Mexico enter the World Cup opener unbeaten in 2026, with Raul Jimenez chasing a full-circle moment, Brian Gutierrez rising and Rafa Marquez’s role growing.
Former England defender Jamie Carragher expects Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham to be benched in favour of Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers at the upcoming World Cup. The pundit warned manager Thomas Tuchel that omitting such a high-profile figure could easily trigger a massive media storm and completely dominate the airwaves throughout the national team's tournament this summer.
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos believes that Lionel Messi can comfortably play in another World Cup after the 2026 tournament. Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, the iconic left-back also assessed Neymar's crucial role under Carlo Ancelotti as the forward races to return to full fitness for the Brazil national team following recent injury struggles.
The stage is set for Hugo Broos' men to pen a new chapter in Mzansi folklore when they lock horns with Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday evening. With the global showpiece finally upon them and the co-hosts standing in their way, Bafana will be eager to hit the ground running despite a tense build-up that has intensified the spotlight on their attacking department. Among those expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden is the former Orlando Pirates striker, with the 25-year-old tasked with leading the line and providing the cutting edge needed to fire Broos' charges to a dream start on the world stage.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has leapt to the defence of Kylian Mbappe, claiming the forward has been unfairly targeted during a turbulent second season at Real Madrid. The legendary coach believes the Frenchman has been cast as a "scapegoat" at the Bernabeu but is tipped to explode back into form at the upcoming World Cup.
As South Africa prepares to face Mexico in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening fixture, former national team star Reneilwe Letsholonyane has shared his memories of the iconic 2010 clash between the two sides. The retired midfielder believes the current squad has the quality to produce a shock result against the tournament co-hosts in Estadio Azteca.
In March, after the U.S. men's national team suffered back-to-back humblings at the hands of Belgium and Portugal, Mauricio Pochettino wondered aloud about the players he had at his disposal. Whether that vocal wondering came from a place of honesty or from a place of motivation, only Pochettino knows. The only certainty was that his assessment was blunt: his team, man for man, wasn't as good as the elite.
Former Bafana and Tottenham Hotspur defender has issued a poignant warning to South Africa’s rising star ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the nation prepares for its Group A opener against Mexico, the legendary centre-back urged the youngster to prioritise discipline over the pitfalls that famously hampered his own career.
The Bafana captain has issued a glowing assessment of South Africa's goalkeeping options as the nation prepares for its World Cup opener. The Mamelodi Sundowns star believes the country is finally reaping the rewards of a talented generation of netminders who have proven their worth on the domestic and continental stage.
Aston Villa sensation Morgan Rogers has addressed the growing speculation linking him with a blockbuster move to Arsenal. The 23-year-old, currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup in Florida, insisted that while the "noise" is impossible to ignore, his focus remains firmly on chasing global glory with England and proving he can thrive alongside Jude Bellingham.
The South African legend believes Hugo Broos' men are set to shock the world when they face Mexico in the opening match of the World Cup. The former Everton midfielder insists that the Mzansi side has what it takes to secure a historic result at the intimidating Estadio Azteca.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but former Portugal team-mate Hugo Almeida insists the 41-year-old remains the ultimate difference-maker. As the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup, expectations are soaring for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to finally secure the one trophy that has eluded him.
The legendary midfielder has offered a sobering assessment of South Africa’s prospects at the World Cup. The former Kaizer Chiefs star believes that the diverse footballing cultures Hugo Broos’ side will encounter represent a massive hurdle for the national team.
Lionel Messi talked up Argentina's chances of defending their World Cup crown after a thumping 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up game. The Inter Miami star got his name on the scoresheet after coming on in the second half to break a long-standing international record for his country.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
