by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
With the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup well underway, qualified nations are stepping up preparations by confirming their official training bases and accommodation sites ahead of the global tournament.
The 23rd edition of the competition will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be co-hosted across sixteen cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As anticipation builds, several national teams have now settled on their base camp locations, where they will train and reside during the tournament.
Here are the confirmed team base camps as compiled by Sportsblog247.com:
Alexandria, Virginia – Croatia national football team
Austin, Texas – Saudi Arabia national football team
Boca Raton, Florida – Curaçao national football team
Boston, Massachusetts – France national football team
Charlotte, North Carolina – Scotland national football team
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Spain national football team
Chester, Pennsylvania – Ivory Coast national football team
Columbus, Ohio – Ecuador national football team
Greensboro, North Carolina – Norway national football team
Guadalajara, Mexico – South Korea national football team and Colombia national football team
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri – Argentina national football team, England national football team and Netherlands national football team
Morristown, New Jersey – Brazil national football team
Nashville, Tennessee – Japan national football team
New Tecumseth, Ontario – Panama national football team
Oakland, California – Australia national football team
Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Uruguay national football team
Bryant University, Rhode Island – Ghana national football team
Santa Barbara, California – Austria national football team and Qatar national football team
San Diego, California – Switzerland national football team
Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Germany national football team
With preparations intensifying, attention now turns to whether teams will allow fans access to open training sessions or player interactions at these camp sites. As the world’s biggest football tournament draws nearer, excitement continues to build across the host nations and beyond.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Fans of Galatasaray S.K. are organizing a touching tribute in memory of the late mother of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with a special choreography planned at Rams Park during an upcoming home match.
The large-scale display is expected to create an emotional atmosphere inside the stadium, as supporters aim to honor the Super Eagles forward and show their solidarity during a deeply personal chapter of his life.
Since his arrival in Istanbul, Osimhen has quickly won over the Galatasaray faithful with decisive goals, relentless energy, and a strong connection with the fans. His passion on the pitch and visible appreciation for the supporters have strengthened the bond between player and club.
According to sources within the supporters’ groups, the tribute is meant to acknowledge both Osimhen’s dedication to the team and the sacrifices his late mother made throughout his journey to the top. The Nigerian international has often spoken about her influence and the challenges she endured during his early years.
The planned gesture is expected to be a powerful and emotional moment, further highlighting the unity between Osimhen and the Galatasaray community — a relationship that continues to grow stronger both on and off the field.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian teenage forward Daniel Nunoo marked a memorable milestone in his young career by scoring his first senior goal for SK Rapid Wien in their Austrian Bundesliga clash against Wolfsberger AC.
The 19-year-old came off the bench to inspire the Green and Whites to a crucial win, calmly slotting home in stoppage time to secure all three points. Nunoo replaced Nikolaus Wurmbrand just after the hour mark and immediately injected energy into Rapid’s attack, using his pace and trickery to trouble the Wolfsberger defense on both flanks.
Ten minutes after his introduction, Rapid broke the deadlock through fellow substitute Matthias Seidl. Seidl later turned provider in the 92nd minute, delivering a precise cross that allowed the former Accra Shooting Stars youngster to roll the ball into the net and seal the victory.
The win lifted Rapid Wien to sixth place in the Bundesliga standings, narrowing the gap to four points behind leaders FC Red Bull Salzburg.
Nunoo has now made 11 league appearances this season, with his strike on February 21 marking his maiden goal at senior level. Since joining Rapid’s reserve side in 2024, the promising winger has steadily progressed into the first team and is becoming an increasingly valuable option for head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup.
His breakthrough performance signals a bright future ahead as he continues to make his mark in Austrian football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Sportsblog247.com reporter Atanga Emmanuel presents a detailed wrap-up of how Ghanaian players fared across Europe and beyond over the weekend, with goals, assists and crucial performances lighting up multiple leagues.
🇫🇷 France
In Ligue II, Augustine Boakye found the net for AS Saint-Étienne in their 2-1 victory over Laval. Teammate Ebenezer Annan also featured.
In Ligue 1, Terry Yegbe played for FC Metz in their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
Ghanaian duo Elisha Owusu and Gideon Mensah were involved for AJ Auxerre, while Kojo Peprah Oppong impressed for OGC Nice in their draw with Lorient.
🏴 England
In the Premier League, Antoine Semenyo played 87 minutes for Manchester City F.C. in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United F.C..
In the Championship, Brandon Thomas-Asante featured for Coventry City F.C., while Ibrahim Osman saw action for Birmingham City F.C..
🇪🇸 Spain
Iñaki Williams starred for Athletic Bilbao, while Thomas Partey featured for Villarreal CF. Joseph Aidoo completed the full 90 minutes for RC Celta de Vigo in their clean-sheet victory.
🇮🇹 Italy
Caleb Ekuban was on target for Genoa CFC in their emphatic win over Torino F.C., boosting his momentum ahead of international assignments.
Ibrahim Sulemana went the full distance for Cagliari Calcio, while Kamaldeen Sulemana featured for Atalanta BC.
🇩🇪 Germany
Derrick Köhn helped 1. FC Union Berlin secure victory, while Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer impressed for Hamburger SV. In Bundesliga II, Aaron Opoku found the net despite his side’s defeat.
🇦🇹 Austria
Daniel Nunoo scored for SK Rapid Wien, while Emmanuel Baidoo delivered a strong performance for FC Red Bull Salzburg.
🇧🇪 Belgium
Mohammed Fuseini impressed for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while Lawrence Agyekum featured for Cercle Brugge K.S.V..
🇺🇸 USA (MLS)
In Major League Soccer, Manu Duah completed 90 minutes for San Diego FC in a dominant win. Ronald Donkor also featured for New York Red Bulls.
Across Europe and beyond, Ghanaian players delivered impactful performances — from crucial goals to full-match displays. With World Cup qualifiers and major tournaments on the horizon, such consistent club form offers a major boost for the Ghana national football team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 23, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has stirred fresh debate in the English Premier League title race after tipping Manchester City F.C. to lift the trophy ahead of Arsenal F.C..
The ex-Togo international shared his view in a Facebook post highlighted by journalist Gary Al-Smith on February 22, 2026. After assessing the remaining fixtures for both sides, Adebayor expressed confidence that Pep Guardiola’s men will once again emerge champions, pointing to their experience and mentality during the decisive final stretch of the season.
Arsenal still have ten matches to navigate before the campaign concludes. Their schedule includes clashes against Chelsea F.C. (home), Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. (away), Everton F.C. (home), AFC Bournemouth (home), Manchester City (away), Newcastle United F.C. (home), Fulham F.C. (home), West Ham United F.C. (away), Burnley F.C. (home), and Crystal Palace F.C. (away). While several of these fixtures appear manageable on paper, the away encounter at the Etihad could prove pivotal in deciding the title.
Manchester City, under Guardiola, have built a reputation for relentless finishes, often stringing together long winning runs in the closing months. That late-season consistency has helped them overturn deficits in previous campaigns, and Adebayor believes history could repeat itself.
Despite the prediction, Arsenal supporters remain hopeful. The squad has demonstrated resilience, improved depth, and greater composure compared to previous seasons. Many believe the team has matured enough to handle the pressure of a tight title race.
With the season entering its decisive phase, every point carries enormous weight. Adebayor’s forecast has only intensified the spotlight on both clubs, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the Premier League campaign.
