As the world edges closer to the biggest FIFA 2026 World Cup in history, football fans get a clearer picture of what the expanded 48-team tournament will look like when it kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June 2026.

FIFA on Friday released the full group-stage draw, complete match schedule and competition format, a detailed look at how the first-ever 48-team tournament and first-ever tri-hosted World Cup will unfold.

How the 2026 World Cup Format Works

For the first time, 48 teams will compete, divided into 12 groups of four teams each. Every team will play three group-stage matches, one against each opponent.

FIFA confirmed the tournament will feature:

• 12 groups of four teams each

• Three group-stage matches per team

• Top two teams in each group advancing

• Eight best third-place teams also qualifying

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round, as has been the tradition. But with the expanded field, an additional layer has been added: the eight best third-place teams will also progress, creating an unprecedented Round of 32.

This means 32 teams will progress to the knockout stage, creating an additional round of knockout fixtures never seen before.

FIFA officials described the format as a balance of fairness and global opportunity, while preserving competitive edge.

Knockout Stage Structure

In the new format:

• All 12 group winners advance

• All 12 runners-up advance

• The eight strongest third-place teams also move on

• A new Round of 32 is added to the knockout phase

As usual, the knockout phase will be a straight elimination battle:

This format will remain consistent from the Round of 32 all the way to the final on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

How the Draw Works and Group Breakdown

The draw assigned 48 teams and placeholders still battling through playoffs into 12 groups. Teams were seeded based on FIFA rankings, continental considerations, and playoff pathways.

All group placements remain as drawn, with full fixtures released for all cities across the three host nations.

Group-Stage Tiebreakers: How Teams Advance

If teams finish level on points, the following tiebreakers apply in order:

1. Points obtained in matches among tied teams

2. Goal difference in matches among tied teams

3. Goals scored in matches among tied teams

If still tied, the same criteria are reapplied exclusively among those teams.

Remaining tiebreakers are:

4. Goal difference in all group matches

5. Goals scored in all group matches

6. Fair play score

7. FIFA world ranking

How the Best Third-Place Teams Will Be Ranked

With eight third-place teams advancing, FIFA will evaluate them based on:

1. Points

2. Goal difference

3. Goals scored

4. Fair play

5. FIFA ranking

The 2026 edition will be the first World Cup in history where third-place finishers have a direct route into the expanded knockout phase.

From Opening Night to the Final

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City at 1 p.m. local time.

Key early matches include:

• USA vs Paraguay (June 12, Inglewood)

• Brazil vs Morocco (June 13, East Rutherford)

• Germany vs Curaçao (June 14, Houston)

• France vs Senegal (June 16, New Jersey)

• England vs Croatia (June 17, Arlington)

• Argentina vs Algeria (June 16, Kansas City)

The group stage concludes on June 27, with crucial ties determining the final knockout entrants.

KNOCKOUT ROUNDS: A 32-Team Sprint to Glory

Round of 32 — June 28 to July 3

The historic first Round of 32 begins June 28, with group runners-up clashing early before giants enter the fray in later fixtures. Matchups will depend on group rankings, including the eight advancing third-place teams.

Round of 16 — July 4 to July 7

Eight do-or-die fixtures across Houston, Philadelphia, East Rutherford, Mexico City, Arlington, Seattle, Atlanta and Vancouver.

Quarterfinals — July 9 to July 11

Semifinals — July 14 & 15

• Arlington, Texas

• Atlanta, Georgia

Third-Place Match — July 18

Miami Gardens, Florida

THE FINAL — July 19, 2026

East Rutherford, New Jersey — 5 p.m. ET
The world champion will be crowned at MetLife Stadium.

FULL 2026 WORLD CUP MATCH SCHEDULE

(All dates, times, and venues included exactly as scheduled)

GROUP STAGE

Thursday, June 11

• Group A: Mexico vs South Africa — Mexico City, 1 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET

• Group A: South Korea vs UEFA Playoff Path 2 Winner — Zapopan, Mexico, 8 p.m. local / 10 p.m. ET

Friday, June 12

• Group B: Canada vs UEFA Playoff Path 1 Winner — Toronto, 3 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET

• Group D: United States vs Paraguay — Inglewood, California, 9 p.m. local / 12 a.m. ET (6/13)

Saturday, June 13

• Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland — Santa Clara, California, 12 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET

• Group C: Brazil vs Morocco — East Rutherford, New Jersey, 6 p.m. local / 6 p.m. ET

• Group C: Haiti vs Scotland — Foxborough, Massachusetts, 9 p.m. local / 9 p.m. ET

• Group D: Australia vs UEFA Playoff Path 3 Winner — Vancouver, 9 p.m. local / 12 a.m. ET (6/14)

Sunday, June 14

• Group E: Germany vs Curaçao — Houston, 12 p.m. local / 1 p.m. ET

• Group F: Netherlands vs Japan — Arlington, Texas, 3 p.m. local / 4 p.m. ET

• Group E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador — Philadelphia, 7 p.m. local / 7 p.m. ET

• Group F: UEFA Playoff Path 2 Winner vs Tunisia — Guadalupe, Mexico, 8 p.m. local / 10 p.m. ET

Monday, June 15

• Group H: Spain vs Cape Verde — Atlanta, 12 p.m. local / 1 p.m. ET

• Group G: Belgium vs Egypt — Seattle, 3 p.m. local / 6 p.m. ET

• Group H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — Miami Gardens, Florida, 6 p.m. local / 6 p.m. ET

• Group G: Iran vs New Zealand — Inglewood, California, 9 p.m. local / 12 a.m. ET (6/16)

Tuesday, June 16

• Group I: France vs Senegal — East Rutherford, New Jersey, 3 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET

• Group I: FIFA Playoff Winner 2 vs Norway — Foxborough, Massachusetts, 6 p.m. local / 6 p.m. ET

• Group J: Argentina vs Algeria — Kansas City, Missouri, 9 p.m. local / 10 p.m. ET

• Group J: Austria vs Jordan — Santa Clara, California, 9 p.m. local / 12 a.m. ET (6/17)

Wednesday, June 17

• Group K: Portugal vs FIFA Playoff Winner 1 — Houston, 12 p.m. local / 1 p.m. ET

• Group L: England vs Croatia — Arlington, Texas, 3 p.m. local / 4 p.m. ET

• Group L: Ghana vs Panama — Toronto, 7 p.m. local / 7 p.m. ET

• Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Mexico City, 10 p.m. local / 12 a.m. ET (6/18)

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Laura Woods will return to TV screens for the first time since her shocking collapse live on air, as TNT Sports confirmed she will present Man City’s clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Popular presenter Woods, 38, was fronting ITV4’s coverage of the Lionesses’ clash against Ghana when she suddenly fell forward live on air.

Wright and fellow pundit Anita Asante reacted swiftly to catch the broadcaster before cameras quickly cut away.

The audio briefly continued before switching to an advertising break, and Wright, 62, could be heard asking Woods: ‘Are you OK?’

Woods, who was replaced on the night by stand-in presenter Katie Shanahan, delivered a positive update after England’s 2-0 win over Ghana, revealing she was ‘okay’ after being treated by paramedics following the collapse. 

‘Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I’m OK. The wonderful paramedics at Saints have said it’s probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration,’ she wrote.

‘I’m really embarrassed that happened on TV but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight.

‘And to Wrighty and Neets for catching me. And sorry again.’

TNT Sports have confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that Woods will be back on TV on Wednesday night to cover City’s trip to Spain in the Champions League.

She will be joined by Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Steve McNamaman, as well as former City star Joleon Lescott. 

Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist will be on commentary duties for the big game. 

Wright, who ensured Woods didn’t hit the ground when she fell at St Mary’s Stadium, Wright opened up on the ‘worrying’ incident while speaking to Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet. 

‘She’s fine. I got a message from her this morning. It was worrying at the time but she’s fine. People have been really nice about it. I’m glad she’s okay,’ the Arsenal legend said.

Joking, Keane added: ‘I’m guessing she’s not the first woman to fall into your arms Ian. ‘That’s just your knack.

‘She’s okay and that’s all that matters, that’s the most important thing, obviously. You’ll get a knighthood or an award for that, Wrighty.’

Woods’s fiancé and former Love Island star Adam Collard, 30, said on X after the incident: ‘Laura is all ok and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages.’ 

TNT Sports wrote: ‘Everyone at TNT Sports would like to send Laura Woods our very best wishes.

‘Get well soon, Woodsy.’

Woods is a regular on ITV and TNT Sports, where she presents coverage of the men’s Champions League.

In January, Woods gave birth to a baby boy, Leo, with Collard. She took a break from presenting before returning in April. 

Collard, known for his controversial stints on Love Island and then Celebrity SAS, and Woods went public with their relationship in October 2023.

They got engaged in September 2024 after Collard proposed on a beach in St Ives, Cornwall. 

Alongside snaps of the special moment, Laura wrote: ‘And just like that… You make me happy.

‘Thank you @carbisbayestate – the place we fell in love and now the place we got engaged, you made it so special. What a summer x.’

Sharing his own gallery of photos from the proposal, Adam gushed that Laura is his ‘whole world’.

He wrote: ‘From dates & daiquiri’s to a Fiancé & a sprog on the way, our very own little team.

‘My whole world. Always. @carbisbayestate where it really all began, the only place to do it x’

Collard opened up about how the pair got to know each during an appearance on an episode of the Getting Lippy Gossip Show in December.

He said: ‘I’d followed her on Instagram because I’d seen a Lionesses game or something like that and then I DMd her because she put like a funny meme on her story.

‘I will hold my hands up, yes I acknowledge that even though she’s had my life about this a lot of times.’

More to follow.  

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Fulham boss Marco Silva has poured cold water on rising speculation that the club is close to sealing a permanent deal for Samuel Chukwueze, saying both parties are in no hurry to make a decision.

Chukwueze is on loan from AC Milan and has quickly made an impression in west London. His two goals from the bench during the thrilling 5-4 loss to Manchester City earned him a starting place at the weekend and brought fresh excitement among fans over his future.

Reports suggested Fulham were ready to activate the option to buy, but Silva moved to calm expectations after Sunday’s match, stressing that discussions over a full transfer will not take place until the right moment.

“A permanent deal? I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it. We have time to make that decision. We are relaxed about it, and so is he,” Silva said.

“He knows what he has to do; he knows he has to continue helping the team. At the right time, we’ll make the right decision.”

Silva has been impressed by Chukwueze’s approach since his arrival from Italy. The winger, who left Villarreal for Milan last year, has shown flashes of the quality that made him one of Europe’s highly rated young attackers.

“He’s mature, has quality and is a creative player. We want to see more from him, even if he doesn’t have to prove his worth every single game, because he’s an international player who comes from a big European club and knows what pressure means,” Silva added.

“Beyond his qualities as a player, he spreads good vibes to everyone. He’s a good guy and enjoys battling with us every single day. It’s nice to see him always smiling. Then when he has to work, he works.”

Chukwueze’s performances have helped build a strong bond with Fulham supporters. Speaking to the club’s media team, he said the backing from the stands has lifted his confidence.

“The fans are amazing, I love them. They love me, but I think it is more me who wants them,” the Nigerian international said.

“Even at 5-1 they continued to believe it, they sang, they screamed, they pushed us a lot. I am happy with my current form. The most important thing for me is the coach who encourages me and keeps me on track.
“Whether I play 10, 20 or 30 minutes does not count, I always have to give my best to help the team.”

Silva kept faith with the winger in their latest Premier League outing, rewarding his display against Manchester City by naming him in the starting side. Fulham were beaten after a late Marc Guehi header at Craven Cottage, but Chukwueze’s presence offered fresh threat in attack.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will be part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Pisa SC head coach Alberto Gilardino has confirmed.

Gilardino stated that Akinsanmiro will join the Super Eagles’ camp after Pisa’s Serie A clash with Lecce on Friday.

“Akinsanmiro? After Lecce (on December 12), he’ll miss several matches,” Gilardino was quoted by FC Inter1908.

The 21-year-old was named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional list for AFCON 2025 last week.

It will be the midfielder’s maiden invitation to the Super Eagles.

The former Remo Stars player has caught the eye with his impressive performances for Pisa this season. He is on loan at Pisa from Serie A giants Inter Milan.

The Super Eagles will open camp for the competition on Monday, December 15.

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Duro Ikhazuagbe 

The injury woes afflicting Nigerian internationals ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) may prevent Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, from making a second appearance at the tournament in Morocco.

Yesterday,  Nwabali’s Chippa United club coach in the South African PSL, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed that the Rivers-born goalkeeper was battling a major injury in his ankle and hand that may prevent him from the AFCON.

Vilakazi began: “It’s an ankle injury, but then also the hand needs an operation because he’s been playing with that (injured) hand for a while now and he aggravated the injury while he was in Morocco (World Cup Playoffs).”

He doubt if the goalkeeper can be fit before the AFCON.

“I don’t think he (Nwabali) will make it, but when I was talking to him, he was confident that he will recover very soon, but obviously you will understand because he’s a player, he wants to be there at the Cup of Nations finals.”

The Chippa United coach emphasised that the reality of the situation at the moment is that Nwabali is injured and doubtful. “But the reality is saying for now he is still injured. I also hope for the best that he might find himself there.”

The 29-year-old Nwabali was first choice for Nigeria as Super Eagles reached the final of the last edition, beaten 2-1 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the deciding game.  He has remained Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper since, amassing a total of 27 caps.

But he has not played since Super Eagles were beaten by the Democratic Republic of Congo last month in shootouts for the African ticket to the Intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March.

With the Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, under pressure to name his final 28-man squad ahead CAF’s deadline fixed for Thursday, December 11, the first choice role for the goalkeeping position is most likely to revert to Udinese’s Maduka Okoye.

Already, Super Eagles backline has suffered the absence of top defenders who are down with injuries copped during the botched World Cup qualifiers and playoffs. Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu are key players to be missed. The retirement of William Troost-Ekong from international duty for Nigeria last Thursday has further compounded the situation.

The Super Eagles will open their Group C against Tanzania in Fes on 23 December. Eagles will also tackle Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (Saturday, 27 December) and round up the Group C with the clash with Cranes of Uganda (Tuesday, 30 December).

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Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is facing serious uncertainty ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco following a worrying update on his fitness status.

Chippa United head coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, confirmed that Nwabali is currently battling two injuries — an ankle issue and a more concerning hand injury that reportedly “needs an operation.”

 Both problems were reportedly aggravated during his recent national team duties with the Super Eagles.

According to Vilakazi, the 28-year-old shot-stopper “could miss out” on the continental tournament, with his availability now described as a “huge doubt.”

Nwabali has not featured for Chippa United since Nigeria’s AFCON playoff clash against DR Congo last month — the match that ended in penalty heartbreak for the Super Eagles. His continued absence from club action, coupled with medical assessments pointing to the possibility of surgery, has heightened concerns about his readiness for the AFCON campaign which starts in Rabat on December 21st.

With the tournament rapidly approaching, the Super Eagles technical crew will be anxiously monitoring the situation, as Nwabali’s impressive performances earlier in the qualification cycle had solidified him as Nigeria’s leading option between the sticks.

For now, the goalkeeper faces a race against time — and Nigeria faces the possibility of heading into AFCON without one of its most reliable performers.

Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt and Maduka Okoye are the other goalkeepers invited by Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle in the provisional 54 man list he is expected to prune down to 28 in the next few days.

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European football takes centre stage again this week as the last round of Champions League fixtures for the year gets underway.

With so much on offer across three nights, attention will naturally fall on two heavyweight clashes that could shape the story of the season.

On Tuesday night, the spotlight is firmly on the San Siro where Inter host a Liverpool side in disarray. Both teams are still in the race for a top-eight finish, but Arne Slot’s men arrive three points behind the Italian side and outside the qualifying spots.

Inter are fourth on 12 points, though the table is tight enough that a shock Liverpool victory would put the Premier League champions level with the Nerazzurri.

That task has been made even tougher by the latest drama at Anfield. A thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds at the weekend was overshadowed by Mohamed Salah accusing the club of having “thrown him under the bus”. Liverpool have since confirmed that the Egyptian will not travel to Milan.

The fallout adds to a growing crisis for Slot whose side now meet an Inter team full of confidence. Simone Inzaghi’s players are second in Serie A and come off a commanding 4-0 win over Como. Victory in Italy would offer Liverpool a much-needed reset, but another poor result could see their season spiral further.

Wednesday brings a clash that has quietly become one of modern football’s fiercest rivalries as Real Madrid welcome Manchester City. For years, it was Real’s battles against Manchester United that defined European nights. Today, it is City who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Spanish giants.

The meeting comes at a tense moment in Madrid. Whispers of unrest around Xabi Alonso’s handling of the dressing room have grown louder, with reports claiming the club has already sounded out a possible replacement.

Real have taken just four points from their last three league matches and now trail Barcelona by the same margin. In Europe, they sit three points from top spot, which is seen simply as a minimum expectation.

City arrive in a very different mood. Pep Guardiola’s side are building momentum again and closed the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sunderland. Those goals took their tally to 11 in three league games as Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland have found rhythm together. What once looked like a one-man forward line has become a fluid and dangerous quartet.

Real, meanwhile, face questions in defence after a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo. If they fail to tighten up, City’s attack could take full advantage in a match that may carry greater significance for the domestic title race than the Champions League table.

With so much at stake across Europe, supporters will have no shortage of options. But for drama, tension and narrative, Tuesday in Milan and Wednesday in Madrid offer the best of what continental football brings.

Below are the final Champions League group Fixtures In 2025:

Tuesday, December 9

Kairat vs Olympiacos
4:30 p.m.

Bayern vs Sporting
6:45 p.m.

Atalanta vs Chelsea
9 p.m.

Monaco vs Galatasaray
9 p.m.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Marseille
9 p.m.

PSV vs Atlético Madrid
9 p.m.

Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt
9 p.m.

Inter vs Liverpool
9 p.m.

Tottenham vs Slavia Praha
9 p.m.

Wednesday, December 10

Villarreal vs Copenhagen
6:45 p.m.

Qarabag FK vs Ajax
6:45 p.m.

Leverkusen vs Newcastle
9 p.m.

Real Madrid vs Man City
9 p.m.

Benfica vs Napoli
9 p.m.

Club Brugge vs Arsenal
9 p.m.

Athletic Club vs PSG
9 p.m.

Juventus vs Pafos
9 p.m.

Dortmund vs Bodø/Glimt
9 p.m.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué has named four very strong teams in Europe that he believes can challenge the Blaugrana for the UEFA Champions League this season.

According to Piqué, the teams are Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Speaking with Moeve Futbol Zone (via SPORT), the Spaniard was asked about Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League.

Piqué said, “In Europe too? Yes, why not? It’s clear that there are some very strong teams in Europe right now, and it looks like sooner rather than later, they will end up winning the Champions League.

“Arsenal, for example, or PSG, who won it last year. Add to that Real Madrid and Bayern, who I think have raised their game with Kompany, so obviously it will be difficult.”

Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League semi-final stage last season after losing to Inter Milan.

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Stephen Odey will leave Danish club Randers when his contract expires at the end of this month, Completesports.com reports.

The forward is bringing an end to his four -and-a-half-year spell with the Horses.

Odey joined Randers on loan from Belgian Pro League outfit, KRC Genk for the 2021-22 season with an option to buy.

After scoring five goals in seven games, Randers confirmed on 21 November, 2021, that they had bought Odey from Genk at the end of his loan deal, becoming the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.

Read Also:Nwabali Doubtful For AFCON 2025 With Injury

Odey Thanks Randers

Odey thanked the club for making his stay memorable.

“I have really enjoyed my time here in Randers. It has been a fantastic period with fantastic people at the club – from the staff and management to the players and fans,” Odey told club’s official website.

“I have been here for many years, through both good and bad times, and I will really miss the club – but that is life in football.

“I wish the team all the best for the rest of the season.”

The 27-year-old scored 28 goals in 129 appearances for Randers.

By Adeboye Amosu

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Raphael Onyedika has been confirmed in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Club Brugge publicly announced his inclusion on Monday.

Raphael Onyedika’s selection comes at a time when Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is yet to release his official squad list, keeping the public waiting as preparations continue for the tournament in Morocco.

Club Brugge confirmed the midfielder’s invitation through a statement on their official website, noting that the 24-year-old will represent Nigeria once again at a major tournament.

This will be Onyedika’s second AFCON appearance, having been part of the team that reached the final in the Ivory Coast in 2023.

He played only once during that campaign, coming on for the final 27 minutes of the 1-0 win against Guinea-Bissau, but his growing influence at club level has strengthened his position in the national team.

Since making his debut for Nigeria in September 2022, Onyedika has earned 17 caps and scored once for the Super Eagles. His form in Belgium has been impressive this season, with 22 appearances in all competitions, including three in the UEFA Champions League, alongside two goals and an assist.

Despite his consistency, Onyedika still faces a challenge to win Chelle’s full confidence. The coach appears to favour Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka in the midfield pecking order.

Onyedika has played only one full match under Chelle, a 1-1 draw with Russia in June, while his other minutes came as late substitute appearances in World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi are expected to make the final cut. Captain William Troost-Ekong is unavailable after announcing his retirement last week.

The goalkeeping situation remains uncertain, with Stanley Nwabali facing a race against time due to injury. Should he fail to recover, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye is likely to return as the first choice.

Midfield selections appear straightforward, with Ndidi, Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi expected to lead the group. Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, his brother Tom, and Alhassan Yusuf are pushing for places.

Nigeria’s attack is packed with competition. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to headline the forward line. Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, and Rafiu Durosinmi are among those fighting for the remaining spots.

AFCON 2025 will kick off on 21 December. Nigeria open their Group D campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, with Tunisia and Uganda also in the group.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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