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World Cup

World Cup news

Gayton McKenzie & Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, October 2025

Rescue mission! McKenzie and Old School to fly six Bafana outcasts to World Cup

Following a controversial squad announcement by SAFA and Hugo Broos on Wednesday night, while the nation was glued to their screens, backlash quickly followed over how the six players who missed the final cut were treated. However, amid the outrage, there now appears to be a twist in the tale, with reports suggesting the omitted stars will still travel to the global showpiece.

Mhlongo slams 'heartbreaking' Bafana squad cuts & demands counseling for axed players

The former Bafana star has sensationally called for an official apology to be issued to players left out of the final World Cup squad, insisting the manner of their omission was deeply flawed. The South African legend argues that the public nature of the squad cuts was poorly handled and potentially damaging, suggesting that the affected players may require professional support to fully recover from the emotional fallout of missing out on football’s biggest stage.

SAFA update on World Cup visa issues

Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant administrative hurdle just days before the tournament’s kick-off in North America. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that the national team’s departure has been delayed due to ongoing visa complications for several members of the traveling party.

Ronaldo enjoys sun-soaked break with his fiancee before 2026 World Cup duty

Cristiano Ronaldo is making the most of a rare break from the pitch, whisking Georgina Rodriguez and their children away for a luxury getaway in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Nassr superstar is soaking up the sun before he shifts his focus to leading Portugal in what is expected to be his final appearance on the global stage.

Revealed: Shirt number Neymar will wear for Brazil at World Cup

Brazil have officially confirmed their squad numbers for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, putting an end to the speculation surrounding their talismanic forward. Despite lingering fitness concerns and a fight to secure his place in the final setup, Neymar has been handed the iconic No. 10 jersey once again.

South Africa v Mexico: Group A - 2010 FIFA World Cup

Tshabalala calls for unity amid Bafana squad debate

The travelling squad selected by Hugo Broos has divided opinion among supporters, with some frustrated by notable omissions. While a few fans have threatened to turn their backs on the national team, the man behind South Africa’s iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup opener insists that national pride must come first and urges unity beyond squad selection debates.

Yamal sets Messi and Ronaldo goal

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has addressed the constant comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, outlining his personal ambitions as he continues to break records for club and country. The 17-year-old sensation has become the focal point of a new era for Spanish football following his starring role in their Euro 2024 triumph.

Hugo Broos, Helman Mkhalele and Grant Johnson, Bafana Bafana

Bafana World Cup plans hit by visa crisis - 'We are being made to look like fools'

South Africa’s road to the global showpiece has hit an unexpected speed bump after an administrative blunder forced the postponement of the national team’s departure to Mexico. While anticipation continues to build following qualification, Bafana remain stuck on the tarmac as a visa saga leaves several key squad members without the required travel clearance just days before the tournament gets underway.

McTominay 'devastated' to see injury dash Gilmour's WC dream

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been rocked by a "cruel" injury to midfield anchor Billy Gilmour, leaving his team-mates and coaching staff in a state of shock. The Napoli star was forced off during the 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao, with Scott McTominay leading the tributes to a player who has become central to the Tartan Army's ambitions.

BDO Power Rankings: Could Dembele grab Golden Ball No.2?

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.

Mexico v Australia - International Friendly

Mexico player ratings: Vazquez shines in win over Australia

Johan Vazquez scored and delivered Mexico's best performance as El Tri edged Australia 1-0 at the Rose Bowl. GOAL rates every player after an uneven display that offered Javier Aguirre valuable World Cup roster clues ahead of his final squad announcement.

Kansas City tops AirBnb costs at whopping $539.95 per night

A new study reveals the average Airbnb cost in all 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kansas City ranks as the most expensive destination for fans, while Guadalajara offers the best value. Here's how accommodation prices compare across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and what supporters can expect to pay during the tournament.

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Scotland v Curacao - International Friendly

Scotland suffer severe injury blow as Gilmour ruled out of World Cup

Scotland's World Cup preparations have been dealt a massive blow with the news that Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the tournament. The Napoli midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during the national team's final send-off victory over Curacao on Saturday.

Ancelotti: Brazil lack stars like Pele and Ronaldo

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a blunt assessment of his current Brazil squad, suggesting the Selecao no longer boast the individual icons of years gone by. The Italian tactician claims that the five-time world champions must now lean on a collective effort rather than expecting a single superstar to carry the nation to glory.

Ancelotti confirms Neymar for World Cup

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a major update on Neymar’s availability for the upcoming World Cup, insisting the superstar forward remains a core part of his plans despite ongoing fitness concerns. Speculation had grown regarding the Santos star's status after he arrived at the national team camp nursing an injury. Still, the Italian tactician has moved quickly to dismiss any talk of dropping the 34-year-old from the roster.

New Zealand v Australia - International Friendly

Viral stunt sees 'least-known' World Cup player shoot to stardom

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his social media presence explode after a viral stunt transformed him into an internet sensation ahead of the World Cup. Orchestrated by a prominent Argentine influencer, the online campaign has rapidly propelled the veteran full-back's Instagram follower count to a staggering 2.5 million users.

Bafana to face Jamaica in friendly before World Cup kickoff

The Mzansi outfit head coach has officially confirmed one final warm-up fixture for South Africa before they begin their highly anticipated World Cup campaign. The national team will test themselves against Jamaica as they look to fine-tune their tactics and find a clinical edge following a frustrating recent outing.

Broos optimistic Foster will regain confidence after Bafana penalty setback

The Bafana head coach has launched a staunch defence of the 25-year-old after the striker’s difficult run of form continued with a crucial penalty miss against Nicaragua. The Burnley forward hit the woodwork from the spot in a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena, sparking fresh concerns over his sharpness ahead of the global showpiece.

Nicaragua coach commends Bafana WC potential - 'You got chances to compete very well

Juan Cruz Real has delivered a glowing endorsement of Hugo Broos’ South Africa side, insisting they have what it takes to make a serious impact on the world stage. Despite a frustrating evening on the pitch, the visiting coach was left in no doubt about the ceiling of this Bafana squad.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana

Broos issues Mofokeng warning - 'He's not at the highest level'

The former Cameroon national team coach has issued a stern warning to South African supporters regarding the meteoric rise of Buccaneers midfield sensation. Despite the youngster's sensational form in the Premier Soccer League, the Belgian tactician insists that the playmaker is still far from his peak and must be shielded from the immense weight of national expectation.

Kimmich reveals why he's supporting Arsenal in Champions League final

Joshua Kimmich has revealed he will be supporting Arsenal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Bayern Munich midfielder wants Germany team-mate Kai Havertz to lift the trophy and believes success at club level could benefit the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Broos hails Bafana defensive depth - 'We are stronger than before'

The Belgian mentor cut a satisfied figure following South Africa’s goalless stalemate on Friday night, insisting his rearguard delivered another assured display and underlined the growing solidity and resilience of the national team’s defensive structure. The 74-year-old tactician used the international friendly as a valuable audition platform, handing fresh faces an opportunity to stake their claim ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.