2026 FIFA World Cup
Carlos Queiroz denies external influence in Black Stars squad selection
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has squashed claims of external influence in selection of players for the Black Stars.
Ahead of the international friendly game against Wales, the Portuguese tactician subjected himself to numerus questions from journalist.
One question that drew a lot of keen interest was whether he his squad selections was influenced by higher authorities.
READ MORE : World Cup 2026: Derrick Luckassen replaces Alexander Djiku in Ghana’s squad
He remarked, “Look at me nicely, look at me nicely again, and you are going to have the answer to your question,” he said with a grin.
“You see my answer? You don’t see me smiling? That’s my answer to you.” Queiroz’s response
It remains unknown whether he was affirming or denying the wide spread rumours of purported external influence.
READ MORE : ”I feel pressure ” – Queiroz admits as Black Stars coach
The Cardiff City Stadium will see Wales host the Black Stars of Ghana on Tuesday at 6:45 pm
Spain defied the working template to post a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium to claim the title for the second time in the country’s history.
Sixteen years ago, they celebrated their first sniff at the World Cup in South Africa over the Netherlands.
In the aftermath of the competition, several individuals were honoured for their outstanding display, notable was Spain trio, Rodri, Cubarsi, and Unani Simon.
Spain midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player after playing a pivotal role in his side’s title-winning campaign.
France captain Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals in eight matches, becoming the first player to win the World Cup’s top scorer award at consecutive tournaments. He also extended his record as the men’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 22 goals.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove after helping his side concede just one goal during the tournament. He also set a World Cup record by going 650 consecutive minutes without conceding.
Spain defender Pau Cubarsí was named the Best Young Player following a series of impressive performances that helped anchor La Roja’s defence throughout the tournament.
The Netherlands won the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Full list of 2026 FIFA World Cup award winners
- Champions: Spain
- Runners-up: Argentina
- Third place: England
- Fourth place: France
- Golden Ball (Best Player): Rodri (Spain)
- Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Kylian Mbappé (France)
- Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Unai Simón (Spain)
- Best Young Player: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
- FIFA Fair Play Award: Netherlands
Spain continued their impressive streak to beat ten-man Argentina at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in the USA.
Barcelona winger Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to help the Spanish side to their second World Cup triumph after sixteen years.
Following wins over Austria, Portugal, and Belgium, the only hurdle left to complete an impressive winning streak was Argentina, and they made it worth their while as they took the La Albiceleste to the cleaners in front of a teeming Blue Army of fans at the stadium.
Spain’s approach was patient, careful, and tidy. They played 20 shots to two from Argentina.
Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emi Martínez, made a series of superb saves from shots from Lamine and Nico Williams to keep his team in the contest.
Nico and Ferrran combined to give Spain the much-needed win in the extra time to help the Spanish side to their second World Cup triumph after sixteen years.
A battle for supremacy awaits us as England and Argentina clash for a sixth time in this competition, with a spot in the final up for grabs.
Bar the goalless draw game against Ghana, England have been sweet on the eye and a touch of class on the field under the supervision of Thomas Tuchel.
The German is in line to become the first foreign manager in 48 years to reach the World Cup final, while England haven’t reached that stage since winning the trophy in 1966, falling at the semi-final in both 1990 and 2018.
READ MORE : Carlos Queiroz stays on Blackstars head coach
Defending champions Argentina have won all six games at this World Cup – and their last 12 at the finals overall – but have had to dig deep to navigate the knockout rounds.
Lionel Scaloni’s men saw a second consecutive game marred by refereeing controversy as they needed extra time to see off ten-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals, making them the competition’s top scorers ahead of the semi-finals (17).
READ MORE :2026 FIFA World Cup : France vs Spain
The game is billed to be watched by millions around the world.
Two super heavyweights of European football, France and Spain, will go head-to-head in the semi-finals for a spot in the finals.
For the 2018 World Cup team, France has yet to hit a snag, strolling through the park with easy wins against Sweden (3-0), Morocco (2-0), and others.
Captain Mbappé has lived by example, scoring six goals to carry Les Blues to the semi-finals, aided by Dembélé, Olise, and Rabiot, who weighed in on the goal-scoring responsibilities.
READ MORE : Carlos Queiroz stays on Blackstars head coach
France will rely on the speed of Mbappé, the experience of Dembele, and the trickery of Olise to weave magic in the final third of the pitch, physicality in midfield, and defensive solidity.
Meanwhile, Spain had it all to do against Cape Verde, who infamously held the former World Cup giants to a goalless draw in the opening.
This propelled them to beat Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium to get to the semi-finals.
Spain’s technical superiority will be tested in the game; it remains to be seen if they will be able to make full use of their high pressing abilities with the likes of Yamal, Baena, Olmo, and others.
This game has all to play for as it will take place at the Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
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