Depay never doubt he would be fit in time for World Cup
AMSTERDAM, June 1 : Netherlands record scorer Memphis Depay said he never doubted he would make his country’s World Cup squad despite concerns he would not be fit in time.
Algeria Sport News
Jordan to let fans start work late for World Cup debut
May 31 : Jordan said on Sunday it will allow a late start to work for public sector employees on World Cup matchdays to let fans enjoy the national team's debut appearance at the tournament.
Bentaleb back for Algeria as World Cup squad named
ALGIERS, May 31 : Algeria handed a recall to midfielder Nabil Bentaleb and included him in their squad for the World Cup as coach Vladimir Petkovic on Sunday unveiled his selection for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Photos with Messi as World Cup debutants Jordan aim to prove they belong
AMMAN: Jordan play at their first World Cup determined to show they belong at football’s top table and with Lionel Messi’s Argentina presenting the most daunting of prospects. Jamal Sellami’s side face Austria in a tough Group J on their World Cup debut on June 16, followed by Algeria and then reigning champions Argentina in their final pool game in Dallas. The tournament expanding to 48 teams from 32 helped propel Jordan, a country of 12 million people with a creaking football infrastructure, to their maiden finals. “We have the right to dream,” the former Moroccan international Sellami told AFP. “We are not thinking like a team satisfied with mere participation.” Jordan had eight wins, five draws and three defeats from their 16 Asian qualifying matches, coming second behind South Korea in their group to make a slice of history. Huge celebrations erupted in Amman, fans driving through the capital honking their horns and chanting while others waved the national flag in triumph. It was a second major milestone for the national side in 16 months, having reaching their first Asian Cup final. They were beaten 3-1 by hosts Qatar in the continental decider in February 2024 but were hugely impressive in getting there against all expectations under their much-admired previous coach Hussein Ammouta. The exciting attacking duo of Yazan Al-Naimat and Mousa Al-Tamari were pivotal in that run, terrorizing the South Korean defense in a 2-0 win over Son Heung-min’s side in the semifinals. But Naimat will miss the World Cup in North America with a serious knee injury, one of several injury blows to the Jordan squad. Jordan’s Asian Cup heroics and World Cup qualification came against the backdrop of deep-rooted problems in domestic
World Cup drives up sales of counterfeit jerseys in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, May 29 : World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.
Messi leads Argentina squad for sixth World Cup
BUENOS AIRES, May 28 : Argentina named their 26-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday, with Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at record 6th World Cup - ESPN
Lionel Messi will lead defending champion Argentina at a record sixth World Cup this summer in North America.
Depay has to prove fitness before World Cup says Dutch coach
AMSTERDAM, May 27 : Selecting Memphis Depay for the Netherlands' World Cup squad was always on the cards, but the country's top scorer must now prove himself over the next few weeks before the tournament kicks off, coach Ronald Koeman said.