Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
We are now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams having made their way to North America with dreams of glory driving them. All of the pre-qualifying favourites made it safely through, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
Andre Onana has been told why a permanent transfer away from Manchester United needs to be arranged this summer, with the Cameroonian goalkeeper being informed by fellow countryman Eric Djemba-Djemba that demanding fans in England “don’t care” about second chances. A number of costly mistakes across two seasons at Old Trafford have led to Onana suffering a loss of confidence and heading out on loan.
Manchester United are in the market for midfield reinforcements, and Eric Djemba-Djemba has explained to GOAL why Brighton star Carlos Baleba would be a “good signing” for the Red Devils. A man that once operated in the engine room at Old Trafford has also explained where his fellow Cameroonian can improve, with Bruno Fernandes being used as a source of inspiration.
Manchester United duo Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have withdrawn from international duty with injuries, the club has confirmed. The pair have been crucial to the Red Devils' recent turnaround, helping to fire Michael Carrick's side up to third in the Premier League, but will now spend the March break at home rather than represent Slovenia and Cameroon respectively.
In a wide-ranging blog interview, the former AFCON winner revealed his views on the tournament's semi final stage, the battle between Mane and Salah, the upcoming final and picks his standout players.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally opened disciplinary proceedings following a series of ugly incidents that marred the quarter-final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Officials have confirmed that investigations are underway regarding "unacceptable behaviour" from players and staff during the high-profile clashes involving the hosts, Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria.
Two Manchester United players faced off in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday, with Noussair Mazraoui's Morocco knocking out Bryan Mbeumo's Cameroon 2-0. Despite the disappointment for the former Brentford forward, Cameroon's elimination provides a timely boost for the Red Devils, who will be pleased to once again be able to call on Mbeumo's services.
The hosts put up a dominant display on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat, sending their opponents home after collecting a narrow 2-1 win over Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana in the Round of 16 fixture. The Atlas Lions, who possess a massive quality, are chasing their first continental glory since 1976.
The AFCON groups 2025 are set, and each is bound to have upsets and surprises. Stay tuned to see real expert predictions on the potential outcome of each group.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages ended on a high note with heavyweights taking the centre stage in the North African country of Morocco. In the four games that were played, 14 goals were scored, with the defending champions, The Elephants, scoring the most as they finished top in their pool.
South Africa discovered their opponents following the last round of group stage matches on Wednesday. The 1996 African champions will battle it out with the Indomitable Lions this weekend, with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake.
Amad Diallo hailed Manchester United team-mate Bryan Mbeumo as a "good lad" after the pair swapped shirts following their Africa Cup of Nations clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon. The former scored a brilliant goal as the two African heavyweights played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday as both nations inched closer to the knockout stages of the competition.
Manchester United star Amad Diallo scored a stunning goal but his Ivory Coast side were held to a 1-1 draw with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. The United wing-back, who lined up against club team-mate Bryan Mbeumo, scored his second goal of the competition for the tournament holders but their lead was short-lived when Junior Tchamadeu's deflected effort came just six minutes later.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has outlined his ambition to become the "best midfielder in the world" as he looks to lead Cameroon to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Brighton and Hove Albion ace has named several stars who he is studying closely in his attempts to be regarded as one of the greatest players in his position.
Cameroon
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