24, June 2026
World Cup: England held by Ghana in goalless Group L stalemate 0
England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still to do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.
Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts about their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.
They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at Gillette Stadium near Boston.
Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.
In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.
However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need to do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attention to the knockout rounds.
England have still never lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.
Ghana nevertheless battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display.
Partey plays, Kane quiet
The late decision by the Black Stars to appoint Carlos Queiroz as coach is looking increasingly justified, with this result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarter-finalists face Croatia next in Philadelphia.
Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa – the former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK.
Asare of local side Hearts of Oak started in goal for the Ghanaians after coming on for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi against Panama.
England’s inability to regularly test him will be a source of concern, as Harry Kane was kept quiet and failed to add to his 10 World Cup goals – he remains level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to make the difference on the wings and their substitutes could not, this time, have a decisive impact.
Jude Bellingham won his 50th cap as Marc Guehi and Djed Spence replaced John Stones and O’Reilly in defence.
A Declan Rice free-kick that sailed just over was about as close as England came in the opening half. In fact, it took almost an hour for Asare to make a notable save, but it was a comfortable one to deny Gordon.
Ghana may feel Jordan Pickford should have been punished for charging out of his box and crashing into Prince Adu without touching the ball – but instead the goalkeeper was awarded a free-kick.
There was also panic for England when substitute Adu ran through into the area but could not get a shot away.
Then the pressure was turned up a notch in the closing minutes, as Asare denied Bukayo Saka with a good stop low to his left before O’Reilly headed against the woodwork from close range and Kane blazed over.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)






















25, June 2026
Yaoundé: 13 arrested over alleged human trafficking network 0
Cameroonian authorities have arrested 13 suspects accused of operating a human trafficking network, the National Gendarmerie announced on Monday.
Fiacre Kisito Atangana, deputy director of central coordination at the National Gendarmerie, said investigations were launched in early 2026 following a surge in complaints related to suspected trafficking activities.
The investigation led security forces to dismantle a criminal network that allegedly recruited victims through online advertisements disguised as employment and business opportunities, Atangana told reporters in the capital, Yaoundé.
According to the official, the network primarily targeted students, unemployed young people and individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Investigators have identified hundreds of victims, with more than 6,000 people found to have registered through the scheme across several cities in Cameroon, he said.
Atangana added that the suspected ringleaders are based in Malaysia but maintain operational links across Central and West Africa.
Warning that human trafficking cases are on the rise, Atangana urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Source: Xinhuanet