Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Serbia

Cape Verde displayed their confidence with a 3-0 win over Serbia in a friendly match at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon.

The Blue Sharks played well throughout the game, combining solid defence with effective attacks. They took control early, and in the 11th minute, midfielder Kévin Pina scored, giving them a deserved lead.

Cape Verde maintained their dominance, limiting Serbia’s chances. Despite Serbia’s attempts to respond, they struggled to break through Cape Verde’s organised defence.

The Blue Sharks continued their strong performance in the second half, with goals from Leroy Duarte in the 59th minute and Gilson Benchimol in the 63rd minute. This victory boosts Cape Verde’s confidence as they prepare for international play, showing teamwork and skill against European competition.

Serbia, on the other hand, had a challenging match and was unable to recover after conceding early. Overall, Cape Verde ended the match with a memorable win, showcasing one of their best performances in recent times.

Cape Verde’s World Cup group stage matches

vs. Spain, June 15 at noon ET, Atlanta

vs. Uruguay, June 21 at 6 p.m. ET, Miami

vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET, Houston

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly

The US soccer team defeated Senegal 3-2 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, after losing to Belgium and Portugal. They needed a strong performance ahead of the World Cup.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the US, while Senegal’s Sadio Mane scored two goals, highlighting some weaknesses in the US defence.

The US started strong with a goal in the sixth minute. Pepi assisted Christian Pulisic, who scored, ending a five-month goal drought for both club and country.

“It’s great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it,” Pulisic said. Despite high energy from the US, Senegal had chances too. Two minutes before halftime, Senegal scored through Mane, making it 2-1.

At halftime, coach Pochettino made ten changes. Balogun thought he scored right away, but was offside. Senegal added another goal through Mane when Chris Brady, the goalkeeper, misplayed a backpass.

Balogun eventually scored after receiving a low cross from Weah. The US had several chances to score more, but McKennie hit the post, and both Weah and Balogun missed.

Pulisic was pleased with the win against “a really good team.” He noted the team’s energy and creation of chances, saying, “I’m really happy with the performance.”

Senegal entered Sunday’s match after winning convincingly against Gambia and Peru in March. Many consider them Africa’s best team. They controversially won the 2025 Afcon final but were later stripped of the title.

The Lions of Teranga are getting ready for their fourth World Cup. Mané scored a well-timed goal after Robinson made a bad pass, and Tyler Adams could not reach the final ball.

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today as they face off against one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA, at the Bank of America Stadium this evening.

The United States Men’s National Team, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is set to play their second-to-last tune-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against a formidable Senegal squad that has recently been on a roll, winning five of its last six matches.

This match marks the USMNT’s first outing since the unveiling of the official roster earlier this week, providing a significant test against the Lions of Teranga.  Although the United States is considered a narrow favourite playing at home, many analysts are tipping Senegal for the win.

The West African nation will prove to be stern opposition. They won seven of 10 games in qualifying, drawing three, while they also made the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The game was ultimately awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco by CAF following Senegal’s protest of a late penalty for the host nation.

However, they have only suffered two defeats on the pitch in the 42 games they have played since their elimination at the 2022 World Cup.

Senegal followed AFCON with victories over Peru and Gambia in March, and has won 12 of their last 15 games, excluding that walkover against Morocco

The US team will wrap up its World Cup preparations with a final send-off match against Germany in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.

Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt edge Russia in friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup

Egypt finished their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 friendly win over Russia, winning the New Capital Cup at Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

Mostafa Ziko scored the only goal in the second half, giving the Pharaohs a confidence boost ahead of their World Cup opener.

Coach Hossam Hassan made changes to his usual lineup, bringing back Mohamed Abdelmonem from injury and replacing the late-arriving Mohamed Salah with Ahmed Sayed “Zizo.” Egypt started strong, controlling possession early, but could not score before halftime, leaving the match tied at 0-0.

In the 65th minute, right-back Mohamed Hany made a good cross that Ziko headed in for the goal. Egypt nearly scored again shortly after, but substitutions continued as Hassan tested other players.

Russia tried to equalise in the closing minutes but could not break through Egypt’s solid defence. This win was important for Egypt, reflecting a turnaround after their defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup.

Next, Egypt will face Brazil in a warm-up match on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, before starting their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle. They are in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

DRC overseas-based players exempt from 21-day isolation over Ebola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DRC overseas-based players exempt from 21-day isolation over Ebola

Over the Ebola virus in the country, the DR Congo overseas-based players will not need to undergo a 21-day health isolation period before travelling to the United States, despite earlier reports indicating otherwise.

Having to cancel their training camp in Kinshasa for Belgium and following discussions with FIFA, only the technical staff located in the DRC will be subject to this protocol. Players and staff who are based abroad, including those in Europe, Egypt, and the UAE, will be exempt.

As a precautionary measure, the Leopards have also decided to cancel their planned stop in Kinshasa before heading out on their trip.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the risk in the wider region in Africa was “high” but that it remained “low” globally.

DR Congo are due to play friendlies against Denmark on 3 June in Belgium and Chile on 9 June in Spain. The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July, and DR Congo play Portugal in their opening game on 17 June.

South Africa names two uncapped players in 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa names two uncapped players in 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his squad for the 2026 World Cup, which includes two new players, Olwethu Makhanya in the photo and Bradley Cross, who will make their national team debuts if selected in the upcoming warm-up match against Nicaragua or during the tournament itself.

Makhanya strengthens the center-back position, while Cross adds depth at left-back, especially with Aubrey Modiba nursing an injury. Modiba and another left-back, Samukele Kabini from Norway, are also in the squad.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster will lead the team, which consists of 19 players from the South African league. Themba Zwane’s experience is viewed as vital for the squad.

This World Cup will be Broos’s last as a coach. At 74, he plans to retire after the tournament, having previously ended his international playing career after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

South Africa has participated in three previous World Cups since their debut in 1998, exiting in the group stages each time.

Full Squad Confirmed

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt's preliminary World Cup picks
by Football Sierra Leone

Mohamed Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt’s preliminary World Cup picks

Stars Salah, Marmoush and El Shenawy are among a 27-strong FIFA World Cup preliminary squad named by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Ahead of the nation’s final training camp this month, the Egyptian Football Association has announced a preliminary 27-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Head coach Hossam Hassan’s selection is highlighted by a core group of ever-present stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Trezeguet and Nice’s Mohamed Abdelmonem.

The squad also contained some surprises, most notably the absence of Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, as well as the omission of Zamalek players Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Mansi

Egypt’s preliminary World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers

Mohamed Alaa Mohamed El Shenawy Mostafa Shobeir El Mahdy Soliman

Defenders

Hossam Abdelmagid Mohamed Abdelmonem Tarek Alaa Ahmed Fatouh Karim Hafez Mohamed Hany Yasser Ibrahim Rami Rabia

Midfielders

Emam Ashour Marwan Attia Nabil Emad Hamdi Fathi Haitham Hassan Mohannad Lashin Mahmoud Saber Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” Mostafa Zico Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”

Forwards

Aqtay Abdullah Hamza Abdulkarim Ibrahim Adel Omar Marmoush Mohamed Salah

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following the submission by participating teams, on June 2.

Five debutants in line to feature for the Pharaohs

While all the nation’s big names are present in Egypt’s preliminary list, coach Hossam Hassan has also named five potential debutants among his selection, including highly-rated teenage forward Hamza Abdelkareem, who is on loan at Barcelona B, as well as ENPPI forward ​​Aqtay Abdullah.

The squad, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, will play a pair of warm-up matches against Russia on May 28th and then Brazil a week later.

Egypt’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and group
Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana named a 28-man preliminary squad for the World Cup

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is in Ghana’s 28-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault from incidents involving four women between 2020 and 2022.

Ghana’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, included Partey in a 28-man squad for a training camp and friendly against Wales on June 2. The squad will be cut to 26 before the World Cup. The 32-year-old, currently with Villarreal, will stand trial next year.

Notable players in the squad include Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Leicester’s Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus is absent due to a quad injury.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign kicks off in Group L against Panama on June 17, with matches against England and Croatia to follow.

Ghana’s preliminary World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic), Solomon Agbasi (Accra Hearts of Oak SC), Paul Reverson (Ajax).

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City).

Forwards: Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City).

Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco's FIFA World Cup squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are among key players in Morocco’s FIFA World Cup squad

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has named Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is uncapped at the national level, in his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco’s squad features several Premier League players and will be led by Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz. Notably, Youssef En-Nesyri and Hakim Ziyech are absent from the team that reached the semifinals in 2022, though fans will be pleased to see Achraf Hakimi included.

Bouaddi, a France U-21 international, received FIFA approval to switch nationalities earlier this year. He replaces players like Imran Louza and Oussama Targhalline in a strong midfield lineup.

While experienced players En-Nesyri and Ziyech missed out, Fulham’s Issa Diop is included after choosing Morocco over Senegal.

Morocco’s World Cup journey begins against Brazil on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.

  • The Completed Morocco World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Asfar)

Defenders: Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Issa Diop (Fulham), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV, on loan from Roma)

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Ismael Saibari (PSV)

Forwards: Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)