The biggest issue here — CAF only is allocated 4 automatic World Cup qualifying slots (with two additional play-in possibilities) while UEFA has ELEVEN.
maggie
@maggiemack.bsky.social
beeboppin n’ talkin about soccer pun generator
This is both thrilling and heartbreaking to know Chawinga will be at the World Cup but not Banda
You know sh*t is getting real when you’re onto the head-to-head goals scored tiebreaker.
Eric Mallory Morgan@ericmakesmistakes.bsky.social · 4h agoRight now the only path for both Zambia and Malawi to advance involves a one-goal Zambia victory with a minimum score line of 3-2. Both teams would need to score one more. Not impossible!
Thinking of the Spokane community and all those impacted by the wildfires in Eastern Washington. 💙💚
Don’t call don’t text
Lesley Ryder@lesleyryder.bsky.social · yesterdayWe are in for a treat in tomorrow’s WAFCON match-ups. No one in Group C has clinched a quarterfinal spot, so everyone needs a win to control their fate. Nigeria must beat Egypt, and Zambia must win against Malawi if they want a shot at a World Cup berth. africa.espn.com/espn/story/_...
We are in for a treat in tomorrow’s WAFCON match-ups. No one in Group C has clinched a quarterfinal spot, so everyone needs a win to control their fate. Nigeria must beat Egypt, and Zambia must win against Malawi if they want a shot at a World Cup berth. africa.espn.com/espn/story/_...
WAFCON Permutations - How do Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana keep World Cup hopes alive?
Only Morocco, of the WAFCON favourites, have avoided an early setback during their group stage campaign, with all of Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana falling to defeat in one of their fixtures so far.
africa.espn.com
gotta gozo
Tom Bogert@tombogert.bsky.social · yesterday🇺🇸🔴🔵 BREAKING: Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign American winger/wingback Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake, per sources - Deal not agreed yet, but trending well. Likely in $15m region - Gozo, 19, made clear he wants to go to Europe www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
The #NWSL plans to kick off its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in LA, 3 days before the Super Bowl across town. It's the earliest NWSL start ever, necessary due to ~7 weeks off for the World Cup. More on NWSL realities of February, World Cup...and scheduling as MLS flips its calendar:
NWSL set for earliest-ever start next season to accommodate World Cup
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) plans to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11 in Los Angeles to coincide with the Super Bowl across town three days later, ESPN has confirmed.
espn.com
One of one ☝️ Evelyn Ijeh earns Player of the Week presented by AT&T!
Utah Royals FC announced today the signing of defender Ali Swensen through the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season. Swensen, 22, has been with the Utah Royals as a training player throughout the 2026 season
BREAKING: Bay FC has agreed to a transfer for American fullback Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal. Fee believed to be in the $200K vicinity. Nighswonger won a 2024 Olympic gold medal w/ #USWNT and #NWSL Championship w/ Gotham. ESPN story w/ @emilyskeogh.bsky.social 👇
Bay FC agree to sign USWNT winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal - sources
Bay FC has agreed to a deal to sign United States winger Jenna Nighswonger from Arsenal in a move worth around $200,000, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
espn.com
This time last season, the Utah Royals were dead last in the NWSL. One year later, they're sitting in third place, just four points off the top of the table. What an incredible turnaround story from one of the league's most entertaining teams 👑 📸: @espn.com
As if yesterday couldn't have been more fun, Cloé set three new club records 👑👑👑
3 - On Sunday, Cloé Lacasse became the eighth player in #NWSL history to record 3+ assists in a match. With those assists, she now holds the @utahroyalsfc.com single-season records for goal contributions (13) and assists (7). Crowns.
Casey Murphy sets up Sammy Smith for just the fourth-ever goalkeeper assist in NWSL history 😱
also anyone else get rose lavelle vibes when sammy smith is zooming
GAME OF THE SEASON FOR UTAH 👏 The Royals were unstoppable at home, putting FIVE goals past the Portland Thorns. Cloe Lacasse continued her incredible form with a hat-trick of assists, Cece Delzer bagged a brace, and Kiana Palacios capped it off with a backheel finish. Utah are on an absolute tear 🔥
An absolute bloodbath in Salt Lake City. Portland desperately needs to find some answers at CB in this transfer window.
