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Curtain call for 4 African players after the 2026 World Cup

Mahrez and Mané/@BBC

The World Cup is set to be the final international challenge for several African football stars.

The 23rd edition of the world’s most prestigious tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 in North America, featuring 48 nations.

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Africa will be represented by 10 teams at the World Cup: Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, and Cape Verde.

Below is a list of four African players who are expected to announce their international retirement after the 2026 World Cup.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

The Fennecs’ captain is considering dedicating himself fully to his club career with Al Ahly after the North American World Cup.

He hinted as much during a press conference on the sidelines of the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

At 35, Riyad Mahrez has seen some of his influence wane and even started on the bench during the Greens’ most recent friendly against Uruguay.

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In 113 appearances for the national team, the former Manchester City star has netted 38 goals and provided 44 assists.

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Just like Riyad Mahrez, Senegal’s dynamic winger has already announced he will not compete in the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, set to be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

At 33, Al Nassr’s talisman will aim to lead the Lions to a memorable run at the upcoming World Cup, hoping to bid farewell to the national team on a high note.

To recap, Sadio Mané boasts 124 international caps, with 52 goals and 28 assists to his name.

Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo)

All signs point to the Leopards’ striker announcing his international retirement after DR Congo’s World Cup campaign in 2026.

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Now 34, Bakagoal wants to end his international career on a high, having been one of the key architects of his country’s historic qualification for the tournament.

In 67 caps, Cédric Bakambu has scored 21 goals and delivered 6 assists.

Jean-Michaël Séri (Ivory Coast)

As his career winds down, the tireless Ivorian midfielder is unlikely to don the Elephants’ jersey after the 2026 World Cup.

At 34, the Grand-Béréby native is expected to focus on his club career with NK Maribor, where he is under contract until 2027.

The former Africa Sports player has made 63 appearances for the Ivorian national team, tallying 4 goals and 4 assists.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the biggest betting events of the year and bettors searching for the best World Cup odds have come to the right place.

We’ve got the latest 2026 World Cup betting odds from all the top betting sites, covering a range of markets for the 23rd and biggest edition of football’s global showcase.

Football betting sites are likely to be constantly tinkering with the 2026 World Cup betting in the run up to the tournament in June and bettors can stay up to date with any price movements by following this page.

The World Cup 2026 odds on this page are live and any changes made by the bookies are reflected instantly. All odds come from betting sites which are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

The 2026 World Cup betting odds have a familiar look, with the usual names at the top of the list. Following the draw last December, Spain pulled clear of the chasing pack after going into Group H, alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

The European champions could avoid one of their fellow favourites until the semi-finals, if they can win their group. England were joint-favourites with some betting sites before the draw, but have seen their odds drift through a combination of being in a section with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, the potential for knock-out stage clashes against Mexico and Brazil, and a poor showing in the March international break.

France, who have been involved in the last two World Cup finals, are currently third favourites, despite finding themselves in a tricky group that consists of Senegal, Norway and Iraq.

Defending champions Argentina will need to overcome Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group. Brazil’s section looks slightly more challenging with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.

Portugal and Germany are the first of the nations with double-figure odds in the World Cup 2026 betting, but should come through the group stages unscathed, while Norway’s World Cup odds have shrunk, despite a tricky group stage draw.

It’s worth keeping in mind that Italy in 1982 were the last double-figure winner of the World Cup having entered that tournament as 18/1 shots. Since then, all the winners have gone into the tournament with World Cup odds of 8/1 or shorter.

*Odds provided by Covers

Bettors can find the best odds for each and every game on our odds tracker, with live updates meaning odds will change in real time as betting sites update.

The World Cup gets underway on 11 June, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City in the opening game.

With 48 teams taking part in an expanded tournament, this World Cup will feature a record 104 games. The group stage runs until 27 June, with the knockout rounds starting on 28 June and leading to the final on 19 July.

England begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, while Scotland face Haiti in their opener in Boston on 13 June.

This section shows the latest odds for the 2026 World Cup golden boot prize.

This summer, key names including World Cup debutants Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal will be in the running, though the old guard of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could also be in contention.

2022 winner Kylian Mbappe will start among the favourites, as will 2018 winner Harry Kane, who has enjoyed an extraordinary season in front of goal for Bayern Munich.

The table below shows the golden boot winners from each of the last five World Cups. The top scorer this time round could eclipse recent winning totals due to the expanded competition, although they may still not get close to Just Fontaine’s total of 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup.

The table below shows all the 2026 World Cup odds for each of the 12 groups. The odds displayed are for which team will win that group. Punters will also find different group-related markets on betting sites, such as which teams will qualify, total points and group forecasts.

Our recommended betting sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring a safe and fair betting experience for users.

All World Cup odds and markets change to reflect matters on and off the field, so check regularly to find the best odds for your World Cup bets.

Bettors can also take advantage of free bet offers provided by UK betting sites for wagering on the World Cup and more.

The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events on the planet and bookmakers are usually generous when it comes to free bet offers, price boosts, money back bonuses and more.

When using gambling sites, be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to maintain control over your time and budget.

The same applies whether you’re using the best betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, betting apps, or any other gambling medium.

Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses.

It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are readily available on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.

You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs.

You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:

When is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup takes place from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the final held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?

The 2026 World Cup will be held across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico. This marks the first time the tournament has been hosted by three nations, with matches taking place at 16 venues across North America.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the 32-team format used at previous tournaments. This expansion means 16 more nations will compete for the trophy in what will be the largest World Cup in history.

Which group are England in at the 2026 World Cup?

England are in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Ghana, Croatia and Panama. Thomas Tuchel’s men begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas before facing Ghana on June 23 in Boston and Panama on June 27 in New Jersey.

Which group are Scotland in for the World Cup?

Scotland have been drawn in Group C, meaning they’ll face Haiti, Brazil and Morocco. They start against Haiti in Boston on June 14 and stay in Boston for their next game against Morocco on June 19 before heading to Miami to face Brazil on June 24th.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Three years ago, at the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, Michelle Wie West rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt to cap off her competitive career. 

After her round that Friday along Stillwater Cove, she was asked if she might tee it up again someday down the line if her daughter Makenna asked to see her play. 

“You know, you never say never, but a very slim chance probably,” Wie West said that day at Pebble Beach. 

But three years later, it appears Michelle Wie West has one more tournament in her after all. 

On Tuesday, Wie West announced that she plans to play in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club on June 4-7. 

“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the Championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I’ll be teeing it up at the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera in June!” Wie West wrote on Instagram.

Despite not playing a competitive tournament for three years, Wie West is eligible to tee it up at Riviera based on the 10-year exemption from her 2014 U.S. Women’s Open win at Pinehurst No. 2. Wie West’s timeline was extended for two years due to a maternity exemption. Wie West and her husband, Jonnie West, welcomed their son Jagger in October of 2024. 

At Pebble Beach in 2023, Wie West played her final two rounds with Annika Sorenstam, who was also saying goodbye to the tournament that week. 

Wie West had Jonnie on that bag that week, with Makenna in a stroller outside the ropes. She shot consecutive 79s but soaked in every moment of a special week that was supposed to close the book on her competitive career. 

“I’ve definitely held back tears the entire round,” Wie West said after her Friday at Pebble. It was fun. It was great to have my last round here at Pebble Beach.

“Nothing has changed and everything was changed all at once. It’s definitely a strange and surreal feeling right now.” 

That feeling sent her off into competitive retirement. She said she still loved golf and planned to play recreationally with her husband and family. But she believed her competitive career was over. She cracked the door open with an announcement that she plans to compete in the WTGL when it launches this fall. Now she’ll be returning to green-grass golf, too.

“Last year I had this in the back of my mind, and I don’t have another one of these in the back of my mind,” Wie West said. “It’s definitely a strange feeling.”

As it turns out, Michelle Wie West does have one more U.S. Women’s Open in her. She’ll have her U.S. Women’s Open encore at Riviera, and then she’ll say goodbye. 

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said it is not the time to talk about his future despite the Azzurri failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup.

Even if Gattuso hasn’t made up his mind whether to stay or not, the Italian soccer federation gave a clear sign it would like him to remain on Tuesday.

Four-time World Cup winner Italy lost a penalty shootout at 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs on Tuesday, after playing most of the match with 10 men.

“I’m not interested at all in talking about my future today,” Gattuso said. “It hurts, it really hurts. More than hurting me, it hurts to see this group which has really given everything in these months and I think we deserved to get back what we put in and I honestly think it’s too reductive and too immature to be talking about my future today.

“Here we should be talking about Italy, about the national team shirt, that it’s yet another blow even though this time we didn’t deserve it. We deserved more and that’s why my future doesn’t matter.” 
Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively, in the qualifying playoffs for the last two World Cups.

Gattuso was hired last June to replace the fired Luciano Spalletti, with Italy’s World Cup qualifying hopes already flagging again.

He was given a contract until the end of this summer’s World Cup, with an automatic renewal until 2028 if Italy reached the tournament in North America.

“I have to praise Gattuso. I think he’s been a great coach, he is a great coach, I’ve asked him to stay on in charge of these players,” Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina said.

However, whether Gravina himself should remain is also up for debate and he said he has already called for a federation council meeting next week to evaluate matters.

Gravina has overseen two sets of disappointing World Cup qualifiers after taking charge in 2018. He replaced Carlo Tavecchio, who quit after Italy failed to reach the 2018 World Cup.

There had already been calls for Gravina’s resignation but some fans see the problem as running even deeper.

“I feel really bad, the system is rotten, the football system in Italy is rotten. Like, it’s not possible. A country which is made for football and lives for football and now, like, everything is rotten,” said 30-year-old Federico Barbieri, outside a bar in Rome.

“We knew that the team has its limits but … not going to the World Cup three times in a row? Sweden, North Macedonia and Bosnia. What else can I say?” 
Not every Italy coach has paid for the Azzurri’s failure to reach the World Cup.

Gian Piero Ventura was fired after Italy lost to Sweden but his replacement, Roberto Mancini, kept his job despite Italy’s shock loss to North Macedonia in 2022.

That came just eight months after Mancini led the team to the European Championship title and the federation decided to stick with the coach who revitalized the national team.

Mancini surprisingly resigned just over a year later – going on to become Saudi Arabia coach two weeks later – and was replaced by Spalletti.

But Spalletti, who oversaw a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, got just one World Cup qualifier in charge before he was fired, with Gattuso coming in.

Tuesday’s defeat added more misery for Italy’s once-proud national team, which won the World Cup four times.

“I grew up with an Italy that always came in the top four at the World Cup,” said 56-year-old building contractor Roberto Silvi. “I’ve seen Italy as world champion twice, and close another couple times.

“I took Italy’s qualifications for granted and now it seems like a nightmare to me. I don’t even believe it. The Italy that misses a World Cup is outside of the world. The Italy that misses three, if they had told me, I never would have believed it.

There have been some big feelings in recent days, feelings of consternation, even outrage, at England’s two Wembley performances. Change the players. Sack the manager. Delete England as a sporting entity. If Harry Kane isn’t fit, do they even bother going through the motions of drawing 1-1 with Croatia and muddling past Ghana, only to be knocked out in the last-16 by the first good team they run into?

At which point, perhaps it is worth taking stock for a moment. It is unlikely any of Thomas Tuchel’s starters against Uruguay will play a significant role at the World Cup. The line-up to face Japan was stronger but only a handful of those will start in North America. Six key players were missing. The football was drab and uninspiring, but none of this was entirely representative of who England will be in the summer.

The stark reality is that for several of England’s leading lights, this international break was just that, a break, from the rigours of club football which are more gruelling than ever. Tuchel called up 35 players, and almost an entire XI pulled out with injury.

“I see fatigue, clearly,” the England manager said after Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Japan, referring to the players on the pitch and the wider squad. “This is not an excuse but just an explanation.”

In that sense, perhaps this international window did serve a purpose. About a dozen players went on holiday. Another batch took their first two-week break all season in order to give niggling injuries a chance. This was a rare and much-needed window to heal.

Declan Rice could have played, Tuchel suggested, but it wasn’t worth the risk. Jude Bellingham was the same. “[Rice] feels a discomfort since quite a while,” the manager explained. “He’s been playing through it [for Arsenal] and he’s just now on the edge where he thinks, ‘Does this make sense, what I’m doing here, to push through with 70 per cent and push myself and push myself?’”

Perhaps the dropouts did a disservice to representing England, to wearing the shirt, to putting on a show for 80,000 ticket holders at Wembley. But it points to the truth about where international friendlies are, in March, among the priorities for overworked players in title races and with Champions League quarter-finals afoot.

These results won’t dictate the future. England have disappointed in March before, only to come good in the summer. They lost to Brazil and drew with Belgium in 2024 before reaching the European Championship final. Even last year under Tuchel, England bounced back from a dispiriting defeat by Senegal in June with a perfect set of wins through September, October and November.

Tuchel defended his players and took responsibility for the poor displays. But he insisted his belief in achieving the bold goal he set for himself when he took the England job – “to put a second star on the shirt” – remains intact.

“We will not start doubting now. I knew before how complicated this camp can be because I know the level of fatigue that the players are in and the level of minutes that they’ve played.

“We tried to build a football team in three days against Uruguay,” Tuchel laughed. “And it did not look so bad even if it was for you guys and for the fans not the nicest watch. But I’m not so sure that you can play spectacular football against Uruguay or spectacular football against Japan, non-stop. Because it’s difficult. They are just good football teams.

“We also gave [key] players a break so that they come fresh [for Japan] and we can play, maybe, with actually the strongest squad. But it was absolutely not possible because we lost so many players throughout the camp.

“We will not let go of our dream, not let go of the question ‘Why not?’. Now the most important thing is that the players reintegrate with their clubs, have a good end to the season, and then we have them in pre-camp [for the World Cup] and prepare them properly.”

England will convene earlier than most teams in North America when they get together for the camp in Florida, which will feature warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

“They will get a week off, the guys who are not involved in the Champions League final, and then we will go very early to the US to prepare us for the heat and the humidity,” Tuchel explained. “We will have an early camp that allows us a good mix between free time and also family-friends time, and football, to arrive with excitement when the tournament starts.

“The season is a long, long season this year for the players, because some of them come from the Club World Cup, and it will not end in May. It will end, hopefully, in the middle of July.”

A perfect qualifying campaign has already been largely forgotten and these friendlies will soon be too. Perhaps Tuchel’s job this past week was simply to help his players survive until June, about recovery more than results. The task of building a coherent football team can wait. Shape and balance and relationships can be perfected in what will be a long summer. Fine-tuning a winning team can take a couple of games, as Argentina showed in 2022 when they lost their opening game to Saudi Arabia.

Fifteen months into the Tuchel project, his real task is only just beginning.

Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant with teammates (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan)

Ex-India batter Abhinav Mukund has questioned the direction and team structure of Lucknow Super Giants after their defeat to Delhi Capitals, pointing to a lack of clarity in how the side is shaping up in IPL 2026. The criticism followed a convincing six-wicket win for Delhi, powered by Sameer Rizvi’s unbeaten 70 and his decisive 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, which took the game away from LSG at the Ekana Stadium. Mukund admitted he remains unconvinced about Lucknow’s identity as a team, especially when compared to other relatively new franchises. “I’m very unsure about LSG. They are a very young side in the IPL. So are Gujarat Titans, who are slowly building an identity towards who they are. They might have lost their first game (in 2026) but you know what Gujarat Titans will come up with on a certain day. “They are top-heavy. They rely on their bowlers. They rely on their experience in the middle in terms of their spinners. With Lucknow, you always feel like there is no identity within the team,” he told ESPNCricinfo. He went on to highlight what he sees as a key difference between the two sides. While Gujarat Titans have established a clear approach built around their bowling strength and spin resources, Mukund believes Lucknow continue to lack a defined style of play. According to him, LSG’s performances often hinge on moments of individual brilliance rather than a structured system. “You expect performances from the top, you expect a sudden performance, like a Mark Wood sometimes comes up and picks up five wickets. You want those individual brilliant performances to drive your team. It’s always been the case for Lucknow.” Mukund also raised concerns over team balance and selection decisions in the match. “Even today, I felt the balance of the team was pretty off, seven batters and four bowlers. And then you had to sacrifice your find of last season. I know he may not have followed that up with an excellent domestic season. He’s not been amongst the wickets. “He’s not had a great domestic season but that doesn’t mean – you’ve released Ravi Bishnoi, which means you’ve had your faith in Digvesh Rathi and said ‘okay, you are my number one spinner and you don’t play him the first match,” he noted. With LSG already facing questions after their opening defeat, Mukund’s remarks underline growing concerns around the team’s balance, selection clarity, and overall identity as the season begins.