Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Canada reach FIFA World Cup last 16 with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Canada book World Cup last-16 spot with last-gasp winner over South Africa in Los Angeles

Canada secured their place in the World Cup’s last 16 with a stunning last-gasp 1-0 victory over South Africa! Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic goal in stoppage time, giving Canada the victory they so desperately needed.

Both sides showed excellent talent and drive, making the game very close. Canada, however, always produced more scoring chances across the game.

Eustaquio rose to the occasion when the situation called for a standout moment, firing a strong shot that guaranteed the team’s victory just as the game was about to end.

This game was a historic event as neither Canada nor South Africa had ever made it to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

With this victory, Canada can now look forward to finishing their World Cup run against either Morocco or the Netherlands in the following round.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Hails Nine African Teams in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Africa recored 90% of 100 from the World Cup 2026 group stage as nine of ten teams made the last 32 of the USA, Canada, and Mexico showcase

“The hard work and investments in youth football development, coaching, professional football leagues and football infrastructure in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and in the CAF Competitions are bearing fruit, Dr Motsepe vehemently noted.

“I want to congratulate the National Teams and coaching staff of Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32.

They have made their countries and the 1.6 billion people in Africa and in the Diaspora proud. The achievements of these nine teams show that African football is becoming more competitive and recognized worldwide.

The hard work put into developing youth football, coaching, professional leagues, and infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations is paying off.

New governance and financial practices have attracted sponsors and partners, helping the growth of African football. I also congratulate the 9 CAF Member Association Presidents and their teams and thank the African Governments for their support of these Associations.

CAF wishes all nine teams the best as they compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and we believe they will continue to make their countries and Africa proud.”

South Africa face co-host Canada after reaching the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time ever
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa face co-host Canada after reaching their first World Cup Round of 32

For the first time, South Africa has advanced to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. In their last three appearances, the Bafana Bafana were eliminated during the group stage.

Sixteen years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s first goal against Mexico was hailed by a pundit as a goal for all of Africa. But it turned out to be a misplaced hope.

Though they tied Mexico 1-1 and defeated France in their final game, the team was ousted on goal difference. South Africa missed a fantastic chance as first World Cup host to not make it from the group stage.

South African football has suffered since the 2010 competition. Cape Town writer Mark Gleeson said that domestic football has been a little bit sluggish following 2010, particularly given the economic crisis. He pointed out that regional football lacks sponsors and readily available cash.

In these challenging times, South Africa returned to the World Cup this year after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2012, 2017, and 2021. But their national team and local football are both exhibiting signs of growth.

Mamelodi Sundowns took home the African club championship in 2016 and, following second place last year, earned their second continental title in May.

Gleeson remarked that the country has greatly benefited from the national team’s World Cup qualification and Sundowns’ victory in the African Champions League. Perhaps 16 years after it should have been, he hopes this signals a new beginning for South African football.

Canada is the only co-host of the World Cup that will compete in a knockout round match outside of its own borders. While the United States will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco and Mexico will go up against a third-place team at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Jesse Marsch’s team must journey to California to play at SoFi Stadium.

South Africa vs. Canada

Sunday, June 28 | Inglewood, California | Los Angeles Stadium

  • Confederation: CAF

  • Best World Cup: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)

  • Last World Cup: 2010 (Group stage)

  • First World Cup: 1998 (Group stage)

  • World Cup appearances: 4 (1998, 2002, 2010, 2026)

  • Current run of successive qualifications: One

  • World Cup hosts: 2010 (Group stage)

  • Overall World Cup record: P9 W2 D4 L3 F11 A16

Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockouts.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockouts

Cape Verde’s amazing run at their first World Cup is still ongoing. Following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in its group stage on Friday, the island nation off Africa’s west coast became the least-populated nation ever to advance to the knockout rounds of a men’s World Cup.

By holding pre-tournament favorite Spain to a goalless draw in their first match, the tournament newcomers surprised one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets. They followed that with a 2-2 tie with Uruguay, when they scored their first World Cup goals ever.

Saturday’s loss to Spain dashed Uruguay’s hopes of moving on to the group stage along with Saudi Arabia.

For Cape Verde, defending champions Argentina await in a Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 3, and the obstacles will only grow more difficult.

With about 525,000 residents, Cape Verde boasts less than every U.S. state. The least populated state, Wyoming, boasts about 576,000 citizens.

Cape Verde has already surpassed the only other smaller countries in population to have qualified for the men’s World Cup.

In their only tournament participation, Curaçao and Iceland both failed in the group stage in 2026 and 2018, respectively.

They also hold the first World Cup debutant record of going unbeaten in all three group-stage games since Senegal accomplished it in 2002.

Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq to keep their knockout hopes alive
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq to keep their knockout hopes alive

Senegal can still hope to make the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup after thrashing Iraq 5-0. This victory raises their chances of being among the top third-placed teams.

Pape Thiaw and his team found the work difficult. They had to win by at least two goals, and against Iraq, they did exactly that. A victory like this maintains their contention for a berth in the following round.

Knowing what was on the line, the Lions opened strong with a score in under four minutes. Habib Diarra open the scoring as the strain on the Iraqi defense grew, which caused Ruben Sulaka to get a red card in the 13th minute for a foul on Sadio Mané. Sulaka was dismissed as the last defender for robbing Mané a clear shot at goal.

One player advantage was expected to help Senegal to dominate. But they struggled to connect and lacked accuracy, trailing by one goal at halftime.

Senegal scored rapidly in the second half once more. Following superb play from Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute. Just a minute later, coach Pape Thiaw made three substitutions, bringing in Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Pape Gueye.

These adjustments worked. In the 59th and 71st minutes, Pape Gueye scored two goals; Iliman Ndiaye added a fifth one in the 82nd minute. The Lions had a great evening, their eyes now on the remaining games of matchday 3.

Senegal has currently made it to the 2026 World Cup’s round of 32. They are among the top third-placed teams with 3 points and a +2 goal difference. To learn their ultimate ranking, they will have to wait for matchday 3 to end.

Half the work has been completed by Pape Thiaw and his colleagues. With 8 goals total, their offensive might can come in handy should they tie another team trying to get to the round of 32.