World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL news

Semafor World Economy 2026 - Day 3

Infantino fires back over 'shameful' World Cup ticket prices

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.

World CupUSA
Sao Paulo v Palmeiras - Brasileirao 2025

Roque admits Barca move was 'too early' amid resurgence at Palmeiras

Former Barcelona forward Vitor Roque feels he moved to Europe too early in his career as he reflected on his disappointing period with the Catalan club. Now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, Roque believes the return was an important step that will help him move forward professionally. His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as the Brazilian forward has been selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies.

V. RoqueBarcelona
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GFX Neymar Cristiano Ronaldo Karim Benzema

'The best' - Casemiro defends Neymar and 'different' lifestyle

Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

NeymarCasemiro
Neymar Brazil 2022

'Useless Neymar isn't an example to anyone' - Ex-Brazil coach

Former Brazil manager Emerson Leao has launched a fierce attack on Neymar, calling him “not an example to anyone” and claiming the forward is “past his prime”. Leao criticised the 33-year-old's lifestyle, fitness and declining form, reigniting debate over the Santos star’s place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup plans.

NeymarBrazil
Santos v Fluminense - Brasileirao 2025

Neymar out for longer than expected, Santos president confirms

Neymar has suffered another setback in his battle for fitness, with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirming the Brazil icon will be sidelined until November. The 33-year-old’s recurring injury problems continue to cast doubt over his club’s survival fight and his hopes of leading the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.

NeymarSantos FC
Neymar

Ronaldo tells Ancelotti to bring Neymar back to Brazil squad

Neymar’s career faces fresh scrutiny after another injury and a Brazil squad omission. Despite returning to form at Santos following his 2023 ACL injury, he remains out of national team coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for technical reasons. Legendary striker Ronaldo defended the forward, insisting “we don’t have another player like him” and urged Neymar’s return ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

NeymarC. Ancelotti
Gianni Infantino 2025

FIFA, CONMEBOL discuss possible World Cup expansion to 64 teams

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with CONMEBOL leaders in New York on Tuesday as the South American confederation pushed a proposal to expand the already sprawling 2030 World Cup - set to feature six host nations across three continents - from 48 to a proposed 64 teams, a move that would guarantee all 10 CONMEBOL members a spot.

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Santos v Juventude - Brasileirao 2025

Santos share contradictory Neymar fitness update to Brazil

Santos shared a contradictory update on Neymar's fitness after the superstar was snubbed by Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian suggested injury concerns were behind the decision, claiming the forward had suffered another setback. For a player desperate to make his mark at next summer’s World Cup, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

NeymarC. Ancelotti

Betting spotlight

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions: Both sides avoid relegation
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Messi casts more doubt over 2026 World Cup prospects

Lionel Messi cast further doubt on his international career with Argentina as the legendary player shared an emotional note after what was potentially his final home game for the world champions. Messi scored twice in the 3-0 thumping of Venezuela on Thursday, but after the match the Argentine skipper hinted that he might not feature at the upcoming World Cup.

L. MessiArgentina

Frequently asked questions

Egypt are the team who have won the most AFCON titles in history, with seven to their name. It was in 1957, the inaugural edition of AFCON, where Egypt attained glory. They would go on to add three more trophies before the turn of the century (1957, 1986, 1998), before completing a threepeat in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

The first-ever AFCON featured just three teams. Between 1968 and 1990, eight teams featured in the tournament. An expansion in 1992 saw 12 teams feature in AFCON, and 16 from 1998. The latest expansion in 2019, though, sees 24 teams fight for glory.

Cameroon legend Rigobert Song set the record of most AFCON appearances in 2010, playing in his 36th game in the tournament. That record was equalled by Ghanaian icon Andre Ayew in 2024.

Cameroon icon Samuel Eto'o leads the all-time goalscoring charts with an impressive 18 goals over the course of 29 matches during six different tournaments.

Egypt's Essam El Hadary is the oldest player ever to play in AFCON at the age of 44 years and 21 days. He achieved this feat in 2017 during Egypt's 2-1 loss to Cameroon.

Former Ghana defender Joseph Odoi made his AFCON debut in 1984 at the age of 15 years and 164 days, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the African Cup of Nations.

Samuel Eto'o, Mohamed Salah, Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Jay-Jay Okocha, Sadio Mane, Roger Milla, Ahmed Hassan, George Weah, etc, are some of the biggest names to have featured in the African Cup of Nations.

Charles Gyamfi, Hassan Shehata, Herve Renard, and Avram Grant are some of the most famous coaches to have led their respective teams at AFCON.

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