
African Football’s Journey: From Colonial Roots to Global Spotlight
From colonial past to World Cup triumphs, African football's story blends historic resistance with modern stardom, yet the continent's domestic structures remain challenged.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ghana across Soccer, Football, Basketball.

From colonial past to World Cup triumphs, African football's story blends historic resistance with modern stardom, yet the continent's domestic structures remain challenged.

A look at Matchday 21 drama, key player performances and the forecasts for the upcoming Round of 32 fixtures.
The American side ended a decade‑long winless run against European opponents, with Folarin Balogun opening the scoring before Malik Tillman sealed the win.

The United States men's soccer team has repeatedly fallen in the World Cup's knockout stages, with only one win in 2002. As they prepare to meet Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the Round of 32, a look back at past performances reveals a pattern of narrow defeats and near‑misses.
Will Acheampong, a McCombs alumnus, now drives soccer growth initiatives at the U.S. Soccer Federation, reflecting on a childhood World Cup memory that led to his current role.

Morocco's advancement to the knockout stage and penalty victory over the Netherlands underscore a transformative era for African football, driven by strategic investments and regional collaboration.

Stephen Eustáquio's decisive strike for Canada against South Africa reverberates through the story of a Portuguese‑Canadian family, illustrating how sport can bridge continents and generations.

A wedding portrait session outside Philadelphia City Hall was interrupted by enthusiastic Croatian supporters celebrating before a World Cup match, leading to a viral moment that christened the couple the "Smithic" team and sparked thoughts of a future trip to Croatia.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches slated in Philadelphia and across the country, marks a turning point for a sport that once struggled for attention. Today, professional leagues thrive, women’s teams dominate internationally, and a new generation of players and fans fuels a rapid rise.

The introduction of three‑minute hydration breaks has split matches into 22‑minute quarters, giving coaches a tactical window that is reshaping gameplay, substitutions and statistical trends.

The knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup features 32 teams, highlighted by France's +300 favorite status, Argentina's +400 odds, and a surge of betting activity on the United States.

Ghana will meet Croatia in Philadelphia for its last group‑stage World Cup match, a reunion that echoes a 2012 exhibition delayed by a $125,000 dispute and a goal from Richard Mpong

From Morocco's unbeaten streak to Cape Verde's debut breakthrough, African nations are rewriting the narrative of the 2026 World Cup, driven by long‑term investment and a growing diaspora.

Manchester City have agreed a deal worth over £120 million to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, a move that ties into England’s World Cup campaign and a strategic replacement for Bernardo Silva.

During a pre‑tournament visit, Winston experienced Ghana’s electrifying match‑day rituals, from relentless drumming to the iconic Jama celebration, before backing the Black Stars against England.

Thomas Tuchel's approach seeks to draw opponents into deeper positions, but a low‑block Ghana side exposed its limits, prompting England to rethink their strategy.

Yesterday’s action saw Portugal crush Uzbekistan, England hold Ghana, while Croatia and Colombia secured narrow victories; today’s schedule pits Switzerland against Canada and Scotland against Brazil, all tracked on The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em platform.

Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, with Ante Budimir scoring the decisive goal and Luka Modric celebrating his 200th cap, keeping their knockout stage prospects alive.

A look at how brothers can represent different countries, the emotional weight of dual loyalties, and the broader push for development in emerging football regions.

Former German World Cup champion Sami Khedira talks about the growing presence of brothers competing for different nations, the emotional tug of heritage, and the responsibilities of Europe in nurturing global talent.

Panama must defeat Croatia in a high‑stakes Group L match while coping with the loss of midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, as both teams fight for a place in the knockout stage.

The U.S. men’s national team has seen its 2026 World Cup odds climb to five percent on the Kalshi prediction market following two straight victories, positioning it favorably for a deep run despite an inconsequential final group match.

Portland’s love of soccer has surged this summer, its streets and taverns humming with the rhythm of global matches. Bars line the downtown core, while city parks fill with makeshift screens and cheering crowds, all drawn together by the World Cup’s magnetic pull.

The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions blend expert insight with a playful competition, recapping Matchday 9’s key results and previewing the decisive fixtures of Matchday 10.