High-pressure battles headline Premier League Gameweek 12

Africa Picks breaks down the key matchups of the weekend, highlighting the form trends that could shape this round of Premier League action.

Chiefs, Stellies seek continental statements

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC open their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage campaigns this weekend as South Africa’s two representatives look to establish early momentum in the competition.

Curaçao make history with World Cup qualification

Curaçao, a Caribbean island of just over 150,000 people, has shattered one of international football’s most unlikely barriers by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

CAF Champions League returns as Sundowns host Lupopo

Mamelodi Sundowns launch their CAF Champions League group stage against Lupopo, seeking a strong statement at Loftus after reaching last season’s final.

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.

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.

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.