France hires Renard as women’s coach ahead of World Cup
March 30, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — French coach Hervé Renard has been appointed to guide France's women's team at the World Cup this summer then at the Paris Olympics next year.
The 54-year-old Renard quit as coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team earlier this week, ending a four-year spell highlighted by a win over eventual champion Argentina in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar last year.
France, England off to fast start in Euro 2024 qualifying
March 29, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Two games into qualifying and both France and England appear to be shoo-ins to reach neat year’s European Championship.
For Norway and Erling Haaland, however, it’s already looking like a bumpy road to Euro 2024 in Germany.
Indonesia’s stance on Israel overshadows world soccer event
March 29, 2023 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia could lose its chance to host a global youth soccer tournament, and its chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after refusing to welcome a team from Israel.
FIFA canceled an important preparatory step after regional governors and protesters demanded Israel's team be excluded, and the tournament, planned for May 20-June 11, appears to be on hold.
Hervé Renard quits as Saudi Arabia’s head coach
March 28, 2023 GMTHervé Renard has quit as coach of Saudi Arabia's national team amid reports he is set to take over France's women's team.
The Saudi national team on Tuesday said it had agreed to terminate Renard's contract, ending a four-year spell in charge that was highlighted by a win over eventual champion Argentina in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar last year.
Klinsmann still awaits first win as Uruguay beats SKorea 2-1
March 28, 2023 GMTJurgen Klinsmann is still waiting for his first win as head coach of South Korea after Uruguay triumphed 2-1 in a friendly played at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.
Messi honored with a statue at South America’s soccer HQ
March 28, 2023 GMTLUQUE, Paraguay (AP) — The tributes continue to pour in for Lionel Messi following Argentina's World Cup triumph.
South American soccer's governing body on Monday presented the 35-year-old Argentine star with a statue, which will be placed in the CONMEBOL museum next to those of Pelé and Diego Maradona.
Algeria second team after Morocco to qualify for African Cup
March 27, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Striker Baghdad Bounedjah's early goal was enough for Algeria to beat Niger 1-0 in African Cup of Nations qualifying on Monday and book its place at the tournament in Ivory Coast next year.
European clubs seal FIFA deal to increase World Cup revenue
March 27, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — European soccer clubs sealed a new working agreement with FIFA on Monday after securing a 70% increase in their share of World Cup revenues for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.
The European Club Association said it renewed its working accord with FIFA through 2030, which also could lead to clubs having a say in managing commercial deals for the revamped Club World Cup that is scheduled to start in 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo happy again with Portugal’s national team
March 27, 2023 GMTCristiano Ronaldo is feeling at home again.
It took only two games for him to make his peace with Portugal’s national team and show he is not done impressing at the international level just yet.
Women soccer leaders target breakthroughs in World Cup year
March 24, 2023 GMTLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — In a World Cup year set to drive faster progress in women’s soccer, elections in Europe next month will have a global audience for a potential breakthrough in gender equity.
Son scores 2 in Klinsmann’s debut as South Korea coach
March 24, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Jurgen Klinsmann’s first game as coach of South Korea ended in a 2-2 draw with Colombia on Friday, with Son Heung-min scoring two goals.
It was South Korea's first match since losing to Brazil in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar, and Klinsmann's first game since coaching the United States in 2016.
With new coach, Spain aims to boost scoring against Norway
March 24, 2023 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — It's been more than a decade of disappointments for Spain following the team's golden era that netted the 2010 World Cup title and two European championships. Now, with a new coach in charge, the team that once took a possession-based attack to its maximum expression with its “tiki-taka” passing style will have yet another chance to breathe new life into a system that again looked outdated at last year’s World Cup.
Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs
March 24, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Messi mania gripped Buenos Aires as the Argentina national team led by Lionel Messi beat Panama 2-0 on Thursday in a friendly match that was essentially a celebration of their World Cup victory last December.
Argentina beats Panama in 1st match after World Cup title
March 24, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — The 83,000 screaming fans were not disappointed in Lionel Messi and his Argentina team's first international match since lifting the World Cup title last December.
Messi's Argentina beat Panama 2-0 with two late goals Thursday night at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires, in the first of two matches for the team to celebrate its triumph in Qatar.
Ronaldo sets record for most appearances, Portugal wins
March 23, 2023 GMTLISBON, Portugal (AP) — It didn’t take long for Cristiano Ronaldo to put the World Cup disappointment behind him.
Back as a starter with Portugal’s national team, Ronaldo became the most-capped player in men’s international soccer on Thursday, scoring twice in a 4-0 rout of Liechtenstein in 2024 European Championship qualifying.
Ghana finds late winner vs. Angola in African Cup qualifying
March 23, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Antoine Semenyo scored the winning goal in the sixth minute of injury time to see Ghana edge Angola 1-0 in African Cup of Nations qualifying on Thursday and stay atop its group.
FIFA sets May 2024 date to pick 2027 Women’s World Cup host
March 23, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — FIFA set a timeline Thursday to pick the 2027 Women’s World Cup host, giving would-be candidates one month to join the contest ahead of a vote in May next year.
Messi mania in Argentina as soccer star mobbed at restaurant
March 21, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A steakhouse in the trendy Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo was mobbed by hundreds of frenzied soccer fans late Monday night when word spread that Lionel Messi was inside having dinner.
Mbappé is named as France’s new captain by coach Deschamps
March 21, 2023 GMTAP Sports Writer (AP) — World Cup top scorer Kylian Mbappé was named as France's new captain on Tuesday, succeeding goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Qatar: 4,000 World Cup huts sent to quake-hit Turkey, Syria
March 20, 2023 GMTQatar has sent 4,000 cabins built to house fans at last year's World Cup to earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria, authorities said Monday.
The Associated Press watched as the latest batch of pre-fabricated cabins was loaded onto a cargo ship in the Persian Gulf.
Germany hopes to repair reputation before hosting Euro 2024
March 20, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — With the European Championship looming next year, host Germany hopes this week to start repairing the tattered reputation of its men’s national soccer team.
Two World Cup flops and a poor showing in between have taken their toll on what was a proud heritage for Germany.
Ronaldo included on Martínez’s first squad for Portugal
March 17, 2023 GMTLISBON, Portugal (AP) — New Portugal coach Roberto Martínez included Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad on Friday since taking over from Fernando Santos following the World Cup.
The 38-year-old Ronaldo was left out of Santos’ starting lineup for Portugal's knockout-phase games at the tournament in Qatar, including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
Belgium coach Tedesco drops Witsel in 1st team selection
March 17, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco dropped veteran midfielder Axel Witsel on Friday when he named his first squad since being appointed last month with a mission to rebuild.
Tedesco opted not to select Witsel for upcoming matches against Sweden and Germany but insisted it wasn't because the 34-year-old Atletico Madrid player is getting too old.
Women’s World Cup prize money gets big FIFA boost for 2023
March 16, 2023 GMTThe Women’s World Cup is getting an increase in prize money of more than 300% for this year’s tournament.
The $152 million fund for the first 32-team tournament — covering prize money, team preparation and payments to players' clubs — is a huge boost from the 24-team edition in 2019, and 10 times what it was in 2015.
Brothers Khéphren and Marcus Thuram are both in France squad
March 16, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Brothers Khéphren and Marcus Thuram were called up by France coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday for upcoming European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands and Ireland.
They are the sons of former France defender Lilian Thuram, who played alongside Deschamps when France won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino re-elected by acclaim
March 16, 2023 GMTFIFA president Gianni Infantino was re-elected by acclaim to another four-year term on Thursday after suggesting the financial results under his leadership would keep an industry CEO in the job for life.
Gio Reyna on US roster after family tried to oust Berhalter
March 15, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Gio Reyna, whose parents tried to oust U.S.
Women’s team players ask FIFA for equal World Cup money
March 15, 2023 GMTThe global professional soccer players' union says it sent a letter signed by 150 women's national team players to FIFA calling for equal World Cup prize money.
FIFPro confirmed that the letter, which also asks for equal treatment and conditions for women's teams playing in soccer's most prestigious tournament, was sent to the sport's international governing body in October — a month before the start of the men’s World Cup in Qatar.
South American World Cup qualifying to start in September
March 15, 2023 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — South American soccer body CONMEBOL announced Wednesday that the region's qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will kick off in September.
Defending champion Argentina will start at home against Ecuador.
Morocco joining Spain and Portugal in 2030 World Cup bid
March 14, 2023 GMTKIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Morocco will join Spain and Portugal in a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, the African nation announced Tuesday.
The announcement, which raises further doubts over Ukraine's participation in the bid, was made through a statement signed by King Mohammed VI and read at a meeting of the Confederation of African Football.
Why FIFA changed the format for the 2026 World Cup
March 14, 2023 GMTThe World Cup group stage format for 2026 was changed to 12 groups of four teams from 16 groups of three teams by FIFA’s Council on Tuesday, increasing the total to 104 matches from 64 in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
FIFA expands 2026 World Cup again to create 104-game program
March 14, 2023 GMTThe expanded World Cup in North America got even more supersized on Tuesday.
The governing body of soccer increased the size of the 2026 tournament for the second time — six years after the first — by approving a bigger group stage for the inaugural 48-team event.
Infantino holds FIFA power as voters share World Cup wealth
March 14, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA president Gianni Infantino will be re-elected this week to lead a richer-than-ever soccer body with an ambition to add new and bigger competitions despite growing wariness of him in Europe.
US to play Mexico in April 19 exhibition without top players
March 14, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. men's soccer team will play Mexico in an exhibition on April 19 at Glendale, Arizona.
The match announced Tuesday is not on a FIFA fixture date, meaning many if not all Europe-based players will not be available, a group that includes most starters from last year’s World Cup roster.
Report: Qatar spied on Swiss prosecutor, FIFA boss meeting
March 12, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — A spying operation on behalf of World Cup host Qatar bugged a 2017 hotel meeting between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Switzerland’s then-attorney general during an investigation of soccer officials, Swiss daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung said Sunday.
Canadian women soccer players testify to distrust of leaders
March 10, 2023 GMTCanadian women's soccer players testified during a government hearing on Thursday that they don't trust the sport's national governing body to negotiate a fair labor agreement, remarks made after management went public with proposals for equal pay and division of prize money.
FIFA head of refs wants all stoppage time added in blowouts
March 9, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA wants full stoppage time added even in blowouts though its refereeing chief said Thursday a “mercy rule” that baseball uses at some levels could be debated in the future to end games at 90 minutes.
Most players prefer World Cup in European summer, union says
March 9, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Most of the players from last year's World Cup do not want the soccer tournament to be held again in November and December, global union FIFPRO said Thursday.
Citing the short preparation and recovery times for players from a World Cup squeezed into the middle of the European club season, FIFPRO said a survey it conducted also highlighted player concern for the physical and mental fatigue they felt in January.
Marseille, Gueye at court fighting FIFA bans in Watford case
March 8, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Facing a one-year transfer ban from FIFA, Marseille went to court Wednesday in a dispute with Watford over the 2020 signing of Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Gueye — who faces a four-month playing ban by FIFA for breach of contract — was attending the start of a two-day hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Klinsmann arrives in South Korea, targets Asian Cup title
March 8, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Jurgen Klinsmann has arrived to start his job as head coach of South Korea’s national team and immediately set a target of ending an Asian Cup drought that has stretched for more than 60 years.
Belgium defender Alderweireld quits international soccer
March 6, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Defender Toby Alderweireld, who was part of Belgium's so-called “Golden Generation” of players who finished third at the 2018 World Cup, is quitting international soccer, the Belgian federation said on Monday.
FIFA rules panel stresses need for more added time in games
March 4, 2023 GMTThe 100-minute matches that became routine at the World Cup in Qatar are set to become routine in club soccer, FIFA’s rule-making panel said Saturday.
The panel known as IFAB stressed the need for accurate calculation of time added on for stoppages in play because of injuries, substitutions, time-wasting and goal celebrations.
U.S. jury poised to weigh international soccer’s ugly side
March 3, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — For seven weeks in a U.S. courtroom, federal jurors were thrust into a corruption scandal that had reached the highest levels of professional soccer. They must now decide the fates of two former Fox executives accused of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to gain broadcasting rights to soccer's biggest matches, including the World Cup.
Argentina picks squad to celebrate World Cup winners at home
March 3, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — World Cup winner Argentina will celebrate with its fans at two home games in March against Panama and Curacao.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni on Friday announced a 35-man squad which included Lionel Messi, Ángel Di Maria and the other members of Argentina’s winning squad in Qatar.
Disgraced ex-Haitian soccer president announces he’s back
March 2, 2023 GMTPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s former soccer federation president whose lifetime ban from the sport over sexual abuse allegations was overturned last month announced Wednesday that he is reclaiming his position.
Socceroos return home for two friendlies against Ecuador
March 2, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — The Socceroos will return home for two matches against Ecuador later this month -- the Australian men's team's first appearance Down Under since it left for last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals at 1958 World Cup, dies
March 1, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — No one could beat Just Fontaine’s World Cup scoring record during his lifetime.
His 13 goals in a single tournament was set with France in 1958 and has withstood 16 World Cups since.
Proposal urges FIFA to compensate World Cup labor in Qatar
March 1, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — At an upcoming meeting of national soccer federations, FIFA will be urged to compensate migrant workers and families of those who died or were injured on World Cup projects in Qatar.
The issue will be raised by Norwegian soccer officials at the FIFA Congress meeting on March 16 in Rwanda, human rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday.
CONCACAF to start 2026 World Cup qualifying in March 2024
February 28, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Thirty-two Central American and Caribbean nations will start qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in March 2024 as part of a competition in which teams will play up to 12 matches to reach the tournament.
FIFA faces questions for supermodel role before Women’s WCup
February 28, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s choice of Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima as its first global fan ambassador five months before the Women’s World Cup was described Tuesday as “tone deaf” by the former leader of the soccer body’s task force for women’s soccer.
Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awards
February 28, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Real Madrid defender David Alaba was racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi, and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić accused FIFA of disrespect on Tuesday in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony.
Messi and Putellas voted best players at FIFA awards again
February 28, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — World Cup champion Lionel Messi edged Kylian Mbappé again, this time to take FIFA’s best men’s player award on Monday.
The best women’s player was Spain's Alexia Putellas for a second straight year.
Argentina extends Scaloni’s contract to 2026 World Cup
February 27, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni will remain as coach of Argentina to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentine Football Association and Scaloni confirmed the deal on Monday.
Klinsmann hired to coach South Korea’s national soccer team
February 27, 2023 GMTSEOUL (AP) — Former Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann was hired Monday to coach South Korea's national soccer team.
The 58-year-old Klinsmann, who won the World Cup as a player with West Germany in 1990, replaces Paulo Bento.
Panama edges Paraguay 1-0 to qualify for Women’s World Cup
February 23, 2023 GMTHAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) — Panama claimed the 32nd and final place at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with a 1-0 playoff win over Paraguay op Thursday.
Substitute Lineth Cedeno headed the winning goal in the 75th minute to send Panama to its first World Cup, where it play in Group F with Brazil, Jamaica and France.
ESPN’s ex-top exec describes how soccer’s World Cup was lost
February 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A former ESPN executive underscored how big money corrupted soccer, testifying in U.S. District Court on Tuesday that his company's bid to televise the World Cup might have been sabotaged by two former Fox executives accused of bribing officials to undermine competing offers.
Haiti, Portugal qualify for Women’s World Cup for 1st time
February 22, 2023 GMTAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Haiti and Portugal qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup finals for the first time after winning playoff matches Wednesday in New Zealand.
Carole Costa scored a 94th-minute clincher in Portugal's 2-1 win over the Cameroon “Lionesses” who have reached the round of 16 at the last two World Cups.
Tuesday’s Sports In Brief
February 22, 2023 GMTNBA
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday fired coach Nate McMillan, who was unable to follow up on the success of leading the team to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.
Atlanta general manager Landry Fields announcing the firing.
MLS opens 28th season, build up to World Cup starts now
February 20, 2023 GMTThe push toward the World Cup in 2026 begins now for Major League Soccer.
The league, entering its 28th season this year, has a new team in St.
Philadelphia looks to build on MLS success in the East
February 20, 2023 GMTPHILADELPHIA UNION
2022 RECORD AND FINISH: 19-5-10, 1st the East, lost in the MLS Cup final to LAFC.
LAFC aims to defend its MLS Cup title in 2023
February 20, 2023 GMTLAFC
2022 RECORD AND FINISH: 21-9-4, 1st in the West, won the MLS Cup.
From historic defeat, Thailand strives for World Cup success
February 19, 2023 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — On June 11, 2019 the Thailand women’s soccer team endured the biggest-ever loss at a women’s soccer World Cup, a 13-0 trouncing by the United States which cast an unwelcome spotlight on the state of the sport in the South East Asian nation.
Norwegian aims for historic win for women in UEFA election
February 16, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Aiming to become one of the few women in world soccer politics to win an election against men, Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness is running for a seat on UEFA's executive committee.
Brazil picks Ramon Menezes as interim national team coach
February 15, 2023 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Ramon Menezes will serve as Brazil's interim coach while the search continues for a permanent successor to Tite, who stepped down after the World Cup.
The 50-year-old Menezes guided Brazil's Under-20 team to the South American championship title on Sunday and will be in charge for a friendly against World Cup semifinalist Morocco in Tangier on March 25, the Brazilian Football Confederation said Wednesday.
FIFA reserves at $4BN after World Cup; more to come in 2026
February 15, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — FIFA had reserves of almost $4 billion after a financially successful 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and booming hospitality and ticket sales at the 2026 tournament in North America are expected to add billions to the income of soccer's international governing body.
FIFA targets 2030 World Cup host vote in September next year
February 14, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — The 2030 World Cup hosts are expected to be picked in September next year, FIFA said Tuesday.
FIFA's ruling council confirmed a timetable for bidding and a vote to be held in the third quarter of next year by around 200 member federations.
Qatar donates World Cup mobile homes to earthquake survivors
February 14, 2023 GMTDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar plans to send 10,000 cabins and caravans from last year's World Cup to provide shelter for survivors of the Turkish earthquakes, officials said.
Ghana hires Chris Hughton as head coach
February 13, 2023 GMTACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Former Brighton manager Chris Hughton is the new head coach of Ghana.
Hughton, who also managed Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich and Nottingham Forest after a successful playing career, had been technical advisor to the Black Stars for the last 12 months.
Mexico turns to new national team soccer coach Diego Cocca
February 10, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Diego Cocca will have his work cut out as Mexico's new national soccer team coach, after Mexico failed to make it out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
It was the first time Mexico hadn’t advanced to the round of 16 since 1978.
Messi, Mbappe and Benzema battle for FIFA Best Player award
February 10, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — It’s Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappé again, this time for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2022.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and France’s superstar forward head the three-player shortlist announced by FIFA on Friday, eight weeks after leading their teams in an epic final in Qatar.
Scaloni, Ancelotti, Guardiola on FIFA coach award shortlist
February 9, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — Lionel Scaloni, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola were shortlisted Thursday for a “best coach” award, while Walid Regragui didn’t get enough votes despite leading Morocco on a stunning run to the World Cup semifinals.
FIFA rules panel to debate more stoppage time in games
February 8, 2023 GMTZURICH (AP) — The 10-plus minutes of stoppage time that were a regular feature of games at the World Cup in Qatar are back on soccer’s agenda.
FIFA’s rule-making panel known as IFAB put additional time on the agenda published Wednesday for its annual meeting next month.
Domenico Tedesco appointed as Belgium’s new head coach
February 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Domenico Tedesco has been appointed head coach of Belgium's national team with a mission to rebuild in the aftermath of the Red Devils' World Cup disappointment.
The Belgian federation said Wednesday that the 37-year-old German-Italian, who previously coached Schalke, Spartak Moscow and Leipzig, has signed a deal until after the European Championship next year in Germany.
South American 2030 World Cup bid seeks final in Montevideo
February 7, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Members of the South American candidacy for the centennial 2030 World Cup want to host the opening match in Buenos Aires and the final in Montevideo, where Uruguay won the first edition of the tournament.
Qatar hires coach Carlos Queiroz through the 2026 World Cup
February 6, 2023 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Former Portugal and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has worked at the last four World Cups and was hired on Monday by Qatar to aim for a fifth straight at the next edition hosted in North America.
Messi has doubts about playing 2026 World Cup at age 39
February 3, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Lionel Messi may be in doubt as to whether he’ll be still playing for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup but he’s sure about one thing: he wants Lionel Scaloni to stay on as head coach until then, regardless.
World Cup winner Raphael Varane retires from France team
February 2, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — France defender Raphaël Varane announced his retirement from the national team on Thursday, the second major player to leave Les Bleus following the World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
Women’s World Cup hosts urge FIFA not to sign Saudi sponsor
February 2, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand urged FIFA on Wednesday not to sign a sponsor deal with the tourism authority of Saudi Arabia where “rights of women remain severely restricted.”
John Herdman will remain as Canada’s men’s soccer coach
February 1, 2023 GMTTORONTO (AP) — John Herdman says he will remain as Canada's men's soccer coach.
The 47-year-old Briton coached Canada in its first men's World Cup appearance since 1986. He led New Zealand’s women’s team from 2006-11 and Canada’s women from 2011-18, winning Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016.
FIFA anxious to reboot Club World Cup after years of delays
February 1, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — A little-loved member of FIFA’s family of soccer tournaments for so long, the latest Club World Cup starts Wednesday as a seven-team event two years after that format was due to have been abolished and two years before an ambitious revamp with up to 32 teams.