World Cup Qualification CAF

World Cup Qualification CAF news

Infantino fires back over 'shameful' World Cup ticket prices

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again stepped in to defend the astronomical pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters who have labelled the costs as "shameful," the head of world football's governing body claims the move is a financial necessity.

World Cup trophy Christian Pulisic Edson Alvarez

World Cup 2026: Full list of qualified teams

GOAL breaks down all the confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, plus the teams who could soon be on their way.

Lewa, Donnarumma & 11 stars at risk of missing the World Cup

The final international window before the end of the 2025-26 club season is here. For most of the globe's traditional powerhouses, this month is about finetuning ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But not every team has the luxury of such forward planning, with several big-hitters still yet to punch their ticket to the tournament.

World Cup 2026 draw: Everything you need to know

The latest information on the World Cup 2026 draw, including the date, what to expect in terms of teams and pots, and how to watch.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock Is Unveiled In Mexico City

FIFA Play-Off Tournament: Everything you need to know

FIFA Play-Off Tournament — how it works, who qualifies, seeding, format, schedule and other key points you should know.

Nigeria head coach accuses DR Congo staff of 'doing voodoo'

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has accused rivals on DR Congo’s coaching staff of “doing voodoo” during a fiery penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. With emotions running high towards the end of an encounter that finished 1-1 after extra-time, Chelle has insinuated that Congo turned to dark arts in order to prevail.

📽️ | Mbeumo devastated after Cameroon's World Cup dream ends

Bryan Mbeumo cut a heartbroken figure after Cameroon's World Cup hopes collapsed in dramatic fashion, with the Manchester United star storming off alone after a stoppage-time defeat to DR Congo. The Indomitable Lions suffered a crushing 1-0 loss in the CAF play-offs, ending their bid to reach the 2026 tournament and leaving their talisman visibly emotional in the rain.

Nigeria players boycott training TWO days before crunch WC play-off

Nigeria players have boycotted training just two days before a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon. The squad have downed tools due to issues with outstanding payments and have demanded a resolution before their next game. The Super Eagles must beat Gabon in their play-off semi-final to have any chance of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification in the group phase.

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Scenes of utter jubilation as Cape Verde qualify for World Cup

Cape Verde became the second smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup after their 3-0 win over Eswatini guaranteed their spot at the tournament in North America in 2026. Watch the clip above as the full-time whistle sparked scenes of euphoria, both on the pitch and in the stands, with the players heralded as heroes after clinching a historic first qualification.

Cape Verde qualify for World Cup!

Cape Verde have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to punch their ticket into the iconic quadrennial tournament. The African nation, which has a population of just 524,000, beat Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to seal their progression to the finals next summer, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Five Premier League stars endure flight chaos on cracked plane

Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.

'Out of every $1,000 spent on global transfers, just 76 cents makes its way back to African clubs' - The Black Stars Podcast

In this episode we interview scouts, academy directors and players to reveal the successes and struggles of Ghana's football academies, their impact on the national team, and the consequences of Ghanaian players being shipped off to European clubs at a young age.

Nigeria & Benin reprieve as FIFA opens case against SA for fielding ineligible Mokoena

Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.

Mario Balotelli, Kobbie Mainoo, Cody Gakpo GFX 16-9

Balotelli, Mainoo, Gakpo and the superstars lost to the Black Stars

In the third episode of The Black Stars Podcast, we examine how diaspora players impact Ghana's football ambitions and the broader issues of identity, preparation and infrastructure that influence their decisions.

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Marmoush spotted on crutches with leg brace after knee injury

Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow just days before the Manchester derby after Omar Marmoush was spotted in a leg brace and on crutches following a knee injury sustained on international duty. The 25-year-old forward, a January signing who has quickly become a favourite under Pep Guardiola, suffered the problem in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

📽️ | Onana spotted violently shoving fan after costly mistake

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been filmed angrily shoving a fan after Cameroon's shock World Cup qualifying defeat to Cape Verde.

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Maradona Argentina vs Cameroon 1990 FIFA World Cup

Two FIFA World Cup matches that changed African football - 'It was incredibly unfair'

In this episode of The Black Stars Podcast we examine the rise, fall & renaissance of Ghana's national team and hear how two games changed everything for the continent.

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Marmoush ruled out of Manchester derby due to fresh injury

Manchester City have confirmed that Omar Marmoush will miss his side's clash with rivals Manchester United after picking up a knee ligament injury.

Grimsby Town v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Second Round

Onana branded 'worst GK alive' after Cameroon error

Andre Onana has been torn apart on social media after the Manchester United flop cheaply gave away a goal in Cameroon's 1-0 loss to Cape Verde.

2026 FIFA World Cup, Qualifier - South Africa v Nigeria

Nigeria compared to Man Utd after WC dreams left in tatters

Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles laboured to a draw against South Africa, leaving fans furious and making 'embarrassing' comparisons to Manchester United’s recent struggles. The result leaves Nigeria precariously placed in their group, with only one win in eight matches.

Morocco become first African nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco booked their place at the 2026 World Cup on Friday night with a big win over Niger.

Secret meetings, fake passports and a journey to 'hell' - The Black Stars Podcast Episode 1

In The Black Stars Podcast Nii Lamptey reveals the details of how as a 15-year-old he ended up playing in Europe for Belgian club Anderlecht.

The Black Stars Podcast - out now!

Why, with such an abundance of talent at home and across its diaspora, do Ghana’s Black Stars fall short on football’s biggest stages?

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman celebrate a goal for the Super Eagles

Massive test for Bafana as Nigeria name established stars for 2026 FIFA WC qualifiers

The two nations are set to renew their rivalry in the next couple of weeks when they face each other in search of a slot in the global competition.

'Benni & Co. brought nothing to the 2010 WC! If we sell players to Europe, PSL will be finished like SuperSport! He should focus on Kenya'

The Bafana Bafana legend claimed some Mzansi players are not interested in taking other challenges since they prefer playing at home.

Frequently asked questions

: Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.
: The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.
: Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.
: As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.
: Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.
: Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.
: Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.
: Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.
: Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.

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