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DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Rabat, earning a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff. They join six other teams in March 2026, with finals staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nigeria’s hopes fade despite an early strike. The playoff draw is scheduled for November 20 at FIFA headquarters.
Norway staged a dramatic comeback to beat Italy 4-1 at San Siro in the final European qualifying clash for the 2026 World Cup. Antonio Nusa leveled the match in the 63rd minute, followed by Erling Haaland’s late double in quick succession, and Sondre Larsen’s stoppage-time strike sealed the victory. Italy’s direct qualification hopes were effectively dashed, sending them to the playoff route. Norway finished the qualifiers undefeated with eight wins and 24 points, while Italy ended second with 18 points. A memorable night under the Milan lights, highlighted by Haaland’s clinical display.
Roberto Firmino explains why a Real Madrid move never materialized after leaving Liverpool, choosing Al Ahli Saudi FC instead. He describes the timing and competing offers, and how the Saudi club fit his career at that moment. The article highlights his impact at Al Ahli, his Liverpool legacy, and his ongoing stint in Middle Eastern football. It also notes Benzema’s departure and Madrid’s attacking options at the time, framing Firmino’s career path in context.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's breakout star, geared up for a comeback at Spotify Camp Nou in a refreshed avatar. Barça is close to a partial reopening of its historic home, awaiting final permits to inaugurate Phase 1B of Espai Barça and boost capacity. With Barça second in La Liga, the club eyes a smoother lead-in to upcoming fixtures, while fans await official clearance and a return to a stadium that stands as a symbol of the club's identity. The long story of Camp Nou unfolds—from its 1957 opening to a future upgrade that aims to keep the magic alive.
Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic appears to be entering a late phase of his Al Nassr stint as contract renewal talks stall. His deal runs through June after arriving in 2023, and European clubs, notably Juventus, are eyeing the situation. The club reportedly has not opened renewal discussions, leaving Brozovic open to options abroad. A potential exit would be a technical and leadership setback for Al Nassr unless a quick agreement is reached. The piece underlines his key role since joining and the risk of losing him on a free transfer.
Francesco Esposito, a rising Italy forward, silenced Haaland with an early goal in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder-forward combo with Dimarco set the tone as Italy nudged ahead. Norway’s taunts collide with Italy’s resolve, but the road to direct qualification remains steep. Italy’s playoff fate now hinges on a dramatic shift in margins and a tougher march through March. A coaching pivot under Gattuso later frames the broader rebuilding story.
David Alaba, long a defensive pillar for Real Madrid, now faces a critical period as injuries disrupt his rhythm and contract talks loom. He must prove his reliability to earn a renewed contract under coach Xabi Alonso. The piece traces his journey from Bayern Munich to Madrid, highlighting his versatility and leadership amidst recurring injuries. The coming months will determine whether his Madrid chapter continues or ends on a high note.
Saud Abdulhamid, RC Lens’s right-back, has reportedly chosen to pursue his career in Europe rather than a permanent move back to the Saudi Pro League this winter. After leaving Al Hilal for Roma in 2024 and a first season that didn’t yield many minutes, he was loaned to Lens to gain playing time. Despite strong interest from Saudi clubs, sources indicate his priority is to continue in Europe and remain with Lens for now. He’s part of the Saudi national team camp in Jeddah ahead of the Arab Cup 2025, where he played a friendly against Ivory Coast and may face Algeria soon. The situation remains fluid, with competition at Lens and ongoing discussions about his long-term future.
Saudi coach Hervé Renard faces unexpected setbacks as Abdullah Al-Hamdan trains separately due to muscle pain. Other key players briefly miss practice, while Abdulrahman Al-Aboud returns to boost options. Saudi Arabia recently defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in a warm-up, aiming to build confidence before the Algeria friendly and the Arab Cup. The squad’s versatility and depth remain under the spotlight as prep heats up.
England wrapped up their 2026 World Cup European qualifiers with a flawless record after beating Albania 2-0. Harry Kane delivered a brace, scoring in the 74th and 82nd minutes. Kane finished the campaign with eight goals. Albania finished second in Group 11 on 14 points, one point ahead of Serbia, who beat Latvia to stay in the chase.
Al Nassr face a defensive setback during the current international break as coach Jorge Jesus readies the squad for key fixtures. The team continues to lead the Saudi Pro League with a perfect eight-win record and tops their AFC Champions League group after four straight victories. The injury to Spanish defender Inigo Martinez forces adjustments in the backline while the coaching staff recalibrates. Jesus uses youth-level action to keep the team sharp, but tougher challenges loom in league and Asia.
CAF announced the final nominees for 2025 across multiple categories, revealing a marquee trio for Best African Player: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen. The ceremony will celebrate top performers from clubs and national teams between January 6 and October 15, 2025, at a grand event in Rabat, Morocco. Alongside the main prize, the article highlights rivalries in goalkeeping, youth, coaching, and club honours, with Moroccan hands shaping the backdrop of a strong North African storyline. The piece also notes standout domestic and continental achievements and the ongoing race between North African and Sub-Saharan talents.
Shabab Al Ahli defeated Al Nasr 2-1 in the ADIB Cup quarterfinal first leg, with Matheus Lima scoring for the home side and Abdallah Tori answering for Al Nasr. Al Jazira and Al Wasl played to a 0-0 stalemate in the other first-leg clash. A separate note highlighted Al Ain’s 3-1 victory over Sharjah as the biggest result of the round. The return legs will decide who advances to the semis.
Portugal hammered Armenia 9-1 in Lisbon to seal direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Roberto Martinez praised the team’s focus and unity, highlighting contributions from the bench. Ronaldo sat out due to suspension, but the display reinforced Portugal’s title ambitions and top ranking in their group. The result fuels dreams of lifting a World Cup trophy, with Martinez stressing resilience and collective responsibility. A light-hearted note: if the team keeps this form, even the GPS will stop recalculating to show a straight path to Qatar.
France completed its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan, despite Mbappé not lining up. Renat Dadashov put the hosts ahead early, but France stormed back with goals from Mateta, Akliouche, and an own goal by the Azeri keeper. France tops the group with 16 points, already qualified after a prior win over Ukraine. Deschamps used a rotated lineup as he eyes the World Cup, with late substitutions to rest stars.
Gamal Bohandi, a former UAE star, looks ahead to the Arab Cup in Qatar as a key moment for regional unity. He frames the tournament as a gathering to celebrate Arab culture and solidarity through football. Bohandi stresses the honor of representing the UAE on a world stage and the role of the event in showcasing the next generation of Emirati players. The piece also outlines group dynamics, venues, and the broader vision for football’s cultural impact.
With the international break behind them, Al Ahli Jeddah stands at a critical juncture. Four internal battles demand decisions that could shape their season. The issues range from coach Matias Jaissle's future and Ivan Tony's role, to the club's league title race and Asia Champions League defense. As pressures mount from fans and media, every move could tilt the balance between revival and regression.
Portugal secured a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia in Lisbon to seal their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, suspended and watching from the sidelines, celebrated the win with his teammates and fans. The result left Portugal topping Group 6 with 13 points from six games. Ronaldo’s absence did not dampen the mood or the goals. The story also highlights Ronaldo’s bid to become the first player to feature in six World Cups, a feat that would rival Lionel Messi’s longevity.
A galaxy of Egyptian football legends gathered in Cairo to mourn Mohamed Sabry, former Zamalek and Egypt national team star. The ceremony highlighted Sabry's career, loyalty, and impact on Egyptian football, as clubs and officials paid tribute. Zamalek announced mourning and support for his family, while colleagues from both Zamalek and Al Ahly attended. The event underscored unity across Egyptian football in times of loss.
Retired German star Toni Kroos unveils his all-time XI, a fusion of eras and continents led by Neuer in goal and a frontline of Ronaldo, Ronaldo, and Messi. The lineup blends legends from across generations, including Maldini, Zidane, and Ramos in defense and midfield maestros Ronaldinho, Modric, and Zidane controlling the tempo. The piece revisits Kroos's storied career at Bayern and Real Madrid, along with his World Cup triumph and international retirement. It ends with a nod to his enduring influence on midfield precision and tactical discipline, sprinkled with light humor.
