Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Thomas Tuchel will travel with a 22-man group for the trip, reshuffling his attacking options as he finalizes his starting XI. Captain Harry Kane is expected to return after recovering from an ankle problem sustained while playing for Bayern Munich, bringing a lethal goalscoring threat after netting 19 times in all competitions this season.
Pickford’s contract follows a run of standout international form that saw him set a national sequence of consecutive clean sheets and reinforce his reputation as one of England’s most dependable goalkeepers. Those displays accelerated talks and persuaded the club to secure his services on improved terms.
Ivory Coast welcome Kenya to Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Tuesday for the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, knowing victory would definitely seal their passage to the global tournament.
Wilshere, 33, arrives with a growing coaching résumé. He most recently served as interim manager at Norwich City, overseeing their final two fixtures of the 2024–25 campaign following the dismissal of Johannes Hoff Thorup.
All winners of the nine African qualifying groups advance to the finals in Canada, Mexico and the US next June, but there is also a route for a potential extra place for one of the four best runners-up. They will play a mini tournament in Morocco in November to determine a single team that will go on to compete in an inter-continental playoff in March for a place in the 48-team field at the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars already had one foot in the 2026 finals thanks to a powerful position at the top of group I, and they ensured a fifth qualification for the World Cup (adding to appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022) with a 1-0 win over Comoros – secured by a goal early in the second half from Mohammed Kudus.
Captain Joshua Kimmich's double inspired Germany to a 4-0 win over Luxembourg and to the top of Group A on goal difference with Slovakia and Northern Ireland, who await them in Belfast on Monday.
In an interview with BBC Sport, the British official spoke about the "worst situation" he had faced, when he was harassed by angry Roma fans following the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest.
The afternoon block of matches also offers up a chance for reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast (World Cup appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014) to win Group F. The Elephants will need to defeat the Seychelles in Saint Pierre (Mauritius) and hope that nearest chasers Gabon fall to a defeat away to Gambia in Nairobi (Kenya).
Bwire's injury, a deep cut above his eye was the catalyst for Burundi forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana to be sent off after just five minutes, after he lunged in for a loose a loose ball in the event, hurting the South African top flight side, Polokwane City's goalkeeper.
Back in the squad since the Italian's arrival after a long period away, Casemiro has been a key figure for Brazil since his international debut in 2011 and will resume his captaincy after a two-year hiatus.
"I know both teams wanted to win, but to play like that, trying to break players’ legs, is unacceptable. I didn’t come to Burundi to experience this kind of football. They are a good team with good players, but fair play must be part of the game.”
Algeria will head to their fifth World Cup in 2026, adding to appearances in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014. They join Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in a North African quartet which has punched their ticket to North America.
The 31-year-old, who plays for second-tier Chinese side Guangxi Pingguo, collided head-first with an LED advertising panel after being shoved by an opponent during a domestic match on Sunday.
The capital injection comes a month after Spurs said they received and rejected two preliminary expressions of interest for a possible takeover and insisted the North London club are not for sale.
"I'm very happy to be here. It makes me proud and I will give everything at 100 per cent to make the Algerian people proud," the goalkeeper told a press conference in Oran.
Algeria need a point from their penultimate Group G clash against Somalia on Thursday to add their name to the list.
Harambee Stars approach this fixture with renewed confidence, even if their 5-0 thrashing of bottom-placed Seychelles counted for little more than consolation after a 3-1 home loss to Gambia ended their World Cup hopes.
The German coach once again defended the decision to leave out star names Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish for Thursday's friendly against Wales and the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Salah first cleverly toe-poked the ball home with his left foot, ahead of the on-rushing goalkeeper, to increase Egypt’s lead early in their qualifier against Djibouti, and then added the third in a 3-0 win with a masterful volleyed lob.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s financial ascent is the result of a multi-decade blend of elite salaries, global endorsements, and personal business ventures. Bloomberg’s evaluation—its first time including a footballer, places Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.4 billion, surpassing Lionel Messi and other top athletes.
With only nine group winners guaranteed a ticket to next year’s expanded finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the stakes could not be higher.
Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford in 2024 from Bologna in a £36.5 million deal and initially flourished under manager Rúben Amorim, starting 21 consecutive Premier League matches. However, a hamstring injury in April disrupted his momentum, and since returning to fitness, he has made just four substitute appearances totaling 113 minutes across all competitions.
Matchday revenue reached £132 million in the last financial year, and projections suggest that figure could surpass £150 million post-expansion. Plans also include upgraded VIP lounges, hospitality suites, and retail zones to attract premium clientele.
Baraza, who was named interim manager last week following Ken Odhiambo's exit, has decided to move on following the appointment of Moroccan Mohamed Borji as the club's new boss on Monday.
England boast a seven-point lead over Albania with three matches to play, with Serbia a point further back but with a game in hand. Several players who were not previously considered first-choice starred in Serbia, leading Tuchel to leave out big names Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish from his latest squad.
"We will test the three players before the match because they arrived here in camp carrying knocks. We will assess them and make a decision by kick off, McCarthy said prior to departure from Nairobi for Bujumbura.
The Harambee Stars jet out to Burundi for a meeting with their hosts Thursday 9 October 2025 at the Prince Loius Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura as they seek a winning end to what have largely been disappointing qualifiers.
