Match

One of the most outspoken critics of the national setup is Hugo Sánchez - arguably the greatest Mexican to ever play in Europe, a five-time Pichichi winner with Real Madrid. The legendary striker believes that Mexican federation leaders have halted the country’s football growth by withdrawing from Copa América and Copa Libertadores competitions.

Former Mexico international and ex-PSV and Real Betis player Andrés Guardado expressed concern about the current state of El Tri following their 4-0 loss to Colombia over the weekend. The retired midfielder believes Javier Aguirre’s side could face a tough World Cup campaign, insisting that “you can’t cover the sun with one finger.”

Harry Kane created England history during Tuesday's 5-0 win over Latvia, as the Bayern Munich striker scored more than one goal for the 13th time in his Three Lions career. His brace in Riga beat Nat Lofthouse's record of 12 times achieving the feat, and took the 32-year-old to 76 England goals in 110 appearances. The Three Lions' record goalscorer looks set also to become record appearance maker before too long.

Mikel Merino was Spain's difference-maker as the Arsenal star scored two headed goals to fire La Roja to an emphatic 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla. Debutant Atanas Chernev put through his own net to all but secure the result, before Mikel Oyarzabal struck home a stoppage-time penalty to round off the scoring. The result edges Spain closer to history, marking their 29th competitive game unbeaten - equalling the record of their world champion generation.

After a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday night, South Africa needed a win over Amavubi in Mbombela and hoped Nigeria would beat Benin in Uyo. Fate smiled on Hugo Broos’ side. The Belgian coach led Bafana Bafana to the global showpiece, marking their first successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 24 years.

The 60-year-old had both good and bad moments with the Glamour Boys during his slightly more than a year in charge. He broke their decade-long trophy drought but the Soweto giants league performances left a lot to be desired. And now, while the Amakhosi management has been commended for the brave decision they made in parting ways with the Tunisian, the club handlers have also been warned that more is needed for them to deliver consistently at the highest level.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made it clear that only players with mental toughness will make his roster for the World Cup, saying his project with El Tri isn’t for those who “can’t handle the heat.” Aguirre also addressed the goalkeeping situation, casting doubt on Luis Ángel Malagón’s status as the starter and saying the position is still up for grabs.

The new signing has been tipped to shine even more when he fully settles at the Chloorkop-based heavyweights. However, the midfielder's good start with his new club comes at a time when Masandawana are shaky and have just been eliminated from another competition.

Amakhosi will be on the road in the second preliminary round first-leg encounter against the Kolwezi-based side. Fans will be able to watch Chiefs live as they look to grab a first-leg advantage in Lubumbashi.

The Amakhosi goalkeeper, who created a storm when he refused to be substituted recently, has been backed and described in glowing terms. The Soweto giants have been asked to make a choice over the Rwandan because he either must play or leave, according to his coach.

Cape Verde became the second smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup after their 3-0 win over Eswatini guaranteed their spot at the tournament in North America in 2026. Watch the clip above as the full-time whistle sparked scenes of euphoria, both on the pitch and in the stands, with the players heralded as heroes after clinching a historic first qualification.

Nick Woltemade got the job done for Germany with a set-piece winner in the first half as the four-time world champions edged out Northern Ireland 1-0 to retain their position at the top of Group A in Europe's World Cup qualifying. The Germans lacked overall quality, as they had only four shots on target in the game and needed more creativity in the midfield.

The Glamour Boys are hoping to secure a vital win away in the CAF inter-club competition to stand a chance of advancing. The Soweto giants have had enough time to prepare for Africa's second-tier competition after getting past Kabuscorp in the previous preliminary round. The club has shared positive news ahead of the massive outing scheduled for this weekend.

After missing Argentina’s first friendly of the October window, Lionel Messi has rejoined the national team and could feature against Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The captain skipped the Venezuela match to play for Inter Miami but is now back in full training with Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

Cape Verde have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to punch their ticket into the iconic quadrennial tournament. The African nation, which has a population of just 524,000, beat Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to seal their progression to the finals next summer, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their quest to play in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, their win over the Cheetahs on Tuesday might be what Mzansi need to get their ticket; but of course, they need victory against the Eastern African nation in another Group C fixture scheduled for the same day.

Carlo Ancelotti insists Neymar remains in his plans for the World Cup next year, but has warned the Santos star that he must be fully fit to earn a recall to the final Brazil squad. The forward has not played for the Selecao since October 2023, in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, but Ancelotti says he could yet play a part in next summer's tournament.

Mzansi's hope of playing in the prestigious global competition hangs in the balance after their recent goalless draw against the Warriors. The Hugo Broos-led team plays the Eastern African nation aware that they can't drop any more points if they are to sustain their chances of representing the continent in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Glamour Boys have explained why they will host their continental rivals at a different venue for the return leg. The game against Simba will also mark Amakhosi's first engagement with opponents from DRC for a decade after playing AS Vita in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League in 2014.

The Warriors frustrated Bafana as the game ended in a goalless draw in a match that the latter needed nothing but three points. This is a game that the Super Eagles also keenly followed because they also wanted their rivals to slip in order to gain ground in the qualification race.

The Sea Robbers defender has been described as a shy figure and one who barely speaks for himself. However, his story on the pitch is different; he is an imposing figure who has become a dominant player for both the club and Bafana Bafana.

The former Polokwane City star had been linked with PSL heavyweights, but he ended up signing for the Sea Robbers. Amakhosi's former star now explains why a move to Naturena would not have worked for the winger.

Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has no regrets after being sent off for his wild celebration following his side’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, saying the emotion of the affair meant that his dismissal was “worth it”. The Blues boss was given his marching orders after running down the touchline to join in the euphoria at Stamford Bridge after Estevao Willian’s dramatic late winner.

Manchester United were mocked over social media as Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine goalscoring form since leaving the club in the summer. The striker found the back of the net once again in Denmark’s World Cup-qualifying clash with Greece on Sunday evening, having also made a brilliant start to life with Serie A champions Napoli following his departure from Old Trafford in September.

In-form striker Erling Haaland is on his way back to Manchester City after the Norwegian Football Association announced he has been released from international duty. Fresh from scoring a hat-trick to help his country take a major step towards qualifying for next summer's World Cup, the 25-year-old will not feature when Stale Solbakken’s men take on New Zealand in an international friendly.

The youngster joined the South American heavyweights as part of a collaborative partnership with his local club. He impressed during trials that lasted for two months before he was co-opted in a move that has been welcomed by those who developed him.

Amakhosi's bid to defend their title received another setback after they dropped points as their rivals, including Bucs, keep winning. Masandawana, on the other hand, were impressive as they outsmarted Usuthu to go just behind the Sea Robbers.

When the season began, Amakhosi looked like a solid and competitive outfit ready to challenge for more titles. However, they have been poor in recent games, and even their trophy-drought-ending coach has left, leaving untested assistants in charge.