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Friendlies

Friendlies news

Sipho Mbule, Bafana Bafana, December 2025

The Irresistible Mbule powers Bafana past stubborn Ghana ahead of AFCON

For South Africa, the duel carried more weight, as it is their final friendly game before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. For Ghana, who will not be part of the AFCON competition, the match was meant to sharpen them for the African Nations Championship qualifiers. With some players not available yet, Hugo Broos gave stars like Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane starting chances.

Masindi Nemtajela and Soso Mukoko, Orlando Pirates vs Lupopo

Nemtajela puts AFCON appearance behind him and redirects to what lies ahead

The 24-year-old has experienced a career-changing run in the few months since joining the Sea Robbers, winning the MTN8 Cup and, more recently, the Carling Knockout Cup. After showcasing impressive form for his club, earning a call-up for the Zambia international friendly clash, and making it to the preliminary South Africa squad, there were hopes he would be part of the travelling team to Morocco—but that did not materialise.

Mexico v Paraguay - International Friendly

Mexico confirm friendlies against Portugal and Belgium

Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Bucs' Bafana dominance draws praise from Ouaddou

The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month. They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.

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Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT

'Not the janitor!' - Pochettino snaps at USMNT rotation question

Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after being quizzed on his apparent penchant for rotating the USMNT, with the angry Argentine suggesting that said press conference should be restarted as he is “not the janitor” in North America and stands by every decision that he makes. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach was stunned by the line of questioning after a statement win over Uruguay.

Mexico v Paraguay - International Friendly

Aguirre calls out Mexico's players after 2-1 loss to Paraguay

Mexico closed 2025 with another setback - and another chorus of boos - after a 2–1 loss to Paraguay in San Antonio. Following the defeat, Javier Aguirre delivered one of his bluntest critiques yet, questioning both the individual and collective level of his squad. Winless in six straight, the coach acknowledged that Mexico remain well short of where they need to be ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Estevao Willian Carlo Ancelotti Brazil

Ancelotti explains why he ordered Estevao to give up Brazil penalty

Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he ordered Estevao Willian to hand Brazil's second penalty to Lucas Paqueta in the draw against Tunisia, with the West Ham star's subsequent miss proving costly for the Selecao. The five-time world champions squandered a host of chances throughout the 90 minutes as they limped to a 1-1 draw against the African nation in their final international match of 2025.

United States v Paraguay - International Friendly

WATCH: Berhalter nets first U.S. goal, assists Freeman

U.S. international Sebastian Berhalter delivered an impressive opening spell in the Americans’ friendly against Uruguay, scoring his first national team goal from a well-placed set piece in the 17th minute. Minutes later, he set up Alex Freeman for his first international goal, assisting on a driven header to give the U.S. an early boost.

Benni McCarthy, Kenya, October 2025

Benni humiliated! Liverpool legend grabs hat-trick as Senegal embarrass ex-Man United coach

The South African legend is in the headlines for grim reasons after overseeing what is now the worst result of his coaching career. The humbling defeat to the Teranga Lions has intensified scrutiny on him and left the former FC Porto forward facing a massive task of managing and repairing a dented reputation. Also pressing is the need to regain the trust of the Kenyan football public.

Mexico v Uruguay - International Friendly

Jiménez blasts Torreón crowd following boos toward El Tri

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.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

Broos’ squad decisions to rock Bafana

The South African men’s senior national team took things to the next level over the past weekend, defeating Zambia 3–1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a friendly encounter. Courtesy of goals from Oswin Appolis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole sealed an impressive outing — a performance that left most of the home crowd happy and eager for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. However, for the man at the helm, there remains room for improvement within the squad he will take to the prestigious competition. This leaves him with a selection dilemma: having to drop some players while entrusting others to rise to the challenge.

Meschak Elia, DR Congo, November 2025

Nigeria set to miss back-to-back World Cups as DR Congo secure inter-confederation playoffs spot

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.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

Messi asked for selfie by his own Argentina team-mate!

Lionel Messi was asked for a selfie by his own team-mate during Argentina's latest camp, while he swapped shirts with a rival that he nutmegged on two occasions while helping to deliver a 2-0 victory over Angola. The eight-time Ballon d’Or showed once again before and after that contest why he remains a star attraction, with everybody wanting a piece of him.

Sipho Mbule, South Africa

Ex-Chiefs star hails Pirates' Mbule for proving ‘a lot of people wrong’ after delivering a MOTM performance

The ‘Master Chef’, as the Buccaneers star is fondly known, delivered a masterful display in Bafana Bafana’s 3–1 triumph over Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, November 15. Pulling the strings in midfield, he supplied two crucial assists and showcased vision, creativity, and influence in a commanding team performance that thrilled an energetic home crowd in Gqeberha.

Brazil v Chile - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Ancelotti tells Chelsea they are 'lucky' to have Estevao

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea that they are 'lucky' to have a player like Estevao Willian after the teenager dazzled with a goal in the Selecao's 2-0 win over Senegal in an international friendly on Saturday. The Blues wonderkid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro were on target as the five-time world champions secured the victory.

United States v Paraguay - International Friendly

'We're a better team' - Meola praises Reyna’s impact

Tony Meola reacted to Gio Reyna’s showing in the USMNT’s 2-1 win over Paraguay, praising his goal and chance created and noting his importance to the team despite lingering fitness questions. He said Reyna should be encouraged by the performance, which marked a strong return after a long spell away. The 22-year-old played 75 minutes on Saturday.