Wales is looking for a second-straight World Cup berth after a magical run in 2022 ended a 64-year drought. This is as prosperous a time for Welsh soccer as any, even without its greatest export, Gareth Bale. The Dragons reached the semifinals of the European Championships in 2016 and then advanced to the round of 16 in 2020.
Fifa fined the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,270; 950) after determining that the federation had failed to ensure proper "order and security", particularly following the "throwing of objects" by spectators during the game. The incident was deemed a violation under Article 17.2.b and Article 17 of the Fifa disciplinary code.
The new design features a streaked old royal' blue pattern on a black base, but leaves much of the central area beneath the badge plain. Neon yellow highlights adorn the shoulders, matching the badge, whilst there are teal tinges in the side panels. A little Vai Brasa' (Go, Brazil) logo on the inside of the collar is a nice touch.
The meeting between Spain and Argentina in the Finalissima has generated enormous interest since both teams secured their continental titles. Spain earned their place in the intercontinental clash after winning UEFA Euro 2024, defeating England 2-1 in the final. Meanwhile, Argentina confirmed their participation after lifting the Copa América trophy by beating Colombia 1-0 in extra time.
Ireland are comforted to the return of full fitness of Courtney Brosnan, even if her side had successfully negotiated the Belgium promotion play-offs without her, albeit not without some fraught moments for Grace Moloney. The other two changes from that last-gasp aggregate success in Leuven saw Megan Connolly displace Ruesha Littlejohn, who has played effectively no football since, while Anna Patten came in for Jess Stapleton.
England embark on their World Cup 2027 qualification campaign, facing Ukraine in their first game of the group. Following a successful 2025 which saw the Lionesses retain their European crown, their first international window of 2026 is an important one.
Right now, the story of Sam Kerr's Matildas career isn't complete. But we've reached a fascinating point in the tale. All we know for certain is that the next chapter is taking place on the shores of Australia over the next three weeks. In some ways, the narrative has been built expertly for a happy ending. Or at the very least one final moment of pure joy.
We are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, at this moment. But I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president [Claudia] Sheinbaum, in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will turn out for the best.
It was me in the beginning that wanted a short-term contract only for 18 months because I was not sure what's coming in international football; how fast can I adapt and what is the job all about? But very soon, I fell in love with the job and the role and I was from the first day very committed and very proud.
John Murray, Ali Bruce-Ball & Conor McNamara talk football, travel & language after Cristiano Ronaldo sees red as Republic of Ireland beat Portugal, and England beat Serbia. What about the 'mind-altering' shoes some of the England players are wearing? There's a European theme to Clash of the Commentators. And suggestions always welcome for our Great Glossary of Football Commentary and unintended pub names from football commentary - WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk
New Zealand capitalised and jumped into an unexpected lead when Francis de Vries swung in a deep free-kick, which was headed into the corridor of uncertainty by Tim Payne. It travelled across the penalty area and was tapped in at the back post by a sliding Finn Surman, gifting the All Whites a slender advantage in added time at the end of the first half.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had admitted in advance that he would accept a "s****y" performance and a 1-0 win on a night when victory was the only option, and Ireland eventually delivered - if only just - as they made the most of Tigran Barseghyan's senseless second-half dismissal for a headbutt on Finn Azaz.
History came crashing down on the heads of this Ireland side in Lisbon as Heimir Hallgrimsson's outfit took the journey from heroics to heartbreak and all in a matter of seconds. For 90 minutes, the Irish side donned the all-white strip which, for once, was not the flag of surrender on foreign soil and had battled hard to frustrate a Portugal side billed as possibly the best international team in Europe right now while never living up to that adulation.
Claire Hutton scored her first international goal, while Sam Coffey and Yazmeen Ryan added to the tally, leading the U.S. to a resounding 3-0 victory over Canada. Hutton's goal added to the team's impressive run of five consecutive friendlies, winning by a collective score of 18-0, demonstrating dominance since their last loss to Brazil.
