulates Black Stars on victory over Panama
  11. Joy Online

    Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup with a narrow win over South Korea in Guadalajara.

    Mexico become first country to qualify for World Cup last 32

Yesterday

  1. Chelsea signs France defender Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m

    Chelsea have signed France international Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m on a contract until 2032. The 26-year-old defender, who made 55 appearances for Palace last season as they won the UEFA Conference League, is Chelsea's third summer signing under new manager Xabi Alonso.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online

Monday 27 July

  1. Cape Verde's Lopes Cabral wins 2026 World Cup Goal of Tournament

    Sidny Lopes Cabral's goal for Cape Verde against Argentina in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been voted the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament. The Cabo Verdean player's curled strike from inside the box made it 2–2 in extra time and beat goals from Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov and Haiti's Wilson Isidor for the honour.

    27 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Messi ends World Cup career with defeat to Spain in final

    Lionel Messi, thirty-nine, played his final World Cup as Argentina lost the 2026 final one-nil to Spain. Despite the loss, Messi's World Cup legacy remains marked by moments of brilliance across a decades-long tournament presence.

    27 July 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 24 July

  1. 25 Ghanaians seek asylum in Canada after World Cup 2026

    Twenty-five Ghanaians who travelled to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026 submitted asylum applications, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They were among 175 asylum claims made by foreign visitors from 26,111 people who had received temporary residence approval linked to the tournament.

    24 July 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 22 July

  1. La Liga president calls for Infantino to step down as Fifa chief

    La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming the world governing body is "destroying the football industry" and criticising his decisions on World Cup hydration breaks, the final's half-time interval, and other matters. Tebas acknowledged that Infantino has the support of national federations and that Fifa's election system makes his departure unlikely.

    22 July 2026 · The Chronicle

  2. La Liga president calls for FIFA's Infantino to step down

    La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming FIFA is "destroying the football industry" and criticising decisions including World Cup hydration breaks and the final's half-time interval. Tebas acknowledged that Infantino has support from national federations and is expected to be re-elected at FIFA's March congress.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Mbappe wins 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals

    Kylian Mbappe won the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi's eight. The Real Madrid forward is now the top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals across three tournaments.

    21 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Sunday 19 July

  1. World Cup harmful social media posts surge fourteen-fold versus 2022

    FIFA's social media protection service identified and removed more than seven million harmful posts and comments during the 2026 World Cup, a fourteen-fold increase from 470,000 at the 2022 tournament. The service also reported more than 200,000 abusive and threatening posts compared to 19,600 from Qatar 2022.

    19 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS headline 2026 World Cup final

    Pop stars Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and K-pop group BTS performed at the 2026 World Cup final half-time show, which lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds—the longest in World Cup history. The performance featured fireworks and reunited Shakira with Nigerian musician Burna Boy, who had performed together at the tournament's opening ceremony.

    19 July 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 18 July

  1. Saka hat-trick leads England past France in World Cup bronze final

    England defeated France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at Miami Stadium, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham securing victory as France mounted a comeback inspired by Kylian Mbappe.

    18 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Chelsea agree record £117m deal for Rogers

    Chelsea have agreed a club record £117m deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on a six-year contract with an option for a further year. The deal sets a new transfer record for an English player, eclipsing the £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson.

    18 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. France face England in World Cup bronze final, Deschamps' farewell

    Didier Deschamps will end his 14-year tenure as France coach after the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze-medal match against England in Miami. France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final but remain determined to finish on a high.

    18 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 16 July

  1. Arsenal transfers Trossard to Turkish club Besiktas

    Belgium international Leandro Trossard will move permanently from Arsenal to Turkish club Besiktas, with the 31-year-old forward heading to Istanbul for a medical. The forward scored 36 goals in 174 appearances for Arsenal after joining from Brighton in January 2023.

    16 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony features Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony on 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium will feature performances by IShowSpeed, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, with a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem ahead of the final match.

    16 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Didi Dramani previews England-Argentina World Cup semi-final tactics

    Former Hearts of Oak boss Mas-Ud Didi Dramani provides a tactical breakdown of England and Argentina's strategies ahead of their 2026 World Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday, with the winner to face Spain in the final.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Former Hearts of Oak boss previews Spain-France World Cup semi-final

    Mas-Ud Didi Dramani offers a tactical analysis of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, detailing France's offensive formation and defensive strategy with focus on their midfield rotation and counter-attacking strengths.

    14 July 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 13 July

  1. FIFA honours 23-year-old Ghanaian doctor for World Cup volunteer work

    FIFA has recognized 23-year-old Ghanaian medical doctor Nana Kwasi Ampofo Owusu Mensah as Kansas City's FIFA World Cup 2026 "Unsung Hero" for his voluntary service in preparations for the tournament. The Techiman-born doctor, who has interests in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, was selected for FIFA's volunteer programme to support the event.

    13 July 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 12 July

  1. Senegal sack manager Pape Thiaw after World Cup exit

    Senegal dismissed manager Pape Thiaw following their last-32 exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Belgium after leading 2-0. The Senegal Football Federation cited "thorough evaluation of sporting results and prospects" for the decision.

    12 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Argentina beats Switzerland in World Cup quarter-finals

    Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time as Argentina defeated Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Argentina will face England in the semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

    12 July 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 11 July

  1. England reach 2026 World Cup semi-final after beating Norway

    Jude Bellingham scored twice to inspire England to a comeback extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-final in Miami, sending them into the last four where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland.

    11 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

    South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at age 25, weeks after featuring in all three of his country's group games at the World Cup. Police opened an investigation after his body was found at a house in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, on Saturday morning; the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

    11 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

    South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at age 25, weeks after featuring in all three of South Africa's group games at the World Cup. Police have opened an investigation after his body was found at a house in Cape Town on Saturday morning; the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

    11 July 2026 · The Chronicle

Friday 10 July

  1. Queiroz denies resigning as Black Stars coach after World Cup exit

    Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz has denied reports of resignation following Ghana's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, clarifying that a recent social media post expressing gratitude was misinterpreted as a resignation. Queiroz's contract with the Ghana Football Association is valid until August and is expected to be reviewed after the team's World Cup performance.

    10 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 9 July

  1. Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia head coach

    Croatia's most successful head coach Zlatko Dalic stepped down after nine years in charge, following the team's loss to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 32. Under Dalic's tenure, Croatia finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022, and he led the team in 111 matches with 62 wins.

    9 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira to headline 2026 World Cup final

    Justin Bieber will perform alongside Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, and Sesame Street muppets at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final half-time show on 19 July in New York. The 11-minute set, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children worldwide.

    8 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana football leadership accountable after 2026 World Cup exit

    A Joy Online opinion piece argues that Ghana's football authorities have a leadership and governance crisis rather than a talent problem, citing repeated tournament disappointments including group-stage exits and missed qualifications, and criticizes the GFA president's two-term tenure as marked by mediocrity repackaged as progress.

    8 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams showing early promise

    After the first round of Group Stages, smaller nations have performed better than expected, with Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless draw, suggesting the tournament expansion from 32 to 48 teams may have justified itself despite initial concerns.

    8 July 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Argentina beats Egypt 3-2 after dramatic second-half comeback

    Argentina recovered from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored the comeback goals, with Fernandez's injury-time header sealing the win.

    7 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Brazil's struggle to recapture beautiful football since 2002

    Brazil arrives at each World Cup burdened by expectations of jogo bonito—the beautiful, creative football style of past generations—but has delivered disciplined, calculated play for nearly three decades. Each generation faces nostalgic comparisons to legends like Pelé and Ronaldinho, with the nation's near-misses in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 fueling frustration.

    7 July 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 6 July

  1. Neymar announces Brazil international career over after defeat

    Neymar said his Brazil career was "over" after Brazil's 2-1 World Cup last-16 loss to Norway, where he came on as a substitute and scored a late penalty. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals, has made 130 appearances for his country.

    6 July 2026 · Joy Online

2026 World Cup — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute