France to host Senegal in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Two-time World Champions France will play African giants Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 16, at MetLife Stadium. France, ranked third globally, faces Senegal, Africa's second-highest-ranked nation. Senegal previously defeated France 1-0 in their 2002 World Cup opener. France's Kylian Mbapp茅 has 12 World Cup goals, nearing Miroslav Klose鈥檚 record of 16, with his last 12 national team goals scored after the 30th minute. Senegal鈥檚 Isma茂la Sarr, fresh from winning the Conference League with Crystal Palace, has scored his nation鈥檚 first goal in seven of his last eight international scoring appearances.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadPrivate legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has voiced his extreme shock regarding the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from Ghana's Council of State. Speaking on Ghana Tonight on June 15, 2026, Kpebu highlighted that no public reason has been provided for her decision. He described Akuffo's appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, made in consultation with Parliament, as a significant boost to Ghana's democracy, anticipating she would offer independent counsel. Kpebu noted that her perceived independence, despite family ties to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and her appointment as Chief Justice during his administration, made her selection particularly impactful. He suggested that Mahama's choice of Akuffo indicated a readiness to receive candid advice on governance. Kpebu also praised Akuffo's willingness to openly express her views on national issues. Sophia Akuffo's resignation was announced on June 14, 2026.
Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has lost his appeal against a visa denial to enter Canada for Ghana's World Cup opener. His lawyers appeared before the Federal Court in Ottawa after his visa application was denied ahead of Ghana's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama. Court documents show an application for leave and judicial review was filed on June 15, 2026, under case number IMM-12882-26. Partey's lawyer argued that a not guilty plea had been entered regarding rape allegations, that the matter was still before the court, and that Partey was not subject to any travel ban, with his passport not seized and having been allowed to enter the US. The court rejected further affidavits from UK lawyers, ruling it improper to rely on late materials. Lawyers for the Canadian immigration authority argued a criminal conviction was not needed to justify the denial, but the judge questioned the precedent in Canadian law. After hearing arguments, the judge sided with immigration authorities and dismissed Partey's application.
Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has received a visa to participate in Ghana's World Cup opening match against Panama in Canada. This development follows his appearance before the Federal Court in Ottawa, where legal proceedings began regarding his initial visa denial. Court documents show that an application for leave and judicial review was filed on June 15, 2026, under case number IMM-12882-26, listed as an immigration case arising outside Canada, and was scheduled to be heard in Ottawa.