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Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has defended omitting Malang Sarr from the 2026 World Cup squad despite the defender's Ligue 1 Team of the Season nod. Thiaw cited squad balance and selection choices, revealing two phone calls with the former Chelsea player. Reports suggested some senior players opposed Sarr's inclusion.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will name his 26-man World Cup squad Friday, with reports confirming Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Manchester City's Phil Foden, and Manchester United's Harry Maguire among high-profile omissions. The selections carry significant implications for Ghana's Group L opponents, as England reshapes its roster ahead of the tournament.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to omit Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from his final 26-man World Cup squad due to inconsistent, injury-hit seasons. Harry Maguire, despite a strong Manchester United campaign, is also cut, leaving him 'shocked and gutted.' Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are expected to replace them for the Ghana clash.
Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye insists his team are the true African champions despite ongoing legal disputes over the 2025 AFCON title. Speaking ahead of their qualifier, Ndiaye stated that in many people's eyes, Senegal remains the rightful holder, dismissing the controversy as a distraction from their on-field dominance.
Ghana’s Black Starlets began preparations for their crucial playoff against Uganda with a recovery session on Thursday, following a 3-1 win over South Africa. Captain Joseph Narbi scored twice in the victory. Despite the result, Ghana missed quarter-finals after Algeria advanced on a drawing of lots. The playoff winner earns a spot at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, notably excluding Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Three Lions, captained by Harry Kane, will face Ghana in Group L after opening against Croatia. Key players include Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice.
Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has been named among Africa’s brightest young prospects for the 2026 World Cup. The FC Nordsjaelland star, named Player of the Season in Denmark, has scored twice in 17 appearances this campaign. Widely tipped to make Carlos Queiroz’s final squad on June 1, Yirenkyi is a rising midfield force.
DR Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, defeating Jamaica 1-0 in a play-off. Fans in Kinshasa erupted in joy, with one supporter stating, 'Amidst pain and war, this victory makes us proud.' The triumph offers a rare moment of unity for the conflict-ridden nation.