Category: Football Africa

Achraf Hakimi calls for discipline ahead of the Netherlands
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi emphasises discipline ahead of the Netherlands clash

Morocco’s skipper Achraf Hakimi is encouraging his squad to maintain attention and discipline for their crucial Round of 32 FIFA World Cup game against the Netherlands at the Monterrey Stadium on Monday night. 

Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi knows Morocco is up against a good Dutch squad. He stresses that little details will determine the result of the game.

Hakimi told ABtalks that “it will be a difficult game against the Netherlands. Their calibre and players are well-known to everybody. The captain remarked that there isn’t much room for mistakes in knockout football. He thinks game-long focus will be essential.

Hakimi’s remarks suggest Morocco honours the Netherlands but is hopeful going into this crucial game. Though they had a fantastic group-stage record, he underlined that prior results against the Dutch do not count.

The squad is concentrating on sound defence and attacking effectiveness. One of the tournament’s top players, Hakimi, is anticipated to significantly impact defence and attack by providing speed and assistance from his right-back position.

Hakimi makes it obvious that Morocco honours the Netherlands, but the game will rely on focus, discipline, and little details instead of history or reputation.

Canada reach FIFA World Cup last 16 with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Canada book World Cup last-16 spot with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles

Canada secured their place in the World Cup’s last 16 with a stunning last-gasp 1-0 victory over South Africa! Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic goal in stoppage time, giving Canada the victory they so desperately needed.

Both sides showed excellent talent and drive, making the game very close. Canada, however, always produced more scoring chances across the game.

Eustaquio rose to the occasion when the situation called for a standout moment, firing a strong shot that guaranteed the team’s victory just as the game was about to end.

This game was a historic event as neither Canada nor South Africa had ever made it to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

With this victory, Canada can now look forward to finishing their World Cup run against either Morocco or the Netherlands in the following round.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Africa recored 90% of 100 from the World Cup 2026 group stage as nine of ten teams made the last 32 of the USA, Canada, and Mexico showcase

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in the CAF Competitions are bearing fruit, Dr Motsepe vehemently noted.

“I want to congratulate the National Teams and coaching staff of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32.

They have made their countries and the 1.6 billion people in Africa and in the Diaspora proud. The achievements of these nine teams show that African football is becoming more competitive and recognized worldwide.

The hard work put into developing youth football, coaching, professional leagues, and infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations is paying off.

New governance and financial practices have attracted sponsors and partners, helping the growth of African football. I also congratulate the 9 CAF Member Association Presidents and their teams and thank the African Governments for their support of these Associations.

CAF wishes all nine teams the best as they compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and we believe they will continue to make their countries and Africa proud.”

South Africa face co-host Canada after reaching the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time ever
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa face co-host Canada after reaching their first World Cup Round of 32

For the first time, South Africa has advanced to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. In their last three appearances, the Bafana Bafana were eliminated during the group stage.

Sixteen years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s first goal against Mexico was hailed by a pundit as a goal for all of Africa. But it turned out to be a misplaced hope.

Though they tied Mexico 1-1 and defeated France in their final game, the team was ousted on goal difference. South Africa missed a fantastic chance as first World Cup host to not make it from the group stage.

South African football has suffered since the 2010 competition. Cape Town writer Mark Gleeson said that domestic football has been a little bit sluggish following 2010, particularly given the economic crisis. He pointed out that regional football lacks sponsors and readily available cash.

In these challenging times, South Africa returned to the World Cup this year after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2012, 2017, and 2021. But their national team and local football are both exhibiting signs of growth.

Mamelodi Sundowns took home the African club championship in 2016 and, following second place last year, earned their second continental title in May.

Gleeson remarked that the country has greatly benefited from the national team’s World Cup qualification and Sundowns’ victory in the African Champions League. Perhaps 16 years after it should have been, he hopes this signals a new beginning for South African football.

Canada is the only co-host of the World Cup that will compete in a knockout round match outside of its own borders. While the United States will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico will go up against a third-place team at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jesse Marsch’s team must journey to California to play at SoFi Stadium.

South Africa vs. Canada

Sunday, June 28 | Inglewood, California | Los Angeles Stadium

  • Confederation: CAF

  • Best World Cup: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)

  • Last World Cup: 2010 (Group stage)

  • First World Cup: 1998 (Group stage)

  • World Cup appearances: 4 (1998, 2002, 2010, 2026)

  • Current run of successive qualifications: One

  • World Cup hosts: 2010 (Group stage)

  • Overall World Cup record: P9 W2 D4 L3 F11 A16

Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockouts.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockouts

Cape Verde’s amazing run at their first World Cup is still ongoing. Following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in its group stage on Friday, the island nation off Africa’s west coast became the least-populated nation ever to advance to the knockout rounds of a men’s World Cup.

By holding pre-tournament favorite Spain to a goalless draw in their first match, the tournament newcomers surprised one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets. They followed that with a 2-2 tie with Uruguay, when they scored their first World Cup goals ever.

Saturday’s loss to Spain dashed Uruguay’s hopes of moving on to the group stage along with Saudi Arabia.

For Cape Verde, defending champions Argentina await in a Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 3, and the obstacles will only grow more difficult.

With about 525,000 residents, Cape Verde boasts less than every U.S. state. The least populated state, Wyoming, boasts about 576,000 citizens.

Cape Verde has already surpassed the only other smaller countries in population to have qualified for the men’s World Cup.

In their only tournament participation, Curaçao and Iceland both failed in the group stage in 2026 and 2018, respectively.

They also hold the first World Cup debutant record of going unbeaten in all three group-stage games since Senegal accomplished it in 2002.

Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq to keep their knockout hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq to keep their knockout hopes alive

Senegal can still hope to make the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup after thrashing Iraq 5-0. This victory raises their chances of being among the top third-placed teams.

Pape Thiaw and his team found the work difficult. They had to win by at least two goals, and against Iraq, they did exactly that. A victory like this maintains their contention for a berth in the following round.

Knowing what was on the line, the Lions opened strong with a score in under four minutes. Habib Diarra open the scoring as the strain on the Iraqi defense grew, which caused Ruben Sulaka to get a red card in the 13th minute for a foul on Sadio Mané. Sulaka was dismissed as the last defender for robbing Mané a clear shot at goal.

One player advantage was expected to help Senegal to dominate. But they struggled to connect and lacked accuracy, trailing by one goal at halftime.

Senegal scored rapidly in the second half once more. Following superb play from Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute. Just a minute later, coach Pape Thiaw made three substitutions, bringing in Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Pape Gueye.

These adjustments worked. In the 59th and 71st minutes, Pape Gueye scored two goals; Iliman Ndiaye added a fifth one in the 82nd minute. The Lions had a great evening, their eyes now on the remaining games of matchday 3.

Senegal has currently made it to the 2026 World Cup’s round of 32. They are among the top third-placed teams with 3 points and a +2 goal difference. To learn their ultimate ranking, they will have to wait for matchday 3 to end.

Half the work has been completed by Pape Thiaw and his colleagues. With 8 goals total, their offensive might can come in handy should they tie another team trying to get to the round of 32.

Elephants roar to 2026 World Cup knockouts
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Elephants of Ivory Coast roar through to the World Cup knockouts

Group F – On a record-breaking day, Ecuador shocked Germany to keep on in the competition, while Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden also moved on.

To advance to this stage for the first time in their history, Côte d’Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0; the Netherlands won Group F by defeating Tunisia. Japan and Sweden tied their matches, which let both countries to qualify.

Australia moved ahead following a goalless draw with Paraguay; Türkiye won late goal over the USA.

With their victory over Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire created history by moving past the group stage for the very first time. Ecuador shocked Germany as well and advanced.

Following a simple victory over Tunisia in Kansas City, the Netherlands came top in Group F. Japan’s 1-1 tie with Sweden let both teams advance to the following level. Sweden made the cut as one of the top third-place finishers.

Co-hosts USA lost 3-2 to Turkey in the final games of the day, while Australia tied Paraguay and so placed second in Group D.

First time, Côte d’Ivoire knew a victory against Curaçao would qualify them for the knockout stage. They only scored seven minutes into the Philadelphia game. Yan Diomande set the opportunity; Nicolas Pepe scored.

Curaçao also had chances, but Pepe’s second-half goal brought their tournament run to an end and let Côte d’Ivoire mark their historic advancement.

Result

Curaçao 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Group E Philadelphia Stadium

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal to Meet Iraq in Crucial Group I Decider at Toronto Stadium

Senegal is set to battle against Iraq at Toronto Stadium on Friday in an effort to recover from back-to-back losses in their first two Group I matches, and with their Round of 32 hopes in the balance. Both nations will meet for the first time in football history. (Photo Senegalese Federation)
 
Senegal has opened with two defeats
 
The Lions of Teranga started their World Cup run at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16 with a 3-1 loss to France, as Kylian Mbappé introduced himself to the world with a brace against the African powerhouse.
 
Things got even worse for Senegal after that as they lost 3-2 to Norway on the same fields on June 23. Their losing streak dropped them to zero points in third place, while Iraq is fourth in Group I before Friday’s match.
 
The Opponent – opening on 17 June, Iraq played Norway and suffered a 4-1 loss at the Boston Stadium; Aymen Hussein scored for his country.
 
The Lions of Mesopotamia, as they are lovingly known, then faced 2022 finalists France at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22 and lost 3-0 thanks to goals from Mbappe (2) and Ousmane Dembele.
 
Senegal’s head coach reflects and looks ahead
 
Pape Thiaw thinks his team has not failed at the competition, even if they lost their first two games, as Senegal is set to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
 
“We have one game left, and we need to concentrate on this last game, try it, get three points, then cross our fingers,” Thiaw added. “I suppose it’s a little too early to declare we failed. We’re not dead; rather, we’re living.
 
This is the first time Senegal has opened a World Cup season with two losses; we are not in a strong situation. However, we still have a chance to qualify; therefore, we will concentrate on the final game.

We hope to go through and wish to try to get those three points. Once you make it to the following round, it’s yet another tournament beginning. 

Tunisia to Close Out World Cup Group F Against the Netherlands
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia to Close Out World Cup Group F Against the Netherlands

Already eliminated, Tunisia is scheduled to finish its campaign versus the Netherlands this Friday morning at the Kansas City Stadium following severe losses in its first two Group F games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tunisia’s bad run in Group F

Tunisia is currently at the bottom of Group F with a goal difference of minus eight, therefore facing one of the hardest records World Cup group stages have ever seen. At the Monterrey Stadium on June 15, they started the competition with a crushing 5-1 loss to Sweden, then a dismal 4-0 loss to Japan at the same venue only six days later.

Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands

Conversely, the Netherlands hopes to guarantee their place in the Round of 32, presently leading Group E. With four points, they tie second-placed Japan.

Though Ronald Koeman’s team drew their first game 2-2 against Japan at the Dallas Stadium, they recovered with a strong 5-1 win over Sweden at the Houston Stadium last Saturday.

Advancing Under New Leadership

Appointed following Sweden’s loss, Tunisia’s coach, Herve Renard, wants to stay on. Renard first brought in only for the World Cup, has expressed his disappointment with the team’s most recent performance.

Renard said, “I’m ready for any talks.” “I am not happy at all. I won’t justify or place fault on another person. I assume total responsibility; It’s been humiliating somewhat. Let’s concentrate on the following game and aim for something amazing.

Past Meetings

Regarding their past meetings, Tunisia and the Netherlands have met only once before, drawing 1-1 in an international friendly on February 11, 2009.

Morocco Reach World Cup Last 32 After Fighting Back to Beat Haiti
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Reach World Cup Last 32 After Fighting Back to Beat Haiti

Morocco overcame Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions had a tough start, falling behind twice in the first half. Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari equalised before halftime. In the second half, substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim scored to complete the comeback.

This victory gave Morocco seven points in Group C, placing them second behind Brazil due to goal difference. They will face the winners of Group F in the knockout stage, likely the Netherlands.

Morocco showed resilience, bouncing back from Haiti’s aggressive start. Haiti scored first with an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, marking their first World Cup goal since 1974. Hakimi equalised, but Haiti regained the lead with a goal from Wilson Isidore. Saibari’s late first-half goal kept Morocco in the game.

After halftime, Morocco increased their pressure. Key substitutions changed the game, with Rahimi scoring the go-ahead goal and Jassim sealing the win in the final minutes.

Morocco finishes the group stage strong, having drawn with Brazil and beaten Scotland. Despite concerns about conceding goals, their attacking depth and recent performances offer hope for the knockout stage.

Haiti ended their campaign with one point, while Morocco looks ahead to their next challenge.