https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes https://www.iol.co.za/assets/images/newspapers/cape-times.png https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes RSS for Node Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:37:15 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:37:15 GMT https://www.iol.co.za/rss 60 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/young-centre-back-mbekezeli-mbokazi-tipped-to-become-future-bafana-leader-42349c38-c4ca-4e2b-b1be-f536853f4bea https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/young-centre-back-mbekezeli-mbokazi-tipped-to-become-future-bafana-leader-42349c38-c4ca-4e2b-b1be-f536853f4bea Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:54:02 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:54:02 GMT IOL Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has all the qualities to anchor South Africa's defence for years after impressive World Cup displays alongside Ime Okon https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/broos-bafana-must-match-canadas-physicality-after-shaking-off-world-cup-nerves-96fcdb6b-f59b-45d2-aefa-76eb36e8d0ae https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/broos-bafana-must-match-canadas-physicality-after-shaking-off-world-cup-nerves-96fcdb6b-f59b-45d2-aefa-76eb36e8d0ae Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:49:25 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:49:25 GMT IOL South Africa coach Hugo Broos says his side have grown into the World Cup after overcoming their early jitters, but warns Canada's relentless pressing and physical approach will provide their toughest test yet in Sunday's historic Round of 32 clash. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/game-day-proteas-women-savour-lords-stage-before-world-cup-decider-2521f001-fd6b-451a-9850-b7466b693100 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/game-day-proteas-women-savour-lords-stage-before-world-cup-decider-2521f001-fd6b-451a-9850-b7466b693100 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:35:26 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:35:26 GMT IOL Assistant coach Claire Terblanche says the excitement of playing at Lord's has been matched by growing interest in women's cricket back home as South Africa prepare for their decisive World Cup clash against Bangladesh. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-leaves-door-open-to-future-role-in-south-african-football-690fd307-c1c2-44a2-b9f4-70704e8d3ab3 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-leaves-door-open-to-future-role-in-south-african-football-690fd307-c1c2-44a2-b9f4-70704e8d3ab3 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:29:59 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:29:59 GMT IOL Veteran Bafana Bafana coach says he still has " too much energy" to retire completely and hints he could remain involved in South African football in a reduced capacity after the World Cup. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/comment-bafana-bafanas-historic-world-cup-journey-unity-or-division-0b6ab53f-71e0-42cf-bf35-f99fbe710d57 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/comment-bafana-bafanas-historic-world-cup-journey-unity-or-division-0b6ab53f-71e0-42cf-bf35-f99fbe710d57 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 06:21:56 GMT Sun, 28 Jun 2026 06:21:56 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana's historic achievement in reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages is overshadowed by internal tensions and public criticism. Can Hugo Broos unite the team and supporters amidst the scrutiny? https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/junior-springboks-lay-down-early-marker-with-uruguay-demolition-in-tbilisi-6df985ed-3822-4926-9e31-db2ef5bfa554 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/junior-springboks-lay-down-early-marker-with-uruguay-demolition-in-tbilisi-6df985ed-3822-4926-9e31-db2ef5bfa554 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:49:18 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:49:18 GMT IOL A hat-trick from Jordan Steenkamp, a ruthless attacking display and a disciplined defensive effort helped the Junior Springboks begin their Junior World Championship title defence with a statement victory over Uruguay. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/teamsa/matwebu-sosibo-book-world-championships-spots-with-national-half-marathon-titles-ce9c83e8-03d8-41b8-8335-a5d61a47f7ae https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/teamsa/matwebu-sosibo-book-world-championships-spots-with-national-half-marathon-titles-ce9c83e8-03d8-41b8-8335-a5d61a47f7ae Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:45:40 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:45:40 GMT IOL First-time senior champions headline ASA Road Running Championships as five athletes secure automatic selection for Copenhagen. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/three-key-battles-that-could-decide-bafana-bafanas-historic-round-of-32-clash-with-canada-4f64d2f1-4b98-463c-ae19-5be1e18670e1 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/three-key-battles-that-could-decide-bafana-bafanas-historic-round-of-32-clash-with-canada-4f64d2f1-4b98-463c-ae19-5be1e18670e1 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:30:55 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:30:55 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup knockout clash against Canada will hinge on critical individual battles, featuring Mbokazi shadowing David, Mokoena’s midfield duel with Eustáquio, and Maseko testing the returning Davies. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/katlego-mphela-urges-bafana-bafana-stick-to-winning-formula-for-canada-world-cup-clash-61ec36ff-a3fd-42cc-9c1d-2638eaca0bc0 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/katlego-mphela-urges-bafana-bafana-stick-to-winning-formula-for-canada-world-cup-clash-61ec36ff-a3fd-42cc-9c1d-2638eaca0bc0 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:16:11 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:16:11 GMT IOL Former Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela has advised coach Hugo Broos not to change a winning formula and backed frontman Evidence Makgopa to lead the line against World Cup co-hosts Canada. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/katlego-mphela-advises-hugo-broos-to-handle-teboho-mokoenas-return-with-caution-ac9b4902-d172-4d0d-ad68-76dcc015c432 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/katlego-mphela-advises-hugo-broos-to-handle-teboho-mokoenas-return-with-caution-ac9b4902-d172-4d0d-ad68-76dcc015c432 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:08:08 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:08:08 GMT IOL Teboho Mokoena’s return from suspension forces Hugo Broos to choose between a cautious three-man midfield or maintaining the dynamic two-man pairing that secured Bafana Bafana's vital win over South Korea. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/midfield-monopoly-why-kones-absence-gives-bafana-the-edge-against-canada-7a90d601-feae-4670-8568-0248319f3542 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/midfield-monopoly-why-kones-absence-gives-bafana-the-edge-against-canada-7a90d601-feae-4670-8568-0248319f3542 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:53:38 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:53:38 GMT IOL A tactical breakdown of how Hugo Broos can exploit a depleted Canadian midfield to unleash Bafana’s lethal transitional pace and secure a historic spot in the Round of 16. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/proteas-womens-growing-list-of-match-winners-boosts-t20-world-cup-belief-34e45bd3-cdc0-43e2-93e7-0bf0c7e5e1a5 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/proteas-womens-growing-list-of-match-winners-boosts-t20-world-cup-belief-34e45bd3-cdc0-43e2-93e7-0bf0c7e5e1a5 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:49:50 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:49:50 GMT IOL Following Tazmin Brits' stunning 114 against the Dutch, the Proteas face Bangladesh at Lord's with their eyes firmly fixed on their own execution rather than external permutations. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/five-big-springbok-selection-calls-facing-rassie-erasmus-ahead-of-england-test-18a5714a-c0b2-4d6e-8fd0-f428d4176667 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/five-big-springbok-selection-calls-facing-rassie-erasmus-ahead-of-england-test-18a5714a-c0b2-4d6e-8fd0-f428d4176667 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:24:22 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:24:22 GMT IOL As the Springboks prepare to host England at Ellis Park, Rassie Erasmus has a handful of crucial selection decisions to make. We look at the five positions where the Bok coaches have the toughest calls ahead of the opening Nations Championship Test. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/swys-de-bruin-keeps-faith-in-springbok-womens-world-cup-core-for-historic-us-tests-45963c5d-7eda-4c36-86ec-c684059fabd8 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/swys-de-bruin-keeps-faith-in-springbok-womens-world-cup-core-for-historic-us-tests-45963c5d-7eda-4c36-86ec-c684059fabd8 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:17:32 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:17:32 GMT IOL With overseas stars returning and a new captain yet to be revealed, the Springbok Women are aiming to build on their historic World Cup quarter-final momentum against the world number eight USA. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/mma/nkosi-ndebele-earns-long-awaited-shot-on-pfl-global-stage-1c4af80b-6aca-4d7b-9dfc-2c695c06d227 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/mma/nkosi-ndebele-earns-long-awaited-shot-on-pfl-global-stage-1c4af80b-6aca-4d7b-9dfc-2c695c06d227 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:27:10 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:27:10 GMT IOL South Africa's first-ever PFL Africa champion, Nkosi Ndebele has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining PFL Africa. https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/ctijf-signals-major-announcement-ahead-of-2027-edition-65d46e3d-27d1-4a04-8888-4f40033a45ed https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/ctijf-signals-major-announcement-ahead-of-2027-edition-65d46e3d-27d1-4a04-8888-4f40033a45ed Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:21:03 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:21:03 GMT IOL Discover how the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is evolving as it prepares for a major announcement that will redefine its future in 2027. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/teamsa/road-running-stars-chase-world-championships-places-in-gqeberha-7e968e1f-ca00-4316-8eca-2e5bd5bcf596 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/teamsa/road-running-stars-chase-world-championships-places-in-gqeberha-7e968e1f-ca00-4316-8eca-2e5bd5bcf596 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:28:05 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:28:05 GMT IOL National titles and coveted World Athletics Road Running Championships berths will be on the line as South Africa's top distance runners converge on Gqeberha this weekend. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/relebohile-mofokeng-shines-on-global-stage-as-europe-beckons-for-bafanas-crown-prince-cee153aa-31d5-4067-9f09-a6391b29f3b7 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/relebohile-mofokeng-shines-on-global-stage-as-europe-beckons-for-bafanas-crown-prince-cee153aa-31d5-4067-9f09-a6391b29f3b7 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:54:13 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:54:13 GMT IOL Relebohile Mofokeng’s starring role in Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup campaign cements his incredible domestic rise with Orlando Pirates, proving the humble 21-year-old prodigy is fully ready for Europe. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/world-cup-wrap-senegal-roar-back-as-dembele-delivers-world-cup-hat-trick-4c80ec67-9d49-4e84-88f1-cfaefb0269c5 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/world-cup-wrap-senegal-roar-back-as-dembele-delivers-world-cup-hat-trick-4c80ec67-9d49-4e84-88f1-cfaefb0269c5 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:26:45 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:26:45 GMT IOL No Haaland, no problem for France as a rampant Ousmane Dembélé nets a quick-fire first-half treble to secure maximum points in Group I. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/record-breaking-senegal-smash-five-past-10-man-iraq-1fa56c5f-1634-40e5-9cc0-314ff3d49abf https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/record-breaking-senegal-smash-five-past-10-man-iraq-1fa56c5f-1634-40e5-9cc0-314ff3d49abf Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:09:53 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:09:53 GMT IOL Aliou Cissé’s men become the first African nation to score five in a single World Cup match, leaving Graham Arnold’s pointless Iraq to head home from Group I. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/perfectionist-ousmane-dembele-downplays-historic-world-cup-hat-trick-against-norway-507e0e3a-75ca-483c-aea5-fb98aa787787 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/perfectionist-ousmane-dembele-downplays-historic-world-cup-hat-trick-against-norway-507e0e3a-75ca-483c-aea5-fb98aa787787 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:51:05 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:51:05 GMT IOL Despite dismantling Norway with a historic first-half blitz at the Gillette Stadium, France's star forward insists he was more influential against Senegal and Iraq. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/breyton-paulse-springboks-next-generation-is-in-safe-hands-under-rassie-erasmus-6ad62065-cac8-4407-9a38-9a2afea6ffdd https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/breyton-paulse-springboks-next-generation-is-in-safe-hands-under-rassie-erasmus-6ad62065-cac8-4407-9a38-9a2afea6ffdd Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:38:13 GMT Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:38:13 GMT IOL Former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse believes Rassie Erasmus has found the perfect balance between fast-tracking young talent and maintaining the Springboks’ high standards after naming Junior World Championship winners Jaco Williams, Vusi Moyo and Riley Norton in his latest squad ahead of the Nations Championship. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/tayla-kavanagh-eyes-chance-to-tighten-grand-prix-grip-as-glenrose-sits-out-durban-race-02514f65-4a53-4aea-91bb-2e5c04b9288a https://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/tayla-kavanagh-eyes-chance-to-tighten-grand-prix-grip-as-glenrose-sits-out-durban-race-02514f65-4a53-4aea-91bb-2e5c04b9288a Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:42:14 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:42:14 GMT IOL After ending Glenrose Xaba's winning streak in Cape Town and seeing their anticipated rematch washed out, Tayla Kavanagh has another opportunity to take control of the Spar Grand Prix. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/what-bafana-must-guard-against-in-historic-world-cup-knockout-clash-with-co-hosts-canada-ab50f203-87f6-4357-b62c-5d5e764041aa https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/what-bafana-must-guard-against-in-historic-world-cup-knockout-clash-with-co-hosts-canada-ab50f203-87f6-4357-b62c-5d5e764041aa Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:29:04 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:29:04 GMT IOL Independent Media’s Mihlali Baleka outlines the key threats Bafana Bafana face against Canada, including their shared debut motivation, traveling support, and the return of superstar Alphonso Davies. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/thapelo-maseko-eyes-bartletts-world-cup-record-as-bafana-face-canada-in-historic-round-of-32-clash-ebebe727-89f6-4bfd-91b8-99de6b1ffe4f https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/thapelo-maseko-eyes-bartletts-world-cup-record-as-bafana-face-canada-in-historic-round-of-32-clash-ebebe727-89f6-4bfd-91b8-99de6b1ffe4f Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:11:52 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:11:52 GMT IOL After scoring the historic winner against South Korea, 22-year-old winger Thapelo Maseko aims to lead Bafana Bafana past co-hosts Canada and secure an unprecedented World Cup Round of 16 berth. https://www.iol.co.za/opinion/cape-towns-clean-audit-mask-has-fallen-now-we-must-reclaim-our-city-f4da2e6f-5ee2-449c-8c84-fe95ae3a78bb https://www.iol.co.za/opinion/cape-towns-clean-audit-mask-has-fallen-now-we-must-reclaim-our-city-f4da2e6f-5ee2-449c-8c84-fe95ae3a78bb Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:58:14 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:58:14 GMT IOL Cape Town's clean audit is gone, and with it the Democratic Alliance's strongest political defence, argues Faiez Jacobs. He says the latest audit findings should trigger greater scrutiny of procurement, public spending and governance in South Africa's best-known DA-run city https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/tazmin-brits-insists-proteas-women-will-not-be-distracted-by-focusing-on-net-run-rate-against-bangladesh-b05c831b-70eb-411e-ae1e-1649a3001433 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/tazmin-brits-insists-proteas-women-will-not-be-distracted-by-focusing-on-net-run-rate-against-bangladesh-b05c831b-70eb-411e-ae1e-1649a3001433 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:46:38 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:46:38 GMT IOL Opening batter says South Africa will focus solely on beating Bangladesh after her unbeaten century against the Netherlands kept the Proteas in the Women's T20 World Cup semi-final race, with their fate also hinging on Australia's clash with India. https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/ctijf-to-honour-jazz-legend-abdullah-ibrahim-at-memorial-concert-in-cape-town-2d5500d3-5ade-4d50-9d7d-228371d777ae https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/ctijf-to-honour-jazz-legend-abdullah-ibrahim-at-memorial-concert-in-cape-town-2d5500d3-5ade-4d50-9d7d-228371d777ae Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:55:39 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:55:39 GMT IOL The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is hosting a free memorial concert at the Artscape Opera House on June 29, 2026, to honour the late jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/arts-portal/115-billion-yen-of-subsidies-eyed-to-promote-anime-manga-overseas-fbb71322-5544-4355-9246-3d33d7499df9 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/arts-portal/115-billion-yen-of-subsidies-eyed-to-promote-anime-manga-overseas-fbb71322-5544-4355-9246-3d33d7499df9 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:47:25 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:47:25 GMT IOL Japan expands overseas marketing of anime, manga and other forms of entertainment https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/dare-to-dream-this-could-be-bafana-bafanas-historic-journey-to-the-fifa-world-cup-final-ec0258c3-32e7-4850-8904-7f7992705b18 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/dare-to-dream-this-could-be-bafana-bafanas-historic-journey-to-the-fifa-world-cup-final-ec0258c3-32e7-4850-8904-7f7992705b18 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:23:30 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:23:30 GMT IOL From a Los Angeles showdown with Canada to potential blockbusters against France or the Dutch, we break down Bafana Bafana's mathematical path through the bracket. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/how-hugo-broos-last-dance-is-fuelling-bafana-bafanas-fifa-world-cup-dream-9a09873f-3e93-446b-befa-bd428f8784ba https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/how-hugo-broos-last-dance-is-fuelling-bafana-bafanas-fifa-world-cup-dream-9a09873f-3e93-446b-befa-bd428f8784ba Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:08:09 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:08:09 GMT IOL Following their historic triumph over South Korea, Bafana Bafana are no longer just playing for qualification — they are playing to cement a legendary era for South African football. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/us-ambassador-bozell-accuses-south-africa-of-abandoning-neutrality-371a59b0-8225-4da0-93a5-1a511acf7340 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/us-ambassador-bozell-accuses-south-africa-of-abandoning-neutrality-371a59b0-8225-4da0-93a5-1a511acf7340 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:03:33 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:03:33 GMT IOL US Ambassador Brent Bozell III ignites diplomatic tensions by accusing South Africa of abandoning its non-aligned foreign policy. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cape-towns-procurement-failures-exposed-in-auditor-general-report-4177c472-410e-4856-a022-2cf8ce8af285 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cape-towns-procurement-failures-exposed-in-auditor-general-report-4177c472-410e-4856-a022-2cf8ce8af285 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:47:47 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:47:47 GMT IOL Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke said while the City of Cape Town had submitted quality financial statements and a credible performance report, weaknesses in procurement controls ultimately undermined its audit outcome. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cat-matlala-awaits-magistrates-decision-on-plea-deal-854fd1cf-f260-4eb1-b6d1-4c65bc6b2fb4 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cat-matlala-awaits-magistrates-decision-on-plea-deal-854fd1cf-f260-4eb1-b6d1-4c65bc6b2fb4 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:44:03 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:44:03 GMT IOL Self-confessed fraudster Vusimuzi " Cat" Matlala will have to wait until next week to find out whether the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court will approve his plea and sentencing agreement, after a magistrate reserved judgment on whether the proposed effective eight-year prison term is just. https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/cape-town/laughter-and-live-music-massive-entertainment-line-up-hits-cape-town-this-weekend-cbfe09e9-e1e8-4b79-9aaa-8790e5715ff6 https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/cape-town/laughter-and-live-music-massive-entertainment-line-up-hits-cape-town-this-weekend-cbfe09e9-e1e8-4b79-9aaa-8790e5715ff6 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:42:34 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:42:34 GMT IOL This week’s entertainment line-up brings a mix of live music, comedy and tribute performances. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/john-dobson-hails-next-building-block-in-stormers-project-2029-after-signing-exciting-schoolboy-stars-97718a34-8174-433d-b8e2-c354679cf907 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/john-dobson-hails-next-building-block-in-stormers-project-2029-after-signing-exciting-schoolboy-stars-97718a34-8174-433d-b8e2-c354679cf907 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:07:48 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:07:48 GMT IOL The Stormers have taken another significant step in Project 2029 by confirming a 13-player intake for the Stormers Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/rambo-kubheka-relishing-honour-of-leading-junior-springboks-into-title-defence-in-georgia-89b515dc-9067-44fc-851b-1d330ac8e382 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/rambo-kubheka-relishing-honour-of-leading-junior-springboks-into-title-defence-in-georgia-89b515dc-9067-44fc-851b-1d330ac8e382 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:54:49 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:54:49 GMT IOL Junior Springbok prop Rambo Kubheka will captain the defending champions in their opening Junior World Championship clash against Uruguay, insisting the Junior Boks are focused on forging their own path rather than dwelling on last year's success. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/ayhan-strikes-late-as-brilliant-tuerkiye-stun-pochettinos-rotated-americans-in-sofi-thriller-dd439497-e36c-4ec2-91fa-6a38bd2da68a https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/ayhan-strikes-late-as-brilliant-tuerkiye-stun-pochettinos-rotated-americans-in-sofi-thriller-dd439497-e36c-4ec2-91fa-6a38bd2da68a Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:11:04 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:11:04 GMT IOL Despite goals from Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter, the World Cup co-hosts suffer a late 3-2 setback in Los Angeles as Arda Güler inspires Türkiye to a pride-restoring victory. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/fifa-world-cup-bafana-bafanas-insular-belief-holds-the-key-to-a-historic-knockout-run-af5ec31e-8335-4ae1-a470-065a9926f1fa https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/fifa-world-cup-bafana-bafanas-insular-belief-holds-the-key-to-a-historic-knockout-run-af5ec31e-8335-4ae1-a470-065a9926f1fa Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:02:10 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:02:10 GMT IOL Shaking off decades of global underachievement, Bafana Bafana's newfound defensive discipline and clinical mental edge make them a formidable threat in the last 32. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/tactical-suicide-furious-julian-nagelsmann-slams-sloppy-germany-after-ecuador-upset-09a1dd78-afc7-48e3-8504-ba07caabc41a https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/tactical-suicide-furious-julian-nagelsmann-slams-sloppy-germany-after-ecuador-upset-09a1dd78-afc7-48e3-8504-ba07caabc41a Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:31:40 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:31:40 GMT IOL Despite Leroy Sané netting inside two minutes, the Group E winners capitulate in New Jersey to hand Ecuador a priceless 2-1 victory and a ticket to the round of 32. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/nicolas-pepe-targets-more-world-cup-history-after-firing-ivory-coast-past-curacao-cd2d4b16-e30c-4b67-9ec8-47cb7cb3fa54 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/nicolas-pepe-targets-more-world-cup-history-after-firing-ivory-coast-past-curacao-cd2d4b16-e30c-4b67-9ec8-47cb7cb3fa54 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:16:29 GMT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:16:29 GMT IOL Nicolas Pépé scores in each half in Philadelphia as Emerse Faé’s clinical side achieve what Drogba and Touré never could by securing the Ivory Coast's first-ever knockout berth. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/brits-blasts-maiden-t20i-century-as-proteas-women-crush-netherlands-19611bb2-3f31-427d-a51c-756d0eeb827f https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas-women/brits-blasts-maiden-t20i-century-as-proteas-women-crush-netherlands-19611bb2-3f31-427d-a51c-756d0eeb827f Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:38:01 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:38:01 GMT IOL Unbeaten opener Tazmin Brits smashed a career-best 114 not out as South Africa posted their highest-ever Women's T20 World Cup total before routing the Netherlands by 88 runs to boost their semi-final hopes. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/golden-boot-rivals-collide-as-mbappe-and-haaland-prepare-for-world-cup-blockbuster-39adf612-08e1-43ae-9cc2-89ec8883ea45 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/golden-boot-rivals-collide-as-mbappe-and-haaland-prepare-for-world-cup-blockbuster-39adf612-08e1-43ae-9cc2-89ec8883ea45 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:30:07 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:30:07 GMT IOL France and Norway have already booked their places in the knockout rounds, but Friday's Group I decider offers a tantalising subplot as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland go head-to-head in a battle between two of world football's most prolific scorers. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/jp-pietersen-pleased-with-future-of-sharks-rugby-in-display-in-gqeberha-0647199a-086c-45a7-822a-8e70f0018024 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/jp-pietersen-pleased-with-future-of-sharks-rugby-in-display-in-gqeberha-0647199a-086c-45a7-822a-8e70f0018024 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:21:17 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:21:17 GMT IOL The Sharks had a United Rugby Championship season to forget, but coach JP Pietersen says the future is bright. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-urged-to-maintain-winning-approach-for-canada-clash-in-world-cup-last-32-356c8495-5fee-4211-97bf-29e7fd5fdcbd https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-urged-to-maintain-winning-approach-for-canada-clash-in-world-cup-last-32-356c8495-5fee-4211-97bf-29e7fd5fdcbd Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:56:59 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:56:59 GMT IOL After a historic win over South Korea, Bafana Bafana are urged to maintain their attacking tactics for the Canada match in the Fifa World Cup knockout stage. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/junior-springboks-ready-for-fresh-challenge-despite-defending-champions-tag-abaaed12-41ef-455b-b57b-8390f0e4e19a https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/junior-springboks-ready-for-fresh-challenge-despite-defending-champions-tag-abaaed12-41ef-455b-b57b-8390f0e4e19a Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:55:21 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:55:21 GMT IOL The Junior Springboks will stick to the rotation strategy that helped them lift the World Rugby U20 Championship title last year, but coach Kevin Foote has still named a strong side to face Uruguay as the defending champions begin their campaign in Georgia. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/watch-the-last-word-on-rugby-inside-rassies-springbok-masterplan-as-england-looms-fe61cabc-2491-4871-8ebd-86f7a669b680 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/watch-the-last-word-on-rugby-inside-rassies-springbok-masterplan-as-england-looms-fe61cabc-2491-4871-8ebd-86f7a669b680 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:50:07 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:50:07 GMT IOL How are the Springboks staying ahead of the rest of the rugby world? The latest episode explores Rassie Erasmus’ masterplan, England’s biggest threats and the fallout from the Bulls’ latest URC final disappointment. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/no-dna-just-rsa-social-media-erupts-after-bafanas-historic-breakthrough-e1f25551-b91f-4b12-bcdc-e0a6a468199b https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/no-dna-just-rsa-social-media-erupts-after-bafanas-historic-breakthrough-e1f25551-b91f-4b12-bcdc-e0a6a468199b Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:36:21 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:36:21 GMT IOL Trevor Noah joined thousands of South Africans celebrating online as " No DNA, Just RSA" emerged as the viral slogan following Bafana Bafana's historic progression to the World Cup knockout stages. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/how-bafana-bafana-turned-chaos-into-history-at-the-fifa-world-cup-033aa07a-080a-4885-9aca-393d53d13cc2 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/how-bafana-bafana-turned-chaos-into-history-at-the-fifa-world-cup-033aa07a-080a-4885-9aca-393d53d13cc2 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:23:30 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:23:30 GMT IOL Hugo Broos believes Bafana Bafana’s tactical discipline and attacking bravery against South Korea finally delivered the performance he envisioned throughout a dramatic and emotionally charged World Cup group-stage campaign. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafanas-world-cup-run-already-worth-r390m-as-bigger-payday-beckons-2238d82b-1370-4edf-8c6a-176659879ec7 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafanas-world-cup-run-already-worth-r390m-as-bigger-payday-beckons-2238d82b-1370-4edf-8c6a-176659879ec7 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:54:22 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:54:22 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana's fairytale World Cup campaign has already earned them close to R390m from Fifa, with a further R66m up for grabs in the round of 32. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/thapelo-maseko-overcomes-mental-health-struggles-to-shine-for-bafana-bafana-at-the-world-cup-f5a87703-e6c0-4222-a7f0-41aff1c3654d https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/thapelo-maseko-overcomes-mental-health-struggles-to-shine-for-bafana-bafana-at-the-world-cup-f5a87703-e6c0-4222-a7f0-41aff1c3654d Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:34:09 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:34:09 GMT IOL Thapelo Maseko revitalised his career after mental health struggles, becoming a key star for Bafana Bafana at the World Cup. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/junior-springboks-kick-off-title-defence-in-georgia-with-riley-nortons-support-848c0c54-78b1-4595-adbd-8a7fe6f946f6 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/junior-springboks-kick-off-title-defence-in-georgia-with-riley-nortons-support-848c0c54-78b1-4595-adbd-8a7fe6f946f6 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:19:22 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:19:22 GMT IOL Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote says Riley Norton is gaining valuable experience with the Springboks while remaining closely connected to the SA U20 squad, as the Junior Boks prepare to open their Junior World Championship title defence against Uruguay on Saturday. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-show-springbok-spirit-to-make-fifa-world-cup-history-in-mexico-3820e53f-ff55-4655-aba5-e3f4ee2d5581 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-show-springbok-spirit-to-make-fifa-world-cup-history-in-mexico-3820e53f-ff55-4655-aba5-e3f4ee2d5581 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:01:15 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:01:15 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana's gritty performance mirrors the Springboks as they secure a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, setting the stage for an exciting clash against Canada. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/rassie-satisfied-with-joburg-training-camp-as-big-season-kick-off-against-england-looms-0f004419-9be8-4b72-a151-428101ea1f36 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/rassie-satisfied-with-joburg-training-camp-as-big-season-kick-off-against-england-looms-0f004419-9be8-4b72-a151-428101ea1f36 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:23:23 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:23:23 GMT IOL Coach Rassie Erasmus declares himself satisfied with preparations as the Springboks wrap up their training camp ahead of the Nations Championship opener against England. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/from-boks-to-baabaas-faf-crosses-the-fence-to-captain-barbarians-against-wales-at-twickers-ed8acee7-d00e-4257-9a53-9ade1a9cb0a1 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/from-boks-to-baabaas-faf-crosses-the-fence-to-captain-barbarians-against-wales-at-twickers-ed8acee7-d00e-4257-9a53-9ade1a9cb0a1 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:07:01 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:07:01 GMT IOL Double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk leads a star-studded Barbarians side against Wales at Twickenham, swapping camps just a week after his Springboks comeback. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/from-zero-to-hero-bafanas-sphephelo-sithole-completes-ultimate-fifa-world-cup-redemption-bc9ae6f3-e885-4420-9367-127646ba0b81 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/from-zero-to-hero-bafanas-sphephelo-sithole-completes-ultimate-fifa-world-cup-redemption-bc9ae6f3-e885-4420-9367-127646ba0b81 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:23:53 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:23:53 GMT IOL Stepping into the void left by Teboho Mokoena, the Gil Vicente midfielder puts his opening-match heartbreak behind him to inspire South Africa’s historic World Cup breakthrough. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-to-create-bafana-bubble-ahead-of-knockout-stages-22d4101e-a558-4a9d-8d0e-608165504ff3 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-to-create-bafana-bubble-ahead-of-knockout-stages-22d4101e-a558-4a9d-8d0e-608165504ff3 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:02:10 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:02:10 GMT IOL As Bafana Bafana prepare for the biggest match in their history, coach Hugo Broos has thrown a protective shield around his squad to ensure that outside criticism does not derail South Africa's FIFA World Cup dream. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-sa-rugby-leads-congratulations-after-historic-world-cup-breakthrough-49731737-135b-4e17-8716-8b7a4a7d6548 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafana-sa-rugby-leads-congratulations-after-historic-world-cup-breakthrough-49731737-135b-4e17-8716-8b7a4a7d6548 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:50:46 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:50:46 GMT IOL SA Rugby and President Cyril Ramaphosa lead the national praise as Bafana Bafana reach the World Cup last 32 for the first time in their history. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/tennis/wimbledon/wimbledon-talking-points-sinner-remains-top-seed-as-djokovic-chases-history-bdf1fd15-2b9d-4ad6-a31f-553a14aaa2e9 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/tennis/wimbledon/wimbledon-talking-points-sinner-remains-top-seed-as-djokovic-chases-history-bdf1fd15-2b9d-4ad6-a31f-553a14aaa2e9 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:42:57 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:42:57 GMT IOL Jannik Sinner targets a successful Wimbledon title defence despite his Paris setback, while Novak Djokovic eyes a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/world-cup-ancelotti-labels-vinicius-junior-one-of-the-best-in-the-world-as-brazil-march-into-last-32-dce13ea7-1360-49aa-822a-038fac20431d https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/world-cup-ancelotti-labels-vinicius-junior-one-of-the-best-in-the-world-as-brazil-march-into-last-32-dce13ea7-1360-49aa-822a-038fac20431d Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:34:04 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:34:04 GMT IOL Carlo Ancelotti praises Vinícius Júnior's stunning form after his brace against Scotland sends Brazil into the World Cup knockout stage as Group C winners. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/shut-your-big-mouths-vindicated-hugo-broos-hits-back-at-critics-after-bafana-bafana-triumph-08fb8569-5511-4308-9aa9-0c3c9fbb6aa2 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/shut-your-big-mouths-vindicated-hugo-broos-hits-back-at-critics-after-bafana-bafana-triumph-08fb8569-5511-4308-9aa9-0c3c9fbb6aa2 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:30:24 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:30:24 GMT IOL Following a historic 1-0 win over South Korea, a fiery Hugo Broos slams his detractors and insists his tactical blueprint has proven the doubters wrong on the world stage. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/captain-courageous-ronwen-williams-weeps-tears-of-joy-after-bafana-bafana-amazing-night-31149e72-115a-44f8-9532-61ade34f44b6 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/captain-courageous-ronwen-williams-weeps-tears-of-joy-after-bafana-bafana-amazing-night-31149e72-115a-44f8-9532-61ade34f44b6 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:23:45 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:23:45 GMT IOL Skipper Ronwen Williams feels like an " old head" as a youthful South African side silences the doubters to book a high-stakes knockout date with Canada. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-fifa-world-cup-iconic-drc-superfan-lumumba-vea-beats-visa-delays-to-reach-mexico-a6ac67cc-afa1-4911-b4c6-1629b885a28d https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-fifa-world-cup-iconic-drc-superfan-lumumba-vea-beats-visa-delays-to-reach-mexico-a6ac67cc-afa1-4911-b4c6-1629b885a28d Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:04:07 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:04:07 GMT IOL After months of bureaucratic hurdles, travel delays and health restrictions, DR Congo's famous living-statue superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga finally arrived at the World Cup in Mexico to support the Leopards. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/city-of-cape-town-has-regressed-ag-574a1b78-6b1b-40b2-8b0b-ab6d0a70c384 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/city-of-cape-town-has-regressed-ag-574a1b78-6b1b-40b2-8b0b-ab6d0a70c384 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:03:21 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:03:21 GMT IOL Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke said the City of Cape Town regressed on supply chain management or procurement issues that led to non-compliance, which then landed the municipality in the unqualified audit space with findings. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/fifa-world-cup-five-reasons-why-bafana-bafanas-historic-triumph-was-no-fluke-0bef5979-78f1-4401-9127-11a5c4257015 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/fifa-world-cup-five-reasons-why-bafana-bafanas-historic-triumph-was-no-fluke-0bef5979-78f1-4401-9127-11a5c4257015 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:29:35 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:29:35 GMT IOL Hugo Broos trusted youth and reaped the ultimate reward in Mexico, as a brilliant defensive display protects Thapelo Maseko's historic winner to book a clash with Canada. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-ratings-thapelo-maseko-shines-mbekezeli-mbokazi-stands-tall-in-historic-south-korea-win-c85f3d4c-ecb5-4eb0-9bdc-f707aacf18cf https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-ratings-thapelo-maseko-shines-mbekezeli-mbokazi-stands-tall-in-historic-south-korea-win-c85f3d4c-ecb5-4eb0-9bdc-f707aacf18cf Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:10:11 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:10:11 GMT IOL Thapelo Maseko walks away with the man-of-the-match honours, while Sphephelo Sithole completes a remarkable midfield redemption in a disciplined team display. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/emotional-hugo-broos-hails-five-years-of-hard-work-after-bafana-bafana-stun-south-korea-7b560609-1f8e-4305-9ec3-c06392b74da4 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/emotional-hugo-broos-hails-five-years-of-hard-work-after-bafana-bafana-stun-south-korea-7b560609-1f8e-4305-9ec3-c06392b74da4 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:57:32 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:57:32 GMT IOL Hugo Broos praised Bafana Bafana’s tactical discipline and resilience after a historic 1-0 win over South Korea secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage qualification in Monterrey. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/history-thapelo-maseko-the-hero-as-brilliant-bafana-storm-into-the-world-cup-knockouts-76e6fbe8-40cf-4ec4-b328-e3d255af37ec https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/history-thapelo-maseko-the-hero-as-brilliant-bafana-storm-into-the-world-cup-knockouts-76e6fbe8-40cf-4ec4-b328-e3d255af37ec Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:36:41 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:36:41 GMT IOL For the first time in the nation's history, South Africa advance past the FIFA World Cup group stage after a clinical 1-0 victory over South Korea joins them with hosts Mexico in the round of 32. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/achraf-hakimi-leads-from-the-front-as-morocco-subs-spark-late-comeback-against-heroic-haiti-62672e0b-92fd-4804-9d1c-e04f79777d15 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/achraf-hakimi-leads-from-the-front-as-morocco-subs-spark-late-comeback-against-heroic-haiti-62672e0b-92fd-4804-9d1c-e04f79777d15 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:41:12 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:41:12 GMT IOL On a night when Les Grenadiers ended a 52-year World Cup goal drought, the African giants rely on their bench to seal progress to the knockout stages. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/brilliant-brazil-cruise-into-knockouts-as-neymar-makes-emotional-world-cup-return-f9b584bd-7365-4a38-a017-1c77be94f389 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/brilliant-brazil-cruise-into-knockouts-as-neymar-makes-emotional-world-cup-return-f9b584bd-7365-4a38-a017-1c77be94f389 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:07:48 GMT Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:07:48 GMT IOL Defensive howlers cost Steve Clarke's men dearly in Miami as Vinicius Júnior bags a double and Matheus Cunha seals top spot in Group C for the South American giants. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/game-day-bafana-bafana-seek-world-cup-redemption-in-must-win-clash-against-south-korea-a6750ecb-ceed-4c77-af45-55ee89f675a8 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/game-day-bafana-bafana-seek-world-cup-redemption-in-must-win-clash-against-south-korea-a6750ecb-ceed-4c77-af45-55ee89f675a8 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:28:34 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:28:34 GMT IOL Coach Hugo Broos aims to reward South African supporters by defeating South Korea to secure a historic World Cup knockout spot. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/why-springboks-should-take-careful-note-of-rennies-choice-of-all-blacks-captain-3f2d4f24-3b87-4672-b5ce-f27bd9062e7f https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/why-springboks-should-take-careful-note-of-rennies-choice-of-all-blacks-captain-3f2d4f24-3b87-4672-b5ce-f27bd9062e7f Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:53:02 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:53:02 GMT IOL The new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie had his own special reasons for choosing Ardie Savea as the new team captain. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/bok-coach-rassie-explains-why-riley-norton-has-leapfrogged-man-mountain-van-der-mescht-173f5bc0-cd6d-4e46-935b-02fadd29dba5 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/bok-coach-rassie-explains-why-riley-norton-has-leapfrogged-man-mountain-van-der-mescht-173f5bc0-cd6d-4e46-935b-02fadd29dba5 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:34:21 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:34:21 GMT IOL At one stage, JJ van der Mescht was in Rassie Erasmus's plans but the Springbok coach has explained why the former Junior Bok must wait a while. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/mosimane-sends-well-wishes-to-bafana-ahead-of-crucial-world-cup-clash-against-south-korea-71cfe8de-d018-4c3b-84d5-196c32951e78 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/mosimane-sends-well-wishes-to-bafana-ahead-of-crucial-world-cup-clash-against-south-korea-71cfe8de-d018-4c3b-84d5-196c32951e78 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:20:16 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:20:16 GMT IOL Linked successor Pitso Mosimane wishes Bafana Bafana and Hugo Broos well before their crucial World Cup match against South Korea. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-to-leave-a-lasting-legacy-by-nurturing-bafana-bafanas-next-generation-of-football-stars-addb6b0f-b3ac-4e97-a98b-dca4688ae98f https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/hugo-broos-to-leave-a-lasting-legacy-by-nurturing-bafana-bafanas-next-generation-of-football-stars-addb6b0f-b3ac-4e97-a98b-dca4688ae98f Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:08:50 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:08:50 GMT IOL Retiring coach Hugo Broos leaves a strong legacy, having mentored five talented young Bafana Bafana players into future national stars. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/urc-sa-season-in-review-bulls-fall-flat-in-final-while-lions-and-stormers-fall-to-leinster-might-8f5bfd55-bdc0-4066-b5c1-b603f9061608 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/urc-sa-season-in-review-bulls-fall-flat-in-final-while-lions-and-stormers-fall-to-leinster-might-8f5bfd55-bdc0-4066-b5c1-b603f9061608 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:00:39 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:00:39 GMT IOL A comprehensive wrap of the four South African United Rugby Championship franchises as the Bulls suffer final heartbreak in Dublin, the Stormers and Lions face reality checks, and the Sharks endure a coaching transition. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/returning-captain-ben-stokes-apologises-to-england-teammates-after-curfew-exile-513c16bf-ab2c-40a0-95c2-6b9e57555f17 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/returning-captain-ben-stokes-apologises-to-england-teammates-after-curfew-exile-513c16bf-ab2c-40a0-95c2-6b9e57555f17 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:10:00 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:10:00 GMT IOL England captain Ben Stokes says he was " man enough" to look his team-mates in the eye and apologise for the nightclub curfew breach that forced him to miss the second Test defeat against New Zealand. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/muhsin-ertugral-defends-hugo-broos-amid-world-cup-criticism-with-bafana-bafana-b4d834b7-aec3-4626-9579-08999bc12894 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/muhsin-ertugral-defends-hugo-broos-amid-world-cup-criticism-with-bafana-bafana-b4d834b7-aec3-4626-9579-08999bc12894 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:08:57 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:08:57 GMT IOL Muhsin Ertugral defends Hugo Broos, claiming the coach has earned his stripes despite facing heavy criticism during the World Cup. https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/cape-town/family-favourites-and-farce-collide-in-a-packed-theatre-line-up-in-cape-town-a3eca589-1c20-4dc4-8a86-f38be913f5ca https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/cape-town/family-favourites-and-farce-collide-in-a-packed-theatre-line-up-in-cape-town-a3eca589-1c20-4dc4-8a86-f38be913f5ca Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:56:55 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:56:55 GMT IOL Cape Town’s theatre scene is pulling no punches this week, serving up a mix of adventure, comedy and family-friendly storytelling across local stages. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/2026-fifa-world-cup-why-chinese-fans-are-braving-online-abuse-to-back-rivals-japan-fc5693e4-4ebc-4c25-a075-466c3055cebe https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/2026-fifa-world-cup-why-chinese-fans-are-braving-online-abuse-to-back-rivals-japan-fc5693e4-4ebc-4c25-a075-466c3055cebe Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:05:02 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:05:02 GMT IOL Despite deep-seated historical animosity and rising political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, a passionate community of Chinese football fans is publicly rallying behind Japan at the World Cup. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/the-goat-race-ronaldo-and-messi-ignite-the-ultimate-world-cup-golden-boot-shootout-706f7559-64d9-4cdb-8365-397302323a78 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/the-goat-race-ronaldo-and-messi-ignite-the-ultimate-world-cup-golden-boot-shootout-706f7559-64d9-4cdb-8365-397302323a78 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:48:40 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:48:40 GMT IOL As the 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, elite marksmen like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo are shattering records in a high-scoring race for the Golden Boot. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/siya-kolisi-recalls-horror-captaincy-debut-ahead-of-72nd-milestone-against-england-d423364c-b458-4a05-a648-4a88d269ff51 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/siya-kolisi-recalls-horror-captaincy-debut-ahead-of-72nd-milestone-against-england-d423364c-b458-4a05-a648-4a88d269ff51 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:42:15 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:42:15 GMT IOL Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reflects on his emotional 2018 captaincy debut at Ellis Park against England, revealing how a 24-3 deficit taught him a life-changing lesson about leadership. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/2026-fifa-world-cup-broos-blames-fatigue-and-40c-heat-ahead-of-crucial-bafana-clash-63602c7a-120b-47c0-a846-308e66a385e5 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/2026-fifa-world-cup-broos-blames-fatigue-and-40c-heat-ahead-of-crucial-bafana-clash-63602c7a-120b-47c0-a846-308e66a385e5 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:53:25 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:53:25 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos highlights extreme weather conditions and a grueling travel schedule across Mexico and the United States as major hurdles before their must-win World Cup game against South Korea. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/doctor-reveals-chantal-pasqualle-hoorns-critical-condition-in-duncan-hoorn-murder-trial-d6fff4a1-b9e1-4723-8a5d-a5f19b0e4796 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/doctor-reveals-chantal-pasqualle-hoorns-critical-condition-in-duncan-hoorn-murder-trial-d6fff4a1-b9e1-4723-8a5d-a5f19b0e4796 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:33:22 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:33:22 GMT IOL The chilling testimony of Dr Tim Giles reveals the harrowing condition of Chantal Pasqualle-Hoorn upon her arrival at Groote Schuur Hospital, painting a grim picture of extensive injuries and a significant brain injury in the ongoing murder trial against her husband, Duncan Hoorn. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-fifa-world-cup-why-american-stats-mumbo-jumbo-is-ruining-the-commentary-magic-221dfec5-7dbd-42be-b61f-bbb589a44183 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-fifa-world-cup-why-american-stats-mumbo-jumbo-is-ruining-the-commentary-magic-221dfec5-7dbd-42be-b61f-bbb589a44183 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:31:17 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:31:17 GMT IOL While the United States knows how to put on a show in world-class stadiums, their football commentary leaves much to be desired for fans who prefer poetic storytelling over clinical NFL-style metrics. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/eastern-cape-premiers-defamation-case-against-malema-dismissed-06e8ba24-8e70-4ea0-a265-e105b8bf1beb https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/eastern-cape-premiers-defamation-case-against-malema-dismissed-06e8ba24-8e70-4ea0-a265-e105b8bf1beb Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:28:55 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:28:55 GMT IOL The Eastern Cape High Court has dismissed Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane's defamation application against EFF leader Julius Malema, finding that Malema's statements about Mabuyane's controversial University of Fort Hare master's degree were substantially true and in the public interest. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/crime-intelligence-chiefs-allege-political-motives-behind-arrest-threats-88d2ccf6-79c9-4a62-984f-0c163a7e3259 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/crime-intelligence-chiefs-allege-political-motives-behind-arrest-threats-88d2ccf6-79c9-4a62-984f-0c163a7e3259 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:20:14 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:20:14 GMT IOL Top Crime Intelligence officials allege that their impending arrests are motivated by political infighting, not legitimate legal issues. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/court-denies-advocates-re-admission-over-raf-overcharging-scandal-943df4ef-9025-485b-a621-41ec356b859b https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/court-denies-advocates-re-admission-over-raf-overcharging-scandal-943df4ef-9025-485b-a621-41ec356b859b Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:57:35 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:57:35 GMT IOL Mistakes made 14 years ago are still haunting a now former advocate, who was one of several members of the legal fraternity disciplined for misconduct by overcharging the Road Accident Fund (RAF) by millions. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/how-julius-mkhwanazi-and-team-orchestrated-a-robbery-of-precious-stones-e032bef4-271d-472e-bef6-74f6f7b0c20f https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/how-julius-mkhwanazi-and-team-orchestrated-a-robbery-of-precious-stones-e032bef4-271d-472e-bef6-74f6f7b0c20f Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:10:22 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:10:22 GMT IOL An EMPD inspector's testimony uncovers a shocking robbery scheme led by suspended officer Julius Mkhwanazi, involving the theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million in Killarney, Johannesburg. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafanas-sphephelo-sithole-embraces-pressure-of-filling-teboho-mokoenas-boots-e8d94e97-9b87-4ffa-9866-23adc32c8e05 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/bafana-bafanas-sphephelo-sithole-embraces-pressure-of-filling-teboho-mokoenas-boots-e8d94e97-9b87-4ffa-9866-23adc32c8e05 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:08:16 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:08:16 GMT IOL Hugo Broos's side face a brutally simple equation against South Korea, but Sphephelo Sithole is showing no signs of pressure ahead of the must-win World Cup clash. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cachalia-confident-in-law-enforcements-readiness-for-anti-immigration-protests-49247b7c-d987-4af4-8344-5f1a55fa5ad5 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/cachalia-confident-in-law-enforcements-readiness-for-anti-immigration-protests-49247b7c-d987-4af4-8344-5f1a55fa5ad5 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:48:10 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:48:10 GMT IOL Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia expresses confidence in law enforcement's preparedness for the upcoming nationwide anti-immigration protests on June 30, following a strategic meeting in Cape Town. With a special police operation activated, Cachalia outlines the government's commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing community concerns. https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/political-violence-claims-the-life-of-bosa-candidate-leon-ngcikwe-68f4ae83-9a1d-40d0-9a29-a72dfb45c562 https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/political-violence-claims-the-life-of-bosa-candidate-leon-ngcikwe-68f4ae83-9a1d-40d0-9a29-a72dfb45c562 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:29:56 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:29:56 GMT IOL The recent murders of two ward committee candidates and a councillor in South Africa raise alarm over political violence as the local government election season approaches. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/im-back-defiant-cristiano-ronaldo-fires-back-at-critics-as-masterclass-silences-the-doubters-945af516-e866-4fa1-a27e-258f3046121b https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/im-back-defiant-cristiano-ronaldo-fires-back-at-critics-as-masterclass-silences-the-doubters-945af516-e866-4fa1-a27e-258f3046121b Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:31:02 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:31:02 GMT IOL 145 international goals and counting. The Portuguese icon Ronaldo joins Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland at the North American party with a historic performance in Houston. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/daniel-munoz-breaks-leopards-resistance-as-colombia-edge-dr-congo-to-seal-knockout-spot-671d34b2-abdb-4aa4-819e-29b124a7288d https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/daniel-munoz-breaks-leopards-resistance-as-colombia-edge-dr-congo-to-seal-knockout-spot-671d34b2-abdb-4aa4-819e-29b124a7288d Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:11:40 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:11:40 GMT IOL Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz makes amends for an earlier miss to fire Los Cafeteros into the round of 32 and leave Group K rivals Portugal playing catch-up. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/the-ageless-icon-cristiano-ronaldo-defies-time-to-claim-eusebios-crown-and-make-world-cup-history-6aa9af4d-532d-41ac-9f88-baf26cffe21f https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/the-ageless-icon-cristiano-ronaldo-defies-time-to-claim-eusebios-crown-and-make-world-cup-history-6aa9af4d-532d-41ac-9f88-baf26cffe21f Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:49:18 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:49:18 GMT IOL Silencing the critics in spectacular fashion, Portugal's captain claims his country’s ultimate tournament milestone during a 5-0 dismantling of Uzbekistan. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/var-went-for-a-coffee-carlos-queiroz-fumes-at-penalty-snub-as-tactical-ghana-hold-england-36838807-4f05-4728-a79c-73f56e5c1225 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/var-went-for-a-coffee-carlos-queiroz-fumes-at-penalty-snub-as-tactical-ghana-hold-england-36838807-4f05-4728-a79c-73f56e5c1225 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:18:55 GMT Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:18:55 GMT IOL Analysis: Despite commanding 79% of the ball, a wasteful England side miss the chance to seal early World Cup progression as Harry Kane lets a late winner slip through his fingers. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/five-pivotal-battles-that-could-determine-bafana-bafanas-world-cup-fate-against-south-korea-dc3f6ff5-3e43-4a5d-a1e1-9b395cf98072 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/five-pivotal-battles-that-could-determine-bafana-bafanas-world-cup-fate-against-south-korea-dc3f6ff5-3e43-4a5d-a1e1-9b395cf98072 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:56:02 GMT Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:56:02 GMT IOL Bafana Bafana face a must-win match against South Korea in their World Cup Group One finale. Discover the key player matchups that could decide their fate on the pitch. https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/faf-not-discarded-says-rassie-as-he-throws-bok-net-far-and-wide-before-world-cup-c3ba14dc-5e35-4913-8610-0ab2257ff052 https://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/faf-not-discarded-says-rassie-as-he-throws-bok-net-far-and-wide-before-world-cup-c3ba14dc-5e35-4913-8610-0ab2257ff052 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:46:50 GMT Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:46:50 GMT IOL Rassie Erasmus has explained that he will continue to tweak his squads over the international season so that fringe players can state their case. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/relebohile-mofokeng-tipped-to-spark-bafana-bafana-attack-in-must-win-korea-match-1b0330e7-7df8-42d0-a9dd-ce20aafaba02 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/relebohile-mofokeng-tipped-to-spark-bafana-bafana-attack-in-must-win-korea-match-1b0330e7-7df8-42d0-a9dd-ce20aafaba02 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:02:51 GMT Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:02:51 GMT IOL With Teboho Mokoena suspended, Relebohile Mofokeng is expected to start for Bafana Bafana, bringing his creative dynamism to a must-win match. https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/have-mercy-sonny-a-nervous-plea-to-son-heung-min-ahead-of-bafanas-world-cup-showdown-1a099e42-69c6-4455-9a01-f5a938798c93 https://www.iol.co.za/fifa-world-cup-2026/updates/have-mercy-sonny-a-nervous-plea-to-son-heung-min-ahead-of-bafanas-world-cup-showdown-1a099e42-69c6-4455-9a01-f5a938798c93 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:20:59 GMT Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:20:59 GMT IOL With World Cup survival on the line, Hugo Broos's side must find a way to stop one of the game's most clinical finishers, unless a legendary Premier League urban legend repeats itself.