Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted that he found it strange how Queens Park Rangers played the final moments of their historic game against Manchester City in May 2012, adding fuel to a longstanding conspiracy theory peddled by Wayne Rooney that Manchester United were done out of the title. Sergio Aguero's last-ditch winner famously secured the title for City instead.
The Premier Soccer League side has found itself in FIFA's hot soup after failing to pay their all-time leading scorer, whom they controversially parted ways with in May. This is a huge blow for the club because the ban will deny them a chance to sign new players and strengthen in order to remain competitive. However, they have a chance of cleaning up the mess if they settle the money owed to the Zimbabwean star.
Due to the Mokoena suspension case, FIFA deducted Bafana's three points, putting their World Cup qualification in a very precarious position. However, South Africa eventually qualified despite the sanction coming in September, just before South Africa's final two critical fixtures. The star, who was at the centre of the controversy, has now opened up on how the issue affected him and his family.
The duo has been working effectively at the Soweto giants, hoping to end the Premier Soccer League drought that has lasted more than a decade, as well as winning other domestic competitions in South Africa. The former Morocco international has settled well in the team after succeeding Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who had served Bucs for three years.
Amakhosi will embark on a historical journey in the Confederation Cup after reaching the group stage for the first time in their history. However, they face tougher opponents that include former champions and Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC, as well as Zambian giants Zesco United. The Glamour Boys are expected to travel to Egypt for their group opening game against Al Masry on Sunday.
The 27-year-old has seemingly managed to focus solely on football after initial disciplinary breaches threatened to cut short his career. The versatile midfielder is currently one of the most important players on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad, as well as the senior South African men's national team under Hugo Broos.
With the three stars, Broos is arguably scratching his head on who he should pick or leave for the upcoming continental finals. The coach has already admitted he is set to make a tough decision that will be painful for the players. With an ambition of doing better than last time out in Ivory Coast, the Belgian must pick the best players at his disposal in order to realise that particular dream.
Mzansi football has been on the rise in the last couple of years, and last season was no different, as clubs reached the latter stages of CAF inter-club competitions. South Africa has also been doing well across all tournaments, which saw top players and teams get nominated for prestigious continental awards.
Germany needed only to avoid defeat to guarantee their 2026 World Cup spot when they faced Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena on Monday night. Following a sub-par campaign, which included a 2-0 loss in Slovakia back in September, Die Mannschaft booked their trip stateside in fine fashion as Julian Nagelsmann's side slaughtered the Falcons, easing to a 6-0 victory.
Santiago Giménez’s future at AC Milan has become increasingly uncertain, even though his contract runs through 2029. Local reports suggest the Mexican striker may be nearing the end of his spell at San Siro, drawing interest from several clubs across Europe - including a surprising contender in the Premier League with Sunderland.
Alejandro Zendejas’ standout form with Club América has put him on the radar of several MLS clubs. Fresh off a strong Apertura 2025, the USMNT winger is drawing interest from LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and the Portland Timbers, who see an opening to lure América’s top star back to the league where he began his career. The 27-year-old has five goals and three assists in 10 appearances this season.
Raúl Jiménez did not hold back after Mexico’s scoreless draw with Uruguay, calling out the Torreón crowd for repeatedly booing goalkeeper Raúl “Tala” Rangel and the rest of the squad. The Fulham striker said the atmosphere left the team “sad,” underscoring the growing disconnect between El Tri and its supporters.
Amakhosi have been told what to expect from the highly-rated youngster and it has been stated that he needs special treatment from the coaches. The starlet returned to Naturena in mid-October and is yet to make his highly anticipated Amakhosi debut. However, the teenager must pull up his socks if he has to get slots in the starting line-ups, given stiff competition at the club.
To boost the level of refereeing in the league, calls for the urgent implementation of VAR have intensified. The government's stance comes a day after the South African Football Association's new project leader for the VAR management team, Daniel Bennett, cautioned against VAR lite. SA lags behind in the implementation of this project, as countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have adopted the full VAR systems for their competitions.
Lorch has been an outstanding player for Wydad Casablanca, and in the last five games across all competitions alone, he has scored four goals. However, Broos insists he does not see any reason to have Nyoso, as the forward is known, in his squad. Lorch's omission has put Broos under criticism, although some have sided with him.
The experienced tactician is well-travelled continentally and overseas, where he has coached some top teams and won titles. He is one of the coaches who are highly rated in Africa owing to his achievements both at the Premier Soccer League giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly, where he won major titles.
The Glamour Boys captain has been one of the most important players for the Soweto giants in the ongoing 2025/26 season. They are not only chasing the Premier Soccer League crown, but are also in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Stellenbosch, who reached the semi-final last season.
The 73-year-old has been vocal about the importance of Mshishi, who, despite his advancing age, has been a key player for the national team. The Belgian is working on his squad for continental and global assignments scheduled for later this year, and the new one before officially retiring and focusing on other things.
The Super Eagles saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico fade away after losing 4-3 to the Leopards on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday night. The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with a tired-looking Nigeria side, who had played 180 minutes against Gabon in midweek, taking their foot off the pedal after making a promising start to the game, and Congo capitalising to take the match to extra-time before eventually winning on penalties.
Erling Haaland's quickfire brace secured Norway a superb 4-1 comeback win over Italy to fire his country to their first World Cup since 1998. The Manchester City talisman exploded into the game with two goals in as many minutes as they topped their World Cup qualifying group in style. If the striker can continue his prolific form in front of goal, he could be a huge threat at his first World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel says it gives off a "bad impression" when England players don't embrace the team's collective spirit after Jude Bellingham seemed to take exception to being substituted against Albania. The Real Madrid star returned to the starting lineup for the Three Lions' 2-0 win but was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the second half as the battle for the No.10 spot intensified.
Harry Kane believes England are "one of the favourites" to win next year's World Cup after his brace against Albania. The Three Lions secured a 2-0 win in Tirana to ensure they finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with eight wins out of eight. Now, the Bayern Munich star has sent a warning out to the other contenders for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Broos has been scratching his head over the injury crisis that has sidelined the Masandawana star. But now, his fears may fade away as he believes the stylish midfielder will offer him what he missed when Zwane is not available. The former Cameroon coach handed the Mzansi star a second chance, and the midfielder has not disappointed.
Brian Gutiérrez has become a top target for several Liga MX clubs this winter, as his newly obtained Mexican passport would allow him to play without occupying a foreign-player slot. GOAL previously reported that Chivas are preparing an offer for the midfielder, and now America and Monterrey - two of Liga MX's richest clubs - are also in the running.
This is a double blow for Bucs, who needed to win and extend their lead at the top of the table, and losing to their traditional rivals is something that they did not wish for. The loss means they have piled more pressure on themselves, especially with Sundowns lurking behind. Although the DDC champions have been struggling quite a bit, the win against Bucs is set to boost their morale as they fight to defend the title.
The Sea Robber was yet again given another start for Bafana Bafana, which is an indication that the coach has developed near total belief in him. With the AFCON finals drawing closer each day, this is good news for the defender who has faced stiff competition at club level. To succeed in AFCON, Broos will need a solid backline, and the larger pool of options means he has the luxury of picking the best.
Mokoena achieved the milestone in South Africa's game against Zambia, and the coach has taken some credit for that. The midfielder's achievement came months after his suspension cost Bafana three points in World Cup qualifiers. And given how central he is to Broos' plans, Mokoena is expected to get as many caps as possible so long as the Belgian is in charge.
Mexico and Uruguay played to a scoreless draw in a match that lacked clear scoring chances. Aside from a good opportunity for Gilberto Mora in the second half, neither Javier Aguirre’s side nor Marcelo Bielsa’s looked comfortable at TSM. It was a midfield-heavy, uneventful game that left Mexico fans frustrated - and saw Hirving Lozano exit with an injury.
Thomas Tuchel brings an “aura” which can give England a major advantage in their quest to win the World Cup next summer, according to Harry Kane. The Three Lions captain has opened up about what it is like to play under the German head coach, whom he previously worked with during their period together at Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Arsenal have been handed another blow in their pursuit of the Premier League crown after star defender Gabriel hobbled off with an apparent groin issue for Brazil. The centre-back was playing on home soil at the Emirates, in an international friendly against Senegal. In the second half, he went down in some discomfort and was subsequently taken off, looking furious.