BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

South Africa have suffered a setback in their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after midfielder Themba Zwane was handed a three-match suspension by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee following his sending-off in the tournament opener against Mexico.

FIFA announced on Thursday that Zwane was sanctioned for a breach of Article 14 paragraph 1(e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after receiving a direct red card during South Africa’s Group A match against Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on June 11.

The suspension means the experienced South African international will miss three World Cup matches, dealing a significant blow to Bafana Bafana’s hopes of progressing from the group stage.

Zwane was dismissed during South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to tournament hosts Mexico, a result that left Hugo Broos’ side searching for points in their remaining group fixtures against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

With the three-match ban covering more than the remainder of the group phase, Zwane could miss the rest of South Africa’s World Cup campaign unless the team advances deep enough into the knockout rounds for him to become eligible to return.

FIFA noted that the decision remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

The suspension comes as South Africa prepare for their crucial Group A encounter against the Czech Republic, knowing that any hopes of reaching the knockout stage may now have to be achieved without one of their most influential players.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is on the verge of making African football history when the Atlas Lions face Scotland in a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C clash at Boston Stadium.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who is the reigning African Footballer of the Year,  is expected to earn his 12th World Cup appearance, a milestone that would see him become the African player with the most appearances in the history of football’s biggest tournament.

Hakimi currently shares the record of 11 World Cup matches with Cameroonian great François Omam-Biyik and Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan. A place in Morocco’s starting lineup against Scotland would move the 27-year-old into sole possession of the record.

The achievement would be another landmark in a career that has already established Hakimi as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers. Since making his World Cup debut in Russia in 2018, the marauding full-back has been a key figure in Morocco’s rise on the global stage.

His performances were instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, the deepest-ever World Cup journey by an African nation. Four years later, Hakimi remains the heartbeat of the Atlas Lions as they seek another memorable campaign in North America.

The record attempt comes at a crucial moment for Morocco, who opened their Group C campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against five-time champions Brazil. The result demonstrated once again that the North Africans are capable of competing with the world’s elite.

Victory over Scotland would significantly boost Morocco’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds and strengthen hopes of matching—or even surpassing—the achievements that have transformed the Atlas Lions into one of the most respected teams in international football.

Moroccan supporters will also draw confidence from history. The only previous World Cup meeting between Morocco and Scotland ended in a resounding 3-0 victory for the North Africans at France 1998, a result that remains Morocco’s biggest winning margin at the tournament.

Nearly three decades later, another positive result against the Scots would not only bring Morocco closer to the last 32 but also provide the perfect backdrop for Hakimi to claim a place of his own in African football history.

For the Atlas Lions captain, the occasion offers a chance to add yet another chapter to an already remarkable World Cup legacy; for Morocco, it is an opportunity to continue building on a story that has inspired a continent.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Portugal to remain focused on their FIFA World Cup campaign after they were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday.

The Portugal captain took to his X account shortly after the match to rally his teammates and supporters following a frustrating start to the tournament.

“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game,” Ronaldo posted.

Portugal entered the tournament among the favourites but were unable to secure victory against a determined Congolese side making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead after six minutes, heading home a cross from Pedro Neto to put the Europeans in control. However, DR Congo grew into the contest and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed in Arthur Masuaku’s cross to score his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Portugal struggled to break down the disciplined Congolese defence in the second half.

Ronaldo, appearing at a record-equalling sixth World Cup alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi, endured a difficult afternoon. The 41-year-old, who became the oldest player to start a World Cup match, was closely marked throughout and missed two opportunities from close range.

The draw leaves Group K wide open, with Portugal now under pressure to secure a positive result in their next outing against Uzbekistan.

For DR Congo, meanwhile, the result was celebrated as a landmark achievement, earning a valuable point against one of Europe’s leading nations and marking a memorable return to football’s biggest stage.

While the result fell short of Portugal’s expectations, Ronaldo’s message reflected a determination within the squad to quickly move on and keep their World Cup ambitions firmly on track.

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