Son Heung-min represents “money very well spent” for MLS and LAFC, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, with the former Tottenham star helping to open up new markets for North American soccer. The South Korea international moved to the United States in August 2025 and has made a positive go of making it big in Hollywood while operating under the brightest of spotlights.
Asian football is enjoying an unprecedented boom across Europe's top five leagues, driven by massive contingents from Japan and South Korea. Indonesian talents have also made historic inroads by featuring in four of the top five divisions alongside representatives from Thailand, China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.
Asian footballers have dominated headlines during a record-breaking summer transfer window across Europe's top leagues. From high-profile Premier League moves to major Champions League switches, the region's top talents are making historic strides on the global stage.
The Korea Football Association has named former Spain boss Robert Moreno as interim head coach following their disastrous group-stage exit at the World Cup. The 48-year-old takes over a side in turmoil after Hong Myung-bo stepped down, with the KFA confirming his deal could be extended for the upcoming Asian Cup subject to performance reviews.
It seemed like the 64-year-old had everything sown up after the SAFA NEC approved his candidacy but a report in the French media has linked a Chelsea legend with the South Africa job. Despite this, Jingles is still considered the frontrunner to replace Hugo Broos.
South Africa’s national team stars have taken a selfless stand following their World Cup campaign, insisting that a significant portion of their tournament earnings be funnelled back into the country's youth structures. Rather than focusing solely on their own financial gain, the national team squad is prioritising the future of the domestic game to ensure the next generation of talent has the resources to thrive.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly head coach has broken his silence regarding a potential return to the South African national team dugout. With current boss Hugo Broos nearing the end of his contract, speculation has reached fever pitch regarding who will lead the nation into the next cycle. Mosimane has now confirmed that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has initiated contact with him and other candidates to discuss a long-term succession strategy.
South Africa’s Sports Minister has addressed the growing controversy surrounding expenditure related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As public scrutiny intensifies over government spending, the minister has moved to clarify the specific nature of these costs and why they were necessary for the nation's global standing.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
The South Africa coach has spoken with Belgian media and confirmed that his record-breaking tenure as the team’s boss has come to an end following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But the 74-year-old did, once again, express his hope that he could still be involved in some sort of part time capacity with the national team.
Bafana Bafana captain has praised the impact of Maseko’s move to Cyprus, suggesting the switch was vital in rediscovering the winger’s best form. The 22-year-old emerged as a key figure for South Africa during their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
The South African football legend has singled out the former Buccaneer as a future icon of the national game following his breakout performances on the world stage. The former Leeds United captain believes the young defender possesses the rare mental and physical attributes required to reach the very top of the sport.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has lifted the lid on the internal tactical and psychological reset that saved the national team’s historic 2026 World Cup campaign. Following a bruising opening night, the Belgian tactician staged a high-stakes intervention that transformed his squad from stage-fright victims into knockout-stage contenders.
The Belgian tactician believes South Africa have laid the perfect foundation to conquer the continent following their historic run at the ongoing global showpiece. After reaching the knockout stages for the first time, the 74-year-old is now shifting his focus toward securing silverware at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Shortly after news broke that the renowned coach was one of 80 applicants received by the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the soon-to-be vacant head coach role, he aired his views on South Africa's exit from the tournament on Smash Sports and broke down, in hindsight, what he would have done differently.
The forward has called on his teammates to move past the pain of their exit from the global showpiece and focus on the potential of South Africa's rising generation. Despite a Round of 32 defeat to Canada cutting their historic journey short, the 21-year-old believes the foundation is in place for an even stronger showing on the world stage.
South Africa’s historic journey came to a devastating end in Los Angeles as a 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada through to the Round of 16. Despite the heartbreak of a late exit, the Belgian tactician has indicated that he is not ready to officially walk away from the national team just yet.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down from his position following the nation's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes amid growing political pressure as the country's president, Lee Jae Myung, has officially called for a formal inquiry into the team's failing performances in North America.
The renowned coach was recently linked with a return to North Africa with Pyramids FC but those reports may be wide of the mark as news has broken that Jingles is one of 80 applicants received by the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the soon-to-be vacant head coach role.
Reflecting on his journey to the global stage, the versatile Mamelodi Sundowns star believes South Africa’s trademark fighting spirit could prove decisive when they step onto the pitch in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old left-back remains confident that Hugo Broos’ men are well-equipped to rise to the occasion and overcome the challenge ahead.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has warned that his side should expect a gruelling physical contest when they take on Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Both nations booked their places in the knockout stages, setting up a high-stakes clash in Los Angeles.
Republic of Korea
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