Category: Football Africa

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.

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
Lionel Messi's First World Cup Hat-Trick Sinks Algeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Lionel Messi’s First World Cup Hat-Trick Sinks Algeria

Veteran attacker Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Algeria’s return to the FIFA World Cup ended in sadness as they fell 3-0 to Argentina in their Group J opener in Kansas City.

Even though the score seems good for Argentina, Algeria played well against one of the favourites before Lionel Messi’s amazing hat-trick, which tied him for the all-time World Cup goalscoring record.

Though they lost, Algeria demonstrated a good football mentality. Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s team showed courage and structure.

The game got off to an exciting start. Though a VAR review determined it offside, Messi believed he scored in the fifth minute. Algeria rapidly answered Fares Chaibi’s pass from Ibrahim Maza, but another offside call ruled out that goal as well.

Algeria played solid defence, and goalie Luca Zidane came up with numerous crucial stops. Messi scored in the 17th minute with an amazing left-footed attempt. Though behind, Algeria kept fighting, and Chaibi presented a continual threat.

Argentina dominating the ball defined the second half as well. Reacting swiftly to a rebound, Messi scored once again; his hat trick followed in the 76th minute with a curved shot.

Algeria concentrated on lost opportunities and lessons acquired while Argentina rejoiced. On June 22 in San Francisco, winning is essential to keep their chances of reaching the knockout rounds alive as they will next meet Jordan.

Though they lost, Algeria’s skill and tenacity reveal that their World Cup path is still on.

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah joins England World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah joins England World Cup squad

Chelsea and Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento.

The news was confirmed via the official England team website – “Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.”

FIFA regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.

Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday, unfortunately, confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.

Thomas Tuchel’s side is set for their opening game against Croatia on Wednesday at the Dallas Stadium.

Former Morocco coach Hervé Renard named Tunisia manager
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Morocco coach Hervé Renard named Tunisia manager

As Tunisia named former Morocco coach Hervé Renard their head coach for the rest of the 2026 World Cup, the ambiguity has been eliminated.

Renard steps in for coach Sabri Lamouchi following a devastating 5-1 loss to Sweden in their first game that sparked public outrage and calls for quick action.

Renard will lead the team until the World Cup ends, according to the Tunisian Football Federation, with more talks scheduled following the championship event. The seasoned coach, who has led Morocco and Saudi Arabia before, is set to join the team for their next Group F games.

Their next match is against Japan on the 21st at Monterrey Stadium, then a vital group match against a rival on the 26th at Kansas City Stadium.

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain

Keeper Josimar José Évora Dias, aka Vozinha, was instrumental as Cape Verde pulled off an amazing upset on their 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against mighty Spain. As first-time football global participants, the little island nation held Spain, the title favourites, to a goalless draw.
 
Starting the game with 50,000 Instagram followers, the Blue Sharks’ outstanding, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha showcased their importance and ended the day with over five million and counting new admirers. 
 
Furthermore, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also pulled off shocking ties against Uruguay, IR Iran, and Belgium. On Matchday 5, FIFA provides an interesting synopsis.
 
Not many thought Cabo Verde had a possibility. Among the tiniest nations ever to compete in the World Cup, in both size and population, they were up against the favourites. Everyone agreed the only issue was not whether Spain would win, but by how many goals.
 
Thanks to a remarkable defensive effort and amazing saves from 40-year-old Vozinha, which helped Bubista’s team earn a historic point, the net finally remained untouched.
 
Lamine Yamal, who entered the game in the 71st minute and sparkled, was the only bright spot for Luis de la Fuente’s team. But the 18-year-old virtuoso couldn’t eclipse one of the most important days in Cape Verdean history.
 
Vozinha, Cabo Verde goalkeeper who was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, noted, “We worked a lot for this. We knew we were playing against one of the best national teams in the world, but we also know our quality. We worked a lot for this big day. We knew it was going to be very difficult but we’re very happy.”
Egypt's Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team's progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team’s progress

Egypt’s first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a 1-1 draw against Belgium, with Emam Ashour being crucial for the team. He considered the development of Egyptian football.

Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian coach, was confident his team would strive to honour their country. The team’s performance met his standards, demonstrating drive and focus to leave a long legacy.

Egypt’s first goal of the tournament came from Ashour, who was emotional. It makes me upset, he said, we might have won. Though he drew, he underlined the need to maintain faith and fight.

He praised the dedication of the squad and the vision of his coach. It’s a privilege to wear the Egypt shirt. Strong attitude shown, we battled for our nation and team. For the following games, we will concentrate on enhancements.

Mostafa Shobeir, the goalkeeper, lamented lost opportunities to win. We want to create a significant legacy and hope to reach the knockout round, he added.

Younger players like Hamza Abdelrakim are rising as well. He said, We wanted all three points, but we learned from this match and appreciate the coach’s trust.

Following the draw, Egypt will play New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21.