cup

Senegal conquered Africa again on Sunday night, defeating host Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat to win the Africa Cup of Nations and ignite raucous celebrations from the Atlantic shore to the Sahel. Fireworks crackled above Dakar, horns blared and flags waved as the Teranga Lions claimed their second continental crown in four years behind a dramatic winner from Pape Gueye and a performance that withstood a chaotic finish. What to know: Score: Senegal 1, Morocco 0 (after extra time) Match-winner: Pape Gueye for Senegal…

Raphinha’s brace seals Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah thriller over Real Madrid Monday January 12, 2026 JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a breathless 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Sunday night, riding a two-goal performance from Raphinha and a wave of late resistance to lift the trophy in a raucous Jeddah final. The Brazilian winger struck first just before halftime and delivered the decisive touch in the 73rd minute, his second effort taking a fortuitous deflection off Raul Asencio…

Egypt’s football authorities have asked FIFA to block any LGBTQ+ Pride messaging or activities during the national team’s World Cup match against Iran in Seattle on June 26, arguing that such displays would clash with the cultural and religious values of the participating nations. In a letter addressed to FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match,” which local organizers have designated as a “Pride Match” to…

Trump, Canada and Mexico meet at World Cup draw to pledge further work on CUSMA amid tensions WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada's Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington on Thursday, a 45-minute encounter officials said was partly aimed at the future of the North American free trade arrangement. "The three leaders met for approximately 45 minutes," Audrey Champoux, a spokesperson for Carney, said in an email. "They've agreed…

Super Eagles Aim for Glory in World Cup Playoff Final As the sun sets over Morocco, a palpable excitement fills the air, accompanying the bustling streets leading up to the grand showdown. The Super Eagles of Nigeria stand on the brink of history as they prepare to battle the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 2026 World Cup Africa Playoff Final this Sunday. The stakes couldn’t be higher; the victor will secure a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament, a gateway to the prestigious 2026 World Cup. A…

Africa’s Historic Football Surge: Nine Nations Gear Up for 2026 FIFA World Cup The thrill of African football is poised to reach unprecedented heights as the continent prepares for a historic representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With nine African nations already securing their spots and one more potentially joining through a challenging intercontinental playoff, this upcoming tournament promises to showcase the rich talent and fervent passion that defines African soccer. Championing the Continent Among the nine…

South Africa hold Nigeria to 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein as qualification drama deepens Bloemfontein — Nigeria's Super Eagles left South Africa on a knife edge after a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Saturday, a match that keeps both teams' World Cup qualification hopes very much alive but leaves the path forward markedly different for the two nations. The result means South Africa sit six points clear at the top of their group and can all but seal progression if they pick up a single point from the two…

England grind past Andorra as style questions linger ahead of Serbia test The cheers at Villa Park were more relieved than rapturous. England beat Andorra 2-0 on Saturday in Birmingham, a result that keeps Thomas Tuchel’s side perfect in World Cup qualifying. Yet the manner of it—a labored first half, a breakthrough via an own goal, and a second from a set of impeccable delivery and timing—left a near-40,000 crowd murmuring about whether this team is edging toward pragmatism over panache. On a night when England had 83% of…

Guinea brush past Somalia in Kampala to keep 2026 World Cup push alive Guinea kept their World Cup dream humming on Friday with a professional 3–0 win over Somalia at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, a tidy night’s work that moved the Syli National to 10 points and kept them within touching distance of Group G’s frontrunners as Africa’s qualifiers tilt into their decisive stretch. Serhou Guirassy struck early, an own goal midway through the second half doubled the cushion, and a stoppage-time tap-in from Ousmane Camara…

Slovakia shock Germany 2-0 in Bratislava, ending the four-time champions’ flawless away record in World Cup qualifiers An opening-night jolt in Group A BRATISLAVA — Germany have survived many lean nights since lifting the World Cup in 2014. But few defeats will sting quite like this. On Thursday, Slovakia beat the four-time champions 2-0 in a taut, disciplined performance that handed Germany their first-ever away loss in a World Cup qualifier and set off fresh alarm bells about a team that has promised to rebuild — but…