Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, equalling Klose's World Cup goals record. Algeria were competitive without the ball but could not create enough. Petkovic's system faces its hardest possible opening test.
Sweden dismantled Tunisia 5–1 in a Group F opener that was over as a contest before half-time. Yasin Ayari's brace either side of the game — and two assists from Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres for each other — was devastating. Tunisia conceded five for the first time at a World Cup.
Mohamed Salah turns 34 today and faces the toughest possible birthday test. Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne and Lumen Field in Seattle. Egypt came through qualifying unbeaten. Belgium want to erase the memory of their 2022 group-stage exit.
Achraf Hakimi posted an emotional tribute to Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd, both ruled out of the World Cup with injuries. He said the squad would fight for them. Hours later, Morocco play Brazil. Here is the story behind the message.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca in the 2026 World Cup opener. Three red cards, heavy VAR involvement, and a Bafana side that unravelled. Here is what happened and what it means.
Ten African nations at the 2026 World Cup. A Somali referee banned from entering. Senegal searched on a tarmac. Fans unable to travel. And yet the players are here. Here is what this World Cup means and what it demands from African football.
Mexico vs South Africa opens the 2026 World Cup today at the Estadio Azteca. 80,000 fans. 16 years since Bafana were at a World Cup. Tshabalala scored against Mexico in 2010. Mofokeng is ready. Here is everything you need before kickoff.
The 2026 World Cup starts tomorrow. Ten African nations. The biggest continental contingent in history. Here is the morning-before state of play for each of them.
Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales in Cardiff. Yirenkyi scored on debut in the 66th minute. Koumas equalised in stoppage time. Ghana are winless in six. The World Cup starts in eight days. Here is the honest assessment.
Senegal beat Tanzania 4-2 on penalties in the U-17 AFCON final after a 1-1 draw. Tanzania led from the 7th minute. Ibrahima Dione equalised in the 64th. Tanzania's Issa Chole won Player of the Tournament. Here is the full story.
Tanzania have reached their first U-17 AFCON final in history, beating Egypt on penalties. They face Senegal on June 2 in Rabat. One of the AFCON 2027 host nations is one win from continental youth glory. Here is the full story.
The French media company that bought DStv is cutting costs aggressively and the PSL's TV rights deal is under threat. South African football's commercial foundation is more vulnerable than it has been in a decade. Here is what is at stake.
Hugo Broos named a 32-man Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Pirates and Sundowns have nine players each. Rayners is in after months out. Cupido is not. The final 26 are named Wednesday. Here is the full picture.
Sundowns face AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday in the CAF Champions League final second leg, leading 1-0. Kekana is back. They have never won in Morocco. Tagnaouti was outstanding in the first leg. Here is what Sunday requires.
Pitso Mosimane says the current Sundowns squad is better than the one he took to the 2016 title. He also wants CAF to scrap the away goals rule before Saturday's final in Rabat. Here is what he said and why it matters.
Sundowns travel to Rabat on Saturday for the CAF Champions League final second leg leading 1-0. They have never won in Morocco. Kekana is back. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is sold out. What happens next decides everything.
