AFCON OPINION: WHY NIGERIA’S PERFECT GROUP STAGE MAKES THEM THE CLEAR TITLE FAVORITES
Egypt chases an eighth title against Benin, while Nigeria faces Mozambique. Read expert previews from Hossam Hassan and Gernot Rohr.
Egypt has won the Cup of Nations seven times—more than anyone else—and they've finished as runners-up three times since the tournament started back in 1957. Benin, on the other hand, has only reached the quarter-finals once in its four previous appearances at Africa’s top football tournament.
“We have to stay sharp and disciplined if we want to go far,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said before the match in Agadir on Monday.
He didn’t downplay the challenge: “The match against Benin will be tough,” said the 59-year-old, who knows a thing or two about this tournament—he won it three times as a player for Egypt over his long international career.
“They’re organised and competitive, and we respect them a lot.”
Gernot Rohr, who manages Benin, admitted his team isn't the favourite going into the match at Stade Adrar.
“We know we’re up against a top side, and it’s going to be really tough,” said the 72-year-old German.
“But we’ve played the big teams before. That experience counts. I hope it helps us step up and give everything we’ve got.
“We’re not the favourites—everyone knows that—but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to play well and qualify.”
Benin finally earned their first-ever Cup of Nations win in the group stage when it beat Botswana.
“That victory gave the players confidence. It gave the staff confidence, too. But it doesn’t mean we’ve suddenly become something we’re not,” Rohr said.
“We know where we come from, and we know our resources aren’t the same as our opponents.”
Nigeria comes into their last-16 match at Stade de Fes with some swagger. They’re one of only two teams at this year’s Cup to cruise through the group stage with a perfect record.
They started by beating Tanzania 2-1, then edged Tunisia 3-2. For their last Group C game, even with several changes to the lineup, they took care of Uganda 3-1.
“I’ve been under pressure since the day I took the Nigeria job,” said their coach, Eric Chelle.
“We go into every game wanting to prove ourselves. Right now, all we’re thinking about is Mozambique.
“We’ve done a lot right to get here, but we’ve made mistakes, too. We’ve looked at everything, and we’re working to keep improving.”
While Nigeria chases a fourth title, Mozambique is enjoying something new—they’ve reached the knockout rounds for the first time in six appearances.
“It’s a huge moment for us,” coach Chiquinho Conde said.
“Honestly, we’re all thrilled. I don’t think we even realise yet what this means back home.
“We just want to keep playing for our country—a country that’s been through tough times. Now, with football giving people hope, we have a chance to bring some happiness.”
CARLO ANCELOTTI ISSUES TWO-MONTH WORLD CUP ULTIMATUM TO SANTOS STAR NEYMAR
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has two months to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full Selecao update.
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Everyone’s talking about Neymar again as the 2026 World Cup edges closer. It’s the same old debate: does he still have a spot with Brazil? But this time there’s real hope on the table. Carlo Ancelotti’s left the door open for Neymar to make the cut. Even though Neymar hasn’t made the latest squads, he’s obviously still on the minds of the Selecao coaches.
Here’s the situation: Neymar's been battling injuries since he tore his ACL. He missed the season’s first 10 games after knee surgery last December. He got back on the field, but fitness issues and a suspension meant he still watched from the sidelines quite a bit. Still, Ancelotti isn’t ruling him out. In an interview with L’Equipe, Ancelotti emphasised Neymar’s reputation but also made something very clear: if Neymar wants the World Cup, he needs to earn it.
Talent isn't a question; nobody doubts Neymar’s skill. What matters for Ancelotti is being fit. No exceptions, no matter how big the star. “Neymar can come back. I’ve said it before, and it’s simple: only physically ready players get called up,” Ancelotti said flat-out. “His recovery from the knee injury is going well; he’s scoring again. He just needs to keep pushing and get fitter. He’s headed in the right direction.”
With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar has shaped Brazil’s football history. Ancelotti gets that fans want to see Neymar try one more time for the one trophy he’s never won. “Neymar belongs to Brazil’s football story. He’s hugely talented, so obviously people hope he’ll help us win the next World Cup. Right now, he’s under assessment not just by the CBF but by me, too. He’s got two months left to show he has what it takes for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar’s chance to prove himself is coming fast, with big matches for Santos ahead. He’s expected to start this Saturday when they face Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro. If Neymar stays healthy and sharp, that final World Cup dream is still alive.
BRAD FRIEDEL LABELS WESTON MCKENNIE THE "MOST TALENTED" USMNT PLAYER OVER PULISIC
Brad Friedel sparks debate by naming Weston McKennie as more talented than Christian Pulisic for the USMNT in 2026.
Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel doesn’t think Christian Pulisic is the top American player right now. In his eyes, Weston McKennie is the most talented option Mauricio Pochettino's got, even though Pulisic usually gets all the attention as “Captain America.”
Pulisic does have his fans, but he hasn’t scored for the national team since 2024 and was pretty quiet during the last international break. The US had a rough time, losing 5-2 to Belgium and 2-0 to Portugal. Those friendlies were supposed to get the team ready for big opponents at the 2026 World Cup, but honestly, they just brought up even more doubts. McKennie was one of the few players who actually looked up for it, and Friedel is absolutely convinced he’s the best talent the US has right now.
The team was missing some key names, too. Miles Robinson, Chris Richards, and Tyler Adams were all out. Richards made it back for the Portugal game, but Adams’ absence in midfield was impossible to ignore. Friedel says people are making too much of these recent defeats. He thinks you have to judge the team on how they do in big tournaments, especially this summer. Still, he admits Adams is the one who keeps everyone connected, and when he’s out there, it makes McKennie better, which ends up making life easier for Pulisic.
Pochettino has a headache picking his squad for the World Cup. He’s still not set on his goalkeeper, his defence, his midfield, or even the attack. According to Friedel, no matter who fills those spots, the USMNT’s hopes really come down to what McKennie and Adams bring to the table.
Talking to Express Sport via Oddspedia, Friedel said, “The U.S. has always needed all our best guys. We’ve never been the kind of team that can go 30 deep and not lose quality except in 2002. That was the only year when anyone could’ve started, and we wouldn’t have missed a beat. Tyler is the glue for the team. He doesn’t care if you’re seven feet tall; if you’re not pulling your weight, he’ll call you out. He’s just that type of player.”
Friedel went on, “I coached a lot of these guys when I ran the under-19s. Weston McKennie is, for me, the most talented footballer we have. He can do so many things, but he needs to be fit and focused. With Juventus this season, he’s looked sharp, and he’s carrying that form into the World Cup. If he’s got Tyler alongside him, no matter where Weston ends up playing, Tyler keeps him disciplined. You always get the best version of McKennie when Adams is on the field. If those two are fit and playing well, they open up the space that lets Christian do what he does best.”
Pochettino is staring down a huge challenge to get this team ready for the World Cup. He knows they’re nowhere near their peak, but he keeps insisting they’re not far off either. If Adams can stay healthy, something that’s been tough for him lately, that would take a lot of pressure off the coach. Without him, it shows. With him, everything just seems to fall into place.
