Cape Verde have captured the imagination and secured a World Cup showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, but they are just part of a success story for African football as the group stages come to a close. A record 10 African nations qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament and only Tunisia are headed home before the […]
Kieran Canning
AFP correspondent.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Bielsa accepts blame for World Cup exit, but says Uruguay deserved more
Marcelo Bielsa said Uruguay deserved more from all three of their World Cup games, but accepted the critics that will come his way after the two-time winners crashed out in the group stage. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s mistake condemned Bielsa’s side to an early exit in a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Friday after disappointing draws […]
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Cape Verde’s Bubista relishing ‘dream’ World Cup clash with Spain
Facing the might of Spain is a “dream come true” said Cape Verde coach Bubista as the African island nation prepares for its World Cup debut on Monday. Blessed with what Spain boss Luis de la Fuente boasted on Saturday is the “best squad in the tournament” in his opinion, the European champions are among […]
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Scotland’s Tartan Army to bring ‘the party’ on World Cup return
“No Scotland, no party” is a popular refrain of the Tartan Army and for the first time in 28 years the World Cup will be treated to the Scottish fans’ vibrant blend of noise, colour and passion. Scotland supporters are more famous for making an impression on major tournaments than their team on the pitch. […]
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Norway’s natural-born goalscorer Haaland finally gets global stage
Erling Haaland propelled Norway back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and spearheads a golden generation ready to thrive on the global stage. Despite a tough draw alongside one of the tournament favourites France, African powerhouses Senegal and Iraq, a Norway side also containing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is confident […]
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Yamal injury hangs over Spain as Uruguay, Saudi seek Group H surprise
Spain’s World Cup preparations have been beset by fitness concerns, including to star winger Lamine Yamal, as Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa faces a challenge to his authority before aiming to shock the European champions in Group H. Barcelona’s Yamal could reportedly miss Spain’s opening two games against tournament debutants Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia due […]
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Brazil’s World Cup challenge faces Morocco test in Group C
Brazil’s credentials to end a 24-year wait to be world champions will be tested from the off as 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and a Scotland side seeking a historic breakthrough pose threats to the Selecao. After consistent failure when faced with stern European opposition in the knockout stages, Brazil have turned to the coach who has […]
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Arsenal players in dawn celebrations after winning Premier League
Arsenal players were pictured celebrating with fans at 5:00 am at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday after they clinched the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were pictured in the early hours in an Instagram post by their teammate Eberechi Eze. Thousands of fans had […]
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Who could be the 2026 World Cup’s breakout star?
World Cups are where rising stars of football quickly transform into global icons. AFP Sport looks at five of the contenders to become the game’s next superstar at this year’s finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada: Nico Paz (Argentina) The son of former Argentine international Pablo Paz has opted to play for the […]
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Liverpool ‘deserved’ defeat to Crystal Palace, says Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Crystal Palace was a deserving 2–1 winner as the Premier League champions’ perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end at Selhurst Park.