Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster the DR Congo camp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brian Cipenga bolster DR Congo camp

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) national team is getting a significant boost for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the addition of two key players to its roster.

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and CD Castellón FC winger Brian Cipenga have officially joined the Leopards’ training camp in Belgium, completing the squad.

According to a recent update from the Federation of Congolese Football Associations, the arrival of the duo means the entire team is now present and accounted for.

“The squad is now united, ready to ramp up preparations and embark on a new chapter in the history of Congolese football,” the statement reads.

With Wan-Bissaka, a former Manchester United star, and Spain-based Cipenga on board, coach Sébastien Desabre now has a full complement of players as they gear up for an upcoming friendly against Denmark.

On Wednesday, the Leopards will face their Scandinavian rivals at Maurice Dufrasne Stadium in Liège, with the match set to kick off at 20:00 local time.

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars 2026 World Cup Squad revealed

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The team includes captain Jordan Ayew and key players like Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo. It consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven attackers.

In goal, Benjamin Asare from Hearts of Oak joins experienced keepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang. His selection excites local fans as he is one of the few home-based players.

The defence features Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and others to strengthen the backline.

Midfielder Thomas Partey will lead the midfield alongside Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and others, providing varied options.

The forward line includes Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, along with Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu, ensuring plenty of scoring potential.

The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
The Full Black Stars 2026 squad
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Serbia

Cape Verde displayed their confidence with a 3-0 win over Serbia in a friendly match at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon.

The Blue Sharks played well throughout the game, combining solid defence with effective attacks. They took control early, and in the 11th minute, midfielder Kévin Pina scored, giving them a deserved lead.

Cape Verde maintained their dominance, limiting Serbia’s chances. Despite Serbia’s attempts to respond, they struggled to break through Cape Verde’s organised defence.

The Blue Sharks continued their strong performance in the second half, with goals from Leroy Duarte in the 59th minute and Gilson Benchimol in the 63rd minute. This victory boosts Cape Verde’s confidence as they prepare for international play, showing teamwork and skill against European competition.

Serbia, on the other hand, had a challenging match and was unable to recover after conceding early. Overall, Cape Verde ended the match with a memorable win, showcasing one of their best performances in recent times.

Cape Verde’s World Cup group stage matches

vs. Spain, June 15 at noon ET, Atlanta

vs. Uruguay, June 21 at 6 p.m. ET, Miami

vs. Saudi Arabia, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET, Houston

Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Cape Verde impressive in pre-World Cup friendly win over Cape Verde
Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pulisic nets as USA overcome Senegal in pre-World Cup friendly

The US soccer team defeated Senegal 3-2 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, after losing to Belgium and Portugal. They needed a strong performance ahead of the World Cup.

Sergino Dest opened the scoring for the US, while Senegal’s Sadio Mane scored two goals, highlighting some weaknesses in the US defence.

The US started strong with a goal in the sixth minute. Pepi assisted Christian Pulisic, who scored, ending a five-month goal drought for both club and country.

“It’s great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it,” Pulisic said. Despite high energy from the US, Senegal had chances too. Two minutes before halftime, Senegal scored through Mane, making it 2-1.

At halftime, coach Pochettino made ten changes. Balogun thought he scored right away, but was offside. Senegal added another goal through Mane when Chris Brady, the goalkeeper, misplayed a backpass.

Balogun eventually scored after receiving a low cross from Weah. The US had several chances to score more, but McKennie hit the post, and both Weah and Balogun missed.

Pulisic was pleased with the win against “a really good team.” He noted the team’s energy and creation of chances, saying, “I’m really happy with the performance.”

Senegal entered Sunday’s match after winning convincingly against Gambia and Peru in March. Many consider them Africa’s best team. They controversially won the 2025 Afcon final but were later stripped of the title.

The Lions of Teranga are getting ready for their fourth World Cup. Mané scored a well-timed goal after Robinson made a bad pass, and Tyler Adams could not reach the final ball.

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today against the USA

Senegal kicks off its World Cup preparations today as they face off against one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USA, at the Bank of America Stadium this evening.

The United States Men’s National Team, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is set to play their second-to-last tune-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against a formidable Senegal squad that has recently been on a roll, winning five of its last six matches.

This match marks the USMNT’s first outing since the unveiling of the official roster earlier this week, providing a significant test against the Lions of Teranga.  Although the United States is considered a narrow favourite playing at home, many analysts are tipping Senegal for the win.

The West African nation will prove to be stern opposition. They won seven of 10 games in qualifying, drawing three, while they also made the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

The game was ultimately awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco by CAF following Senegal’s protest of a late penalty for the host nation.

However, they have only suffered two defeats on the pitch in the 42 games they have played since their elimination at the 2022 World Cup.

Senegal followed AFCON with victories over Peru and Gambia in March, and has won 12 of their last 15 games, excluding that walkover against Morocco

The US team will wrap up its World Cup preparations with a final send-off match against Germany in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.