Brazil clinch World Cup spot as Carlo Ancelotti enjoys home debut in charge
Brazil secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a successful home debut for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
World Cup Sport News
What to know about the 2026 World Cup one year out
The World Cup kicks off one year from now and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 23rd edition of soccer’s most prestigious tournament, which has been running since 1930, will be the biggest yet with 48 teams taking part. Here’s what to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When is the 2026 World Cup The tournament will be played through June and July. It kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, with the final held July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which will be referred to as the New York New Jersey Stadium during FIFA’s tournament. How to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup Fans can register their interest in tickets through FIFA. Who will play in the 2026 World Cup So far, more than a dozen countries have booked their place in the 48-team tournament, including co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as defending champion Argentina. Japan, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Ecuador are also through. Sixteen teams will qualify from Europe — more than any other region. Africa will have nine teams and Asia eight, with both also getting a place in the playoffs. South America will have six teams qualifying directly and a playoff place.
Vinicius Junior’s goal sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup, delighting fans in Ancelotti’s home debut
SAO PAOLO: A goal by Vinicius Junior secured Brazil a place in the 2026 World Cup, quite a momentous home debut for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.
Heimir Hallgrimsson says Republic of Ireland ‘growing as a unit’
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has encouraged his players to be excited by the progress they have made as they prepare for a new World Cup qualifying campaign.
Italy sack manager Spalletti after Norway defeat
Luciano Spalletti has been sacked from his role as Italy's coach, the manager said on Sunday, following their heavy loss against Norway, but will take charge of Monday's game with Moldova.
Farida P wins UAE President’s Cup in Sweden
ABU DHABI: Farida P secured a valuable victory at Gardet Turf Racecourse in Stockholm on Friday, winning the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses at its sixth stop. The race coincided with Sweden’s National Day celebrations and attracted more than 50,000 spectators.
Brazilian star Neymar tests positive for COVID-19
Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, his club Santos said in a statement as quoted by Brazilian media.The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately removed from team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A side said on Saturday.The club did not disclose how long Neymar will be out of action and did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Kings League MENA drops line-up of superstar team presidents
PARIS: Kings League, former Barcelona player Gerard Pique’s revolutionary seven-a-side football competition, is set to debut its new Middle East and North Africa league in Riyadh, in autumn 2025, under a joint venture with SURJ Sports Investment announced last week.