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Belgium beat US 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals

The ‌U.S. defeat ⁠means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.

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• Folarin Balogun played against Belgium but with limited impact.

Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1 and book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final meeting with Spain.

The last-16 encounter in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility after FIFA suspended his one-match ban before kick-off.

Balogan was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention but he barely had an impact on the pitch.

Belgium ignored the off-field distractions and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and swift attacking football.

Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the U.S. to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.

Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead almost immediately with a back-post header.

The U.S. improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute.Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send U.S. fans streaming for the exits and Belgium into the quarter-finals. The goal was Lukaku’s 93rd for Belgium and his seventh in FIFA World Cup finals.

The ‌U.S. defeat ⁠means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.

“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said.

“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.”

USA manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side never recovered after conceding immediately following their equaliser.

“From the beginning, we didn’t connect with the game. Even when we scored the goal, we conceded in the next action,” Pochettino said.

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Nigeria Thumbs up CAF For Samson’s Appointment As Secretary-General

NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, commended Nigeria’s career progression at CAF, where he previously served as Director of Competitions, Director of Tournaments and Events, and Acting General Secretary.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Samson Adamu following his confirmation as the substantive General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football.

The National Sports Commission, in a statement, described the appointment as recognition of Adamu’s experience and progress within the continental football governing body.

NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, commended Nigeria’s career progression at CAF, where he previously served as Director of Competitions, Director of Tournaments and Events, and Acting General Secretary.

“Samson’s confirmation recognises the experience he has built within CAF. We congratulate him and wish him every success,” Dikko said.

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CAF : Nigerian Samson Adamu Becomes General Secretary

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The Confederation of African Football has appointed Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu as its new General Secretary. The appointment was announced on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after a recruitment process to fill the role previously held by Veron Mosengo-Omba.

Adamu has worked with CAF for eight years and had served as acting General Secretary since March 2026. Mosengo-Omba resigned from the position to become president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that Adamu’s appointment followed a comprehensive selection process involving several candidates. Motsepe explained that the position was widely advertised, with shortlisted applicants interviewed before the organisation reached its decision.

The appointment makes Adamu one of the most senior Nigerian administrators in African football. His responsibilities cover implementation of CAF policies, administrative coordination and support for football development across member associations.

Before his appointment, Adamu held several senior positions within CAF, including Director of Competitions and Director of Tournaments and Events. During his eight years with the organisation, he was involved in overseeing continental football competitions and coordinating major tournaments involving national teams and clubs across Africa.

His previous responsibilities placed him at the centre of CAF’s tournament administration, including the planning and execution of competitions under the continental body’s supervision.

As General Secretary, Adamu will now oversee broader administrative functions and work with CAF’s leadership to implement strategic decisions affecting African football.

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CAF reverses four-year plan, restores AFCON two-year cycle

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 tournament, followed by editions in 2028, 2031 and 2033. No tournament is scheduled for 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years and restored the competition’s traditional two-year cycle.

The CAF Executive Committee unanimously approved the decision on Thursday, October 29, after reviewing the proposal announced in December 2025.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the proposed Africa Nations League would take several years to generate enough revenue to support African football.

In a statement, Motsepe said, “The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa.”

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 tournament, followed by editions in 2028, 2031 and 2033. No tournament is scheduled for 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup.

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