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Egypt coach Hassan’s Cape Verde decision sparks debate, Donja’s critique and AFCON 2025 intrigue
friendlies

Donja vs. Hassan: The Cape Verde Debate That Could Tilt Egypt’s AFCON Ambitions

A former Zamalek star known as Donja targets coach Hossam Hassan after Egypt’s recent friendlies against Uzbekistan and Cape Verde, calling a center-back call-up “very odd.” He predicts potential fallout with Mustafa Mohamed and urges a defense reboot featuring Ram Rabia. Hassan fires back in a heated press conference, defending his squad and downplaying critics while stressing Egypt’s limited presence of European-based players. The piece tees up Egypt’s AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco, where the Pharaohs aim to reclaim the continent’s crown under Hassan’s leadership. A light touch of humor closes the piece as the saga continues.

Spain vs Turkey 2-2 World Cup Qualifiers Seville 2025
World Cup Qualifiers 2026

Spain clinches 2026 World Cup berth in a pulsating 2-2 stalemate with Turkey

Spain secures a ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a 2-2 draw with Turkey at La Cartuja in Seville. The Roja extend a positive run under coach Luis de la Fuente, with key players delivering. Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal found the net for Spain, while Deniz Gul and Salih Ozkan struck for Turkey. The result leaves Spain atop Group 5 and Turkey trailing in second, as preparations shift to the road to the World Cup.

European World Cup 2026 qualifiers direct tickets and playoff contenders
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Europe

Europe's World Cup 2026: Direct Qualifiers Crowned and Playoff Spots Set in Motion

Europe finalised 12 direct tickets to the 2026 World Cup and lined up 12 runners-up for the playoff. Four extra teams from the Nations League path will join the playoff lineup, bringing the total to 16 hopefuls across four paths. The drama now moves to March, when the playoff brackets decide the remaining four World Cup berths. A high stakes chapter begins, with a dash of national pride and perhaps a few bracket-busting surprises.

Zamalek eyes a foreign performance analyst to bolster staff ahead of CAF Confederation Cup
CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek edges toward a foreign performance analyst as staff reshuffle unfolds

Zamalek is close to hiring a foreign performance analyst after Mohamed Alaa's departure. The club is negotiating with a Portuguese candidate who could join the interim staff led by Ahmed Abdul-Raouf. The move is part of broader changes, including the exit of Croatian fitness coach Mario Tomlianovich, as the team prepares for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Adam Kaid returns to training as the squad readies for the clash with Zesco United in Cairo.

Belgium vs Liechtenstein World Cup Qualifier 2026 Getty Images
World Cup Qualifiers 2026

Belgium Clinches World Cup 2026 Spot as Scotland Stages a Nail-Biting Drama

Belgium secured a place at the 2026 World Cup by crushing Liechtenstein 7-0 in the final European qualifier. Wales also qualified for the playoff, while Scotland, Austria, and Switzerland topped their groups or secured direct berths in a dramatic finish across Europe. Spain joined the party with a 2-2 draw against Turkey, sealing their spot, and the playoff picture widened with several nations chasing the remaining slots.

Spain vs Turkey 2-2 World Cup 2026 qualifier Seville highlights photo
World Cup Qualifiers

Spain clinches 2026 World Cup spot with dramatic 2-2 draw vs Turkey

Spain seal official qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-2 draw with a stubborn Turkey in Seville. Dani Olmo opened the scoring early, followed by Mikel Oyarzabal, before Deniz Gul and Salih Ozkan hit back for Turkey. The result leaves Spain at the top of Group 5 with 16 points, while Turkey stay in second with playoff hope. Both coaches rotated heavily, testing depth ahead of the decisive playoff rounds, and the drama kept the stands buzzing well past the final whistle.

Iraq celebrates World Cup playoff victory in Basra after 2-1 win over UAE
World Cup Playoffs

Iraq’s Basra Night Sparks a World Cup Playoff Bid

Iraq surged to a dramatic World Cup playoff berth with a 2-1 win over UAE in Basra, overturning the night’s earlier deficit. The aggregate score stood at 2-1 in favor of Iraq, sending them into the intercontinental playoff alongside six other nations. Mohannad Ali leveled the tie and Amir Al-Amari sealed it with a late penalty, as coach Graham Arnold celebrated wildly. A government and federation show of support followed, while a Zurich draw on November 20 will map the next steps toward the 2026 World Cup.

Tunisia vs Brazil 1-1 Lille friendly image
friendly

Historic 1-1: Tunisia Stands Tall as Brazil Is Forced to Share the Points

Tunisia and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Lille, showcasing Tunisia's readiness for AFCON and Brazil's continuing search for consistency. Hazem Mostouri put Tunisia ahead with a sharp strike, but Estevao answered from the spot after a VAR check. Brazil dominated possession, yet Tunisia's compact defense kept the scoreline level. The result boosts Tunisia's confidence ahead of major tournaments while Brazil contends with a patchier run of form.

Morocco 4-0 Uganda in Tangier; 18th straight win ahead of AFCON 2025
africa cup of nations

Morocco Keeps the Winning Streak Alive: 4-0 Rout Sends a Clear AFCON Message

Morocco crushed Uganda 4-0 in Tangier, marking their 18th consecutive victory. The win solidifies their form ahead of AFCON in Morocco, with goals from an own goal, Ismail Sabiri, Sofiane Rahimi, and Bilal Khannous. The team has not lost since January 2024 and continues to show depth and resilience under Walid Regragui. Hakimi’s injury update brings a glimmer of optimism for a timely comeback, while fans dream of lifting the continental trophy on home soil.

Aurélien Chouaméni in France squad ahead of World Cup 2026, Getty Images stock photo

Chouaméni’s World Cup Dream: France, Ancelotti’s Advice, and a Deschamps Farewell Countdown

Aurélien Chouaméni, Real Madrid’s midfield talisman, sets sights on World Cup 2026 with France and shares the wisdom of his former coach. Didier Deschamps has announced this will be his last World Cup in charge, adding a bittersweet edge to the buildup. Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance on midfielder positioning features prominently in the story, alongside Madrid’s looming injury concerns. The piece also revisits Deschamps’ long, storied tenure and Real Madrid’s calendar as they navigate a busy season.

Cristiano Ronaldo visiting the White House with Saudi delegation
Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo Breaks the Script: A White House Moment That Redraws Sports Diplomacy

In a moment that felt more cinematic than political, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the nexus of sport and diplomacy with a potential White House visit. The Athletic reported that the visit would be part of a larger US-Saudi dialogue, timed with high-level talks in Washington. Ronaldo’s presence is portrayed as a symbol of soft power and transformative reforms in Saudi sports. The piece reflects on his impact beyond goals, shaping attention, investment, and professionalism in the Saudi Pro League.

Spain vs Turkey 2025 World Cup Qualifiers Seville La Cartuja
Éliminatoires Mondial 2026 - Europe

Spain’s World Cup 2026 Berth: Historic Unbeaten Streaks Rise Under De La Fuente After Turkey Draw

Spain secured a place at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Turkey in Seville. The result extended Luis de la Fuente’s official unbeaten run to 26 matches and boosted the team’s overall streak to 31, surpassing past records. Spain also boasted an impressive home-venue record in qualifiers and highlighted key contributors such as Olmo and Oyarzabal. The match cemented Spain’s top spot in Group 5 and Turkey’s playoff path. A touch of drama and a couple of late chances kept the vibe lively for fans.

Vladimir Petkovic Algeria coach preparing the team at training
Arab Cup

Algeria’s Bold Call: Petkovic Drops Mahrez and Aouar as Arab Cup Prep Shines With Saudi Win

Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petkovic ruled out Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar for the Arab Cup. The decision came after a 2-0 friendly win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, part of their Qatar Arab Cup buildup. Petkovic praised the team’s performance despite absences and stressed AFCON readiness. The piece also revisits head-to-head history with Saudi Arabia and highlights Salah Al-Dosri’s milestone in the Saudi squad.

Joao Cancelo Al-Hilal decision image
transfers

Shocking Move: Cancelo Baffles Al-Hilal with Bold Exit Plan

Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo reportedly decided to leave Al-Hilal after joining from Manchester City. The move follows a season where he was pivotal in implementing a dynamic, aggressive style for the Saudi club. A Saudi daily claims Cancelo has finalised plans to depart, eyeing a European challenge, possibly Benfica. His recent exclusion from the domestic squad due to a muscle injury sparked tensions with management. The piece explores the implications for Al-Hilal, the backroom dynamics, and the broader Saudi Pro League’s handling of foreign stars.

Jordan Mali friendly in Tunis at Hamadi Al-Aqrabi Stadium
friendly

Jordan Stalls Mali in Tunisian Friendly, Fueling Arab Cup Momentum

Jordan’s national team secured a goalless draw with Mali in a Tunisian warm-up, signaling improved cohesion under coach Jamal Al-Salami. The result extends Jordan’s winless run in friendlies but showcased stronger team structure and moments of quality. The match serves as a stepping stone ahead of the Arab Cup in Qatar and a hopeful spark for World Cup 2026 ambitions. Fans left the stadium encouraged by collective effort and tactical clarity, even if finishing still needs polish.

Arab Cup history: Asia’s dominance and Africa’s 1992 Afro-Asian final in Syria
Arab Cup

Arab Cup Showdown: Asia’s Stranglehold, Africa’s Quiet Comeback on the Continent-Bender Soccer Stage

Across two continents, the Arab Cup weaves a history of Asian dominance and African sparks. This overview traces the competition’s early years, the surge of Asian teams, and the lone Afro-Asian final that still sparks debates. Hosted under FIFA's umbrella in Qatar, the tournament has grown from a regional clash to a showcase of cross-continental football. Expect a light tour through winners, host nations, and a few surprising twists.

Salem Al-Dosari 100th cap ceremony Saudi Arabia v Algeria
International Friendly

A Century, a Ceremony, a Lesson: Al-Dosari Joins Saudi Icons in a Milestone Night

Salem Al-Dosari, captain and ace of Saudi football, marks his 100th international appearance with a ceremonial jersey at a friendly in Jeddah, yet the night ends with a 2-0 loss to Algeria. The occasion is celebrated by federation president Yasser Al-Mishal and coach Hervé Renard as Al-Dosari inches toward a place among Saudi football’s legends. The match also highlights his career numbers, the role of Al-Hilal, and a mix of pride and pressure as he continues his quest for more honours. The piece places the milestone in a broader history of Saudi football while keeping a lighter, hopeful note for the road ahead.

Feras Al-Breikan in action for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Pre-Trial Tease: Al-Breikan Dodges Punishment in Al-Fath Transfer Saga

Feras Al-Breikan, Al-Ahli Jeddah’s forward, escapes sanctions in a case brought by his former club Al-Fath over his 2023 transfer. The dispute centers on contract timing and negotiations, with the Saudi Arbitration Center yet to issue a final ruling. Officials say the allegations lack strong evidence, delaying any punishment for player or club. This development keeps Al-Ahli’s attacking lineup intact as the Saudi Pro League transfer story unfolds.