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South Africa

South Africa news

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MLS star Eustaquio sends Canada into World Cup round of 16

Canada's World Cup dream reached a new peak on Sunday as Stephen Eustaquio fired the co-hosts into the round of 16 for the first time in their history. The midfielder produced the defining moment at Los Angeles Stadium, smashing home a stoppage-time winner to settle a tense encounter with South Africa.

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

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

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 is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi South Africa 2026

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.

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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.

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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.