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World Cup Match Ball History: From 1930 to Present -- Including 2026 'TRIONDA'

The beauty of each World Cup is the attention to detail and how each edition weaves in the traditions and characteristics of the host nations.

Cristiano Ronaldo shown red card in Portugal loss to Ireland - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card for the first time in his record-setting international career as Portugal slumped to a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

UAE and Iraq draw 1-1 in first leg of 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates and Iraq drew 1-1 Thursday in the first leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in Abu Dhabi. The teams will travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra for Tuesday’s return match in the fifth round of Asian qualifying. The winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff round in March, when six teams from five confederations will compete for two spots at next summer’s expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. In front of a sellout crowd of 36,000 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Iraq — whose only World Cup appearance came in 1986 — took the lead after just 10 minutes. The UAE defense failed to clear a long free kick into the area, allowing the ball to drop to Ali Al-Hamadi. The Luton forward hooked home from close range to give Iraq, coached by former Australia manager Graham Arnold, a 1-0 lead. It lasted only eight minutes.

Nigeria need extra time before progressing in World Cup playoffs

RABAT :Nigeria overcame the distraction of a strike over money to beat Gabon 4-1 in their World Cup African playoff semi-final in Rabat on Thursday, but they needed extra time before running out comfortable victors.

UAE, Iraq draw to leave World Cup playoff outcome in balance

Iraq and the United Arab Emirates shared a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday to leave their World Cup qualifying playoff finely poised ahead of the second leg in Basra on Tuesday.