Brazil striker Igor targets World Cup glory

New Jersey, USA: Brazil striker Igor Thiago said Wednesday he is eager to make history as the South American team bids for its sixth World Cup title in the United States, Canada and Mexico. chickenroad.qpon

The 24-year-old described the June 11-July 19 tournament as a "unique chance" that he doesn't intend to waste.

"I'm very happy to be one of the players called up and to be able to be around these guys," he told a news conference.

"Having the chance to put our names in history is one of those special opportunities we get in life. I hope that when all of this is over, we can achieve our goal."

He earned his first Brazil call-up in March and has already scored two goals in three international appearances.

"It's the greatest achievement of my personal and professional life," he said of the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup.

الأخبارAFC President hails architect of Qatar’s sporting riseDoha, Qatar: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the Qatar royal famil...فتح →

"I always dreamed of playing for my country, but when you actually live this moment and arrive here, the feeling goes far beyond anything you imagined or dreamed of. I'm very grateful for everything."

Igor is the only traditional center forward in Brazil's squad, with wingers or second strikers making up the remainder of the attacking options.

He said he would be ready to perform if called upon by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"When you wear the national team shirt, I think you have to be prepared and ready for whatever comes," he said. "The pressure to always play our best football pushes us to bring out the best in ourselves. There is healthy competition for places and that's important for the national team."

Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13 before meeting Haiti and Scotland in Group C

Doha: Qatar successfully hosted the decisive AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifier between Lebanon and Yemen at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, with Yemen claiming a 2-0 victory to secure their place in the continental championship.

Originally scheduled to be hosted in Beirut, the final decisive qualifier for the AFC Asian Cup concluded on neutral soil in Qatar, jointly delivered by the Local Organising Committee for Football Events (LOC) and the Lebanese Football Association (LFA).

Fans from across Qatar and the region attended the match, which saw Yemen claim the final spot in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, joining South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Yemen’s historic victory marks their return to the continental championship eight years after their historic debut at the 2019 edition.

The 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup is set to take place in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027.

The Lebanon v Yemen qualifier is the latest in a series of high-profile matches hosted in Qatar, reaffirming the country’s position as a trusted host for international sporting events.

With a capacity of 13,000, Grand Hamad Stadium has a distinguished record of staging FIFA World Cup qualification matches and served as the official base camp for the Brazil national football team during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The venue continues to serve as home ground of local club Al-Arabi SC.

Berlin: Serena Williams will take part in the women's doubles at June's WTA event in Berlin, organisers announced Friday, the next stop in her comeback after a near four-year absence.

"Every tournament I add to my schedule right now is special, and Berlin is no exception," Williams, 44, said in a statement.

"I look forward to playing in front of the German crowd and continuing to build momentum for the grass-court season."

Her doubles partner will be announced at a later date.

On Monday, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion confirmed her return to the sport to play at London's Queen's Club tournament starting June 8.

The Berlin Tennis Open begins in the German capital on June 15 and is a traditional warm-up event for Wimbledon, which starts on June 29.

Nine of the WTA's top 10 players are set to take part in the tournament in Berlin's west.

Williams' third-round exit at the US Open in September 2022 was her final match on the tour.

The American's final opportunities to fine-tune her comeback will be in tournaments at Bad Homburg, in Germany, and Eastbourne, in England, before Wimbledon begins.

Williams has won Wimbledon seven times in singles and six times in doubles.

Madrid: Lamine Yamal has been named La Liga's Player of the Season for 2025-26 after playing a leading role in FC Barcelona's successful title defense.

The award, announced by the league on Friday, caps a remarkable campaign for the 18-year-old, who enjoyed the most productive season of his career.

Yamal scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists, establishing himself as one of the standout performers in Spanish football and a key figure in Barcelona's attack.

Barcelona finished top of the table with 94 points, securing the league title as a new generation of young talent, led by Yamal, continued to drive the club's domestic success.

Doha, Qatar: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Asia will be represented by a record nine nations at football’s biggest tournament. The expanded 48-team format has increased the continent’s presence, with a mix of established powers and first-time qualifiers heading to North America.

Among the AFC representatives, Japan enter the 2026 World Cup as the AFC’s strongest team, backed by a talented squad and a strong recent World Cup record. Iran is widely considered Asia’s second-strongest side, with Republic of Korea close behind in third. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Jordan will both make their historic World Cup debuts after qualifying for the tournament for the first time.

Japan (FIFA world ranking 18th)

Japan head to the World Cup as Asia’s highest-ranked nation. The Samurai Blue dominated Group C in final qualifying, finishing first with 23 points to clinch an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Japan’s preparations ended on a winning note when Koki Ogawa’s 87th-minute header secured a 1-0 friendly victory over Iceland on May 31. At the finals, Japan will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in group F.

Iran (Ranked 21st)

Iran once again showed why they are one of Asia’s most consistent teams. Team Melli topped Group A with 23 points to book a fourth straight World Cup berth and the nation’s seventh overall. The Iranians went into the tournament with confidence after a 3-1 win over Gambia on May 29 in Antalya. Iran will play in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Republic of Korea (Ranked 25th)

Republic of Korea remained undefeated in qualifying, winning Group B with 22 points to extend its remarkable streak of consecutive World Cup appearances. The Koreans will be making a 12th overall final; 11th in a row. They capped their preparations with a commanding 5-0 friendly victory over Trinidad and Tobago on May 30. In the finals, Republic of Korea is drawn in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.

Australia (Ranked 27th)

Australia recovered from a poor start to finish second in Group C with 19 points, clinching an automatic place in its sixth straight World Cup. The Socceroos have become one of AFC’s most experienced teams and will compete in Group D with Turkiye, the United States and Paraguay. In their final warm-up, Australia fell narrowly 1-0 to hosts Mexico on May 30.

Uzbekistan (Ranked 50th)

Uzbekistan penned one of the great success stories of AFC qualifying by reaching the World Cup for the first time. The Central Asian side finished second in Group A with 21 points just two behind Iran to claim its first ever finals appearance. This historic achievement follows seven unsuccessful bids for qualification. The “White Wolves” wrapped up preparations with a 2-0 friendly loss to co-host Canada on June 1. In the finals, Uzbekistan will compete in Group K with Portugal, Congo DR, and Colombia.

Qatar (Ranked 55th)

The 2022 World Cup hosts will again appear on football’s biggest stage, but this time after qualifying on the pitch. Qatar finished fourth in Group A, then regrouped in the play-offs and won Play-off Group A by beating UAE 2-1, earning their first-ever World Cup qualification through competition. Al-Annabi most recently lost 1-0 to Republic of Ireland in a friendly on May 28, but will draw on their experience as they prepare to face co-host Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland in Group B.

Iraq (Ranked 57th)

Iraq takes the longest qualification route among the AFC teams. The Lions of Mesopotamia finished third in Group B and then advanced through the continental play-offs, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 intercontinental play-off win over Bolivia in March 2026. This marks Iraq’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Under coach Graham Arnold, Iraq enters Group I with France, Senegal, and Norway on a high after a 1-0 friendly win over Andorra on May 29.

Saudi Arabia (Ranked 61st)

Saudi Arabia comfortably sealed a World Cup spot by topping Play-off Group B in Round 4 of AFC qualifying. The Green Falcons had finished third in Group C but rebounded strongly to claim direct qualification, securing their seventh finals appearance. Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H alongside Spain, Cabo Verde and Uruguay. In a recent friendly, the Saudis fell 2-1 to Ecuador on May 30 as they finalised preparations.

Jordan (Ranked 63rd)

Jordan rounds out Asia’s representatives. The Al-Nashama enjoyed a sensational qualifying run, finishing second in Group B with 16 points to clinch the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance. This historic achievement is the biggest in Jordanian football history.

The debutants faced a tough tune-up on May 31, losing 4-1 to Switzerland, but they will take confidence from how far they have come. Jordan will play in Group J with Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.

The qualification of nine AFC nations for 2026 reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of Asian football. Experienced sides such as Japan, Iran, Republic of Korea, and Australia will look to lead the charge, while new qualifiers like Uzbekistan and Jordan bring fresh intrigue. Together, they form Asia’s largest-ever contingent at a World Cup, ready to prove they can compete with the sport’s elite.