FIFA to host Concacaf World Cup qualifying draw Feb 25 in Zurich
January 24 – The draw for the Concacaf World Cup 2026 qualifiers will be held in FIFA’s Zurich headquarters tomorrow (January 25).
World Football
Egypt scrape into AFCON last 16 courtesy of Ghana’s added tine collapse against Mozambique
January 23 – Seven-time champions Egypt somehow squeezed through to the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday after drawing 2-2 with Cape Verde following a dramatic finale to Group B.
Turkish SuperLig debuts SAOT as part of Türk Telekom renewal
January 23 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and state-owned telecommunications giant Türk Telekom have renewed their long-term cooperation, with Türk Telekom becoming the technological sponsor of the Trendyol Super Lig.
Canada restart hunt for new GS after Walker drops out on first day
January 23 – Alyson Walker quit as the new general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association on Monday, the day she was to start in the position.
Italy mourns loss of goalscoring giant Luigi Riva, 79
January 23 – Luigi Riva, Italy’s all-time national team leading goalscorer, has died aged 79.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica will be battling to retain their elite Concacaf status as they compete for one of the two remaining slots at the Copa America 2024 against Honduras at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Gabon FA chief still in post despite suspension recommendation, FIFA says case is ongoing
January 22 – FIFA has yet to act on an independent investigator’s recommendation in November that the president of the Gabonese football association (Fegafoot) should be immediately suspended.
Frustration boils over after AFCON favourites Morocco held by Congo
January 22 – World Cup semi-finalists Morocco will have to wait to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Salah to get treatment in Liverpool but could head back to AFCON if Egypt make semis
January 22 – Mohamed Salah, arguably the highest profile player at the African Cup of Nations, is to return to Liverpool to receive treatment on a hamstring injury.
Goodbye Toulouse, Rouen stun French holders with marathon penalty shootout win
January 22 – French Cup holders Toulouse experienced an unexpected exit as third-tier Rouen triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. All 11 players from each team successfully converted their spot-kicks, culminating in a thrilling 23 out of 24 kicks scored.
Japan, Canada and Brazil join US from Spring edition of SheBelieves Cup
January 22 – The US Soccer Federation has announced that Japan, Canada and Brazil will join them for the ninth edition of this Spring’s SheBelieves Cup.
Honduras
Honduras are a team on the rise and would have been in the Nations League final four if they had held on to their lead in the closing minutes of the quarter final against Mexico, eventually losing on penalties.
Cryprus bans all away fans in top two tiers for rest of season
January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
Canada
Having thrown away their quarter final lead against Jamaica and then losing on penalties, Canada missed out on the CNL final four and now have a single match play-in against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification to the Copa America 2024, which will be played in the US with six Concacaf guests.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago were pushed into the Copa America 2024 play-in round as one of the four losing quarter finalists in the Concacaf Nations League having been beaten 4-3 on aggregate by the US.