As the global footballing world shifts its focus toward the final stages of 2026 World Cup qualification, squads and players across continents are making headlines with their selections, injuries, and dreams of glory. The past week has been a whirlwind of announcements and updates, painting a vivid picture of hope, determination, and resilience as teams prepare for the crucial fixtures ahead.
South Sudan’s football fans received a jolt of anticipation on September 30, 2025, when head coach Nicolas Dupuis unveiled his provisional squad for the final two matches of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. With 26 players named, the Bright Stars are gearing up for a challenging double-header: a clash against the formidable Teranga Lions of Senegal on October 10, followed by a showdown with the Sparrowhawks of Togo on October 16.
Dupuis’s selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, with the roster featuring three goalkeepers: Majak Maling Mawith, Michael Marko Magut, and Godwill Yugusuk Simon. The defensive lineup is particularly robust, boasting twelve names, including Samuel Taban Malis, Dhata Joseph Stephen, Pal Paul Puk, Toha Rashid Freedon, Atir Thomas Tom, Benjamin Laku Lotolek, Okocha Rashid Thomas, Wani Ivan Adebo, and Atendele Mawa. The midfield engine room will be driven by Chan Peter Deng, Mario Taban Cherelino, Joseph Malish Manase, Chol Peter Bentiu, Jackson Morgan Obede, and Kur Kur, each eager to stamp their authority on the pitch.
Up front, the Bright Stars will look to the attacking prowess of Innocent Ronald, David Sebit Thong-Dhang, Okello Tito Lazarus, Ajack Riak, Pap Chol Majok, Keer Mangar Majak, Kuach Yuel, and Ayom Majok. With such depth, South Sudan’s supporters are hopeful that the team can end their qualifying journey on a high note, even as they face some of the continent’s most storied sides.
Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the Indonesian national team is grappling with a spate of injuries that threaten to derail their own World Cup qualification ambitions. The latest blow struck on September 30, 2025, when Sandy Walsh, a key figure for both the national team and Thai club Buriram FC, suffered an injury just 19 minutes into an AFC Champions League Elite match against FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. The match, which ended in a 0-3 defeat for Buriram FC, saw Walsh writhing in pain after a collision with a Seoul FC player before being replaced by Stijkovic.
As of the final whistle, uncertainty surrounded the severity of Walsh’s injury and whether he would recover in time for Indonesia’s pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia on October 8 and Iraq on October 11, both set to take place at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah. The anxious wait for updates is compounded by the fact that Indonesia’s squad is already depleted, with both goalkeepers Maarten Paes and Emil Audero Mulyadi sidelined by injuries sustained while playing for their respective clubs.
Despite these setbacks, Indonesia’s preparations continue in earnest. The coaching staff and supporters alike are holding their breath, hoping for positive news on Walsh’s fitness. His presence is seen as vital for a team aiming to make a mark on the world stage, and his absence would undoubtedly be a tough pill to swallow. The timing could not be worse, as the Indonesian squad looks to overcome adversity and secure a place in the next round of qualification.
Elsewhere, the spirit of international football is alive and well in Scotland, where Kilmarnock defender George Stanger has received his maiden senior international call-up to the New Zealand national team. The 25-year-old, who has impressed in the Scottish top flight this season, is set to join the All Whites for friendlies against Poland and Norway later this month. With New Zealand having already booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America, these matches offer Stanger a golden opportunity to make his case for a spot on the plane next summer.
Stanger’s story is one of international heritage and personal ambition. Born in Melrose and the son of former Scotland rugby union star Tony Stanger, George qualifies for New Zealand through his mother. According to reports, his selection is a testament to his consistent performances at club level and his potential to bolster the All Whites’ defensive options. The anticipation is palpable as he prepares to don the New Zealand jersey for the first time, with many fans and pundits eager to see how he adapts to the international stage.
Kilmarnock’s celebrations don’t end there. Striker Djenairo Daniels is also savoring his first senior international call-up, this time for Suriname’s World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala and Panama. Suriname currently leads their group by a single point, with four games remaining and a coveted World Cup berth on the line. Daniels’s inclusion could provide the attacking spark Suriname needs to maintain their edge and realize their World Cup dreams.
Youth development is also in the spotlight, as Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan and Archie Traynor have been called up for Scotland under-19s for a friendly double-header in Italy. These opportunities not only highlight the strength of the club’s academy but also underscore the importance of nurturing young talent for the future of international football.
As the international break approaches, the stakes could hardly be higher. For South Sudan, the final two qualifiers represent a chance to prove their mettle against Africa’s elite. For Indonesia, the challenge lies in overcoming injury woes and fielding a competitive side against tough opposition. And for players like Stanger and Daniels, these call-ups mark the beginning of what could be transformative journeys on the world stage.
While the outcomes of these matches remain unknown, the passion and determination on display are unmistakable. Whether it’s the resilience of a squad battling injuries, the excitement of a first international cap, or the hopes of a nation resting on a group of dedicated players, the road to the 2026 World Cup continues to capture the imagination of fans everywhere. With pivotal fixtures looming, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches to see which teams and players rise to the occasion and etch their names into footballing history.
