2026 World Cup: 11 teams qualify for Round of 16

Spain are the latest team to confirm their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The European champions thrashed Austria 3-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Thursday evening.

It was a display of complete dominance by Luis de la Fuente’s men, as they lived up to their pre-tournament billing as favourites.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain in the first half, before Pedro Porro doubled their advantage in the 66th minute.

Oyarzabal continued his fine scoring form with a second late on.

They will now face the winner of Portugal vs Croatia.

Other teams confirmed in the last 16 are: USA, England, Belgium, France, Brazil, Norway, Morocco, Paraguay, Canada and Mexico.

2026 World Cup: 11 teams qualify for Round of 16

NNL: Bayelsa United get new management team 

Bayelsa State government have installed a five-man committee to oversee the affairs of Nigeria National League, NNL, side Bayelsa United for the 2026-27 season.

The state deputy governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo constituted the Committee in Yenagoa.

The committee members are Dr. Peter Singabele (Chairman ) Sir Braveman Wodi, Godson Ekarde, Ono K. Akpe and Ken Akpolaemi Odogu.

They have been mandated to commence preparations for the 2026-27 NNL season.

Ewhrudjakpo said the move is to put the government directly in charge of the team’s administration during this critical period.

Bayelsa United were relegated to the NNL after an unimpressive campaign in the NPFL last season.

NNL: Bayelsa United get new management team 

NPFL: Barau FC retain 21 players for 2026-27 season 

Barau FC have retained 21 players for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season, DAILY POST reports.

The Maliya Boys made the announcement after a consultation meeting with the technical crew.

Top of the list of the retained players are , Emeka Nwabulu, Chisom Chiaha, Oscar Destiny and Sugau Aliyu.

Other names on the list are Bismark Duah, Usman Maidubuji, Henry Ezeonye, Chisom Nkwocha and Orji Kalu.

Jimmy Ambrose, Nura Muhammad, Moses Tsehuan, Sa’ad Tijjani, Ebuka Nwokorie, Sunday Anthony, Hillary Ekawu, Joseph Atule, Adamu Hussaini, Ibrahim Yunusa, Uche Moses and Stanley Oganbor also made the cut.

Barau FC will be aiming to add more new players to the squad before the start of the new season.

The 2026/27 NPFL season is expected to commence on Friday, 28 August.

NPFL: Barau FC retain 21 players for 2026-27 season 

Transfer: Man City set to hijack Arsenal’s move for Jeremy Monga

Manchester City have moved to hijack Arsenal’s move for Leicester City winger, Jeremy Monga.

The Gunners were in advanced negotiations for the teenager, but it appears their Premier League rivals are ready to snap the player up.

This was revealed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on his X page on Thursday.

Romano noted that new City manager, Enzo Maresca, is the driving force behind the move.

He wrote: “Manchester City are hijacking Arsenal deal to sign Jeremy Monga, negotiations are underway.

“Enzo Maresca also involved to present project with Monga tempted.

“#MCFC in active talks to get it done and anticipate Arsenal, as reports.”

Transfer: Man City set to hijack Arsenal’s move for Jeremy Monga

Transfer: Real Madrid identify Olise’s alternative

Real Madrid have identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential alternative for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, according to El Nacional.

The Los Blancos are plotting a sensational move for Kvaratskhelia this summer as an alternative to Olise, after being knocked back by Bayern Munich for a move.

A bid for Kvaratskhelia hasn’t been lodged yet, but PSG could listen to offers if Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior were involved in a swap deal.

Kvaratskhelia has been impressive since joining PSG from Serie A side Napoli last year.

The Georgia international helped PSG to win both the Champions League and the French Ligue 1 titles last season.

Transfer: Real Madrid identify Olise’s alternative

Transfer: Santi Cazorla in shock return to Arsenal

Former Arsenal player, Santi Cazorla is poised for a shocking return to the club, as stated by Football London.

Although the former midfielder has concluded his senior football career, he may rejoin North London in a coaching role.

Cazorla recently announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41.

The ex-Spain international, who spent six years at Arsenal, has officially ended a remarkable career.

Capping off his journey with his childhood club Real Oviedo, Cazorla achieved success in Spain, England, and Qatar, even captaining La Roja in June 2019.

He became a beloved figure in North London, although injuries regrettably hampered the final stages of his tenure with the Gunners.

Nevertheless, with his retirement, the possibility of a return to Arsenal remains open.

In 2024, Cazorla mentioned that discussions had occurred with Mikel Arteta after he took on the managerial role, but his primary focus was on his playing career.

“I hold a very special affection for Arsenal,” Cazorla expressed to Sky Sports in 2024. “I enjoyed six wonderful years there, and I am aware of the affection the fans have for me.

“Naturally, I was lucky to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta, who is now the manager. We have talked about that, but at this moment, my attention is solely on contributing to my current club, Oviedo, and relishing my time as a player.

“After that, we will see what the future brings. It is evident that Arsenal has always kept the door open for my return. However, I currently have enough on my plate with the play-offs and savoring the final moments of my playing career.”

With his playing days behind him, this inevitably prompts speculation about Cazorla’s potential return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity.

Arteta even commented on this notion approximately two years ago, expressing his trust in his former teammate’s diverse qualities.

Transfer: Santi Cazorla in shock return to Arsenal

Daga acquitted of sexual assault in Norway

Flying Eagles midfielder, Daniel Daga has been acquitted of sexual assault by the Frostating Court of Appeal in Norway.

The sexual assault allegations has kept Daga out of action for 11 months.

The 19-year-old’s club, Molde FK also confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the player is available for selection again as they await the final judgment in the case.

Daga was previously sentenced to six months in prison by the Romsdal District Court after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman.

The court also ordered him to pay NOK 10,000 in legal costs.

The youngster was part of the Flying Eagles squad to the FIFA U-20 FIFA World Cups in 2023 and 2025.

Daga acquitted of sexual assault in Norway

World Cup 2026: ‘Go and cry now’ – Moroccan star mocks Senegal after Belgium defeat

Moroccan international Mohamed Chibi has mocked Senegal on Instagram after the West Africans’ exit from the 2026 tournament.

Senegal squandered a two-goal lead, ultimately losing 3-2 to Belgium during the extra-time of their Round of 32 match on Wednesday.

Chibi, who was not selected for Morocco’s 2026 squad by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, seized this moment to mock Senegal.

He posted what seems to be a video clip from the match, displaying the final score, along with the caption: “go and cry now.”

The animosity may be rooted in the contentious Africa Cup of Nations final held on January 18, 2026, where Senegal and Morocco faced off. During this match, Senegal’s players left the field in protest over a disallowed goal and a VAR decision made in stoppage time.

The Lions of Teranga returned approximately 14 minutes later, and Edouard Mendy successfully saved Brahim Diaz’s penalty, resulting in a 0-0 score at full-time. However, as the match progressed into extra-time, Pape Gueye scored for Senegal, leading them to win the AFCON title.

Due to their temporary withdrawal from the game, Senegal was later stripped of their title, with Morocco being declared the champions, although Senegal has appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Chibi’s Instagram story, which takes a jab at Senegal, clearly indicates that the rivalry between the two teams remains intense. Morocco has advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands on penalties, while Senegal is heading home following a devastating defeat to Belgium.

World Cup 2026: ‘Go and cry now’ – Moroccan star mocks Senegal after Belgium defeat

Transfer: Osimhen tells Galatasaray to sign Super Eagles star

Turkish champions Galatasaray have made Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Fernandez their major target after he was recommended by Victor Osimhen as reported by Ajansspor.

The Istanbul club will be active in the transfer market this summer, particularly with Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez drawing significant interest from the Italian team Como.

In light of the need for a replacement, Galatasaray has expanded their list of targets beyond well-known players such as Virgil van Dijk and Kim Min-jae, with Fernandez now emerging as an unexpected option.

The Nigerian international had a remarkable season with Rangers last year, participating in 33 matches across all competitions and netting six goals.

At 24 years old, he is formidable in aerial duels and presents a significant threat during attacking set-pieces, while his defensive skills have garnered widespread acclaim.

Fernandez’s adaptability is another quality that Galatasaray values, as he can operate as a centre-back and also step in at right-back when necessary.

A crucial element that may bolster the Turkish club’s pursuit is the support of fellow countryman Victor Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker has provided a favorable recommendation for Fernandez to the club’s management after having shared the pitch with him in the Super Eagles.

Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Rennes are among the clubs reported to be interested in the former Peterborough United player this summer.

Transfer: Osimhen tells Galatasaray to sign Super Eagles star

NLO names venue for South-West promotion playoff

The Nationwide League One, NLO, has named Abeokuta and Ado Ekiti as hosts of the 2026 South-West promotional playoff , DAILY POST reports.

The tournament will run from Friday July 10th to Wednesday July 15th at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium will be the venue for the matches.

The one-week tournament will determine the two clubs from the South-West region that will gain promotion to the Nigeria National League, NNL, next season.

Franceex United, Ablaze FC, Hepzebah FC and Ikorodu will compete for the South-West 1 promotion slot.

Dokkal Khairu FC, Adeyemi FC, Ijebu United and Yewa FA will contest the South-West 2 slot.

All matches will be played simultaneously at both venues to ensure a competitive and efficient tournament.

DAILY POST reports that Nasarawa, Yobe and Jigawa states will be hosting the northern zone playoff.

NLO names venue for South-West promotion playoff

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