Ex-Real Madrid coach Names Four Favourites For 2026 World Cup Glory 

Former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has tipped four European giants as the strongest contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing their blend of star quality, depth and pedigree on the global stage.

Benitez singled out France, Spain, England and Germany as the teams most likely to lift football’s biggest prize, arguing that each possesses the talent and experience required to go all the way.

The Spanish tactician was particularly impressed by the wealth of attacking options available to France, highlighting players such as Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe. He noted that the French squad is so strong that several top-class players have been left out.

Spain also earned Benitez’s backing thanks to its exciting mix of youth and experience, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and a midfield anchored by Pedri and Rodri.

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While Germany may not boast the same level of star power, Benitez believes their rich World Cup history and winning mentality make them dangerous opponents.

England completed his list of favourites, with the former coach pointing to the influence of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice as key reasons the Three Lions remain serious title challengers.

“France possesses an impressive array of talent,” Benitez told La Gazzetta, adding that Spain, Germany and England also have the quality to challenge for the trophy.

Ex-Real Madrid coach Names Four Favourites For 2026 World Cup Glory

Mexico Defeat South Africa 2–0 in Chaos-Filled World Cup Opener

Co-hosts Mexico began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday in a dramatic and chaotic encounter that saw three red cards, multiple disciplinary flashpoints, and a record-breaking level of on-field controversy for a tournament opener. The match immediately set a harsh tone for the competition, with the dismissal count surpassing expectations compared to previous editions of the World Cup.

Mexico made a dream start when Julian Quiñones scored in the 9th minute after a defensive error from South Africa. The forward finished clinically after being set up by Erik Lira, sending more than 80,000 home fans into celebration at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The goal marked the first of the 2026 World Cup, placing Quiñones among a select group of players to score opening World Cup goals. The match became increasingly physical before halftime, with both teams picking up bookings and South Africa managing only one shot on target.

South Africa’s challenge worsened early in the second half when Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The foul, which stopped Brian Gutierrez from going through on goal, left South Africa with 10 men and shifted the momentum firmly in Mexico’s favour. The decision was confirmed after referee consultation, with officials ruling it a clear professional foul.

Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through veteran striker Raul Jimenez. The Fulham forward scored with a composed header from a precise cross by Roberto Alvarado, marking an emotional moment as he netted his first World Cup goal in years following a serious skull injury sustained earlier in his career. The goal also saw Jimenez move further up Mexico’s all-time scoring charts, tying for second place.

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South Africa’s night deteriorated further in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review. The incident involved contact with Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado, and the referee ruled that the challenge warranted a red card under strict interpretation of head and face contact rules. The dismissal left South Africa with just nine players on the pitch as the game slipped further away from them.

Despite the chaos, Mexico also ended the match with a sending-off when captain Cesar Montes was shown a red card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Khuliso Mudau. While the decision was debated, officials ruled it a dangerous tackle that denied a potential scoring opportunity, ensuring both teams finished the match with reduced numbers.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised his team’s performance but admitted there was room for improvement, noting that nerves affected their first-half display despite the comfortable scoreline. South Africa coach Hugo Broos, however, defended his team’s effort, insisting they played well in spells despite being reduced to nine men, although his comments were met with criticism.

The match also delivered several historic milestones, including 17-year-old Gilberto Mora becoming the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a World Cup. The three red cards shown in the match set a new record for a World Cup opener, surpassing disciplinary figures from previous tournaments, including the notably cleaner 2022 World Cup.

With the win, Mexico topped Group A with three points, strengthening their position ahead of upcoming fixtures against South Korea and other group opponents. South Africa, meanwhile, will regroup for their next match despite suspensions and a heavy opening defeat that leaves them under pressure in the group.

The encounter, a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, ended with Mexico dominating proceedings in front of a jubilant home crowd at the historic Azteca Stadium, reinforcing their strong start to the tournament despite the disciplinary chaos that defined the night.

Mexico Defeat South Africa 2–0 in Chaos-Filled World Cup Opener

Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert

LOS ANGELES – Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, transformed his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert into a powerful plea for justice on Wednesday, wearing a customized jacket bearing the names of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in Oyo State, Nigeria. Taking the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Grammy-nominated singer used one of football’s biggest global stages to spotlight the security crisis back home, demanding immediate government action for the victims who remain in captivity. The concert formed part of FIFA’s global countdown activities, with simultaneous events held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the lead-up to football’s biggest tournament. Davido performed alongside American singer America Foster, electronic music group Major Lazer, and renowned producer and DJ Diplo. By displaying the victims’ names before a global audience, the singer effectively transformed a World Cup celebration into a platform for advocacy, ensuring that the plight of the abducted children and their teachers reached millions beyond Nigeria’s borders.

A viral backstage video revealed the striking details of Davido’s carefully planned attire. The singer wore a white T-shirt reading “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket. The jacket featured the message “BRING THEM HOME” boldly printed across the back and was decorated with green circular buttons on the front. Each button bore the name of a kidnapped victim. In a poignant design choice, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of those who had lost their lives were inscribed in red. The victims were pupils and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. Armed bandits reportedly stormed the schools, abducting dozens of students and teachers, including a vice-principal. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was later murdered by the kidnappers. Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, saying: “Peace and love everywhere. May God be with the families of the abducted and the ones who have been killed.”

Before his musical performance, Davido addressed the international audience, expressing grief over the pace of rescue operations and urging both federal and state governments to hasten their intervention. “They still haven’t been rescued, we’re praying to God every day. We’re also praying to God that the government hastens. My country is going through a lot. We represent everywhere we go,” the singer added. The May 15 abduction has triggered nationwide outrage, prompting solidarity protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and an indefinite strike by teachers in Oyo State. The incident has generated widespread public concern, intensified by distress messages released by the school’s principal regarding the harsh conditions the hostages are facing.

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Davido’s gesture at the FIFA concert is the latest in a series of public interventions by the singer on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) , he expressed concern over the growing wave of kidnappings across the country. He wrote: “I’m weak. God, please take control; we can’t continue like this. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I can’t lie, we entertainers, including me, need to speak up.” The post drew widespread reactions from celebrities and public figures, including actress and content creator Kiekie, comedian and filmmaker AY Makun, and singer Tiwa Savage.

Amid public outcry over the Federal Government’s perceived indifference to the plight of the students, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement assuring parents that his administration would ensure the safe return of the abducted children. Tinubu declared that he had “directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused on the safe recovery of our children.” Beyond securing the safe return of the students, President Tinubu also expressed his administration’s determination to provide medical care for the children once they regain their freedom.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also intervened repeatedly, meeting with relatives of the victims and assuring them that security agencies were working relentlessly to secure their release. During a meeting with affected families, the governor described the kidnappers’ actions as cruel and inhumane, pledging that authorities would continue rescue efforts until all the abductees were safely reunited with their loved ones.

Photos and videos of the performance quickly circulated online, prompting praise from many Nigerians who commended the singer for drawing international attention to the abduction crisis. Many social media users described the gesture as a powerful reminder that, amid the excitement surrounding the World Cup, some Nigerian families are still waiting for their children and loved ones to come home.

Davido’s tribute comes at a time when concerns over insecurity and school abductions remain high across parts of Nigeria. More than three weeks after the abduction, many relatives remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones and continue to appeal for their safe return. For families of the victims, the singer’s message carried a significance far beyond fashion or entertainment. As concerns over insecurity continue to mount, more celebrities and citizens have joined calls for stronger government action to protect lives and tackle rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime across the nation. Key events in this developing story include: on May 15, 2026, armed bandits attacked schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers, with one teacher killed during the attack and another later murdered by kidnappers; on June 10, 2026, Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, wearing a custom jacket bearing victims’ names and addressing the global audience; and following the concert, President Tinubu issued a statement on rescue operations while Governor Makinde met with affected families. The victims remain in captivity as rescue operations continue. This is a developing story. More details will be provided as information becomes available from Nigerian security agencies and government officials. Key details to remember: the abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State; victims include pupils, teachers, and a vice-principal; one teacher was killed during the attack and another was later murdered; Davido wore a jacket with “BRING THE HOME” and buttons bearing victims’ names at the FIFA concert on June 10, 2026; President Tinubu has ordered intensified rescue operations; and Governor Makinde has met with affected families.

Davido Turns World Cup Stage Into Protest – Wears Jacket Bearing Names of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren at FIFA Concert