Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Belgium’s golden generation—Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois—are heading into the 2026 World Cup in what could be their final chance at continental and global glory.
The two teams meet in a crucial Group G fixture, with Belgium facing Egypt in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter. Belgium, once ranked world number one, brings a blend of experience and talent but is now looking to recapture past form after failing to deliver a trophy from their golden cohort.
Salah, 33 and leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2025–26 season, is likely playing in his last World Cup. He led Egypt to qualification and will carry the hopes of African football alongside his teammates. The Egyptian star, who won the Premier League’s Player of the Season award in 2017–18 after scoring 32 goals in a single campaign, has been named African Footballer of the Year.
Belgium’s golden generation, featuring De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois, and the now-retired Eden Hazard, has yet to deliver a major trophy despite their immense talent. The Red Devils are now seeking one final shot at World Cup success as many of their key players near the end of their international careers.
The matchup highlights the contrasting stories of two African and European giants: Egypt’s quest for a World Cup breakthrough in Salah’s likely final appearance, and Belgium’s attempt to finally live up to their potential before their golden era fades.
About the author
Students, others feared dead as 3-storey hostel collapses in Anambra
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, reportedly caved in late Sunday night, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble. Rescue workers and a joint security team were still on the scene as efforts continued to save those trapped and recover victims. Some injured persons had already been rescued and taken to a hospital in the area, but the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed at the time of the report. Authorities said the operation was ongoing and urged calm as emergency responders worked through the debris. The collapse has sparked fresh concern over building safety and enforcement of construction standards in student-dominated areas of Anambra State.
DHQ, ICRC begin training to identify soldiers killed in combat
The week-long Battlefield Mortuary Affairs Programme began on Monday at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna and will run from July 27 to August 1. Participants were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, with the training aimed at strengthening the military’s response to battlefield deaths and missing personnel. According to officials, the programme will equip soldiers with the knowledge and practical skills needed for personnel identification, search and recovery operations, mortuary collection points, respectful storage and transportation of human remains, temporary burials and cemetery creation. It will also expose participants to the humanitarian role of the ICRC and the legal framework guiding battlefield mortuary affairs, including international humanitarian law and Nigerian military doctrine. ICRC Forensic Manager Dr Habib El TaKach said the initiative grew out of engagements that began in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2024, and […]
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Iran foreign ministry says no current negotiations with United States
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a press briefing in Tehran that Iran “has no negotiations with the American side at present” and has made no move to reopen direct talks with Washington. “Claims that Iran has requested negotiations are reports periodically circulated by our opponents,” he added. Baghaei said any contacts now take place only through intermediaries, noting that “mediators may convey messages from the American side regarding current developments in the region, but at present we have no negotiations with the American side.” He stressed that Iran’s recent discussions with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz are purely bilateral. “These talks have no connection with the United States… and they are continuing,” he said, adding that the waterway “remains closed.”english.alarabiya+1 The comments follow earlier statements from Iranian officials who accused the US of violating a […]
Joshua survives knockdowns, stops Prenga
Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua recovered from two knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga with a second-round knockout in Jeddah on Sunday.espn+1 Joshua was twice put on the canvas in the opening round, but he survived the pressure and returned stronger in the second. He regrouped behind his jab, pushed Prenga back to the ropes and then unloaded a powerful right hand that sent the Albanian crashing through the ropes, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 2:43 of round two.wtop+1 The victory was Joshua’s first fight of 2026 and marked a successful return to the ring after a tense opening round. Reports say the win could set up a blockbuster all-British showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
BBNaija 11: Biggie divides housemates into male, female teams for tasks
According to Biggie, the house will now operate in two groups — the ladies and the guys — with wager tasks, arena games and other activities contested along those lines. The move is expected to raise the stakes in the house, as contestants must work more closely with members of their own team to win rewards and gain an advantage. The new structure is also likely to affect alliances and strategy, since housemates will now compete not just individually but as part of a broader team battle.
Related
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Messi aims for another World Cup milestone
Argentina are just one victory away from making football history as they prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. A win would make Lionel Scaloni's side only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, matching the achievements of Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). Much of Argentina's hopes once again rest on captain Lionel Messi, who continues to deliver outstanding performances despite approaching the later stages of his career. Victory on Sunday would see him become the first captain in history to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy twice. Messi has enjoyed another remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals in seven matches and moving within one goal of Kylian Mbappé in the race to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His performances have played a crucial role in guiding […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]
World Cup: Nicky Butt urges Mainoo to boycott France clash, calls for Tuchel’s sack
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has urged Kobbie Mainoo to refuse to play in England’s World Cup third-place match against France. Butt said the midfielder has been unfairly overlooked throughout the tournament and should not be asked to feature in what he described as a meaningless game. He argued that Mainoo has not played a single minute and should not be exposed to injury in a match that offers little value after England’s semi-final exit. Butt also called for the dismissal of England manager Thomas Tuchel, insisting the German coach should not remain in charge after the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign. He suggested that the Football Association should look at other options, naming Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and United States coach Mauricio Pochettino as possible replacements. The comments have added to the pressure on Tuchel as criticism […]