Category: Sport News

England and Ghana bid for 2026 World Cup knockout berths
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

England and Ghana bid for 2026 World Cup knockout berths

On Tuesday night, England and Ghana will square off at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, each hoping to lead Group L as both nations eye a place in the knockout stage.

England won their first game 4-2 to show their excellent form; Ghana grabbed a 1-0 victory over Panama with a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. A victory for either side will ensure knockout stage qualification since both are now three points.

Though he probably won’t play, Bukayo Saka has gone back to practice; thus, Noni Madueke will start. Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford trained on Monday and should be available, with Rice continuing in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.

Marc Guehi could fill in for Ezri Konsa on defence, and Trevoh Chalobah has joined the team as a replacement for the wounded Tino Livramento.

Though Lawrence Ati-Zigi has returned to practice, Ghana’s starting goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is predicted. Having missed the Panama game, Thomas Partey will probably be back in the starting XI to help Ghana’s midfield and free Yirenkyi to play alongside him.

England scored a World Cup record 20 shots in their victory against Croatia, but will need a better defensive structure. Coach Carlos Queiroz of Ghana hopes for a better attacking showing against a possibly weak England defence.

Predicted lineups

England’s Potential Starting XI: Pickford; R. James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Ghana’s Possible Starting XI: B. Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey; Fatawu, Sulemana, Semenyo; J. Ayew.

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Kick-off: 21:00 BST

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston Stadium)

Referee: Said Martinez (Honduras)

Last Meeting: England 1–1 Ghana (29 March 2011, International Friendly)

Senegal's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread

A brace from Erling Haaland secured Norway a spot in the knockout stage, as Senegal suffered a second defeat in Group I at the New Jersey MetLife Stadium.

After losing to Norway 3-2 in Group I, Senegal’s hopes of making the World Cup knockout rounds are hanging by a thread. As the Scandinavian team guaranteed qualification for the last 32 with a second straight victory, an Erling Haaland brace proved critical.

Though they showed grit and fought back twice, Senegal couldn’t limit Norway’s offensive threat. Haaland’s clinical finishing penalised defensive mistakes and finally helped his team win all three points.

The loss leaves Senegal without a point from their first two games and fighting to keep in contention. To maintain their World Cup dream alive, they must now beat Iraq in their last group game and hope other results run their way.

France has already qualified and is topping the table with six points, boasting a superior goal difference over Norway in this group.

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.

Old Edwardians Part Ways with head coach and Technical team
by Ibrahim Sesay

Old Edwardians Part Ways with Head Coach and Technical Staff

The Executive of Old Edwardians Football Club wishes to announce that the club has parted ways with Head Coach Patrick Bangura and his technical team, with immediate effect.

The decision follows a review of the team’s current direction and objectives for the season. The club extends its appreciation to Coach Bangura and his technical team for their service and contributions during their tenure at the club.

An interim technical arrangement will be communicated in due course as the club begins the process of appointing a new head coach. Old Edwardians FC remains focused on its season goals and will provide further updates as necessary.

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
Sulaiman Kargbo's last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory
by Football Sierra Leone

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-gasp header inspires Lions to Orange FA Cup victory

Sulaiman Kargbo’s last-minute header proved to be the difference in a close 1-0 victory over Mighty Blackpool FC at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Saturday. East End Lions claimed the 2026 Orange FA Cup.

Kargbo’s goal came in the 89th minute after continuous pressure from Mighty Blackpool, but it was Lions who nicked the victory from a corner kick. 

East End Lions Chairman Anthony Junior Navo acknowledged the team’s work. “On behalf of the Executive, Technical Team, Players, and the whole East End Lions family, I extend congratulations to everyone linked with this great club for our historic FA Cup triumph over Mighty Blackpool.

This win demonstrates the tenacity, discipline, and effort our team showed throughout the tournament. Our players and coaching staff deserve great praise for their hard work in bringing this honoured award back to Freetown.

Special gratitude to Sulaiman S. Kargbo (SS) for the goal-winning FA Cup title and qualifying East End Lions for the CAF tournament football. This success proves our team’s drive and might.”

As a result of this triumph, Lions is expected to represent Sierra Leone in the second-tier CAF Interclub competition – The CAF Confederation Cup. 

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.”