The Betway Premiership title race may still be up for grabs, but the Tshwane giants are increasingly operating beyond the usual domestic rivalry. Despite surrendering their league crown last season, the Brazilians' achievements beyond the Premier Soccer League have strengthened their standing, with former star Anthony Laffor arguing that the club is now chasing ambitions far bigger than simply dominating South African football.
The six remaining places at the 2026 World Cup will be decided through two play-off tournaments, featuring the likes of Italy, Poland, Jamaica and DR Congo, among others.
Germany sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia, and former captain Lothar Matthaus believes the team can challenge the likes of England, France and Portugal for the title despite a shaky qualifying campaign and recent tournament struggles. The 1990 World Cup winner insists there is no reason for fear if the team maintains the intensity shown in Monday's win.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel had no problem accepting the playful chants directed his way by the Three Lions faithful during the 5-0 rout of Latvia on Tuesday evening. The head coach had criticised Wembley's dull atmosphere during the 3-0 win against Wales a few days earlier, prompting those who travelled to Eastern Europe to make their feelings clear from the stands.
As Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are on the brink of collapse, we look at key moments that led to the near-certain failure to qualify despite a campaign that seemed destined to end with the team competing in North America next year.
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