USMNT books elite opponents for World Cup prep: Portugal, Germany and Belgium await

A recent report has criticized FIFA and the IOC for their inconsistent policies regarding athletes convicted of sexual assault, highlighting the confusion this creates for major events like the World Cup and Olympics. The report emphasizes the need for clear standards across borders to address these serious issues effectively.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is set to take place, detailing the process which includes pots, quadrants, and confederation constraints that will determine group placements for the tournament. This event is crucial as it sets the stage for the competition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The FIFA World Rankings for 2026 have been updated, showcasing a diverse array of nations participating in the upcoming World Cup, which will include both established teams like Spain and newcomers such as New Zealand. This tournament is set to be the largest in history, featuring an expanded format of 48 teams.

The 2026 World Cup draw is set to take place, combining elements of entertainment and political significance, as it will reveal the group placements and tournament path for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT). This event is expected to attract significant attention due to its high-profile nature and the involvement of celebrities.

Human rights organizations, including the Sport and Rights Alliance and Amnesty International USA, have raised concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup, urging FIFA to take action to protect the rights of local communities and fans amid fears of immigration raids and arbitrary detentions during the tournament. They have made seven specific requests to FIFA ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.

In a thrilling Premier League match, Manchester City narrowly defeated Fulham 5-4 at Craven Cottage, with Josko Gvardiol's crucial goal-line clearance preventing a historic comeback by Fulham. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur salvaged a point against Newcastle thanks to Cristian Romero's late equalizer, showcasing the intense competition in the league.

Germany has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Women’s European Championship, winning 15 out of 17 votes from Uefa’s executive committee. The country aims to set a new record for ticket sales, surpassing previous tournaments. This decision comes after a competitive bidding process, where Germany outperformed bids from Poland and a joint submission from Denmark and Sweden, while Portugal and Italy withdrew from contention.

England's wheelchair rugby league team achieved a significant 2-0 series victory against Australia in the Ashes, a result that has largely gone unnoticed in the UK due to the timing of the matches and lack of mainstream coverage. This win serves as a strong precursor to their upcoming World Cup in Australia next year.