Italy’s Gattuso calls out ‘unfair’ World Cup qualifiers

Is World Cup qualifying fair across all regions? Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso certainly doesn’t think so, and his frustration has reignited a fierce debate about global qualification pathways.

Germany and Netherlands dominate to clinch World Cup spots

Germany and Netherlands went on goal sprees as they wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their last European group matches on Monday.

Watch: Top 10 goals scored by Orlando Pirates

Top 10 goals scored by Orlando Pirates in the 2024/2025 season.

Watch: Top 5 Betway Prem Goals | October

Watch the best five goals of the Betway Premiership featuring stellar strikes from Chiefs’ Mdu Shabalala, AmaZulu’s Taariq Fielies and more.

Former Pirates midfielder Masuku makes move to Bahrain

Former Orlando Pirates and and Golden Arrows midfielder Menzi Masuku has made an unforeseen move to Al-Shabab in the Bahrain top flight league.

Clubless Tomiyasu still in Japan’s plans

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s lack of a club won’t affect his World Cup chances as long as he stays match-ready.

Nigeria coach blames ‘voodoo’ for playoff exit

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dream ended in dramatic fashion as the Super Eagles were knocked out by the Democratic Republic of Congo and coach Eric Chelle believes more than football was at play.

DR Congo ends Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in penalty shootout

Democratic Republic of Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout victory in the African play-offs final on Sunday.

Hakimi, Osimhen, Salah shortlisted for top African award

Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Nigerian Victor Osimhen and Egyptian Mohamed Salah were shortlisted on Sunday for the 2025 African men’s player of the year award, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.

Norway rout Italy to seal long-awaited World Cup return

Norway qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after Erling Haaland struck again in a 4-1 thumping of Italy on Sunday which sealed a spot in next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.