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March 27, 1988 – Cameroon wins the Africa Nations Cup by defeating Nigeria: 1–0. The only goal in Casablanca's Stade Mohammed V is scored by Emmanuel Kundé from a penalty kick.
June 25, 1988 – Thanks to goals from captain Ruud Gullit and top goalscorer Marco van Basten, the Netherlands defeat the Soviet Union (2–0) in the final of UEFA Euro 1988 in Munich.
July 12, 1988 – Italian club Juventus receive The UEFA Plaque in Geneva (Switzerland) as first club in European football history to win the three main UEFA club competitions.
1988 Copa Libertadores – won by Nacional after defeating Newell's Old Boys on an aggregate score of 3–1.
England – FA Cup – Wimbledon won 1–0 over Liverpool.
The Football League celebrates its Centenary.
With great surprise worldwide FIFA gives the 1994 FIFA World Cup to United States.
August 24, 1988 – The Faroe Islands record their first international victory, defeating Canada 1–0.
September 14, 1988 – Thijs Libregts makes his debut as the manager of Dutch national team with a 1–0 win over Wales, replacing successful coach Rinus Michels.
December 11, 1988 – Uruguay's Nacional wins the Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo, Japan by defeating DutchPSV Eindhoven on penalties (7–6), after the match ended in 2–2.
January 27 – Kemal Faruki, Turkish football player (77)
February 8 – Pietro Arcari, Italian forward, winner of the 1934 FIFA World Cup and one of four Italian players who won the FIFA World Cup while never being capped. (78)
February 26 – Euclydes Barbosa, Brazilian defender, semi-finalist at the 1938 FIFA World Cup. (82)
March 13 – Rodolpho Barteczko, Brazilian striker, semi-finalist at the 1938 FIFA World Cup. (77)