The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is officially set after the conclusion of the expanded group stage featuring 48 teams and 72 matches. A total of 32 teams have advanced to the knockout phase, including the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed finishers. The Round…
Burkina Faso’s military government has announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France, accusing its former colonial ruler of acting against the country’s national interests. In a televised statement on Friday, Communications Minister Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo accused France of pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” and engaging in “ceaseless activism” aimed at undermining Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. France rejected…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 9,058.543 kilograms of illicit drugs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, while arresting 260 suspected drug traffickers since the beginning of 2025. The Commander of the NDLEA MMIA Strategic Command, Mohammad Ahmad, disclosed the figures on Friday during the commemoration of the International…
The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iranian military targets after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a recent ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it targeted missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar positions, in response to Thursday’s drone…
Belgium secured qualification for the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, finishing top of Group G. Needing all three points, Belgium dominated from the opening whistle and finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Leandro Trossard capitalised on poor defending from a Kevin De Bruyne corner…
Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time remain alive after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle. The match ended in heartbreak for Iran after Shoja Khalilzadeh’s late goal was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Minutes later, Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the crossbar in…
Cape Verde secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia saw them finish second in Group H. The Blue Sharks ended the group stage with three points, one ahead of two-time world champions Uruguay and 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia. The result marks Cape…
Spain finished top of Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, whose hopes of reaching the knockout stage ended with another costly error from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Alex Baena scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, firing a low shot past Muslera after…
Senegal kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Toronto. The victory boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. The Lions of Teranga finished third in Group I with three points and significantly improved their goal difference….
Ousmane Dembele scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick as France defeated Norway 4-1 to finish top of Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain forward found the net three times in just 32 minutes, recording the second-fastest hat-trick from the start of a men’s World Cup match. It was also the first…
