Durban City announce new sponsor

Durban City FC have officially unveiled Umbro as the club’s new technical partner on a three-season deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. noplasticplease.life

The agreement will see Umbro supply official match kits for the men’s and women’s teams, as well as training wear, travel apparel and supporter merchandise. The partnership will cover all domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.

DURBAN CITY FC PARTNER UP WITH UMBRO

The announcement follows a memorable 2025/26 season for Durban City. The KwaZulu-Natal club finished inside the Betway Premiership top eight and lifted the 2026 Nedbank Cup, becoming the first team from the province in 17 years to win the competition.

That success also secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, where Durban City will represent South Africa next season.

KADODIA WELCOMES UMBRO

Durban City FC chief executive Younus Kadodia welcomed the partnership and believes it will support the club’s ambitions on and off the field.

“We are delighted to welcome Umbro as our official technical partner. As one of the game’s most respected names, Umbro brings with it a rich football pedigree, and we see this as a natural partnership for both organisations.

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“Durban City FC continues to build momentum on and off the pitch and having a brand of Umbro’s calibre alongside us will strengthen our ambitions while ensuring our players and supporters have access to high-quality products throughout the season.”

UMBRO TO SUPPLY FULL RANGE

As part of the agreement, Umbro will provide official match kits, training gear and travel apparel for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Supporters will also have access to a range of official merchandise, including caps, hoodies, T-shirts and scarves throughout the three-year partnership.

The deal marks another significant milestone for Durban City FC as the club continues its rapid rise following an impressive debut season in the Betway Premiership.

Meanwhile, the club recently announced the appointment of former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef.

L’équipe de France défie à 19h GMT l’Espagne pour le compte des demi-finales de la Coupe du monde 2026 à l’AT&T stadium de Dallas.

Chez les Bleus, Didier Deschamps a opté pour les titularisations de Doué à la place de Barcola, mais aussi Tchouaméni qui fait glisser Koné sur le banc.

Du côté de la Roja, Luis de la Fuente aligne les mêmes joueurs victorieux de la Belgique (2-1) en quarts de finale. Ruiz démarre à nouveau au milieu en lieu et place de Pedri.

Les équipes :

France : Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olise, Doué – Mbappé

Espagne : Simon – Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Ruiz – Yamal, Olmo, Baena – Oyarzabal

The post France-Espagne : les compositions officielles appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

England vs Argentina Prediction. England face defending champions Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, on Wednesday, 16 July 2026 (19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT). England have not lost to Argentina since 1998. Messi leads the Golden Boot with 8 goals. Rice is out. Kane and Bellingham have six goals each. Our prediction: both teams to score. Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa.

Match details

Field	Detail
Competition	2026 FIFA World Cup — Semi-Final
Date & kick-off	Wednesday, 16 July 2026 at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT
Venue	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
How they got here	England: beat Norway 2-1 AET in QF. Argentina: beat Switzerland 3-1 AET in QF.
Historic significance	England’s fourth major tournament semi-final since 2018 (2018 WC, Euro 2020, Euro 2024, now 2026 WC). England unbeaten vs Argentina since 1998. England seeking first World Cup title since 1966. Argentina seeking back-to-back world titles.
Format	Single elimination. If level after 90 mins: 30 mins extra time, then penalty shoot-out.
Final	Sunday, 19 July 2026, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where to watch	DSTV/GOTV

60 years of hurt vs the back-to-back dream

England’s World Cup semi-final appearance is their fourth in a major tournament since 2018, but history continues to weigh heavily. They have not won the World Cup since they hosted and lifted the trophy in 1966, and their two previous World Cup semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018 both ended in defeat. Thomas Tuchel’s side have reached this stage by winning all their knockout matches by a single goal margin — 1-0 over South Africa, 3-2 over Mexico, 2-1 AET over Norway — a testament to their fighting spirit and the decisive contributions of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who share six tournament goals each.

England’s team news has been significantly disrupted. Declan Rice — their midfield anchor throughout the tournament — is sidelined with an injury and will miss this match. Jarell Quansah remains suspended following his red card against Mexico. Reece James, who came off the bench against Norway, could start at right-back alongside Elliot Anderson in the newly configured midfield. Bukayo Saka is confirmed to start; Anthony Gordon retains his place on the left. Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers came off the bench vs Norway and are likely to be used in that capacity again.

Argentina arrive as the clear pedigree favourites. Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions have won all seven of their 2026 World Cup matches, scoring 17 goals — the highest total of any team remaining. A 3-1 win over Switzerland in extra time confirmed their place here. They are seeking back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962.

Lionel Messi enters this match as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 21 career goals and 10 all-time assists. His eight goals in this tournament put him level with Mbappé at the top of the golden boot race. Julián Álvarez retains his starting role after Lautaro Martínez came off the bench against Switzerland. Cristían Romero and Leandro Paredes both limped off in the QF but are expected to be fit to start.

Availability

Player	Status
Declan Rice (England)	OUT — injury. Confirms absence for this match.
Jarell Quansah (England)	SUSPENDED — red card from Mexico R16 suspension carries into the SF.
Reece James (England)	EXPECTED TO START — came off bench vs Norway; likely fills right-back slot.
Cristían Romero (Argentina)	EXPECTED FIT — limped off vs Switzerland. Confirm before kick-off.
Leandro Paredes (Argentina)	EXPECTED FIT — limped off vs Switzerland. Confirm before kick-off.

Team news and expected line-ups

England: Rice OUT, Quansah SUSPENDED. James likely starts at RB. Anderson in midfield. Bellingham and Kane lead. Saka on right, Gordon on left.

Argentina: Messi leads on 8 goals. Álvarez starts (Lautaro bench). Romero and Paredes expected fit — confirm. De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister in midfield.

England (4-3-3 expected)	Argentina (4-3-3 expected)
Pickford (GK)	E. Martínez (GK)
James (RB)	Montiel (RB)
Stones (CB)	Romero (CB)
Guehi (CB)	L. Martínez (CB)
Trippier (LB)	Tagliafico (LB)
Anderson (CM)	De Paul (DM)
Bellingham (AM)	Enzo Fernández (CM)
Saka (RW)	Mac Allister (CM)
Eze / Rogers (CM)	Di María / Almada (RW)
Gordon (LW)	Messi (AM)
Kane (ST)	Álvarez (ST)

Key stats

• England: QF result — beat Norway 2-1 AET. Fourth major tournament SF since 2018.
• England: unbeaten vs Argentina since 1998 (W2 D1 in the last 3 competitive meetings).
• England: all knockout wins by a single goal margin (1-0, 3-2, 2-1 AET).
• Declan Rice: OUT — injury. England’s midfield anchor absent for the first time in the tournament.
• Jarell Quansah: SUSPENDED. Reece James expected to start.
• Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham: joint England top scorers with 6 goals each.
• Bukayo Saka: confirmed to start on the right wing.
• England form (last 5): W W W W D.
• Argentina: QF result — beat Switzerland 3-1 AET. W7 in all 7 WC matches.
• Argentina: 17 tournament goals — highest of any remaining side.
• Argentina: seeking back-to-back World Cup titles (first since Brazil 1958-62).
• Lionel Messi: 8 tournament goals (equal golden boot with Mbappé). 21 all-time WC goals. 10 all-time WC assists.
• Julián Álvarez: retains starting role (Lautaro bench vs Switzerland).
• Cristían Romero and Leandro Paredes: both limped off vs Switzerland. Expected fit — confirm.
• Argentina form (last 5): W W W W W — 14-match winning streak in all competitions.
• H2H (last 5): England W2 D1 L0 Argentina from 2002 onwards. England have not lost since 1998.

Head-to-head

England have not lost to Argentina since the 1998 World Cup, where they lost on penalties. This will be the sixth World Cup meeting between the nations and is one of the fixture’s most historically significant rivalries, including the Hand of God in 1986 and the 1966 quarter-final. In the five meetings since 1991, England have won two and drawn one, losing only in 1998.

Date	Result
12 November 2005	England 3–2 Argentina
7 June 2002	Argentina 0–1 England
23 February 2000	England 0–0 Argentina
30 June 1998	Argentina 2–2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on pens)
25 May 1991	England 2–2 Argentina

Current form

Team	Last 5 (inc. WC)
England	W W W W D — all KO wins by single goal; Rice now absent
Argentina	W W W W W — 14-match winning run; 17 WC goals scored

Our prediction

Argentina’s 14-match winning streak, 17 tournament goals and the individual genius of Messi make them the analytical favourites. Their winning pedigree and depth — with Álvarez starting and Lautaro to call upon from the bench — is formidable.

England, however, have not lost to Argentina since 1998 and Bellingham and Kane represent a match-winning threat in their own right. England’s tournament has been built on defensive resilience and decisive individual moments. The loss of Rice is significant, but with Tuchel’s tactical flexibility and the quality of the flanks through Saka and Gordon, England will create chances.

Both teams have averaged over two goals across their World Cup matches. Argentina’s quality in attack and England’s proven ability to score make goals on both sides the most defensible analytical position.

Our prediction: both teams to score.

Odds and markets

Odds correct at 2200 hrs UTC on 15/07/2026 and subject to change.

How to bet on SportPesa

1. Open the England vs Argentina event page on SportPesa (link above).
2. Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
3. Enter your stake and place your bet.

Frequently asked questions

What time does England vs Argentina kick off?

Kick-off is at 19:00 UTC / 22:00 EAT on Wednesday, 16 July 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Is Declan Rice playing for England?

No. Declan Rice is sidelined with an injury and will not feature in this semi-final. Reece James, who came off the bench against Norway, is likely to start in a reconfigured midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.

When did England last beat Argentina?

England beat Argentina 3-2 in a November 2005 friendly and 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup. England have not lost to Argentina since the 1998 World Cup, where Argentina won 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

How many World Cup goals has Messi scored in 2026?

Lionel Messi has scored eight goals at this World Cup, level with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the golden boot race. Across his entire World Cup career, Messi has now scored 21 goals — the all-time record — and provided 10 assists.

Have England ever won a World Cup semi-final before?

Yes, once — in 1966 when England hosted and won the tournament, beating Portugal 2-1 in the semi-final. Their two other World Cup semi-final appearances in 1990 (lost West Germany on pens) and 2018 (lost Croatia 2-1 AET) both ended in defeat.

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Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids says he’s looking forward to seeing Ruben van Heerden make his Test debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday.

The 28-year-old lock was called up to the Springbok squad last month after Stormers teammate Salmaan Moerat withdrew with a neck injury.

He started for South Africa A against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha and will now earn his first Test cap along with prop Carlü Sadie, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and winger Jaco Williams.

CARDIFF TO DURBAN: Dramatic changes for Rassie’s Super Springboks

“It was the first time I’d worked with Ruben, but I’ve really enjoyed working with him as both a person and a rugby player,” Davids said on Tuesday.

“He had an outstanding season for his franchise. He’s a smart lineout caller who understands lineouts. He’s also a player who works very hard.

“He wants to be a Springbok and he’s waited a long time for his opportunity.

“He’s been in one or two previous alignment camps, and now he’s spent an extended period training with us.

“You can really see that, as time has gone on and he’s spent more time with the experienced locks, he’s started to understand how we do things.

“He’s embraced the environment and really stepped up in the way he’s adapted to it.

“He deserves his opportunity this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing him play for the Springboks.”

MORE: The scrum champ deserving of his Bok shot

The world champions go into Saturday’s Test as overwhelming favourites after humiliating Wales 73-0 in Cardiff last November.

The Dragons beat Fiji 39-24 in their opening Nations Championship match in Cardiff before suffering a 35-21 defeat to Argentina in San Juan last week, a result that saw them drop back to 12th in the World Rugby rankings.

Davids insists the Boks won’t underestimate a side rebuilding under coach Steve Tandy.

“They’ve gone through a spell where they’ve worked very hard to get themselves back onto an upward curve,” he said.

“I think they would have learned a lot in the Six Nations and also in the game against Argentina. You can see improvements in their game.

“With them coming here and having the opportunity to play against us, this will be another step for them in their journey to improve and become more competitive.

WALES STAR: No harder Test than Boks

“For us, we approach this as a proper Test match. It’s always about having the same mindset and ensuring that we continue to build our game the way we want to play. We want to build momentum going forward.

“We expect a very tough game, a very physical game, against a side that won’t go away.

“We’ll have to make sure we execute with quality, put them under pressure and keep that pressure on them.

“Then we have to make the most of the opportunities we get in the game.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images

The post Davids: Ruben deserves his opportunity appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners has paid an emotional tribute to teammate Jayden Adams following his tragic passing.

The two players developed a close friendship after Adams joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC. They also shared the field for both club and country, strengthening a bond that extended far beyond football.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STARS IQRAAM RAYNERS MOURNS JAYDEN ADAMS

Rayners took to Instagram to express his heartbreak, describing Adams as more than just a teammate. “RIP, my brother, my blood, Jayden Adams,” the Mitchells Plain-born star said.

“I still can’t believe you’re gone. It doesn’t feel real, and I don’t know if it ever will.

The striker said Adams had always been someone he could rely on through every stage of life. You weren’t just a friend – you were my brother, my blood, someone I could count on through the good times and the bad.

“We shared so many memories, so many laughs, and moments that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Your loyalty, your strength, and the way you looked out for the people you loved will never be forgotten,” Rayners added.

Rayners admitted that Adams’ passing had left him devastated. He said the pain of losing someone so close would remain with him, but he would always cherish the memories they created together.

“My heart is broken knowing I won’t hear your voice, see your smile, or make more memories with you,” the Sundowns attacker added.

“But I’m grateful for every moment we had together. Thank you for being the brother you were to me. You left a mark on my life that nothing and no one can ever replace.”

The Bafana Bafana striker also promised to honour Adams’ memory in the years ahead.

‘I’LL MISS YOU EVERY DAY’

Rayners ended his tribute with a heartfelt farewell to his friend and teammate.

“I promise to keep your memory alive and to speak your name with pride. You will always be part of me, and a part of you will live on in everyone whose life you touched.

“Rest peacefully, my brother. Until we meet again, I’ll miss you every single day. I love you forever, Jayden Adams. Fly high, my brother. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Rayners’ emotional message joins the growing number of tributes from teammates, clubs and supporters mourning the loss of Jayden Adams, whose passing has sent shockwaves through South African football.