The 73-year-old tactician has been with the national team since 2021 and helped them to compete in two Africa Cup of Nations finals, winning a bronze in the 2023 edition before falling in the Round of 16 in the most recent one. However, the biggest achievement, arguably, was to help South Africa qualify for the global competition.
When the football association confirmed that South Africa will face the Central American side, questions were raised. Many wanted to see the national team face stronger sides, either from within Africa or from Europe. However, SAFA's decision to secure the friendly has continued to get support among known figures in the football circle.
Calls for the 21-year-old defender to be included in the National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to grow louder, with some believing he has done enough to earn his place in the squad. The centre-back has steadily built his profile during his three years in the United States, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. Crucially, he has tested himself against some of the best attacking talents in the game, such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Mexican-American defender Richard Ledezma revealed it was a personal dream of his to represent Mexico after scoring his first international goal for the national team in a 4-0 exhibition win over Iceland. Despite previously receiving a cap from the USMNT, the 25-year-old was quick to point out his Mexico pride after recently completing a one-time switch.
After a disappointing campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, South Africa's focus is on the 2026 global football showpiece. Already, preparations have started in earnest as the football association has revealed the team's training base. The Belgian tactician has given reasons why the chosen training base will be the best for his players.
The former South Africa Under-23 star has been in the United States since January 2023, where he has steadily worked his way into the first team at his Major League Soccer club. The centre-back has grown with consistent performances at the heart of defence. His impressive outings have even sparked calls for him to be considered for senior national team duty with the South Africa national football team.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have officially confirmed the dates and locations for their upcoming double-header in the March international break, and fans now know exactly where they can cheer on Hugo Broos’ men as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming quadrennial global tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed the organization’s full support for Mexico as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup, expressing strong confidence in the country’s leadership despite ongoing security challenges. As FIFA continues to monitor the situation, the governing body made clear that no changes are being considered to the tournament schedule.
The 21-year-old has been on a steady rise in recent years, transforming his career. From being an Amakhosi discard, he rebuilt his reputation to become one of the standout performers in the Premier Soccer League while turning out for TS Galaxy. He is now forging a club career overseas as he looks to scale even greater heights, including in international football.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed it's reassessing plans for its upcoming trip to Mexico after recent security alerts issued across multiple regions of the country. Portugal are scheduled to face the Mexico on March 28 as part of the reopening festivities for Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca.
FIFA is monitoring the security situation in Mexico after incidents reported across multiple states in recent hours, according to ESPN. The governing body of world football asked for internal reports detailing the developments, particularly in Guadalajara, Jalisco — one of the host cities for the World Cup and a venue set to stage matches in the intercontinental playoff tournament.
In what could be a challenge for established South Africa stars, the Belgian has been urged to pick up an Amakhosi academy product who has been doing well recently. Apart from the former Glamour Boy, the Mzansi coach has been encouraged to look at another PSL star who is yet to be exposed to international football. The global showpiece is fast approaching, and South African stars are doing their best to get the coach's attention.
The former Amakhosi centre-back is in a race against time to be fit for the global football tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Failure to recover fully could force South Africa’s coach to rethink his defensive plans ahead of the global showpiece. It would mean searching for a replacement for the player he trusted during the 2025 AFCON finals.
Former Manchester United striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez showed his sensitive and compassionate side after being reduced to tears by a viral sensation. The 37-year-old Mexican legend took to social media to share his heartfelt reaction to the story of Punch, a baby macaque at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo. The infant monkey has gained global sympathy after being rejected by its parents and seeking solace in a stuffed orangutan toy.
Mexican football has been plunged into a state of uncertainty following the news that several high-profile fixtures have been postponed due to a major security crisis. The decision to call off the matches came swiftly after the Mexican army killed the leader of one of the country's most powerful drug cartels in a town situated just two hours from Guadalajara, a key host city for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The death of the high-ranking figure has sparked immediate concerns over public safety across multiple states.
Before the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the 27-year-old was a prominent starter for the Soweto giants. However, since returning from Morocco, he has been a peripheral figure at a time when the Sea Robbers are hunting crucial points. His absence has raised numerous questions, and now a club legend has hinted there could be a problem between the midfielder and his coach.
SAFA has faced criticism over the years for missteps that could have been avoided to elevate Mzansi football and meet professional standards. With new management in place and a promising calendar year ahead, things now seem to be slowly heading in the right direction, as the Belgian tactician has expressed confidence in the technical workshop held during the week.
A Champions League knockout phase play-off encounter in Lisbon between Benfica and Los Blancos had to take an unplanned 15-minute break. Reason? The Brazilian and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni exchanged words, with the former alleging he was racially abused, delaying the match in the process. The 'Special One' has found himself on the receiving end of heavy criticism when he failed to condemn his player at the centre of the alleged racial abuse controversy.
The Mexico National Team announced its official roster for the friendly match against Iceland, which will be played on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Estadio Corregidora in the city of Querétaro. Once again, Chivas is the club contributing the most players to the squad, with seven representatives. The players selected by head coach Javier Aguirre must report starting Sunday.
After struggling for form earlier this season and slipping into a bit-part role at the Brazilians, the 24-year-old has picked himself up by forcing his way back into contention for regular football with some consistency and top performances. His resurgence could soon earn him a recall to the national team.
Bryan Lozano publicly criticized his brother Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, accusing the Mexican winger of arrogance and repeated conflicts with coaches at Napoli, PSV and now San Diego FC. The remarks come at a delicate moment in Hirving Lozano’s career, with uncertainty surrounding his role in MLS and growing questions about his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico have announced three additional friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup. El Tri will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The matches are designed to limit travel and fine-tune the squad before the global showcase on home soil.
The possible return of the experienced gaffer to Chloorkop has been quite a hot topic over the recent weeks. With Miguel Cardoso struggling to steady the ship, reports have linked the former Al Ahly tactician to his former club. The three-time CAF Champions League winner has responded to the rumours and revealed the team he would like to coach next.
South Africa return to the world stage at the global football competition, having last featured in the 2010 edition which they hosted. This time, they head to North America determined to make history beyond merely participating but progressing past the group stage for the first time in their history at the tournament.
With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.