Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria revive hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria revive hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage

Algeria kept their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup alive with a 2–1 comeback win against Jordan in Group J.

Jordan took the lead first with a goal from Nizar Al-Rashdan in the 36th minute. However, in the second half, Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri scored to turn the game around for Algeria. Riyad Mahrez assisted both goals from corners.

Jordan’s goal came from Al-Rashdan (36), while Algeria’s goals came from Benbouali (69) and Gouiri (82). This victory knocked Jordan out of the tournament after two games.

Both teams needed a win at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium after losing their opening matches. Neither side created many chances early on, but Algeria was more aggressive.

Jordan held their focus well and scored first. Mousa Al Tamari’s mistake led to a chance for Nizar Al Rashdan, who scored with the outside of his right foot.

Algeria stayed calm and pressed Jordan after halftime. Nadhir Benbouali equalised with a header from a corner in the 69th minute. Amine Gouiri then scored the winning goal with eight minutes to go, tapping in after another corner.

Cape Verde coach: “We want the world to know who we are"
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde coach: “We want the world to know who we are”

Pedro Leitão Brito,  Cape Verde’s head coach, complimented his team’s excellent 2026 FIFA World Cup opening two matches display, playing daringly against elite football teams, which helped them to wow many.

Cape Verde has made a big impression in their debut World Cup by drawing both Spain and Uruguay in their first two games, therefore shocking many before the games started. They are now close to qualifying for the knockout stage as they are near reaching the round of 32, and a win against Saudi Arabia in their final group game will guarantee this.

Brito talked about what motivates the Blue Sharks of Africa’s acts. Once you’re on the field, everything seems equal, he said. No matter how strong the foe, many teams start to be the same. He stressed that their objective is to inspire other people. As long as you have a dream and follow it, financial or other difficulties will not stop you from reaching great heights.

With qualification close by, Brito thinks their objectives are reasonable and justified,d given their performance. “Given our record versus these tough teams, we should focus on qualifying,” he remarked.

Brito also stressed that Cape Verde’s involvement is about more than simply football; it’s about showcasing their culture on the international scene. Here we hope to show the earth our country. It’s our way of life, music, history, and support—not only football. Everyone should know Cape Verde for who we are.

Saturday the 27th at Houston Stadium, Cape Verde will meet Saudi Arabia at 02:00 starting time.

Cape Verde earn impressive draw with Uruguay at Miami Stadium In their Group H tie at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kevin Pina's free kick and a fortunate goal from Helio Varela helped Cabo Verde get a startling 2-2 draw with Uruguay
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde earn impressive draw with Uruguay at Miami Stadium

In their Group H tie at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kevin Pina’s free kick and a fortunate goal from Helio Varela helped Cabo Verde get a startling 2-2 draw with Uruguay.

Fans were once again impressed with Cabo Verde’s draw with a former World Cup champion. Coach Bubista’s team rallied from behind to contain Uruguay at Miami Stadium after ending without goals versus Spain.

When Telmo Arcanjo earned a free kick, Cabo Verde surprisingly took the lead. From 34 yards, Kevin Pina kicked the ball and put it through a hole in the wall towards the bottom corner.

But the first two half goals helped Uruguay to rapidly change the game. Following Rodrigo Bentancur’s header off the post, Maxi Araujo scored; Agustín Canobbio scored after Araujo knocked the ball down.

Cabo Verde levelled when Varela capitalised on a defensive error to score. Then, despite Luis Suarez’s encouragement from the sidelines, Uruguay controlled the game but could not get past Cabo Verde’s stout defense headed by Pico Lopes and Sidny Lopes Cabral.

Important number: With Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Cabo Verde’s Vozinha, this game saw two goalkeepers in their 40s start in a World Cup game for the first time.

Uruguay 2-2 Cabo Verde

Uruguay goals: Araujo (44), Canobbio (45+6)

Cabo Verde goals: Pina (21), Varela (61)

Mohamed Salah nets in Egypt's first win at the 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah nets in Egypt’s first win at the 2026 World Cup

By defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, Egypt got their first World Cup triumph ever. Africa’s fourth victory in the 2026 tournament, this one propelled Egypt to the top of Group G.

Finn Sirman’s 15th-minute headed corner kick goal set Egypt 1-0 down in the first half. Egypt battled tenaciously in the second half to guarantee the victory and raise their chances of making it to the knockout rounds for the first time in their 92-year World Cup history.

Eight minutes into the second half, most of Mostafa Zico’s Egyptian teammates tied the score. Mohamed Salah, their captain and star player, then scored a goal after a one-two pass with a colleague, placing the ball with his preferred left foot in the corner of the net. Salah became Egypt’s all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history with three goals with this aim.

Trézégue’s low header from another corner kick helped his side to win. This victory, following their prior 1-1 tie with Belgium, left Egypt four points from two games. Earlier in the day, Belgium tied goalless with Iran and had a player, Nathan Ngoy, dismissed in the 67th minute.

Having played two games and drawn twice, Belgium and Iran have not won any matches. Iran ranks second in goal difference.e New Zealand is last with one point.

Mohamed Salah gave Egypt a significant moment. In addition to scoring the game-winning goal New Zealand, the captain was the first Egyptian to compete in two World Cups.

This win is notable since it follows Egypt’s World Cup debut by 92 years and 25 days. Given that Iran and Belgium drew earlier, Egypt now leads Group G with a two-point advantage heading into the final group stage match.

Important Statistic: At 34 years and 6 days, Mohamed Salah surpassed Magdy Abdelghany, who was 30 years and 320 days old when he scored against the Netherlands in 1990 to become the oldest player to score for Egypt.

Chosen by the fans: Mohamed Salah, your Superior Player of the Match
Chosen by the fans: Mohamed Salah, your Superior Player of the Match
Japan's historic win sends Tunisia crashing out
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Japan’s historic win sends Tunisia crashing out

In the 1,000th match of the FIFA World Cup, Japan defeated Tunisia to edge closer to the knockout stage. This landmark game in Monterrey saw Japan make history at Monterrey Stadium on Saturday.

Keito Nakamura created the first goal by driving into the box and passing the ball to Daichi Kamada, who scored from close range. This was Kamada’s second goal of the tournament and the fastest goal Japan has scored in a World Cup.

Ayase Ueda increased the lead on the half-hour mark, making a powerful shot from the top of the box.

New Tunisia coach Herve Renard could not get his team to respond. Japan scored again when Ueda assisted Junya Ito, who netted the third goal midway through the second half. Ueda later scored his second goal to secure the victory.

Japan’s win is the largest by any nation in World Cup history. They now sit level with the Netherlands at the top of Group F, while Tunisia has been eliminated.

Key stat: Daichi Kamada’s goal in the fourth minute is the fastest scored by a Japanese player in World Cup history. The previous record was held by Shinji Kagawa, who scored in the sixth minute in 2018 against Colombia.

Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match: Ayase Ueda (Japan)

What they said:

“We prepared well and played aggressively. Our coaching staff clearly laid out our goals, which helped the players perform at their best. Many Japanese fans came to Monterrey, sang the national anthem with us, and cheered us on. Their support was a huge boost for us.” Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach

Tunisia 0-4 Japan

Japan goals: Kamada (4), Ueda (31, 83), Junya Ito (69)

Morocco's Ismael Saibari pleased with win over Scotland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari delighted with victory over Scotland

Morocco’s midfielder Ismael Saibari expressed his pleasure that the team is tied for first place in Group C with four points, more than his two goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 24-year-old underlined following Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Scotland that the team’s good group standing is more fulfilling than his personal performance.

Saibari remarked, “I am happy with the two goals I have scored, but what makes me happier is having four points and being top of the group.” One more game has still to be played; hopefully, we will win that one as well.

In his first World Cup, Saibari has started well. In Morocco’s first 1-1 draw, he scored against Brazil and grabbed the winning goal against Scotland only 70 seconds into the game. This is one of the fastest goals of the 2026 competition and the fastest World Cup goal by an Arab player ever.

Though Saibari has his own successes, he underlined that Morocco’s strength results from its cooperation. “All of us have the same goal. We play as one group. He said, “We are like family.”

Côte d’Ivoire Receives Boost as Striker Elye Wahi Is Cleared to Enter Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire Receives Boost as Striker Elye Wahi Is Cleared to Enter Canada

The Ivory Coast’s football federation announced that striker Elye Wahi has been permitted to enter Canada, therefore providing a major boost before their FIFA World Cup match against Germany.

On Thursday, the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) said that the forward’s travel administrative problems had been solved so he could keep playing in the competition.

The federation said in an official statement that Wahi’s arrival into Canadian territory had been duly authorised, therefore clearing the path for him to accompany the Elephants’ mission.

Elye Wahi’s administrative status has improved. The statement read, “The required clearances for his admission into Canadian territory have now been sought.”

Thus, the Ivorian international is permitted to accompany the Elephants team to Canada and will keep competing alongside his colleagues as usual.

The statement ends days of doubt regarding the 23-year-old striker, who had apparently struggled getting into Canada, given an investigation in France over claimed match-fixing infractions now underway.

French authorities are presently looking into Wahi over claims that he purposefully sought a yellow card during a May Ligue 1 game against Metz, playing for Nice. Still qualified for selection, the striker has not been accused of any offence.

Having played in Cote d’Ivoire’s World Cup opener against Ecuador, the ex-France youth international helped the Elephants win a prized 1-0 match.

Before Saturday’s pivotal Group E match against Germany in Toronto, his availability is projected to give coach Emerse Faé a significant boost.

Additionally , thanking everyone engaged in resolving the problem, the FIF welcomed the good result.

Wahi is scheduled to rejoin the team in Canada as Cote d’Ivoire pursues a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages with the travel problem fixed.

Hugo Broos Praises Bafana Bafana’s Determination After Draw with Czech Republic
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos Praises Bafana Bafana’s Determination After Draw with Czech Republic

South Africa battled diligently to maintain their FIFA World Cup hope, drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty guaranteed this crucial point after their first loss to Mexico.

Coach Hugo Broos said he was proud of how his team responded after the game. Though the ultimate result made one a little depressed, he pointed out that the squad played aggressive football and produced good opportunities.

Broos underlined the attitude they displayed following the defeat to Mexico and underlined the fact that the players determine their own fate. He said that the emphasis now turns to defeating South Korea to boost their prospects for progress.

Broos also responded to outside criticism by saying he will maintain his strategy and the team’s results speak for itself.

The Story of Bafana Bafana Goes On

One point from two games puts South Africa tied with the Czech Republic in Group A. With two victories, Mexico leads the group; South Korea still has to play their second game.

Along with some of the best third-placed teams in this year’s enlarged World Cup with 48 teams, the top two teams from every group advance to the round of 32. Every stage is important, and this draw offers Bafana some breathing room.

South Africa now heads into the must-win game against South Korea knowing that a win will secure their qualification possibilities. A draw or loss will make advancement considerably more difficult and may rely on other match outcomes.

Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi nets a last-gasp winner as Semenyo shines
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi nets a last-gasp winner as Semenyo shines

In the Group L game, Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 95th minute to help Ghana defeat Panama 1-0. With Yirenkyi converting from close range following Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross, the game provided few apparent opportunities.

Ghana’s Lawrence Ati Zigi saved Amir Murillo’s cross early to give Panama the lead. In the first half, neither team got any shots on target. 

Ghana ultimately tested Panama’s goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, with a header from Jonas Adjetey in the 48th minute, but Panama came near to scoring with Cristian Martinez striking the side-netting.

Panama appeared to score as the game went on, but Yirenkyi’s goal resulted from a counter-attack. His late goal for Ghana at the World Cup beat Asamoah Gyan’s 2010 record and kept Panama from getting their first tournament point.

With just one shot in the first half, Ghana was at the bottom of the tournament’s scale. Though they boast star players like Semenyo and Ayew, their expected goals (xG) were 1.25 from seven tries versus Panama’s 0.75 from eleven shots, they have to work on their finishing.

Key stat

Queiroz has coached teams at five successive World Cups. He led Portugal at South Africa 2010, IR Iran at Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and now Ghana at the 2026 edition. He is just the second coach to achieve that, following Bora Milutinovic.

Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Ibrahim Mbaye Joins Elite List of Youngest World Cup Scorers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ibrahim Mbaye Joins Elite List of Youngest World Cup Scorers

Rising star Ibrahim Mbaye of Senegal has created history as the fourth youngest player to ever score in a World Cup. In Group I, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he scored in the 95th minute during Senegal’s 3-1 defeat to France. (Photo Credit CAF)
 
Despite the loss, Ibrahim Mbaye displayed incredible skill and composure by scoring on such a large stage. His ambition not just helped his team but also set him among a small elite of World Cup teenage scorers. Many think he will be a key player in world football for years to come.
 
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, which puts him at 58 goals, the most for France, and Bradley Barcola also scored.
 
Mbappe’s goals helped France win their first 2026 FIFA World Cup game against Senegal, therefore preventing a repeat of their 2002 defeat to the West African team.
 
Senegal first challenged France’s aim. Though Nicolas Jackson’s shot struck the post and the goalkeeper, it did not go in. Another good opportunity eluded Ismaila Sarr, but France proved too strong in the end. 
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Ibrahim Mbaye’s historical background!
 
Born in France, Mbaye developed his abilities playing for the French U16 to U20 national teams. He is 18 years old and now plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
 
Though Mbaye would have wanted a victory, scoring against his native nation during his World Cup debut must have been very satisfying. Let’s investigate his path to joining Senegal’s national team.
 
History from Africa to the World - Ibrahim Mbaye, 18 years, 143 days, fourth youngest to score at a World Cup behind this famous list -






Pele 17 years, 239 days 1958






Manuel Rosas, 18 years, 93 days, 1930






Gavi 18 years, 110 days 2022