Sport

Keeping you updated with all the latest developments at the 2026 Fifa World Cup

The lowdown on South Africa: strengths, weaknesses and the key players

Today in SA sport history: June 8

Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in a match against Ukraine on Sunday, but was conscious, the Danish Football Federation said in a social media post.

South Africa assistant coach Tony Brown will join New Zealand’s staff under Dave Rennie in 2028 but before that he hopes to help the Springboks to a third successive Rugby World Cup title at the expense of the All Blacks.

Alexander Zverev finally shattered the barrier between himself and Grand Slam glory by grinding down a stubborn Flavio Cobolli 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1 in the French Open final on Sunday to lift his maiden major trophy at Roland Garros.

Springbok Sevens star Tristan Leyds was crowned 2026 HSBC SVNS Player of the Year as South Africa successfully defended their World Championship title, earning praise from SA Rugby president Mark Alexander after a memorable season.

Zakithi Nene captured the second Diamond League victory of his career as he won the men’s 400m from the outside lane nine in Stockholm on Sunday.

England exploited to the full a Lord’s pitch once again offering erratic bounce and lateral movement on Sunday to win the rain-interrupted first Test against New Zealand by 115 runs with a day and two sessions to spare.

Another friendly for Tuesday as SA prepares for looming Wafcon

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admitted he was disappointed by his team’s display in the 1-1 draw against Jamaica and has vowed to iron out the flaws before South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico on Thursday.

Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 Fifa World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann praised his team for the way they turned a 3-21 deficit into a 22-21 victory over Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon. 

Two major road-race bodies are claiming that Athletics South Africa’s ownership of broadcast rights contravenes the Competition Act.

Some exciting special talents are candidates expected to explode at the 2026 edition which begins on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico kick-off the tournament against Bafana Bafana.