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World Cup qualifying
Trends
- 1
Canada defeated Chile in a match marking the start of its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle. The result gives Canada a winning start as it builds toward qualifying and tournament play, and it is being followed by football fans tracking the early stages of the new international window.
- 2Ireland players vote to play World Cup qualifier against Israel●Ireland squad vote to play Israel tie despite Gaza unease
Ireland's football squad has voted to go ahead with their World Cup qualifying match against Israel, despite unease among some players over the situation in Gaza. The decision means the fixture will proceed as scheduled, with the squad choosing to fulfil the commitment rather than boycott. The vote highlights the tension felt within the team over competing professional obligations and moral concerns about the conflict.
- 3Mohamed Salah to miss Egypt's South Sudan match over artificial pitch●Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to miss South Sudan clash over artificial pitch
Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah will sit out Egypt's World Cup qualifying match against South Sudan because the game is being played on an artificial surface. The decision reflects long-standing concerns over injury risk on synthetic pitches, leaving Egypt without their biggest star for the fixture.