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2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: WHO'S QUALIFIED AND WHAT COMES NEXT The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is gathering pace, and the picture is becoming clearer with several nations already booking their places. The tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be the first in history to feature 48 teams. NATIONS ALREADY QUALIFIED HOSTS: United States, Mexico, and Canada. SOUTH AMERICA: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Colombia. ASIA: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. OCEANIA: New Zealand. AFRICA: Morocco and Tunisia. That makes a total of 18 teams confirmed so far, including world champions Argentina, record-holders Brazil, and African trailblazers Morocco. THE ROAD AHEAD With more than half the slots still available, qualification battles across the continents are reaching boiling point. AFRICA: Giants like Nigeria, Egypt, and Senegal are still in the fight. The expanded format means more African repres...

CAPE VERDE vs CAMEROON: A PIVOTAL WORLD CUP QUALIFIER CLASH On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Cape Verde will host Cameroon in Praia for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. With only one point separating the two nations in Group D, the stakes could not be higher. Cape Verde, playing at home in the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde, enter this match with confidence after a strong start to their qualifying campaign. Known for their disciplined defense and ability to capitalize on counter-attacks, they will be looking to use home advantage to push for a vital win. Cameroon, the five-time World Cup participants, arrive with both pressure and ambition. Led by experienced players and youthful talents, the Indomitable Lions know that dropping points could dent their hopes of automatic qualification. The spotlight will be on their attack, which has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency in recent matches. Beyond the points, this encounter represents a battle of resilienc...

MYSTERY AS FORMER MAN UTD COACH LEAVES BRENTFORD AFTER JUST THREE GAMES Brentford have been thrown into the spotlight following the unexpected departure of assistant first-team coach Martin Drury, who joined the club only recently from Manchester United. The news has stunned fans and pundits alike, raising questions about the reasons behind such a swift exit. Drury, known for his work in youth development and coaching at Manchester United, was seen as a valuable addition to Brentford’s backroom staff. His experience was expected to strengthen the team’s tactical and developmental approach this season. However, just three games into the new Premier League campaign, he has abruptly stepped down. The club has yet to issue a detailed statement clarifying the situation, leaving speculation to swirl around personal, professional, or internal factors that may have influenced the decision. While Brentford continues to push forward under manager Thomas Frank, this disrup...

PITCH CONCERNS CLOUD RAYO VALLECANO vs. BARCELONA CLASH As La Liga action resumes, all eyes turn to the Estadio de Vallecas where Rayo Vallecano are set to host FC Barcelona. However, the focus ahead of the fixture has shifted from team lineups to the poor condition of the playing surface. Fresh images have shown the pitch in worrying shape, with patches of uneven grass and visible wear across key areas. The deterioration comes just days after Rayo hosted a UEFA Conference League qualifier, leaving little recovery time for the turf before Barcelona’s visit. Reports suggest that players and coaching staff from both sides are concerned about how the surface could affect the flow of play and increase the risk of injuries. For Barcelona, who rely heavily on their possession-based, quick-passing game, the pitch could prove a major challenge. Head coach Hansi Flick is expected to adapt tactics to ensure his team can navigate the conditions effectively. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano m...

LECCE vs AC MILAN: ROSSONERI (AC MILAN) EYE SECOND STRAIGHT WIN IN SERIE A AC Milan travel to the Stadio Via del Mare on Friday, August 29, 2025, to face Lecce in what promises to be a tightly contested Serie A clash. Fresh from their opening-day victory, Stefano Pioli’s side will be eager to build momentum and continue their push for an early lead in the standings. Lecce, however, will not be easy opponents. Known for their resilience at home, they will look to frustrate Milan’s attacking rhythm and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. Defensive solidity and sharp transitions remain Lecce’s biggest weapons, especially against the Rossoneri’s high-possession style. For AC Milan, all eyes will be on their forward line, with Rafael Leão expected to play a central role in unlocking Lecce’s backline. New summer signings could also be key in adding depth and creativity. Midfield balance will be crucial as Pioli looks to dominate the central areas while ensur...