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Manchester United duo Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have withdrawn from international duty with injuries, the club has confirmed.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.
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.
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.
In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.
Chaos is descending at Cameroon's Football Federation on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations. Two squads have been named for the tournament, with two managers both intending to lead the side forward to the finals. Marc Brys was sacked by FA president Samuel Eto'o but remains in a 'bitter feud' with the legendary striker, who he claims is 'narcissistic' and has put his own best interests over those of the nation.
Marc Brys has refused to acknowledge his sacking as Cameroon manager, instead naming his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The Belgian has been feuding with Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) president Samuel Eto'o and was recently dismissed from his post, but is staying resolute as he is yet to receive a proper termination notice.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has suffered another crushing blow after being left out of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid 2025-26 season, having lost his position as Manchester United’s No. 1 before being allowed to move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September.
Head coach Ruben Amorim says Manchester United will attempt to delay the departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations. The Portuguese is keen to keep hold of the trio for as long as possible as the Red Devils prepare for a hectic festive schedule which will see them play six Premier League games in December.
Karl Etta Eyong has been backed for a potential transfer to Barcelona, with the Cameroonian coach Marc Brys praising the Levante striker’s qualities. Viewed as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Eyong has impressed in La Liga and is now attracting interest from top European clubs.
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.
Bryan Mbeumo has revealed his stance on a potential Cameroon national team call-up for the African Cup of Nations in December as the winger is determined to avoid the club vs country row. The AFCON 2025 kicks off in the last week of December, while the players are expected to link up with their respective national teams two weeks before the competition commences.
Cameroon
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
