World Cup
Sacked Spalletti to leave Italy job after Moldova match
Luciano Spalletti has been sacked from his role as Italy’s coach, with the manager announcing the decision himself on Sunday, following their heavy loss to Norway, but he will take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova.
Spalletti was speaking at a press conference ahead of the Moldova match which comes after Norway stunned Italy with a 3-0 win on Friday, handing the visitors a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Last night we were together with (Italian football federation) president (Gabriele) Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” Spalletti said.
“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”
Spalletti’s dismissal comes after less than two years in the role, having replaced Roberto Mancini and taking charge in September 2023. While Spalletti took Italy to Euro 2024, their disappointing performance there had already put the manager under pressure.
Italy went into the Euros last year in Germany as defending champions but after winning their opening game against Albania, they lost to Spain and snatched a late draw with Croatia to make the last 16 where they were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland.
Spalletti’s side seemed to have recovered as they put in an impressive Nations League campaign, beating France 3-1 away and losing just once. They lost at home to the French in the final group game to finish behind France on goal difference.
Italy began this year with a 2-1 loss at the San Siro in their Nations League quarter-final first leg with Germany and found themselves 3-0 down at halftime in the return game in Dortmund.
Spalletti’s side came back to salvage a draw but missed out on a semi-final place and when they fell 3-0 behind at the break against Norway, this time Italy had no reply.
The loss left Spalletti’s side already facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, and after Italy missed out on the last two finals, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to act.
“I was convinced I could get to the World Cup, and I remain convinced this national team can get there,” Spalletti added.
“I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have.”
Spalletti was asked if he felt betrayed, but the manager could hardly get any more words out, and with tears in his eyes he left the press room.
The 66-year-old, who previously managed the likes of AS Roma, Zenit St Petersburg and Inter Milan, came into the Italian job on the back of leading Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, but was unable to bring that success to the national side.
Italian media reports suggest Stefano Pioli, currently boss of Saudi club Al-Nassr and a Serie A title winner with AC Milan, is one of the favourites to replace Spalletti, with Claudio Ranieri’s name also mentioned.
Ranieri recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, but the 73-year-old could be tempted to return once more if offered his dream job with Italy.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Algeria sealed qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ after a commanding victory over Somalia, while Uganda boosted their playoff hopes with a crucial win against Botswana.
The Desert Warriors became the latest African side to book their place in North America, maintaining an unassailable lead at the top of Group G.
Uganda, meanwhile, strengthened their grip on second place, moving three points clear of Mozambique, whose defeat to Guinea effectively ended their qualification bid.
In Group H, Liberia revived their hopes of reaching the continental play-offs after beating Namibia, while Kenya claimed a morale-boosting win over Burundi in Group F.
Group G: Algeria cruise past Somalia to seal World Cup return
Somalia 0–3 Algeria
Scorers: Amoura (6′, 58′), Mahrez (19′)
Algeria confirmed their return to the world stage with a 3–0 win over Somalia in Oran.
Mohamed Amoura opened the scoring early on, volleying home from Riyad Mahrez’s cross. The captain then turned scorer, rifling in a bouncing ball to double the lead.
Mahrez later turned provider again, delivering another precise cross for Amoura to head home his second.
The victory marks Algeria’s fifth World Cup qualification and their first since 2014, when they reached the Round of 16 before losing narrowly to eventual champions Germany.
Group G: Uganda tighten grip on second place
Botswana 0–1 Uganda
Scorer: Ssemugabi (54′)
Jude Ssemugabi’s header early in the second half proved decisive as Uganda earned a vital win over Botswana to consolidate second place in the group.
The Cranes dominated possession and created the better chances, with Rogers Mato forcing a fine save in the first half.
Ssemugabi’s close-range finish was enough to seal victory, despite late pressure from the hosts.
Uganda now need just a draw in their final match against already-qualified Algeria to secure a top-two finish — and a potential spot among the four best runners-up heading into the playoffs.
Group G: Mozambique slip up as Guinea exit
Mozambique 1–2 Guinea
Scorers: Reinildo (19′) – Traore (2′, 59′)
Mozambique’s qualification hopes suffered a major blow after a surprise home defeat to Guinea.
Abdoul Traore’s early header put the visitors ahead before Reinildo levelled for Mozambique with a powerful finish from Geny Catamo’s cross.
However, Traore restored Guinea’s lead in the second half with a fierce strike that slipped through goalkeeper Ernan Siluane’s hands.
Despite the win, Guinea’s campaign came to an end as they were mathematically eliminated, along with Botswana.
Group H: Liberia stun Namibia to stay alive
Liberia 3–1 Namibia
Scorers: Kosiah (pen 3′), Bah (9′), Ledlum (81′) – Ndeunyema (86′)
Liberia kept their playoff hopes alive with an emphatic victory over Namibia, closing the gap on the second-placed Brave Warriors to just one point.
The hosts made a dream start when Ayouba Kosiah converted an early penalty before Sulahmana Bah added a second after rounding the goalkeeper.
Substitute Edward Ledlum sealed the win late on with a curling effort from the edge of the area. David Ndeunyema scored a consolation goal for Namibia in the final minutes.
Group F: Kenya edge Burundi in fiery contest
Burundi 0–1 Kenya
Scorer: Ogam (73′)
Ten-man Burundi fell to a narrow defeat against Kenya in a hard-fought encounter.
Burundi’s Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was sent off after just two minutes for a reckless challenge on Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire, who had to be stretchered off.
Substitute keeper Byrne Odhiambo impressed, making several key saves to preserve Kenya’s clean sheet.
The decisive moment came when Ryan Ogam, introduced midway through the second half, curled home a stunning long-range effort to secure the win.
Cafonline
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Africa’s top footballers of the past two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will spearhead Nigeria’s quest for a vital victory when the Super Eagles face the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening.
The encounter is the penultimate matchday in the qualification series, and Nigeria are in must-win mode as they look to stay within reach of group leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa.
Currently three points adrift of the top two, the Super Eagles must secure all three points in Polokwane — a neutral ground fixture — and hope for favourable results elsewhere before rounding off their campaign at home to Benin Republic next week at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Head Coach Eric Chelle faces a selection dilemma following a string of injuries to key players. Wing-back Olaoluwa Aina remains sidelined after sustaining a knock on the poor pitch of the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, during the clash with Bafana Bafana last month. Also unavailable are Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and forward Cyriel Dessers, all ruled out through injury.
However, Chelle will be buoyed by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the South Africa tie due to a muscular strain picked up against Rwanda in Uyo. The Napoli striker rejoins the dynamic attacking trio completed by Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, whose exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year remain fresh in the minds of fans.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his starting role after a series of solid displays, while team captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Benjamin Frederick are all in contention for defensive duties.
The midfield options offer Chelle both creativity and steel, with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Christantus Uche vying for starting spots.
Up front, beyond the Osimhen-Lookman-Simon trio, the coach has several in-form alternatives including Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, and Jerome Akor Adams, all of whom have been impressive for their clubs in recent weeks.
With Lesotho already out of contention, Nigeria are expected to dominate possession and press for an early breakthrough. The Super Eagles will also be keen to avoid the kind of dropped points that have haunted their campaign so far.
A win in Polokwane would lift Chelle’s side within striking distance of qualification and set up a high-stakes finale in Uyo.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Sudan Football Association vice president Yasser Nasreddin Hamza Al-Samani has been banned from their next 15 competitive matches for assaulting a match official at a World Cup qualifier last month, world football’s governing body FIFA said.
The incident came after Sudan had lost 1-0 in Lome to Togo, effectively ending their 2026 World Cup hopes.
Sudan’s assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu, who is from Ghana, was also handed a three-match ban for what FIFA said was “unsporting behaviour towards a match officials”. The referees for the game on September 9 came from Madagascar.
Both men were also fined CHF5,000 ($6,214).
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- U20 FOOTBALL1 day ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup5 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- World Cup7 days ago
Osimhen Returns as Chelle Names 23-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
- U-20 FOOTBALL2 days ago
Nigeria, Argentina Renew Rivalry as Flying Eagles Target Quarter-Final Spot in Chile