The national team captain says the South African camp is buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to reclaim their place on the world stage. In a poetic twist of fate, Bafana are set for a high-stakes showdown against co-hosts Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. The fixture is a nostalgic throwback to the 2010 curtain-raiser, once again pitting the two nations against each other in one of football's most iconic television slots.
Lionel Messi has been selected to the MLS All Star team, and highlights a stacked roster after the initial round of fan, player and media voting. LAFC star Son Heung-Min was also selected, while USMNTers Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter also earned selections. With the initial XI selected, head coach Dean Smith and Commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster.
Luka Modric could be considered unique, given all that he has achieved, but Ivan Perisic has told GOAL that Croatia are capable of producing another Ballon d’Or winner in the future. The most decorated performer to emerge from that part of the world collected a prestigious Golden Ball in 2018. More “great talent” continues to drop off the production line, leaving hopes high when it comes to creating another member of the global elite.
Tottenham have completed the signing of veteran left-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer following his departure from Liverpool. The Scotland captain will officially move to London this summer, bolstering manager Roberto De Zerbi’s squad after a drama-filled pursuit that originally collapsed during the winter transfer window.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has pledged to speak openly about the club’s long-running legal battle with the Premier League once a verdict is delivered. More than 18 months after an independent hearing concluded, City are still waiting for a decision on 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations while maintaining their innocence throughout the process.
Graham Potter has leapt to the defence of his star striking duo Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, insisting that both players remain elite talents despite receiving mixed reviews in England. The Sweden head coach, who is preparing for a World Cup campaign after a dramatic qualification play-off, believes the external perception of his forwards doesn’t match the reality of their contributions.
Surprise Moriri has thrown his full weight behind Broos’ squad selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the inevitable public debate following the announcement of the final roster, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star believes the Belgian tactician has prioritised the right elements for success on the world stage.
Southampton have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract for a reported £6 million fee. The Israeli international enjoyed a successful loan spell on the south coast last season, playing an instrumental role in securing a Championship play-off position before the club’s subsequent disqualification.
The former Orlando Pirates captain has broken his silence on the difficult loan spells endured by the Amakhosi pair. Despite arriving with high expectations, the duo struggled to break into the starting XI at Bloemfontein, leaving questions hanging over their long-term futures at Naturena.
Brentford have suffered a major transfer blow after a proposed €50 million deal for Koln winger Said El Mala collapsed at the final hurdle. Despite both clubs reaching an agreement over the historic valuation, the 19-year-old's mother, who acts as his primary advisor, ultimately pulled the plug on the move to London.
Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.
The Tshwane giants' veteran centre-back has admitted that while the Premier Soccer League season brought plenty of heartbreak for the Brazilians, their continental success has wiped the slate clean. Despite watching rivals sweep the domestic trophies, the former Bafana Bafana international believes Masandawana secured the ultimate prize.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has conceded that winning the Ballon d'Or was never a personal childhood dream because he simply deemed the achievement impossible. The Spain international reflected on his historic individual triumph while tipping international team-mate Lamine Yamal to eventually claim football's ultimate individual accolade.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly preparing a major move for PSG midfielder Vitinha ahead of the club’s presidential election. The Portuguese star has emerged as the leading candidate for a marquee signing, with Jorge Mendes' influence viewed as a potentially decisive factor in any negotiations with the French champions.
Bayer Leverkusen have pulled off a surprise managerial appointment by naming former Toulouse boss Carles Martinez Novell as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The 42-year-old replaces the departing Kasper Hjulmand at the BayArena after the Bundesliga side saw moves for Andoni Iraola and Filipe Luis fall through.
Brazil forward Endrick has opened up about his testing spell at Real Madrid, revealing how Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained him through regular phone calls. The teenage striker credited their unwavering support for rebuilding his confidence ahead of a transformative six-month loan spell with French outfit Lyon, even though he struggles to understand the pair.
Former Amakhosi winger has pulled no punches in his assessment of the club's reported decision to appoint the new head coach. The outspoken analyst believes the Glamour Boys are stuck in a cycle of poor decision-making that will hinder their ability to compete with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Antony has opened up on the advice he received from Cristiano Ronaldo during their time at Manchester United and revealed how Erik ten Hag played a decisive role in bringing him to Old Trafford. The Brazilian also reflected on the pressure of English football and the challenges that eventually led him to seek a fresh start in Spain.
Glamour Boys legend has spoken out on the club's high-stakes search for a new head coach, insisting that the next man in the dugout must truly grasp the weight of the Amakhosi jersey. With the Soweto giants looking to reclaim their former glory after a period of instability, the former midfielder warns that only a specific profile of mentor can handle the intense pressure at Naturena.
Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Jude Bellingham that manager Thomas Tuchel will ruthlessly ignore player reputations at the upcoming World Cup. Butt believes the Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers possesses the ultimate X-factor and could completely outshine established superstars like Bellingham and Harry Kane on the global stage.
Breel Embolo's World Cup travel uncertainty has finally come to an end after the Switzerland striker received approval to enter the United States. The 29-year-old missed the squad's departure to their training camp in San Diego earlier this week, but is now set to link up with his team-mates ahead of the tournament.
Marquinhos has revealed the words he shared with Gabriel Magalhaes after the Arsenal defender's costly penalty miss in the Champions League final. The PSG captain put celebrations on hold to console his Brazil team-mate, insisting one moment should not overshadow an outstanding campaign.
Amakhosi appear ready to test the waters with another audacious swoop for the Sea Robbers star as the Soweto giants look to overhaul their squad for the new campaign. Having already successfully lured defenders from their arch-rivals recently, the Glamour Boys have now turned their attention to a creative spark at Mayfair.
The former national team captain has come out strongly in defence of the Burnley star. The 25-year-old forward has found himself under intense scrutiny from a frustrated South African fanbase after his costly penalty miss against Nicaragua, coupled with a dip in form since the Africa Cup of Nations. However, with the global stage fast approaching, legendary former skipper Khune has dismissed the growing criticism, calling for patience and backing the under-fire striker to rediscover his sharp edge when it matters most.
Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC following a brief stint in Ligue 1. The French attacker is set to move to North Carolina as a Designated Player, cutting short his successful comeback in his homeland with Lens.
Schalke are moving to secure the futures of Loris Karius and Edin Dzeko after the experienced duo played key roles in the club's return to the Bundesliga. The goalkeeper is reportedly close to agreeing fresh terms, while the striker has been offered a new deal but will delay a decision until after his international commitments with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has refused to entirely rule out a summer departure for club captain Bruno Fernandes. While the Red Devils are determined to retain their influential playmaker, the Portuguese midfielder's mixed messages regarding his long-term future have sparked fresh speculation over his career at Old Trafford.
Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran has been handed a prison sentence of two years and six months following a trial over illegal betting charges. The dramatic court ruling comes at a critical moment for the Istanbul heavyweights, arriving just days before the club's upcoming Extraordinary Elective General Assembly this weekend.
Here GOAL brings you all the details of the friendly match between Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana and Rudolph Speid's Reggae Boyz. The last time these sides met was 16 years ago when they played a in South Africa's warm-up for the 2010 global tournament.
Florentino Perez has dismissed speculation linking Real Madrid with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, while hinting that a €150 million signing will be unveiled next week. The club president used a television appearance to underline Los Blancos' financial strength as he faces growing pressure in the race for the presidency.