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.
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.
Canada soccer head quits, unable to settle labor disputes
February 28, 2023 GMTNick Bontis resigned Monday as president of the Canadian Soccer Association, acknowledging change is needed to achieve labor peace with the men’s and women’s teams.
The move followed a letter from provincial and territorial soccer leaders asking Bontis to step down.
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.
Almada helps Atlanta beat Quakes 2-1, Robinson, Guzan return
February 26, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Thiago Almada scored two stoppage-time goals, Miles Robinson and Brad Guzan returned from long-term injuries and Atlanta United beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Saturday night in a season opener.
World Cup qualifying enters final days, with 10 spots left
February 25, 2023 GMTThere are still 10 spots left unclaimed for this summer’s Basketball World Cup, with all but one of them expected to be decided on Sunday.
Angola became the 22nd team to qualify for the 32-team field, getting in on Saturday.
Ramos ends international career after call from Spain coach
February 24, 2023 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain veteran Sergio Ramos ended his international career on Thursday after being told by the new coach of the national team that Ramos was no longer in his plans.
In his farewell, Ramos criticized coach Luis de la Fuente for deciding not to pick him regardless of his future performances.
US women win SheBelieves Cup with 2-1 victory over Brazil
February 23, 2023 GMTFRISCO, Texas (AP) — Alex Morgan and Mallory Swanson scored and the United States defeated Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday night to win the SheBelieves Cup for the fourth straight year.
Japan, which defeated Canada 3-0 in the earlier match at Toyota Stadium, was runner-up in the four-team, round-robin tournament.
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.
Marta returns from injury, looking toward her 6th World Cup
February 22, 2023 GMTBrazilian forward Marta is back from a year-long injury, and her availability for this summer’s Women’s World Cup, potentially her last, boosts Brazil’s outlook.
“(To) be around such a good player and a competitive player and a team player, that is something that will help this team going forward, absolutely,” Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said.
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.
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.
Neymar leaves field injured in PSG’s match against Lille
February 19, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — PSG forward Neymar was forced off the field on a stretcher Sunday after twisting his right ankle in a hard-fought 4-3 win against Lille in the French league.
Neymar picked up the injury at the start of the second half after the Brazil forward scored PSG's second goal before the interval.
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.
Qatar-based bid for Man United confirmed on deadline day
February 18, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — A Qatar-based bid for Manchester United was confirmed Friday, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani promising to rid the iconic soccer club of debt and return it to its former glories.
US women beat Canada 2-0, show support in labor dispute
February 17, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Mallory Swanson scored a pair of first-half goals and the United States beat Canada 2-0 Thursday night in a SheBelieves Cup match clouded by a labor dispute between the Canadian players and their federation.
After Club World Cup, Al-Hilal turns attention back to Asia
February 17, 2023 GMTDays after losing 5-3 to Real Madrid in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal returns to its home continent to try and extend its recent dominance of the Asian Champions League in a second-round match against Shabab Al-Ahli of Dubai.
Debinha gives Brazil 1-0 win over Japan in SheBelieves
February 16, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Debinha scored off a pass from Marta in the second half and Brazil won the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup 1-0 over Japan on Thursday.
Marta, who has been named FIFA World Player of the Year six times, came in as a second half substitute for Brazil.
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.
Ben Yedder in terrific form as Monaco chases PSG
February 16, 2023 GMTWissam Ben Yedder's disappointment over missing the World Cup was so big that his current scoring form for Monaco has taken many by surprise.
After an uninspired start to the season, the striker peaked at the right time last year and hoped that France coach Didier Deschamps would notice.
Canada women prepare for SheBelieves amid labor dispute
February 15, 2023 GMTCanada women's national team coach Bev Priestman says the dispute between her players and the Canadian federation is weighing on the team as it prepares for its opening match of the SheBelieves Cup against the United States on Thursday.
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.
Qatar’s emir watches as PSG stumbles in Champions League
February 15, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Making a rare visit to the Parc des Princes, the emir of Qatar watched first hand as Paris Saint-Germain came up short on Europe's biggest stage once again.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was in the stands as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and the rest of an expensively assembled team lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich on Tuesday, putting the club in danger of another early exit from the Champions League.
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.
Canada women resume training after federation meeting
February 12, 2023 GMTThe Canadian Women's national team said Saturday night that players would return to team activities after Canada Soccer threatened legal action because of their protest over cuts to the women's program.
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.
Win or lose, Club World Cup final a sign of Saudi progress
February 10, 2023 GMTRegardless of whether Al-Hilal can beat Real Madrid in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday and become the first Asian team to win the title, these are jubilant times for sport in Saudi Arabia.
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.
US forward Alex Morgan supports transgender kids in sports
February 9, 2023 GMTForward Alex Morgan says the U.S. national team should have internal discussions about playing games in states that restrict transgender kids from participating in sports.
The team is currently preparing for the SheBelieves Cup, a round-robin tournament with Canada, Brazil and Japan that starts next week.
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.
Sports pitch for level playing field in cricket-mad Pakistan
February 6, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — On Islamabad’s outskirts, burly men bind together in a scrum on a rugby pitch that has seen better days. The sign bearing the club’s name is worn. The floodlights are too costly to use, given high electricity prices and the paltry $135 total that the club earns in membership fees every month.
LAFC’s Crépeau standing tall after broken leg in title match
February 3, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Maxime Crépeau wanted to watch the last minutes of the MLS Cup final during his ride to the hospital, but he couldn't get a stream to work in the ambulance. The Los Angeles FC goalkeeper and his wife gave up and started refreshing a statistical webpage on his phone, his broken right leg becoming increasingly painful as the adrenaline wore off.
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.
European king Real Madrid out to rule Club World Cup again
January 31, 2023 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Few would have expected Real Madrid to be competing for the Club World Cup title before the team's unlikely run to Champions League glory last season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team needed dramatic comebacks to defeat Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before beating Liverpool in the final last May.
Australia’s Women’s World Cup opener moved to bigger venue
January 31, 2023 GMTAustralia's Women's World Cup opener against Ireland has been moved to a larger stadium amid high demand for tickets.
Australia’s opener was originally set to be played at Sydney’s new Allianz Stadium, which seats 42,500, but it has been shifted to Stadium Australia, which seats more than 82,000.
Sam Mewis unlikely to play for US at World Cup after surgery
January 30, 2023 GMTMidfielder Sam Mewis has undergone a second knee surgery and is unlikely to be available to play for the United States at the Women's World Cup this summer.
Mewis, who also plays for the Kansas City Current in the National Women's Soccer League, first had surgery on her right knee in August 2021.
Messi regrets controversy against Dutch at the World Cup
January 30, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — World Cup winner Lionel Messi regretted his testy exchanges with the Netherlands coach and players during their controversial quarterfinal in Qatar, he said in an interview aired on Monday.
Arnold extends deal as Australia coach to 2026 World Cup
January 30, 2023 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Graham Arnold is set to become the first coach to lead Australia's men's team at successive FIFA World Cups after signing a four-year contract extension that will take him through the 2026 tournament.
U.S. men end training camp in scoreless draw with Colombia
January 29, 2023 GMTCARSON, Calif. (AP) — The annual January training camp for the U.S. men’s national team is a chance for young, inexperienced players to build their skills for international competition, and interim head coach Anthony Hudson’s young U.S.
Almeria beats Espanyol 3-1 to stay unbeaten after World Cup
January 27, 2023 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Almeria eased to a 3-1 win over Espanyol at home on Friday and remained unbeaten since the Spanish league restarted following the World Cup.
Almeria, which was promoted for this season, has gone undefeated in five league games since the end of December.
Almada relishes World Cup win, looks forward to MLS season
January 27, 2023 GMTFirst, he cried with joy and shared the news with his family. Then, Thiago Almada needed to catch a plane. Quickly.
The Atlanta United midfielder was called up to Argentina's World Cup squad as an injury replacement mere days before the team's opening game.
Goalie Sean Johnson signs with Toronto after 6 years at NYC
January 27, 2023 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Sean Johnson is the new goalkeeper for Toronto FC through 2024.
The 33-year-old free agent spent the last six seasons with New York City FC. Toronto FC signed him using targeted allocation money.
Copa America 2024 to be played in the United States
January 27, 2023 GMTBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Next year's Copa América will be played in the United States and will include six CONCACAF teams.
South American soccer body CONMEBOL said Friday its 10 national teams will play the tournament out of their region after a deal with the confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean.