Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener with Panama. The Black Stars have been training in Boston, USA. According to world football governing body FIFA, Partey was unable to travel from Ghana’s US base to Toronto with the rest of his teammates as his visa application “has been refused by the Canadian government”. As previously reported, the former Arsenal midfielder is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United…

South Africa’s senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, will have to contend with big fines from FIFA after a disastrous match against Mexico on Thursday. Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in the opening match of this year’s World Cup. To make matters worse, Bafana Bafana midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received their marching orders from Brazilian referee, Wilton Sampaio. According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, there will be fines of USD20,000 (approx. R326 000) each for…

The South African government has rallied behind the senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Bafana Bafana were outplayed at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday. The government, however, is confident Bafana Bafana can put the loss behind them and has urged the nation to keep supporting the team. “Government commends Bafana Bafana for their spirited performance in their opening match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. While the final score was…

Nine-man Bafana Bafana were left to rue costly errors as they were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The two sides met at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Bafana Bafana conceded as early as the ninth when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed, and Mexico pounced. Hugo Broos’ charges were further hindered when Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off in the 49th and 84th minutes, respectively. The…

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena says the team will put up a great fight against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup opening match on Thursday (9 PM). Mexico is ranked 14th in the world, while South Africa is placed 60th. Despite the huge gap, Mokoena is confident Bafana Bafana can stand their ground and represent the nation well. “Of course the expectations are very high, it’s going to be an amazing game with an amazing atmosphere. “As a team we…

Africa will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 10 teams representing the continent, the largest African contingent ever seen at the tournament. The competition kicks off on Thursday in North America, with South Africa facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match, and for the first time, Africa will have double-digit representation on football’s biggest stage. Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the continent’s hopes at the…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the team knows what to expect from Mexico in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday. Co-hosts Mexico will host Bafana Bafana at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick off will be 9 PM South African time. “We know what to do against Mexico. We know what to do when they have the ball and when we have possession. Everything is focused on this game,” said Broos. “They are all…

Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States. Artan, who was voted best referee in Africa in 2025, was turned back at the Miami International Airport over the weekend. Somalia are one of the countries on the US travel ban list. World football governing body FIFA has released a statement that addresses the matter.…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has admitted that the practice match against Jamaica over the weekend did not go according to plan. South Africa’s senior national team drew 1-1 with the Reggae Boyz in Mexico City. The match was played behind closed doors at the Estadio Hidalgo as Bafana Bafana put the final touches to their preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico on Thursday, 11 June. “The performance was not what I expected. I…

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has offered an apology to the nation following Bafana Bafana’s failure to travel to the Americas for the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana were due to leave on Sunday morning, but were unable to do so due to an “administrative bungle” by SAFA. It was established that players and officials did not have their visas. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie lashed out, stating South Africa is “made to look like fools” and demanded answers from…