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☆ Seven World Cup stadiums to be used for Asian Cup in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Hassan Rabea Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi, Qatar Tourism Chief Marketing Officer, sit alongside the moderator at a press conference organised by the Local Organising... Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreOct 9 (Reuters) - The upcoming Asian Cup in Qatar will be held across nine stadiums, including seven venues that were used for last year's World Cup, the local organising committee said on Monday. The tournament runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 20. with the opening match and the final to be held at Lusail Stadium – the 88,966-seat venue that hosted the World Cup final. The seven World Cup venues are the Lusail, Al Bayt, Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Thumama and Education City stadiums. Two other venues, the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and Abdulla bin Khalifa Stadium, will also be used. Hosts Qatar are the defending champions, having won the title in 2019 after an impressive unbeaten run.

Persons: Hassan Rabea Al Kuwari, Abdulaziz Al, Hassan Al Kuwari, Al Bayt, Al Janoub, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Thumama, Abdulla, Ashraf Hamed Atta, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Marketing, Communications, Local, AFC Asian, Qatar, Qatar Tourism, Khalifa International, Education City, Thomson Locations: Mawlawi, Qatar, Asia, Jan, Al, China, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Cairo

☆ FIFA 2030 World Cup to be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with opening games in South America
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shoots past Jawad El Yamiq of Morocco during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, the world governing body of soccer announced Wednesday, with the three opening matches to be played in South America. The tournament will be the first World Cup to be held across three different continents. Opening games will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, and all six hosting countries' teams will be automatically qualified to compete.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jawad El Yamiq, Francois Nel Organizations: FIFA World, Qatar, Al Locations: Morocco, Portugal, Doha, Qatar, Spain, South America, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay

☆ Barca name former midfielder Deco as new sporting director
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Workers and FIFA Legends Friendly match - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 12, 2022 Former Portugal player Deco warms up before the match REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 17 (Reuters) - Barcelona have appointed former Portugal midfielder Deco as the club's new sporting director for the next three seasons, the LaLiga champions announced on Wednesday. The 45-year-old, who played for the Catalan club between 2004 and 2008, will replace Dutchman Jordi Cruyff. Cruyff, the son of Barca great Johan Cruyff, left in June after two years in the role. "Deco will be in charge of setting Barcelona's sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach and the coaching and becoming head of the football section," the Spanish club said in a statement. Barca, who claimed their 27th LaLiga title in the last campaign, said Deco and director of football Mateu Alemany would work together until the end of the close season despite the Spaniard formally leaving the club in June.

Persons: Al Thumama, Al Omari, Dutchman Jordi Cruyff, Cruyff, Barca, Johan Cruyff, Mateu, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Workers, FIFA, Al, REUTERS, Spaniard, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Portugal, Barcelona, Bengaluru

Doha, Qatar CNN —They’re known as The Atlas Lions, the Moroccan football team that’s ripped up the history books at the FIFA World Cup. Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, center, celebrates after scoring the only goal in his side's World Cup quarterfinal win over Portugal, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on December 10, 2022. “I think this moment of joy resonates with everyone who is downtrodden.”Morocco’s success has also breathed new life into a once-lost identity, as people from across the Arab world celebrated the team’s victories. “If anything, [the World Cup] has shown the stark contrast between the rulers and the ruled, between the regimes and the publics,” he said. Walid Regragui, Morocco head coach, is thrown in the air after the team qualified for the World Cup knockout stages by beating Canada on December 1.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Morocco Stuns Portugal to Advance to World Cup Semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Bruce Orwall | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Qatar—For three weeks here, Morocco had been immersed in one of the unlikeliest fantasies the World Cup has ever seen. It became the first team from an Arab nation to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals, seeming to unite the entire Arab world. A win against Portugal on Saturday would make it the first African team to make the semifinals. Late in the first half at Al Thumama Stadium, Morocco looked poised to add another, even more dreamlike chapter to the story. Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri skied high above Portugal defender Ruben Dias to head the ball into the goal and give Morocco a 1-0 lead just before halftime

☆ Morocco becomes first ever African team to reach the World Cup semifinals with historic victory over Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Morocco made history Saturday as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal, defeating Portugal 1-0 to continue its sparkling run in Qatar. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game’s only goal, rising highest to head the ball into the net just minutes before halftime, while Morocco’s defense once again kept a clean sheet. And the Al Thumama Stadium rang with cheers, drums and whistles on Saturday as if almost an entire continent and region were inside, witnessing their team make history. Defeat for Portugal marked the end of what is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup as even he could not make a dent in the Morocco defense and was left in tears walking down the tunnel after the final whistle. More to follow..

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo leaves World Cup in tears as chances to win title are shattered by Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo left the 2022 World Cup in tears as his chances to win the tournament for the first time in his career were shattered after his Portugal team was shocked 1-0 by Morocco in the quarterfinals on Saturday. It’s likely Ronaldo’s final appearance at a World Cup as he began Portugal’s round of 16 and quarterfinal games as a substitute after being benched by the team’s coach Fernando Santos. Ronaldo’s appearance was the 196th of his Portugal career equaling Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait for the most caps in men’s international football history. If it is to be Ronaldo’s final appearance at a World Cup, he has certainly made his mark on the tournament over the years. In his 22 games at the finals, Ronaldo scored eight goals and earlier in this year’s tournament, the 37-year-old became the first men’s player to score in five World Cups.

☆ Portugal coach does not regret leaving Ronaldo out v Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo stormed off the pitch after the final whistle crying effusively while being comforted by his team mates. "I do not regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench)," coach Santos told a news conference on Saturday. "It wouldn't change anything, in terms of the team I can't be thinking with my heart. "I used the team that played really well against Switzerland and there was no reason to change it (against Morocco). "It's not that Ronaldo is no longer a great player, that has nothing to do with it."

☆ Morocco write World Cup history as they reach semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Morocco had already taken the scalps of Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal is of much greater significance. But the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers. Joao Felix had two more half chances in the first half but Morocco gained in confidence and found a sudden spring in their step, frequently breaking on the counter attack. Bruno Fernandes hit over the top of the crossbar five minutes later as Portugal threw more into attack and Morocco began to sit deeper. Leaving the World Cup always hurts."

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Morocco on the verge of history against Portugal as Kylian Mbappé’s France face England
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The Moroccans have become the darlings of the World Cup. At the first “Arab” World Cup, they became the first Arab nation to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup and, as the first African side to qualify for the quarterfinals in over a decade, they represent so much more than just their own nation. Born in Madrid, Achraf Hakimi scored the goal to knock Spain out of the World Cup. No team has scored more than Portugal’s 12 at the World Cup, but will the unstoppable Portugal be able to beat the immovable Morocco? Mbappé has already surpassed Cristiano Ronalo's World Cup goal scoring record and is level with Lionel Messi on nine.

☆ Kylian Mbappé is reaching speeds of 22 miles per hour at the World Cup. Can anyone stop him?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Ahead of its World Cup quarterfinal against France, England has a problem to solve. But the 23-year-old has showcased more than just clinical finishing at the World Cup, terrorizing opponents with his phenomenal speed and ability to get behind the defensive line. “I do understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him,” Walker told reporters this week. It will be an intriguing encounter at the Al Bayt Stadium, pitting two of the World Cup highest-scoring teams against each other. I’m sure he’s going to be the best midfielder in the world.”With some of the best players of the tournament going toe-to-toe, this quarterfinal has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.

☆ The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Team USA celebrates after winning its match against Iran at Al Thumama Stadium in Group B play of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Nov. 29, 2022. Morocco topped a group containing 2018 World Cup runner-up Croatia and semifinalist Belgium, and advanced to the quarterfinals by beating Spain on penalties on Tuesday. "Just look at how the World Cup is unfolding," said Senegal coach Aliou Cisse. However, the expansion may not have much of an impact on the final outcome of the World Cup. No teams from another continent have made a final in nearly 100 years of World Cup history.

☆ Analysis: Soccer-Morocco success hands Arab world its first World Cup quarter-finalist
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In doing so, they became the first Arab nation to advance to the last eight, ensuring a breakthrough for the region in the first global tournament in the Middle East, and also became the fourth African side to go this far in World Cup history. The ear-shattering cacophonic combination of singing, drumming, jeering and whistling from Morocco’s supporters has created an atmosphere like no other in Qatar’s stadiums. They were again the vast majority in the capacity 44,667 crowd at the Education City Stadium, completely drowning out the Spain fans. But most of them shuffled from one side to another, rarely producing the penetrative pass Spain were looking for. They will however be mightily concerned to have lost centre back Nayef Aguerd, who limped off in tears in the second half, having just made the World Cup after ankle surgery kept him out for most of the season at his new English club West Ham United.

☆ Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made himself a national hero as Croatia beat Japan on penalties 1-1 (3-1) to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Marko Djurica/ReutersJapan’s heartbreakDespite its defeat, Japan can look back at an impressive World Cup campaign. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago. He also became just the third goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single World Cup shootout.

[1/2] A man holds a smartphone with a sign that reads: "I need tickets" ahead of a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match in Doha, Qatar, November 30, 2022. REUTERS/Charlotte BruneauDOHA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Ashraf Ali arrived at Stadium 974 six hours ahead of the Argentina-Poland World Cup match and, in desperation, raised a hand-written sign: "We need tickets." Other ticketless soccer fans are increasingly gathering at crowded stadium perimeters in Doha during the World Cup to haggle with hawkers, quietly pushing match tickets for popular matches up to 10 times face value. SPECIAL LAWQatar passed a special law for the World Cup that grants FIFA exclusive rights to sell the tickets. "FIFA's ultimate objectives are to prioritise the safety and security of all fans and to enforce a fair pricing scheme for World Cup tickets," a spokesperson told Reuters.

☆ USMNT’s youth and talent at Qatar 2022 bodes well for 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

The Netherlands knocked the USMNT out of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Qatar is the first Islamic country to host a World Cup.

☆ Morocco's 'avocado head' plots another World Cup shock
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Shady Amir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Spain, who humbled Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game, finished second in Group E behind Japan while Morocco defied the odds to win Group F ahead of Croatia and Belgium. The Spanish, world champions in 2010, lost their last group match to Japan and face a difficult test from a Moroccan side growing in confidence under coach Walid Regragui. Spain drew 1-1 with Germany following their rout of Costa Rica and after the loss to Japan coach Luis Enrique was critical of his team. This was impossible because in five minutes, Japan scored two goals ... we were out, we were dismantled," he said. In the first half against Costa Rica, Spain's 537 successful passes set a World Cup record but they will need to show more cutting edge to stay on course for a second world title.

☆ Record Giroud, sublime Mbappe send France into quarter-finals with Poland win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"It's not been easy because they're a well-organised team and we had to make some positional changes at halftime," said Deschamps. Poland's poise came close to being rewarded in the 38th minute when the onrushing Zielinski's shot was parried by Lloris. Jakub Kaminski followed, only for his shot to be saved close to the goal-line by Raphael Varane. NINE WORLD CUP GOALSOne minute from the break, however, France's tactics paid off. Mbappe now has nine World Cup goals to his name, as many as Argentina's 35-year-old Lionel Messi, and became the first player to reach that mark before his 24th birthday.

☆ Japan vs. Croatia: Samurai Blue aiming to reach World Cup quarterfinals for first time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

CNN —In a World Cup of surprises, Japan has played a leading role in headline-making shock results. Croatia is a team undefeated in nine of its last 10 World Cup matches. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament.

☆ Analysis: Age gap no problem for France's deadly striking duo
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Giroud looked set for a secondary role for France until the team's number one centre forward Karim Benzema pulled out with an injury on the even of the tournament. That understanding was clear for all to see as Poland were cut apart by France's strikers. "It's still a long way to go and, obviously, you need to enjoy the game," he said. "If we attack, try to attack, it's a bit different. Additional reporting by Bartosz Dąbrowski in Gdansk, Poland; Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 3-1 victory over Poland as Kylian Mbappé breaks Pelé’s record
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +30 min

CNN —France was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup quarterfinals, overcoming an improved Poland side 3-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé. That is Mbappé’s fifth goal of Qatar 2022 and already his ninth World Cup goal overall, breaking Pelé’s record of seven World Cup goals scored before the age of 24. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Issei Kato/Reuters Kylian Mbappé scores his second goal on November 26, leading France to a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago.

☆ Star USA player Christian Pulisic cleared to play against Netherlands after game injury
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Dennis-Romero-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Dennis Romero | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

USA soccer forward Christian Pulisic has been cleared to play in the team's round-of-16 game against the Netherlands, the U.S. Men's Soccer Team announced Friday. Brenden Aaronson replaced Pulisic in Tuesday’s game. The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team had described Pulisic’s status after the game as day-to-day. Pulisic, a Hershey, Pennsylvania, native who plays for Chelsea in the British Premier League, ranks as one of two players with the seventh-most goals — 21 — in USA soccer history. It's clear the U.S. Men's Soccer Team believes Pulisic's participation in Tuesday's game will be clutch.

☆ England vs. Senegal: Euro 2020 finalist faces African champion for place in World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Sunday’s round of 16 fixtures feature the 2018 World Cup winner, the current African champion and one of the Euro 2020 finalists. Euro 2020 finalist England comes in as heavy favorites having reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018. England has faced African opposition 20 times, including seven World Cup matches, and has yet to lose. Although African nations have lost eight of their nine World Cup knockout round games against European sides, the lone exception was one which featured Senegal’s current manager, Aliou Cisse. “They’ve had to defend a lot in the group stage and they defended very well.

☆ Soccer World Cup fans see double standard in stadium politics ban
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Andrew Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The first World Cup in the Middle East has been anything but insulated from the troubles of the volatile region, set against a backdrop of anti-government protests in Iran and an upsurge in Israeli-Palestinian violence. On Thursday, security ushered through hundreds of fans draped in flags, hats and scarves showing support for Palestine ahead of the Morocco v Canada match. Qatar's World Cup organisers said that "security authorities stepped in to deescalate tension and restore calm." A FIFA Qatar World Cup stadium code of conduct prohibits banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia of a "political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature". "I felt welcomed by the Qatari people and by all present here ... people greet us with ‘Palestine Palestine'," said Palestinian fan Saeed Khalil.

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