ReportWire

Tag: FIFA World Cup

  • Congo beats Nigeria in penalty shootout to advance to World Cup intercontinental playoffs

    [ad_1]

    RABAT, Morocco — Congo advanced to the World Cup intercontinental playoffs after beating Nigeria in a Sunday night penalty shootout.

    Chancel Mbemba struck the decisive spot kick to seal a 4-3 shootout victory for Congo after the final playoff match of African qualifying ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat, Morocco.

    Congo’s victory secured its place in FIFA’s six-team intercontinental playoff tournament in March that will send two teams to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Nigeria led after three minutes of the game through Frank Onyeka’s goal before Mechak Elia leveled for Congo in the 32nd.

    Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, was substituted at halftime.

    Mbemba had scored in added time in Congo’s 1-0 win against Cameroon on Thursday to secure a place in the final. This time he was the hero in the shootout.

    Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Ronaldo risks ban at World Cup after red card for elbowing Ireland defender in qualifying game

    [ad_1]

    DUBLIN (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo is at serious risk of being banned for the first game of the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualifies as expected.

    The soccer superstar was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in the second half of a qualifying game Thursday that Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin.

    Ronaldo will serve a mandatory one-game ban imposed for any red card when Portugal hosts Armenia on Sunday knowing a win will secure a place at the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    FIFA disciplinary rules require its judges to impose a ban of “at least two matches for serious foul play.”

    The ban should be “at least three matches for violent conduct” or “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

    A FIFA ban would apply to competitive games and could not be served in pre-tournament exhibitions.

    Ronaldo spun round and swung his right elbow into O’Shea’s back as they waited for the ball to be crossed around the hour mark at Aviva Stadium with Ireland holding a surprise 2-0 lead.

    The referee issued a yellow card but minutes later upgraded it to red after a video review at the pitchside monitor.

    Ronaldo curled his lips in a wry look as he walked off the field being jeered and mocked by Ireland fans.

    He stopped and looked at the fans, clapped his hands toward them and raised two thumbs up in an apparent sarcastic gesture.

    Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February, is aiming to play at a record sixth World Cup tournament.

    The tournament draw is made Dec. 5 in Washington DC when Portugal, if it qualifies, will learn its schedule of three opponents in the group stage.

    Ireland forward Troy Parrott had scored twice in the first half Thursday to revive Irish hopes of qualification likely through the playoffs ahead of facing second-place Hungary on Sunday.

    Portugal tops Group F with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary. Ireland is third with seven points.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • New Sweden coach Potter aims to ease pain of losing before 2026 World Cup playoffs

    [ad_1]

    GENEVA (AP) — New Sweden coach Graham Potter wants to help players deal with the frustration of losing 2026 World Cup qualifying games, with the team set to have a second chance in playoffs next year.

    Potter’s first game with Sweden — seven weeks after the Englishman was fired by West Ham — is on Saturday at qualifying group leader Switzerland, which can book its place at the World Cup in North America with a win.

    Sweden’s three-game losing run, including at home to the Swiss last month, cost previous coach Jon Dahl Tomasson his job and left the team last in the four-team group.

    Potter’s likely task on an initial short-term contract is to steer Sweden through the European playoffs in March, which it should enter because of winning a Nations League one year ago. FIFA makes the 16-team playoffs draw next Thursday in Zurich.

    “The team is in a difficult situation,” Potter acknowledged on Friday. “Results-wise the campaign hasn’t gone how we wanted it to go. When that happens there’s a lot of pain, there’s frustration.”

    He said he’s setting a goal “to help players feel better on the pitch.”

    Potter has worked on the emotional side of team building with his players, while describing messages on the field as “relatively clear, relatively simple.”

    Sweden has a talented squad though injuries currently leave Potter without Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres plus Tottenham pair Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall.

    Isak available

    Liverpool forward Alexander Isak, signed for an English record transfer fee of 125 million pounds ($170 million) in September, is available, Potter said, but cannot play two full games against Switzerland and at home to Slovenia on Tuesday.

    “We have to be smart with him,” said Potter, who has returned to Sweden after his last two jobs in England ended abruptly at Chelsea in 2023 and at West Ham.

    He made his admired reputation by taking small-town club Ostersund from the fourth tier to the top, and won a Swedish Cup title, in seven years through 2018.

    Potter spoke Swedish for most of a half-hour news conference at Stade de Genève. It’s a rare talent among English coaches who have worked abroad.

    “I speak to a lot of the players in English because it’s better for them and easier for me,” he said. “I also think it’s important for me to improve my Swedish.”

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Infantino says ‘you will see’ at World Cup draw if Trump receives new FIFA peace prize

    [ad_1]

    MIAMI (AP) — FIFA has announced the creation of a peace prize, which it plans to award for the first time at the draw for the World Cup on Dec. 5 in Washington.

    The award, called the FIFA Peace Prize, will “recognize exceptional actions for peace,” soccer’s governing body said Wednesday. But FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has a close relationship with President Donald Trump, would not tip his hand Wednesday when asked if Trump will be the first recipient of the award.

    “On the 5th of December, you will see,” Infantino said. He was speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, shortly after Trump addressed the same event.

    Infantino said earlier Wednesday that, “in an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.” FIFA said the award, which Infantino will present this year, will be bestowed annually “on behalf of fans from all around the world.”

    Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize last month despite lobbying from fellow Republicans, various world leaders and himself. And Infantino made no secret of the ties between himself, FIFA and Trump in his remarks Wednesday.

    “I’m really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, who I consider really a close friend,” Infantino said. “Of course, he’s been very, very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup. … He has such an incredible energy and this is something that I really admire. He does things. He does what he says. He says what he thinks. He says, actually, what many people think as well, but maybe don’t dare to say. And that’s why he’s so successful.”

    FIFA recently added another link to Trump by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project part-funded by 2026 World Cup ticket sales.

    The World Cup draw, and the awarding of the peace prize, is expected to draw about 1 billion viewers worldwide, Infantino said.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Boston World Cup organizers concerned over state funding

    [ad_1]

    With just over 200 days left until Boston takes the world stage as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local organizers said Massachusetts has yet to deliver the funding they were expecting.

    The organizers are warning that it could mean scaling back major fan events and services.

    Boston Soccer 26 CEO Mike Loynd said the group is still waiting on $20 million included in Gov. Maura Healey’s supplemental spending proposal.

    President Donald Trump said he would consider moving the World Cup matches Boston is set to host next year, questioning the city’s safety.

    So far, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has earmarked only $10 million, while the state’s Senate has set aside $5 million to support public transit to the matches.

    “It certainly would be downscaled, if not very limited, if we didn’t have the funding from the state,” said Loynd.

    He said that he’s worked on a dozen major events, including the 1994 World Cup, and that the economic return for Massachusetts would far outweigh the cost.

    “Every dollar spent will be returned five-fold, at a minimum, if not tenfold,” Loynd said. “So for us, yeah, it’s about maximizing this opportunity.”

    President Donald Trump is threatening to move 2026 World Cup matches out of host city Boston, citing safety and the politics of Mayor Michelle Wu. Wu issued a brief statement on the tournament hours later.

    Healey said she’s continuing to press lawmakers to approve the funding.

    “I put forward a request for funding,” she said. “It’s currently with the Legislature now, and I’ll continue to have conversations with them about this.”

    Massachusetts House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said the Legislature is mindful of the event’s potential, but must also balance other priorities.

    “We put on major events before. We put on World Cup games before. I think we know how to do it, and we’re going to do it right,” Michlewitz said. “We certainly have to make sure we’re taking care of our everyday residents and not just about issues that are one-time events.”

    The first batch of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are officially on sale, but getting them has not been easy.

    Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues has said the Senate’s $5 million allocation is meant to help support public transit to the matches — and that senators are open to providing more funding down the road.

    “As a longtime fan of European football, and the Portuguese National Team in particular, I am very excited to see Massachusetts host the 2026 World Cup, right here in our backyard,” he said in a statement to NBC10 Boston. “Earlier this year, the Senate proposed and secured $5 million to help support public transit associated with World Cup travel to Foxborough. I welcome future discussions about how the Commonwealth can continue to help the event be successful and look forward to having those conversations,” he said in a statement to NBC 10 Boston.

    Organizers said that without the full $20 million, cuts could include fewer promotional events, no backup shuttle buses to move fans to and from Foxborough in the event the MBTA trains fail, and a smaller fan fest planned for downtown Boston.

    Loynd said he expects to get reassurances from legislators this week.

    [ad_2]

    Oscar Margain

    Source link

  • FIFA opens 2nd phase of World Cup ticket sales with slots for US, Canada, Mexico

    [ad_1]

    FIFA began the process of selling another 1 million tickets for next year’s World Cup on Monday, with the opening of a new ticket draw marking the start of the tournament’s second phase of sales.

    This draw, which runs through 11 a.m. Eastern Friday, includes a domestic exclusivity time slot for residents of the three host countries — the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Fans from those countries, whose entries are selected out of this draw, will have the opportunity to buy single-match tickets for games taking place inside their home nation.

    The phase is open to all fans, regardless of which country they live.

    “We already have seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, and especially from within the host countries as Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet,” said Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer. “This second phase, with its host country domestic exclusivity time slot, will allow us to say ‘thank you’ to these local fans, while ensuring global opportunity as well.”

    Those fans from the U.S, Canada and Mexico who enter the draw before it closes Friday have a chance to receive, through what FIFA says is a randomized process, a time slot during which they can buy tickets starting on Nov. 12. Those slots will be issued through Nov. 15. Fans who win those chances will receive word at least 48 hours before their time slot opens.

    Residents of the three host countries — the U.S., Canada and Mexico, in that order — purchased more tickets than those from any other nation in the initial phase of ticketing. England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France, in that order, rounded out the top 10.

    Once the domestic exclusivity time slot ends, more fans will be eligible to obtain a purchasing slot starting on Nov. 17. Additional tickets will be made available in subsequent phases, FIFA said.

    FIFA announced earlier this month that more than 1 million tickets have already been sold for next year’s World Cup, with people from 212 different countries and territories having already purchased. So far, 28 of the 48 spots for teams in the field have been filled.

    The start of ticket sales doesn’t take away from how there are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. An international friendly match between defending World Cup champion Argentina — featuring Lionel Messi — and Puerto Rico was moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, because of lagging ticket sales that some believe were in response to the immigration crackdown.

    Based on the listed stadium attendance figures, there are roughly 7.1 million seats to fill for the 104 matches for the tournament around 16 North American venues. It is unknown how many of those seats will be available for sale to the public.

    Ticket data has shown that the lowest-priced seats — set at $60 — were available for at least 40 matches. Almost all seats for the vast majority of matches were set at a much higher price. The opening match for the U.S., to be played at Inglewood, California, had prices ranging from $560 to $2,735 when sales opened. On the resale site, at least one ticket for that opening U.S. match on June 12 was listed for more than $60,000 earlier this month.

    Fans with the option to purchase could choose seats in one of four categories; Category 1 is what FIFA officials call the best seats, Category 4 is somewhere around the tops of stadiums. Ticket costs are expected to fluctuate as soccer’s biggest event utilizes dynamic pricing for the first time.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • FIFA announces over 1 million tickets sold for 2026 World Cup in North America

    [ad_1]

    MIAMI (AP) — More than 1 million tickets have already been sold for next year’s World Cup, FIFA said Thursday in its first update on numbers since the official start of sales began earlier this month.

    The highest demand, as would be expected, were from buyers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — the three nations that will play host to the tournament. FIFA said people from 212 different countries and territories have already purchased, even though only 28 of the 48 spots in the field have been filled.

    Rounding out the top-10 countries in terms of tickets purchased already: England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France, in order, FIFA said. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19.

    “As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a release.

    He added, “It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere.”

    FIFA also announced that its resale site has opened — and tickets for the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were available there at prices ranging from $9,538 to $57,500 per seat as of Thursday afternoon.

    FIFA did not reveal any specific figures about how many tickets have been sold for certain matches or offer any breakdowns by host site. It also has not issued a grid of list prices for tickets, as it has for each previous World Cup since at least 1990.

    The buyers who purchased the tickets in this first round of availability were selected out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month. The entry period for the next draw will open to fans on Oct. 27, FIFA said, noting that single-match tickets to all 104 games, along with venue- and team-specific tickets, will be released.

    Based on the listed stadium attendance figures, there are roughly 7.1 million seats to fill for the 104 matches for the tournament around 16 North American venues. It is unknown how many of those seats will be available for sale to the public.

    Ticket data has shown that the lowest-priced seats — set at $60 — were available for at least 40 matches. Almost all seats for the vast majority of matches were set at a much higher price. The opening match for the U.S., to be played at Inglewood, California, had prices ranging from $560 to $2,735 when sales opened. On the resale site, at least one ticket for that opening U.S. match on June 12 was listed for $61,642 on Thursday.

    Fans with the option to purchase could choose seats in one of four categories; Category 1 is what FIFA officials call the best seats, Category 4 is somewhere around the tops of stadiums. Ticket costs are expected to fluctuate as soccer’s biggest event utilizes dynamic pricing for the first time.

    Winners in the second phase of the ticket draw will be able to purchase from mid-November to early December. A third phase, termed a random selection draw, will start after the final draw of teams on Dec. 5 determines the World Cup schedule.

    FIFA has said tickets also will be available closer to the tournament “on a first-come, first-served basis.”

    Los Angeles Lakers guard — and Real Madrid fan — Luka Doncic was announced Thursday as the latest ambassador for the World Cup matches that will be played in Southern California next year.

    Doncic speaks four languages, making the native of Slovenia well-suited to be part of the official group that will welcome the soccer world to the Los Angeles area.

    “I’ve always been a football fan,” Doncic said. “Los Angeles is a great city full of amazing people who love to play and watch every sport. I can’t wait for the World Cup and it’s an honor to help bring people together through a sport that connects so many cultures around the globe.”

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Snipers on stadium roof amid heavy security for Italy’s win over Israel in World Cup qualifying

    [ad_1]

    UDINE, Italy — UDINE, Italy (AP) — The World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel took place amid a heavy police presence that included snipers on the stadium roof.

    Italy won 3-0 Tuesday in a game that soccer and security authorities had placed in the highest risk category despite a breakthrough ceasefire deal that has paused two years of war in Gaza.

    There were skirmishes between protesters and police nearby on the streets of Udine at a pro-Palestinian demonstration before the match, but no serious disruptions at the venue during the game. Although, stadium staff had to act quickly to prevent some fans from running onto the field carrying Palestinian flags.

    “Today wasn’t easy for us,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said. “I want to thank the police who have done an incredible job in these days.”

    The Israel team bus was escorted to the stadium by 13 police vehicles, including some from the special forces, and several motorbikes.

    The sound of helicopters over the city had filled the air from early morning, with drones spotted in the sky and snipers also seen on the roof of the Israel team’s hotel.

    In the city center, around 10,000 people attended a pro-Palestinian march which was incident free for nearly three hours before arriving at its final stop. Then about 50 people — with their faces covered — started clashing with police, who used water cannons and tear gas to try and disperse them.

    The group was apparently trying to get past the police cordons to head toward the stadium, which is on the outskirts of the city. They threw metal barriers and other objects at riot police, fired flares and set fire to garbage cans.

    Public broadcaster RAI said one of its journalists was taken to a hospital after being hit in the face by a rock.

    Many shops and restaurants decided not to open for business Tuesday and there were strict rules for those that did — including the removal of any outdoor furniture or other objects that could potentially be used as weapons.

    Italy also played Israel a year ago in Udine, which was chosen because of its location in north-east Italy, near the Slovenian border, and the ease of isolating the stadium, where road blocks were set up all around.

    The area was declared a “red zone,” and supporters were strongly advised to arrive early because of rigorous security checks, with everyone attending having to pass through metal detectors.

    Fewer than 10,000 tickets were sold for the qualifier at the 25,000-seat Stadio Friuli, and there appeared to be fewer people inside the stadium than at the demonstration.

    The staging of the game was thrown into doubt last month when UEFA considered suspending Israel over the war and Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni called for the game to be postponed.

    “Honestly it wasn’t easy … for many days we were always there thinking that maybe there was the possibility of not playing the match,” Gattuso said. “We came, we prepared for it with an environment that we knew was not a festive environment and we felt that.”

    There were boos from some fans when the Israeli anthem was played but many other people in the stadium tried to drown that out with loud applause.

    Mateo Retegui converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime and doubled his tally with a curled strike into the top right corner in the 74th minute. Gianluca Mancini headed in a third goal for Italy in stoppage time.

    Italy secured at least a playoff spot as it attempts to avoid missing a third straight World Cup.

    The Azzurri are second in their group, three points behind Norway and six ahead of Israel, which has played one game more than Italy.

    Only the group winner advances directly to next year’s tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The second-place finisher progresses to a playoff — the stage where four-time champion Italy was eliminated during qualifying for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • “Simplified version” of VAR emerging as vital at Under-20 World Cup soccer tournament

    [ad_1]

    SANTIAGO, Chile — SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — FIFA is employing an alternative review system that allows coaches to appeal two referee’s decisions per match at the Under-20 soccer World Cup in Chile

    The football video support (FVS) is a “simplified version” of VAR and has transformed the youth tournament into a testing ground for new technologies.

    Cards that vary between blue and purple are held by coaches, who are in charge of requesting reviews.

    During the group stage, its use has proven crucial, defining the course of several matches played in the cities of Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua and Talca. The system was deployed in more than a dozen matches in the early part of the tournament.

    FVS was first used when South Korea coach Lee Chang-Won used a card for the first time during the opening match against Ukraine. He challenged a penalty, but the request was ultimately ruled out by the referee.

    Since then, the review system has had a role in several matches. Of the 12 games in the first round of the group stage, the “light VAR” was used in seven.

    It proved decisive in Norway’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria after a review of a handball by Nigeria defender Ahmed Akinyele, which American referee Joe Dickerson had ignored.

    FVS also disallowed a goal in Argentina’s 4-1 win against Australia — the review denying a tying goal for the Socceroos.

    Mexico’s use of the system helped it overturn a penalty decision in a match they ended up tying 2-2 against Spain. It also led to Paraguay winger Enso González being red-carded after kicking South Korea striker Hyeon-oh Kim.

    Unlike VAR, which uses special cameras and a supporting team of officials, FVS referees review their decisions based on images captured by the television broadcast, without further assistance.

    According to world soccer’s ruling body FIFA, the FVS system aims to “democratize football by introducing video review technology as a complementary option,” not only for top-level competitions but also for those that “could not afford VAR infrastructure,” thanks to its low cost and simplified operation.

    Coaches can only appeal in four specific situations: whether or not there was a goal; whether or not there was a penalty, over a direct red card, or in case of suspicion that a card was not shown to the correct offender.

    The system had already been tested by FIFA in other competitions, such as the 2024 Youth Championship/Blue Stars in Switzerland and the 2025 Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, and it is expected to be expanded to other youth categories.

    Some have praised the system, but others have expressed reluctance.

    “It’s a good tool to avoid constantly stopping the game,” said Chile coach Nicolás Córdova after a 2-0 loss against Japan.

    Some fans, however, have criticized the long waiting periods until a decision is made.

    “In a game like this, we had 10 extra minutes because they stopped the whole time to review things that clearly hadn’t happened,” Brazilian fan Tiago Dias said after his country lost 2-1 against Morocco.

    Some coaches, such as Morocco’s Mohamed Ouahbi, said they would make extensive use of the tool, regardless of whether there was a violation or not.

    “I’m going to use the card because the option is there. We have two cards and we have to use them,” Ouahbi said.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Rodri out of Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers after injury sustained in Man City match

    [ad_1]

    MADRID — MADRID (AP) — Midfielder Rodri has been dropped from Spain’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying games because of an injury sustained when playing for Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend.

    Spain said Monday that Rodri will not play against Georgia and Bulgaria during the international break. The Spanish soccer federation said it made the decision after receiving the results of medical tests conducted by Man City.

    Spain is already missing young Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal because of a groin ailment.

    Rodri was forced off with a suspected hamstring problem in the first half of Man City’s 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday, the latest injury blow to hit last year’s Ballon d’Or winner.

    Rodri said after the game he “felt a little bit in the hamstring but it seems like it’s not that much.”

    “I stretched the leg a little bit, a bit like in the Euros final. I stretched a little bit but it’s part of the process,” he said. “I don’t feel that I feel tired muscle-wise, I feel fresh but the most important thing is it’s not that big.”

    Rodri said “the good thing is the break so it will be even better in this sense to recover these days and hopefully I can be in the next game.”

    Rodri looked forlorn as he walked gingerly off the field in the 21st minute, moments after slumping to the ground while clutching the back of his right leg. He was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.

    Rodri sustained ACL damage in September last year that kept him out for eight months. He missed the start of this season after picking up another injury, reportedly to his groin, at the Club World Cup and has complained of knee pain in recent weeks.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Kylian Mbappé’s status for World Cup qualifiers is unclear as coach awaits medical update

    [ad_1]

    Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, centre, celebrates with Vinicius Junior, left, and Brahim Diaz after scoring his side’s third goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

    The Associated Press

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • FIFA’s Infantino urges soccer to promote peace and takes no action against Israel

    [ad_1]

    GENEVA — Facing growing global calls to suspend Israeli teams from soccer, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday the governing body must promote peace and unity and could not solve political issues.

    In a febrile period for soccer politics, Infantino led a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council in Zurich which did not have Israel formally on the agenda before 2026 World Cup qualifying games resume next week.

    He later met privately at FIFA headquarters with the leader of the Palestinian soccer federation, Jibril Rajoub, and praised his organization “for their resilience at this time.”

    The strongest push against Israeli teams by European soccer leaders during the two-year conflict in Gaza was paused after a peace proposal on Monday in the White House by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Infantino stressed to his 37-member council “the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Gaza,” FIFA said in a news release that did not refer directly to Israel.

    “FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems,” Infantino said in the statement, “but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”

    FIFA did not schedule a news conference and Infantino was not made available for interviews.

    The Israel men’s team should now travel to play World Cup qualifiers against Norway in Oslo on Oct. 11 and Italy in Udine three days later.

    Norway was among European soccer federations urging UEFA to call a vote of its executive committee ahead of the FIFA meeting in Zurich on suspending Israeli teams from international competitions. Turkey’s soccer body directly called on UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel.

    Any vote of the 20-member UEFA panel seemed likely to pass, people familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press, despite opposition from some members including Israel and Germany.

    FIFA and Infantino — who has built close ties to Trump ahead of the U.S. co-hosting the World Cup next year with Canada and Mexico — were never likely to follow any UEFA vote. That prospect became even more distant last week when the U.S. State Department said it would work to protect Israel’s status in soccer.

    The Trump-Netanyahu peace proposal on Monday also was quickly welcomed by governments in the Middle East including Qatar, a key supporter of the Palestinian people. Qatar’s prime minister received an apology from Netanyahu, by telephone from the White House, for a Sept. 9 military strike on Doha that targeted Hamas officials.

    Qatar also has close commercial and sports political ties to UEFA, whose President Aleksander Ceferin attended the FIFA meeting Thursday. Also there was Nasser al-Khelaifi, the influential head of the 700-member European Club Association network of teams and president of Paris Saint-Germain, the Qatar-owned Champions League titleholder. Al-Khelaifi also is a member of Qatar’s government.

    Before going to FIFA, Rajoub had been in Switzerland and met Wednesday with International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne.

    A post on Infantino’s Instagram account said he and Rajoub met to “discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region.”

    There was no mention of progress at FIFA in two investigations it set up last year after a formal request by the Palestinian soccer body to suspend Israel.

    FIFA requested a disciplinary investigation into possible discrimination by the Israeli soccer federation and a separate governance panel is looking into “the participation in Israeli competitions of Israeli football teams allegedly based in the territory of Palestine.” FIFA has given no timetable for the two cases to be resolved.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • US will increase staffing at embassies and consulates to handle visas for World Cup fans

    [ad_1]

    WASHINGTON — The State Department will increase staffing at certain U.S. embassies and consulates to accommodate an expected major jump in visa applications from soccer fans wanting to attend World Cup matches in the United States next year.

    The department said Thursday will send hundreds of additional consular officers to “designated countries” to handle the demand for visa interviews. The number of staffers and the countries where they will go have yet to be determined because the 48-team field for the 2026 World Cup has not been finalized.

    Tickets for the tournament hosted by U.S., Canada and Mexico went on sale Wednesday amid concerns over the Trump administration’s crackdown on migration and temporary visas that offer permission to enter the United States.

    The new visa policies have already seen the deportations of numerous foreigners deemed to have engaged in activity or speech that the Republican administration says run counter to its positions. Those policies include enhanced checking of applicants’ social media accounts and other public statements.

    World Cup travelers coming to the U.S. from the mainly European and Asian countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program will not likely require an interview. But fans from countries not enrolled in the program and who do not already hold valid tourist or business visas will need to apply, a process that requires an in-person interview and enhanced security screening.

    The State Department said it “is prepared to meet the demand while maintaining rigorous vetting requirements.”

    In roughly 80% of countries that have either qualified for the World Cup or may qualify, visa interview appointments can be scheduled within two months or less, the department said.

    To deal with the anticipated boost in demand and improve the speed of processing, the department said that in the coming months, it would “send hundreds of staff to designated countries” to interview fans who do not already have a valid a U.S. visa.

    The department said fans should begin the visa application process now and noted that visa and passport operations will remain in operation during the U.S. government shutdown that began Wednesday.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Bolivia beats Brazil 1-0 to advance to World Cup playoff from South American qualifying

    [ad_1]

    EL ALTO, Bolivia — Miguel Terceros scored from a penalty in the first half and Bolivia downed Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in South American qualifying which combined with Colombia’s win over Venezuela helped the Bolivians advance to the playoff tournament for the 2026 World Cup.

    Terceros converted in the 45th minute for the Bolivians who defeated Brazil at home for the first time since 2019.

    The playoff tournament will involve six nations and will be played in March’s international window to decide the last two spots for the World Cup to be played next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Bolivia is aiming to qualify for its fourth World Cup and first since 1994.

    Uruguay, Colombia and Uruguay were the most recent South American teams to qualify for next year’s World Cup last week and the final round of the qualifiers was meant to decide the team to advance to the international playoff.

    The Colombians, who finished in third place in the qualifiers, helped Bolivia’s cause by rolling past Venezuela 6-3 with a big night from striker Luis Diaz, who scored four goals.

    Diaz, a Sporting Club player, scored in the 42nd, 50th, 59th and 67th minutes. Yerry Mina in the 10th and Jhon Cordoba in the 75 also scored.

    Also on Tuesday, Enner Valencia scored on a penalty kick late in the first half and Ecuador defeated reigning champions Argentina 1-0.

    The 35-year-old Valencia converted in the 45th minute for the Ecuadorians, who finished second in the South American standings with 29 points behind the Argentinians’ 38.

    Lionel Messi, who played his last official match at home last Thursday, did not suit up.

    Meanwhile, Uruguay finished the qualifying tournament with a scoreless draw against Chile, and Paraguay defeated Peru 1-0.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Messi’s Argentina held 1-1 by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifying

    Messi’s Argentina held 1-1 by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifying

    [ad_1]

    SAO PAULO — Lionel Messi’s Argentina drew Venezuela 1-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying match Thursday that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin.

    Argentina, which leads the 10-team round-robin competition, now has 19 points after nine matches. Colombia, with 16 points, remains in second place after losing 1-0 at Bolivia.

    The two results momentarily put Brazil out of automatic World Cup berths, in seventh place with 10 points. The Brazilians will face Chile in Santiago later on Thursday.

    Argentina’s lead in the competition could be reduced on Friday if Uruguay, with 15 points, wins at Peru.

    Defender Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute. He pushed the ball to the empty net after a cross by Messi and a mistake by goalkeeper Rafael Romo. Salomón Rondón equalized in the 65th minute with a header.

    Colombia, the last unbeaten team in South American qualifying, was shocked at Bolivia in the Municipal Stadium in the city of El Alto, more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Bolivia moved into fifth place with 12 points after its first win in 21 years against the Colombians.

    Miguel Terceros, also known as Miguelito, scored the winning goal for Bolivia in the 58th minute with a powerful shot after dribbling through two defenders.

    Bolivia had lost Héctor Cuellar to a straight red card in the 21st minute after a gruesome tackle that forced the substitution of striker Roger Martinez, but the team remained competitive until the end of the match in its high-altitude stadium.

    Also on Thursday, Ecuador and Paraguay drew 0-0.

    The Ecuadorians are in fourth place with 12 points, while Paraguay remains out of an automatic qualifying spot with 10 points.

    The top six teams in the round-robin competition will secure automatic berths at the 2026 World Cup.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 2026 World Cup Qualifying

    2026 World Cup Qualifying

    [ad_1]

    Top two teams in each group qualify

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Chinese soccer not improving despite president’s pledge to make it better

    Chinese soccer not improving despite president’s pledge to make it better

    [ad_1]

    TOKYO — Chinese President Xi Jinping is reported to be a big soccer fan, and he promised in a 2015 document to resuscitate the men’s national team, damaged by abysmal results on the global stage and widespread corruption in local leagues.

    He cannot be happy.

    Japan defeated China 7-0 on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier in Saitama, Japan, a brutal loss that came against one of China’s biggest sports and geopolitcal rivals in Asia. It was China’s most lopsided loss against Japan, and a historic loss in World Cup qualifying.

    China’s national team coach Branko Ivankovic of Croatia called it a “most difficult night,” as quoted in English by the official Xinhua news agency, which termed the loss “humiliating.”

    Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma scored in the first half on a night of Asian World Cup qualifiers. Takumi Minamino scored twice in the second half with others from Daizen Maeda, Junya Ito and Takefusa Kubo.

    “It was a tough match,” Xinhua quoted Ivankovic as saying. “And as a coach, this was the most difficult night for me.”

    Reaction in China was muted on state media. The China Sports Daily had a very short story titled: “China lost to Japan in World Cup qualifier” with few details.

    But there was more discussion on Chinese social media.

    Zhang Feng, a journalist and commentator with a popular blog, was direct.

    “Football cannot be boosted by singing odes, or telling stories,” he wrote. “It needs skill, and physical and tactical training. It cannot be accomplished through politics.”

    Tang Yinghong. a prolific writer with a large following, suggested football is not a good fit for China, which won 40 gold medals in the recent Paris Olympics to tie the United States. Some were in sports like diving and others that do not have a large global following.

    “In my opinion, let’s just let football develop on its own,” Tang wrote. “Leaders should not place high hopes on the sport, and the government needn’t give it a lot of care.”

    China has nine more qualifying matches remaining, and still has a shot at reaching the expanded, 48-team World Cup in 2026, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. But even with the larger and weakened field, China still might not make it.

    China has qualified only once for the World Cup. It lost all three matches in 2002 and failed to score a goal.

    China is No. 87 in the most recent FIFA rankings for men’s teams, just below the Caribbean island of Curaçao (population 150,000), and just above the African nation of Equatorial Guinea (1.7 million). China’s population is about 1.4 billion.

    ___

    Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this report.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Argentina wins record 16th Copa America title, beats Colombia 1-0 after Messi gets hurt

    Argentina wins record 16th Copa America title, beats Colombia 1-0 after Messi gets hurt

    [ad_1]

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Argentina won its second straight Copa America championship, overcoming Lionel Messi’s second-half leg injury to beat Colombia 1-0 Sunday night on Lautaro Martínez’s 112th-minute goal.

    Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute and covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench and sobbed.

    Martínez later ran to that bench to hug his captain after the goal that propelled Argentina to its record 16th Copa title.

    In a match that started 1 hour, 22 minutes late because of crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina won its third straight major title following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup and matched Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.

    Argentina also stopped Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak dating to a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.

    Martínez entered in the 97th minute and scored from Giovani Lo Celso’s perfect through pass. Just inside the penalty area, Martínez sent a right-foot shot through the upraised arms of sliding goalkeeper Camilo Vargas for his 29th international goal, his tournament-high fifth.

    Making his 39th and possibly last Copa America appearance at age 37, Messi had one goal in the tournament. He went down after an ankle was stepped on in the first half but remained in the game.

    The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner looked to the bench as soon as he fell to the field in the second half, appearing to know his tournament was over. He took off his right boot as he walked off and slammed it frustration, and his ankle appeared to swell.

    The start was delayed from 8 p.m. EDT to 9:22 p.m. because of crowd control issues outside the stadium, including troves of fans breaching security gates at a venue to be used for the 2026 World Cup.

    Days after Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombia fans following their semifinal match in Charlotte, North Carolina, video showed fans climbing fences and railings to get inside the championship match, with officials unable to keep track of who had purchased tickets and who didn’t.

    Colombia was more aggressive and forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four saves in the first half, but Argentina began to threaten more in the second.

    Nicolás Tagliafico thought he scored in the 75th minute but was ruled offside. Nicolás González, who replaced Messi. was stopped by Vargas in the 95th minute.

    Numerous players lost their footing during the second half of Sunday’s match. The grass was heavily watered with sprinklers following the halftime performance by Colombian pop star Shakira, which caused an extended halftime break.

    ___

    AP Copa America coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/copa-america

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Palestinian soccer team plans to play World Cup qualifiers in the West Bank

    Palestinian soccer team plans to play World Cup qualifiers in the West Bank

    [ad_1]

    After advancing further than ever in World Cup qualifying, the Palestinian soccer team is determined to host a game for a change.

    The football association has proposed playing games in the third stage of its Asian qualification campaign in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and already has support from a number of its opponents, starting against Jordan on Sept. 10.

    The Palestinian team progressed through the second round of continental qualifying for the first time in its history in June but, because of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, staged its “home” games in nearby Kuwait and Qatar.

    “Playing at a neutral venue isn’t permanent and was never meant to be so,” Susan Shabali, the PFA’s deputy president, told The Associated Press. “Faisal Al-Husseini is ready to host.”

    The 12,500-capacity Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium is situated in the West Bank town of Al Ram. In 2019, it hosted the team’s last competitive home game, a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia that ended 0-0.

    “We hope that all goes well,” Shalabi said, adding that there’d been “no objections” from FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, or the Asian Football Confederation.

    Israel launched a major offensive in Gaza in response to an Oct. 7 Hamas attack into southern Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people were abducted.

    The Israeli offensive has killed more than 38,000, according to health officials in Gaza, who don’t say how many were civilians or militants. The war has caused vast destruction across the territory, displaced most of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million — often multiple times — caused widespread hunger and raised fears of famine.

    The Palestinian team’s success has been remarkable during the war and the fact it has played dozens of games on the road since 2019, and the players have had to move for safety and seek overseas contracts.

    While there is little soccer currently being played in the territory, most players in the Palestinian roster belong to clubs in foreign leagues. The most recent roster saw coach Makram Daboub select players based in countries including Sweden, Belgium, Libya, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan.

    Mohammed Rashid, who plays club soccer for Bali United in Indonesia, told reporters in Perth last month ahead of the second-round finale against Australia that the hardest part of competing in international competition was not being able to play at home.

    On June 27, the Palestinian team, currently ranked No. 95 in the world, was drawn in Group B of the third round which contains South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait.

    The top two from each of the three groups of six qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

    After the opening game in South Korea on Sept. 5, the Palestinians return to West Asia to take on Jordan five days later.

    The Jordan Football Association issued a statement this week to “affirm its position in support of the Palestinian Football Association’s right to hold its home matches on its land and among its fans.”

    “Jordan is proud to be the first team to face our Palestinian brothers in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Palestinian territory,” the statement said.

    The Oman Football Association also said it supported the PFA’s “legitimate right to hold official national team matches in front of its fans on home soil.” Kuwait earlier issued its support.

    ___

    AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • David Beckham Fast Facts | CNN

    David Beckham Fast Facts | CNN

    [ad_1]



    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of retired professional soccer player David Beckham.

    Birth date: May 2, 1975

    Birth place: London, England

    Birth name: David Robert Joseph Beckham

    Father: David Edward “Ted” Beckham, an appliance repairman

    Mother: Sandra (West) Beckham, a hairdresser

    Marriage: Victoria (Adams) Beckham (July 4, 1999-present)

    Children: Harper, Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn

    Retired professional soccer (European football) player.

    Married to Spice Girl Victoria (Adams) Beckham, nicknamed “Posh Spice.”

    Midfielder known for his ability to “bend” his free kicks, curving the ball around or over defenders to score. The movie title “Bend it like Beckham” is a tribute to his kicking style.

    Won league titles in four different countries while playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.

    Played 115 times for England between 1996 and 2009.

    Leadership Council Member of Malaria No More UK.

    1991 – At age 16, leaves home to play in Manchester United’s training league.

    April 2, 1995 – Premier League debut with Manchester United.

    1996 – Gains recognition when he scores a goal from the halfway line, a kick of almost 60 yards.

    September 1996 – Makes his international debut in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova. England wins 3-0.

    1998 – Is named to the English national team for 1998 World Cup.

    1998 – Beckham is given a red card and ejected from a second round World Cup match for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone, which contributed to England’s elimination.

    1999 – Leads Manchester United to a treble, winning the English Premier League, FA Cup and European Champions League trophies.

    November 15, 2000 – Is named captain of England’s national team.

    April 2002 – Breaks a bone in his foot but later competes in the World Cup finals in June. England ultimately loses to Brazil in the quarterfinals.

    May 2003 – Breaks his hand during a 2-1 win over South Africa in Durban.

    June-July 2003 – Traded by Manchester United to Real Madrid. He signs a four-year contract with Real Madrid for $40 million.

    November 27, 2003 – Receives an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II.

    January 10, 2005 – Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, with a focus on the program Sport for Development.

    August 3, 2005 – Is awarded libel damages from the tabloid, the People, that accused him of making hate calls to a former nanny.

    March 9, 2006 – Settles a libel case against the British tabloid, News of the World, over a 2004 headline that read, “Posh and Becks on the Rocks.”

    January 2007 – Signs on with the Los Angeles Galaxy, an American Major League Soccer team.

    July 21, 2007 – Plays his first game with the LA Galaxy. It is initially reported he will receive an estimated $250 million over the life of his five-year contract, but later revealed that the Galaxy will pay him $32.5 million over five years.

    March 26, 2008 – Appears for the 100th time in an England uniform. During the England/France game Beckham receives a standing ovation from both sides as he leaves the field during a substitution.

    January 2009 – Loaned by the LA Galaxy team to the AC Milan club. He initially agrees to a three-month stint with the Milan team but the loan is extended to six months.

    December 2009 – Is loaned to AC Milan a second time until the end of the Italian season in May.

    March 14, 2010 – Tears an Achilles tendon during an AC Milan match and is unable to play in the World Cup.

    December 1, 2012 – Plays his final game with the LA Galaxy.

    January 31, 2013 – Announces that he has signed with Paris Saint-Germain for five months and will donate the pay to a children’s charity in Paris.

    May 16, 2013 – Announces that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of his season.

    February 5, 2014 – Announces he will establish a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

    February 9, 2015 – Launches 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, a collaboration with UNICEF to help kids in danger zones around the world.

    January 29, 2018 – MLS announces that Miami has been awarded the league’s 25th franchise, about four years after Beckham first announced his intention to exercise his right to buy an MLS franchise in February 2014. The Beckham franchise will be backed by Cuban-American businessmen Jorge and Jose Mas, CEO of Sprint Corporation Marcelo Claure, entertainment producer Simon Fuller and the founder of Japanese telecommunications firm SoftBank, Masayoshi Son.

    September 5, 2018 – Beckham’s Miami expansion team announces it name, Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, Inter Miami for short.

    March 1, 2020 – Inter Miami plays its debut MLS game.

    October 2, 2020 – A company co-founded by Beckham, Guild Esports, lists on the London Stock Exchange, becoming the first esports franchise to go public on the LSE.

    March 20, 2022 – Beckham hands over control of his Instagram account to a doctor in Ukraine, in a bid to highlight the work of medical professionals caring for patients amid the Russian invasion of the country.

    October 4, 2023 – Netflix’s four-part documentary series titled “Beckham” is released.

    [ad_2]

    Source link