分类： sports

In a significant move to rally support for the national football team, the Iraqi Governorate of Basra has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This decision coincides with the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Basra International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere to bolster the Iraqi team, as reported by Iraq’s official news agency.

The match, scheduled for 8pm UAE time, marks the second leg of the fifth-round playoff. The first leg, held in Abu Dhabi on November 13, ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The stakes are high, as the victor will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in March 2026, hosted in Mexico. The top two teams from this playoff will secure the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

To facilitate UAE fans’ attendance, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has arranged eight private planes to transport supporters to Basra. UAE national team coach Cosmin Olaroiu faces the challenge of leveraging his squad’s depth to keep the nation’s World Cup aspirations alive. This match not only highlights the intense rivalry between the two teams but also underscores the unifying power of football in the region.

South Africa’s assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as unfair treatment of the Springboks following a series of red-card incidents in recent matches. Speaking to reporters in Dublin ahead of South Africa’s Test against Ireland, Stick highlighted the suspensions of key players, including Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, as evidence of biased officiating. De Jager received a four-game ban for a high tackle on France’s Thomas Ramos, while Mostert was sent off for a shoulder-to-head challenge on Italy’s Paolo Garbisi. Both incidents have sparked controversy, with Stick questioning the consistency of disciplinary decisions. ‘Every week we are losing players, and it’s sad,’ Stick lamented. He also referenced recent bans for South African players Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the United Rugby Championship, suggesting a pattern of disproportionate punishment. Stick defended Mostert’s actions, arguing that the tackle was not intentionally dangerous and that the physical nature of rugby sometimes leads to imperfect outcomes. He also criticized the officiating in the match against Italy, claiming that 20 out of 21 decisions in the first half went against South Africa. Despite the controversies, Stick emphasized the Springboks’ commitment to fair play and expressed regret over the impact on Italy’s performance. The Springboks, reigning world champions, continue to face scrutiny as they navigate these challenges on the international stage.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to commence earlier than usual, running from December 21 to January 18, and will significantly impact up to 17 Premier League clubs. Hosted in Morocco, the tournament will see numerous players depart mid-season, potentially missing up to six or seven Premier League matches, as well as FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures, depending on their teams’ progress in the competition. Clubs like Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to be the hardest hit, with multiple key players leaving for international duty. In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will remain unaffected as they have no players participating in the tournament. The group stages conclude on December 31, meaning players from eliminated teams may return sooner, missing fewer matches. However, for those advancing to the final, the absence could stretch into mid-January. Among the notable departures are Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United). Clubs like Aston Villa and Bournemouth will face minimal disruption, with only fringe players involved. The tournament’s timing during the busy festive period poses a significant challenge for Premier League managers, who must adapt their squads to cope with the loss of key contributors. The exact release dates for players remain uncertain, as they may vary based on individual club agreements with national teams.

Italian football fans are grappling with a sense of déjà vu as their national team faces yet another World Cup playoff challenge. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Norway in their final qualifier at San Siro, dashing hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The loss leaves Italy with the daunting task of navigating the playoffs in March to avoid missing the tournament for a third consecutive time.