A record nine African teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and 10 is a possibility as the 54 nations of CAF scrapped for places in the North American-based tournament. Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and South Africa all qualified automatically after a brilliant qualification tournament.

Victor Osimhen nets twice in extra time as Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 to reach the African play-off final on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi is still refusing to confirm his 2026 World Cup plans, with the all-time great leaving Argentina and the rest of a global audience guessing on whether he will form part of a global title defence from the reigning champions next summer.

Reigning World Cup champions Argentina are in the tournament and the other five automatic qualifying spots have been filled with one matchday to spare in CONMEBOL.

Norway all but qualify for a first World Cup in almost 30 years as doubles from Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth seal a comfortable win against Estonia.

A modern homage to the 1970 Telstar, it featured pixelated black graphics referencing Russia’s digital era. Equipped with a chip inside, it was the first smart World Cup ball. It was composed of six panels that provided for a smoother surface, with a differently designed "Mechta" version of the ball utilized during the knockout rounds.

FIFA will not pay a fee when it takes over much of the center later this month, according to a copy of the agreement obtained by The Washington Post.

Victor OsimhenIt's done! Gabon will not be at the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria claims victory in the first play-off semi-final.On Thursday night in Rabat, Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 in the