Guide to the 2026 World Cup Final Party: Food, Drinks, and Playlists for Spain vs. Argentina

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed that he does not plan to include star playmaker Richie Mo'unga in the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, which will be named the 'Great Rivalry' series.

Tour Planning and Coach's Decision

The All Blacks team is actively preparing for the upcoming tour to South Africa. However, Rennie told journalists on Thursday that Mo'unga will not be in the list of 44 players who will be selected for this prestigious visit.

Mo'unga served as New Zealand's tactical playmaker in the last two World Cups. Nevertheless, due to strict New Zealand Rugby selection rules, he could not participate in competitions since moving to a Japanese club in 2023.

Player's Chances of Return

Although the 32-year-old player has returned home and signed a contract with New Zealand before the next World Cup, he remains unavailable for international selection until October, when his domestic provincial season concludes. There were earlier suggestions that the coaching staff would try to accelerate Mo'unga's return for the South Africa series.

However, Rennie stated that he has accepted the current situation, although he noted that Mo'unga might be called up for the tour if another playmaker gets injured. He emphasized: 'He won't go on this tour, so we are ruling that out. If the ten gets injured, then Richie becomes an option for us. But for now, he will just come back and play to be in great shape, in case there is an opportunity to come to Africa, he will be ready.'

Match Preparation

Rennie added that he does not need proof of Mo'unga's readiness for international appearances, as he closely monitored the player's phenomenal form while working as a coach in the Japanese league. Before the first trial match on August 22nd in Johannesburg, the New Zealand team will play against teams from the United Rugby Championship in South Africa—Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls.

The coach reported that every player will have an early chance to fight for a spot in the squad, but revealed that the selectors already have a preferred lineup in mind. 'We talked a lot. We chose the first four squads for the first four games in Africa,' he said. 'So we thought a lot about where we want to see the guys. Everyone can play in the first week, so it's an opportunity for everyone to fight for spots.'

The long-awaited Etihad Park stadium, which will serve as the home arena for the New York City FC football club, is officially set to open on July 17, 2027. On this day, the team will hold its first home match at the specially constructed venue in Queens.

A New Era for the Club

This match will mark a new chapter for the MLS club, which previously played at various stadiums before securing a permanent base. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 spectators and is located in the Willlets Point area, near Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Partnership and Branding

The venue was named after Etihad Airways, which secured the naming rights through a long-term partnership with New York City FC. This expands the global sports presence of the Abu Dhabi-based airline.

The connection between Etihad Airways and New York City FC began back in 2013, when the airline became one of the Founders and Principal Partners of the team. The airline's branding was featured on the club's first kits, representing one of the early investments in world football.

Significance of the Partnership

The collaboration with Etihad Airways strengthens the airline's international image and highlights the growing role of Abu Dhabi in global sports, particularly in one of the world's largest tourism and media markets.

This move continues Etihad Airways' long-term investments in football, including the landmark naming rights partnership with Etihad Stadium Manchester City—one of England's largest football arenas, capable of holding over 55,000 fans.

The Future of Etihad Park

In addition to MLS matches, Etihad Park is expected to host international football events, concerts, community events, and other entertainment activities throughout the year, positioning it as a major new hub for sports and events in New York.

Independent sources reported that Musa Nyatama, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder, has arrived in Durban ahead of his move to Durban City as an assistant coach.

Details of the transfer and role

According to sources close to the negotiations, Nyatama arrived in the city on Wednesday. The final stages of his appointment are expected to be completed before he officially joins Ben Youssef Khalil's technical team for the new Betway Premiership season. If the deal is finalized, Nyatama will become one of Khalil's assistants alongside Ashraf Hendrix, thus completing Durban City's coaching staff before the campaign begins, which will include both a domestic football tournament and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Career and experience

This appointment marks another significant stage in Nyatama's coaching journey following a successful playing career in the South African Premier League. After retiring, the midfielder has consistently built his reputation from the sidelines, taking on coaching responsibilities at various levels of South African football, and receiving praise for his tactical understanding and ability to work with young players.

His supposed arrival is also part of Durban City's behind-the-scenes recovery process after a year of significant changes in the club's technical department. Over the last twelve months, the 'Citizens' have experienced several managerial changes as the club sought stability, with Gavin Hunt, Sinethemba Badela, and Ernst Middendorp leaving the team at different stages.

Achievements and expectations

Despite these changes, Durban City exceeded expectations in its debut Betway Premiership season, finishing sixth with 41 points. The highlight of the memorable season was winning the Nedbank Cup, which secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. These achievements have raised expectations for the new season, prompting the club to quickly assemble a technical team capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Khalil, who recently took over as head coach after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, has already begun shaping his support staff, retaining Hendrix within the coaching team. Nyatama's imminent arrival is expected to complete this trio responsible for continuing the success of the previous season.

Nyatama's playing career

During his playing career, Nyatama established himself as one of the most outstanding midfielders in the PSL, playing for clubs such as Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park, and Moroka Swallows, and earning the honor of the senior Bafana Bafana national team. Although Durban City has not yet announced the official appointment, Nyatama's arrival in Durban is the clearest sign that the deal is nearing completion, and it is expected that the club will present its entire technical staff before pre-season training commences.