South Africa news

WC26 Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Messi & Argentina?

The first two rounds of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures are in the books, and the tournament continues to provide plenty of thrilling moments. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

More votes than Messi! MLS All-Star Mbokazi gets ‘great’ billing

In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. Fellow countryman and MLS trailblazer Doctor Khumalo has told GOAL why the talented 20-year-old defender - who is now on 2026 World Cup duty - has become a global “ambassador for South African football” and remains on course to be “one of the greatest players” on the planet.

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Record-breaking Messi leads

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

South Africa vs Republic of Korea FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Comprehensive match preview of South Africa vs the Republic of Korea at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Czechia v South Africa: Group A - FIFA World Cup 2026

South Africa are still alive! Late Mokoena penalty earns draw with Czechia

A late, controversial penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena salvaged a crucial point for South Africa against Czechia, keeping their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. The 1-1 draw ensured that both nations remain firmly in the hunt for knockout stage progression.

South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Classic inspiration meets modern flair in South Africa’s 2026 kits.

South Africa star slapped with three-game ban

South Africa attacking midfielder Themba Zwane has been slapped with a three-match suspension by FIFA following his controversial red card during Bafana Bafana's opening 2026 World Cup defeat to Mexico. The severe punishment means the 36-year-old veteran will miss the remainder of the group stage, dealing a massive blow to Hugo Broos and his squad as they desperately seek progression.

Inside Brazil's Main Training Camp for FIFA World Cup 2026

Klopp criticises 'tactically poor' World Cup opener

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed the opening match of the 2026 World Cup as "tactically poor" despite co-hosts Mexico securing a 2-0 win over South Africa. The Red Bull Global Head of Soccer highlighted glaring defensive frailties and a bizarre flurry of red cards that marred the showpiece event at the Azteca Stadium.

Violent clashes mar Mexico's World Cup opening match

Violent clashes erupted outside the Estadio Azteca on Thursday night, marring the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City. Riot police deployed tear gas after coming under attack from projectiles, overshadowing co-hosts Mexico's subsequent victory on the pitch as long-standing local political tensions spilled over into the tournament's security perimeter.

Czech Republic vs South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Comprehensive match preview of Czech Republic vs South Africa at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Quiñones makes World Cup statement, Montes baffles with red card

Mexico made history in their World Cup opener, but Cesar Montes’ red card left a sour note. GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from El Tri’s 2-0 win.

Where to watch South Africa today?

Find out where to watch the South Africa national team throughout FIFA World Cup 2026.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Santiago Gimenez AC Milan 2025-26 new kit

World Cup ready? Why Gimenez struggled in goalless season

Santiago Gimenez failed to register a single Serie A goal for AC Milan during the 2025-26 campaign, with legendary Mexican striker Jared Borgetti explaining his fellow countryman’s struggles to GOAL. Despite enduring a tough time at club level, leading to inevitable transfer talk, the 25-year-old forward is still looking forward to starring at a home World Cup finals.

Jimenez milestone, Gutierrez rise: Five keys for Mexico’s WC opener

Mexico enter the World Cup opener unbeaten in 2026, with Raul Jimenez chasing a full-circle moment, Brian Gutierrez rising and Rafa Marquez’s role growing.

Betting spotlight

How to bet on the Premier League’s opening day fixtures

See more betting articles

South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch South Africa in the World Cup.

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Taste the 2026 World Cup through New York City's food culture

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups A, B and C, plus NYC restaurants where fans can watch matches and sample global flavors.

Top 10 World Cup 2026 away kits

Taking a look at the sharpest threads to feature at this summer's tournament.

Mexico vs South Africa: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

How to watch the World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa, as well as kick-off time and team news

From Gyan to Rodriguez - Remembering World Cup one-hit wonders

The World Cup has given many players the platform to shine brightly - and then fizzle out. GOAL looks at some of the best.

RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

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.