
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 Mohamed Salah across Soccer, Football.

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 the unprecedented dominance of superstar players, the blend of science and tradition, and the surprising underdog moments that defined this World Cup.

A combination of on‑field controversy, travel restrictions and domestic unrest shaped the aftermath of Iran's early departure from the 2026 tournament.

Even as the tournament progresses, Lionel Messi's record-breaking goal tally and influence on Argentina's campaign underscore his timeless impact on soccer.

With the knockout bracket set to be confirmed after Saturday’s group games, the United States men’s team looks toward a challenging route that could culminate in a historic final at MetLife Stadium.

Egypt's star forward Mohamed Salah left the World Cup match against Iran due to a knee injury, but coach Hossam Hassan says the setback is minor and Salah should be ready for the upcoming knockout game against Australia.

Egypt’s recent victory over New Zealand has put them in a strong position in Group G, and a win against Iran would almost guarantee first place. Iran’s fate, however, is far more precarious, with a loss likely ending their campaign.

The decisive matches of Groups G, H and I will determine which teams advance to the round of 32, with top scorers Haaland and Mbappé set to clash in a marquee showdown.

Egypt aims to break a 92‑year World Cup drought while Mohamed Salah nears a national scoring record, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown with Iran in Seattle.

Barber Maram Hammadi, who fled Iraq and built a shop in Washington, has become the grooming partner for Egypt’s World Cup squad, blending his love of soccer with a unique talent for haircuts.

With his Liverpool deal ending on June 30, Mohamed Salah faces an uncertain future. His lawyer, Ramy Abbas, remains tight‑lipped, while clubs across Europe, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States eye a potential transfer.

The 2026 World Cup is on track to shatter previous goal records, with 121 goals scored in the first 40 matches. A faster, more stable ball and a 48‑team field are reshaping the tournament’s offensive dynamics.

Over four decades, Cherif Zein has witnessed 11 World Cups, coached more than a hundred players, and forged friendships with legends and fans alike, embodying the sport’s universal spirit.

Left‑footed athletes bring a distinct tactical advantage to the pitch, from disrupting opponent patterns to unlocking new creative possibilities.

A denied charter flight to Seattle sends Egypt's World Cup team back to Spokane, where they prepare for their final group match against Iran after a landmark win featuring Mohamed Salah.

The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em feature delivers daily forecasts for the tournament, blending analyst insight, algorithmic models, and even a dog’s intuition to guide fans through the knockout stage.

The Athletic offers daily forecasts for the tournament, featuring expert insights, fan predictions and a unique leaderboard that tracks accuracy.

A journalist recounts discovering soccer through family stories, global icons, and the sport's growing footprint in the United States.

France and Argentina top the re‑ranked standings after decisive wins, while the United States, Morocco and Mexico make early knockout statements. Spain's goalless stalemate and Brazil's return to form add further intrigue.

In Gaza, where electricity flickers and homes are reduced to rubble, fans crowd into makeshift cafés and tents to follow the World Cup, clinging to the sport as a rare source of unity and hope.

The author reflects on watching the World Cup from afar, describing it as ambient noise that fills silences, and contrasts that with the immersive, sometimes risky experience of attending matches in person, noting the freedom to half‑watch and the varied emotional impact of the tournament.

France's 3‑1 victory over Senegal propels them to the top of the latest standings, with Kylian Mbappe becoming France's all‑time World Cup scorer. Argentina's Lionel Messi scores his first World Cup hat‑trick, and other teams such as Norway, the United States, and Mexico notch impressive wins, while traditional powers Spain and Brazil encounter unexpected draws.
Four group‑stage fixtures and two knockout‑stage contests will showcase stars such as Jérémy Doku, Christian Pulisic, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, highlighting the tournament’s reach beyond traditional venues.

Daily predictions blend statistical analysis with unexpected voices, highlighting key storylines and potential upsets across four crucial matches.