Page 10 - Fifa World Cup

IND vs QAT football: Nothing to lose but a hell of a lot to gain - Stimac

Head coach Igor Stimac on Monday said that India have nothing to lose but a hell of a lot to gain in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round 2 qualifiers match against Asian champions Qatar here on Tuesday. India's 1-0 away win against Kuwait on November 16 will certainly boost their confidence but Stimac made it clear that "Qatar is out of our league", though the home side will seek to take inspiration from their famous goal-less draw against the Asian champions four years ago. "The Kuwait game was the most important game in our qualifiers in this group. We had an away win against our direct opponent for the second spot," Stimac said at the pre-match press conference. "We are very realistic, we know that Qatar is out of our league. But we also know that this is football, the most beautiful game in the world which provides opportunities and this is our opportunity." Stimac urged his players to consider Tuesday's match at the Kalinga Stadium as any other game and give their best. "We all k

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Manvir helps India beat Kuwait 1-0 in away match

Manvir Singh struck a late goal as India beat Kuwait 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup second round qualifiers match here on Thursday. Manvir scored with a left-footed shot in the 75th minute as he connected a Lallianzuala Chhangte cross to help India win the match at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium here. Kuwait ended the match with 10 men as their player Faisal Alharbi was sent off after picking his second yellow card in the third minute of the added time for a high boot challenge on Chhangte. India play Asian champions Qatar next on November 21 in Bhubaneswar. India are placed in Group A alongside Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan with the top two from the group progressing to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The top two teams from each group will also secure qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The Blue Tigers have never advanced to the third round of AFC's FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Ranked 106th in the world, India had beaten Kuwait (149th) on penal

Fifa World Cup: Australia won't bid for 2034, Saudi Arabia likely to host

Football Australia on Tuesday said it won't bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, clearing the way for Saudi Arabia to host the men's marquee tournament. The chances of Australia hosting the 2034 event appeared unlikely after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) backed the Saudi bid on October 5. Indonesia's football association initially showed interest in a joint bid with Australia, potentially alongside Malaysia and Singapore, but that faded when Indonesia instead backed Saudi Arabia. We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and having taken all factors into consideration we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition, Football Australia said in a statement. Australia will instead attempt to secure hosting rights for the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. We believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women's international competition in the world, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, and then welcome the ...

World Cup Qualifiers: Messi doubtful starter; Vinicius back with Brazil

Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay. The Argentina captain scored in the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador but skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia last month because of muscular pains that have also sidelined him from several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS. The World Cup champions are due to host Paraguay on Thursday at Buenos Aires. Vinicius Jr missed Brazil's first two games in South American qualifying but is back in the starting lineup after recovering from an injury. The Selecao will take on Venezuela in Cuiaba. Argentina and Brazil are 2-0 in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after victories last month. The continental archrivals are due to meet in November. Colombia is in third spot in the 10-team standings with four points. Uruguay and Venezuela each have three points, followed by Paraguay, Peru and Chile with one point each. Ecuador hasn't registered a competition point despite its 2-1 win over Uruguay

Saudi Arabia steps up sports drive, bids for FIFA World Cup in 2034

The kingdom "intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia's ongoing social and economic transformation," according to state media

Messi-less Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0 in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier

Argentina expected a struggle in the altitude of La Paz. The World Cup champion's climb appeared even steeper with Lionel Messi out of the lineup. Argentina still beat Bolivia 3-0 on Tuesday in its second match of the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. It's now two for two in qualifiers for coach Lionel Scaloni's team, which was led by veteran ngel Di Mara and a strong midfield. Uruguay had the chance to join Argentina atop the standings table, but lost 2-1 at Ecuador. The Ecuadorians now have moved back to zero; they started the tournament at -3 after having three points deducted by FIFA for the falsification of birth information of defender Byron Castillo, who is of Colombian origin. Brazil, which also won its opening game, was playing Peru later Tuesday. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is expanding to a 48-team format. The top six teams in South America will secure a direct spot. The seventh-place team will contest an intercontinental playoff

Rubiales resigns as Spain's soccer president 3 weeks after the Kiss scandal

Luis Rubiales, the suspended head of the Spanish soccer federation, finally folded under immense pressure Sunday and resigned three weeks after his kiss of a player on the lips overshadowed Spain's first-ever Women's World Cup title. Rubiales had been at the center of a controversy that had gone far beyond Spain's borders and the world of sport after he kissed Jenni Hermoso during the globally televised awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia. The player said the kiss was without her consent. After my swift suspension by FIFA, and the rest of the cases building against me, it is clear that I cannot return to the post, Rubiales said on Sunday in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. He had already been temporarily suspended from his job by FIFA for his conduct at the final and, after soccer's world body opened a disciplinary case, remained defiant and hostile toward those who criticized him. Then came the most serious thr

Vinicius out of Brazil''s World Cup qualifying matches, Raphinha drafted in

Vinicius Jnior will miss Brazil's first two World Cup qualifying matches next month because of a right hamstring injury. Brazil's soccer federation confirmed the absence Tuesday after media reported that Real Madrid had estimated that the 23-year-old Vinicius, injured in the team's 1-0 victory at Celta Vigo in the Spanish league, could be sidelined for about a month. Raphinha was drafted into the Brazil squad for games against Bolivia on Sept. 8 and Peru four days later. He last played for Brazil's national team during the World Cup in Qatar. The 26-year-old winger has five goals in 16 appearances for the national team. The matches will be Fernando Diniz's first as head coach of Brazil.

Luis Rubiales: From sullying Women's World Cup to a Spanish soccer outcast

One week after the president of the Spanish soccer federation kissed a player during the Women's World Cup awards ceremony, his reputation is in tatters and he's out of his job. Luis Rubiales, whose leadership of Spanish soccer had already been marked by successes tinged with scandal, wrecked his career by offending millions worldwide with his conduct at the final in Sydney, Australia, when he also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture. A day after he was provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days, Spain awoke on Sunday to headlines like the one in El Pais: Spain no longer tolerates men like Rubiales. FIFA moved against Rubiales after he refused to step down and defiantly told an emergency assembly of his federation on Friday that he was the victim of a witch hunt by false feminists. On a day that will go down as one of the ugliest in Spanish soccer, Rubiales said that forward Jenni Hermoso had consented to the mutual kiss. Hermoso replied in two statements to say that was false

Spain's Luis Rubiales-Jenni Hermoso case: Everything you need to know

Fifa banned Luis Rubiales on Aug 26, 2023, for his conduct at the Women's World Cup final, wherein he kissed a player on the lips without her consent among other things

Spain's World Cup winning captain Carmona lost her father on final's day

Olga Carmona, whose goal won the Women's World Cup for Spain, learned after the final of her father's death, the Spanish soccer federation said. He had been ill and died while Carmona's mother and other relatives traveled to Australia to watch her play in the final, the federation said early Monday, without giving more detail on the cause of death. The family decided to wait until after the title celebrations to give Carmona the news. And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started, Carmona said on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a photo of her kissing the winners' medal. I know that you gave me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you were watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad. After the final whistle, she was among the Spanish players celebrating and dancing on the field, and appeared to participate normally during the trophy presentation. We love you, Olga, the federation said on X. You are part of the hist

Fifa Women's World Cup: England's Lionesses ''game-changers'' back home

The wait for a World Cup title goes on for England, but the Lionesses were still heralded as game-changers back home after their loss to Spain in Sunday's final in Sydney. King Charles III, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and a host of other politicians, royals and celebrities were quick to praise the England players on social media despite a 1-0 loss in the FIFA Women's World Cup title match. Although it's the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud," Prince William, who is the president of England's Football Association, posted on social media. Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. After winning the UEFA European Championship at home last year, England reached the championship match in the women's global tournament for the first time. It was also the first time an England team had reached a World Cup final since the men's team won in 1966. You left absolutely nothing out there @Lionesses

Fifa Women's World Cup: Spain crowned world champions, beat England 1-0

Spain became the world champions after beating England 1-0 in the final of the Fifa Women's World Cup at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday, August 20, 2023

Women's World Cup breaks even says Infantino, palys down equal prize money

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Friday that the Women's World Cup has broken even after generating more than $570 million in revenue but dismissed suggestions for equal prize money with the men's World Cup. The current World Cup prize pools sit at $110 million for women and $440 million for men. Infantino has consistently played down calls for equal payments. On Friday, he suggested demands for equal prize money were a slogan that would not solve anything." Some voices were raised, where it cost too much, we don't make enough revenues, we will have to subsidize, Infantino said at the FIFA Women's Football Convention. And our opinion was, Well, if we have to subsidize, we will subsidize', because we have to do that. But actually, this World Cup generated over $570 million in revenues, and so we broke even." Infantino said FIFA didn't lose money and we generated the second-highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage." More than half a

Is it coming home? England eye Women's World Cup trophy against Spain

The rallying cry It's Coming Home is one game away from reality and the end of England's 57-year drought in global soccer. The World Cup trophy can return this Sunday to the birthplace of soccer for the first time since 1966. But if it happens, the journey back to England will be with the women's national team and not the men's. The Lionesses have roared their way into their first Women's World Cup title game, Sunday against Spain. It is the first all-European final since 2003, when Germany beat Sweden. It has been a magical ride for both teams: England has been on top of the global game since winning the European Championship last summer, and Spain is in its first final less than a year since 15 players quit the team in protest. But England was expected to be here, and all around the world, in pubs and at viewing parties, England supporters have been singing It's Coming Home," the unintentional reminder that the soccer team hasn't won the World Cup since 1966. The men's team was t

Nike, Adidas bet big on women's World Cup football shirts, merchandise

Merchandise companies often flood market with easily stockpiled items that only require a little final printing work or other touches, such as novelty championship hats, T-shirts, other collectibles

FIFA Women's World Cup: England thrash Australia 3-1 to play Spain in final

England moved on to its first Women's World Cup championship game with a 3-1 victory Wednesday over co-host Australia, ending the Matildas captivating run through the tournament. Australia superstar Sam Kerr started her first match of the tournament and scored for the Matildas but it wasn't enough to hold off European champion England. Ella Toone scored in the 36th minute to put England up 1-0 and the Lionesses dominated possession in the first half. Kerr's equalizer in the 63rd gave the 75,000-plus crowd some hope, but EEngland sealed it on goals from Lauren Hemp in the 71st and Alessia Russo four minutes from the end of regulation time. England and Spain will each be playing in the Women's World Cup final for the first time when they meet at Stadium Australia on Sunday. Australia will play Sweden for third place on Saturday in Brisbane.

Attendance and ticket records keep growing at 2023 Women's World Cup

With Matildas' matches becoming hot tickets, Australia's run to the Women's World Cup semifinals and the expanded 32-team format have helped set records for attendance at the tournament. Soccer's international governing body said Tuesday that 1.77 million tickets have been sold for the tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with a total 1,734,028 attendance for the 60 games. The record match attendance for the 2023 edition is 75,784 for three games under a restricted capacity at Sydney's Stadium Australia, which was built for the 2000 Olympics. FIFA said the average crowd for games across the 10 venues has been 28,900, more than 7,000 above the average for games at the 2019 edition in France and more than 4,000 above the historical average at the eight previous Women's World Cups. The competition was expanded from 24 to 32 teams for this edition. Australia reached the semifinals for the first time with a 7-6 penalty shootout win over France in Brisbane last Satur

FIFA Women's World Cup: England beat Colombia 2-1, meet Australia in last 4

The tests keep coming for England at the Women's World Cup and the Lionesses keep roaring. Alessia Russo fired England into the semifinals with a second-half goal to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday in a game that showcased the resolve of Sarina Wiegman's team and set up a clash with co-host Australia. We always find a way through," said Russo, whose goal completed a come-from-behind win after Leicy Santos had given Colombia a first-half lead. One of the strongest things about this team is we never give up. England advanced to the last four for the third consecutive Women's World Cup, despite going into the tournament with a host of key players out injured. Kiera Walsh was then sidelined after hurting her knee in the second game of the group stage and Lauren James is serving a two-game suspension for stepping on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the round of 16. Yet England keep coming up with answers. We've had lots of challenges, and we've got through these challenges," Wiegman

Women's World Cup: Australia edge France on penalty to reach semi-finals

Australia edged France on penalty kicks Saturday to reach FIFA Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time. Cortnee Vine took Australia's 10th penalty from the spot and calmly converted it to give the Matildas a 7-6 win in the shootout after the quarterfinal match finished 0-0 after regulation and extra time. The Australians missed two earlier chances to clinch a dramatic shootout. But ultimately, it didn't matter, as they ended a long curse for tournament hosts. The Australians became the only team other than the United States of America to advance past the quarterfinals of a Women's World Cup as the host nation. Australia will play either England or Colombia next Wednesday in Sydney for a spot in the final. Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold kept the Matildas in the game in extra time and made a string of clutch saves in the shootout before and after missing her own attempt that could have sealed the win. Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, and Sam Kerr's f