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Friendlies

Friendlies news

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana

Standards set for Chipolopolo warm-up encounter

The South African senior men’s national team is set to host Zambia in an international friendly on Saturday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Belgian manager will be expecting nothing less than a convincing performance from his side, who are brimming with confidence after recently securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup. With the Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching in December, Bafana will be eager to maintain their momentum and correct the mistakes of their previous campaign, where they fell short in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout defeat to Nigeria.

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Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates

Broos hints Mofokeng might miss AFCON squad

The 21-year-old has been struggling for consistency at Orlando Pirates since the start of the season. With South Africa preparing for the biennial continental competition, the 73-year-old former Cameroon tactician has refused to guarantee the versatile attacker a place in his squad with barely a month before he names his final team.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana, October 2025

FIFA slaps Mbokazi with heavy sanctions after Bafana incident

From making his professional debut for the Buccaneers in March 2025 to earning his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up three months later, the 20-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The defender has dished out performances, and with the kind of maturity beyond his years. His rapid rise has become one of South Africa's feel-good football’s most exciting breakthroughs of 2025. But just as he enjoyed being at the top of his game, he has now found himself in hot water with the world football governing body.

Ronwen Williams, South Africa, October 2025

Sundowns goalkeeper and Bafana captain Williams nominated for prestigious FIFA award again

The recognition of a South African footballer by the world football governing body, especially one plying his trade in the Premier Soccer League, proves the quality of the domestic league. Such acknowledgement could show how the PSL has earned respect on the global stage and reinforces the local league's case as one of Africa’s most competitive football competitions.

Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana Bafana

Bafana legend picks the man he believes 'is someone that can be trusted' as Broos' successor

Major technical changes are expected to take place within the South Africa setup next year, ushering the dawn of a new era for the national side. SAFA might need to begin the process of appointing a new coach to ensure continuity, stability and long-term planning. That is seen as crucial to maintaining the momentum the team has built in recent years under the outgoing Belgian coach.

Mauricio Pochettino, Gio Reyna

Reyna, Pepi return to USMNT for friendlies, but no Pulisic

Gio Reyna, Joe Scally and Ricardo Pepi are back in the U.S. men's national team squad for upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday announced his roster for the final two friendlies of 2025, and it doesn't include Christian Pulisic, who headlines a list of USMNT stars who have been dealing with injuries.

Thembinkosi Lorch, Wydad Casabanca, October 2025

Broos on Lorch at 2025 AFCON - 'I don't see any reason to take him'

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.

GIMENEZ

Mexico return to iconic green with Aztec-inspired WC kit

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.

Themba Zwane, Hugo Broos of Bafana Bafana

Not Mbule or Maswanganyi! Zwane's Bafana replacement identified ahead of 2025 AFCON

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.

Santi Gimenez, Mexico

FMF's Arriola: Mexico in talks to face Portugal in Azteca reopening

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 v Ecuador - International Friendly

'He’ll have an incredible tournament' - Mohamed backs Vega

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.

Mexico v Ecuador - International Friendly

Mexico's Lozano still encouraged despite disappointing results

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.

Frequently asked questions

Multiple ticketing options are in place for La Liga games, from individual match passes to season tickets and additional hospitality packages. 

To purchase La Liga tickets, the most reliable method is to go to the official club websites, where you will then need to navigate to the 'Tickets' section. Tickets are often released a few weeks before each match and you may need to create an account and provide personal information. 

If tickets are sold out on official channels or you are looking to secure seats in advance of official release or snap up last-minute tickets, you may wish to consider secondary resale retailers such as StubHub

Yes, In addition, fans can purchase seats at La Liga matches on the secondary market on channels and aggregators such as StubHub. They are legitimate merchants in the resale marketplace and a safe place for fans to buy tickets.

While it’s not essential to become a club member to buy La Liga match tickets, it can make the process much easier. This is particularly true at some of the bigger clubs, such as Barcelona and Real Madrid for example. Getting a membership moves you up the ticket priority order and it also includes other benefits such as welcome gifts, discounted tours and museum admissions. Check specific club websites for more information.

Real Madrid are the most successful Spanish club, with 36 league titles, followed by Barcelona with 28. Barcelona has won the Spanish double (domestic league and cup success in the same season) a record nine times, ahead of Athletic Bilbao's five.