For the 2030 edition, the host nations will be Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking the first time three countries from two continents will host the tournament. Additionally, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will host commemorative matches to mark the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.

The host cities for the 2030 World Cup will include 17 cities across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the final match potentially being held in Casablanca, Morocco.

Who will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup?

It was good news again for the Arab nation as Saudi Arabia was announced as the host nation for the 2034 edition, after Australia and Indonesia withdrew their interests.  This is coming off the back of Qatar hosting the 2022 edition of the World Cup.

FIFA had initially announced its principle of rotating the tournament between continents. It only welcomed bids from Asia or Oceania, with the 2026 World Cup taking place across North America, the first to have 48 teams.

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This year's edition promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, featuring UEFA Champions League winners, Copa Libertadores champions, and other continental titleholders. This is also the first edition of the new format which will see 32 teams participate in the competition which will be played a the end of this season (2024/25).

FIFA had released the draw pots for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025, scheduled for this Thursday. A total of 32 clubs will participate, divided into eight groups of four. Notable teams include Manchester City, Real Madrid, River Plate, Flamengo, and Inter Miami, represented by Lionel Messi, who will compete as the host nation’s representative, the United States.

The new FIFA Club World Cup is about to reach one of its most exciting milestones as the balls are drawn and the path to unprecedented global glory is revealed. The draw set the stage for a thrilling competition, as these football powerhouses clash in a battle for supremacy.

The 32 clubs were placed in four different Pots which means teams from the Sane Pot can not face each other. The different Pots are as follows;

Pot 1: Manchester City (ENG), Real Madrid C. F. (ESP), FC Bayern München (GER), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), CR Flamengo (BRA), SE Palmeiras (BRA), CA River Plate (ARG), Fluminense FC (BRA)

Pot 2: Chelsea FC (ENG), Borussia Dortmund (GER), FC Internazionale Milano (ITA), FC Porto (POR), Atlético de Madrid (ESP), SL Benfica (POR), Juventus FC (ITA), FC Salzburg (AUT)

Pot 3: Al Hilal (KSA), Ulsan HD (KOR), Al Ahly FC (EGY), Wydad AC (MAR), CF Monterrey (MEX), Club León (MEX), CA Boca Juniors (ARG), Botafogo (BRA)

Pot 4: Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN), Al Ain FC (UAE), Espérance Sportive de Tunisie (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA), CF Pachuca (MEX), Seattle Sounders FC (USA), Auckland City FC (NZL), Inter Miami CF (USA)

Here is the group for the Club World Cup?

Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami

Group B: PSG, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders

Group C: Bayern, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Auckland City

Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea, Club León, Esperance de Tunis

Group E: River Plate, Inter, Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi

Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad, Al Ain.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, RB Salzburg, Pachuca

When is the FIFA Club World Cup?

The first edition of FIFA’s new club competition will be played in the USA from 15 June – 13 July 2025. The tournament will be played across 12 world-class venues in 11 cities. The final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey

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The final list of players is voted for by the players and for the players and is the only global award which is determined solely by professional footballers. Manchester City had eight representatives in the final shortlist, this was due to their impressive performances across all competitions last season.

This prestigious award sets out to make the greatest starting XI possible from the best players on the planet over the past year from a pool of more than 28,000 professional footballers from every corner of the globe across 70 countries. Each players is tasked with selecting the three best goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards from an original pool of 250 candidates.

The final list is made up of a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the highest tally of votes form the basis of a team. The remaining outfield player with the most votes is slotted in to complete the illustrious 11.

Who are the players on FIFPRO's final shortlist for 2024?

Goalkeepers:

Ederson, Emiliano Martínez, Manuel Neuer

Defenders:

Dani Carvajal, Rúben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Antonio Rüdiger, William Saliba, Kyle Walker

Midfielders:

Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Jamal Musiala, Rodri, Federico Valverde

Forwards:

Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Cole Palmer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinícius Júnior, Lamine Yamal

When will the final XI for FIFPRO be announced?

The final 11 best players for 2024 will be announced on Monday, December 11, 2024

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The Russian Football Union (RFU) has been banned from both FIFA and UEFA competitions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. This decision means that neither the men's nor women's teams can play in the World Cup or European Championships.

The news was confirmed by a Russian outlet MatchTV, where it was confirmed that FIFA and UEFA have decided to uphold Russia's ban from worldwide competitions through to the 2026 World Cup. This decision means that they will not be able to enter the qualifying process, with one group containing one fewer team as a result.

In 2022, Russia reached the play-offs for World Cup qualifying and were due to take on Poland in March. However, the tie was cancelled after Russia's ban and the Poles earned a bye to the next round.

The same restrictions have been applied in other sports, while some allow individual competitors to compete under a neutral flag or, in the case of the Olympics, under the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) banner.

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FIFA disciplinary panel confirmed the decision on its official website on Monday, September 30, 2024, after he was found guilty of violating fair play rules and misconduct of players. The decision means that Samuel Eto'o will not attend any game that involves Cameroon's national team for both men and women.

Why did FIFA ban Samuel Eto'o?

Samuel Eto'o was sanctioned by FIFA following breaches of two articles of the world governing body’s disciplinary code. The incident occurred at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 game between Cameroon and Brazil on 11 September which the South Americans won 3-1 after extra time.

The statement said, articles relating to offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play and misconduct of players and officials were breached at the game in Bogota, Colombia, which Eto’o attended.

"The sanction was imposed in connection with the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup round-of-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon played in Bogotá, Colombia, on 11 September 2024. The ban imposed on Mr. Eto’o prevents him from attending men’s and women’s matches involving (Cameroon) teams of all categories and age groups. Mr Eto’o has been notified today, the date on which the sanction comes into force.

Fifa said the sanction would come begin immediately, they also confirmed that Eto’o had been notified of the decision. The first set of games he will be missing isCameroon’s men face Kenya in a qualification double-header for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024.

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The official ruling by FIFA was confirmed in an official statement by the FIFAPRO where it was stated that the Dispute Resolution Chamber of FIFA recognized that Raphael Ayagwa had lawfully terminated his contract following Aswan SC's attempt to coerce him with force as well as intimidation into signing a new contract with the club in 2023.

FIFA DRC also ruled that the player should be fully compensated for his unpaid wages and he should also receive compensation in the form of six months' wages for the bodily harm done to him. Aswan SC was also handed a 2-year transfer ban for the atrocities committed by the club.

The statement read, "FIFPRO welcomes the decision of the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) in the matter between the Nigerian player, Raphael Ayagwa, and the Egyptian club, Aswan SC, where it was found that the player lawfully terminated his contract."

"By the end of the 2022/23 season of the Egyptian first league, Aswan SC were relegated after which they demanded Ayagwa sign a document in the Arabic language, which the player refused because he did not speak Arabic. He was held against his will by a club official and physically attacked, resulting in injuries to his chest, arm, and knee. His phone and bags were confiscated by club officials."

"Given the egregious circumstances, the player flew to Nigeria and immediately terminated his contract invoking “just cause” on the basis of article 14 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."

"The FIFA DRC ruled Ayagwa should receive unpaid wages and compensation for the early termination of his contract; it imposed a player transfer ban on Aswan SC for two transfer windows. Also, considering the injuries and trauma caused to him, the FIFA DRC awarded the player moral damages equivalent to six months of wages."

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FIFA has described the innovation as incorrect and premature, however, it requested that the Blue Card be introduced at the grassroots level of football. This will be the first time since the introduction of the classic yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup that a new card would be used in football.

The statement read this;

FIFA wishes to clarify that reports of the so-called ‘blue card’ at elite levels of football are incorrect and premature.
Any such trials, if implemented, should be limited to testing in a responsible manner at lower levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB AGM on 2 March."

The idea of the Blue card is to allow referees to punish players who show any form of dissent and those who intend to stop promising attacks and will see a player suspended for 10 minutes.

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The Argentine was crowned the winner of the award in London on Monday, January 15, 2024, having enmassed the highest number of points ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. FIFA released how the votes were collated from coaches and captains of national teams, along with some selected journalists.

Messi and Haaland had 48 points, while Mbappe came in third, having scored 39 points.

Here is how the votes were counted.

Captains: Messi (13), Haaland (11), Mbappe (9)

Coaches: Messi ( 11), Haaland ( 13), Mbappe (9)

Media: Messi (11), Haaland (13), Mbappe (9)

Fans: Messi (13), Haaland (11), Mbappe (9)

According to FIFA rules, when two players are both tied on the same number of points, the winner will be selected based on the number of five-point scores from the votes cast by the men's national team captains as per article 12 of the Rules of Association

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The announcement was made on the official website of the body on Monday, October 31, 2023. According to FIFA, Saudi Arabia was the only nation that submitted a bid to host the global football fiesta.

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino also confirmed the decision in a statement, he said that Saudi Arabia will host the competition. In his words, football unites the world just like any other sport.

“Football unites the world like no other sport, World Cup is the perfect showcase for a message of unity and inclusion. Different cultures can be together”.

However, FIFA confirmed that its administration will conduct a thorough bidding and evaluation process.

"As established in the Bidding Regulations approved by the FIFA Council, the FIFA administration will conduct thorough bidding and evaluation processes for the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup, with the hosts to be appointed by FIFA Congresses expected to take place by Q4 2024."

It added:

"The FIFA administration will conduct a targeted dialogue to ensure complete, comprehensive bids are received and evaluated against the minimum hosting requirements."

Who are the host nations for the 2026 World Cup?

Canada
USA
Mexico

Who are the host nations for the 2030 World Cup?

Spain
Morocco
Portugal
Argentina ( 1 match )
Paraguay ( 1 match)
Uruguay ( 1 match)

Who is the host nation for the 2034 World Cup?

Saudi Arabia

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The announcement was confirmed on the official website of FIFA on Monday, October 30, 2023. According to the body, Luis Rubailes was suspended for breaching article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code after he kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the World Cup final.

"This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days."

It added;

"FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld."

There were a lot of calls for him to quit after kissing Hermoso on the lips and grabbing his crotch in celebration shortly after the final whistle as Spain beat England on Sunday. However, he had since apologised for grabbing his crotch but maintained that the kiss was consensual, saying it was “the same as the one I would give to one of my daughters”.

Hermoso has denied she consented to the kiss, saying she “will not tolerate that my word is doubted.”

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FIFA released a statement on its official website confirming that Luis Rubiales has been suspended with immediate effect because of his kissing incident with Jenni Hermoso.

The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by Article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.

"This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24."

The Spanish Football Association's boss said in a statement on Friday that he vowed he would not resign, despite the criticism for kissing Hermoso on the lips as Spain celebrated winning the Women's World Cup.

FIFA continued in its statement,

"The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.
FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigor any behaviour to the contrary."

Rubiales also kissed other Spain stars and grabbed his crotch in front of Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter during the celebrations. He was expected to quit on Friday but instead repeatedly shouted "I will not resign" at a press conference.

As part of his sanction, Rubiales has been told he must 'refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment.

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The FA president, Luis Rubiales has been under scrutiny for kissing the captain of the Spanish women's Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation at the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated at the final whistle.

Fifa confirmed that it will look at whether those actions constitute violations of Article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play in a statement released on its website on Thursday, August 24, 2023. According to the code, officials are among those who must "comply with the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity".

It says disciplinary measures can be brought against anyone "violating the basic rules of decent conduct", "insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language" or "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute".

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. The body reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.

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Following an eventful, memorable and remarkable outing at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have been duly recognised for their efforts in the competition in the 2023 ranking released by the football governing body, FIFA.

The Falcons are now the 10th-best women's team in the world, maintaining a position over football giants such as Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Italy, and others after they maintained an impressive run in the recently concluded competition, which was held in Australia and New Zealand.

Although other African countries progressed to the round of 16 like Nigeria did, the Super Falcons were recognised for their doggedness in this round of the competition as well as their overall play in the group stages against countries that were ranked ahead of them.

This is a recognition the women deserve for the efforts put in towards the competition amidst the uncertainty that surrounded the team in the early stages of the competition and the absence of the payment of their wages since 2021.

Here is the ranking below:

1. Spain
2. England
3. Sweden
4. Australia
5. Japan
6. France
7. The Netherlands
8. Colombia
9. The USA
10. Nigeria

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria went a place higher on the ladder in the June edition which was released on the official website of FIFA. The three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners move from the 40th position to the 39th position.

The Eagles are in the top six teams in Africa which is a big boost for the team which will see them among the seeded teams ahead of the AFCON 2023 draw. The most populous black nation in the world booked its spot for the anticipated football competition in the continent with a victory over Sierra Leone on match day 5 of the qualifying series.

Morocco remains the best nation in Africa, they are currently placed 13th in the world ranking. Senegal (18th), Tunisia (31), Algeria (33), and (34) occupy the second to fourth place respectively.

Argentina are still the number one ranked nation ahead of France, Brazil, England, and Belgium.

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The Council unanimously appointed the United States as the host of the new and expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup at its meeting held by videoconference in Switzerland on Friday, June 23, 2023.

The decision to give the hosting rights to the United States was because of its infrastructure and service requirements, as well as broader strategic objectives for the tournament.

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino said the United States is the ideal venue to kick off the new format for the competition.

"The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men’s club football, and with the required infrastructure in place together with a massive local interest, the United States is the ideal host to kick off this new, global tournament. With some of the world’s top clubs already qualified, fans from every continent will be bringing their passion and energy to the United States in two years’ time for this significant milestone in our mission to make football truly global."

This decision means that Americans will enjoy total football in the next four years from the Copa America in 2024, the Club World Cup in 2025, and the Men's World Cup in 2026.

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Talented Arsenal youngster, Folarin Balogun has snubbed both Nigeria and UK to play for the United States of America in his recent decision.

In an official announcement confirmed by the football governing body FIFA who granted the 21 year old the right to switch from England and play for the US instead.

Balogun had to drop from the England U 21 squad due to injury and with this latest development the youngster would not feature for England at the U 21 championship competition.

The 21 year old Arsenal star who is on loan with French side Reims spoke about this change. He revealed:

"When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, 'What took you so long?

To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I'm very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful."

A FIFA spokeperson informed BBC Sport that:

"The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved."

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