The South Africa senior national team coach has named his squad for the upcoming international friendly against Zambia, maintaining much of the core that featured in recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game against Chipolopolo will take place at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 14. Once again, Thembinkosi Lorch has been left out, extending his long spell away from the national team setup. The continued exclusion of the former Orlando Pirates star and Broos comments on the situation likely mean his international future under the Belgian tactician is in serious doubt.
The senior men's national team has been on the rise for the past few years as the Belgian tactician continues to tick the right boxes. The 73-year-old has a wide pool of players to make his squad for international competitions, with just a few guaranteed their place ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December.
Mexico have revealed the jersey they’ll wear at the 2026 World Cup, marking a return to the traditional green that fans have long associated with El Tri. Inspired by the nation’s cultural roots, the kit features subtle Aztec motifs and will debut on Nov. 15 against Uruguay in Torreón - months before Mexico open the tournament on home soil.
The 22-year-old winger is fast emerging as one of the brightest young talents in South African football, the way the likes of Mohau Nkota, Mbelezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng rose. His Abafana Bes'thende coach believes it’s only a matter of time before he earns a Bafana Bafana call-up and sees him as a player who can go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The player has just won two PSL awards as he currently enjoys some terrific form.
In the last couple of years, Mzansi football has been growing to great heights, starting from the Premier Soccer League all the way to the national team for both men and women. The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has awarded the players for what they have achieved in the recent past across all competitions.
The former Sea Robber star linked up with the former Bucs' defender even though he had attracted interest from an ex-Kaizer Chiefs head coach. In his new club, the coach is ready to help him get back to his top-level form after battling injuries for a long period.
Given the profile he has created as a dependable Sea Robber, Relebohile Mofokeng's absence has been conspicuously noted, with some raising questions. He is yet to step on the pitch since he was injured during a Premier Soccer League match against Siwelele FC on October 4.
The two Moroccan heavyweights played against each other on Wednesday night at the Mohammed V Stadium in the top tier. Either side could have gone top of the table with maximum points, but chances went begging with both teams failing to get the ball in the back of the net.
Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola says El Tri are aiming to face Portugal in the long-awaited reopening of Estadio Azteca, with only a few technical details left to finalize. He also confirmed plans to take the national team to Central America as part of its 2026 World Cup preparations. Mexico have already faced opponents from Asia and South America in their buildup.
Mexico’s poor results during the recent FIFA window sparked criticism of several players, including Toluca forward Alexis Vega, who has been questioned for his lack of impact. His club coach, Antonio Mohamed, defended him and expressed confidence that Vega will prove his worth when the 2026 World Cup arrives. The former Chivas player was booed by fans.
Brazil international Paulo Henrique joked that he is trying to help Vasco da Gama lure Tottenham and Newcastle stars to the Serie A from the Premier League. The 29-year-old winger made the light-hearted confession after Brazil’s embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, a friendly that went from cruise control to complete calamity in the second half.
The results didn’t go Mexico’s way under Javier Aguirre during this FIFA window. El Tri had a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Colombia at AT&T Stadium and then drew 1-1 with Ecuador in Guadalajara - two potential World Cup opponents. Despite that, San Diego FC winger Hirving Lozano offered a positive assessment and highlighted some encouraging signs.
Manchester City star Oscar Bobb has been on the receiving end of a brutal assessment from Norway manager Stale Solbakken after an underwhelming performance in the recent draw to New Zealand. The Scandinavian side drew 1-1 with the All Whites, with RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa rescuing the game in the 62nd minute after going behind.
“Complicated” is the best word to describe this FIFA window for Javier Aguirre and the Mexican national team. El Tri wrapped the October break with a 4-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. As Mexico looks ahead to November’s friendlies against Uruguay and Paraguay, Aguirre is expected to present a clearer idea of his World Cup squad.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi provided two assists in the 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, reaching 60 total to surpass Neymar (58) and Landon Donovan (58) as the top assist-maker in men’s international football history. Messi is also just two assists away from 400 in his professional career. Argentina wrapped up their U.S. tour with another dominant performance in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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.”
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.
U.S. international Auston Trusty says he’s in some of the best form of his career, even after missing out on several national team call-ups. Determined to prove he deserves a spot among the U.S. centerbacks, Trusty - appearing on GOAL's The Rondo - noted positive differences between USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and former boss Gregg Berhalter.
Brazil surrendered a two-goal lead as a complete second-half collapse resulted in a humiliating 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side had looked supremely comfortable at the break courtesy of fine strikes from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but they conspired to throw away their advantage - crumbling under pressure from their spirited hosts. The second defeat of his tenure already, Ancelotti has his work cut out as preparations for the 2026 World Cup ramp up.
Lionel Scaloni has shut down speculation linking Roma forward Matias Soule with a potential switch to Italy, calling such talk “impossible”. The Argentina boss made it clear that the 21-year-old remains firmly in his plans for the Albiceleste. Scaloni hailed the youngster’s growth at Roma and described him as Argentina’s “future” ahead of their friendly against Puerto Rico.
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.
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