علق أسامة نبيه لاعب الزمالك السابق، على أداء وفوز الفريق على زيسكو الزامبي، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين، مساء أمس الأحد، ضمن منافسات كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.
وفاز الزمالك على زيسكو، بهدف دون رد، في إطار الجولة الأولى من مواجهات المجموعة الرابعة لمنافسات كأس الكونفدرالية، في المباراة التي أقيمت في القاهرة.
وقال نبيه خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الفوز على زيسكو مهم، بداية المشوار في الكونفدرالية، الفريق يمر بظروف صعبة ولكن المكسب يدفعك للتقدم ويضعك في موقع أفضل، بغض النظر عن الأداء والشكل”.
طالع | ترتيب مجموعة الزمالك في الكونفدرالية بعد الفوز على زيسكو الزامبي
وأضاف: “ثلاثة نقاط، وفريق المصري أيضًا ثلاثة نقاط، نتمنى إن شاء الله إن هذه المجموعة يتأهل منها الزمالك والمصري، ويصلان إلي المباراة النهائية من كأس الكونفدرالية”.
وتابع: “الزمالك يعاني مشاكل فنية، بجانب المشاكل الإدارية والمالية، نتمنى إن شاء الله أن نصل لحل في النواحي الإدارية ونتداركها، وعلى النواحي الفنية نتداركها، وعلى النواحي المالية نتداركها”.
وأتم: “كل هذا يحتاج إلي تكاتف وعمل كبير وقوي من كل أفراد المنظومة، وأنا آسف، نرغب في تدخل من الدولة، إن شاء الله تساعد نادي الزمالك في أزماته التي يمر بها”.
Rumoured Celtic manager target Craig Bellamy has shared praise for one Hoops player who has impressed under Martin O’Neill.
Celtic linked with shock Bellamy move
The Hoops are yet to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor, with O’Neill steadying the ship with wins over Falkirk and Rangers.
The Irishman booked Celtic’s place in the Scottish League Cup final at the weekend and there have been class he could stay on until the end of the current campaign due to his relationship with Dermot Desmond.
Wales boss Bellamy has been one of numerous managers linked with the full-time vacancy, though, with those at Parkhead even weighing up contact at the end of October.
Celtic can make Tierney completely unplayable by hiring 4-2-3-1 manager
Bellamy has even spoken out on the rumours of a move to Glasgow, saying: “It’s not on my radar – and it won’t be on my radar. I can understand the links because I played there, [now] I’m coaching, so I definitely understand the links.
“But to me, I love what I’m doing at this present moment. I have to be honest, I’m completely focused on what’s to come. It looks it’s going to be a play-off in March, we know that and to me, that’s all I’m focused on and I know it’s a little bit cliched, but it’s the honest truth.
“I couldn’t want for anything more than what I have at this present moment and that’s where it lies with me.”
Bellamy shares praise for Celtic teenager Callum Osmand
Bellamy also expressed his disappointment that he could not consider Celtic teenager Callum Osmand for Wales selection after a change in the rules around the eligibility of players from the Channel Islands.
Jersey-born forward Osmand was capped by Wales at Under-16 and Under-17 level when players from the Channel Islands were able to represent any of the four Home Nations.
But a change in the rules means players from the Channel Islands – British Crown Dependencies who are not full FIFA or UEFA members – are now only eligible to play for England, and Osmand’s Wales career is at an end as he has no Welsh heritage.
Osmand made a dramatic impact since Celtic interim managers O’Neill and Shaun Maloney came in.
He made his senior debut in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Falkirk and netted his first goal for the club in Sunday’s 3-1 Hampden victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. The 19-year-old has even been added to Celtic’s Europa League squad.
Ainda sem Vegetti, o Vasco enfrenta problemas no ataque em momento decisivo para definir seu rumo no Campeonato Carioca. O clube terá dois clássicos nos próximos dias e aguarda para saber se vai contar com seu centroavante titular.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco
Na quarta-feira (14), o Gigante da Colina vai ao Maracanã jogar como visitante diante do Fluminense. O Tricolor deve ir com força máxima, visando a conquista da Taça Guanabara. Já na rodada seguinte, o duelo é contra o Botafogo, no Nilton Santos. O confronto terá uma ‘pitada especial’ na disputa direta pela classificação às fases finais do Carioca.
O técnico Ramón Díaz terá um problema a resolver para a semana de clássicos: como fazer o ataque da equipe render se ainda não tiver Pablo Vegetti. O centroavante se recupera de uma lesão nas costelas.
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Para suprir a vaga deixada pelo atacante, o treinador argentino tem poucas opções à disposição. Díaz pode apostar na juventude do atacante Rayan, com Adson e David servindo o ataque pelas pontas. O garoto recebe um trabalho especial da comissão técnica para se acostumar às movimentações e disputas como centroavante, mas ainda não anotou gols.
Outra opção é abandonar o trio de ataque para jogar com dois nas funções. Desta forma, Ramón Díaz poderia usar David e adiantar Adson para flutuar na parte ofensiva. O ponta ex-Corinthians também pode ser recuado ao meio-campo, abrindo vaga para Payet atuar avançado.
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Nas cinco rodadas em que atuou com o time titular, o Vasco conseguiu marcar apenas cinco gols. Apesar de figurar entre os classificados para as semis atualmente, o desafio do Gigante da Colina é achar alternativas caso não conte com Vegetti.
Manchester United have endured a superb upturn in form over the last couple of weeks, with the squad now finally reaping the rewards of the faith shown in the manager.
Ruben Amorim was a man under pressure a couple of months ago, especially after the Red Devils endured yet another dismal start to a Premier League campaign.
The 40-year-old has since led the first-team squad to five games unbeaten in England’s top-flight – a run which is undoubtedly the best during his 12-month spell at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur showcased their ability to bounce back from losing positions – something which may have been difficult in 2024/25.
There’s little disputing that the club are certainly on the up under Amorim’s guidance, but his side could be further improved during the upcoming January transfer window.
Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January
Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the sides touted with a move to land Palmeiras centre forward Vitor Roque after his impressive form in 2025.
The Brazilian youngster has scored 16 times in his 30 league appearances this calendar year, currently sitting as the division’s second top scorer at present.
His form has led to links to the Red Devils, but it would be yet another expensive addition, with the Serie A outfit currently demanding a fee in the region of £42m for his signature.
In terms of big-money additions, the Red Devils have also been touted with another move for Elliot Anderson after his incredible rise at Nottingham Forest this campaign.
According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, United have already made contact with the Reds over a deal for the central midfielder, who’s also become an England international regular in recent months.
However, the journalist has also confirmed that any deal would set the hierarchy back upwards of £100m-£120m this January – a deal that would break the club record fee paid for Paul Pogba back in 2016.
Why Anderson would finally get Sesko firing
During their £200m spending spree in the summer, the United hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £74m for the signature of Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Given the magnitude of such a fee, real expectations were placed on the Slovenian to provide the goods and lead the line for Amorim’s men in 2025/26.
However, his time at Old Trafford to date has been a huge disappointment, with the 22-year-old only finding the net twice in his first 11 Premier League outings for the Red Devils.
Sesko is currently four games without a goal in England’s top-flight, even being dropped to the substitutes bench and limited to just half an hour in the draw against Spurs.
He will no doubt need time to settle into life in England’s top-flight, but he could be aided in his attempts for success at Old Trafford should the board secure the services of Anderson this winter.
It would no doubt be a mammoth investment if they were to land the 23-year-old, but such a move would provide Sesko with the ammunition he needs to thrive in front of goal.
Anderson, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by Matt Forde, has completed 1.3 take-ons per 90 – ranking him in the top 3% of all midfielders in the division at present.
Games played
11
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
8.8
Passes into final third
8.6
Take-ons completed
1.3
Ball recoveries
8.5
Tackles made
2.6
Duels won
7.7
The aforementioned tally showcases his ability to get the ball into attacking areas, which could provide the forwards ahead of him with the chances they need to impress.
He’s also 8.6 passes into the final third per 90 – with such a tally the highest of any player in the Premier League this season, highlighting his talents with the ball at his feet.
Other figures, such as 8.8 progressive passes and 1.4 key passes per 90, further demonstrate his talents at finding a teammate – with such numbers perfectly falling into the hands of Sesko.
The prospect of Anderson linking up with Bruno Fernandes is truly an exciting one, with the United fans potentially blessed with one of the best duos in the league.
If the youngster can replicate such numbers, there’s no reason why he can’t help Sesko finally kickstart his career in England – even if a deal would cost the hierarchy a club-record fee.
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Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in their group-stage game and then did Bangladesh a favour by beating Afghanistan, and go into this game with momentum on their side
Mohammad Isam19-Sep-20252:22
Maharoof: Mendis a nightmare for spinners once he gets going
Big picture: A twist to the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka taleBangladesh cricket fans had to put on hold their antagonistic feelings towards Sri Lanka for a couple of days – they needed Sri Lanka to beat Afghanistan to stay alive in the Asia Cup, after all. That’s how it panned out, leaving Bangladesh fans thrilled. Social media in Bangladesh has been buzzing with self-deprecating memes, all with photos of the Sri Lankan flag or Bangladeshis wearing the Sri Lanka jersey.The rivalry that has developed over the last seven years has often been full of cringe-worthy elements, but it’s also true that the players have been able to move up an extra gear whenever they’ve been in contest with each other. So there is a lot of interest in Saturday’s match, the first of the Super Four stage.Related
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Charith Asalanka’s side has been the more dominant in the Asia Cup. They won all three of their group games, including against Bangladesh. Curiously, Hong Kong pushed them harder than Bangladesh or Afghanistan could.Importantly for them, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis commandeered the 170-run chase against Afghanistan relieving the pressure that’s been on Pathum Nissanka. The opener has been in good form and has been crying out for support. Sri Lanka were finally able to give that to him and will take confidence from that going into the pointy end of this tournament.2:18
Maharoof: Nissanka among the best all-format openers
Bangladesh have an opportunity for course correction. Some of it is already underway, with Parvez Hossain Emon losing his place in the team. Saif Hassan, who took his spot, has looked competent but Sri Lanka will be a major test for the comeback man. Bangladesh suffered back-to-back wicket maidens to start the game when the teams last met. The balance of their bowling is another puzzle they must solve. Their fifth-bowler combination (Saif and Shamim Hossain) didn’t work in the previous game.This promises to be a closer contest than the earlier game. The stakes are higher, with the first set of points crucial. Asalanka and Litton Das will also be leading two sets of players eager to one-up each other after a brief bit of peace.Form guideBangladesh WLWWW Sri Lanka WWWWLMustafizur Rahman has been effective, but not always frugal•Associated Press
In the spotlight: Mustafizur Rahman and Kusal MendisMustafizur Rahman took three wickets to help Bangladesh against Afghanistan, but the left-arm quick has been quite expensive in the Asia Cup. Especially in the group match against Sri Lanka, Mustafizur bowled his most expensive spell of the year (3-0-35-1). Bangladesh will hope the left-arm quick returns to his stingy best. Mustafizur will have the added motivation of completing 150 wickets in T20Is – he is four short of the milestone – and also overtaking Shakib Al Hasan, who has 149.Kusal Mendis carried Sri Lanka to their six-wicket win against Afghanistan with a sparkling, unbeaten 74. Mendis is also very good against Bangladesh. He is already Sri Lanka’s second-highest run-getter with four centuries across formats against them. He is undoubtedly the key wicket in the Super Four opener.2:27
Abhinav lauds Bangladesh’s spin-choke tactic
Team news: Wellalage available to playBangladesh could bring in either of the allrounders Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin to fill their fifth-bowler gap.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanDunith Wellalage, who flew back home following the death of his father, is set to rejoin the Sri Lankan team on the morning of the match and is available for selection.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan ThusharaPitch and conditions: Struggle for runs in DubaiBatters have only gone at a strike rate of 109.26 in Dubai at this Asia Cup. Abu Dhabi, for comparison, has been slightly better – 119.50. The slow nature of Dubai’s pitches have certainly helped the spinners. The weather forecast is for a typical hot evening.Stats and trivia: Litton on top With 513 runs, Litton is currently this year’s top run-getter in T20Is among Full Member sides. Thushara’s 4 for 18 against Afghanistan is Sri Lanka’s best figures in the Asia Cup’s T20I version. Jaker has shown in the last 12 months that he has a few tricks up his sleeve but in this series, his 53 runs have required 48 balls and include only three fours.
Marcus Rashford will have to wait a little longer to play in Barcelona's newly reopened Camp Nou after being ruled out of their clash with Athletic Club. The Manchester United loanee has enjoyed an excellent start to life with the Catalan outfit, contributing a hatful of goals and assists. But the Blaugrana say he will not feature in Saturday's La Liga encounter as they try to close in on rivals Real Madrid.
Rashford makes bright start to Barcelona loan spell
After being frozen out at United under head coach Ruben Amorim, Rashford swapped the Premier League for La Liga, linking up with Barcelona on a season-long loan deal late this summer. After things turned sour at the Red Devils, he seems to be a different player at the Blaugrana, scoring six goals and adding nine assists in all competitions. With captain Raphinha out injured, the England international has stepped up to the plate and cushioned that blow with some first-rate performances. However, the club have confirmed that he will play no part in Athletic Club's visit to Camp Nou, which has been partially reopened following years of building works.
A couple of hours before kick off, Barca tweeted: "MEDICAL ANNOUNCEMENT. Marcus Rashford will miss today’s match against Athletic Club due to [the] flu."
Barca will hope Rashford is well enough for the trip to Chelsea on Tuesday in the Champions League and for their home La Liga encounter with Alaves next Saturday.
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Rashford wants Barcelona stay
Less than two months into his Barcelona stay, Rashford made it clear that he wants to move on from boyhood club United and play for the Spanish giants. Barca have the option to turn his loan into a permanent deal, with reports suggesting he could be available for between €30-35 million (£26-30m).
In late October, he said when asked if he wanted to join Barcelona: "Oh yeah, for sure. I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it is an honour. The main focus is to win football matches, this is why I joined this club, and it's what the club demands."
Rashford is also getting praise from manager Hansi Flick, who could play a key role in whether or not the 28-year-old heads to Spain permanently.
In September, after his brace against Newcastle United, the former Bayern Munich boss said: "He's a fantastic player, a great talent and his finishing is incredible. For a striker, it's always great to score goals and so I'm really happy for him. Before the start of the season, [sporting director] Deco and I said we needed a player like him. He is unbelievable. He has more potential he can show us."
Incidentally, reports suggest Rashford, whose United deal runs until the summer of 2028, has swapped his hotel near Camp Nou for an apartment in Esplugues, a municipality on the outskirts of Barcelona – suggesting he is settling in to his new surroundings.
(C)Getty Images
Flick delighted about Camp Nou move
After more than 900 days away from playing at Camp Nou, Barca are back at their iconic ground this weekend. While the stadium is less than half full, with refurbishment work still ongoing, Flick expressed his "emotion" at playing at this venue.
As 45,000 fans piled into Camp Nou, the German said before the match: "My dream has always been to coach Barça here, and that’s why I’m so excited. It's important to be here."
Although Rashford, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were not available for this Athletic Club contest, Barca's squad includes Raphinha and Joan Garcia after a spell out on the sidelines through injury.
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What comes next for Barcelona?
After this Athletic Club game, Barca take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League in midweek and then host Alaves in the league next Saturday. Meanwhile, top of the table Real Madrid, who sit three points clear in first place, are away to Elche on Sunday night.
The squad is missing a few key names, forcing Hayes to continue broadening the player pool ahead of the final two matches of 2025.
To close out the year, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has named her final training-camp roster for a pair of friendlies against Euro semifinalists Italy. With the 2027 World Cup creeping closer, Hayes continues to broaden the player pool, calling in three uncapped players once again: Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph, and Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner.
This squad features seven changes from October and several notable returns. Hayes has summoned a Chelsea trio – Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, and Catarina Macario – with Girma’s long-awaited comeback headlining the group. The defender has played only four U.S. matches all year, but Hayes has long made her admiration clear.
With injuries, NWSL fatigue, and several fringe players pushing for bigger roles, this camp should offer one last meaningful look at the depth chart before the calendar flips to 2026.
GOAL looks at key takeaways from Hayes' roster release.
AFPGirma's return
Girma returns to the USWNT roster after missing the previous FIFA window with an injury. The defender last appeared for the U.S. on July 2 in a 3-0 win over Canada and has played only four of the team’s 13 matches this year, starting all of them at center back.
Her return has been long-awaited – and no one seems more thrilled than Emma Hayes. Girma was instrumental in the U.S. run to Olympic gold in 2024, when Hayes famously called her “the best defender I’ve ever seen.”
In club play, Girma has also dealt with injuries, but she recently worked her way back into Chelsea’s lineup, starting their 6-0 Champions League win over St. Pölten.
Ahead of camp, Hayes told reporters: “I’m just so happy she’s back… I realize more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership – not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well.”
After the October friendlies, Hayes made it clear she was pretty set on her trio of goalkeepers: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Claudia Dickey, and Mandy McGlynn. There has been a consistent rotation between all three, with Tullis-Joyce and McGlynn earning three starts and Dickey starting twice.
Hayes called on a new face to this camp, with Tullis-Joyce ruled out due to a facial injury she suffered with her club team, Manchester United. This is just the second international call-up for Jordan Silkowitz, who was named to the roster alongside Dickey and McGlynn. Silkowitz earned her first-ever U.S. National team call-up earlier this summer when she played in Germany with the Under-23s. In total, the three goalkeepers in this camp have just eight total career caps.
Will Hayes give Silkowitz a shot? Perhaps. She hasn't at all shied away from trying new things during her tenure, and the time is still now to do so.
Getty ImagesChelsea trio called on
They might not be ‘Triple Espresso’, but Catarina Macario, Girma, and Alyssa Thompson will all represent the USWNT after featuring for Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Macario is coming off a standout performance, scoring twice in the Blues’ win over St. Pölten.
In total, six players on this roster are currently based in Europe – four in England and two in France. Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes feature for Lyon, while Emily Fox plays for Arsenal.
Macario and Thompson have been consistently dangerous for the USWNT in attack. Thompson already has 22 caps and three goals, and arrived at Chelsea with 15 goals in 63 appearances for Angel City. Macario, meanwhile, has one U.S. goal this year and 13 in 27 career caps, underscoring her long-term impact when healthy.
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Getty ImagesShaw's big moment
All eyes will be on forward Jaedyn Shaw this camp, especially as it will be her second-straight call-up to the senior team after she spent two previous FIFA windows with the Under-23s. With the senior team, Shaw has 29 USWNT caps and eight career goals. She also attained a massive milestone when she became the first USWNT player to score in her first five starts.
Shaw has been instrumental in Gotham FC's end of the season, too, scoring a clinical overtime free-kick goal to send the NY/NJ team to the 2025 NWSL Championship.
Under Hayes, Shaw has been less than consistent, but with her seemingly finding her groove in the playoffs, her confidence is at another level.
From Scott McTominay overhead kicks to Troy Parrott mania and the stuff of dreams for Curaçao and Haiti, the November international break has been one full of drama.
It has also provided a far clearer picture of what the 2026 World Cup may look like. All but six countries have now booked their places in North America, with the remaining spots to be determined by playoffs taking place in March 2026, which will see four additional European teams qualify.
Along with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Italy are the biggest name in the European playoffs, with Poland, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey and the Czech Republic among others being forced to take that route.
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The remaining two places will come from the inter-confederation playoffs featuring Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia.
The draw for the finals will take place in Washington on Friday, December 5 at midday local time (5pm UK time), but AI has jumped the gun and predicted every group including those teams yet to be officially decided.
Group A – USA, Denmark, Norway, Japan
According to the supercomputer, hosts USA will meet Denmark, Norway and Japan in the group stage. Having qualified automatically due to their host status, America will hope to advance into the knockouts in what would be an interesting group. A lot, of course, relies on whether Denmark can qualify through the playoffs.
The Danes lost late on against Scotland and were forced to settle for a place in the playoffs rather than automatic qualification. Japan, meanwhile, could be ones to watch after they lost just once in World Cup qualifying, and Norway could yet cause a few upsets thanks to Erling Haaland. In a well-balanced group, though, both USA and Denmark would be favourites to advance.
Group B – Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa, Iraq
Like USA, Mexico have had their 2026 place sealed ever since it was announced that they would host the World Cup and the supercomputer predicts that they’ll be handed a fairly routine group to match. Joined by Ecuador, South Africa and Iraq – who just kept their qualification hopes alive with a late victory over UAE – Mexico would be expected to advance in such a group.
Group C – Canada, Iran, Uzbekistan, Republic of Ireland
Canada, the final hosts of the tournament, will be joined in Group C by Iran, Uzbekistan and Ireland – who will need to qualify through the playoffs – according to the supercomputer.
Canada should feel confident if the AI prediction is right. They could top the group in front of their home crowd.
Group D – Argentina, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, Haiti
Can Argentina retain their crown on Lionel Messi’s likely last appearance on the big stage? That’s the question. They turned on the style at times in qualifying and will be expected to advance in a group with Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Haiti if the supercomputer’s prediction comes true.
That’s not to say it’s the most routine group, though. Ivory Coast have a strong team in their own right, boasting the likes of Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra and Evann Guessand. The same, meanwhile, can be said for Switzerland, who have the likes of Granit Xhaka to call on. Argentina should top the group, but then the fight for second place would be on, especially if Haiti cause any upsets.
Group E – Brazil, Croatia, Tunisia, New Zealand
Out of all the groups that the supercomputer has predicted, Group E stands out as the most routine so far. Both Brazil and Croatia would likely compete for top spot, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side favourites to come out on top, whilst Tunisia and New Zealand battle it out for third place.
There would still be room for some shocks, but the dominance of Brazil and Croatia would likely prove too strong. Ancelotti’s side will especially be one to watch, as they weigh-up whether to bring Neymar to the World Cup and others in pursuit of glory at long last.
Group F – Uruguay, Netherlands, Egypt, Jordan
If anyone was ever keen to see Darwin Nunez up against Virgil van Dijk then Group F will be the one for you, according to the AI prediction. It has predicted that Uruguay will square off against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Jordan and the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
On paper, it looks like a routine draw for the two favourites of the group to go through, but seven-time AFCON winners Egypt are not to be taken lightly as long as Salah is fit and firing.
Group G – Belgium, Italy, Senegal, Saudi Arabia
Despite the fact that they’ll need to go through the playoffs, the supercomputer has predicted that Italy will take part in their first World Cup in over 10 years. It would signal a huge sigh of relief around the country if that proved to be the case, but their recent form suggests that it could yet be a playoff to forget once again.
Meanwhile, if they do reach the World Cup, they may still face their demise. The computer has predicted that Italy will meet a brutal group including Belgium and Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest sides, while don’t ignore Saudi Arabia, who beat eventual champions Argentina at Qatar 2022.
Group H – England, Austria, Algeria, Curacao
The supercomputer has predicted that England will be drawn into a group with Austria, Algeria and the smallest-ever country by population to feature at a World Cup, Curacao.
It wouldn’t get much more routine for the Three Lions, who are looking to finally bring football home in the men’s game to follow in the footsteps of the successful Lionesses.
They couldn’t have asked for a better qualification process under Thomas Tuchel, either. England were untouchable going forward and going the other way. They’ve got the players and they’ve got a winning manager. Will this finally be the year?
Group I – France, Scotland, Ghana, Australia
It could be good news for Scotland. The computer believes they’ll be drawn with France, Australia and Ghana. It would be an ideal draw for Steve Clarke’s men, who just defeated Denmark in dramatic fashion to qualify.
The fact they’ve reached the World Cup is an achievement in itself, but they won’t just be there to take part. In a group with France, who are likely to top the group, Australia and Ghana, they should expect to compete for a place in the knockouts.
Group J – Spain, Morocco, Paraguay, Jamaica
Drawn in a group with Morocco, Paraguay and Jamaica, Spain will be expected to dominate and send an early statement at the World Cup. They already have the Euros under their belt and will now be gunning for World Cup glory.
They’re a country full of great footballing history and many are backing them, led by the talent of Lamine Yamal, to create even more.
Group K – Portugal, Colombia, Qatar, Cape Verde
Group K, according to the supercomputer, will be centred around Cristiano Ronaldo and what is likely to be his final chance to win the World Cup. He’s watched as Messi has lifted it in dramatic style and will now be desperate to get his own glory to truly cement his Portugal legacy.
In a group with Luis Diaz’s Colombia and underdogs Qatar and Cape Verde, Ronaldo will be expected to shine.
Group L – Germany, South Korea, Panama, Wales
Whilst Germany likely ease to top spot, South Korea could grab second place in Group L. Up against Panama and playoff contenders Wales, they could have a routine run at second, assuming Germany take control.
The 2014 World Cup winners should be desperate to improve on their recent record and reclaim their throne, although they may have to stifle a Welsh side boosted by scoring seven times in their final qualifying game.
“He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness,” BCCI secretary says
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Sep-20255:11
Aaron: If Iyer says he has back issue, you have to believe him
Shreyas Iyer has requested the BCCI for a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to concerns about his back, which the board has approved*. ESPNcricinfo learned that Iyer sent an email to the board to that effect and pulled out of the ongoing four-day match between India A and Australia A in Lucknow.Confirming the update on Thursday morning, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a press statement that Iyer “has informed the BCCI of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket”. “Having undergone back surgery in the UK and managed his recovery well, he has recently experienced recurring back spasms and stiffness while playing the longer format,” Saikia wrote. “He wishes to utilise this period to build endurance, body resilience and work on his fitness. In view of his decision, he was not considered for selection for the Irani Cup.”Iyer was the India A captain in the first four-day game against Australia A, but withdrew from the second. He was likely to have been picked in the Rest of India squad to play defending Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha in the Irani Cup, but will now miss that game.Before scoring 8 in his only innings against Australia A last week in Lucknow, Iyer had played the Duleep Trophy semi-final for West Zone against Central Zone in September at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru. He made 25 and 12 in that outing, his first competitive match since the end of IPL 2025.Iyer had problems with his back in December 2022 and the injury flared up during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home in March 2023, after which he had surgery in April and missed the IPL that year. He returned for the Asia Cup in September and was a key part of India’s unbeaten run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November.He continued to have issues with his back, though, and skipped some first-class matches for Mumbai, as a result of which he was omitted from the BCCI’s central contracts list in February 2024. Iyer was back on the list of contracted players the following year. More recently, in February-March this year, Iyer was India’s highest run-getter (243 in five innings) and the second-highest run-getter overall in the run to the Champions Trophy title, after which he led Punjab Kings to the final of IPL 2025.
Pittsburgh Pirates fans have endured six straight losing seasons, haven't witnessed Pirates' postseason baseball since 2015, and haven't seen a Pirates' World Series victory since 1979.
And ace pitcher Paul Skenes believes they deserve better.
When asked by MLB.com's Alex Stumpf if he carries the burden of better expectations as the face of the franchise, Skenes delivered a memorable answer that will be music to the ears of Pirates fans who long for better play.
"I think we owe something to the city," Skenes said. “We owe a lot to the city. It’s our job to go out and win for the city because this is bigger than all of us. There’s a reason why [veteran Andrew McCutchen] Cutch keeps coming back, and specifically to Pittsburgh.
"There’s something about this city. We saw it last summer. We’ve seen it in the videos of the Wild Card Game. I’m tired of watching them because it was a Wild Card Series. The bar needs to be set pretty high. Not taking anything from those guys.
"The fact that that’s a golden era of recent Pirates baseball, that needs to change. We owe it to the city."
Skenes gives Pirates fans hope that better days are coming—and not just because of his potentially franchise-changing attitude. Skenes, who won the '24 National League Rookie of the Year award after authoring one of the most dominant seasons by a first-year pitcher in MLB history, also just so happens to be a franchise-changing player.
Additionally, the Pirates have an All-Star caliber veteran in outfielder Bryan Reynolds, a physically-gifted—and perhaps future All-Star—in 26-year-old Oneil Cruz, and a farm system with promising young bats and arms that MLB.com ranked among baseball's top-15 this spring.
Pittsburgh opens the '25 season with Skenes on the mound against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.