Eshlin Vedan

One team quietly moving up the football pyramid in recent years is Japan, and the chances of the 2002 co-hosts coming to next year's World Cup as the dark horses are high. KickOff takes a look at why.

There is plenty of excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, especially in South Africa, given that Bafana Bafana have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 16-years.

Bafana Bafana will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, joined by two other nations also ending their 16-year absence.

Kaizer Chiefs' goalless draw against AS Simba gives them a slight edge heading into the second leg of the encounter, set for Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

International football remains dominated by veteran coaches, even as club management grows younger. Among the 28 confirmed managers for the 2026 World Cup, Africa set to feature both the tournament’s youngest and oldest coaches.

It's currently undoubtable that South Africa is the best rugby team in the world and they will be expected to brush aside Italy when the two teams meet at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

The world's best side South Africa will hope to record yet another win as they prepare to play against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium this weekend. The Bokke are on a high. They have won two out of two games on their year and tour so far after recording wins over Italy and France in their previous two games.

South Africa, now undisputedly the best rugby team in the world and in red-hot form will round off a successful 2025 as they prepare to play against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 29 November.

An Egyptian journalist explains why Pitso Mosimane lost his Al Ahly job, as pressure mounts on Jess Thorup following their CAF Champions League exit.

The Panama national team boast dangerous talent, including Ismael Díaz, as South Africa national football team prepare for a challenging friendly encounter.