Day: June 12, 2026

homas Partey denied entry to Canada, unavailable for Ghana's opening World Cup game
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, unavailable for Ghana’s opening World Cup game

Because Canada denied him admission, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s first World Cup match in Toronto versus Panama. 

Partly, 32, has pled not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in connection with accusations from four women between 2020 and 2022. Next year, he will appear in court.

FIFA verified that the Canadian government rejected his visa application. They said that the host government, not FIFA, makes visa decisions. The Canadian government website says that anyone with convictions or criminal charges could be refused admission.

A US Customs agent said Partey entered the US after obtaining a visa, even if they are aware of his continuing trial, as he has not been found guilty. They evaluate admittance on a case-by-case basis and directed inquiries about Canada’s entry rejection to that nation.

If the player is here with me, my response is simple, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz remarked with confidence in picking Partey.

Ghana will take on Croatia on June 27 and England in their second Group L game on June 23. Partey could still play in these matches. Should Ghana place second, they could go back to Canada for the last 32 on July 2.

Partey is not the only one dealing with entrance problems. At a Chicago airport, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned before entry was permitted; Iran had to move their base to Mexico and had further problems with visa denials.

Though he had the necessary travel documents, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States because of suspected ties to terrorist organizations.

Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral eyes a positive World Cup opener against Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral looks forward to a positive World Cup opener against Spain

Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has great faith in his team’s ability to compete on the biggest international scene as the Blue Sharks finish their preparations for their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup match against powerhouses Spain on Monday, 15 June. (Photo Credit Cape Verdian National team).

Following Thursday’s strenuous training session, where the team had been sharpening their concentration for their first game, the defender addressed the media. 

The debutant Cape Verde is among Africa’s ten representatives in the enlarged competition seeking to leave an immediate and long-term impact.

Exuberance About a Historic Launch

Reflecting on the atmosphere in the camp, Cabral underlined that the team’s motivation comes from enthusiasm and pride in representing their country on the biggest football platform. The defender thinks the team’s hard work is going to show.

Cabral expressed enthusiasm and said we are delighted to be here; we can’t wait to begin and create fantastic work. We are going to display a great deal of enthusiasm, energy, and aggression. We are a strong team with a great deal of quality, and we will certainly show this. Every day we are putting in a lot of effort to get better; our ultimate goal is to get to the knockout stages.

The Trabzonspor defender said the newcomers are not looking past their present test; instead, they are concentrating only on their difficult first game against La Roja.

Cabral said, “Our first game against Spain takes front stage; then we will consider Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.” We must give a solid performance and demonstrate to the world that we can match a team like Spain.

Though Spain is the clear tournament favourite going into the game, the 23-year-old says the Blue Sharks will not be afraid of their opponent’s record.

To show that we belong on this platform is our first goal. Though they are World Cup contenders, he said we will do very well against them.

A new beginning for the Blue Sharks

Cape Verde’s first-ever showing at the world championships, a historic turning point for the island country, is the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The debutante are drawn in Group H together with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. The Blue Sharks will start their fantasy run against Spain on Monday at 5:00 PM WAT, then take on Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in their next group matches as they try to get into the round of 32.

Julián Quiñones has written his name into history
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mexico Win World Cup Opener in Dramatic Fashion Over South Africa

At a packed Azteca Stadium, Mexico kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.  Three players sent off made the game fierce. Mexico ended up with ten players, whereas South Africa ended up with nine.

Brazilian official Wilton Sampaio produced three cards as he dismissed South Africa’s Yaya Sithole for stopping a clear goal opportunity and Themba Zwane for slapping, then sent off Mexico’s Cesar Montes for a late foul. 

Fans of Mexico were delighted as they scored the first goal only nine minutes in. Julian Quinones shot the ball forcefully across Ronwen Williams’ legs after Erik Lira tackled Sithole.

Before halftime, Quinones nearly scored again, but his shot struck the right post. When Sithole brought down Brian Gutierrez early in the second half for a red card, things got better for Mexico.

At age 35, striker Raul Jimenez headed in Roberto Alvarado’s cross for his first World Cup goal, sealing the victory. This poignant scene moved the veteran to tears.

For the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa was in the finals but ended the game with nine men after replacement Zwane was dismissed for hitting Alvarado.

Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora, the tournament’s youngest player, was introduced in the second half. Mexico’s Montes fouled Khuliso Mudau late in the game, but they held their two-goal lead.

Mexico is hosting the World Cup for the third time, and they got off to a fantastic start despite the late red card. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City hosted the first game, just like it did in 1970 and 1986.

Fans loved a spirited opening event featuring Colombian singer Shakira before the game started. Ranked 14th globally, Mexico took charge against South Africa, which is ranked 46 ranks lower.

Following South Africa’s early error that resulted in a goal for Mexico, Sithole’s red card further diminished their prospects of winning. Returning to Wolves next season, Jimenez nearly scored early on, but Williams made an excellent one-handed save.

At last, he scored with a strong header in the second half, demonstrating how much this goal meant to him as he celebrated with his colleagues.

  • Mexico are now unbeaten in their last seven World Cup curtain-raisers, winning six. They beat the Republic 3-1 at the 1998 World Cup in France, Croatia 1-0 at Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, and IR Iran 3-1 at the 2006 World Cup before a 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa in 2010. 

  • Mexico returned to the victory column with a 1-0 defeat of Cameroon at Brazil 2014 and Germany. A goalless draw with Poland followed at Qatar 2022 and a 2-0 win over South Africa in 2026 USA, Canada and Mexico. 

Venue: Mexico City Stadium
Attendance: 80,824