FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again stepped in to defend the astronomical pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Facing an onslaught of criticism from supporters who have labelled the costs as "shameful," the head of world football's governing body claims the move is a financial necessity.
The final international window before the end of the 2025-26 club season is here. For most of the globe's traditional powerhouses, this month is about finetuning ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But not every team has the luxury of such forward planning, with several big-hitters still yet to punch their ticket to the tournament.
SAFA has been plunged into a fresh crisis after its first NEC meeting of the year erupted into physical violence. What was intended to be a high-level administrative gathering at SAFA House on Saturday quickly deteriorated as officials traded blows, overshadowing crucial discussions regarding the future of the national game.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has accused rivals on DR Congo’s coaching staff of “doing voodoo” during a fiery penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. With emotions running high towards the end of an encounter that finished 1-1 after extra-time, Chelle has insinuated that Congo turned to dark arts in order to prevail.
The Super Eagles saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico fade away after losing 4-3 to the Leopards on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday night. The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, with a tired-looking Nigeria side, who had played 180 minutes against Gabon in midweek, taking their foot off the pedal after making a promising start to the game, and Congo capitalising to take the match to extra-time before eventually winning on penalties.
Bryan Mbeumo cut a heartbroken figure after Cameroon's World Cup hopes collapsed in dramatic fashion, with the Manchester United star storming off alone after a stoppage-time defeat to DR Congo. The Indomitable Lions suffered a crushing 1-0 loss in the CAF play-offs, ending their bid to reach the 2026 tournament and leaving their talisman visibly emotional in the rain.
After a valiant fight by the Panthers in regulation time, the Super Eagles ultimately emerged victorious from this 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs semi-final battle in neutral Morocco on Thursday. Eric Chelle's men needed extra time to win 4-1 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium with the Galatasaray forward grabbing a double. They remain in contention to go to the global competition but still have other hurdles to plain.
Nigeria players have boycotted training just two days before a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon. The squad have downed tools due to issues with outstanding payments and have demanded a resolution before their next game. The Super Eagles must beat Gabon in their play-off semi-final to have any chance of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification in the group phase.
South Africa has a wealth of talent, with each player boasting their own blend of abilities. Some are fast, or technically gifted, or have a creative vision that can split a defence apart. Others are more athletic and can put in a crunching tackle or two. No matter what their skillsets are, there is one thing they all have in common: the price a football club is willing to pay for their services.
South Africa is entering a Golden Era as they prepare to participate in the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup after a long barren spell of failures and disappointments. With Banyana Banyana and Amajita winning silverware, and Amajimbos showing promise and the PSL title race tightening up, it's easy to get excited about local soccer right now.
The controversy over the midfielder's yellow card saga is more than a passing embarrassment, it exposes a troubling culture of carelessness within the South African football administration. A single moment of negligence nearly derailed Bafana Bafana’s World Cup hopes, and someone must take responsibility.
Latest reports suggest the South African Football Association has opted for a bold move: finalising the Teboho Mokoena yellow card blunder via internal ballot. The decision could have major implications for Tseka, whose oversight during the Lesotho qualifier remains under scrutiny.
Mzansi faced their COSAFA rivals at a critical juncture of their qualification journey, and they were deeply frustrated. But in the end, despite what looked like insurmountable challenges, SA finally qualified for next year's finals.
The two Masandawana stars were not involved in the later stages of the qualifiers as South Africa withstood pressure to qualify for the global showpiece. To be part of the World Cup-going squad, the duo has been told what to do.
The Zimbabwean international, who has spent over seven years in European football, first with French side Stade de Reims before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this year, has urged young African players to be vigilant. He warned of scammers posing as football agents, who exploit dreams of playing abroad to steal money and leave victims stranded.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has been trending for the last six or so months after being fielded against Lesotho despite being suspended. It almost cost the national team a ticket to compete with the best in the world, but the players fought to ensure it wasn't the case as South Africa eventually topped Group C to get an automatic slot.
After being defeated 3-0 and seeing their own World Cup dreams extinguished, Rwanda's coach Adel Amrouche felt he had an important message to deliver to Hugo Broos on the age of the Belgian's squad and the need for young players to be integrated ahead of major tournaments.
The French sportswear manufacturer replaced Nike as a technical sponsor South African football national teams, but their partnership with the local football governing body is coming to an end. A new sports apparel manufacturer is expected to be announced by SAFA to replace Le Coq Sportif.
The veteran tactician has hinted he might not consider any other coaching offer after reaching several milestones with South Africa in both the continent and the world at large. The former Cameroon coach has been at the helm of the national team since May 2021, when he replaced Molefi Ntseki, who had failed to deliver the set objectives.
The Amakhosi star was a late call-up to the national team, replacing injured Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng. Broos then handed him his official national team debut after coming on as a substitute towards the end of the match against Rwanda, as South Africa had already made it difficult for their opponents to come back.
The 73-year-old has been a rock in Mzansi football, where he has ensured the national team gets back to its rightful place, not only on the continent but the world at large. He has explained how he had to give his best to get players with the right attitude to represent the country and ensure they deliver consistently across all competitions.
South Africa are heading to the USA/Canada and Mexico after booking a ticket to participate in the global tournament. Since participating as hosts in the 2010 World Cup, South Africa have not qualified for this competition. However, they have now managed to earn a spot through a challenging campaign, which included having three points docked by FIFA.
From early promise to a costly points deduction, and a final-day showdown that left the nation breathless, South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign was a rollercoaster of brilliance, blunders and bold performances. It was a journey shaped by pressure, resilience and moments that won’t be forgotten.
South Africa are among the teams that have sealed their World Cup ticket thanks to their healthy win over Amavubi in the midweek outing, coupled with the Super Eagles' victory over the Cheetahs in Uyo. This is the first time since 2010 that Mzansi will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the global competition to be played next year.
After a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday night, South Africa needed a win over Amavubi in Mbombela and hoped Nigeria would beat Benin in Uyo. Fate smiled on Hugo Broos’ side. The Belgian coach led Bafana Bafana to the global showpiece, marking their first successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 24 years.
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