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Friendlies

Friendlies news

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.

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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.

FBL-FRIENDLY-MEX-URU

Mexico, Uruguay draw as Hirving Lozano leaves injured early

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.

Miles Robinson, USMNT

Robinson, Reyna point to late scuffle as positive for USMNT

Miles Robinson addressed the altercation that erupted at the end of the United States men’s national team’s 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, offering clarity on how a late throw-in dispute escalated into a bench-clearing confrontation. However, both Robinson and Gio Reyna said the scuffle ultimately reflected the team’s character and commitment to one another.

Brazil v Senegal - International Friendly

Ancelotti offers Arsenal apology after Gabriel injury

Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes limped out of Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal, with the Selecao head coach saying the defender now faces a painful wait to discover the severity of the injury. The Gunners centre-back could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an abductor complaint on Saturday evening.

Mohau Nkota, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

'SA won without Lorch & Chiefs! But Chaine & Ronza will disappoint vs Argentina'

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals draw closer, Bafana Bafana managed a morale-boosting victory against Zambia during a friendly match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. South Africa's win comes just days after head coach Hugo Broos found himself in yet another storm following his player selection. The Belgian overlooked in-form Thembinkosi Lorch and Amakhosi stars who have been brilliant in the season, but the win is set to cushion him from the pressure he has been dealing with.

Brazil Casemiro Estevao Gabriel

Casemiro dazzles but Gabriel suffers nightmare injury blow

Stunning first-half goals from Casemiro and Estevao capped a rampant display from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. The Chelsea youngster opened the scoring with a curled effort, before the veteran midfielder doubled the lead with a delectable touch and finish. However, there was bad news for the Gunners fans in attendance, as Gabriel limped off on the hour with what looked like a serious injury.

Brazil v Senegal - International Friendly

Arsenal fans livid as Gabriel picks up injury on Brazil duties

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.

Thembinkosi Lorch, Wydad AC, November 2025

Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo scrutinises as 'questionable' Broos' decision to sideline in-form Lorch

Competition for places in the South Africa squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is intensifying as the continental tournament draws closer. A number of players have recently emerged as strong contenders, widening the pool available to the coach. Their impressive performances at club level have sparked debates about who truly deserves a spot. One of them is a former Orlando Pirates star who has become a big subject of debate.

Benni McCarthy, Kenya, October 2025

McCarthy suffers defeat as Equatorial Guinea outshine Kenya's Harambee Stars

Kenya were initially set to face Madagascar and Comoros, but that was later changed, and Equatorial Guinea and Senegal were lined up as their opponents during the international break. After the defeat, the South African legend is expected to receive more criticism, especially after dropping the team's captain, Michael Olunga. Kenya will now dust themselves off before their next game against Senegal on Tuesday.

Frequently asked questions

Spanish dark horses Sevilla are currently the most accomplished club in Europa League history, winning the competition seven times. Los Nervionenses won their maiden title in 2006, beating Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final. They defended their crown in the next season, before completing a hattrick of wins in 2014, 2015, and 2016 under Unai Emery.

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams. Traditionally, all games were two-legged knockout ties. From 2004 to 2009, 40 teams competed. In the 2009-10 season, when the UEFA Cup was rebranded as the Europa League, a total of 48 teams featured.

Inter Milan legend Giuseppe Bergomi, with 96 appearances, holds the record of making the most Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) appearances in history.

If we consider goals scored in qualifying games and when it was the UEFA Cup, then Swedish icon Henrik Larsson leads the charts with 40 goals. However, without qualifying games taken into account, it's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is Europa League's top goalscorer ever with 34 goals.

Sparta Prague legend Borek Dockal has the most assists in Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) history. Dockal made an impressive 24 assists in 62 games in the competition.

Ratko Svilar is the oldest player to ever have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup), with the former Antwerp man taking to the pitch at the age of 44 years and 130 days.

Former Swedish striker Roger Lindevall is the youngest player to ever appear in a Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup) game. Lindevall was just 15 years and 335 days when he came on as a substitute for Djurgardens IF in their 2-1 win over Feyenoord on September 29, 1976.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cristiano Ronaldo, Granit Xhaka, Rui Patricio, Giuseppe Bergomi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Dimitri Payet, and Florian Wirtz are among the most famous players to have featured in the Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup).

Unai Emery, Jose Mourinho, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Giovanni Trapattoni, Franz Beckenbauer, and Diego Simeone are some of Europa League's (formerly the UEFA Cup) most famous managers ever.