The South African president of the Confederation of African Football has set a massive challenge for South Africa, demanding they aim for the latter stages of the next FIFA World Cup. Following a historic performance at the 2026 tournament, the 64-year-old football chief believes Bafana are ready to compete with the global elite.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
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 Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially parted ways with head coach Pape Thiaw following the national team's round of 32 exit from the 2026 World Cup. Despite high expectations heading into the tournament, the Teranga Lions failed to live up to their billing as one of Africa’s premier forces on the global stage.
Senegal icon Sadio Mane has officially announced his retirement from international football following the country's recent elimination from the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward calls time on a legendary 14-year career with the Lions of Teranga, during which he earned 130 caps and famously secured continental glory.
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.
Romelu Lukaku has explained why he handed over penalty duties during Belgium's dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Senegal. Despite being the nation's all-time leading scorer, the Napoli forward felt unable to take the high-pressure spot-kick in the dying moments of the World Cup round of 32 clash. The decision cleared the way for Youri Tielemans to become the hero as the Red Devils completed a stunning comeback.
Youri Tielemans has moved to downplay a heated on-field confrontation with Belgium team-mate Leandro Trossard during their dramatic World Cup round of 32 victory over Senegal. The Aston Villa midfielder and the Arsenal star were involved in a physical scuffle during a second-half hydration break before combining to inspire a remarkable Red Devils comeback.
Belgium completed a remarkable late comeback to beat Senegal in the World Cup last 32 after trailing by two goals with five minutes of normal time remaining. Head coach Rudi Garcia credited a key tactical shift but later clarified controversial comments made about Senegal's approach to protecting their lead.
Senegal
