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FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders to benefit from prioritised U.S. visa appointments for travel to the United States

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FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders travelling to the United States are now eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).

During a landmark event at the White House attended by the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the White House Task Force and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the U.S. Department of State unveiled the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, FIFA PASS, for FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders attending matches in the United States.

This service gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritised visa interview.

The announcement represents a major milestone in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup underscoring the close collaboration between FIFA and the White House Task Force in delivering a truly groundbreaking global event.

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Following the announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “America welcomes the World. We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.”

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and the White House Task Force for their incredible support. The United States is set to welcome fans from around the world on an unprecedented scale, and we are preparing to ensure that football unites the world when the tournament kicks off in North America next June,” he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “The United States is offering prioritized appointments so FIFA World Cup fans can complete their visa interviews and show they qualify. The kick-off is coming up, so now is the time to apply. We’re honored to host the greatest and safest World Cup in history.”

Over six million tickets will be available for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to be held across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

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Fans who are in countries with available interview appointments and need a U.S. visa should apply with immediate effect at: FIFA World Cup 2026™ – United States Department of State. Further information regarding the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System will be shared with ticket holders in early 2026.

In addition, fans from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may be eligible to apply for visa waiver travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA).

Earlier this year, FIFA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat released a study outlined the substantial socioeconomic impact that the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to generate across the United States.

According to their estimates, the tournament will create 185,000 full-time jobs, deliver USD 30.5 billion in gross output, and contribute USD 17.2 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

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Police arrest five suspects, retrieve firearms and ammunition in Sapeiman operation

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The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested five people and retrieved firearms, ammunition and other offensive items during an intelligence led operation at Sapeiman Faase in the Greater Accra Region.

According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, the operation was carried out jointly with the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID) on July 17, 2026.

The Police identified the suspects as Torgbui Agah Semaglo, 50, Shadrach Agah Semaglo, 22, William Kweku Sedanu, 21, Cyril Kassenu, 26, and Kingsford Agah Semaglo, 18.

The Command said a search at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of a pump action gun, a Stoeger ST R9 pistol, a dummy Austria pistol, a jackknife, a face mask, 12 BB cartridges, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, one AK-47 round of ammunition, a talisman and two kitchen knives.

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It noted that all the items had been kept as exhibits to support investigations.

The Police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects were members of a criminal group involved in armed robbery and landguard activities.

It alleged that they used the recovered weapons to terrorise residents in Sapeiman and nearby communities.

The suspects are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts continue to determine their involvement in other robbery cases and related criminal activities. The Police also said it was working to identify and arrest any additional accomplices.

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The Accra Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing credible information that supported its work and urged residents to remain vigilant.

It encouraged the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Police emergency numbers, adding that it remained committed to protecting lives and property across the region.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Revised basic school curriculum to introduce coding, AI and TVET- Haruna Iddrisu

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The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that a revised national curriculum for kindergarten to junior high school will be presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday for further approval.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today, Mr. Iddrisu said the new curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum Assessment Agency (NaCCA) as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning at the basic education level.

According to him, the revised curriculum will be formally submitted to the Ministry before it is forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama. He added that it will then be sent to Cabinet and Parliament for consideration and approval.

Mr. Iddrisu said the revised curriculum is designed to support a “Smart Start” approach by strengthening the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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He explained that the government intends to introduce new subjects, including coding, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), into the basic school curriculum.

The Minister said the changes form part of the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with practical and digital skills needed to meet the demands of the modern world.

He expressed confidence that the revised curriculum would help prepare learners for future opportunities by integrating technology and innovation into education from the early years of schooling.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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