For long, Bucs and Masandawana have formed the backbone of the national team. Going into the World Cup finals, the same is expected to happen given the competitive levels of both teams. Now, Broos wants to see that change, and he wants other clubs to step up.
After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didn’t feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.
The current AIK Fotboll manager did extremely well during his time with the Buccaneers before opting against extending his stay with the Soweto giants. The Spaniard chose another challenge in Egypt with heavyweights Al Ahly, but things didn't go as anticipated. He is currently in Sweden where he is helping one of the most successful teams in the country.
Yan Diomande’s performances have caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs. But rather than letting him leave straight away, RB Leipzig are planning a shrewd move to keep their star player for the time being.
Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow believes that the Reds are agreeing to let Mohamed Salah leave as a free agent as they discovered there “wasn’t a market” for the 33-year-old Egyptian. Despite his exploits across nine seasons in England, Salah is not considered to be of the Cristiano Ronaldo mould and would have found it difficult to find a suitor willing to part with a big-money transfer fee.
Manchester United flop Antony has rejoined his Real Madrid team-mates in full training at Ciudad Deportiva after a period of individual recovery. The Brazilian winger is now fighting to be fit for the crucial upcoming La Liga clash against Espanyol as Manuel Pellegrini’s side chase European football.
South Africa’s attack has become a growing concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their forwards struggling to find form at club level. Of those players, the Burnley forward has been attracting more attention.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has moved to de-escalate tensions following a controversial interview in which he appeared to leave the door open for a move to Real Madrid. The Ballon d'Or winner’s admission that one "cannot turn down the best clubs in the world" led to accusations of disloyalty from fans online. However, the Spaniard has now insisted that his words were stripped of their vital context.
Morgan Rogers has been warned against a transfer to the “graveyard” that Manchester United have become, with the Aston Villa playmaker also being advised to ignore any interest shown by Chelsea. The 23-year-old England international has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents. Dean Saunders believes Rogers’ ongoing development would be best served in his current surroundings.
Napoli have released a scathing official statement after Romelu Lukaku failed to report back to training following the international break. The Belgian striker remains in his homeland despite club orders, leaving the Partenopei hierarchy considering drastic disciplinary measures.
Tottenham have reached an agreement in principle for Roberto De Zerbi to replace Igor Tudor as head coach. The former Brighton and Marseille boss has reportedly given his final approval for a move that would see him return to the Premier League on a five-year contract. With Spurs currently just one point above the relegation zone, the board has expedited the appointment to ensure their survival in the top flight.
The Glamour Boys will be in the market to bring on board quality players to help them chase top honours in the 2026/27 campaign. However, they might not find it easy to land an experienced South Africa star who has been linked with the Buccaneers and the Brazilians as well.
Anthony Martial has seen his faltering career hit a new low, with the former Manchester United forward reportedly being banished by Mexican outfit Monterrey. The ex-France international has struggled for a professional spark across several years, with fresh questions of his future being asked in Central America following a petulant substitution strop.
Barcelona have reportedly put their pursuit of a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford on ice as the club’s precarious economic situation resurfaces. Despite a verbal agreement on personal terms, the Catalan giants are reconsidering the feasibility of keeping the Manchester United loanee for the long-term.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has lauded the impact of interim head coach Michael Carrick, suggesting a stark contrast between the current regime and that of his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. The Belgian shot-stopper credited Carrick for "simplifying" the tactical approach at Old Trafford, allowing the squad to flourish. These comments follow a remarkable run of form that has seen United lose just once since the managerial change in January.
England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.
Portugal cult hero Ricardo Quaresma has made his feelings clear on the debate over who is the current best player in the world. The former winger snubbed established icons like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in favour of Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Joao Felix has defended his decision to leave Chelsea for Al-Nassr, insisting the move was essential for his happiness and professional growth. The Portugal international made a permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2024, but struggled for consistency in London and was sold to the Saudi Pro League giants last summer. Now playing in his preferred role, the forward believes he has finally rediscovered the form that first made him a global star.
England's squad announcement on Tuesday morning brought with it a real surprise, as Erica Parkinson received her first senior call-up at the age of 17 ahead of World Cup qualifiers with Iceland and, crucially, world champions Spain. Parkinson will be a new name to many Lionesses fans and Sarina Wiegman has now explained why she chose to hand the teenager an invite that left her "speechless".
Louis Saha has urged Manchester United to pursue a "crazy" summer transfer for Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham. The former Red Devils striker believes the England international possesses the world-class athleticism and leadership required to be a transformative signing at Old Trafford.
Kylian Mbappe appreciates that he cannot expect to be immune from criticism at Real Madrid, with questions having previously been asked of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. France international Mbappe is now head ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, with his goal output delivering on expectations, but he does not consider himself to be untouchable.
Talk of Alessia Russo's goal-scoring has dominated conversation around the England international for most of her senior career to date. It's become especially prominent since her move from Manchester United to Arsenal three years ago, with the scrutiny increased because of the switch and also the fact she's become the Lionesses' starting centre-forward. But in this past week in particular, Russo has shown what remarkable steps she has made towards that talk becoming obsolete.
Jesse Lingard is poised to make his long-awaited debut for Corinthians in Wednesday's high-profile clash against Fluminense at the Maracana. The 33-year-old former Manchester United winger has spent the last month building his fitness in Brazil following a free transfer to Corinthians. Lingard, who previously took in a stint with South Korean side FC Seoul, has reportedly impressed the Corinthians staff with his professional application.
Mshishi was part of the South Africa squad that played Panama on Friday in an international friendly staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. It was a massive return for the 36-year-old, who is hoping to make the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Before the 2018 World Cup, Matthias Ginter wanted to ask his manager, Peter Bosz, whether he stood a chance of securing a first-team place at BVB. However, no such conversation ever took place; instead, the former international was dropped from the squad.
The players’ quest to secure places at the global football tournament continues, but the coach says he has already made up his mind about the bulk of the squad he intends to select. He insisted that even if some players deliver below expectations against Panama on Tuesday, they would still form part of his final selection.