GOAL tracks all the qualification campaigns for the 2027 Women's World Cup, breaking down which teams have qualified and which nations could soon join them
The 30-year-old has hit back at critics calling for an overhaul of the South African national team following their exit from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The forward dismissed suggestions that the squad is too old, insisting that experience remains vital for success on the international stage.
Banyana Banyana were eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament by hosts Morocco who joined Algeria in booking their place in the semi finals and a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
GOAL brings you all the available details on the Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal between the Atlas Lionesses and Banyana Banyana at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. The winner will not only progress to the semi final but will also then qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The 61-year-old is once again being heavily linked with a return to international management after he emerged as a top candidate for The Eagles. But having just acquired the status of Gauteng Development League team East Rand Athletic FC as part of his football academy project it appears 'Jingles' is more focused on producing future Bafana Bafana stars than coaching current internationals.
Senegalese star suffers fresh setback
The Senegalese star has suffered another setback in his quest to regain full fitness, with the latest scan revealing a minor but frustrating recurrence of the hamstring injury that has already sidelined him for several crucial matches. Club doctors are said to be cautiously optimistic about a swift recovery, yet they insist on strict adherence to the rehabilitation protocol before the player can return to full training. This fresh blow comes at a sensitive time, as both the player and his club had hoped he would be available for selection in the upcoming fixtures against key rivals. His absence not only weakens the team’s attacking options but also raises questions about long-term planning, given his central role in the squad’s tactical setup. Supporters, eager for positive news, will now have to wait patiently while the medical staff monitors his progress day by day.
After a long wait, the Belgian has now named the players he will take to Morocco in the hunt for yet another continental trophy for South Africa. As usual, his selection has divided opinion as fans and pundits debate who should be in the squad and who should not be. The former Cameroon head coach has now explained why he selected two skillful attackers.
The Sea Robbers were once again lethal as they managed a Premier Soccer League win over Durban City on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Meanwhile, there was a palpable sigh of relief for Pirates fans who saw Mbekezile Mbokazi back into the starting line-up again. For a week now, the centre-back has been a subject of intense debate, as reports had indicated he was closer to the exit door, reportedly on his way to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.
Alessia Russo is one of 11 Lionesses on the list of nominees for this year's FIFPRO XI, which also includes seven players from the Spain side England beat in the European Championship final - albeit not Mariona Caldentey, who put La Roja ahead in that game and finished as runner-up to Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d'Or. That's not the only surprise, either, with Mary Earps included and there no representation for the United States women's national team.