Category: Sports

Pape Thiaw has been sacked as Senegal’s head coach, following their exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The Teranga Lions were eliminated by Belgium in the round of 32.

They had lost their opening two Group I fixtures to France and Norway, but a 5-0 thrashing of Iran saw the West Africans qualify as the lowest ranked of the best third-placed teams.

Against Belgium, Senegal went 2-0 up and with five minutes left, they conceded two late goals before losing 3-2 to a late penalty from Youri Tielemans at the end of extra-time.

The Senegal Football Federation, in a statement on Sunday, explained that the decision to fire Thiaw came after a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team.

The statement read: “The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs the public that following the meeting of the Executive Committee held this Saturday July 11 2026, it was decided to initiate a procedure to terminate the functions of the national coach, Mr Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff.

“This decision comes after the elimination of the Senegal national team in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“After a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team, the Executive Committee deemed it necessary to initiate this procedure in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

2026 World Cup: Senegal sack Thiaw as manager

FIFA has confirmed that France captain, Kylian Mbappe, is leading Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the race to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.

The world football governing body made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

Both Mbappe and Messi have scored the same number of goals (8) ahead of the semi-finals.

But Mbappe has the edge as he has provided three assists, while Messi has one.

Norway striker, Erling Haaland, who has been eliminated scored seven times.

England duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals and one assist each.

“If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive,” FIFA’s statement read.

“If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.”

2026 World Cup: FIFA releases statement on Golden Boot race between Mbappe, Messi

Victor Osimhen has rejoined his Galatasaray teammates for pre-season training after he was granted special leave by the Turkish Super Lig champions.

Osimhen was given a special leave to join the squad a few days late.

The session took place at the club’s Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities, under the direction of head coach Okan Buruk.

The Yellow and Reds will head to Austria for a training tour on Thursday, 23 August, where they will play two friendly matches.

Buruk’s side will face Monza in the first friendly the following day.

They will round up their tour with another friendly against Italian club Venezia on Monday, 27 July.

Osimhen played a key role in Galatasaray’s title success last season, contributing 15 goals, and five assists in 22 league appearances.

Turkey: Osimhen rejoins Galatasaray for pre-season training

Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has hit out at Noni Madueke while also hailing Jude Bellingham after England’s World Cup quarter-final 2-1 win against Norway on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic said Madueke made the wrong decision during the encounter against Norway, as he also lauded Bellingham, insisting that the Real Madrid midfielder was the most active player for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

“Jude Bellingham has been the most active player for England,” Ibrahimovic told Fox Sports.

“But I think they are playing with one player less so far, Madueke has been on the pitch, I have to say. Every time he gets the ball, he makes the wrong decision, and he’s walking on the pitch.

“If I am Tuchel, I change him because he’s done nothing this first 45.

“Even the hydration break didn’t help him. He’s played, but he’s not started every game; they [England] started with one guy less.”

Bellingham’s brace ensured England eliminated Norway from the competition to set up a semi-final clash against England.

World Cup: He makes wrong decision – Zlatan Ibrahimovic attacks Madueke, hails Bellingham

Norway striker, Erling Haaland, has identified the team he is supporting to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, following his country’s elimination. 

The striker played for the Vikings as they faced a 2-1 defeat against England in the quarter-finals of the competition.

After the match against England in Miami, Haaland addressed journalists and was inquired about his thoughts on his Manchester City teammates, given that the Three Lions are now in contention for the title. 

He expressed his hope for Thomas Tuchel’s side’s success, noting that his English heritage meant he received a Three Lions jersey before he ever owned a Norway shirt as a child.

He said, “Yeah why not? I think I have a few City lads in England and in France and in Spain so of course I want England to do well. I’ve been supporting I think I got an England jersey before I got the Norway jersey when I was young, so of course I want England to do well because it’s a nice country and a nice T-shirt!”

Norway made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time, having defeated Brazil in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland was instrumental in his team’s achievements, netting seven goals in his initial four matches in the competition.

However, they were unable to surpass the Three Lions in their quarter-final encounter in Miami, losing 2-1 after initially taking the lead. Jude Bellingham scored both goals for England, securing their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Argentina for a chance to reach the final.

Haaland’s scoring streak concludes as Norway exits the FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old participated in five matches for his team, scoring seven goals during their deepest run in the tournament.

Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring for Norway, but a brace from Jude Bellingham allowed the Three Lions to claim victory after extra time. 

World Cup: ‘I want them to do well’ – Haaland names choice for trophy after Norway’s exit

Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has named France and Spain as the two favourites to win the World Cup.

Scaloni spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Switzerland this weekend.

He described both teams as the outstanding teams at the World Cup after they recently qualified for the semi-final stage.

“I have not heard people saying Spain against France is an early final, but of course it is,” Scaloni said.

“They are two outstanding teams, two of the favourites, and unfortunately, one of them will go out.

“They are doing things very well. Theya re a frightening side,” he said.

Spain and France will clash in the semi-final on Tuesday after they both eliminated Belgium and Morocco in the quarter-final stage.

World Cup 2026: They’re outstanding – Argentina coach Scaloni names two favourites to win trophy

FIFA has reacted to the death of South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams.

Adams, who was part of Bafana Bafana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, passed away at the age of 25.

Reacting to the news, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a statement, said Adams would be sorely missed.

“It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” Infantino said.

“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates.

“The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”

Jayden Adams: He’ll be sorely missed – FIFA reacts to death of South Africa midfielder

Former Chelsea player, Craig Burley, has responded to the newly appointed Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus, who stated that superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains significant for the national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner started and participated in all but nine minutes of Portugal’s 2026 campaign.

He scored two goals against tournament newcomers Uzbekistan and converted a penalty in the Round of 32 against Croatia.

The iconic forward faced considerable criticism for his lack of movement, which limited the Selecao das Quinas’ attacking options. He was largely ineffective in the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, marking his final appearance in the tournament.

Following the match, Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation, with Jesus appointed as his replacement.

In one of his initial press conferences as manager, he declared that Ronaldo ‘will never be a problem for the national team’.

In the ESPN FC studio, Burley criticized Jesus’ remarks. The 54-year-old, who made 135 appearances for Chelsea from 1990 to 1997, stated, “Portugal must move on from this. I also believe Ronaldo should voluntarily step away from the team. Someone needs to tell him no (regarding his continued participation with Portugal). As a nation, you need to progress.

“We all mentioned, leading up to this World Cup, for months, that Portugal, despite having a very talented squad, would not be able to compete effectively for the World Cup title with a 41-year-old leading the attack.

“One only needed to examine the history of recent major tournaments to understand that he would face challenges. It is foolish to believe that if you have struggled in the last two or three tournaments, you will perform better six or seven years later against younger, faster, fitter defenders. It is simply absurd. He is an incredible player, an extraordinary athlete, and I have enjoyed watching him play, but his time at this level has come to an end.”

With 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored and the highest number of caps in the history of international football.

Ex-Chelsea star, Burley slams Portugal for refusing to retire Cristiano Ronaldo

El-Kanemi Warriors claimed the President Federation Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City in Asaba on Saturday.

Muktar Ismail scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 13th minute.

It was El-Kanemi Warriors’ second President Federation Cup title in the last  three years.

The Maiduguri club have now won Nigeria’s oldest football competition four times.

The Borno Army will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season alongside Shooting Stars.

It was disappointing end to the season for Ikorodu City, who also  missed out on a continental ticket in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, on the final day of the season.

President Federation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors claim fourth title with win over Ikorodu City

French legend, Youri Djorkaeff, has criticised Portugal players over their treatment of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

He said the Portugal team effectively ‘boycotted’ Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 58-year-old, who scored 28 goals and provided 21 assists in 82 international appearances, and was part of the victorious French team in the 1998 World Cup, stated, via The Real Champs as quoted by RMC Sport, “When you have Cristiano Ronaldo, the team must adapt to play for him, which did not occur at all. One could argue that he was boycotted by his own teammates.

“They failed to support him and did not create optimal conditions for his performance… What I found disappointing about the Portugal national team, despite its considerable talent, was the tendency for everyone to shift the burden onto Cristiano.”

“At some point, players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and others needed to rise to the occasion and share the responsibility. It is unreasonable to expect Cristiano to be the sole solution to every problem. He is not the only player capable of making a significant impact,” Djorkaeff remarked.

Although Ronaldo has declared his retirement from the World Cup, he has not yet made a decision regarding the conclusion of his international career.

World Cup: France legend slams Portugal players over Ronaldo treatment