Bafana Bafana vs Nigeria: Five takeaways from the 2026 World Cup qualifier
We take a look at five talking points from South Africa's 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium on Tuesday.
England boost 2026 World Cup hopes with dominant win over Serbia
The result extended their competitive winning run to eight matches under Thomas Tuchel.
The match had been billed as the sternest test of Tuchel's reign, with Serbia expected to pose a serious challenge at home.
Early on, England controlled possession but struggled to penetrate in the final third. Harry Kane wasted a promising opening, sending Noni Madueke's pass wide.
The breakthrough arrived around the half-hour mark when Kane rose highest to meet Declan Rice's corner and guided a header past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Arsenal winger Madueke soon doubled the lead, marking his first international goal after slick interplay involving Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers.
England's third came in fortunate fashion: Anthony Gordon's strike was parried by Petrovic into the path of Ezri Konsa, before ricocheting off Marc Guehi and over the line.
Serbia's night worsened when Nikola Milenkovic received a straight red card from French referee Clement Turpin for bringing down Kane as the last defender. From the resulting free-kick, Rice supplied another pinpoint delivery, this time finished emphatically by Guehi to make it 4-0.
Tuchel, buoyed by the cushion, rotated his side to test different combinations, but the visitors still pressed forward.
Their dominance was capped late on when Marcus Rashford coolly converted a penalty to complete the rout.
The result leaves England on the brink of sealing their place at the 2026 finals, with confirmation potentially coming in October's international fixtures.
Bafana Bafana edge closer to World Cup dream despite stalemate against Nigeria
Bafana Bafana moved another step closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing to a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Harry Kane hits back at Michael Owen as Bayern Munich form 'speaks for Itself'
Harry Kane has responded firmly to Michael Owen’s criticism of his decision to join Bayern Munich, insisting he is thriving in Germany both on and off the pitch.
Erling Haaland laughs off freak bus door injury as Norway push for 2026 World Cup spot
Erling Haaland has played down a bizarre injury scare after being left needing stitches when a bus door hit him in the face during international duty with Norway.