Author: Bernard Okumu

Wolverhampton Wanderers have parted  ways with head coachRob Edwards barely seven months after seven months in charge.

Edwards, 43, was brought to the West Midlands from Middlesbrough in November in what many viewed as an appointment driven as much by sentiment as strategy. A former Wolves player with deep roots in the area, he arrived with the brief of steadying a sinking ship, but the waters proved too rough, and the club finished the season rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

When Edwards walked through the doors at Molineux last November, Wolves were already in serious trouble. The club had parted ways with his predecessor, and the task handed to Edwards was among the most thankless in English football — rescue a team in freefall, in a division that offers no mercy to the hesitant.

For a period, there were signs of life. Edwards brought organisation, a clearer identity and genuine belief to a dressing room that had been drifting. But the points never came in sufficient numbers, and as the season wore on, the gap between Wolves and safety became too wide to bridge. Relegation, when it was confirmed, felt less like a shock and more like the inevitable conclusion to a campaign that had been in trouble long before Edwards arrived.

Edwards’ path to Wolves was not without turbulence. His departure from Middlesbrough, where he had made an encouraging start to his tenure, drew criticism from supporters and officials at the Riverside who felt the club had been let down by a manager who had signed a long-term deal and then moved on within months. It was not the first time Edwards had left a club in complicated circumstances, having previously departed Luton Town — the club he had famously guided to the Premier League for the first time in their history, before the situation there had fully run its course.

His record at Luton remains the defining achievement of his managerial career to date. Taking a club from the lower reaches of English football to the top flight is no small feat, and it is a reminder that Edwards is a capable, thoughtful coach whose ability should not be measured solely by what happened in the second half of this turbulent season at Wolves.

Wolves have wasted little time in identifying a successor. César Peixoto, head coach of Portuguese side Gil Vicente, is set to be appointed as the club’s new manager.

Peixoto, 45, has built a growing reputation in Portugal, guiding Gil Vicente to a creditable sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, a performance that placed him firmly on the radar of clubs across Europe.

Football’s greatest avenue has finally arrived. After four long years of anticipation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup roars into life with co-hosts Mexico squaring off against South Africa in the tournament’s curtain-raising fixture.

There is a richness of history baked into this particular kickoff — for it was these very same two nations who shared the honour of opening the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, in what became one of the most emotionally charged opening matches the tournament has ever produced.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the start of a 39-day tournament featuring 104 games — 40 more than the last edition in Qatar 2022. With an expanded participation pool of 48 teams, it is the biggest World Cup in the sport’s history, and the first to be held across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

For the very first act of this historic spectacle, football has reached deep into its recent past — and found a perfect, almost poetic symmetry.

The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will serve as the stage for a World Cup opening match for the third time in history. The world-renowned stadium will host its 20th match in the competition — more than any other venue in the history of the tournament. With a passionate, deafening fanbase expected to fill its stands, more than 80,000 attendees are expected, with the co-hosts finding themselves under pressure to deliver the winning start their fans demand.

The opening ceremony will be headlined by four-time Grammy-winning superstar Shakira, while Colombian singer J Balvin and South African singer and songwriter Tyla will also be among the performers. Shakira’s presence on that stage will mean far more than a musical performance. The Colombian superstar, whose 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became one of the tournament’s defining songs, will perform the new official tournament anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The circle closes beautifully, an artist who soundtracked the last time these two nations met is back to open their reunion.

Exactly 16 years ago to the date of this fixture, South Africa hosted Mexico in the 2010 World Cup opener. Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the scoring before Rafael Márquez, now El Tri’s assistant coach, equalised in a 1-1 draw. This will be the first time in history that an opening fixture has been repeated from any of the 19 previous single-host World Cup openers.

The roles, however, are now reversed. The team that once hosted is now the visitor. The team that once travelled is now the host. The ground has shifted beneath both nations in the 16 years between these encounters.

Mexico are gearing up for their 17th appearance at the World Cup finals. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, training under manager Javier Aguirre, will be participating in his sixth World Cup, a remarkable personal milestone. While South Africa’s return to the World Cup stage, their first since that unforgettable day in Johannesburg in 2010, carries its own emotional charge. They arrive not as favourites, but as a side with genuine belief and a point to prove.

Beyond pride and points in Group A, this match sets the tone for an entire tournament. For Mexico, a victory signals intent, silences doubters and unites a nation behind its co-hosting ambitions. For South Africa, even a draw, echoing that famous 2010 result, would announce their return to world football’s grandest stage with maximum drama.

The national women’s soccer team Harambee Starlets wound up their Four Nations Tournament with Bronze following their 6-0 mauling of hapless Lesotho during their third place play off at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia.

Kenya had lost to Zambia 4-1 through post match penalties in the opening match but bounced back to hit six past their third place opponents.

Hosts Zambia were crowned winners of the championship after defeating neighbours Zimbabwe 3-0 in the final.

The four nations tournament accorded head coach Beldine Odemba an opportunity to gauge her squad as the team gears up for the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, AWCON, in Morocco.

Beldine switched her line up in the second half against Lesotho  as Kenya tested a structure close to their expected 2026 AWCON lineup.

Kenya withdrew Annedy Kundu, Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Violet Nanjala and Martha Amunyolete for Vivian Shiyonzo, Mary Nthambi, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Marion Serenge and Mercy Airo after the break with Kenya leading 4-0.

‘’I feel that the team is ready,we worked on scoring and we have seen that its possible.Tactically a change or two and also we might make three changes to the current squad’’ Beldine intimated.

Faila Adhiambo,Treza Engesha, Eglay Mukhwana and  a brace from Catherine Khaemba secured Kenya the emphatic win.

‘’We got the win and  its good that we are sharpening our scoring .For us to score six goals in such a tournament it means that we are doing better and we can only get better’’

Defender Ruth Ingosi remarked that the win was a morale booster and helped the team in gelling ahead of the AWCON.

‘’Its morale boosting and after this there’s a bigger tournament coming and this really motivates us ahead of the Africa nations championship. It also gives us a chance to combine and build the team spirit there have been several new call ups and this only gives us a chance to get in shape’’,Ingosi said.

‘’We have learnt a lot beginning with the Zambia match. We came here knowing that Lesotho was not pushover and we set the target of getting a win by scoring more than three goals and we are happy we did it. However its not yet done’’,team Captain Mwanalima Adam averred.

Harambee Starlets will now switch its focus to the forthcoming AWCON which is scheduled to begin July 25^th-Agust 16^th in Morocco.Kenya is pooled in group A alongside hosts Morocco,Algeria and Senegal.

Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm up match  in Alabama.

The defending champions signed off their World Cup preparations in style, with a vintage Messi cameo stealing the show in Auburn.

He needed just 20 minutes. Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer who ever lived, stepped off the bench at Jordan-Hare Stadium and reminded the watching world exactly why Argentina go into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the team everyone must beat.

After recovering from a muscle injury, the captain of the reigning world champions played 20 minutes and scored a penalty in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Iceland — their final tune-up match before the World Cup. The defending champions head into the tournament in ominous form.

Messi had missed Argentina’s 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on June 6, recovering from muscle fatigue and a slight strain in his left hamstring suffered in his last appearance with Inter Miami on May 24. There were no lingering concerns on show on Tuesday night.

Just days before his 39th birthday and his sixth World Cup, Messi came on in the 70th minute and scored a penalty kick after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the area. Characteristically calm, he dispatched the spot-kick without a flicker of doubt.

With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. As if the records could keep getting more extraordinary — they always do.

By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Messi also became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team.

Argentina were already in control long before their captain took to the field. Valentín Barco broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box, giving Argentina an early advantage.

The second half brought a shift in tempo as the big names were introduced. Messi’s incisive pass led to Lautaro Martínez winning a penalty, which Messi himself calmly converted from the spot in the 72nd minute to double Argentina’s lead.

His impact didn’t stop there. The captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory.

Argentina owned the ball with 63% possession and out-shot Iceland 15-6, including a 7-1 edge in shots on target. It was a masterclass in controlled dominance.

In 20 minutes on the pitch, Messi packed a clean goal, tidy passing and a confident all-round cameo — scoring with his only shot on target. With 21 touches, he stayed involved without forcing the tempo. At 38, his football intelligence does the running for him.

Valentín Barco led the way with a  rating of 7.8, helped by his early goal and two key passes in a lively 45 minutes, while Messi posted a 7.7 after coming on in the 70th minute, converting from the spot and knitting play together with 15 accurate passes.

With the final preparatory work done, La Albiceleste now turn their attention to what really matters. Argentina are thinking about their 2026 World Cup debut against Algeria on June 17th.

After Algeria Argentina will face Austria 22nd June then wind her group J campaign against Jordan on 28th June.

The national women’s soccer team Harambee Stars recorded an emphatic 6-0 win against Lesotho during their third place play off of the Four National soccer tournament tie held at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium,Lusaka,Zambia.

Kenya lost to Zambia through penalties in the opening match on Saturday and faced Lesoth who also went down against Zimbabwe.

Against Lesotho Starlets opened the account through Violet Nanjala who slotted home the opener after 11 minutes before Tereza Engesha and Fasila Adhiambo doubled the advantage with a  goal a piece in 14th and 27th minutes respectively.

Eglay Mukhwana scored her first goal for Starlets with two minutes to the interval to hand Harambee Starlets a 4-0 lead at the break.

Kenya protected their lead in the second half as Lesotho’s efforts to find a goal went begging.Further two goals from Catherine Khaemba and Eglay Mukhwana completed the rout by Starlets.

Starlets used the championship to gauge themselves ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup Of Nations schedyuled 25th July-16th August 2026 in Morocco.

Kenya is pooled in group alongside hosts Morocco,Algeria and Senegal.

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing an end to a career remembered for iconic moments and silverware at Anfield. The Belgian forward confirmed his decision through a statement on social media, saying his “mission is complete” after fulfilling his football dreams.

Origi, widely regarded as a cult hero among Liverpool supporters, played a key role in the club’s unforgettable 2018/19 UEFA Champions League triumph.

He scored twice in Liverpool’s dramatic semi-final comeback against FC Barcelona before netting again in the final against Tottenham Hotspur F.C. to seal a 2-0 victory and secure Liverpool’s sixth European crown.

In a heartfelt message announcing his retirement, Origi reflected on his journey in football, stating that he had lived out his childhood dreams by competing on the biggest stages and winning major trophies. The striker thanked fans, teammates, clubs, and family for supporting him throughout his career.

Origi enjoyed an eight-year spell at Liverpool, where he won several honours, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Across 175 appearances for the Reds, he scored 41 goals and developed a reputation for delivering in decisive moments.

Following his departure from Liverpool in 2022, Origi joined AC Milan before spending time on loan at Nottingham Forest F.C.

His final professional appearance came in April 2024, and he later left Milan in late 2025 after an underwhelming spell in Italy.

Liverpool paid tribute to their former striker following the announcement, congratulating him on what the club described as a brilliant career.

Although Origi retires earlier than many modern footballers, he leaves behind a legacy built on unforgettable goals and one of the most memorable nights in Liverpool’s recent history

Iran’s allocation of fan tickets for the group stage of the World Cup has been revoked just days before the start of the tournament, says the country’s football federation.

The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, begins on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June – both in Los Angeles – before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

Iran’s governing body says Fifa regulations state each federation involved in the World Cup receives 8% of the tickets for each of their matches, to distribute to supporters.

It added that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them to fans, some of whom have already made travel arrangements.

“Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries,” the FFIRI statement said.

“This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world’s biggest football event.”

The FFIRI also called on Fifa “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations”.

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

On 25 May, Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona to the Mexican city of Tijuana, claiming the US were unwilling to host them.

Under the conditions of their visas, they will have to fly in and out of the United States on matchday for each of their three group games.

Less than a fortnight later, on 6 June, they accused the US of denying visas to “integral” members of the national team’s backroom staff, with 15 administrative officials denied entry.

The FFIRI had previously presented Fifa with a list of 10 conditions for their participation in the World Cup, including allowing players, coaches and officials who have completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran’s players will be welcome at the tournament but individuals with links to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.

Iran were the only country not present at Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver in April after a delegation of FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, were turned away at the Canadian border.