The tension continues to rise in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as Qatar's Al-Annabi secure two impressive victories in Group A. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea establish themselves as early front-runners in Groups B and C, respectively. As the competition intensifies, teams strive to secure spots for not just the FIFA World Cup 2026 but also the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
FIFA World Cup 2026: United Arab Emirates and Yemen's Prospects
The United Arab Emirates and Yemen will aim to make history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Background:
Current Situation:
Prospects:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. When will the AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 2 begin? A: March 2023.
2. How many teams will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the AFC? A: 8 teams (up from 4.5 in previous editions).
3. Who are the favorites to win Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 2? A: Australia and the UAE.
4. Who are the underdogs in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 2? A: Yemen and Pakistan.
5. Has either the UAE or Yemen ever qualified for a FIFA World Cup? A: No, both teams have yet to qualify for the World Cup.
Despite a disappointing 13th place finish last season, Charleroi has high hopes for the future under the leadership of new coach Rik de Mil. The former Westero and Club Brugge player is determined to bring back success to the team after a string of poor seasons. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season to see if de Mil can turn things around for the club.
Liverpool is reportedly considering a move to bring Christian Pulisic back to the Premier League from AC Milan, where he has established himself as one of the most exciting attackers in Serie A. With uncertainties surrounding Mohamed Salah's long-term future, the Reds have identified Pulisic as a potential target for the 2025 summer window. The American's previous experience in the league with Chelsea makes him a viable option for Liverpool to bolster their attacking options.
As Estoril Praia's undefeated streak under Ian Cathro faces its biggest test yet against the unblemished Sporting Lisbon, the home side looks to extend its unbeaten Primeira Liga sequence to five. Although Estoril has improved since Cathro sorted out work permit issues and settled in Lisbon, they will have to overcome a formidable opponent in the defending champions, who have notched six consecutive victories in this head-to-head. The confidence of the Estoril team is growing, but they will have to bring their A-game to avoid a seventh straight loss in the Lisbon derby.
In a thrilling match at Lord's, England secured a massive 186-run win over world champions Australia. Liam Livingstone's unbeaten 62 off just 27 balls powered England to a total of 312-5, while captain Harry Brook fell just short of a century. Australia put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to a devastating collapse, with paceman Matthew Potts taking a career-best 4-38. England now looks to continue their success and win the series in the finale at Bristol.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Punjab Kings, has announced the signing of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting as their new head coach. After stepping down from his seven-year stint with Delhi Capitals, Ponting expressed his excitement for the new challenge and his alignment with the team's management's visions. The franchise and the new coach have promised to work towards a much different and successful future for Punjab Kings, determined to repay their loyal fans who have been supporting the team for years.
After recovering from a bout of illness, Cristiano Ronaldo made his first appearance for Al Nassr in a Saudi Pro League match against Al Wehda and made an immediate impact. Taking advantage of some clever build-up play from his teammates, the Portuguese superstar struck a clinical low shot into the back of the net to open the scoring in the 41st minute. Al Nassr went on to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory, with another impressive goal coming from young Brazilian sensation Angelo Gabriel.
On a gloomy Friday, play was heavily interrupted due to rain and bad light during the first day of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. In the limited 35 overs of play possible, Bangladesh managed to score 107 for 3, with two early wickets falling to Akash Deep. India stuck to their original eleven, with three seamers and two spinners, and chose to field first on a soft and green-tinged surface.
Dortmund looks to continue their unbeaten series in Friday games at home, as they face a struggling VfL Bochum with only one point in their first four Bundesliga matches. While Bochum historically performs well against Dortmund on the road, the home team's impressive record and strong performances from players like Myron Boadu and Jamie Gittens make them the favorites going into tonight's game. Unfortunately, the match will not be broadcast on free TV, but can be streamed on DAZN for live viewing.
In an electrifying match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala Blasters FC secured their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC. After falling behind to an early goal from East Bengal's Vishnu VP, KBFC turned the game around with goals from Noah Sadoui and Kwame Peprah in the second half. With this win, Kerala Blasters have climbed up in the ISL 2024-25 table, while East Bengal will be looking to bounce back in their next match.
According to Lalit Modi, architect of the Indian Premier League, the England and Wales Cricket Board's projections on the profitability of The Hundred are not realistic. He argued that the tournament will not be able to attract international viewership like the IPL and doubts the ECB's plans to attract Indian investors. Modi's tweets and charted numbers show that The Hundred franchises are not worth the amounts projected by the ECB.