Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Belgium thrash Tunisia pre-World Cup warm up match
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belgium thrash Tunisia in pre-World Cup warm-up match

The Tunisia national team concluded their final warm-up match on Saturday with a 0-5 defeat to Belgium in Brussels. Tunisia were outclassed by Belgium’s quality.

Leandro Trossard scored the opener during the first half. In the second half, goals from Charles de Ketelaare, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin rounded off the score.

Tunisia started the match relatively well with a few changes from their previous match against Austria. They managed to keep strong for the opening twenty minutes, but it didn’t take long for Belgium to settle into the game and gain confidence.

Belgium went ahead after 28 minutes when Jérémy Doku made a nice run down the wing before crossing the ball into the box for Trossard to slot home easily.

De Ketelaare doubled the Belgium lead after 53 minutes when he met Youri Tielemans cross with a good header. Tunisia had spells of coming forward after De Ketelaare’s goal. Mohamed Belhadj’s strike from distance forced Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a decent save and Elias Achouri later struck the post.

That proved to be the closest Tunisia came until the end of the game as Belgium dominated from thereon out. Tunisia were reduced to ten men when Ismaël Gharbi picked up a second yellow card shortly after the hour mark.

The depleted Tunisia defence couldn’t cope with Belgium’s pressure. De Bruyne scored soon after Gharbi was shown a straight red card before Belgium scored another two goals through Lukebakio and Raskin in the closing ten minutes.

The Tunisian side will now jet off to Mexico where they will play their first two World Cup matches. They take on Sweden on June 14 and Japan on June 20 in Monterrey. They will then return to the US to face the Netherlands on June 25 in Kansas City to round off Group F.

The Pharaohs of Egypt set for pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The Pharaohs of Egypt set for pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil

Egypt will take on Brazil at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio this Saturday. It’s Egypt’ toughest game to date before the World Cup kicks off next month as they look to gear up for Brazil’s five World Cup titles.

Saturday’s friendly is both nations’ final tune-up before they head to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mohamed Salah and co delighted home fans with their 1-0 win over Russia in Cairo on Tuesday night and arrived confident after thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 while drawing with Spain earlier in March during the international break.

Egypt have kept four clean sheets in a row so far in their preparations for the World Cup and will need to keep that going if they want a chance of progressing from a tough-looking Group G.

Egypt will go into battle against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran knowing their defence will need to keep tight while hoping Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan can find the back of the net consistently if they are to succeed in the United States and Canada.

Egypt last featured at a World Cup back in 2018 and has previously been there for the 1934 and 1990 tournaments. Should they beat expectations, they would be making their fourth appearance at the football’ showpiece tournament.

Egypt qualified for the World Cup with ease, winning eight and drawing two of their last ten matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two. Head coach Hossam Hassan, appointed on February 20, 2024, has achieved 21 wins, six draws, and three losses. Right-back Mohamed Hany noted that Egypt is focused on their upcoming game against Brazil.

Brazil, ranked sixth globally and the most successful World Cup nation, has struggled to advance past the quarter-finals in four of the last five tournaments.

Despite a recent 6-2 win over Panama, they faced defeats to Japan and France. Neymar will miss the match against Egypt due to injury, though defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are available to play.

Brazil holds a 6-0 advantage in their overall record against Egypt. Tickets for Saturday’s game in Ohio are still available, with over 40,000 fans expected. Both Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior will start, as Egypt faces Belgium and Brazil takes on Morocco on June 15th.

Algeria impresses in win against the Netherlands in an international friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria stun the Netherlands in World Cup warm-up 

A goal from winger Anis Hadj Moussa gave Algeria an unlikely 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday in a World Cup warm-up.

Hadj Moussa, who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, shot strongly into the top corner four minutes from time. Algeria were grateful for the victory, especially with many friends and family watching on in De Kuip where the winger plays his club football.

“It’s deserved after a very good second half,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi told Dutch broadcasters after the game. “It’s frustrating. It ruined their farewell game before they went off to New York.”

Hadj Moussa’s goal was his first for Algeria. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was left frustrated after the game. “Of course, you don’t want this in a farewell game,” he said. “We should be further ahead than 1-0, at least two goals. We need to work at it and get sharp again. We’ve got another game in a few days, so we need to use it positively.”

Van Dijk added: “It’s great for most of the guys to have played some minutes, but we don’t play to lose games of course.”

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who has been playing with a mask over the lower half of his face following injuries in April, made a number of smart stops throughout the game. It will ease concerns over his place in the team, which has been under scrutiny recently.

The Netherlands will face Uzbekistan in a friendly on Monday night in New York before flying out to Kansas City. They face Japan in their World Cup opener in Group F on June 14 in Dallas.

Algeria begin their World Cup campaign against World Cup champions Argentina in Group J on June 16 in Kansas City. They face Bolivia in their final warm-up game on Wednesday in Kansas City.

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly

South Africa will play a competitive friendly match against Jamaica on Friday night in Pachuca, Mexico, as they look to fine-tune ahead of their much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa is confident of putting in a good performance following their return to football’s biggest stage after many years away. Hugo Broos’ side will be looking to snap their current winless run and head into their tournament with momentum following their opening game against World Cup hosts Mexico.

Having picked up two draws and suffered two defeats in their past four games. Many see this final warm-up match as a great opportunity to boost morale and preparation as well as sharpen up before the World Cup starts.

The Belgian head coach is expected to name his strongest side possible ahead of kickoff. However, there is one omission as Aubrey Modiba will miss the game for precautionary reasons.

Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross will benefit from the midfielder’s absence, gaining more game time and valuable minutes on the field as they look to force their way into Broos’ plans against Mexico.

Guests Jamaica are a team on the rebound after finishing runners-up to Nigeria in the Unity Cup with a 3-0 loss. Ranked 71 in the world, the Reggae Boyz failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In their last three matches, they’ve only tasted victory once and have struggled for consistency. Interim head coach Rudolph Speid has called up a young and inexperienced squad. He has rested several of his Europe-based stars, such as Leon Bailey and Demarai Grey, following a hectic club season.

Clearly, Jamaica are taking a breather and fielding their youngsters against some of Africa’s best talents. It will only be the sixth time these two sides meet, with South Africa unbeaten in the previous five, with one win and four draws. That was a 2-0 friendly victory in Germany back in April 20.

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana's performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana’s performance

Ghana defender Baba Rahman believes performances from the Black Stars team will improve at next year’s World Cup Finals tournament.

It was not the perfect build-up to next year’s World Cup for the Ghana national team as they played Wales to a goalless draw. Ghana opened the scoring early on, but the Dragons managed to hit back with just three minutes left on the clock.

“I’m gutted we could not get the win last night, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there. This group will give everything for this precious shirt. God bless our homeland Ghana,” Baba Rahman posted after the game on social media.

The former Chelsea player played the second half after skipping out in 2023.

Ghana will become the lowest-ranked nation at the 2026 World Cup, beginning their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, ranked 73rd in the world. England is ranked fourth, while their other group rivals, Croatia, are ranked 11th, and Panama are ranked 33rd.

Their second game against former champions England will take place in Foxboro, Massachusetts six days later with a final game against the 2018 runners- up to conclude Group L fixtures on June 27.

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations

Ahead of their final training camp, Morocco has left for their final destination as they look to make their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The Atlas Lions departed Rabat‑Salé Airport having enjoyed a successful training camp in Morocco that saw them defeat Madagascar 4-0 to give themselves a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

The fixture was played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, and Brahim scored one after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Morocco scored the fourth goal of the game when Brahim blasted a shot against the post from outside the box and El Kaabi tapped in. Saibairi had opened the scoring and then scored his second two minutes before halftime, while Rahimi added Morocco’s third from the penalty spot.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will fine-tune their plans once they’re based in America, when they take on Norway in a friendly on June 7 before the tournament kicks off for them.

Morocco’s fixtures at the World Cup start on June 13 when they take on Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before taking on Scotland four days later on June 19. They’ll face Haiti in their final game before the knockouts begin on June 24.

Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Edouard Mendy calls on teammates to prove themselves against France

Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.

In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.

“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”

Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”

Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”

Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana's draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match
by Football Sierra Leone

Yirenkyi scores in Ghana’s draw against Wales in a pre-World Cup match

Ghana and Wales drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup on Tuesday at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was Carlos Queiroz’s first game in charge of the Black Stars.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored for Ghana in the second half to take the lead, but Lewis Koumas scored a header in the third minute of stoppage time to level things up for Wales.

Wales dominated early on in the game and had opportunities to score first but Lawrence Ati- Zigi made two crucial saves to deny Daniel James. After the early pressure from Wales died down, Ghana started to find opportunities to score.

Jordan Ayew had a chance to score after keeper Karl Darlow fumbled the ball, but Darlow saved Ayew’s shot. Marvin Senaya also shot towards goal, and his volley deflected off a player and forced Darlow to make a diving save.

Late into the first half, Thomas Partey went into a tackle, and the Welsh bench protested for a second yellow. However, instead of getting yellow-carded, he was only warned by the referee.

Queiroz made four substitutions at half-time which saw Kwasi Sibo, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. The subs gave Ghana a spark forward as they soon created chances. Yirenkyi scored from a team effort after his first shot hit the crossbar, but he was there to tap in the rebound.

Ghana looked like the winners, but the late goal from Wales silenced the stadium. Neco Williams crossed a ball to the back post where Koumas timed his run perfectly and scored his header goal.

Queiroz gave his reaction to the game. He says the team needs to work on some decision making and team chemistry, but praised them for how far they got in a short time of training. He says the players executed the game plan he provided them, but most notably spoke about Yirenkyi, who he says is a player for the future.

Ghana will remain in Cardiff to train today before departing for the United States for another friendly before their opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster the DR Congo camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster DR Congo camp

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team is getting a significant boost for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the addition of two key players to its roster.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and CD Castellón FC winger Brian Cipenga have officially joined the Leopards’ training camp in Belgium, completing the squad.

According to a recent update from the Federation of Congolese Football Associations, the arrival of the duo means the entire team is now present and accounted for.

“The squad is now united, ready to ramp up preparations and embark on a new chapter in the history of Congolese football,” the statement reads.

With Wan-Bissaka, a former Manchester United star, and Spain-based Cipenga on board, coach Sébastien Desabre now has a full complement of players as they gear up for an upcoming friendly against Denmark.

On Wednesday, the Leopards will face their Scandinavian rivals at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège, with the match set to kick off at 20:00 local time.

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team includes captain Jordan Ayew and key players like Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo. It consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven attackers.

In goal, Benjamin Asare from Hearts of Oak joins experienced keepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. His selection excites local fans as he is one of the few home-based players.

The defence features Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and others to strengthen the backline.

Midfielder Thomas Partey will lead the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and others, providing varied options.

The forward line includes Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, along with Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu, ensuring plenty of scoring potential.

The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
The Full Black Stars 2026 squad