FIFA is reportedly considering expanding the number of participating teams for the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64, according to The Guardian.
The proposed expansion is said to be part of the tournament’s 100th-anniversary celebrations. The idea was reportedly raised during a FIFA Council meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is said to find the proposal “interesting,” with the committee expected to deliberate further before making a final decision.
“A proposal to analyze a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member under the ‘miscellaneous’ agenda item near the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5, 2025.
The idea was acknowledged, as FIFA has a duty to analyze any proposal from one of its council members,” A FIFA spokesperson stated as quoted by the Daily Mail.
If approved, this would mark the second consecutive expansion of the FIFA World Cup following the increase in teams for the 2026 edition.
FIFA officially adopted the 48-team format on January 10, 2017, introducing 16 groups of three teams and a total of 80 matches, with the top two from each group advancing to a newly established round of 32.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. However, to commemorate the tournament’s centenary, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will each host an opening match.
Former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has yet to report to Sudan’s national team camp due to unpaid salary arrears, according to AfricaSoccer.
The Falcons of Jediane are currently in Saudi Arabia, preparing for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Appiah, who leads the Sudanese side, has opted to stay away until his outstanding wages are settled.
Reports suggest that the former Black Stars coach even avoided a scheduled meeting with Sudan FA Vice President Osama Atta Al-Mannan during a recent visit to Ghana.
Despite the financial dispute, the Sudanese FA is reportedly working to resolve the issue to ensure stability within the team.
Sudan will face Senegal on March 18, followed by a match against South Sudan on March 24 in the fifth and sixth rounds of the Group B qualifiers.
They currently top the group with 10 points from four matches. The team is also scheduled to travel to Libya on March 17, 2025, for their next set of qualification fixtures.
Meanwhile, Appiah, who also serves as Head of Sporting Affairs at Asante Kotoko, was spotted in Kumasi on Thursday attending the final burial of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
Meanwhile, Kwesi Appiah’s coaching career includes several stints with the Ghana national team. He served as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2012 and was appointed head coach in 2012. Under his leadership, Ghana qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, making him the first black African coach to take the country to the World Cup. He was reappointed as Ghana’s head coach in 2017 and served until 2020.
FormerGHALCA chairman,Alhaji Ali Raji, has criticized the quality of Ghana’s home-based players, stating that their low standard has negatively affected the country’s performance in youth tournaments.
Ghana has been absent from the U-17 World Cup since 2017 and failed to qualify for the last U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, despite winning the competition in 2021. However, the team has secured a place in next year’s edition.
The home-based national team also fell short in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, suffering elimination at the hands of Nigeria.
“I am being honest with you, the quality is very low,” Raji said in an interview with Asempa FM.
“From the U-17, U-20, U-23, CHAN team, the quality is very low.
“The coaches have not shown any potential to change a very low quality players into very good players, they have not exhibited it.
“These present Hearts of Oak players, some will not get the chance to play in Auroras. Present Kumasi Asante Kotoko players cannot be part ofAnokye Stars.”
The entire board of the Kuwait Football Association (FA) has resigned following “regrettable chaotic incidents” during a World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
The decision comes in the wake of widespread complaints from fans who faced harsh conditions while attempting to attend the match at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
An inquiry was launched after spectators were reportedly left pleading for water and fainting in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40°C. Many queued for long hours to enter the 60,000-capacity stadium for Tuesday’s fixture. According to reports from AFP news agency, fans with valid tickets were denied entry, while others without tickets were allowed in, sparking frustration and confusion.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Kuwait FA apologized to the fans, expressing regret over what had transpired, though it refrained from providing specific details about the chaotic scenes.
Following the inquiry, the Kuwait FA board “tendered resignations en masse,” according to a statement cited by Kuwait’s official Kuna news agency. The FA also accepted the resignations of its secretary-general, Salah al-Qanai, and public relations head, Mohamed Bou Abbas, who had both been initially suspended in the aftermath of the incident.
The goalless draw between Kuwait and Iraq left Kuwait in fourth place in Group B as they continue their third-round campaign for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Despite the disappointing events off the field, the team remains focused on its qualifying efforts.
Brazil and Argentina both suffered defeats in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, with Brazil losing 1-0 to Paraguay and Argentina falling 2-1 to Colombia.
In Asuncion, Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez struck the only goal for Paraguay after 20 minutes, handing Brazil their fourth defeat in five qualifying games.
Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr in attack, Brazil struggled to create chances, failing to register a shot on target in the first half. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta all started, but the team couldn’t find a way past Paraguay’s defense.
The result leaves Brazil fifth in the South American qualifying table, with just three wins in eight games. Their poor run of form follows their early exit from the Copa America, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals. Appointed in January, manager Dorival Jr is still finding his feet with the team.
Defender Marquinhos addressed the team’s current struggles, telling TV Globo, “The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that’s reflected in the result.
There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence. Qualifying isn’t easy, it’s a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It’s a time of transition.”
Meanwhile, Argentina, without Lionel Messi, were beaten 2-1 by Colombia in Barranquilla. Former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez proved to be the hero for Colombia, scoring the winning penalty in the 60th minute. Rodriguez also assisted the opener, crossing for Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera to head in the first goal after 25 minutes.
Argentina fought back, with Nicolas Gonzalez equalizing three minutes after the break. However, a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz led to a penalty following a VAR review. Rodriguez confidently dispatched the spot-kick, sending Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way.
Reflecting on his performance, Rodriguez said, “I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them – there’s a first time for everything. We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything – this victory tastes even better.”
Despite the defeat, Argentina remain at the top of the 10-team qualifying table, two points clear of second-placed Colombia. The top six teams from the South American qualifiers will automatically secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will compete in an intercontinental play-off.
Elsewhere, Uruguay were held to a 0-0 draw by Venezuela, with new Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte starting for his national team. In Asia, Australia’s qualifying campaign remains shaky after a 0-0 draw against Indonesia, following a 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Japan secured a commanding 5-0 win over Bahrain, with Premier League players Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) in the starting lineup. South Korea also recorded their first win in World Cup qualifying, defeating Oman 3-1, with goals from Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.
Amnesty International has urged FIFAand the countries bidding to host the 2030 and 2034 World Cups to commit to binding agreements and legal reforms to prevent human rights violations related to the tournament.
In October, FIFA awarded the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, while Saudi Arabia remains the sole bidder for the 2034 edition.
Amnesty International emphasised that there are “serious human rights” risks that must be addressed in connection with these events.
“FIFA should ensure a rigorous and transparent bidding process based on meaningful stakeholder participation, including genuinely independent human rights risk assessments and comprehensive human rights strategies,” human rights organisation Amnesty said.
“FIFA should be prepared not to award the rights to host the World Cup until such agreements are made and until it is clear that human rights violations can and will be prevented, mitigated and remedied.”
Amnesty said the commitments must prevent human rights violations in relation to “labour rights, discrimination, housing, freedom of expression, policing and privacy” before finalising a decision to approve any bid.
FIFA included human rights standards as part of the bidding requirements for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. However, Amnesty International is concerned that single bids for each tournament reduce FIFA’s leverage to ensure these standards are met.
The football governing body set a July deadline for submitting bids for the 2034 World Cup, which will be evaluated later this year. The host nation will be officially announced in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Amnesty International raised concerns about the high accident rates at construction projects in Spain and Portugal, which exceed EU levels.
They also highlighted ongoing discrimination in Spanish stadiums, citing the racism faced by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
Additionally, Amnesty called for Morocco and Portugal to increase their number of labor inspectors by over 50% to meet International Labour Organisation (ILO) benchmarks.
Amnesty has shared its report with FIFA. Reuters has reached out to FIFA and the football associations of the countries bidding for the World Cup for comment.
Risks associated with hosting the 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia are of a “different magnitude and severity” that will test FIFA’s commitment to its human rights policies, Amnesty said.
Amnesty researcher Dana Ahmed said that although they were allowed to do research on migrant workers in Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup, leading to several reforms, they have not had any access in Saudi Arabia.
“It is extremely difficult to do research from the outside,” she told reporters.
On Wednesday, a global coalition of trade unions lodged a complaint against Saudi Arabia with a UN-backed labor organization.
The complaint, filed by Building and Wood Workers’ International, calls on the International Labor Organization to investigate Saudi Arabia for “severe human rights abuses and wage theft.”
According to the union group, these violations have impacted at least 21,000 workers over the past decade.
“The complaint emphasises the exploitative living and working conditions among the country’s vast migrant workforce — conditions that BWI notes are akin to forced labour,” the global group of trade unions said in a statement.
The BWI cited allegations of illegal recruitment fees demanded, wages and passports withheld, limits on workers leaving jobs, plus physical and sexual violence “particularly against female and domestic workers.”
Emi Martinez is ready for a “fight” at Aston Villa,with the World Cup winner reiterating his desire to represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympics.
The enigmatic goalkeeper is already part of his country’s plans for the Copa America, as they seek to defend that continental crown, but has previously told Ole of also turning out at international Games in Paris: “As many players have said, if Javier [Mascherano] is available and wants us, we are available.
Obviously, the national team comes before the clubs and if the clubs let us, we always have the power to say that the national team is always ahead.
And for us, it is a source of pride. I want to go. There are a lot of guys who want to go.” Mascherano has named a 23-man squad for Olympic warm-up matches but has yet to add overage players to that list.
Martinez could be called upon despite the Copa America final being just 10 days prior to the event in France getting underway and the new Premier League season starting a week after the tournament finishes.
Martinez has now told TyC Sports about battling for the right to form part of Argentina’s plans: “I’ve had the possibility to speak with Marche (Mascherano); it is a wish that I want to play, but it doesn’t obviously just depend on myself.
The club has blocked me from going lots of times before but I want to play the Copa America and to have a little bit more strength at the end of the Copa America to make a decision.
I know that I have to fight a little bit more with the club; it’s not 100 percent done but from my part, it is a wish that I have that I want to win the Olympics.
It’s not obligatory for the club to let a player leave to play in the Olympics, I know that my club has not let any player go, they blocked everyone.
A small chance, but I always put the national team in front and if I have to fight a little more with the club, I will, but first is the Copa America.
It’s very difficult to fight with the club now because for us, the most important thing is to win the Copa America. Then comes the Olympics, and it is a personal wish of mine to win the trophy.”
Villa, who will be gracing the Champions League in 2023-24 after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, have already blocked France coach Thierry Henry from selecting Lucas Digne and Moussa Diaby in his squad for a gold medal bid on home
FIFA is facing the threat of legal action from Fifpro and the World Leagues Association, including the Premier League, if it proceeds with plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup at the end of the upcoming season.
Both organizations argue that the global football calendar is already oversaturated, making it difficult for national leagues to organize their competitions properly and putting players at risk of injury and impacting their welfare.
The PFA has been seeking legal advice over the lack of consultation regarding the congested calendar and its potential impact on its members.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango has participated in discussions, including at the European Leagues general assembly, where Premier League chief executive Richard Masters expressed concerns about the calendar reaching a tipping point.
Next season, all three European club competitions will expand to 36 teams, with the Champions League and Europa League featuring eight first-phase games instead of six. This could mean a club needs to play 17 matches to win either competition.
Manchester City and Chelsea are among the 12 European representatives at the expanded Club World Cup, to be held in the United States in June and July next year.
In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, Fifpro and the World Leagues Association suggest that if FIFA extends its competitions, it should adjust others. However, FIFA believes it has taken player welfare into account with its scheduling program.
The FIFA Council meeting in Thailand will include a vote on the host nation or nations of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with all 211 member associations in attendance.
The threat of legal action against FIFA coincides with Premier League clubs announcing lucrative post and pre-season tours.
Antonio Rudiger has made a bold declaration, stating his intent to confront Kylian Mbappe aggressively if Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain clash in the Champions League final.
The prospect of this epic encounter looms large, with Wembley potentially hosting the showdown on June 1.
For this scenario to materialize, Real Madrid must first navigate past Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, while Paris Saint-Germain must overcome Borussia Dortmund on the opposite side of the bracket.
What adds an extra layer of intrigue to this anticipated matchup is the possibility of Mbappe facing off against his rumored future club, as speculation swirls that the French striker is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer once his contract with PSG expires on June 30.
But Rudiger is in no mood to show mercy to his potential team-mate if their paths cross and told Le Media Carre: “If we face him in the final, we’ll beat him. And if he passes [i.e. dribbles] me, I’ll smash him.”
Despite his tough stance on the field, the German defender welcomed the idea of the 2018 World Cup winner joining the Spanish giants. He noted that Real Madrid has a renowned history of attracting top talent.
“The best players in history have always come to Real Madrid. He’s one of the best players in the world, so it would be a good match,” he said. When questioned about the reports of Mbappe’s imminent arrival, he added with a smirk: “Who says that he’s (Mbappe) coming, it’s not official.”
Rudiger will be in action againstBayern Munich on Tuesday evening in the first leg of Real’s semi-final tie at Allianz Arena, whereas Mbappe will take the pitch a day later against Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
The focus will shift to the possibility of a high-stakes encounter between the two players in the Champions League final on June 1 if both teams are able to overcome their German opponents at the last four stage of the competition.
FIFAsolidified its partnership with Saudi Arabia by officially announcing a sponsorship deal with the kingdom’s state oil company, Aramco, on Thursday.
The agreement, widely anticipated, became inevitable after Saudi Arabia was nearly confirmed last October as the host nation for the 2034 men’s World Cup.
Covering the period up to 2027, the deal encompasses major events such as the men’s World Cup in 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the hosts for which will be determined next month.
While the financial details of the arrangement were not disclosed, it is likely one of FIFA’s most lucrative deals in terms of average annual value.
It may also involve sponsorship of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup scheduled for next year in the U.S.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has developed close relations with Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since before the 2018 World Cup.
Notably, the tournament in Russia was sponsored by the state-owned energy company, Gazprom.
The bidding process for the 2034 World Cup was unexpectedly launched last October, seemingly tailored to favor Saudi Arabia, with only FIFA member federations in Asia and Oceania permitted to participate.
By the end of that month, Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the sole candidate.
While the Visit Saudi tourist board was a minor sponsor of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,its presence was absent at the 2023 Women’s World Cup following objections from organizers in Australia and New Zealand.
Since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020, he has been instrumental in their performances, recently achieving his 50th clean sheet against Wolves.
The victory against their local rivals has bolstered Villa’s chances of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League.
Martinez prioritises helping Villa achieve success over seeking a move to a club already established in European football’s elite competitions.
He has said, “Since I joined the club, we have progressed by leaps and bounds. When I arrived, we were at the bottom and became a mid-table club, then got to the Conference League and now we were recently fighting for first place.
Obviously, after many injuries, we fell a little, but we are in the Champions League positions and in the quarter-finals of a European competition.
The club hasn’t qualified for the Champions League for 45 years, so entering the Champions League would be like winning a title.
It’s very good because it’s easy too jump to a giant club and play in the Champions League. But playing in the Champions League with a club that nobody expects to be there – the merit for me is a little more.”
Martinez’s contract with Villa Park runs until the summer of 2027, indicating that, at 31 years old, he still has many years of top-level football ahead of him.
Whether representing his club or his country, Martinez continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field, making significant contributions to both teams.
Head coach of the Black Satellites, Desmond Ofei, has set his sights on guiding Ghana to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Ofei took over as head coach of the Satellites in September 2023, succeeding Samuel Boadu, whom he had served as assistant for nine months.
At 36 years old, Ofei believes that the team has the necessary quality to secure a spot in the next edition of the U-20 World Cup.
“Personally it’s day by day, step by step, and competition by competition. For us, the most important competition now is the WAFU because we really want to partake in the next World Cup which takes place in 2025.”
“We still have a lot of work to do. Now we have a good base and we can build on it. The next objective is the WAFU in October. We will prepare well and scout extensively to get all the hidden gems to come and help the team progress to the World Cup,” he said.
Ofei’s tenure began successfully as he led the team to victory in the African Games, where they secured the gold medal by defeating Uganda in the final.
This achievement marked Ghana’s first gold medal in the African Games since 2011 in Maputo, where they also emerged victorious.
“We are very proud of this achievement. We are happy we added an extra gold to the country’s tally,” Ofei told 3Sports as he talked about his success.
“I need some good rest. It’s been intense. It’s my first time working in Africa on this level. It’s not easy because I coach with passion and give everything. It took a lot but now I have to go back and get enough energy. I have to get back with my family; my wife and kids.”
Despite Ghana’s recent gold medal win at the African Games, Desmond Ofei, the head coach of the Black Satellites, is focused on an even bigger goal: qualifying for the U-20 World Cup. Ghana’s last appearance in this competition was in 2005, and Ofei is determined to change that.
At 36 years old, Ofei believes that the team has the necessary quality to secure a spot in the next edition of the U-20 World Cup.
“Personally it’s day by day, step by step, and competition by competition. For us, the most important competition now is the WAFU because we really want to partake in the next World Cup which takes place in 2025,” he added.
“We still have a lot of work to do. Now we have a good base and we can build on it. The next objective is the WAFU in October. We will prepare well and scout extensively to get all the hidden gems to come and help the team progress to the World Cup.”
This marks Lamptey’s return to the national team after his last appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lamptey’s absence from the squad has been due to recurring injuries, which have sidelined him from international duty since the 3-2 win over South Korea during the World Cup.
His return is seen as a significant boost for the Black Stars, especially as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June under new coach Otto Addo.
Although Lamptey missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations due to his injuries, his comeback is timely for the national team’s preparations.
Expected to feature in the upcoming matches against Nigeria and Uganda, Lamptey’s presence adds depth to the squad as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing AFCON campaign by securing victories against their rivals, Nigeria.
Independent presidential aspirant and leader of the Movement for Change,Alan Kyerematen, firmly believes that Ghana has the capability to clinch theFIFA World Cup title.
However, he underscores that this lofty goal can only be attained through a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s sports framework.
During an interview with Akoma FM in Kumasi, Kyerematen stressed the imperative of implementing substantial changes in governance, particularly within the sports sector, to pave the way for Ghana’s success on the global stage.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we need a significant shift or transformation in our governance, including sports,” he stressed.
“When the great transformation begins in sports, believe me, Ghana can win the World Cup.”
Kyerematen’s vision for Ghana’s sports industry revolves around his ambitious ‘Great Transformation Plan (GTP),’ a comprehensive strategy aimed at rejuvenating national morale and propelling the country to new heights, particularly in sports.
This declaration comes on the heels of the Black Stars’ disappointing performance in recent international tournaments, including the 2023Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where they failed to secure a single victory and exited the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.
Additionally, the national team’s inability to progress to the next stage of the 2022 World Cup has reignited calls for reforms within the sports sector.
Kyerematen is confident that his GTP plan has the potential to reverse this trend and position Ghana as a formidable contender in global sports.
With the 2024 elections approaching,Kyerematen’s “Great Transformation Plan” may prove to be a deciding factor for voters, offering a compelling vision for the future of Ghana’s sports and national pride.
Whether or not his ambition will translate into reality remains to be seen, but his determination to transform Ghana’s sports landscape is certainly generating excitement among sports enthusiasts and Ghanaians alike.
Amidst scrutiny over the recent performance of the Black Stars and their inability to progress beyond the group stages in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has reiterated his outfit’s dedication to leaving a significant impact on Ghanaian football.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kumasi on Wednesday, Okraku stressed his determination to secure victories in major international competitions such as the AFCON and the FIFA World Cup, highlighting his commitment to elevating the stature of Ghanaian football on the global stage.
“I want to win the AFCON; I want to win the World Cup!” Okraku declared. “I want to win every competition Ghana finds itself. This is the collective belief and mindset of my fellow Executive Council members.”
Mr Okraku’s statement resonates with his previous commitments to overhaul Ghanaian football and position the nation as a dominant force in African soccer.
Nevertheless, his term as GFA President has encountered controversy, including accusations of corruption and administrative lapses within the organization.
Despite these hurdles, Okraku maintains a positive outlook on the trajectory of Ghanaian football. He points to the nation’s legacy of nurturing gifted athletes and the ongoing enhancements to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence as signs of advancement in the sport.
“I want to position the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence very well and make it an enviable international standard,” he said.
The 75-year-old man from Sweden was the first coach from another country to manage England’s soccer team. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, as well as the Euros in 2004.
“I will keep fighting for as long as possible,” Eriksson told Swedish Radio P1.
I am very sick. In the best situation, it might take a year, but it could be much less in the worst situation. We can’t know for sure, so it’s best not to worry about it.
Eriksson, who worked as a manager for 42 years, stopped working as the sporting director at the Swedish club Karlstad 11 months ago due to health problems.
He said he was trying to stay happy and “create something positive” out of his cancer diagnosis.
“You try to fool your brain, but it’s too easy to start feeling bad and stay at home. ” He said it’s good to stay positive and not give up when things get tough.
Eriksson started working as a manager for Degerfors in 1977. Then he went to Gothenburg, where he won the Swedish title, two Swedish cups, and the 1981 Uefa Cup.
After that, he played for big teams in Portugal and Italy like Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio. He won seven trophies with Lazio including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.
Eriksson left his job at Lazio in 2001 to become the new England manager after Kevin Keegan.
After working for five years, it was announced in January 2006 that Eriksson would be leaving his job after the World Cup in Germany that summer, even though he still had two years left on his contract.
It is not clear why he left, but people think it might be because he got caught in a sting operation by a journalist.
After leaving England, Eriksson had different jobs as a manager. He worked for teams like Manchester City and Leicester City, and also coached national teams like Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.
He worked for Chinese soccer teams Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai SIPG and Shenzhen from 2013 to 2017. He also briefly managed the Philippines national team from October 2018 to January 2019.
Zagallo was a player in the Brazil team that won two World Cups in a row in 1958 and 1962. He played in both final games.
He led the team with famous players like Pele, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto to win in 1970.
Zagallo won the World Cup as a coach in 1994 with Carlos Alberto Parreira.
After that competition, he became the Brazil manager again and took them to the final in 1998. They lost to the host team, France.
Zagallo won the World Cup as a player and coach. Others who have done the same are Franz Beckenbauer from Germany and Didier Deschamps from France.
“We are really sad to say that our four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo has passed away,” according to a post on his official Instagram account.
“A loving and caring man who was a dedicated father, a kind grandfather, a supportive father-in-law, a loyal friend, a successful professional, and an amazing person. ” Huge statue “A patriot who leaves behind a history of amazing accomplishments. ” Important person in Brazil’s history.
Brazil has won the most World Cup titles, with five in total. Zagallo has played a big role in their success.
As a young person doing national service, he was one of almost 200,000 people at Maracana Stadium who watched Brazil lose to Uruguay in the final match of the 1950 World Cup.
In 2013, Zagallo told BBC Sport, “I will never forget that day. ”
He played his first game for Brazil when he was 26, just before the 1958 tournament. He was a very important player in the team. In the final game, 17-year-old Pele inspired Brazil to win against Sweden, with Zagallo scoring the fourth goal in a 5-2 win.
Zagallo was the only player left from Brazil’s 1958 World Cup-winning team who played in the final.
When Pele got hurt in the 1962 World Cup, Zagallo stepped up and helped defend during the final game, which was unusual for forwards to do at that time. Brazil won against Czechoslovakia.
Zagallo stopped playing soccer in 1965. He played for America, Flamengo, and Botafogo. He also won 33 games for his country.
He began managing at Botafogo and then became the Brazil boss at 38 years old, right before the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
The smart Zagallo, also called ‘The Professor’ and ‘Old Wolf’, put together a team with Pele, Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, and Rivellino, who were really good at attacking, and made them very hard to beat.
Brazil won all six of their games and easily beat Italy 4-1 in the final game.
Zagallo continued as the coach for Brazil in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, and they ended up in fourth place.
After that, he coached teams in Brazil and also coached national teams in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. He helped the United Arab Emirates qualify for their first World Cup in 1990. Then he worked as a coordinator for Parreira’s coaching team before the 1994 World Cup.
Brazil won their fourth title by beating Italy in the finals in the United States.
Zagallo’s team was expected to win the 1998 tournament, but France beat them 3-0 in the final. The star player, Ronaldo, had a strange illness on the day of the game.
Brazil’s team won the World Cup in 2002 in Japan and South Korea. Luiz Felipe Scolari was the coach and Zagallo was there to help as a special adviser.
In 2006, he was Parreira’s helper again. Brazil got knocked out by France, and then he stopped working.
Zagallo’s wife, Alcina de Castro, passed away in 2012 after being married for 57 years. They had four kids.
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, said: “The CBF and Brazilian football are sad about the death of one of our great players. ”
The CBF supports his family and fans during this sad time after the loss of our football idol.
Manchester City has concluded a historic 2023 by achieving a remarkable feat, becoming the first English club ever to concurrently hold the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The crowning moment took place in Jeddah on Friday, where City secured the FIFA Club World Cup in their inaugural attempt, triumphing over Brazilian side Fluminense with a convincing 4-0 victory in the final held at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s squad, having completed this unprecedented quintuple, will now return to Manchester and immediately shift their focus to preparations for the upcoming Wednesday clash in the Premier League against Everton, as they aim to continue their pursuit of securing a fourth successive league title.
Expressing the team’s pride in this extraordinary accomplishment, club captain Kyle Walker highlighted the significance of winning all five trophies in a single calendar year, labeling the achievement as “special.”
“We’ve shown over the past 12 months we are the best team in the world. Our results prove that and the consistency we have managed has been amazing.
“To win these five trophies – for me, the five biggest prizes available to us – is incredible. I am so proud to have been a part of this and I can honestly say it’s an honour to play alongside these players; I couldn’t ask for better teammates.
“And it isn’t just the players – the team behind the team here at City are the best you could ever ask for and I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for every single person who works here day to day to try and help us be the best we can be.
“The level of quality in football across the world right now is scary. It’s really, really hard to win consistently, so to be sat here today having won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup is really special and a huge achievement.
“It’s been the best year I have had in football and something I will never, ever forget.”
The 2022/23 season marked a historic milestone in Manchester City’s illustrious 129-year history. A phenomenal run of form saw the team secure victories in 22 matches and draw in five of the final 28 contests across all competitions. This exceptional performance solidified City’s status as only the second English team ever to achieve the prestigious Treble, consisting of triumphs in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
The relentless pursuit of success carried into the subsequent season, where Pep Guardiola’s squad continued to make history by adding the Super Cup and Club World Cup to their already impressive collection. These achievements further cemented Manchester City’s legacy as a dominant force in football.
Pep Guardiola added: “I am so proud of this Club. What we have done is an outstanding achievement.
“To win this trophy is to be the best team in the world and our players, our coaches, our backroom staff, all of them work hard every single day to bring us this success.
“As a manager it is what I am most proud of; that we are always there. No matter how much we win, no matter what trophies we lift, we are there again to fight for the next one.
“To win the Treble was truly special, but to win two more trophies and now hold these five major titles shows the unique mentality of this team, of the Club and its fans.
“It is something no other English team has ever achieved and we will always remember this incredible time we spent together.”
For the City boss, the recent triumph represents another addition to his ever-expanding collection of silverware. Since his arrival at Manchester City in the summer of 2016, Pep Guardiola has now secured a total of 16 trophies. This impressive haul includes five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, one Super Cup, one Club World Cup, and two Community Shields.
Across his entire managerial career, Guardiola’s trophy cabinet now boasts an astounding total of 37 major honors. The recent FIFA Club World Cup victory marks his fourth title in this competition, with previous successes achieved during his tenure with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, and Bayern Munich in 2013 before his latest triumph with Manchester City.
Lionel Messi might soon find himself without his World Cup-winning mentor, Lionel Scaloni, as the Argentina boss hinted at a surprising resignation.
Scaloni had recently orchestrated a significant victory over rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifying, guiding his team to a 1-0 win in challenging circumstances.
The match faced considerable delays due to police violence against Albiceleste supporters, setting the stage for an intense battle on the pitch.
Despite Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive goal securing the win, Scaloni appeared contemplative after the final whistle.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the World Cup-winning coach said: “I have to think a lot about what to do. It’s not goodbye but the bar is very high. This group demands you permanently. This team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and be well. “
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C65BJntJySM
The statement is undeniably surprising. Following the disappointment against Uruguay in their previous outing, Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
Currently leading their World Cup qualifying group, they have a substantial eight-point advantage over Brazil in sixth place.
Any potential change in Scaloni’s leadership position raises uncertainties about Argentina’s prospects in the upcoming Copa America and World Cup defenses, with possible implications for Lionel Messi’s future with the national team.
However, it’s important to note that Scaloni’s words, while impactful, do not constitute a definitive resignation statement at this point.
The reasons behind his reaction, whether influenced by the off-the-scenes violence at Brazil’s Maracana stadium, are yet to be clarified.
The Argentina supporters will be optimistic that their World Cup-winning coach is not departing anytime soon.
Lionel Messi ended his last match of the calendar year with a groin injury, leading to his substitution inArgentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil on Tuesday.
The Argentina captain exited the game in the 78th minute, a match overshadowed by fan-police clashes. Following the game, Messi voiced concerns about a groin injury.
“I felt discomfort in my adductor,” Messi said. “It was my last game of the year so I have time to get well to start 2024 by giving everything.”
The Inter Miami forward underwent treatment on the sidelines during the first half and appeared to be lacking in fitness.
Lionel Messi went off the pitch for treatment on multiple occasions during Argentina’s win. Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Messi attributed his injury to the 27-minute delay in the start of the game, which resulted from the violent clashes.
“It didn’t help me to cool down and go inside the locker room and then come back,” he said.
Messi, 36, played all 90 minutes of Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru on Thursday, his first competitive game since Oct. 21 when he started Inter Miami’s 1-0 defeat to Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
The former Barcelona star has struggled with injuries throughout this season.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in the summer after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, missed five MLS games with a hamstring injury before returning to action on Oct. 7.
Despite not making his usual impact on the pitch, Messi was delighted that his team handed Brazil their first-ever home loss in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
“This group continues to achieve historic things,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “It’s a nice thing to win in Brazil, knowing how historically strong they are at home.”
Messi has ample time for recuperation from his injury, with his return to Inter Miami’s preseason training scheduled for the second week of January.
On Tuesday, Inter Miami refuted claims of organising a preseason match against Al Nassr, the club associated with Messi’s longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ghana is set to face Comoros in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at 4pm. Both teams currently share three points each after securing victories in the opening round of matches in Group I.
Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar with a late goal from Inaki Williams, while Comoros capitalized on home advantage to beat Central African Republic 4-2 in Moroni.
The Islanders have a recent memorable victory against Ghana, having defeated them 3-2 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, which led to Ghana’s exit from the tournament.
Ghana’s coach, Chris Hughton, remains unbeaten in competitive games since taking over from Otto Addo. He boasts three home wins but is yet to secure a victory on the road, having drawn against Angola and Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Hughton faces the challenge of adjusting his backline due to the injury to Daniel Amartey. However, he has several available options for selection.
The Ghanaian squad includes players such as Baba Idrissu, Samed Salis, Majeed Ashimeru, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, and Mohammed Kudus. Inaki Williams, who scored his first international goal against Madagascar, is eager to contribute to the team’s success.
Comoros, coached by Stefano Cusin, has shown promise with three games without defeat, including a draw with Zambia and victories over Cape Verde and Central African Republic in the World Cup qualifiers.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Omnisports Sports Stadium in Moroni on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Mohamed Salah showcased a stellar performance, scoring four goals as Egypt opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a anticipated 6-0 victory over Djibouti.
Salah’s remarkable feat propelled his overall goal tally for Egypt to 53 in 93 appearances as they aim for a spot in the 2026 finals after missing out on the Qatar World Cup last year.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, missing the injured Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, faced an unexpected setback with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in a rainy encounter in Uyo.
Lesotho, positioned 113 places below Nigeria in the FIFA rankings, took a surprising lead with defender Motlomelo Mkhwanazi’s goal, only to be equalized by Semi Ajayi from Kelechi Iheanacho’s corner.
In other matches, Mozambique secured the first away victory of the African qualifying campaign, beating Botswana 3-2 in Group G. Algeria, the favourites in the group, had an unconvincing 3-1 home win over Somalia, prompting coach Djamel Belmadi to make halftime substitutions.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M9PqfMTvDfQ
Gabon rallied from a goal down to defeat Kenya 2-1, with Denis Bouanga equalising on the hour mark and Guelor Kanga securing an 88th-minute winner in Franceville.
Burundi also clinched a victory in Group F, edging the Gambia 3-2 in a match played in Tanzania due to Burundi’s lack of a suitable stadium.
Sudan hosted their Group B clash against Togo in Benghazi, Libya, due to the civil war in their country.
The Group D clash between the Cape Verde Islands and Angola concluded in a goalless draw, characterised by missed chances.
The first two rounds of African qualifiers span from Wednesday to the following Tuesday, with the next set of matches resuming in June.
In the qualifying format, nine groups determine direct qualifiers for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., while the four best runners-up have an additional chance through a two-tier playoff system.
The England jersey worn by Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup semi-final has been successfully auctioned off.
This autographed shirt was donned by the English football legend when he scored both goals in the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over Portugal on July 26, 1966.
The iconic shirt was sold by Hansons Auctioneers, based in Derbyshire, to a private international bidder through online bidding, fetching a price of £59,040.
Sadly, Sir Bobby Charlton passed away last month at the age of 86, and his funeral was held at Manchester Cathedral on Monday.
His death triggered tributes from the global sports community, with numerous football players, managers, and pundits honouring him at the funeral.
Approximately 1,000 mourners attended the service, and crowds gathered along the streets to pay their respects as the procession arrived at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, where rounds of applause filled the air.
Sir Bobby Charlton scored both goals in England’s 2-1 win over Portugal on 26 July 1966
Sir Bobby is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, having won the World Cup, the European Cup (now the Champions League), the First Division, the FA Cup and the Ballon d’Or.
He made 106 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring 49 goals for his country.
The Manchester United icon, in his 17-year footballing career with the Reds, played 758 games and scored 249 goals.
He died last month after a fall at a Cheshire care home, an inquest heard.
The journey of the shirt to auction began with a West Midlands man, a winner of Littlewoods Pools in the early 1990s. Opting to invest in football memorabilia, he acquired the iconic shirt for £9,200, an amount equivalent to about £20,000 today, at a London auction in 2000.
Charles Hanson, the proprietor of Hansons Auctioneers, remarked, “This important shirt was consigned to auction a year before news of Sir Bobby’s passing in October emerged. It had long been scheduled for Hansons’ November sporting auction.
“News of his loss came as a huge shock to us all. We were deeply saddened.
He was a football legend, admired by millions.
“We’re pleased to have been able to find this important shirt a new home. We hope it enhances memories of the tremendous role he played in the 1966 World Cup as the nation celebrates his life.”
Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, is set to make his return to the field after breaking his leg in a skiing accident last year, according tocoach Thomas Tuchel.
Neuer’s last match was during the World Cup in Qatar on December 1, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage. Shortly after, he suffered a lower leg fracture while on vacation.
Bayern Munich had signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a backup for the injured Neuer last season but allowed him to join Inter Milan in the summer.
Sven Ulreich, a long-serving reserve goalkeeper, has started in all but one of Bayern’s 13 games this season.
Bayern currently occupies the third position in the Bundesliga, trailing the leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points, while promoted Darmstadt is positioned 12th.
In addition to his return with Bayern, Neuer also faces a challenge to reclaim his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for the German national team ahead of next year’s European Championship.
The turmoil within world champions Spain’s national football team has escalated as 15 members of the World Cup-winning squad have declined call-ups for international duty.
These players were originally included in the squad for the Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland, despite their earlier declaration of a boycott.
Three weeks ago, a group of 81 players, which encompassed the entire 23-member World Cup squad, announced their refusal to play for Spain as long as Luis Rubiales remained as the president of the Spanish football federation due to his conduct during the final.
Rubiales sparked a significant controversy by kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso—now omitted from the latest squad—on the lips during the medal ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England. Hermoso has asserted that she did not consent to the kiss.
Under mounting pressure, Rubiales ultimately resigned from his position last week. However, on Friday, 39 players, including 21 World Cup winners, released a statement asserting that his resignation was insufficient to prompt their return to national team duty.
They maintained that they still did not feel “in a safe place” to make their return and contended that the issues within the Spanish football federation went beyond Rubiales.
Despite the players’ initial pledge to boycott, many of them were still named in the squad for Monday’s matches by the new head coach, Montse Tome, who cited Hermoso’s exclusion as a protective measure.
The players released a statement on Monday night which explained: “What was expressed in our statement makes clear and without any option for another interpretation our firm will not to be summoned for justified reasons.
“These statements are still fully valid.”
Spain are due to face Sweden on Friday before returning home to host Switzerland on September 26.
Jorge Vilda, the head coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team, has been dismissed from his position amid the Luis Rubiales scandal that has engulfed Spanish football.
Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory was marred by controversy when the president of the country’s football federation, Luis Rubiales, was seen kissing forward Jenni Hermoso, a gesture she later stated was not consensual.
Following the incident, most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned, and 81 players refused to represent Spain in protest.
While Luis Rubiales has resisted calls for his resignation, he has been temporarily suspended by Fifa, the global governing body of football.
In a statement, Spanish federation the RFEF did not give a specific reason for Vilda’s dismissal, saying he had been “a promoter of the values of respect and sportsmanship in football”.
Nevertheless, the RFEF has been contemplating the possibility of removing 42-year-old Vilda, who is seen as a close associate of Rubiales, since the previous week.
The RFEF described this action as “one of the initial renewal measures” announced by interim president Pedro Rocha, who has assumed the role during Rubiales’ suspension by Fifa.
It’s worth noting that Vilda had previously applauded Rubiales at the RFEF’s extraordinary general assembly in August, during which Rubiales reiterated his refusal to step down and indicated his intention to extend Vilda’s contract. However, Vilda has since criticized Rubiales’ conduct.
“The RFEF appreciates [Vilda’s] work at the head of the national team and in his functions as the head of sports for the women’s teams, as well as the successes achieved during his time crowned with the recent achievement of the World Cup,” said the RFEF.
“We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women’s football in Spain.”
Vilda, who had been in charge of the national team since 2015, survived a player ‘revolt’ in September 2022, when the RFEF released a statement revealing 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for Vilda unless “significant” concerns over their “emotional state” and “health” were addressed.
‘Las 15’ – as the players became known – denied claims they had asked for Vilda, who has always maintained the support of Rubiales, to be sacked, but tension followed amid reports of concerns over training methods and inadequate game preparation.
Of those 15, just three ended their exile and were back in the squad as Spain beat England in the World Cup final in Sydney last month.
Vilda oversaw 108 matches as Spain coach, winning 75, and reached the European Championship quarter-finals in 2017 and 2022.
The World Cup winners are currently second in the Fifa women’s world rankings.
The RFEF’s statement added: “The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.
“The RFEF is left with an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognised game model and a methodology that has been an engine of growth for all the women’s categories of the national team.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Rocha apologised to the “whole of the football world” for the “totally unacceptable behaviour” of Rubiales.
Rocha said he plans to “give back the spotlight” to the women’s team after their World Cup victory was overshadowed.
A lengthy statement said: “The Royal Spanish Football Federation, through its president, Mr. Pedro Rocha, considers it is essential to present the most sincere apologies to the football institutions, the players, especially the players of the Spanish National Football Team and the English National Football Team, stakeholders involved in football and the fans around the world for the totally unacceptable behaviour of its highest institutional representative during the final of the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 and in the moments that followed.
“The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole have been enormous.
“The RFEF wants to transmit to the whole of society and to the whole of the football world its utmost regret for what happened that has tarnished our team, our football and our society.
“We must apologise most sincerely and make a firm and absolute commitment that events like these can never happen again.”
Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds a pessimistic view regarding Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup.
Although his perspective may potentially evolve in the future, at present, he does not believe that Portugal possesses the necessary attributes to secure a World Cup victory.
During a recent lie detector test conducted in collaboration with Binance, a global company renowned for operating the largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of daily trading volume, Ronaldo attempted to conceal his true sentiments regarding this matter.
“Will Portugal win the World Cup?” the interrogator, Andy, asked.
Don (left) and Andy (right)
Ronaldo replied, “Yes.”
But the lie detector ruled “Lie”. Not so optimistic Ronaldo then added “What a pessimist, huh?”.
Cristiano Ronaldo held high hopes of guiding Portugal to a deep run in the 2022 World Cup and ultimately clinching the coveted trophy. However, his aspirations were dashed.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo left the pitch in tears as Portugal’s journey in the 2022 World Cup concluded with a quarterfinal defeat to Morocco. It was likely Ronaldo’s final appearance in a World Cup tournament, marking his last opportunity to secure football’s most prestigious prize.
Reflecting on this, Cristiano Ronaldo shared on Instagram, “The dream was beautiful as long as it lasted,” hinting at the possibility of retirement. Argentina beat France to win the 2022 World Cup, cementing Messi’s Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T) tag.
In addition to these insights, Ronaldo also expressed his belief that the Premier League is the toughest league in the world. Furthermore, he regarded his bicycle kick goal as his finest ever, describing it as “the best goal— the most challenging and the most beautiful.”
Ronaldo affirmed his intention to continue playing professional football well into his forties.
Contrary to popular belief among Ronaldo fans, the football icon admitted to indulging in fast food frequently. Moreover, he conceded that he occasionally snores, a revelation confirmed by the lie detector, which detected more snoring than he had realized.
However, one lingering question remains: Would Ronaldo exchange all his Champions League medals for a World Cup trophy?
Sarina Wiegman expresses her satisfaction with the overwhelming support for the England team ahead of the World Cup final.
The Lionesses are set to face Spain on Sunday in their quest to secure their first-ever World Cup title.
Manager Wiegman remarked, “The outpouring of support has been incredible. We’ve truly felt the backing, not only here but also from the UK and around the world. This is something we’ve always dreamt of.”
“I feel privileged. I’m very happy in the place where I am now. There’s a lot of support, we have everything we need to perform at the highest level. It is a pleasure to work with these incredible people.”
Wiegman was concise when asked how the team had reintegrated Lauren James, who could start on Sunday after serving a two-match suspension following her red card against Nigeria in the last 16.
She said: “Of course she kept training and it’s really nice to have 23 players available for tomorrow.”
Former Netherlands boss Wiegman took over as England manager in September 2021 and led the team to Euro 2022 glory on home soil last summer.
Asked whether the bond between the players and Wiegman had grown, captain and centre-back Millie Bright said: “The longer you work together, the better the connection.
“The better you can be off the pitch, the better the conversation can be and then we can translate that to the squad.
“As much as people don’t want to face challenges, it’s part of the game, it’s part of life, and without those challenges we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Jofra Archer was shocked to learn Harry Brook was not selected for England’s 50-over World Cup team.
In preparation for their ODI series against New Zealand, which will also compete in the World Cup, England picked a 15-man squad on Wednesday.
Ben Stokes, the team’s Test captain, rejoined the group after ending his ODI retirement, although Brook was not included.
With four hundreds and seven fifties in 20 Test innings, Brook has had an incredible start to his international career. He also helped England win the T20 World Cup at the end of 2022.
The 24-year-old was a regular contributor with four fifties in the last four Tests, despite failing to score his first Ashes hundred in the recent tied series against Australia.
When he learned of Brook’s exclusion, Archer, who was also left off of England’s World Cup roster after experiencing a new injury setback earlier in the year, joined Sky Sports’ coverage of The Hundred.
When asked about the biggest surprise from the announcement of the England squad, women’s captain Heather Knight responded, “I don’t think Harry Brook.
He has certainly been in excellent form and has had a fantastic start to his international career, but there are just too many players to get into that team. It may get challenging.
The Hundred competition was then brought up, and Archer was asked for his thoughts, but he was obviously distracted by the Brook news.
He apologised, “I want to go back to that.” I didn’t even realise Brooky wasn’t present, she said.
Yes, um… Could you repeat that, please? I’m just a little confused, so could you repeat the question, please?
Luke Wright, the national selector for England, acknowledged that leaving Brook out was a “incredibly difficult” choice.
The former England all-rounder remarked that it was the hardest decision he had ever had to make.
He is without a doubt someone we hold in the highest regard. However, the middle order was going to be squeezed with Stokesy’s return, which made it extremely difficult.
Jos Buttler’s team, who won the 50-over cricket global championship on home soil in 2019, will aim to defend their global Cup trophy in India later this year.
Up until September 28, England’s roster is still subject to change, but save for injuries, they are expected to continue with this 15-man bunch.
Even in the best-case situation, Archer will only be healthy for the second part of the competition, thus Brook and Archer may go as backups.
The 28-year-old bowled England to victory in the World Cup championship super over, but ever since that summer, he has struggled with injuries.
Wright continued, “There has to be a duty of care with Jof.” “We all know how desperate we are to have him, but we also have to do the right thing for him,” someone said.
He has suffered terrible luck with his wounds, therefore we must do it correctly. Despite the temptation to hurry him in so he will be there for the start of this World Cup, we will just be out of time.
The Matildas were the only team to defeat Sarina Wiegman’s team in the previous two years and 37 games, presenting the Lionesses with a formidable challenge at Sydney’s Stadium Australia in front of a boisterous and partisan home crowd.
However, they put on a polished, composed, and clinical performance against their old enemies to advance to the World Cup finals for a third time in a row and will now face Spain on Sunday.
Toone scored first in the 36th minute, but Sam Kerr’s brilliant solo goal midway through the second half cancelled it out. Later, Hemp took advantage of a defensive blunder, and Russo sealed the victory late to guarantee England’s place in the final.
Lauren James served the second game of a two-game suspension, although Wiegman kept the same starting lineup for the match. For the first time throughout the competition, Australia star Kerr was deemed fit to play, but Alanna Kennedy, the centre defender, was unable to do so due to illness.
The Chelsea striker had the opening opportunity of the game. She showed no indications of her calf injury as she raced through England’s thick defensive line, only to be stopped by Mary Earps, even though the flag for offside was raised somewhat tardily.
Moments later, Georgia Stanway was superbly sent free by Alex Greenwood’s pass behind the Australian defence, but her volley effort was too close to keeper Mackenzie Arnold, and England should have grabbed the lead.
A highly defensive Australia was finding it difficult to stop England’s darting runs in behind as Wiegman’s team alternated between long stretches of possession and quick, direct attacks in the opening exchanges. Russo’s flowing play ended with her hitting the side netting for the Lionesses.
The first goal Australia had given up in five hours came just as the Matildas were beginning to enjoy a rare period of their own possession. Russo wriggled her way towards the byline and did well to pull the ball back where Toone was on hand to bury a rising effort into the top corner.
Every irregular Australian attack was greeted with a cheer, and every ill-timed English challenge was whistled, but then the 75,784-person stadium fell silent.
After the restart, Australia displayed more vigour and enthusiasm, but the Lionesses continued to feel in control, and Hemp’s hopeful long-range attempt sent Arnold scurrying over her line. Captain Millie Bright got a free header from the ensuing corner that may have ended the match.
She received punishment for her wastefulness. The Chelsea teammate Bright backed off and off as Kerr, who had been unable to have an impression on the game up to this point, received the ball on the halfway line and drove at him. From 25 yards out, Kerr fired a fierce shot that flew over Earps and nearly into the back of the net.
Many significant athletic events have taken place in this historic stadium throughout the years, including Cathy Freeman’s gold medal performance in the 400 metres at the 2000 Summer Olympics and Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, but few will have elicited the cheers that Kerr’s magnificent solo goal did.
After that setback, though, England came back with a cross from Lucy Bronze that almost caught Arnold off guard before Russo fired a header just wide of the far post. Once again applying pressure, they were successful when right-back Ellie Carpenter fumbled a long ball forward.
Hemp pounced from six yards and nudged the ball past a hapless Arnold as she hesitated. The game’s first two goals were breathtaking finishes, but this one was very scrappy—almost fittingly so, considering the effort and tenacity that went along with England’s more refined play on the way to the final.
But in the end, the Lionesses had to endure some very terrifying moments. Prior to forcing a superb save from Earps, substitute Cortnee Vine headed over the crossbar from close range. Moments later, Kerr blasted by from a corner completely unnoticed.
England continued to threaten on the break and ended the match in the 86th minute rather than holding out through a final siege. She threaded the needle to set up Russo, who rocketed into the bottom corner with a very identical finish to her victory against Colombia in the previous round after Hemp’s fantastic, slaloming run opened up the field.
The Lionesses’ victory prevents Australia from sweeping a series of sporting contests that have lasted all summer and sets up the first-ever Women’s World Cup final. Australian cricket teams for men and women both won back the Ashes, and earlier this month, they triumphed in the Netball World Cup final as well. This is England’s sweet retaliation.
In a dramatic turn of events, defending champions the United States were eliminated from the World Cup as Sweden‘s Lina Hurtig scored the decisive penalty in a tense shootout.
Sweden secured their spot in the quarter-finals following a resolute defensive display that led to a goalless extra-time draw.
During the penalty shootout, the US initially gained an advantage when Nathalie Bjorn missed her shot and Rebecka Blomqvist’s attempt was saved by Alyssa Naeher. However, the US couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities, with Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith missing their targets.
The pivotal moment arrived when Kelley O’Hara struck the post, and Hurtig’s shot was initially saved by Naeher, but the ball crossed the line on its way down, confirmed by goal-line technology. This delay ultimately sent Sweden through.
In the first half, the US dominated play, but goalkeeper Zecira Musovic thwarted Trinity Rodman’s attempt, and Lindsey Horan’s header hit the crossbar.
Sweden struggled to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Vlatko Andonovski’s team controlling possession, though squandering opportunities from Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan.
Sweden nearly snatched victory in the 85th minute when Sofia Jakobsson found space in the box but directed her shot straight at Naeher.
The US almost secured a late winner of their own, with Morgan’s header on target, yet Musovic once again dealt with the danger.
In extra time, the US continued to dominate, but Musovic’s brilliance denied them multiple times. Musovic parried Lynn Williams’ cross-shot and deflected Megan Rapinoe’s follow-up.
Despite persistent waves of US attacks, Sweden’s defense held firm, and Musovic turned away Smith’s powerful angled shot. Ultimately, Sweden sent the US packing before the semifinal stage, marking the first time in history that the four-time winners were eliminated from the tournament at this juncture.
At the Sydney Football Stadium, the Netherlands brought an end to South Africa’s impressive journey to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup, securing a 2-0 triumph.
In the second half, a fortuitous strike by Lineth Beerensteyn proved to be the decisive factor, sealing the victory for the Dutch team against a resilient South African squad. This victory now paves the way for an exciting quarter-final clash between the Netherlands and Spain.
South Africa commenced the match with a spirited approach, employing their speed advantage to take the first shot on goal. However, Netherlands’ goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was quick to secure the ball, thwarting the attempt.
After withstanding the initial offensive, the Dutch team capitalized on their first cross during the afternoon. A failed clearance set the stage for a close-range header by Jill Roord, marking her fourth goal in the tournament.
Throughout the first half, South Africa’s defense appeared unsettled, leading to frequent squandered possession and maintaining pressure on their side.
Challenges increased as injuries forced Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane to leave the field for South Africa. Despite this, the Netherlands couldn’t find the pivotal second goal to further secure their lead.
As the initial 45 minutes transpired, the majority of the time was spent with South Africa defending within their own territory. However, the balance of momentum shifted in South Africa’s favor as the clock reached the brink of added time.
Thembi Kgatlana, the striker renowned for her swiftness, managed to challenge the Dutch defense on several fleeting opportunities when she found herself in open spaces. Just before halftime, she came heartbreakingly close to leveling the score.
In an impressive display of speed, she outpaced the defense to collect a well-timed through ball, positioning herself perfectly. Nonetheless, the scrambling efforts of goalkeeper van Domselaar ensured that the Dutch maintained their lead as the first half concluded.
The Netherlands secured their second goal in the 68th minute. Lineth Beerensteyn launched a long-range attempt toward South Africa’s goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart.
Although Swart managed to get her hands on the ball, the shot slipped through her grasp and nestled into the net.
In the upcoming clash against Spain, the Dutch will be without midfielder Danielle van de Donk, who received her second yellow card of the tournament.
Morocco secured a spot in the World Cup last 16, joining Colombia, following a 1-0 victory in Perth. Anissa Lahmari’s late first-half goal proved decisive in sealing Morocco’s progression.
During the initial period, Morocco dominated proceedings, and their persistence paid off when Lahmari tapped in after Catalina Perez saved Ghizlane Chebbak’s initial penalty kick.
In the second half, Colombia mounted attempts to level the score on several occasions. However, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the standout performer, safeguarding Morocco’s lead. This achievement saw tournament debutants Morocco advance to the knockout stages, at the expense of two-time winners Germany.
Morocco’s pathway to advancement necessitated a victory while hoping Germany would not triumph over South Korea, which indeed transpired as the latter match ended in a 1-1 draw, ultimately favoring Morocco’s progression.
Morocco nearly took the lead within the first moments of the game when Ibtissam Jraidi unleashed a shot from a narrow angle, but Perez deflected it for a corner.
In the closing moments of the first half, Morocco was awarded a penalty after Jraidi was fouled by Daniela Arias in the box. Chebbak took the penalty kick, aiming for the bottom corner, but Perez thwarted it. Following a misdirected attempt at goal from the rebound, Lahmari capitalized on the loose ball to find the net.
Around the 60-minute mark, Colombia presented their first significant chance. Daniela Montoya delivered a close-range shot at Er-Rmichi, with Lorena Bedoya’s subsequent effort slightly missing the target.
Building pressure, the South American side came close to equalizing once more. Mayra Ramirez’s powerful shot was deflected wide by Er-Rmichi.
Continuing their offensive, Colombia was close to scoring again, with Linda Caicedo receiving an opportunity. However, her shot was tipped over the bar, and Ramirez’s attempt was denied by the post.
In stoppage time, Morocco had an opportunity to extend their lead to 2-0, but Rosella Ayane’s shot from inside the area was directed straight at Perez.
Spain secured their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals in a dominant manner, overpowering Switzerland with a resounding 5-1 victory in Auckland.
Jorge Vilda’s team rebounded with vigor from their previous 4-0 defeat by Japan in the group stage. Their first-half onslaught proved decisive, with Aitana Bonmati netting twice, alongside strikes from Alba Redondo and Laia Codina (who also inadvertently scored an own goal). Spain’s firm control at halftime ensured their progress.
While Spain scaled down their intensity in the second half, they maintained their dominance on the pitch. Jenny Hermoso contributed the fifth goal, setting up a quarter-final confrontation against either the Netherlands or South Africa.
Switzerland, who had yet to concede in the tournament, had their streak shattered within the first five minutes. Alba Redondo’s initial shot was thwarted by Gaelle Thalmann, only for Redondo to capitalize on the rebound and pass it to Bonmati, who expertly finished from within the box.
Switzerland briefly equalized after six minutes, as Laia Codina mistakenly directed a heavy back pass beyond Cata Coll in the Spanish goal.
Nevertheless, Spain swiftly regained control. Within six minutes, Ona Battle’s cross was deftly redirected by Bonmati, leading to Redondo using her head to put Spain back in the lead.
Spain, determined to distance themselves from the Japan loss, continued to press forward. Bonmati almost extended their lead, but her powerful volley from outside the box was parried away by Thalmann.
Spain’s relentless attack overwhelmed Switzerland, culminating in their third goal in the 36th minute. Redondo supplied the ball to Bonmati, who adeptly maneuvered past two defenders before securing her second goal of the match.
Codina redeemed herself just before halftime by capitalizing on a corner kick scramble, slotting the ball home from close range amidst defensive confusion.
Switzerland made alterations during halftime, but even substitute Meriame Terchoun’s close-range volley was effortlessly caught by Coll.
With 20 minutes left, Spain solidified their lead with a fifth goal. Switzerland’s defensive error was exploited by Hermoso, who raced forward and elegantly curled the ball into the far corner.
Spain nearly added a sixth goal, but Eva Navarro’s long-range attempt was thwarted by Thallmann. This victory marked Spain’s inaugural entrance into the tournament’s quarter-finals.
Jill Ellis, the coach who has won the World Cup twice, openly admits that even she is taken aback by the complete unpredictability of the 2023 tournament, which has witnessed the elimination of six top-20 teams during the group stage.
The most astounding among these upsets occurred on Thursday night, as Germany, ranked second in the world, were eliminated from Group H.
This was a surprising turn of events considering Germany had always advanced to the quarter-finals in their eight previous tournament appearances.
In contrast to the disappointed expressions of the two-time champions, the debutant Moroccan team, ranked 72nd globally, exuded joy. In a viral video clip, they gathered around a phone on the field before erupting into celebration upon discovering that they had secured a spot in the knockout stage.
“It’s been a doozy so far,” said Ellis, who guided the USA to back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2019 and now heads the tournament’s technical study group.
“I think we all feel this. Gone are the days of total predictability. Progress sits very clearly at the core and certainly the competitiveness can be felt [with] giants in the game getting knocked out.
“We see debutants advance to the next round, which I think lends itself to this being just one of the most unpredictable and arguably exciting World Cups we’ve seen to date.
“If I’m candid, I really am surprised. I think when you suddenly see a Germany or a Brazil get knocked out of a World Cup in group stage.
“I don’t think any of us could have predicted that. I’m excited by the development, of course, for sure.
“But I think I was thinking that one more iteration of the World Cup before we started to see even more parity that we’re starting to see right now.”
In addition to Germany, Olympic champions Canada (ranked seventh) and Brazil (ranked eighth) also faced an early exit from the tournament following the group stage. They were accompanied by other top-10 teams such as China (ranked 14th), Italy (ranked 16th), and South Korea (ranked 17th), forming a notable list of high-ranking teams that were eliminated.
This World Cup has witnessed a remarkable first, as three African nations – Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa – all successfully advanced to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Jamaica achieved a historic feat by reaching the last-16 for the first time.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering the ongoing dispute between Jamaican players and their federation regarding pay, resources, and working conditions. The players expressed their concerns openly through a letter shared on social media before the World Cup.
Similar disputes with their respective federations were faced by other qualifying nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, and England. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on their performance in the tournament.
England, for instance, has committed to concentrating on securing their first World Cup victory before revisiting discussions with the Football Association regarding bonus payments and commercial arrangements.
To facilitate preparations, each participating nation in this World Cup received an exclusive fund of £753,830.
As the tournament unfolds, patterns are emerging that suggest a direct connection between investment, resources, and performance.
Notably, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation implemented a comprehensive overhaul in 2009, significantly investing in girls’ and women’s football. In an important move, they established a women’s football academy six years ago, affording players the same facilities as the men’s national team.
Ellis said: “I was blown away by the facility. It’s one of the nicest I’ve ever seen, and it just kind of made me realise that yes, there are federations that are taking this very seriously.”
FIFA’s post-group stage data reveals a heightened level of competition in the tournament. The percentage of goals scored during the first half of matches has risen by nine percent since the 2019 tournament. Additionally, the percentage of goals scored during the first half by teams that did not progress further has increased by 18 percent, transitioning from 5 percent in 2019 to 23 percent in 2023.
Furthermore, a noticeable improvement in goalkeeping quality has been observed by Ellis’ team. The average save percentage has escalated from 70 percent during the previous tournament in France to 77 percent in the current 2023 edition.
Simultaneously, the proportion of matches ending in a draw has surged from eight percent to 21 percent.
Moreover, the influx of players joining clubs in leagues with enhanced resources, coupled with national teams refining their tactical identities based on their unique strengths and weaknesses, adds to the evolving landscape.
These factors combined contribute to making the present Women’s World Cup potentially the most fiercely contested one yet.
Ellis added: “We hear this constant comment about gaps and where are the gaps. We can arguably say that there aren’t gaps. That on any given day, a team can come out here and be competitive against another team.
“And so it’s going to be incredibly exciting to see how this plays out.”
In their debut appearance at the Women’s World Cup, Morocco secured a 1-0 victory against Colombia, earning a spot in the last 16 of the tournament.
Anissa Lahmari scored the crucial goal for the Atlas Lionesses in the dying moments of the first half during the intense match held in Perth, Australia.
In another match of Group H, two-time former champions Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea, resulting in their elimination from the competition.
Both Morocco and Colombia finished the group stage with six points, while Germany obtained four points and South Korea managed only one point.
Colombia topped the group, edging out Morocco on goal difference.
Throughout the first half, both teams created opportunities, but it was in stoppage time that Morocco had a real scoring chance when Colombia’s Daniela Arias committed a foul in the penalty area against forward Ibtissam Jraidi.
Although Las Cafeteras’ goalkeeper, Catalina Perez, made a save on Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty kick, midfielder Lahmari was quick to convert the rebound, securing the victory for Morocco in the ensuing goalmouth scramble.
In the second half, Colombia took control of the game, pushing for an equalizer. In the 59th minute, Daniela Montoya and Lorena Bedoya Durango attempted shots, testing Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Er-Rmichi displayed her skills once again in the 72nd minute, making a crucial save as she tipped teenage striker Linda Caicedo’s shot over the bar.
The match had a frenzied finish, with both teams engaging in end-to-end action. However, Morocco, the newcomer to the World Cup, held on to their lead, continuing their remarkable journey in their debut campaign.
With the elimination of two-time former champions and one of the pre-tournament favorites, Colombia, from the competition, following Brazil, Italy, and Olympic champions Canada, the tournament has seen some surprising results in double-quick time.
“To be honest, it’s still hard to understand,” skipper Alexandra Popp, who scored the German goal and was their chief threat throughout, told German TV network ZDF.
“I still can’t quite understand what happened here.”
Morocco, who were thumped 6-0 by Germany in their opener before beating South Korea 1-0, move on to meet France in Adelaide and Colombia play Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Moroccan fans have had plenty of celebrate with their national teams at the World Cup.
The Atlas Lionesses had created history just by qualifying, and then just by scoring their first win. Beating Colombia to knock Germany out of the tournament was completely unexpected for most.
Morocco’s men’s team also made World Cup history last year. In the 2022 men’s World Cup, the Atlas Lions advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 1986 and became the first African or Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.
In a significant triumph, Morocco secured its spot in the next round of the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Colombia.
This win secured second place in their group.
Surprisingly, Morocco’s progress came at the expense of Germany, one of the tournament’s favorites.
Germany could only manage a 1-1 draw against South Korea, resulting in them finishing in the third spot in the group.
Next Tuesday, Morocco will face France in the round-of-16, marking a crucial match in their journey through the tournament.
Among the African teams, the Atlas Lionesses now join Nigeria and South Africa in the knock-out stages, showcasing the impressive performance of African women’s football in the competition.
Nigeria’s national women’s team, the Super Falcons, has made history in the 2023 Women’s World Cup by becoming the first African team to secure a spot in the knockout phase.
The team’s journey to the Round of 16 was confirmed following a goalless draw against Republic of Ireland in Group B at the Brisbane Stadium.
With this hard-earned draw, the Super Falcons finished as Group B’s runners-up, accumulating 5 points during the group stage.
The Nigerian side displayed remarkable performance, particularly in the first half, where Barcelona striker Oshoala came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, creating the best chance of the match.
In the second half, the former African champions continued their domination, and Kanu’s header posed a serious threat to the Irish goal, only to be brilliantly saved by their goalkeeper.
Oshoala almost capitalized on the rebound, further showcasing Nigeria’s attacking prowess.
With their impressive second-place finish in Group B, the Super Falcons secured their place in the Round of 16, while host country Australia emerged as the group winners.
Australia bounced back from their previous defeat against Nigeria, sealing their position atop the group with an impressive 4-0 victory against Canada.
As the tournament progresses to the knockout stage, Nigeria is set to face the winners of Group D, with England emerging as the likely opponent in this crucial Round of 16 encounter.
The Super Falcons have undoubtedly made their mark on the world stage, and fans and supporters in Nigeria and across the continent eagerly anticipate their continued success in the tournament.
Walking out with six-year-old Asahd as the mascot, Messi held his hand, but the noise in the DRV PNK Stadium seemingly overwhelmed the young boy, causing him to burst into tears.
Messi immediately checked on Asahd and during the pre-match lineup, the World Cup winner placed his reassuring hands on the child’s shoulders.
It was a touching moment, and DJ Khaled, who is a father of three, clearly appreciated Messi’s kind and encouraging gesture towards his son.
Messi’s impact in Florida goes beyond his on-field performances and celebrity status, as he showed his fatherly kindness in this heartwarming incident.
DJ Khaled said: “I’m so proud of my son! Bless @leomessi!!!”
Plenty of other fans hailed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for his classy touch.
One said: “He’s the Goat, a great father, a lovely man. Messi is just perfect.” Another wrote: “A kind attitude GOAT.”
A third added: “This is the reason why we call him GOAT.”
And a fourth wrote: “Ruthless as a player, softie as a person.”
Messi proved that ruthless streak on the pitch once the game got underway.
Just a few days on from his match-winning 94th-minute free-kick on his debut, the former Barcelona legend followed it up with two goals inside the first 22 minutes against Atlanta.
He then added two assists for Robert Taylor as Inter Miami ran out 4-0 winners in the Leagues Cup in front of a host of celebrities.
Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, during a press conference on Wednesday, July 25, 2022,disclosed that the Ghanaian government, in partnership with the Ghana Football Association, has intentions to allocate the World Cup prize money towards preparations for the2023 AFCON and infrastructure development.
The minister confirmed that the GFA has informed the ministry about this decision, indicating their joint commitment to utilizing the funds for the betterment of football in the country.
“The GFA has written to the Ministry that FIFA has transferred the prize money of the 2022 World Cup to the FA,” he said.
He noted that the government and the FA plan have set sight on preparations for AFCON and infrastructure, specifically Ghanaman Soccer Centre in Prampram.
“We are just about going to AFCON. We also want to improve some sports infrastructure. The FA has written to us that they want to improve the infrastructure at Prampram.”
Ghana exited the tournament at the group stage, hence, was entitled to a sum of $9.5 million.
TheBlack Stars were earlier handed $1.5 million as a preparation fee, taking their World Cup participation benefit to $10.5 million.
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced on Monday that basketball player Kyle Anderson, who was born in the US but now holds Chinese citizenship, will represent China at the FIBA World Cup taking place next month.
The 29-year-old forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose Chinese name is Li Kaier, qualified for Chinese citizenship through his great-grandfather on his mother’s side.
Greetings, Anderson! Li Kaier met with Yao Ming, chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, and was granted Chinese citizenship this morning, according to a Weibo post by the nation’s basketball governing body that also included a picture of Anderson and NBA great Yao.
Anderson is China’s first naturalized basketball player and his addition to the national team roster is considered a huge coup.
Anderson confirmed the news in a video posted to his official Weibo account.
“Hello fans in China, this is Li Kaier, I am so happy to announce that I will be representing China in the World Cup. Really proud and honored to wear the Team China jersey,” he said.
It is unclear whether 6-foot-9 (2.06 meters) Anderson had to renounce his US passport in the process. China does not recognize dual nationality.
While a first in basketball, China has acquired a handful of elite athletes with and without Chinese roots through naturalization.
Most notable is US-born freestyle ski sensation Eileen Gu, who won two golds and a silver for China at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Her mother is a first-generation Chinese immigrant.
Gu announced her “incredibly tough decision” to switch from Team USA to China in 2019. She has never publicly shared whether she has renounced her US passport, but eyebrows were raised when she applied for the US Presidential Scholars Program in 2021 – a scheme only open to US citizens or permanent residents.
Gu has dodged questions regarding her citizenship.
“When I’m in China, I’m Chinese. When I’m in the US, I’m American,” she has previously said.
The Chinese government likewise treads carefully around questions on Gu’s nationality and the issue of dual nationality among star athletes remains controversial.
Other naturalized Chinese athletes include Canada-born heptathlete Nina Schultz – also known as Zheng Ninali. She became China’s first naturalized Olympic athlete at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
China’s Beijing 2022 men’s ice hockey team’s 25-man roster famously included only six homegrown players, while a handful of naturalized soccer stars play in the Chinese Super League.
Anderson, who was born in Fairview, New Jersey, averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with the Timberwolves last season.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup begins August 25, joint-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. China faces Serbia in their opening game on August 26.
Australia captain and forward, Sam Kerr, suffered a setback as she was ruled out of two games in the Women’s World Cup, including the opening match against Ireland on Thursday. The 29-year-old sustained a calf injury during a training session a day prior to the announcement.
Kerr’s absence is a significant blow for Tony Gustavsson’s 10th-ranked Matildas, as they are considered strong contenders to win their home tournament. The Chelsea striker holds the record for the all-time leading goalscorer for her country, having netted an impressive 63 goals.
“I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve,” Kerr posted on Instagram barely an hour before kick-off.
“Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.”
The team said she would be re-assessed by the medical team after Australia’s second group stage match on July 27th against Nigeria.
Australia enters the tournament with strong momentum, securing victories in nine out of their last ten games.
Notably, they achieved a remarkable 1-0 win over France in a recent friendly and also put an end to England’s 30-game unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory in April.
However, there were some injury concerns surrounding Sam Kerr after the France game. She was seen with an ice pack on her hamstring when she was substituted in the 62nd minute.
This is the fourth World Cup for Kerr, who spoke about the pride of playing on the global stage in front of a home crowd.
“To be at home and get the feel for it, walk down the streets and see people that are excited or flying around the country to watch us, it’s nice to be able to feel the love,” she said on Wednesday.
“But also we’re really proud to bring this World Cup home and let Australia experience what we do all around the world.”
During Thursday’s match against Ireland, it was anticipated that Stadium Australia would host a capacity crowd. Ireland, making their first appearance at a major tournament, faced Australia in this significant event.
Sam Kerr, who was ruled out due to injury, was seen in the dugout, joining arms with the team’s substitutes as they sang the national anthem.
Kerr watching on from the touchlineProfimedia
Fans entering the stadium were crestfallen to hear the news.
“Oh, that’s not good, that’s very bad, that’s awful, she’s the best player we have so that’s bad for us,” said supporter Matt Starr.
“Very sad, we’re very sad, we came to see Sam Kerr but still Australia to win,” said fan Sue Moar.
Lisa Schibezi called the news “devastating” and hopes Australia make it through the group stage so Kerr has the opportunity to play in Sydney.
“Because this is our only chance to see her in Sydney so if they don’t make it through, we don’t get to see her play in Sydney, so just really really hope she’s okay and we get to see her again,” she said.
As the Lionesses prepare for their World Cup opener, the England players are currently deliberating on which of FIFA’s eight approved armbands Captain Millie Bright will wear, as revealed by midfielder Jordan Nobbs.
Earlier, there was controversy surrounding the rainbow ‘OneLove‘ armband, which led to the possibility of sanctions being imposed on countries, including England and Wales, during the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.
To avoid any potential issues during the upcoming women’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand, FIFA has collaborated with the United Nations to introduce officially sanctioned options.
These armbands can be interchanged or worn throughout the month-long event, ensuring a smooth and inclusive tournament. England’s campaign commences on Saturday with their match against Haiti.
Speaking from the Lionesses team hotel in Brisbane, Nobbs said: “We’ve had some brief conversations, but I think that will be discussed a little bit closer to the game.
“But obviously we know our values and equality etc, so that will be finally finalised soon.”
While FIFA’s ‘Unite’ armbands will highlight a number of social issues, amongst them inclusion, gender equality, indigenous people and peace, there is no specific armband that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and none contain the rainbow colours commonly associated as the colours of pride.
Despite facing criticism, England boss Sarina Wiegman expressed her belief that her players are content with the resolution.
The squad, led by Wiegman, took to social media on Tuesday to release a joint statement, addressing their position on the ongoing discussions with the Football Association. These discussions cover various matters, including performance bonus payments and commercial structures.
In a message from the team posted by Bright, the Lionesses said they were “disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved” but would “pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament”.
Asked if the uncertainty ahead of England’s push for a first World Cup has been difficult, Nobbs replied: “I don’t think it’s difficult.
“I think we’ve had a lot of these conversations, probably over the last however many years, just not everything’s always seen by the public.
“I think together as a team we’re pausing the conversations to obviously focus on the World Cup, but we just want to keep growing the women’s game.
“[Compared to previous negotiations] we have a different group of players, the game’s grown so quickly. So I think conversations have been different, but I think it’s just been to try and fight in the right area of where the game is right now.
“So I think together, between the players and the FA, we’re just trying to go on the same path and obviously have questions between each other.
“It’s not just about money, it’s not just about care, or facilities, I think there’s so many areas we’re trying to grow.
“And we’re trying to obviously just do it in the way that the women’s game has grown as well. So I think it’s about us as a team believing in the next generation as well, having the best possible situation to play football.”
Nobbs has faced a career plagued by injuries, which kept her sidelined during several major tournaments. Back in 2015, she managed to play only one match in the World Cup held in Canada before suffering a hamstring problem.
Subsequently, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevented her from participating in the 2019 World Cup in France, and a knee issue kept her out of England’s successful Euro 2022 campaign.
However, her daring decision to switch from Arsenal to Aston Villa during the January Women’s Super League transfer window proved to be fruitful. Her impressive performances caught the attention of Wiegman, leading to her selection for the squad heading to Australia. So far, she remains fit and healthy, ready to make her mark in the tournament.
21-year-old defender from Sweden, Hanna Lundkvist, has been ruled out of theWomen’s World Cup due to an ankle injury sustained during her team’s final friendly match against the Philippines.
The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) confirmed the news, stating that Lundkvist suffered the injury during a closed-door 5-1 victory over the Philippines.
Despite the efforts of Sweden’s medical staff, Lundkvist will not recover in time to participate in the tournament.
“Further examination that we did in the evening unfortunately showed that Hanna won’t be able to take part in the World Cup.
“The nature of the injury means that we have assessed that the time available during the tournament is not enough to get Hanna back,” team doctor Houman Ebrahimi said in a statement on Tuesday.
Lundkvist will be replaced by Linkoping FC’s Stina Lennartsson, who will travel to join the team ahead of their opening game againstSouth Africa in Wellington on Sunday.
The much-anticipated ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup has arrived, with Australia and New Zealand serving as the hosts for this unique event.
Nigeria, a nine-time African champion, is determined to change their fortunes in the World Cup. They kick off their campaign against Olympic champions Canada in their opening match on Friday at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
In Group B, they will also face the co-hosts Australia and Ireland, making it a challenging group for them.
Making history as the first country from the Arab region to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup, Morocco is eager to leave a lasting impression in Australia and New Zealand 2023. Meanwhile, Zambia faces a tough task in their Group C opener against the 2011 World Champions Japan, followed by matches against Spain and Costa Rica.
South Africa, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, is prepared to make their second appearance in the Women’s World Cup.
They will aim to secure a victory in their first match against Sweden on July 23.
Morocco’s remaining group stage fixtures include a match against South Korea on July 30, followed by a final group stage encounter against Colombia on August 3.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was officially welcomed by the MLS team on Saturday, and on Sunday, he will be introduced to the crowd at a spectacular event called “The Unveil.”
Messi left Paris Saint-Germain in June after spending two years with the French powerhouses and helping Argentina win the World Cup in December.
The 36-year-old at one stage looked close to sealing a return to Barcelona, the club he left in 2021 after coming through their academy and scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances.
Messi opted for a new challenge State-side, however, signing a two-and-a-half year deal.
‘I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,’ said Messi
‘This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
‘The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.’
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is among those who has been laying the groundwork for Messi’s arrival for a number of years, hailing his arrival as the start ‘of the next phase our adventure’.
‘Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city,’ said Beckham.
‘[I wanted] players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
‘Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
‘The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.’
France, often considered underachievers in women’s international football, are aiming to salvage their World Cup campaign with the appointment of Herve Renard as coach.
Despite a turbulent few months that threatened to derail their progress, the late appointment of Renard is hoped to make France genuine contenders.
Renard made the decision to leave his lucrative contract with the Saudi Arabia men’s team in order to respond to his country’s call after Corinne Diacre was dismissed in March.
Diacre had been in charge since 2017 but faced criticism after France’s quarterfinal exit as hosts in the previous World Cup in 2019, losing to the United States.
Leading players’ revolt further contributed to Diacre’s departure, rendering her position untenable.
Captain Wendie Renard had effectively said she would not go to the World Cup, which starts next week, if Diacre stayed because she could “no longer support the current system”.
Fellow stars Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto followed her lead in making their dislike for Diacre clear, and a change had to be made if Les Bleues were to stand any chance of going far in Australia and New Zealand.
The 54-year-old Renard, who is no relation to the France skipper, accepted a deal which will also see him lead the team at the Paris Olympics.
He immediately set about turning the page on the mutiny that cost his predecessor her job.
“I am focused on the present and the future,” he told AFP.
“I have not looked at what happened in the past. I have a fresh view on things having come from outside,” added the man who led Saudi to a stunning victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the group stage of theQatar World Cup.
Big paycut
Renard knows what it takes to win a major international tournament, having lifted the Africa Cup of Nations twice, with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.
He admitted to taking an enormous pay cut to leave the Saudi position.
“If we are talking after tax it is 20 times less,” he said, before adding: “I never hesitated. That is not what will allow me to progress in football, even if it is important.
“What matters to me is the challenge and this is one I have taken on for other reasons. I am convinced I was right to take it.”
France will be expected to advance to the last 16 as group winners as they aim to at least match their best Women’s World Cup performance yet, of fourth place in 2011.
They have gone out of the last two World Cups in the last eight and lost in the semi-finals of last year’s Euro.
If they are to do better this time they will need to overcome injuries, especially to Lyon winger Delphine Cascarino, who was voted the best player in the French league last season.
She is out of the World Cup with a ruptured ACL.
“The absence of Delphine is a huge loss,” admitted Renard.
Prolific striker Katoto has also not recovered from a knee injury in time, while PSG midfielder Oriane Jean-Francois pulled out with an adductor problem.
Norway’s 28-year-old striker, Ada Hegerberg, has expressed her team’s readiness for redemption at the upcoming World Cup.
After a disappointing performance at the European Championships last year, which resulted in an embarrassing early elimination in the group stage, Norway is eager to bounce back.
Despite having talented attackers like Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen from Barcelona, and Guro Reiten from Chelsea, Norway struggled to find the net in the previous tournament.
They only managed to score in a 4-1 victory over Northern Ireland, but were heavily defeated 8-0 by England and suffered a 1-0 loss to Austria, leading to their elimination.
Under the guidance of new coach Hege Riise, Hegerberg anticipates a stronger defensive performance and improved efficiency in front of goal from Norway in their Group A matches against co-hosts New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Philippines.
“I think the most important thing is to be tactically prepared, that each player knows their role very clearly … and that we use the qualities we have,” Hegerberg said in an online press conference from their training camp in Auckland on Thursday.
“We will have to be very disciplined in the way we want to play, defensively and offensively. Once again, it’s about being prepared, and clearly if we feel we’ve prepared well we will take that with us into the first game.”
Hegerberg, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 as the world’s best female player, said that Norway cannot be considered among the favourites, despite being one of the few nations to have won the Women’s World Cup in the past.
“We have to go into this with a strong collective feeling that we belong here, that we are in a position that we want to show a strong face to those that follow us, especially Norwegians, and really work very hard, nothing is for free,” Hegerberg explained.
With a friendly behind closed doors against Portugal to come on July 16th, the Norwegians have been using their time in camp to fine-tune things, and winger Reiten believes that things have improved since the disappointment of the Euros a year ago.
“We’ve all become one year older, we have a little more experience. Everyone has shown in their clubs that they have taken steps forward as football players,” Reiten said.
“We have our new coaching team and a slightly new way of playing, which is maybe a little more defensively focused, so over the last year we’ve shown that we’ve taken some steps and gotten good results against good nations,” she added.
Reiten may be among the big names in the squad, but she stressed that it will take the best effort of all 23 players if they are to succeed.
“Football is a team game, and what we are going to do here, we are going to do together,” she said.
Former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, has revealed that the Ghanaian national team felt incomplete during the 2006 and 2010 World Cups due to the absence of Laryea Kingston.
Kingston, a key player who played a crucial role in the team’s qualification, was unfortunately suspended and missed Ghana’s opening game in the 2006 tournament.
However, despite his significant contributions, he was surprisingly excluded from the final squad for Ghana’s historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
Appiah, speaking on Joy Sports, attributed the decision to naivety, suggesting that the team could have benefited from Kingston’s presence, similar to how England relied on Wayne Rooney during the same period.
“We were naive [in 2006] about the rules… England took Rooney to the World Cup despite him being on suspension.
“If we had that knowledge in 2006, we would have pleaded with the GFA to add Laryea to the team because it was two games,” he told Joy Sports’ Prime Take.
Laryea yet again missed out on Ghana’s final squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after he was drooped from the provisional squad.
“I am [pained] because Laryea was one of the players that when I look back, even though we played at the World Cup in 2006 and 2010, it looks as if we were not complete.
The former Juventus midfielder believes Kingston deserved and earned the right to play at the World Cup due to the sacrifices he made for the team.
“Not because of his football but he should have been there because of his sacrifices. He was part of those who sacrificed. To date, I still feel bad.”
Laryea Kingston disclosed that he was pained by the decisions to drop him for the two edition but that of the2010 World Cup left him devastated.
“The 2010 World Cup was the one that finished me. Immediately after the 2006 World Cup, I joined the team again and I played all the games in the qualifies the friendly games and I was out again,” he said on MX24.
He added, “I was not on suspension and I don’t know what happened. A day before they moved to South Africa, I was asked to go home. I am still searching for answers and criteria they used to take me out.”
The president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Patrice Motsepe, has stepped in to resolve a salary dispute between the South Africa women’s football team and the national federation.
The team’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s World Cup were thrown into disarray ahead of their final warm-up game against Botswana. In protest, the Banyana Banyana team boycotted the match and refused to sign contracts due to concerns over bonuses.
While FIFA had guaranteed each player $30,000 (£24,000) for their participation in the tournament, this amount was not included in the contracts provided to the players.
Patrice Motsepe, a wealthy South African businessman who also serves as the president of Caf, and his wife Precious Moloi, played a pivotal role in mediating an agreement between the two parties. Their foundation made a donation towards the players’ bonuses, helping to resolve the issue.
The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to commence later this month, with Australia and New Zealand as the host countries.
