2026 FIFA World Cup

WCQ 26 : Jordan Ayew masterclass inspires Black Stars to victory over Central Africa Republic

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

Jordan Ayew’s hat trick spurred the Black Stars on to victory over Central African at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The home side started brightly and got rewarded for their efforts as Fatawu Issahaku racing out on goal was fouled by Sadock Ndobe with referee Ahmed Abou adjudging it as a penalty.

Jordan Ayew making his 103th appearance in a Black Stars jersey stepped up confidently to score for the host Lawrence Ati-Zigi will be in post flanked by Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu for the back four.

Thomas Partey will lead the side yet again as he’s partnered in midfield by Abdul Salis Samed.

Geoffrey Kondogbia eye eye-catching pass found Louis Mafouta sandwiched between Mohammed Salisu and Djiku to slot one past the helpless, goalkeeper Zigi for the equalizer in the 11th minute.

With four minutes to end the first half, Louis Mafouta got on to Isaac Solet’s pass which the Black Stars defense made up off, Djiku, Salisu, and Mensah made a mess from which he scored his brace on the night.

In the 60th minute, Gideon Mensah whose inch-perfect cross found the bald head off Jordan Ayew sumptuously nodded in the much-anticipated equalizer beyond goalkeeper, Youfeigane.

Two minutes later, a nice intricate passing involving Kamaldeen, Jordan, and Partey saw Fatawu score a beauty to send the home fans into rupture cheers.

Jordan bundled home his hatrick after Seidu and Kudus combined effortlessly on the flanks in the 69th minute.

Louis Mafouta last last-minute free kick was not enough for his side as they lost to the Black Stars.

After four rounds of games, sit at the apex with 9 points followed by Madagascar, and Comoros with 6 points respectively.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Full list of 2026 FIFA World Cup award winners

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

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

2026 FIFA World Cup

Ferran Torres stabs 10-man Argentina deep in extra time

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

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.

2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup : England battle Argentina for final spot

Published

3 months ago

July 15, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

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.

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).

The game is billed to be watched by millions around the world.

2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup : France vs Spain

Published

3 months ago

July 14, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

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.

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.