Sports

13, June 2026

Indomitable Lions: Hervé Renard set to replace David Pagou ⁰

The Cameroonian Football Federation is keen to appoint the French tactician as the new manager of the Indomitable Lions.

The governing body of Cameroonian football, led by Samuel Eto’o, is looking to make changes at the helm of the national team’s coaching staff. Officials are considering replacing David Pagou, who has been in charge since the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

However, the Federation is reportedly targeting Hervé Renard. According to local media, the governing body has already made contact with the 57-year-old French tactician. The aim is to convince Hervé Renard to take charge of the Indomitable Lions for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin next September.

Hervé Renard has experience of African football. He has managed Zambia, Ivory Coast, Angola and Morocco. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Chipolopolo (2012) and the Elephants (2015).

Source: Dailysports

12, June 2026

World Cup: Mexico begins process of taking South African jobs ⁰

Mexico delivered a statement in the 2026 World Cup’s opening match, dominating South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start.

South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.

The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.

Two red cards

But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes.

Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal.

Sithole’s miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal.

Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.

It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.

There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.

Source: AFP

10, June 2026

World Cup: Iran says Washington should take Mexico as a model of hospitality and avoid politicizing sports ⁰

Iran has criticized the United States for the way it has treated World Cup teams upon entry to the country while recommending that Washington take co-host Mexico as a model of hospitality and avoid politicizing sports.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a Wednesday post on his X account that the US is using its hosting of the World Cup as an opportunity to settle political scores.

“Soccer is a platform for healthy competition and for bringing nations closer together, not an excuse to open a Pandora’s box of old grudges and unleash deeply rooted complexes,” said Baghaei in the post.

“The World Cup is conceived as a global celebration of soccer, not as an opportunity to humiliate and discriminate against other nations.”

The spokesman said World Cup co-host Mexico had instead extended a warm welcome to footballers, including the Iranian national team that arrived in the country earlier this week.

He said Mexico’s way of treating the guest teams “serves as a powerful reminder of a simple truth: excellent hospitality is defined by human conduct and the ability to make guests feel genuinely welcomed and valued.”

Baghaei pointed to “troubling reports” about the inappropriate and disrespectful treatment of players, referees, and guests at entry points to the US, saying those reports would undermine huge efforts by the US to portray itself as a successful host of the World Cup.

“The true credibility of a host country is not measured solely by sports facilities or political grandiosity, but by the quality of treatment given to those who arrive in its country out of love for soccer,” he said.

In a move widely criticized in the world of politics and sport, the US government has refused to grant visas to some members of the Iranian football delegation seeking to attend the World Cup games.

US President Donald Trump also posted during the US-Israeli aggression on Iran in March, threatening that the presence of Iranian footballers in the US for World Cup games could pose risks to them.

Iran has repeatedly slammed Washington for its politicized way of treating the World Cup, saying the US should respect the rights of players and staff to attend the games.

Source: Press TV

10, June 2026

Africa sends record 10 teams into World Cup as 2026 tournament begins ⁰

Africa will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 10 teams representing the continent, the largest African contingent ever seen at the tournament.

The competition kicks off on Thursday in North America, with South Africa facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match, and for the first time Africa will have double-digit representation on football’s biggest stage.

Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the continent’s hopes at the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

It is a landmark moment for African football, coming four years after Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022.

The increase in representation gives the continent a wider opportunity to build on that breakthrough and to challenge deeper into the competition than ever before.

Africa’s World Cup story began in 1934, when Egypt became the first team from the continent to appear at the finals.

For decades, African representation remained limited.

Morocco became the continent’s next participant in 1970, before DR Congo, then competing as Zaire, appeared in 1974.

Tunisia followed in 1978, before Algeria and Cameroon represented Africa at the 1982 tournament.

By 1986, Algeria and Morocco carried the continent’s hopes, while Cameroon and Egypt featured in 1990.

The 1994 World Cup saw Cameroon, Morocco and Nigeria represent Africa, before the continent had five teams for the first time in 1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.

That five-team representation continued in 2002, with Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia, before Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Tunisia qualified for the 2006 tournament.

Africa’s previous record came in 2010, when six teams appeared at the World Cup hosted by South Africa.

Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa were all present, with Ghana going on to reach the quarter-finals before losing to Uruguay on penalties.

In 2014, Africa was represented by Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia qualified in 2018, while Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia carried African hopes in Qatar in 2022.

Morocco’s run to the semi-finals in Qatar changed the global perception of African teams at the World Cup.

The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four, giving African football its strongest statement yet at the tournament.

Now, with 10 teams involved, the continent has more chances to create another historic run.

Cape Verde’s qualification is one of the standout stories of the 2026 tournament, with the island nation set for its first World Cup appearance.

DR Congo also return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, adding another powerful storyline to Africa’s participation.

South Africa’s return is also significant. Bafana Bafana are back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, and they will open the competition against Mexico in a fixture rich with history.

Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire all bring World Cup experience, while Cape Verde and DR Congo add freshness and renewed energy to the African challenge.

For the continent, the 2026 World Cup is not only about numbers.

It is about whether African teams can turn record representation into record performance.

The expanded tournament offers more places, but it also brings greater expectations.

After years of near misses, dramatic exits and unforgettable moments, Africa arrives in North America with its strongest presence yet.

From Egypt’s first appearance in 1934 to 10 teams in 2026, the journey has been long, difficult and historic.

Now the continent has another opportunity to show that its place at the World Cup is not just growing in size, but also in ambition.

African participation at the FIFA World Cup

1934: Egypt

1970: Morocco

1974: DR Congo

1978: Tunisia

1982: Algeria, Cameroon

1986: Algeria, Morocco

1990: Cameroon, Egypt

1994: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria

1998: Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia

2002: Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

2006: Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Tunisia

2010: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa

2014: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria

2018: Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia

2022: Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia

2026: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Culled from CAF

9, June 2026

Football: Bayern Munich eye €50m move for Yann Bisseck ⁰

Germany-Cameroon centre-back Yann Bisseck of Inter is being linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation in Italy.

Data from Transfermarkt lists Bisseck’s current market value at €50.00m and puts the probability of a transfer to Bayern at 29%, underlining that the deal is far from complete but firmly on the radar of the German giants. His contractual situation at Inter is unclear, with no public expiry date recorded, fuelling speculation that the defender’s camp and the Serie A club could face key decisions in the coming months, including the possibility of running down his terms and testing free-agent options further down the line.

Born in Köln on 29 November 2000 and standing at 1.96m, Bisseck is a right-footed centre-back who represents both Germany and Cameroon at nationality level. He wears the No 31 shirt for Inter and has developed a reputation in Serie A for his physical presence and aerial dominance, attributes that align with Bayern’s recent focus on reinforcing their defensive line.

The defender’s recent displays for Inter have helped push his valuation into the top bracket. In his latest outing before this rumour cycle intensified – a Serie A fixture earlier this month in which Inter faced domestic opposition (match details not specified in the data) – Bisseck completed the full 90 minutes, anchoring the back line as Simone Inzaghi’s side maintained their strong defensive record.

Having already experienced top-flight football in Italy with Inter after earlier spells in Germany, a move to Bayern would represent a return to his country of birth and a significant step in his career. If the transfer materialises, it could define Bisseck’s status at the elite level, shaping both his long-term reputation in European football and his potential pathway towards becoming one of the continent’s leading centre-backs.

Source: Africa Soccer

8, June 2026

Football: Union Berlin eye €20m move for Cameroon’s Arthur Avom ⁰

Cameroonian central midfielder Arthur Avom of FC Lorient is being linked with a summer move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, with the 21-year-old reportedly a €20.00m target for the German club.

The Lorient midfielder, born in Yaoundé on 15 December 2004 and standing at 1.73m, has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most-watched young central midfielders. Data from Transfermarkt lists his market value at €20.00m, a figure that is shaping early discussions around any potential deal.

Union Berlin’s interest comes amid speculation over Avom’s contractual situation at Lorient, with no expiry date publicly recorded. That has fuelled talk that the French club could be vulnerable to offers this summer, or risk edging closer to a scenario in which the player could eventually walk away as a free agent if no extension is agreed.

According to the latest rumour data, the probability of Avom joining Union Berlin currently stands at 21%, underlining that talks are at an exploratory stage rather than an advanced negotiation. Lorient, who compete in Ligue 1, have not publicly disclosed when the midfielder joined the club and there is no confirmation of any release clause.

Avom, a right-footed central midfielder who wears the number 62 shirt, has built his reputation as a modern engine-room player in France’s top flight. In his most recent outing for Lorient – a Ligue 1 fixture earlier this spring in which Lorient faced domestic opposition – he featured in central midfield as his side battled through a tight scoreline, further reinforcing his status as a regular in the matchday squad.

With Union Berlin seeking to refresh their midfield ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign, a move to Germany would represent a significant step in Avom’s career and could prove pivotal in defining his reputation and long-term potential if the transfer does materialise.

Source: Africa Soccer

31, May 2026

PSG hold on to Champions League title after dramatic shootout win over Arsenal ⁰

Paris Saint-Germain won a second consecutive Champions League title on Saturday after edging Arsenal in a tense final that went all the way to a penalty shootout.

Kai Havertz had fired Arsenal into a sixth-minute lead, but PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé equalised from the spot before Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missed for the Gunners in a dramatic finale.

29, May 2026

Football: Jean Onana set for Besiktas departure ⁰

Cameroon international Jean Onana is unlikely to continue his career with Turkish giants Beşiktaş JK after spending the season on loan with Italian Serie A side Genoa CFC.

The defensive midfielder appears set for another move this summer, with his future expected to lie away from both clubs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite uncertainty surrounding his next destination, interest in the 26-year-old continues to grow across Europe. Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol FC are reportedly keen on securing the services of the Cameroonian international during the upcoming transfer window.

Reports indicate that Aris Limassol have already initiated moves to bring the midfielder to Cyprus as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. The club is believed to view Onana as an experienced addition capable of adding stability and physicality to their midfield department.

However, negotiations are still at an early stage, and no official agreement has yet been reached between the parties involved.

Jean Onana joined Beşiktaş with high expectations but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in Turkey, which led to his temporary switch to Genoa in Italy. His time in Serie A also failed to provide long-term clarity over his future, with the Italian side unlikely to activate any permanent deal for the midfielder.

The former Bordeaux and Lens player remains an attractive option on the market due to his experience in several European leagues and his international pedigree with the Cameroon national team.

As the summer transfer window approaches, more clubs could enter the race for the midfielder, although Aris Limassol currently appear to be leading the chase for his signature.

Source: Africa Soccer

26, May 2026

Football: Trabzonspor pushing to keep goalkeeper André Onana ⁰

Trabzonspor are continuing efforts to keep goalkeeper André Onana at the club despite uncertainty surrounding his future following the end of his loan spell from Manchester United.

The Turkish side is reportedly keen to secure another temporary agreement for the 30-year-old ahead of next season, with club president Ertuğrul Doğan said to be personally involved in negotiations over a possible extension.

Although recent comments and messages from the goalkeeper appeared to suggest a farewell, Trabzonspor remain determined to convince him to continue his stay in Turkey.

The club’s hierarchy is understood to value not only Onana’s performances on the pitch, but also his influence inside the dressing room, where he has established himself as one of the senior figures within the squad.

During his time with Trabzonspor, the Cameroon international has been regarded as an important presence due to both his experience and leadership qualities.

Despite the growing interest from Trabzonspor, Onana is yet to make a final decision on the next stage of his career.

Onana is currently expected to wait until the end of his holidays before carefully reviewing the different offers available to him from clubs across Europe.

The former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper is believed to want time to evaluate all sporting opportunities before deciding whether to remain in Turkey or pursue a new challenge elsewhere.

His situation is therefore expected to remain unresolved for the coming weeks as discussions continue between the parties involved.

Trabzonspor’s desire to retain the goalkeeper underlines the importance they place on maintaining stability within the squad ahead of the new campaign, particularly in a position considered crucial for the club’s ambitions next season.

For now, however, Onana’s future remains open, with the Cameroon international taking time before making a definitive choice on where he will play next season.

Source: Africa Soccer

25, May 2026

Atanga Nji’s Samuel Eto’o comment: Cameroon does not need bombastic declarations ⁰

As a chartered member of the ruling CPDM crime syndicate wanted by the Special Criminal Court in Yaoundé, the Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji has every right to dream big for Cameroonian football. Cameroonians are entitled to ambition and Cameroonian football fans are entitled to hope. But asking the President of the Cameroon Football Federation Samuel Eto’o to “give Cameroon two more Africa Cup of Nations titles and a FIFA World Cup semi-final place” is not leadership. It is political theatre wrapped in football romanticism.

Paul Atanga Nji’s statement collapses under the weight of its own absurdity.

Soccer in today’s world is not governed by charisma, nostalgia or individual football legend. It is governed by systems namely: youth development, coaching structures, domestic league investment and sports medicine including governance stability, scouting networks, infrastructure and institutional competence. No football federation president in the world, not even a global icon like Samuel Eto’o can wave a wand and manufacture continental dominance and World Cup semi-finals on command.

To frame Cameroon’s football destiny as the personal responsibility of one man is to fundamentally misunderstand how elite football works in 2026. We of the Concord Group are extremely shocked by Minister Paul Atanga Nji’s low sense of judgment.

Cameroon’s greatest football moments were not created by slogans from corrupt government ministers. The 1990 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run was the product of a golden generation, tactical discipline and an era in which African football was beginning to break psychological barriers. The 2000 and 2002 AFCON triumphs came from a deep reservoir of talent, organization and continuity. Even then, success was difficult, fragile and fiercely contested.

Today, the landscape is even harsher. Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 not because King Mohammed VI publicly demanded it, but because the country spent years building academies, modernizing football administration, investing in facilities and creating a coherent football ecosystem. Senegal’s rise was similarly institutional, not mystical. Egypt’s consistency did not emerge from reckless and tactless ministerial declarations. Serious football nations build patiently.

Cameroon continues to struggle with recurring administrative disputes, inconsistent domestic league structures, coaching instability and tensions between the Minister of Sports and Physical Education and football establishments. Mindful of the current situation, demanding “two more Africa Cup of Nations titles and a FIFA World Cup semi-final” sounds less like a strategic vision and more like a headline designed for applause in Yaoundé.

Even more troubling is the dangerous personalization of Cameroon’s football. Samuel Eto’o is not Cameroon’s entire football machinery. Eto’o is not the youth academies. Eto’o is not the league. Eto’o is not the tactical execution on the pitch. Eto’o is not the ministry of finance. Eto’o is not the infrastructure budget. Elevating one man into both savior and scapegoat is intellectually lazy and politically convenient.

If the Indomitable Lions fail, will Atanga Nji and his gang acknowledge structural dysfunction? Or will they simply recycle blame onto Eto’o?

Cameroon football development cannot continue to operate on plain fiction, superstition and celebrity worship. It requires accountability across government, federation leadership, clubs, coaches, schools and private investment. President Biya and his corrupt cabinet ministers should be talking about pitches, academies, referee standards, grassroots competitions, sports science and transparent governance not casually handing out World Cup semi-final ultimatums as though football were a ring road campaign promise to the people of the North West region.

There is also an arrogance hidden inside the Atanga Nji declaration. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations is extraordinarily difficult. Reaching a World Cup semi-final is historically monumental. Only one African nation has ever done it. To speak about these achievements as obligations rather than aspirations trivializes the scale of the challenge. Cameroon does not need bombastic declarations. It needs seriousness deep within government circles.

Samuel Eto’o should be judged on tangible administrative progress: improving football structures, stabilizing FECAFOOT operations, supporting grassroots football, attracting investment and creating long-term competitiveness. Those are measurable standards. Those are rational expectations.

But demanding “two AFCON trophies and a World Cup semi-final” as though football history can be summoned by political rhetoric is, quite simply, nonsensical nonsense.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai