American men’s national team eyes World Cup glory, preparing for the Paraguay match
Pakinomist Chief Correspondent Jonathan Hunt provides an update on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, live from Los Angeles Stadium. He profiles the US national team as they prepare for their upcoming match against Paraguay and discusses their potential to win the coveted trophy. Hunt shares his insight into the team’s performance, highlighting their attacking strength and areas for improvement.
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One of the stars of Ghana’s World Cup squad will be absent for the tournament opener in Canada after being denied entry into the country.
Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal, who now plays for Villarreal in La Liga, is currently facing seven counts of rape, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been rejected by the Canadian government,” FIFA said in a statement via The Athletic.
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Thomas Partey of Ghana plays during the international friendly match between Wales and Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on June 2, 2026. (Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images)
“FIFA is not involved in host countries’ immigration processes, including the granting of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately decides who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Five of the charges were laid last July by the London Metropolitan Police, and two more came earlier this year.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he selected Partey for his World Cup squad while he awaits trial.
Queiroz cited a presumption of innocence for Partey, criticized the snap judgments of modern social media and waxed philosophical in comments late Monday ahead of a warm-up game in Wales.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey leaves Southwark Crown Court in London after his hearing on April 13, 2026. Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal, was charged in February with two more counts of rape. (Toby Shepheard/AFP via Getty Images)
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“Let events take their normal course, let the river flow and one day when the river meets the sea we will find the truth,” said Queiroz, a veteran coach heading for his fifth straight World Cup after leading his native Portugal and Iran at previous editions.
Ghana will open its tournament on Wednesday against Panama in Toronto. Ghana will next face England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and then on June 27 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Thomas Partey of Ghana reacts during the international friendly match between Germany and Ghana at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany on March 30, 2026. (Mika Volkmann/Getty Images)
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Partey is accused of raping four women from 2020 to 2022.
