Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Former Morocco coach Hervé Renard named Tunisia manager
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Morocco coach Hervé Renard named Tunisia manager

As Tunisia named former Morocco coach Hervé Renard their head coach for the rest of the 2026 World Cup, the ambiguity has been eliminated.

Renard steps in for coach Sabri Lamouchi following a devastating 5-1 loss to Sweden in their first game that sparked public outrage and calls for quick action.

Renard will lead the team until the World Cup ends, according to the Tunisian Football Federation, with more talks scheduled following the championship event. The seasoned coach, who has led Morocco and Saudi Arabia before, is set to join the team for their next Group F games.

Their next match is against Japan on the 21st at Monterrey Stadium, then a vital group match against a rival on the 26th at Kansas City Stadium.

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain

Keeper Josimar José Évora Dias, aka Vozinha, was instrumental as Cape Verde pulled off an amazing upset on their 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against mighty Spain. As first-time football global participants, the little island nation held Spain, the title favourites, to a goalless draw.
 
Starting the game with 50,000 Instagram followers, the Blue Sharks’ outstanding, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha showcased their importance and ended the day with over five million and counting new admirers. 
 
Furthermore, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also pulled off shocking ties against Uruguay, IR Iran, and Belgium. On Matchday 5, FIFA provides an interesting synopsis.
 
Not many thought Cabo Verde had a possibility. Among the tiniest nations ever to compete in the World Cup, in both size and population, they were up against the favourites. Everyone agreed the only issue was not whether Spain would win, but by how many goals.
 
Thanks to a remarkable defensive effort and amazing saves from 40-year-old Vozinha, which helped Bubista’s team earn a historic point, the net finally remained untouched.
 
Lamine Yamal, who entered the game in the 71st minute and sparkled, was the only bright spot for Luis de la Fuente’s team. But the 18-year-old virtuoso couldn’t eclipse one of the most important days in Cape Verdean history.
 
Vozinha, Cabo Verde goalkeeper who was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, noted, “We worked a lot for this. We knew we were playing against one of the best national teams in the world, but we also know our quality. We worked a lot for this big day. We knew it was going to be very difficult but we’re very happy.”
Egypt's Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team's progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team’s progress

Egypt’s first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a 1-1 draw against Belgium, with Emam Ashour being crucial for the team. He considered the development of Egyptian football.

Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian coach, was confident his team would strive to honour their country. The team’s performance met his standards, demonstrating drive and focus to leave a long legacy.

Egypt’s first goal of the tournament came from Ashour, who was emotional. It makes me upset, he said, we might have won. Though he drew, he underlined the need to maintain faith and fight.

He praised the dedication of the squad and the vision of his coach. It’s a privilege to wear the Egypt shirt. Strong attitude shown, we battled for our nation and team. For the following games, we will concentrate on enhancements.

Mostafa Shobeir, the goalkeeper, lamented lost opportunities to win. We want to create a significant legacy and hope to reach the knockout round, he added.

Younger players like Hamza Abdelrakim are rising as well. He said, We wanted all three points, but we learned from this match and appreciate the coach’s trust.

Following the draw, Egypt will play New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21.

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat

Following only one game in the World Cup, Sabri Lamouchi has been let go from his position as coach of the Tunisian national team. 

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres scored goals as Tunisia lost badly 5-1 to Sweden in their first game on Sunday evening.

Official statements confirmed, “an agreement has been reached to part ways with coach Sabri Lamouchi.” Mondher Kebaier is expected to take over as the national team’s interim coach.

Before finishing their group stage against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Tunisia will face Japan this Saturday in the same Guadalupe stadium where they played Sweden.

Fifty-four-year-old Lamouchi joined in January but was already under fire after a 5-0 pre-tournament friendly defeat to Belgium in Brussels. He took charge of five matches, winning one, drawing one and losing three. The defeat by Sweden left Tunisia at the bottom of Group F. Their next game is against Japan on Saturday, 20 June.

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden

One of Africa’s representatives, Tunisia, fell 5-1 to Sweden in their Group F 2026 World Cup opener at the Monterrey Stadium on Sunday, with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak leading the charge. Sweden fast seized the lead.

Two points ahead of Japan and the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sweden tops Group F with this victory. With a powerful shot from outside the box, Yasin Ayari —whose father is Tunisian- scored the first goal.

After a wonderful turn and pass from Gyokeres, Isak scored the second goal. Omar Rekik headed in a fantastic cross from Hannibal Mejbri to bring Tunisia back into the match with his first international goal.

Sweden, nevertheless, controlled the second half. Ellyes Skhiri lost the ball to Isak, then Gyokeres scored to pull the score to 3-1. Coming on as a substitute, Mattias Svanberg scored fast; Ayari ended the game with his second goal.

Final score: Sweden 5, Tunisia 1.  

Sweden goals: Ayari (7 & 90+6), Isak (30), Gyokeres (59), Svanberg (84).  

Tunisia goal: Rekik (43).