Latest news with #FIFAWorldCup2026
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar beat Ukraine's FC Metalist in friendly
Qatar beat FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv of Ukraine 2-0 in a friendly at the Sportzentrum Aug Stadium in Seekirchen am Wallersee, Austria, on Wednesday. The match was a part of Al Annabi's preparations at their overseas camp in Austria for the forthcoming Asian Qualifiers Playoffs for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Looking to become a 2026 World Cup volunteer? Find out how to apply today
The FIFA World Cup, the worlds largest soccer tournament and most watched sports event in the world, is an unforgettable experience. Between the energy of fans, sea of colorful kits, and the electrifying matches, fans are in for a night to remember. For FIFA World Cup volunteers, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn the ropes of the behind the scenes works that goes into the World Cup. Volunteers can chose to volunteer in one of 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Volunteers will work up to nine shifts. Interested in volunteering? We've curated a step by step timeline and common questions and answers for those interested in the experience. Interest forms open (May-August 2025) The first step of the process includes filling out a volunteer interest form, which states why you want to become a volunteer. The form, which is open until August, can be found at Applications open (August 2025) Full applications and online assessments open in August 2025. In the application, you will be asked to share your passions, skills, and availability. Group recruitments or interviews (Fall 2025) Once fall rolls around, those interested can connect with fellow volunteers, and meet Volunteer Management Teams. Offers are sent (January-February 2026) After all the anticipation, offers are sent and background checks are conducted after a conditional acceptance. Background check process for Mexico may vary. Training begins (April-June 2026) Then, from April 2026 to June 2026 volunteers will go through training sessions to make sure they are ready for the games. Complete last minute finishing touches (May-June 2026) Before it's time to shine, volunteers must pick up their uniforms and accreditation passes to prepare for the games. More: Meet the volunteers helping the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup run smoothly World Cup arrives (June-July 2026) Finally, after almost a year of staying put, the World Cup begins in June 2026 and volunteers will be ready to participate in the exceptional tournament. Want to know if you're eligible? Below are volunteer requirements: Must be at least 18 years old Must speak English (other languages are helpful, too) Must be able to attend a recruitment event or interview, training, and commit to a full nine shifts Must pass background check in accordance to the country volunteering in Also note that FIFA does not cover travel expenses or housing accommodations, so plan accordingly. To learn more about the volunteer process, visit This article originally appeared on FIFA World Cup 2026: How to apply to become a volunteer
NDTV
2 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Lionel Messi To Quit MLS For Return To Europe? Ex Barca Star Cesc Fabregas Fuels Rumours
With an eye on FIFA World Cup 2026, Lionel Messi has been linked with a return to Europe in order to boost his preparations for the quadrennial event. Messi inspired Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title three years ago but there were doubts whether he would be around as an active player to defend the title in 2026. However, with Messi still looking in great shape, and still an integral part of the Argentina team, many wonder if a return to Europe, with a better club could help the Inter Miami man. Messi was even spotted at his former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas' house a few days ago, triggering rumours of a potential European return. With Fabregas currently managing Italian club Como, rumours spread over the Argentine's switch to the Italian Serie A. But, Fabregas said that the visit was purely from a personal standpoint. " Leo was at my house on vacation. He came to visit some friends. We're friends, as are our wives and kids. But he's in the United States," said Fabregas. However, Fabregas also said that you "never say never", triggering rumours of Messi's potential switch in the summer. Lionel Messi in @MLS this season: 16 matches 15 goals 6 assists 21 goal contributions — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 13, 2025 Como, a newly promoted side to the Serie A, is looking for reinforcements in the market. Spanish striker Alvaro Morata has already been linked with a move to the club, though Fabregas didn't shed any light on the progress made. "We'll see, I don't like talking about things that aren't 100% done," he said. In the ongoing MLS season, Messi has featured in 16 matches, scoring 15 goals and 6 assists. While Messi himself hasn't expressed desire to leave MLS, the prospect of defending the FIFA World Cup title with Argentina next year might see him at least consider the possibility.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Chinese Football Association to form esports team after NT fails to qualify for FIFA World Cup
China's top football body said on Tuesday it planned to form a national esports team, a surprise foray into virtual gaming after a dismal performance saw the country fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. The new national esports football team will compete in 'events organised by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organisations', the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. The CFA last month sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia, a result that effectively dashed China's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. But while China languishes at 94th in FIFA's world rankings, two places below tiny Luxembourg to the dismay of its vast fanbase, the country's esports sector is booming. In 2024, the industry boasted approximately 490 million users, generated $38.5 billion in annual revenue and hosted 124 esports competitions. At the 2023 Asian Games, China's esports team secured four out of five gold medals. The CFA's foray into esports sparked mixed reactions among Chinese football fans. 'I think this might actually work,' one Weibo user said. 'We have quite a considerable esports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair,' he said. Others were less optimistic. 'They have messed up football in real life and now they want to mess up football in esports,' wrote another.
Qatar Tribune
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar drawn with UAE and Oman for Playoffs of Asian qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026
tnn/Agencies Kuala Lumpur Al Annabi have been drawn along side the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman for the Playoffs of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026. The six-team draw was held at the Asian Football Confederation's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Qatar will also play host to Group A with matches against UAE and Oman to be played the in a single round-robin format scheduled for October 8 to 14 in the fourth round at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. The group toppers will book ticket next year's global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico while the second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the Continent's representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity. Qatar, being coached by SpaniardJulen Lopetegui, are currently training in Austria, aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after having made their debut as hosts in 2022, advanced to the playoffs after finishing fourth in Group A of the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. UAE, seeking a second appearance at the Finals following their debut in the 1990 edition, finished third in Group A while Oman - hoping for a debut appearance at the global showpiece - finished fourth in Group B. Oman, under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz, are the only side hunting a historic maiden FIFA World Cup appearance. On the other side, Patrick Kuivert's Indonesia got a tough draw as they try to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1938. Coached by former Barcelona star and Dutch great Kluivert, Indonesia will play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B. Indonesia have embarked on a recruitment drive of Dutch-born players and backroom staff to bolster their bid for a first World Cup finals berth since becoming an independent nation. Jordi Cruyff, son of Dutch football legend Johan, was in February appointed technical adviser to the Football Association of Indonesia to work alongside Kluivert. Indonesia last qualified for a World Cup while still under Dutch colonial rule and lost 6-0 to Hungary in their only match of that tournament, hosted by France. They will face a difficult task against Middle East giants Saudi Arabia, who have home advantage and will be heavily favoured to top Group B. The Saudis have qualified for the World Cup on seven previous occasions including the last two editions. Iraq have only qualified once in their history, in 1986. A draw was also held to determine the host team of the knockout stage, with the Group A runners-up to host the first leg. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already secured their World Cup berths from the Asian confederation. Draw Result (Matches to be played between Oct 8 and 14) Group A: Qatar (H), UAE, Oman Group B: Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia Knockout Stage 13 Nov 1st legcTypeface:> Runners-up Group A v Runners-up Group B 18 Nov 2nd leg: Runners-up Group B v Runners-up Group A
