Sri Lankan football took a significant step forward with the introduction of the FIFA Series, Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar said in a statement shared by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The country hosted the inaugural FIFA Series in March 2024 at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo, welcoming Bhutan, the Central African Republic and Papua New Guinea for a four‑nation tournament spanning three confederations.

The FFSL said that the event was more than the delivery of an international competition, describing it as a milestone in placing Sri Lanka’s football on the global stage. 

The Racecourse venue itself stood as a symbol of FIFA’s ongoing support, having been renovated and prepared for international matches under the FIFA Forward Programme, which funds infrastructure and capacity‑building projects across Member Associations.

“Hosting the inaugural FIFA Series in Colombo in March 2024 was far more than the successful delivery of an international tournament. For Sri Lanka, it was a powerful statement that our football belongs on the global stage, and that countries still building their footballing strength deserve meaningful opportunities to compete, learn and dream,” Umar further said in the statement shared by FIFA. (Newswire)

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Gianni Infantino confirmed that FIFA will discuss expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament, saying every nation should have the chance to dream of playing at football’s biggest event.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is the first to feature 48 teams, having expanded from 32, and a further increase could be in the cards.

“This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” FIFA’s president told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport when asked about the possibility of a 64-team tournament. “When you organize a World Cup, it’s important that you organize it for the whole world. It’s not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.

“We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it’s getting higher and higher everywhere in the world. If you don’t give smaller countries the chance to participate in the World Cup, they also lose the incentive to keep improving.”

The prospect of a 64-team World Cup first emerged in March 2025, when South American confederation CONMEBOL proposed expanding the 2030 tournament, which will mark the competition’s centenary.

In September, Infantino met with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, the presidents of the Argentine and Uruguayan football associations, and the presidents of Paraguay and Uruguay in New York to discuss the proposal.

At the time, Domínguez said, “We believe in a historic 2030 World Cup. We want to call for unity, creativity and believing big. Because when football is shared by everyone, the celebration is truly global.”

In April 2025, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani told ESPN: “I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues and players.”

If approved, a 64-team World Cup would feature 128 matches, double the number played under the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022. This year’s tournament will feature 104 matches.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has previously described the proposal as “a bad idea.” (ESPN)

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched a probe into the financial operations of Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States, according to a report by Argentine newspaper La Nacion. 

The report claimed that the football association, headed by president Claudio Tapia, is under investigation for allegations of possible money laundering. The investigating agency is reportedly trying to understand how AFA channeled money through the USA financial system and whether the entire process could have resulted in any crimes. 

The news broke amid ongoing controversy surrounding Argentina’s win over Egypt in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matches where a number of referee decisions were heavily criticised.

According to the report, a Florida-based company TourProdEnter LLC takes care of AFA’s financial obligations abroad and they are currently under investigation. 

“According to documentation obtained and analyzed by LA NACION during the last few months and revealed at the end of 2025 and the beginning of this year, Gillette and Faroni —former Buenos Aires legislator of the Renewal Front— moved at least hundreds of millions of dollars through accounts opened in five US financial entities: Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JP Morgan and PNC Bank,” the report claimed.

“Through these accounts, TourProdEnter LLC managed at least US$260 million in revenue from the AFA, although—according to bank records analyzed by LA NACION —only a portion of these funds can be directly linked to identifiable operating expenses of the organization headed by Tapia. 

Another US$57 million was distributed among various companies and beneficiaries whose economic justification is not apparent from the documentation reviewed by this newspaper. Among these transfers are wire transfers of tens of millions of dollars to companies that, according to documentation analyzed by LA NACION , do not provide any identifiable services and were controlled by individuals who, according to official records consulted by this newspaper, received social welfare benefits and resided in Bariloche or Buenos Aires,” the report added.

Tapia has already found himself in the news due to corruption investigations and an ongoing power struggle with Argentine President Javier Milei over the ownership structure of the football clubs. He was charged with tax evasion in March. (NDTV Sports)

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The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has renewed the contract of National Team Head Coach Abdullah Almutairi, reappointing him to lead the side under the Federation’s newly launched strategic program, “The Next Chapter.”

FFSL President Jaswar Umar confirmed the decision following discussions with Almutairi on the future direction and ambitions of Sri Lanka Football. He praised the coach’s professionalism, commitment, and the positive results achieved during his first tenure, noting that the national team’s FIFA ranking climbed from 205 to 187 alongside a string of international victories.

Umar said the Federation was satisfied with the successful completion of key performance targets and had “no hesitation” in offering Almutairi a second contract, reflecting confidence in his leadership and technical expertise.

With the renewed mandate, Almutairi will oversee preparations for upcoming international competitions while driving the FFSL’s new technical and competitive objectives. 

His role is central to the Federation’s long-term vision of strengthening foundations, enhancing competitiveness, and building greater visibility for Sri Lanka Football at regional and international levels.

FFSL states the renewal marks another milestone in “The Next Chapter” initiative, which it describes as a framework for sustainable development and national team success. (Newswire)

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The coach of Iran’s World Cup team said it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t say who ordered the Iranians to leave earlier than planned. The team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game, only to be told after the match that everyone must immediately get on a plane for the 140-mile trip back to Tijuana.

“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said through an interpreter. “After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.”

The Iranians’ World Cup cycle has been in upheaval since the U.S. and Israel began a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran ultimately decided to compete even after FIFA rejected its request to move its three group-stage matches out of the U.S.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the team endured five hours of travel and security checks during what’s normally a very short trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.

“We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest,” Ghalenoei said. “I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere. We were supposed to come two nights before the game, and we were supposed to stay tonight to recover and return tomorrow at lunchtime. We have no idea why.

“I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup.”

Taremi and Ghalenoei both decried the team’s lack of many important staff members – including the president of Iran’s football federation, coaching support personnel and media officials – who were denied visas by the U.S., amplifying the team’s difficult preparations.

“We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us,” Taremi said about an hour after the match. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this. … Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us.”

Ghalenoei said several players developed cramps during the game, which was played in mild conditions. He attributed the injury problems to the lack of proper preparation time caused by Iran’s bureaucratic and diplomatic obstacles.

“Before the game, I said we haven’t had time to adjust because of the travel,” Ghalenoei said. “Many of our players, they had cramps, and that’s why we had to substitute them. So it wasn’t for technical reasons that we made substitutions. It was because of the injury and because of the cramp. They will be examined (Tuesday) by our technical staff, but the fact they delayed our arrivals and they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery, they are making the situation more difficult.”

The Iranians’ remaining two games in group stage play are against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday, followed by a trip to Seattle to face Egypt next week.

Iran opened its World Cup with a disappointing draw to a team ranked 65 places lower in FIFA’s rankings. Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside Iran.

The game was played in a crackling atmosphere created in part by a conflicted, diasporic fan base which remains furious with the current Iranian government but is still largely supportive of Team Melli.

While several hundred Iranian Americans protested the government outside, many fans from the diaspora jeered and turned their backs on the field during the national anthem. Dozens of Lion and Sun emblems – the centerpiece of Iran’s official flag before 1979 – were displayed in the crowd despite FIFA’s attempts to keep them away, while dozens more fans wore the Lion and Sun emblems on T-shirts.

Yet the vast majority of the crowd vocally supported the Iranian players once the match kicked off.

“It was an incredible atmosphere in the game, all 90 minutes,” Taremi said. “It was like at home for us.”

Elijah Just scored early in each half for New Zealand, but Iran responded twice with a pair of beautiful goals, including Mohebi’s header off a perfect pass from Ramin Rezaeian, who had scored off the side of his boot in the first half.

Mohebi appeared to mime the shooting of a gun after his goal, setting off criticism online. He also made the now-ubiquitous “ice in my veins” gesture originated 10 miles away from SoFi Stadium by Los Angeles Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell a decade ago, before he held up a heart to the cheering fans.

“The Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere,” Mohebi said. “That celebration, it comes in the mind, and I did like this” – motioning to his arm – “for all the fans. Just a celebration.”

Players from both teams embraced and shook hands after the final whistle, with at least one jersey swap occurring. While Ghalenoei sat by himself in the dugout, his players gathered together and walked around the field applauding their remaining thousands of flag-shaking, roaring fans.

Both of Iran’s next two matches are tougher on paper, endangering their chances of getting out of the World Cup group stage for the first time. Iran, Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand have one point apiece after the opening round.

“We’re facing more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best,” Ghalenoei said. “I think today was one of the best games in the World Cup so far, and I think the fans really enjoyed it inside the stadium and outside the stadium.” (CBS News)

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Neymar has been ⁠ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendlies and is set to miss their World Cup opener after scans revealed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed.

CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the blow on Thursday ahead of a players’ media conference, confirming the 34-year-old forward faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here ⁠at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury, not just swelling. He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks,” Lasmar said.

He did not say whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

He had joined the team on ‌Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s first training session and was sent to a private clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests after complaints of swelling in his right calf.

According to Lasmar, the MRI showed not swelling, as previously reported, but a grade-two calf strain — a moderate injury involving a partial tear of the muscle fibres that requires rest and rehabilitation.

The diagnosis differs from that presented by Santos prior to the squad announcement. The club’s doctor, Rodrigo ⁠Zogaib, stated that the problem was merely swelling, and that Neymar would ⁠arrive fit to begin training on Tuesday.

Instead, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracana, and the subsequent match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also all but ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup ⁠opener against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil are in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already ⁠without defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, as well as forward Gabriel ⁠Martinelli for Sunday’s fixture due to their involvement in this weekend’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar’s recall last week had generated widespread excitement after not featuring in Ancelotti’s plans during the Italian’s year in charge. ‌

The forward, who has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has endured years of injury troubles and an underwhelming return to Santos.

In an interview with Reuters earlier this month, Ancelotti ‌said ‌that Neymar would receive no special treatment, and that his place in the squad would be strictly based on fitness and form, not sentiment.

For now, Brazil must plan without him. (Al Jazeera)

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The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup — the biggest ever — will see 48 nations compete for the prize in a 39-day tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Sixteen venues across the three nations will host 104 matches as the tournament returns to North America after 32 years.

Argentina will look to defend the trophy they lifted under their iconic captain, Lionel Messi, at Qatar 2022, while Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will make their debut at the finals.

The tournament will begin in Mexico and conclude in the US.

Here’s everything you need to know about its teams, groups, format and schedule.

What are the groups and teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

When and where is the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The tournament will open on June 11 at 3pm (21:00 GMT) at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico.

When and where is the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The MetLife Stadium, which will be called the New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament, will host the final on July 19 at 3pm (20:00 GMT).

Why has FIFA changed the names of the stadiums hosting World Cup matches?

In a move to restrict ambush marketing for brands not associated with FIFA, the governing body has changed stadium names for all venues to match the host city.

Therefore, the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has been rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, and the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has been renamed the Los Angeles Stadium for the tournament.

What’s the format of the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The tournament will consist of one group-stage round and four knockout rounds before the final.

Unlike previous editions, the knockouts will begin with the round of 32, followed by the round of 16, the four quarterfinals and two semifinals.

The stage-wise breakdown of the tournament’s schedule is:

• Group stage: June 11 June 27
• Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
• Round of 16: July 4-7
• Quarterfinals: July 9-11
• Semifinals: July 14-15
• Bronze medal match: July 18
• Final: July 19

What’s the full match schedule of the World Cup?

Group stage

• Thursday, June 11

Mexico vs South Africa at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Korea vs Czechia at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

• Friday, June 12

Canada vs Bosnia at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

USA vs Paraguay at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Saturday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

• Saturday, June 13

Qatar vs Switzerland at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

Brazil vs Morocco at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Haiti vs Scotland at 9pm (02:00 GMT on Sunday) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Australia vs Turkiye at midnight (08:00 GMT on Sunday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

• Sunday, June 14

Germany vs Curacao at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Netherlands vs Japan at 4pm (22:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Monday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Sweden vs Tunisia at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Monday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

• Monday, June 15

Spain vs Cape Verde at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Egypt at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Iran vs New Zealand at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

• Tuesday, June 16

France vs Senegal at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Iraq vs Norway at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Argentina vs Algeria at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Austria vs Jordan at midnight (08:00 GMT on Wednesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

• Wednesday, June 17

Portugal vs DRC at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Croatia at 4pm (22:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Ghana vs Panama at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Thursday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Uzbekistan vs Colombia at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

• Thursday, June 18

Czechia vs South Africa at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Switzerland vs Bosnia at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Canada vs Qatar at 6pm (02:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Mexico vs South Korea at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Friday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

• Friday, June 19

Scotland vs Morocco at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

USA vs Australia at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Brazil vs Haiti at 9pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Turkiye vs Paraguay at midnight (08:00 GMT on Saturday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

• Saturday, June 20

Netherlands vs Sweden at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Germany vs Ivory Coast at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Ecuador vs Curacao at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Tunisia vs Japan at midnight (06:00 GMT on Sunday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

• Sunday, June 21

Spain vs Saudi Arabia at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Belgium vs Iran at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Uruguay vs Cape Verde at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

New Zealand vs Egypt at 9pm (05:00 GMT on Monday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

• Monday, June 22

Argentina vs Austria at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

France vs Iraq at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Norway vs Senegal at 8pm (01:00 GMT on Tuesday) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Jordan vs Algeria at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Tuesday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

• Tuesday, June 23

Portugal vs Uzbekistan at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

England vs Ghana at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Panama vs Croatia at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Colombia vs DRC at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

• Wednesday, June 24

Switzerland vs Canada at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

Bosnia vs Qatar at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Scotland vs Brazil at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Morocco vs Haiti at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Czechia vs Mexico at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Thursday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

South Africa vs South Korea at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Thursday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

• Thursday, June 25

Ecuador vs Germany at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Curacao vs Ivory Coast at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Japan vs Sweden at 7pm (01:00 GMT on Friday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Tunisia vs Netherlands at 7pm (01:00 GMT on Friday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US,

Turkiye vs USA at 10pm (06:00 GMT on Friday) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Paraguay vs Australia at 10pm (06:00 GMT on Friday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

• Friday, June 26

Norway vs France at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Senegal vs Iraq at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Uruguay vs Spain at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Saturday) – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico

Egypt vs Iran at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Saturday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

New Zealand vs Belgium at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Saturday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

• Saturday, June 27

Panama vs England at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Croatia vs Ghana at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

Colombia vs Portugal at 7:30pm (02:30 GMT on Sunday) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

DRC vs Uzbekistan at 7:30pm (02:30 GMT on Sunday) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Algeria vs Austria at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

Jordan vs Argentina at 10pm (04:00 GMT on Sunday) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Knockout stage

Sunday, June 28

Round of 32 match at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

• Monday, June 29

Round of 32 match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 32 match at 4:30pm (22:30 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

Round of 32 match at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe, Mexico

• Tuesday, June 30

Round of 32 match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 32 match at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

• Wednesday, July 1

Round of 32 match at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 32 match at 4pm (00:00 GMT on Thursday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

Round of 32 match at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Thursday) – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, San Francisco, US

• Thursday, July 2

Round of 32 match at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

Round of 32 match at 7pm (00:00 GMT on Friday) – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada

Round of 32 match at 11pm (07:00 GMT on Friday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

• Friday, July 3

Round of 32 match at 2pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 32 match at 6pm (23:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Round of 32 match at 9:30pm (03:30 GMT on Saturday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

• Saturday, July 4

Round of 16 match at 1pm (19:00 GMT) – Houston Stadium, Houston, US

Round of 16 match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, US

• Sunday, July 5

Round of 16 match at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US

Round of 16 match at 8pm (02:00 GMT on Monday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

• Monday, July 6

Round of 16 match at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

Round of 16 match at 8pm (04:00 GMT on Tuesday) – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, US

• Tuesday, July 7

Round of 16 match at 12pm (17:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

Round of 16 match at 4pm (00:00 GMT on Wednesday) – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

• Thursday, 9 July

First quarterfinal at 4pm (21:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, Boston, US

• Friday, 10 July

Second quarterfinal at 3pm (23:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, US

• Saturday, July 11

Third quarterfinal at 5pm (22:00 GMT) –  Miami Stadium, Miami, US

Fourth quarterfinal at 9pm (03:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, US

• Tuesday, July 14

First semifinal at 3pm (21:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Dallas, US

• Wednesday, July 15

Second semifinal at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, US

• Saturday, July 18

Bronze medal match at 5pm (22:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, Miami, US

• Sunday, July 19

Final at 3pm (20:00 GMT) – New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, US. (Al Jazeera)

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The Sri Lanka National Football Team concluded its 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a remarkable 3–1 victory over Chinese Taipei in Taipei, marking their second consecutive away win against the side.

Despite the impressive result, Sri Lanka did not secure qualification for the Asian Cup. Competing in Group D, the team played six matches, winning three and finishing third in the points table.

The win, however, has boosted Sri Lanka’s standing in world football. With Chinese Taipei ranked 174 and Sri Lanka at 194 before the match, the victory is expected to lift Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking to around 190, a four‑place improvement.

Football Sri Lanka noted that over the past 18 months, Sri Lanka has surged from a ranking of 207 to approximately 190, reflecting sustained progress.

“This victory stands as a historic milestone for Sri Lankan sport and reflects the emergence of a new era in Sri Lanka Football,” Football Sri Lanka said in a statement. (Newswire)

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The Asian Football Confederation has imposed a fine of USD 2,000 on Sri Lankan footballer Mohamed Thilham for displaying a message in support of Palestine during an international match in Colombo.

Mohamed Thilham had displayed the message following the match held on 10 June between Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei under the AFC Asian Cup qualifying tournament.

Although Thilham’s action violated international football regulations and was deemed inappropriate, the AFC considered several mitigating factors after receiving an explanation regarding the incident. 

According to Sri Lanka Football President Jaswar Umar, this led to the reduction of what could have been a more severe penalty to USD 2,000. 

Thilham has been given a one-month period to settle the fine, with at least two weeks remaining as of the latest reports.

The incident occurred during the post-match celebration at Colombo’s Racecourse Stadium, where Sri Lanka secured a 3–1 victory. 

During a group photo, 19-year-old Thilham, who was an unused substitute, lifted his official jersey to reveal an undershirt bearing the message “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE.” (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will take on Chinese Taipei tomorrow in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Asian Qualifiers– Road to 26.

According to Football Sri Lanka, the match will be played at 03.30 pm at the Race Course Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. 

The Asian section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification acts as qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for national teams of the Asian Football Confederation. 

AFC teams have been allocated eight direct qualifying slots and one inter-confederation play-off slot. The qualification process involves five rounds; the first two also serve as qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. (Newswire)

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Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has held discussions with the visiting Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, in Colombo.

According to the Sports Ministry, Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne also participated in the discussion held yesterday. 

During the meeting, the AFC President pointed out that even though many Asian countries are facing economic corruption, Sri Lanka is moving forward as a country due to the actions of the current government.

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed confidence that the sport of Football will reach a better level as a result.

He further stated that efforts will be made to provide Sri Lanka with an international football stadium with modern facilities in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports for the advancement of football. 

The discussion focused on the necessary future plans in this regard. (Newswire)

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Football Sri Lanka has roped in another player of Sri Lankan descent ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), Jeremy Perera from Germany has been welcomed to the national squad.

Jeremy Perera, a prominent attacking midfielder from the German League, joined the Sri Lanka National team pool yesterday.

Jeremy Perera, who resides in Germany with his Sri Lankan parents, met with FFSL President Jaswar Umar to officially join the squad.

The Sri Lanka National team is strengthening its lineup ahead of the AFC Asian Cup final round kicking off from March 2025. 

Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) put eight teams directly into the 2026 World Cup, with a ninth team going to the inter-confederation playoffs in hopes of making the tournament. (Newswire)

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Ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has strengthened its team by adding three prominent players of Sri Lankan descent from the global pool.

All three players met with FFSL President Jaswar Umar yesterday at the Football House.

The new additions are :

• Remiyan Muthuccumaru – from Netherlands
• Garrett Kelly – from England
• William Thomason – from Australia

Furthermore, Football Sri Lanka has announced the schedule for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers set to kick off in March this year.

According to Football Sri Lanka, the national team will engage in six matches, with three to be played in Sri Lanka. 

Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will see the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) put eight teams directly into the 2026 World Cup, with a ninth team going to the inter-confederation playoffs in hopes of making the tournament. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has made a winning start in the SAFF Women’s Championship-2024 today, defeating the Maldives.     

Sri Lanka edged Maldives, one goal to nil, in the first match of the Group B played at the Dashrath Stadium at Tripureshwar.     

Emisha Anuradhini scored for Sri Lanka in the 18th minute of play and this proved to be the winning goal of the match. With this win, Sri Lanka has earned three points.     

Nepal will meet Bhutan in another Group B match this evening. (RSS)

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Sri Lanka Football will take on Myanmar in two thrilling matches as part of a FIFA International Friendly this week.

According to the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, the teams will battle it out in Yangon, Myanmar on 10 and 13 October. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Ali Zahir Moulana has called for better sports facilities for outstation schools, stating there is plenty of promise outside of Colombo.

MP Moulana’s comment comes after Alighar Central College of Eravur emerged as the National Champions in the ‘Ball Blaster Challenge Trophy 2023’, a 1st XI Division Schools Football tournament.

Sharing snippets on the victory of his alma mater on ‘X’, MP Moulana said it was a very proud day for Eravur and Batticaloa.

“An unimaginable feat for a small-town school with minimal facilities and infrastructure to defeat top urban schools with the best facilities at their disposal,” MP Moulana said, sharing a photo of the team’s practice ground.

Stating that this game goes to show that there is plenty of promise outside of Colombo, MP Moulana said, “We only have to invest into and create the enabling environment and leave the rest up to them.” 

MP Ali Zahir Moulana also brought his concerns and the capability of the Eravur team to the attention of the newly appointed Sports Minister Harin Fernando. (NewsWire)

My alma mater, Alighar Central College of Eravur emerged as the National Champions in the 1st XI Division Schools Football trophy today. A very proud day for Eravur and Batticaloa! pic.twitter.com/d2WBM4wExB

— Ali Zahir Moulana (@alizmoulana) December 11, 2023

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The global governing body of soccer, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension on the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) with immediate effect.

According to a statement by FIFA, the decision was taken by the Bureau of FIFA Council after the FFSL had met the criteria that were laid out for the lifting of the sanction. 

As the FFSL had met the criteria, including the adoption of an electoral roadmap for elections to take place on 29 September 2023, the Bureau decided yesterday (Aug. 27) to lift the suspension. 

The statement further says FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will continue to monitor the situation until the elections in September 2023. (NewsWire)

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Five persons have been arrested over the brawl that broke out during a football game between two prominent boys’ schools in Colombo last evening.

The clash had broken out during a football match between Wesley College, Borella and Zahira College, Maradana held at Cooray Park in Wellawatte last evening.

According to reports, a brawl had broken out between a group of spectators and students who had attended the football game, resulting in a clash.

Police investigations have revealed that ten persons including students had been injured in the clash.

The injured persons have been admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila. 

The Police stated that the five suspects arrested in connection to the clash are residents of Wellawatte and Kirulapone. (NewsWire)

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The football governing body, FIFA, has informed the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) that its men’s team is not eligible for participation in several upcoming international tournaments. 

FIFA stated that the FFSL men’s team is not eligible to participate in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament 2024 – Asian qualifiers and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 qualifiers.

FIFA further stated that Sri Lanka’s men’s team has missed the eligibility criteria due to the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. 

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka was sanctioned by the international governing body for football, FIFA, on January 21 2023.

The suspension is reportedly due to third-party interference in matters related to the FFSL as the Sri Lankan authorities had deviated from the agreed roadmap and complaints over the Sri Lanka football elections held on January 14th 2023.

Consequently, The FFSL representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s football captain Sujan Perera has urged the authorities to promptly resolve the issues surrounding the Sri Lanka Football Federation (SLFF), as it was detrimental to the players.  

In a post on Facebook, Sujan Perera pointed out that 2023 was a crucial year for Sri Lankan football players, as the 2023 SAFF Championship and the Football World Cup Playoffs are all scheduled for this year.

Sujan Perera revealed that the football team will not receive any matches if the team has not played for a period of 4 years. 

“We players can only pray but the people who have power should work on this as soon as possible. Please help us play again,” he appealed via his message.

Sri Lanka’s football captain also blamed the officials of the football administration for the issues that have cropped up resulting in an international ban being imposed on Sri Lanka Football Federation.

According to the Sunday Observer, Sujan Perera made an appeal to all stakeholders in the sport from administrators, media, sports authorities and even the highest in the country to rally together as one nation to work earnestly towards lifting the FIFA suspension.

“If we can’t play for the national team because of this ban, it is a big loss for the country and fans who love the sport. This is a problem caused by administrators past and present but it is the players who are suffering. People come to see football, not administrators. All parties responsible for this situation should join hands leaving aside petty differences and selfish motives to resolve this issue,” said Sujan commenting on the issues surrounding football in Sri Lanka.

Sujan Perera also revealed that the livelihoods of several players, coaches, and other staff in the sport have been severely affected as a result of the FIFA ban.

“I can survive but there are others who play football with a passion with hardly any incentives. Playing football full-time means it is our job. If we can’t represent the national team, it is a big loss for players and the country. On top of that the Sports Ministry’s suspension of FSL in September saw allowances due for players during national pool training being stopped. We are still fighting to get arrears of Rs 160,000 due to players. The FSL staff got paid but not the players,” said the 30-year-old, who has been playing as a professional in the Maldives since 2015 for the Eagles and TC teams.

Football Sri Lanka (FSL) was sanctioned by the international governing body for football, FIFA, on January 21 and therefore ineligible to participate in international competition. FIFA has stated that the suspension might be lifted any time before the FIFA Congress which will take place on March 16 in Kigali, Rwanda. (NewsWire)

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