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Khalid Jamil becomes the head coach of the Indian men's football team, marking the first Indian at the helm since 2012. He will guide the team for two years with possibilities of extending his term based on performance.

Khalid Jamil Appointed Indian Football Team Head Coach

Khalid Jamil is appointed as the head coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term. With his robust background in Indian football, including a historic I-League win with Aizawl FC, Jamil is set to lead the team into upcoming international challenges.

Jamil Leads Indian Football Team as Head Coach

Khalid Jamil is the new coach of the Indian football team for two years, marking the first Indian appointment since 2012. He aims to prepare the team for upcoming international challenges with his extensive coaching experience.

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New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI): Khalid Jamil has officially taken charge of the Indian senior men's football team, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday. He will lead the team for a two-year term with the option to extend for an additional year based on performance.
Khalid Jamil's appointment follows his departure from his role at Indian Super League (ISL) club, Jamshedpur FC. He is set to commence his tenure with a training camp starting August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
His first competitive challenge with the "Blue Tigers" will be the CAFA Nations Cup. In Group B, India will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. In the October FIFA International Window, India will face critical AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
Jamil expressed his sentiments by saying, "I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I've grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately. These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore."
Jamil takes over from Manolo Marquez, following his contract's termination by the AIFF the previous month. Notably, Jamil becomes the first Indian since Savio Medeira in 2012 to lead the men's national team.
With a robust background in Indian football, Jamil has extensive coaching experience in the ISL and I-League with teams such as Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC, and Mumbai FC. His crowning achievement was leading Aizawl FC to an unbelievable I-League title in the 2016-17 season.
The 48-year-old's recent tenure with Jamshedpur FC was marked by notable performances, including reaching the finals of the 2025 Super Cup and semi-finals in the 2024-25 ISL play-offs and the 2024 Super Cup.
As a former India international, Jamil earned 15 caps. He debuted in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, where India prevailed as champions and was part of the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament.
In his club career, Jamil tasted success with Mahindra United, winning the National Football League, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields. He also played for Air India and Mumbai FC.
In the Santosh Trophy, he represented Maharashtra, clinching the title in 1999.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Khalid Jamil, former Aizawl FC coach, becomes the first Indian head coach of the national men’s football team in over 13 years. He was chosen by AIFF, succeeding Manolo Marquez and will lead the team at CAFA Nations Cup starting August 29.

Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of India's National Men’s Football

Khalid Jamil, celebrated for his leadership with Aizawl FC, is the first Indian coach in over 13 years for the national men’s football team. He will lead India in the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, following his appointment by AIFF.

Khalid Jamil Named India Coach After 13 Years

Khalid Jamil, the new head coach of India's national men&rsquo;s football team, replaces Manolo Marquez. Jamil, previously with Jamshedpur FC, will begin his role at the CAFA Nations Cup starting August 29, marking a return for Indian coaches after 13 years.

Khalid Jamil, celebrated for leading the underdog Aizawl Football Club to an unexpected I-League victory in 2017, has been appointed as the head coach of India's national men&rsquo;s football team. This makes him the first Indian to hold this prestigious position in over 13 years.
The 48-year-old Jamil, a former international player with experience at Indian Super League&rsquo;s Jamshedpur FC, was chosen by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee from a list of three candidates. The other two candidates for the position were Stephen Constantine, a past head coach of India, and Stefan Tarkovic, known for managing Slovakia's national team.
The AIFF&rsquo;s Technical Committee, chaired by iconic striker IM Vijayan, had shortlisted these three candidates for the executive committee&rsquo;s ultimate decision. Jamil will be succeeding Manolo Marquez of Spain, who ended his tenure with the AIFF last month following a series of unsatisfactory performances by the team.
Savio Medeira was the last Indian to be appointed as the head coach of the national men&rsquo;s team, holding that role from 2011 to 2012. Jamil&rsquo;s first test in his new capacity will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting on August 29.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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England defended their UEFA Women’s Euro title by defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot kick in a tense final.

England Triumphs at Euro 2025 with Dramatic Win Over Spain

Euro 2025: England beats Spain in a penalty shootout after 1-1 draw to retain title

England defended their UEFA Women&rsquo;s Euro title by defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot kick in a tense final.

More drama, another penalty shootout and never giving up.
England successfully defended its Women's European Championship title on Sunday in its own special way, thriving in high tension yet again to take down world champion Spain in a shootout in the final.
Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give England a 3-1 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.
&ldquo;I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,&rdquo; said Kelly, whose goals decided a second straight Women's Euros final, and also the semifinal five days earlier.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved spot kicks from Mariona Caldentey and Spain superstar Aitana Bonmat&iacute;, before substitute Salma Paralluelo dragged her shot wide of goal.
The defending champion won the only way it knew how at this thrilling Euro 2025.
&ldquo;It was the most chaotic tournament we played,&rdquo; said England coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three straight Women's Euros titles.
Super subs England had fallen behind in the first half, fought back in the second and relied on its superb substitutes &mdash; including Kelly &ndash; just as it did against Italy and beating Sweden on penalties previously in the knockout rounds.
&ldquo;I actually can't believe it myself,&rdquo; Wiegman said. &ldquo;How can this happen? But it happens. We're just going to party tonight.&rdquo; England leveled the score in the 57th on Alessia Russo's header from a cross by Kelly after Caldentey had given Spain the lead in the 25th finishing Ona Batlle's cross.
Spain trailed for only four minutes in the entire tournament &mdash; and not for one second against England &mdash; yet could not seal its first European title against the team it beat in the World Cup final two years ago.
&ldquo;I think this team deserved more. At least not living with this bitter feeling,&rdquo; Spain coach Montse Tom&eacute; said in translated comments.
Kelly had scored an extra-time winning goal for England at Wembley three years ago to beat Germany 2-1.
Spain's missed chance In extra time Spain had good possession in the England penalty area so many times yet did not force a decisive goal.
&ldquo;It was cruel,&rdquo; Bonmat&iacute; told Spanish broadcaster La 1, after being named best player of the tournament. &ldquo;We played better, created more scoring chances, but in soccer sometimes that's not enough.&rdquo; Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll saved spot kicks from England captain Leah Williamson and the first by Beth Mead.
It was appropriate in England's memorable tournament that Mead's penalty had to be retaken under a new soccer rule that allows a second chance when a player scores by slipping and touching the ball twice. It did not matter after Hampton's saves.
Classic Arsenal goals Arsenal attackers like scoring with perfectly placed headers from inviting crosses sent to the ideal spot.
Spain took the lead Sunday with a very English goal &ndash; a full back's cross from the byline finding the head of an Arsenal player to score, on a rain-slicked field on an overcast, cloudy day.
The strong Spanish flavor leading to Caldentey's opener was in the neat passing to find Athenea del Castillo in the penalty area and her vision to see Ona Batlle's direct run into space.
Caldentey was in the Arsenal team that won the Women's Champions League final in May beating a Barcelona side with six starters who also lined up for Spain on Sunday. Spain used three more Barcelona players as substitutes.
The Arsenal forward line in that final, Russo and Kelly, combined to tie the Euro 2025 final. Kelly's right-foot cross from the left was floated toward the head of Russo who guided the ball back toward the top corner of the Spain net.
Wiegman's hat trick England coach Wiegman has still never before been eliminated from a Women's Euros tournament. Despite how close she came three times this month, she acknowledged after the final whistle Sunday.
The top female national-team coach of her generation has a Euros hat trick after leading England to victory in 2022 and her native Netherlands to the 2017 title.
Both those titles were won as the host nation team and no England senior team, men or women, had previously won a world or continental title abroad.
Wiegman also extended the run of title-winning women coaches to eight Women's Euros editions across 28 years. Women were outnumbered by male coaches each time.
Royal appointment There was royalty from both nations in the VIP box at St-Jakob Park including heirs to each throne.
Prince William, the first son of Britain's King Charles, was with his daughter Princess Charlotte. He is president of the English Football Association.
Also present were Princess Leonor of Spain and her younger sister, Infanta Sof&iacute;a. At the 2023 World Cup final Sofia was at the game with her mother Queen Letizia in Sydney, Australia.
After the game King Charles congratulated the Lionesses team on their &ldquo;sporting skill and awesome teamwork.&rdquo; &ldquo;For this," the king wrote, "you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Atletico Madrid has agreed to sign Slovak defender David Hancko from Feyenoord after a failed transfer to Al-Nassr, where he was reportedly turned away at training camp.

Atlético Madrid Secures Slovak Defender David Hancko

Atlético Madrid Signs David Hancko from Feyenoord

Atletico Madrid has agreed to sign Slovak defender David Hancko from Feyenoord after a failed transfer to Al-Nassr, where he was reportedly turned away at training camp.

Atletico Madrid has reached a deal to sign David Hancko after the defender reportedly was turned away by Al-Nassr when he arrived at the Saudi team's training camp.
Atletico said Wednesday it has an agreement with Dutch club Feyenoord for the transfer of the Slovak player. The deal was pending a medical, and financial details were not disclosed.
Spanish and Dutch media said Feyenoord had originally reached an agreement with Al-Nassr for Hancko's transfer, but the Saudi team &mdash; where Cristiano Ronaldo plays &mdash; reportedly backed away at the last minute. The defender had already arrived in Austria, where Al-Nassr was training, but was told there by Al-Nassr that the deal fell apart.
Atletico, the third-place finisher in the Spanish league last season, has been boosting its squad in recent weeks. It signed 22-year-old right back Marc Pubill from Almeria, 24-year-old Argentina international Thiago Almada from Brazilian club Botafogo, midfielder &Aacute;lex Baena from Villarreal and 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta.

Germany’s Women's Euro 2025 campaign ended in a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals, dashing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s hopes of attending the final in Basel.

Spain Ends Germany's Euro 2025 Dreams with Extra-time Win

Spain Halts Germany's Euro Hopes in Semifinal

Germany&rsquo;s Women's Euro 2025 campaign ended in a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals, dashing Chancellor Friedrich Merz&rsquo;s hopes of attending the final in Basel.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz never got to see Germany play at the Women's European Championship.
"If it goes well we'll see each other Sunday evening in Basel for the final,&rdquo; Merz posted on social media before the German team faced World Cup champion Spain in the semifinal match on Wednesday.
It didn't go quite that well. Aitana Bonmat&iacute; scored late in extra time for Spain to win 1-0 and avoid a penalty shootout that the Germany team had been holding out for.
Germany's Euro 2025 campaign had been full of promise, but not matched in substance.
Merz was filmed watching Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger's amazing save in the quarterfinal win over France as if he'd never seen it before. He he was never so excited during a soccer game than he'd been watching Germany win on penalties the previous weekend.
A commitment to meet France's president, Emmanuel Macron, meant Merz couldn't attend the semifinals in Zurich.
Anyone watching Germany during the tournament was left wondering what the team is really capable of.
A highlight reel would feature a string of fine saves from Berger, committed defending from Franziska Kett, Giovanna Hoffmann and Jule Brand &ndash; who are all forwards &ndash; and only occasional flashes of brilliance in attack, such as Brand's opening strike in the team's first game against Poland.
Germany, the eight-time European champion, only nearly reached the final through sheer dogged determination.
Captain Giulia Gwinn was injured against Poland and ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. A 2-1 come-from-behind win over Denmark ensured early progress from the group, before a chastening 4-1 loss to Sweden in the last group game.
Germany had defender Gwinn's replacement, Carlotta Wamser, sent off early against Sweden for swatting the ball away from goal with her hand, then Kathrin Hendrich sent off early in the quarterfinal match against France for pulling French captain Griedge Mbock back by her hair.
It meant Germany reverted to defensive tactics in both games, protecting Berger's goal while hoping the likes of Brand and star forward Klara B&uuml;hl might score on counterattacks.
B&uuml;hl's corner allowed Sjoeke N&uuml;sken to score the equalizer against France and the team held on despite French dominance to win 6-5 on penalties after Berger's heroics.
The Germany goalkeeper was feted afterward for her amazing save to stop stand-in captain Janina Minge's backward header from going into her own net when she leaped backwards and somehow clawed the ball away from the line. Berger also saved two penalties and scored her own spot kick in the shootout.
The win filled the German players and supporters with confidence ahead of the game against Spain, despite the overall performance against France.
&ldquo;We dominated them from start to finish. Now they're through. I'm sorry, but they don't deserve it,&rdquo; France winger Selma Bacha said.
Germany was short on defenders against Spain with Sarai Linder joining Gwinn on the injury list and Hendrichs and N&uuml;sken both suspended. But it didn't stop the team defending, with forwards helping out at the back, producing timely blocks and committed challenges to frustrate Spain's star forwards. Berger again made a host of saves until she left space at her near post and Bonmat&iacute; squeezed the ball through.
It ended Germany's hopes of a rematch with defending champion England in the final, and left Merz with an opening in his schedule.&nbsp;

England defender Jess Carter confronts online racism with resilience as England faces Italy in the Women's European Championship semifinals. Team solidarity and global support highlight ongoing efforts against discrimination. UEFA addresses online abuse challenges.

England's Jess Carter Faces Racism but Stands Strong for Semifinals

Faced with racism, England's Jess Carter stands strong for the Women's European Championship semifinal. Global support from teams and UEFA initiatives strive to combat online abuse, emphasizing team unity and resilience in sports.

Jess Carter Overcomes Racism for Euro Semifinal

England&rsquo;s Jess Carter faces racist abuse but stands resilient for the semifinals against Italy, highlighting unity within the team. Support from players and teams globally emerges, condemning discrimination. UEFA works to combat abuse while challenges persist.

&nbsp;
Geneva, July 22 (AP) &ndash;&nbsp;
England's national football team is working with police authorities after defender Jess Carter revealed she had been subjected to racist abuse during Euro 2025. In a statement released on Sunday, the Lionesses announced they would no longer take a knee before matches, stating that "it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism."
Carter, 27, shared that she had been receiving racial abuse since the start of the tournament and has now decided to step back from social media. The Football Association has condemned the abuse, calling it a hate crime, and confirmed it is cooperating with police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
England, the defending champions, will face Italy on Tuesday, following Carter's revelation of the abuse, which has been reported to the police. Wiegman stated, "She's ready to perform and to compete, which speaks volumes about her resilience and the unity of the team," during a press briefing at the Geneva stadium on Monday.
Wiegman further remarked, "It's truly disheartening that we need to focus on this matter. The situation is utterly ridiculous, and such acts are repulsive, transcending the realm of football." England had a challenging start in their quarterfinal against Sweden in Zurich, trailing by two goals in the first half-hour. However, they managed a dramatic comeback, eventually winning through a chaotic penalty shootout. Carter is not alone in experiencing such vile attacks, Wiegman noted, emphasizing that the team is poised to deliver a "message to the world."
England midfielder Georgia Stanway highlighted that the team's collective support for Carter has served to strengthen their bond. "It's probably brought us together as a team," she said. Carter has also received backing from the Italian side, with defender Cecilia Salvai expressing her hope for Carter to play the game at full capacity. "She isn't the first victim of such abuse, and we stand in complete solidarity with her," Salvai stated in translated remarks.
Italian coach Andrea Soncin condemned the abuse and expressed his team's readiness to join England in any joint demonstration during Tuesday's match. "We bear a significant responsibility in conveying positive messages," he said. Stanway also disclosed that discussions surrounding Carter's situation have led some players to consider stepping away from social media due to frustration.
The tournament organizer UEFA, along with FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, have exerted efforts to safeguard athletes by working with online platforms to monitor and report abusive posts. Nonetheless, UEFA acknowledged last week that these tactics have limited success due to the regulatory policies imposed by social networks. "Despite the challenging circumstances, Jess is incredibly strong," Wiegman remarked. "Both she and the team felt it was necessary to confront the issue instead of ignoring it."
The 27-year-old Carter, with 49 caps for England, arrived at Euro 2025 on the heels of her club Gotham FC's triumph in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. She is supported by her teammates at Gotham, including her partner Ann-Katrin Berger, whose performance as goalkeeper was pivotal in Germany's victory over France in their quarterfinal. Germany is set to clash with tournament favorites Spain in the other semifinal on Wednesday in Zurich. The final will take place on Sunday in Basel. AP
&nbsp;
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Paris Saint-Germain signs 19-year-old Italian goalkeeper Renato Marin on a free transfer from AS Roma, marking its first summer signing.

PSG signs 19-year-old Italian goalkeeper Renato Marin on a five-season deal

Paris Saint-Germain signs 19-year-old Italian goalkeeper Renato Marin on a free transfer from AS Roma, marking its first summer signing.

European champion Paris Saint-Germain has made its first signing of the summer, bringing in a new goalkeeper.
PSG said in a statement late Thursday that 19-year-old Renato Marin agreed on a five-season deal through to 2030.
The Italian player joined the Champions League winners on a free transfer after his contract with AS Roma expired.
Marin, who was born in Brazil, is joining fellow Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has one year left on his contract. The other PSG 'keepers are Matve&iuml; Safonov and Arnau Tenas.

Sunil Chhetri expresses fear over the indefinite suspension of the ISL, highlighting growing anxiety across Indian football due to unresolved contractual issues and legal hurdles.

Sunil Chhetri Voices Concern Over ISL Suspension & Football's Future

Sunil Chhetri on ISL Suspension & Football's Future

Sunil Chhetri expresses fear over the indefinite suspension of the ISL, highlighting growing anxiety across Indian football due to unresolved contractual issues and legal hurdles.

Former captain and top striker Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday said the current state of "uncertainty" in Indian football is very concerning and the sport's ecosystem is "worried, hurt, and scared" by the top-tier ISL being put on hold indefinitely.
Chhetri, who turns up for Bengaluru FC in the league, said he has been inundated with phone calls and messages expressing apprehensions about the future of the sport in the country.
"It began with worrying about how I am on borrowed time with what I have left in the tank. But speaking with players from across clubs, I've realised that my selfish problem isn't as important," the 40-year-old Chhetri posted on X.
"The current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. I've received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs - not just from my club, but from other clubs as well.
"Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with," he added.
The ISL (Indian Super League) put the 2025-26 season "on hold" due to uncertainty surrounding the renewal of Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the event organisers and the All India Football Federation.
The league normally runs from September to April, and the current MRA between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which organises the event, and the AIFF is scheduled to expire on December 8, 2025, by which time the ISL would be into its third month.
This was after a Supreme Court directive to AIFF in which the body was asked not to negotiate new terms of the MRA with FSDL, the apex governing body's commercial partner running the ISL, until a final judgment is delivered in the AIFF draft constitution case.
FSDL is also the commercial partner of AIFF, and they signed a 15-year MRA in 2010. According to the MRA, FSDL pays the AIFF Rs 50 crore annually, and in turn gets the rights to broadcast, manage and commercialise Indian football, which also includes the national team.
Chhetri said he was on vacation when he first learnt about the league being put on hold.
"...I must admit it made me smile. And that's because I was on vacation, hadn&rsquo;t moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadn't been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than I had bargained to get in shape.
"That 'fortnight' has now changed to 'indefinitely' and that smile's been wiped out. I know that the think tank and all those involved in running the sport are working to get the football season up and running, and I'm hopeful that there is a solid fix sooner rather than later," he said.
The star player, who has come out of international retirement to bolster the Indian team that is enduring continuous poor results, urged for patience nonetheless.
"I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football &ndash; and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff &ndash; please stay calm.
"We'll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better. Football has to resume soon. It will," he signed off.
The AIFF has said it is "conscious" of ISL's importance to the football ecosystem but had to respect the law of the land by following the Supreme Court directive.

João Pedro's impressive performance led Chelsea to a decisive 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The Brazilian forward scored both goals, displaying his worth following a £55 million move from Brighton.

FIFA Club World Cup: Joao Pedro heroics guide Chelsea past Fluminense into final

With two decisive goals, João Pedro secured Chelsea's place in the FIFA Club World Cup final, triumphing over Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward's strong performance justifies his high-profile £55 million transfer from Brighton.

João Pedro Leads Chelsea to Club World Cup Final

Joao Pedro scored twice to lead Chelsea to a 2&ndash;0 win over Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.&nbsp;

Jo&atilde;o Pedro delivered a stellar performance against his former club, Fluminense, scoring both goals for Chelsea in a decisive 2-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium, propelling the team into the FIFA Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward, who recently made a high-profile &pound;55 million transfer from Brighton, displayed both composure and clinical precision throughout Tuesday night's match.

The 134th Durand Cup tournament, Asia's oldest, runs July 23-August 23 across five Indian states, celebrating India's sports legacy.

Durand Cup 2025 Football Tournament Schedule

The 134th Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football event, from July 23 to August 23, spans five Indian states, celebrating historic sports legacy and unity in India.

The 134th Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, runs from July 23 to August 23 across five Indian states. President Murmu unveiled the trophies, highlighting sports' unifying power in India.

A total of 24 teams will vie for the top honours in the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, to be played across five states from July 23 till August 23.
The 24 teams will be divided into six groups and the world's third oldest tournament will be played in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies of the tournament, organised by the Indian Army, at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Friday.
The event was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces Anil Chauhan, chief of Indian Army Upendra Dwivedi, chief Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and chief of Indian Navy Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said: "Sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit. Sports have the unique power to connect people, regions and countries. In India, it has been a powerful tool for national integration. All fellow citizens get thrilled when the tricolour flies at the Olympics or any international event.
"I am happy to join this tradition of unveiling the Durand Cup trophies. It's Asia's oldest football tournament, with top teams participating. This year it will be held in Eastern &amp; North-East India, where football is cultural identity. Football teaches strategy and endurance. Kudos to armed forces for sustaining it."

India prepares for strategic experimentation against Iraq in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, focusing on squad rotation and winning strategies to maintain table lead.

India face Iraq with rotation and focus

In AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, India plans experimentation against Iraq, prioritizing a win to keep their lead amidst the goal-difference competition with Thailand. India's coach emphasizes teamwork and strategic planning for the decisive match ahead.

India plans a strategic experiment against Iraq in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, missing key player Soumya Guguloth.

The Indian football team will be open to experimentation when it clashes with a comparatively easy rival Iraq in a Group B clash of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, here on Wednesday.
Winger Soumya Guguloth, who suffered a nasal bone fracture during the match against Timor-Leste, has been ruled out of the contest.
India currently sit atop the table with six points and a goal difference of +17 after wins against Mongolia (13-0) and Timor-Leste (4-0).
Thailand are in second place, also with six points but with a goal difference of +11.
Iraq have already played three games and are on four points. They must defeat India to have any chance of staying alive on the road to Australia.
While it has turned into a race between India and Thailand to increase their goal difference before they meet on the final day (July 5), Blue Tigresses coach Crispin Chettri affirmed that earning three points are the bigger priority, and the focus is only on the game against Iraq for now.
"Thailand is the last match, but for now, our full focus is on Iraq. We shouldn&rsquo;t worry about how many goals Thailand or we have scored, or will score. The priority is to approach the Iraq match with a positive mindset and go for the win," said Chettri.
After defeating Timor-Leste on Sunday, Chettri and his coaching staff stayed at the stadium to watch Iraq suffer a 0-7 drubbing at the hands of the hosts.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the 173rd-ranked West Asians, who were held goalless by Timor-Leste in the first game, before defeating Mongolia 5-2 to earn their first-ever victory on the international stage.
Giving his opinion on the Iraq side coached by their former men's international Abdul-Wahab Abu Al-Hail and ranked 103 places below India, Chettri said, "For me, Iraq are not as weak as people might think. They're a good side, but they've been playing back-to-back matches, so we may have an advantage in terms of recovery." "Overall, I don't see a big difference between Iraq and Timor-Leste. I feel Timor-Leste were more organised. So, I think we&rsquo;ll get more opportunities to play our game against Iraq. It should be a good match for us to try a few new things as well." With only two days to prepare after the match against Timor-Leste, the Blue Tigresses utilised their break fruitfully with recovery in the pool and a gym session on Monday morning, followed by a full training session on Tuesday morning.
"We worked on the areas where we fell short in the matches against both Timor-Leste and Mongolia. We&rsquo;re now giving players specific responsibilities, whether it&rsquo;s in attack or in 1v1 defending. That was the main focus of the preparation," said Chettri.
After only the first two games, Chettri has already used 22 players, including all outfielders, from the 23-member squad.
The Indian coach expressed he might look to continue with the rotation trend in the Iraq game and distribute valuable minutes to younger and newer players, while also hoping to keep everyone fresh for the last game.
"More or less, all players have got chances. Of course, we cannot take the Iraq match lightly. There may be some rotation, but key players will still get minutes.
"Giving game time to upcoming players is important at such a stage, but in crucial matches, we'll have to stick to a core group. If we manage to score early, then we may be able to rotate more freely," said Chettri.

India's women's football team heads to Thailand for AFC Qualifiers. Despite injuries, Coach Chettri is hopeful after intensive training, aiming for a top spot to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

India Women Head to AFC Qualifiers in Thailand

India's women's football team travels to Thailand for AFC Qualifiers despite injuries. Coach Chettri leads the squad through tough matches in Group B, seeking qualification for the 2026 Asian Cup.

India's women's team departs for AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, facing injuries. Coach Crispin Chettri optimistic after a Bengaluru camp. Matches in Thailand focus on qualification for 2026 tournament.

Having lost three forwards to injuries, the Indian senior women's team head coach, Crispin Chettri, on Monday named a 24-member travelling squad to Thailand for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers.
The final squad of 23 players for the Qualifiers will be announced before the first match. The Blue Tigresses are placed in Group B of the Qualifiers, where they will face Mongolia (June 23), Timor Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2) and hosts Thailand (July 5).
The group winners will qualify for the final tournament in Australia in March 2026. The Women's Asian Cup also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.
Chettri and his squad will arrive in Thailand on Monday evening, and will train for a week in the northern city of Chiang Mai before their first game. All matches will take place at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium.
The Blue Tigresses camped at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru for six weeks, and as part of their preparations for the Qualifiers, played two friendlies against Uzbekistan on May 30 and June 3, losing 0-1 on both occasions.
"I was happy with the preparations in Bengaluru," said Chettri.
"We trained for more than 40 days. The training ground and all the facilities were excellent. As far as the squad is concerned, we have a good mixture of young and senior players.
"Unfortunately, we had to let go of forwards like Karishma (Shirvoikar), Sandhiya (Ranganathan) and Renu due to injuries. But that's part and parcel of football. And as compared to the Pink Ladies Cup squad (in February), we have more experienced players with us now." The Indian coach tried various combinations during the two preparatory friendlies against Uzbekistan, rotating as many as eight players for the second game and handing out a total of five debuts.
"We had a clear plan for those two friendlies. We were trying to find the right combination for the qualifiers because we have to play almost four games in 13 days. Rotating players and giving them proper recovery time is important.
"We created many more chances in the second game as compared to the first, but the conversion was the problem, and that's what we'll work on in the coming days," said Chettri.
To adjust to the more humid weather of Chiang Mai, the Blue Tigresses will arrive in the city a week before the first match against Mongolia. They will also have a five-day gap before taking on Timor Leste in the second game.
"I'm pleased with the federation for sending us early to Thailand. There is ample time for acclimatisation and recovery.
In Bengaluru, the weather has been very pleasant. But Chiang Mai is quite hot and humid at this time of the year. So, this week will help us a lot in our preparation," Chettri added.
India's 24-member travelling squad: Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Payal Basude.
Defenders: Hemam Shilky Devi, Kiran Pisda, Martina Thokchom, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Purnima Kumari, Sanju, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu.
Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Grace Dangmei, Karthika Angamuthu, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sangita Basfore.
Forwards: Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Manisha Naik, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.

Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title, overcoming Spain in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo's performance was pivotal, as Ruben Neves sealed the win following Alvaro Morata's missed penalty.

Portugal Wins Second Nations League Title

In a dramatic UEFA Nations League final, Portugal emerged victorious over Spain with a decisive penalty shootout win. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal, setting the stage for Ruben Neves to secure the victory and a historic second title for Portugal.

Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, claiming their second UEFA Nations League title.

Portugal has become the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice as they defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time in Munich to triumph in the 2024/25 final.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears post-match. Ronaldo&rsquo;s 138th international goal took the final on Sunday to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata&rsquo;s miss proving costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain
Spain&rsquo;s exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday&rsquo;s semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente&rsquo;s side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023, coming into Sunday&rsquo;s showpiece final in Munich.
They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back of last year&rsquo;s European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute.
The holders&rsquo; lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build-up.
A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year&rsquo;s European Championship final, restore Spain&rsquo;s lead before the break.
The football tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new &ndash; 40-year-old and five-time Ballon d&rsquo;Or winner Ronaldo and Spain&rsquo;s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark.
Ronaldo went off injured late on, and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shootout and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.
Earlier on Sunday, Kylian Mbappe led France to third place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.
The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other for Michael Olise as France recovered from a lethargic first half.

India's women's football team narrowly lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan with improved performance and spirit, showcasing resilience in their second FIFA friendly.

India vs Uzbekistan: Spirited Football Match Recap

India's women's team lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in their FIFA friendly, showing tactical growth and resilience despite the defeat. Nilufar Kudratova's brilliance secured the win for Uzbekistan.

India's women's team narrowly lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in their second friendly, showing improved performance and spirit. Despite the defeat, they demonstrated resilience, tactical growth, and a renewed attacking drive, contrasting earlier criticisms.

Indian women&rsquo;s football team on Tuesday suffered a second narrow defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan, going down 0-1 in the second of two FIFA Women&rsquo;s International Friendlies here.
Despite an improved and spirited performance, the Blue Tigresses were undone by a moment of brilliance from Nilufar Kudratova early in the second half.
Tuesday&rsquo;s encounter, following the 0-1 loss in the first friendly, offered hope for redemption. And while India showed marked improvement &mdash; especially in their intensity and intent &mdash; the scoreline, unfortunately, remained the same.
In the end, they fell short, but the performance was anything but disheartening..
The Blue Tigresses displayed resilience, tactical awareness, and attacking hunger, qualities they had been criticised for lacking in the previous outing.

India faces Thailand in a crucial friendly at Thammasat Stadium. Led by Sunil Chhetri, India seeks to maintain its recent success and prime for upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers.

India vs Thailand Friendly: Key Clash Preview

India takes on Thailand in a friendly, aiming for a third consecutive win. Sunil Chhetri leads India, utilizing this match as a crucial preparation step for the Asian Cup qualifiers.

India faces Thailand in a crucial friendly at Thammasat Stadium

India, led by Sunil Chhetri, aims for a third consecutive win over Thailand in a friendly, vital for Asian Cup preparations.

India will take inspiration from their last two wins and talismanic Sunil Chhetri's good form when they face Asian rivals Thailand in an international friendly football match here on Wednesday.
For India, Thailand has been one of the most familiar continental rivals outside of South Asian countries. Both are among middle-rung Asian countries in the FIFA charts.
From the Asian Games to the Asian Cup, from the King's Cup to the Nehru Cup, the history of India versus Thailand clashes in men's football is a long one.
Since the first meeting at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, when India won 4-1, the two teams have played 26 times. India have won seven matches, while Thailand emerged victorious 12 times, and seven were draws.
The previous two matches, however, were both won by India in 2019.
A sensational 4-1 win at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi, before a narrow 1-0 victory to win bronze at the King's Cup on Thai soil.
Chhetri, who scored the first two goals in the Asian Cup victory, reminisced about the performance that ended India's 55-year wait for a win at the continental showpiece.
"That was a long time back. What I remember of the game was that the team was outstanding in that game. That's also a marker for us to know that on a good day, if we work hard, that's what we can achieve," said Chhetri in a press release issued by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"That game was special because a lot of young people did really well. So, we are taking a lot of positivity and inspiration from the game.
"At that time, Thailand were probably better than us on paper by a mile. We were underdogs in that game, and to win the game the way we did &mdash; it wasn't just four goals but the way we held ourselves and dominated the game &mdash; was really fantastic." The Indian team will need the 40-year-old talismanic striker's goal-scoring prowess and his inspirational leadership to notch a hat-trick of wins against the Thais.
A win on Wednesday at the Thammasat Stadium will also a big confidence booster before the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying round match against Hong Kong on June 10 in Kowloon.
While India are currently placed 127th in the FIFA Rankings, Thailand are 99th. The Thais has risen 14 places since Japanese coach Masatada Ishii took charge in December 2023 and led them to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup a month later.
Though they failed to make it to third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, 2024 was a fairly successful year for Thailand. They won the King's Cup and finished runners-up in the ASEAN Championship.
The friendly against India serves as preparation for their AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifier against Turkmenistan.
Thailand have players who ply their trade abroad like mid-fielder Jaroensak Wonggorn (Cerezo Osaka in Japanese top tier), midfielder Ekanit Panya (Ehime FC in Japanese second tier) and defender Elias Dolah (Bali United in Indonesian top tier).
The notable names in the Thai squad are captain and mid-fielder Chanathip Songkrasin, who is the most experienced player with 70 caps, forward Supachai Chaided, Swedish-born defender Elias Dolah, midfielder Ben Davis, who has three goals in just six caps, and towering Italy-born defender Marco Ballini.

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UEFA Champions League final with a 2-1 win against Arsenal, showcasing effective strategy.

PSG Defeats Arsenal to Reach Champions League Final

Paris Saint-Germain advances to the UEFA Champions League final after a strategic 2-1 victory over Arsenal, underscoring a shift in team dynamics and ambition under Luis Enrique.

PSG Reaches Champions League Final

Paris Saint-Germain overcame Arsenal 2-1, achieving a 3-1 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability on Wednesday as they overcame a persistent Arsenal side to secure a 2-1 victory, advancing to the Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate win.
Despite being deprived of their usual ball dominance, PSG managed to rely on effective counter-attacks and the prowess of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to clinch the win.
This marks only the second time in the club's history that PSG has reached the final of Europe's top competition; they were runners-up five years ago. Remarkably, this achievement comes in the first season following Kylian Mbapp&eacute;'s departure to Real Madrid.
Rather than replacing Mbapp&eacute; with another superstar, PSG embraced a different strategy. For over a decade, the club's owners have invested heavily in attracting big names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. However, this season, under coach Luis Enrique, PSG has built a younger, more cohesive team that plays some of the best football in Europe.
Enrique expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Our goal from day one has been to work hard enough to make history, and that goal remains.
We aim to be the first to win the long-awaited trophy. This project has evolved since last year, and I feel very comfortable here as a coach, having the freedom and support from the president to build a team that improves every day."
PSG will face Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich, seeking their first Champions League title. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi shared his confidence with CBS Sports:
"We believe in our coach and our young, hungry players. They fight for the team, they give everything for the jersey, that's what's most important, for the city and the club. There is one match left... we are not done yet."
The three-time European champions Inter Milan triumphed over Barcelona with a 7-6 aggregate victory in what is considered one of the greatest semifinals in the history of the competition.
PSG, having previously eliminated Aston Villa and Liverpool, also overcame Arsenal after falling to Borussia Dortmund in last year's semifinal and Bayern Munich in the 2020 final.
The breakthrough in Wednesday's match came in the 27th minute with a set piece. After an Arsenal clearance, Fabian Ruiz unleashed a stunning half-volley to give PSG the lead.
Achraf Hakimi added a second with a precise finish in the 72nd minute. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka managed to pull one back for the Gunners. In the first leg, Arsenal struggled against PSG's midfield intensity, losing 1-0.
However, bolstered by Thomas Partey's return, Arsenal launched 61 attacks compared to PSG's 26 in the second leg.
Arsenal showed early promise in the match, with Declan Rice narrowly missing a header and Gabriel Martinelli's attempt saved by Donnarumma.
Despite their efforts on the flanks, Arsenal could not capitalize on their advantages. PSG awaited opportunities on the counterattack.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost broke through in the 17th minute with a curling shot that hit the post. Despite some opportunities from Arsenal's mistakes, such as a poor pass from William Saliba, PSG's D&eacute;sir&eacute; Dou&eacute;'s shot was easily saved by Raya.
PSG's disciplined performance ultimately secured their place in the final, as they continue to chase their first Champions League triumph.

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Dušan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus’ qualification hopes.

Man City Struggles in Champions League, Defeated 2-0 by Juventus, Dropping to 22nd Place

City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.

Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus, the latest setback in a scarcely believable run of poor results for the ailing English champions.
City dropped to 22nd place in the 36-team standings, with only the top 24 advancing.
Progressing to the next round of the new-look format looked a certainty before the season for a team that was European champion in 2023 and has won the last four Premier League titles. But not anymore as City manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and an apparent loss of belief among his players.
City has won just one of its last 10 matches in all competitions, with goals by Du&scaron;an Vlahovic and Weston McKennie inflicting the latest defeat and igniting Juventus&rsquo; qualification hopes.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan described the team&rsquo;s problem as a &ldquo;mental issue.&rdquo;
Opponents &ldquo;are able to break our rhythm with the smallest of things,&rdquo; Gundogan said on Wednesday.
&ldquo;They don&rsquo;t even need to do much and it has such a big effect on us right now.&rdquo;
Barcelona jumped into second place in the league standings, behind Liverpool, and is guaranteed to advance after a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. Raphinha and Ferran Torres, with two goals, scored for Barca.
Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 mainly thanks to two goals by Bukayo Saka to move into third place and be the highest of six teams on 13 points.
The top eight qualify directly for the last 16 and the teams placed No. 9-24 go into a two-legged playoff.
Danger for City
City has two games to save its faltering Champions League campaign and the first is against Paris Saint-Germain, another giant in trouble in 25th place &mdash; one spot out of the qualifying positions.
Vlahovic put Juventus ahead in the 53rd when he powered a header goalward straight at City goalkeeper Ederson, who could only parry the ball over his own line. Two American substitutes sealed the win for Juve, with McKennie volleying home from Timothy Weah&rsquo;s cross.
Juventus moved into 14th place.
Super-sub Torres
Ferran Torres came off the bench to inspire Barcelona to a fifth win in six games and push Dortmund, last season&rsquo;s runner-up, out of the top eight.
Torres came on in the 71st to replace Robert Lewandowski, who had a quiet game against his former club. Just four minutes later, Torres scored a goal on the rebound from Dani Olmo&rsquo;s shot.
Serhou Guirassy&rsquo;s second goal of the game leveled the score at 2-2 but Torres scored again in the 85th off Lamine Yamal&rsquo;s pass on the counter.
Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead before Guirassy equalised from the penalty spot. Raphinha and Guirassy are tied for second place in the scoring chart on six goals, behind Lewandowski&rsquo;s competition-high seven.
Home comforts for Arsenal
Arsenal secured a third straight home win without conceding in the league stage, with Saka scoring in the 34th and 78th minutes and sending in a shot that was turned into the net by substitute Kai Havertz in the 88th.
Arsenal is ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Brest and Lille on goal difference. Lille won 3-2 at home to Sturm Graz on Wednesday.
In-form Alvarez
Man City could sure do with Julian Alvarez at the moment.
With a brilliant curling finish to open the scoring, the Argentina striker helped Atletico Madrid beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 and provide a timely reminder of what City is missing after selling him for more than USD 100 million in August. Alvarez has 12 goals for the season, with four coming in the Champions League.
Antoine Griezmann scored Atletico&rsquo;s other two goals at Metropolitano stadium as the Spanish team climbed to 11th place after a 10th straight win in all competitions.
Tribute to grieving teammate
When Lukasz Lakomy gave Young Boys the lead against Stuttgart, he ran toward the sideline and held up teammate Meschack Elia&rsquo;s jersey as others gathered around him.
The gesture was a tribute after Elia&rsquo;s son died unexpectedly this week after a short illness. Elia wasn&rsquo;t playing as he was on his way to his native Congo, where his son died, to be with his family.
Both teams wore black armbands and there was a moment of silence before the game, which was won 5-1 by Stuttgart.
Late winner
Tammy Abraham scored an 87th-minute winner as AC Milan beat Red Star Belgrade 2-1 to move one point off the top eight. Milan lost Alvaro Morata and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to muscle injuries in the first half.
Benfica&rsquo;s five-match winning streak ended with a 0-0 home draw against Bologna, and Feyenoord had a 4-2 win over Sparta Prague.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, despite human rights criticisms. This decision follows Saudi's sole bid as others stepped out. FIFA concurrently announced the 2030 tournament in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

CONFIRMED! Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034

There was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record.
At the same time, a virtual Congress of world football's governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, in which three games will also be played in South America.
The Saudi bid was waved through by acclamation during the meeting of FIFA's 211 national member associations, with no rivals standing in its way.
"It is a proud day, a day of celebration, a day that we invite the entire world to Saudi Arabia," said Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Sports.
"We intend to have an extraordinary version of the World Cup in our kingdom."
However, there was immediate condemnation from rights groups who insisted that handing the organisation of the tournament to the country puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger".
FIFA had invoked its principle of rotating the World Cup between continents, which meant only bids from Asia or Oceania were welcome for 2034.
The unprecedented organisation of the 2030 tournament will involve three continental confederations in Europe, Africa and South America, while the next World Cup in 2026 -- the first involving 48 teams -- will take place across North America.
Controversially, the body gave potential bidders barely a month last year to submit candidacies, and Australia and Indonesia abandoned their interest.
That left Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, clearing the way for the World Cup to return to the Gulf region so soon after Qatar hosted in 2022.
The kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time to amass influence and improve its global image -- critics say he is effectively "sportswashing" by diverting attention from Saudi Arabia's rights record.
&nbsp;
- 'Moment of great danger' -
The awarding of the World Cup to Saudi will make the issue of human rights a major talking point again, just as it was two years ago.
"We are inclusive and we are non-discriminatory, and we want to obtain positive social impact," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in closing remarks.
"We are of course aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points from this process and deliver a FIFA World Cup which meets expectations."
He added that "social improvements and positive human rights impacts" are "responsibilities of hosting a World Cup."
Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country's male guardianship system. Free expression is severely restricted too.
FIFA's decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia "despite the well-known and severe risks to residents, migrant workers and visiting fans alike, marks a moment of great danger," Amnesty International and 20 other organisations said in a joint statement.
"Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's Head of Labour Rights and Sport.
England's Football Association meanwhile said it had received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ fans would be "safe and welcome" at the tournament.
&nbsp;
- 'Centenary celebration' -
The 2030 tournament will mark a century since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, and as a result the unrivalled joint bid by Morocco, Spain and Portugal will also see the South American nation handed one game along with Argentina and Paraguay.
FIFA confirmed over a year ago that the joint proposal led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal was the sole contender for 2030, with all other potential candidacies having fallen by the wayside.
Four South American countries launched a joint bid in 2019, convinced that the centenary World Cup should entirely take place on the continent where it all began.
Meanwhile, Morocco replaced Ukraine as a partner for Spain and Portugal, while South America agreed to step aside in exchange for hosting three games.
Following these "centenary celebrations" in the southern hemisphere winter, the six teams involved will cross the Atlantic to play the rest of the tournament.
Spain, which hosted the 1982 World Cup, should be the main host as it boasts 11 of the 20 proposed stadiums.
Morocco -- after failing in five previous bids -- will become the second African nation to host the competition after South Africa in 2010.
Potential venues for the July 21 final include the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou as well as the planned Hassan II stadium between Casablanca and Rabat, set to boast a 115,000 capacity.

Paul Pogba’s £89m return to Manchester United was filled with promise but ended in disappointment. Tactical clashes, injuries, & off-field distractions marred his second stint at Old Trafford. 

Paul Pogba: The £89 million disappointment at Manchester United

Paul Pogba&rsquo;s &pound;89m return to Manchester United was filled with promise but ended in disappointment. Tactical clashes, injuries, &amp; off-field distractions marred his second stint at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Welcome back to Failed Football Transfers, where we break down football&rsquo;s most expensive and high-profile transfer flops. Today, we&rsquo;re looking at a player whose career has been filled with highs and lows - Paul Pogba and his much-anticipated return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016. How did one of the world&rsquo;s most talented midfielders, who left United as a youngster and thrived at Juventus, fail to make his second stint at Old Trafford a lasting success? Let&rsquo;s find out.
In 2016, Pogba was the talk of world football. After leaving Manchester United in 2012 for free, he became a global superstar at Juventus, winning four Serie A titles and reaching the 2015 Champions League final. His dominant displays in midfield made him one of the most sought-after players in the game. When United announced his return for a then-world record fee of &pound;89 million, the excitement was off the charts, with the #Pogback campaign adding to the hype. With France, he was also a key figure, helping his nation reach the Euro 2016 final
United fans believed that Pogba&rsquo;s return would signal a new era of dominance with Jose Mourinho also taking the reins at Old Trafford. His first season saw him help United lift the League Cup and Europa League. Initially, it seemed like a match made in heaven but cracks soon appeared. Pogba&rsquo;s inconsistent form, combined with tactical clashes with Mourinho, stifled his performances. While there were moments of brilliance, like his brace that inspired a comeback win against Manchester City in 2018, those flashes were too infrequent.
One of the key issues was his breakdown of relationship with Mourinho, which hit rock bottom in 2018 when Pogba was stripped of the vice-captaincy. Off-field distractions, including public comments from his agent Mino Raiola, and persistent transfer rumours, further overshadowed his time at Old Trafford.
By 2022, his injury problems worsened, sidelining him for large portions of his final two seasons. Pogba eventually left Manchester United on a free transfer, once again rejoining Juventus.
Unfortunately, his return to Turin has been no better. Injury troubles persisted, and in 2023, Pogba tested positive for testosterone, resulting in a doping suspension. Originally facing a four-year ban, his sentence was reduced to 18 months, allowing him to return to competitive football in March 2025.
Despite these struggles, Pogba&rsquo;s career wasn&rsquo;t without highlights. In 2018, he was instrumental in France&rsquo;s World Cup triumph, a moment that cemented his place among the world&rsquo;s elite.&nbsp;
Pogba&rsquo;s second spell at Manchester United is one of football&rsquo;s great "what if" stories. On his day, he was one of the best midfielders in the world, capable of dominating games and producing moments of magic. But inconsistency, injuries, and off-field distractions meant that he never fully delivered on his world-record fee. His time at Old Trafford will be remembered as a saga of untapped potential, and another expensive lesson in football&rsquo;s unpredictable world of transfers.
Thanks for tuning into Failed Football Transfers. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more episodes. See you next time!

From a goalkeeper's goal-scoring feats to Lionel Messi’s record 91 goals in a year, football has produced some incredible records. Gianluigi Buffon’s clean sheets, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League goals, and more legends define football greatness

The Pinnacle of Football Greatness: Records by Messi, Ronaldo, and More

From a goalkeeper's goal-scoring feats to Lionel Messi’s record 91 goals in a year, football has produced some incredible records. Gianluigi Buffon’s clean sheets, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League goals, and more legends define football greatness.

From a goalkeeper's goal-scoring feats to Lionel Messi&rsquo;s record 91 goals in a year, football has produced some incredible records. Gianluigi Buffon&rsquo;s clean sheets, Cristiano Ronaldo&rsquo;s Champions League goals, and more legends define football greatness.

Football has produced legends who&rsquo;ve left their mark on the game with incredible achievements. Some of these individual records, though, are so mind-blowing that they may never be broken. The usual superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are certainly part of this list, but we start with the unsung heroes... the guardians in goal.
First up, Rogerio Ceni, the Brazilian goalkeeper who redefined what it means to be a shot-stopper. Not only was he brilliant between the posts, but Ceni also made a habit of scoring goals &ndash; 129 to be exact! A master of free-kicks and penalties, he holds the record for the most goals by a goalkeeper. But that&rsquo;s not all. With 1197 appearances for Sao Paulo FC, he also holds the record for the most matches played for a single club. Now that&rsquo;s loyalty!
Next, we have the legendary Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d'Or. Nicknamed The Black Spider, the Soviet Union legend claimed the prestigious award in 1963. Known for his incredible reflexes and leadership, Yashin saved over 150 penalties &ndash; more than any other keeper in history. To further honour his legacy as the greatest goalkeeper of all time, France Football introduced the Yashin Trophy in 2019, awarded annually to the best goalkeeper of the year.
And then there&rsquo;s Gianluigi Buffon, one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era. The Italian shot-stopper has kept a jaw-dropping 501 clean sheets during his career and remains the only one to reach the 500 milestone. From Parma to Juventus to PSG, and the Italian national team, Buffon&rsquo;s ability to keep the ball out of the net makes this record untouchable.
Now, we move to the magicians up front, starting with Lionel Messi. In 2012, Messi shattered Gerd Muller&rsquo;s long-standing record by scoring an unbelievable 91 goals in a single calendar year for club and country. It was a once-in-a-lifetime season, and no player has come close since. Messi&rsquo;s extraordinary talent and consistency have made this record one for the ages.
Of course, no record-breaking discussion is complete without Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with 140 goals to his name. Ronaldo&rsquo;s ability to deliver on the grandest stage sets him apart, and his incredible goal tally will likely remain unmatched for years to come. Not to mention, he also holds the record for the most international appearances with 214 caps and counting!
Then, we have Robert Lewandowski, whose five goals in just nine minutes for Bayern Munich against Wolfsburg in 2015 still leaves fans speechless. It was an absolute demolition job that cemented Lewandowski&rsquo;s place as one of the deadliest strikers in the modern era.
We can&rsquo;t talk about legendary goal-scorers without mentioning the King of Football, Pele. It&rsquo;s hard enough winning one, but three World Cups? That&rsquo;s why Pele&rsquo;s legacy will live on forever. Winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil &ndash; in 1958, 1962, and 1970 - is a record that may never be equalled.
When it comes to longevity, no one compares to Kazuyoshi Miura. At 57 years old, he&rsquo;s still playing professionally! But that&rsquo;s not all &ndash; Miura has scored in 32 different seasons, a feat that&rsquo;s simply mind-boggling. This Japanese legend just refuses to hang up his boots.
When it comes to most competitive appearances, Peter Shilton is the undisputed king. Yes, the same goalkeeper who was in goal when Diego Maradona scored that famous Hand of God goal in 1986. The former England goalkeeper has made a staggering 1387 appearances in World Football; including 125 for his country; which is also a record. Can anyone come close to that legendary figure?
No record list is complete without mentioning the managers who&rsquo;ve rewritten history. Carlo Ancelotti holds the record for the most international club titles with 14 trophies across multiple leagues. From Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid to league titles in England, France, Germany, and Spain, the Italian master tactician's adaptability and success across borders is well and truly unmatched.
Finally, we wrap up with the remarkable achievement of winning six titles in a single season. This feat was first accomplished by Pep Guardiola with Barcelona in 2009, where he led the Catalan giants to victories in all three domestic competitions along with the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Hansi Flick became the second manager to replicate this historic achievement with Bayern Munich in 2020, solidifying his place among football&rsquo;s elite tacticians.
These records are more than just numbers; they represent the pinnacle of football greatness. Will any of them ever be broken? Only time will tell. But for now, these legends will continue to inspire football fans for generations to come. What&rsquo;s your favorite unbeatable record? Drop a comment below, hit the like button, and don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe for more football content. See you next time!

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