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England flexed their muscles in their Women's World Cup opener with a ruthless 10-wicket demolition of South Africa in Guwahati on Friday.After bowling out the Proteas for a paltry 69 in just 20.4 overs, England's openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made light work of the chase, cantering home in 14.1 overs.Electing to bowl first, England rolled the dice early by tossing the new ball to spin, a move captains often shy away from in the power play. But left-arm tweaker Linsey Smith turned out to be the ace up their sleeve, exploiting a tacky surface that had South Africa groping in the dark."To get that start was very special. I only found out Friday that I was opening the bowling and I was excited for the challenge. The conditions suited me well," said Smith.It was just Smith's fifth ODI, but the 30-year-old is no stranger to international cricket, having been part of England's T20 side since 2018. Now a permanent fixture in the 50-over team, her willingness to bowl in the danger zone of the power play could be a trump card for England going forward in this campaign.Smith struck in each of her first three overs and was unlucky not to bag a fourth when a stumping chance off Sinalo Jafta went begging. Jafta clung on grimly for 22, the lone South African to reach double figures in a sorry tale of collapse.It was the Proteas' third lowest total in ODIs and their worst against England.The chase was little more than a formality, though Jones survived a let-off on 31 when Masabata Klaas spilled a return catch. She finished unbeaten on 40 with Beaumont on 21 not out."Not the way we wanted to start the tournament. We've shown resilience in the past and we'll bounce back," South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt insisted as her batters were left searching for answers.England's dominance was such that Heather Knight, marking her 150th ODI appearance wasn't required to bat or bowl as her team-mates were so dominant against South Africa. She became only the second player from England to feature in 150 women's ODIs.The emphatic win vaulted England to the top of the points table with all eight teams now having played one game each.BRIEF SCORES:England 73 for 0 (Jones 40*) beat South Africa 69 (Jafta 22, Smith 3-7, Sciver-Brunt 2-5) by ten wickets

Ticket sales for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will begin today, 3pm, Doha time at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with an exclusive presale opportunity for Visa cardholders. General sales will begin on 7 October 2025, 8am, Doha time. Tickets for the tournament will be available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. The price of a Day Pass is QAR 20. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match day. The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone from 3-27 November, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time. Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced ticket sales for the fourth round of Group A matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be held in Doha from October 8 to 14, 2025.Group A brings together Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with all fixtures to be held Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The opening match on October 8 will see Qatar face Oman at 8pm, followed by the UAE against Oman on October 11 at 8:15pm, while the final match on October 14 will pit Qatar against the UAE, also at 8:15pm. Group B matches, involving Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, will be staged in Jeddah during the same period.The QFA confirmed that tickets for Qatari fans for the clash with Oman will go on sale on September 29, while tickets for the UAE fixture will be available from October 9. Prices have been set at QR60 for first category and QR25 riyals for second category, with a maximum of six tickets permitted per person. Tickets can be purchased exclusively online at tickets.qfa.qa, while fans with disabilities can request access via [email protected] for Emirati fans are being handled by the UAE Football Association, with a limited number for the UAE-Oman encounter to be released on October 1. Allocations for Omani fans, handled by their federation, have already sold out.The QFA also issued important instructions, confirming there will be no ticket sales points at the stadium and warning that ticket distribution near the venue is prohibited in order to ensure fan safety and avoid congestion. For inquiries, supporters can contact [email protected] top team from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The second-placed teams will meet in a two-leg playoff on November 13 and 18, 2025, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff.Match Schedule – Group AOctober 8: Qatar vs Oman (20:00)October 11: UAE vs Oman (20:15)October 14: Qatar vs UAE (20:15)

Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are set to go on sale this week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced today.Starting from 30 September, 3pm Doha time, tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available. Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will go on sale exclusively to Visa cardholders starting 2 October, 3PM. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.Hassan Rabia Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “The launch of our ticket sales marks an important milestone for us, as Qatar getsready to welcome the world once again. Fans will be treated to an exciting football season, where they will be able to experience the country’s signature hospitality and be part of awonderful cultural exchange that will showcase our shared passion for football.”FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets in three categories, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. All stadiums will provide a number of accessible seating options for disabled fans.The opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. All venues will feature a robust fan zone, where fans can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar.This is the second time that Qatar will be hosting the prestigious tournament. In 2021, the country successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the FIFA Arab Cup™, which was the first time the competition was played under the auspices of FIFA.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup™ again in 2029 and 2033.FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available as a number of Day Pass options, with prices starting from QAR 20. The Day Pass will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as a number of cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see eight matches a day taking place during its various stages, for a total of 104 matches.Fans can also purchase a Prime Match Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All pitches will provide wheelchair-accessible seating for disabled fans. Tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The young Maroons will look to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament.The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets are available in two categories,with prices starting from QAR 15, and also includes accessible seating options.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and is the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams.For tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa, @u17worldcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms

Coaches of the teams participating in the Gulf Cup for U-17 football, set to kick off Saturday in Doha, highlighted the tournament as a key step in building a generation of players with valuable international experience.Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia, leading the Qatari U-17 team, said the competition offers “an important test” as Qatar prepares for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November. He added that the tournament will help players gain experience, refine their skills, and adapt to different levels of competition.Iraq’s Jose Maria Zarco echoed the sentiment, noting his team is in good shape and the timing of the tournament is ideal for assessing player readiness.Saudi Arabia coach Abdulwahab Nasser al-Harbi emphasised the value of the Gulf Cup in preparing for upcoming events, including the World Cup, despite missing some players due to club commitments.Bahrain’s Croatian coach Olewo Klingor praised the organisation and described the tournament as “a major challenge and an important step” in developing young talent. Kuwait’s Tariq al-Khelaifi said the competition will aid preparations for Asian Cup qualifiers next month, while Yemen’s Samer Mohammed Saleh highlighted the opportunity for first-time international players to gain exposure.UAE coach Majid Salem Al Zaabi stressed the tournament’s role in preparing his squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and Oman’s Ahmed Bait Saeed expressed enthusiasm for the strong competition and opportunities for interaction.The tournament opens tomorrow with Iraq facing Kuwait at 6pm at Grand Hamad Stadium, followed by Saudi Arabia vs. Bahrain at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar will start its campaign tomorrow against Yemen at Grand Hamad Stadium, alongside UAE vs. Oman at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 30, with the final scheduled for October 3 at Grand Hamad Stadium.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to take place from November 3-27. With less than two months until the tournament kickoff, fans in Qatar look forward to welcoming their national teams and partaking in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of football and culture. This is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams. A total of 104 matches will take place over 25 days at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. Argentina fans will hope to see their team win this competition for the first time, following the success they enjoyed during Qatar 2022. For Maria Hermina, a human resource professional and Argentinian super fan based in Qatar, the tournament has brought a wave of excitement within the football-loving expat community. “Football is in our blood. It unites us all regardless of our diverse backgrounds or beliefs – this is the beauty of the game. We look forward to celebrating this beautiful game with fans from around the world. In 2022, we watched the senior Argentinian team crowned as world champions, now we are rooting for our young Albiceleste to bring home the U-17 World Cup trophy.” Portuguese fan leader, Elisabete Reis, an etiquette and protocol consultant in Qatar and a long-time resident of 19 years, looks forward to recreating memories of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the team set to make their fourth appearance at the upcoming tournament. The young Portuguese squad will be looking to improve on their best finish when they finished in third place in 1989. “The world was amazed by what Qatar had to offer. I was happy that fans were able to appreciate the true beauty and culture of Qatar and go back with a positive perspective. The U-17 World Cup, will bring the world together once again in Qatar, allowing fans to embrace new cultures and revel in the thrill of this game. I look forward to welcoming global fans to my second home, and creating incredible memories together.” Amongst participating teams, Uganda is set to make their first ever appearance at a FIFA competition. For fan leader, Allan Ssemugabi, who works in the automobile industry, the team’s qualification to the tournament was a historic moment for football fans. “This is a momentous occasion in our football history. Fans are super excited, and many will be travelling to Qatar to support our young players. It’s a dream for us to be able to watch our team play at a global stage. I am excited to unite with fans from around the world to celebrate our common passion for football. I am certain that fans will enjoy all that Qatar has to offer, especially its compact nature, making it easy to travel between various cultural sites using public transport.” Indonesia will be making their second appearance at the competition after hosting the competition in 2023. Fan leader Vidi Viciyandrie, who works in the oil and gas industry, is an avid supporter of Indonesian football. “Football is the number one sport back home; we are crazy about the game. Indonesian fans take immense pride in supporting our national teams, no matter what the result is. Our young Garudas have our full support. This will be a wonderful tournament for all of us. The world has seen how Qatar can successfully organise football tournaments, and the U-17 World Cup will be another spectacular event for football fans.” The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will host eight matches a day during the group stage. Fans will also be able to enjoy several cultural activations in a vibrant fan zone. The venue is connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.

Reigning 20-overs world champions India look overwhelming favourites to retain their Asia Cup title with Suryakumar Yadav leading a crack squad that can sweep aside rivals and any geopolitical distraction in the tournament beginning Tuesday.The September 9-28 tournament had looked in limbo after four days of military conflict between tournament hosts India and bitter neighbours Pakistan in May this year.The eight-team competition was subsequently moved to the United Arab Emirates but the geopolitical undercurrents were palpable with several former India cricketers demanding a boycott of matches against Pakistan.With New Delhi backing the Indian cricket board’s stance of playing Pakistan in multi-team events only, the Asian Cricket Council, which organises the Asia Cup, is confident its flagship tournament would prove a success.With an eye on the T20 World Cup next year, India gave an indication of how seriously they view the tournament when they picked pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.The 31-year-old is played sparingly to manage his all-format workload and India will hope to benefit from the wily seamer’s craft both in the powerplay and the death overs.Test captain Shubman Gill has been recalled to reinforce a batting lineup teeming with serious power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, currently the top-two T20 batters in official rankings, as well as skipper Suryakumar.Arch-rivals Pakistan will enter the tournament low on experience but high on confidence after winning a tri-series, also involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE, on Sunday.“We wanted to prepare in a way that helps us for the Asia Cup and we’ve done that,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said on Sunday.“We’ve been doing really well since the Bangladesh home series. Finally, we’re in very good shape and fully prepared for the Asia Cup.”Having ignored former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will need sustained contribution from their batters against tougher opposition.Afghanistan lost to Pakistan in Sunday’s final in Sharjah but skipper Rashid Khan counts their familiarity with conditions as a major gain.“It’s important for us to learn from these conditions ahead of the Asia Cup,” Rashid, who will lead Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, said.“Over the last eight-nine months, we haven’t played much T20 cricket together and a series like this gives us positive energy. I think it’s going to be a great and exciting Asia Cup for us.”Under Litton Das, a new-look Bangladesh will be itching to prove their mettle having lost the likes of stalwarts Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal to retirement.Afghanistan play Hong Kong in the tournament opener in Abu Dhabi Tuesday.Preliminary stage matches: Sep 09, Tue: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu DhabiSep 10, Wed: India vs UAE, DubaiSep 11, Thu: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu DhabiSep 12, Fri: Pakistan vs Oman, DubaiSep 13, Sat: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu DhabiSep 14, Sun: India vs Pakistan, DubaiSep 15, Mon: UAE vs Oman, Abu DhabiSep 15, Mon: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, DubaiSep 16, Tue: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu DhabiSep 17, Wed: Pakistan vs UAE, DubaiSep 18, Thu: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu DhabiSep 19, Fri: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi

England needed an own goal to open the scoring in a 2-0 win over Andorra in a World Cup qualifier Saturday before Declan Rice made the result more respectable as they failed to sparkle against the tiny principality ranked 170 places below them.A fourth win in four for Thomas Tuchel's team in their campaign for next year's finals put them in command of Group K on 12 points ahead of Tuesday's game in Serbia. But their often slow build-up play did not excite the near-40,000 Villa Park crowd and will fuel grumbles that they have become a duller team under German Thomas Tuchel despite his perfect record in the qualifiers.England's opener came in the 25th minute when a fine cross from Noni Madueke skimmed off Andorra defender Christian Garcia's head into the net with Harry Kane lurking behind him. Rice added the second in the 67th minute when he met another superb cross, from Reece James this time, to steer a downward header past goalkeeper Iker Alvarez to wrap up the victory against 174th-ranked Andorra.Andorra, who draw their squad from a population of 80,000, stuck doggedly to their gameplan of packing the defence, often keeping nine men behind the ball and leaving Ricard Fernandez totally isolated up front. That gave England a remarkable 83% possession, but the hosts fashioned few clear-cut chances beyond Eberechi Eze forcing a save, captain Kane narrowly missing a toe-poke and Marcus Rashford curling a shot wide.One positive for Tuchel, though, was an impressive debut from midfielder Elliot Anderson, who looked assured and slick, albeit against opposition far inferior to what he normally faces in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest. Accustomed to cantering comfortably into tournaments but still without a major trophy since their 1966 World Cup win, England remain unbeaten in their last 35 World Cup qualifiers with 27 of those won.Ronaldo and Felix shine as Portugal thrash Armenia 5-0Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix both struck twice as the visitors brushed aside Armenia 5-0, giving Jose Martinez’s side a perfect start in their World Cup qualifiers. The Nations League champions had little trouble neutralising Armenia’s limited attacking threat and, after their fourth goal, rotated key players and used their momentum to showcase a more creative style, sealing a perfect start in Group F.It took 10 minutes before Portugal went ahead when Joao Cancelo reached the byline and lifted a precise cross onto the head of Felix who had little trouble breaking the deadlock. Ronaldo doubled the lead after 21 minutes, underlining Portugal’s dominance as he brushed past his marker to meet a cross from close range for his 139th international goal.The rout continued as Cancelo added a third for Portugal, finishing from Felix’s cut-back after 32 minutes. A minute after the restart, Ronaldo produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a thunderous volley from distance that rocketed into the net, with Armenia goalkeeper Henri Avagyan managing the faintest of touches but powerless to stop it.With the fourth goal confirming Portugal’s dominance, the visitors began to play with greater freedom as they looked for inventive ways to carve out further chances. Just past the hour, Felix combined fortune with finesse as he raced into the box to meet a rebound from a blocked shot that seemed to slip past him, only for the forward to flick the ball in with a clever back-heel to give Portugal their fifth.The visitors pressed for a sixth late on, but Avagyan produced two fine saves before the referee blew for full time almost the instant stoppage time began, ending the rout.

Qatar will take on Russia today at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in a friendly match as part of preparations for the fourth-round play-offs of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.This will be Qatar’s second friendly of the September international break. Earlier this week, they drew 2-2 with Bahrain in a closed-door game, while today’s fixture against Russia will be open to the public for no cost.The match carries added weight as it serves as Qatar’s final test before the crucial qualifiers. The Maroons are seeking to reach the World Cup for a second consecutive time and the first through qualification after featuring as hosts at Qatar 2022. Russia, ranked 35th in world, played out a goalless draw with Jordan on Thursday.Ahead of the match, Qatar defender Ahmed Suhail said: “It is going to be a strong match against Russia, which is a formidable side. We are ready, and all the players are looking to give their best. The game is important for us, and we will follow the coach’s instructions. We are completely ready for the match and are eyeing a strong performance. e are expecting the home fans to turn out in numbers, which will be very motivating for us.”Qatar, currently ranked 53rd, have been drawn in Group A of the play-offs alongside the UAE and Oman. Group B features Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia hosting their respective groups in a single-stage round-robin format from October 8–14.Qatar open their campaign against Oman on October 8, before facing the UAE on October 14. Oman and the UAE will meet on October 11. The group winners will book direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up advance to a two-legged playoff on November 13 and 18, with the winner securing a place in the intercontinental playoff.Head coach Julen Lopetegui’s 25-man squad has undergone some changes during the international break, with Ahmed al-Janahi and Ismail Mohammed sidelined through injury and Youssef Abdul Razzaq called up as a replacement.Qatar squad:Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria, Mahmoud Abu Nada, Ahmed al-Rawi, Ahmed Suhail, Ahmed Fathi, Bassam al-Rawi, Al-Mahdi Ali, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Jassim Jaber, Sultan al-Breik, Tariq Salman, Humam al-Amin, Akram Afif, Ahmed Alaa, Edmilson Junior, Asim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Guilherme Torres, Karim Boudiaf, Mohammed Khaled, Mohammed Manai, Mohammed Muntari, Youssef Abdul Razzaq

England manager Thomas Tuchel is adamant there is "no curse" upon his side as he looks to end their near 60-year wait for a major international trophy. England's only previous major title came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, defeating West Germany in the final.England came close several times to ending the drought under Tuchel's predecessor Gareth Southgate, losing successive European Championship finals, as well as reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the last eight in 2022. England's women have enjoyed success under Sarina Wiegman, winning back-to-back Euros titles in 2022 and 2025, while the men's Under-21 side are also double European champions after backing up their 2023 title with victory in Slovakia in June."Not at all," Tuchel said when asked if he felt extra pressure due to the women's and youth teams' successes. "If it is something, then it is a good omen and I was so happy for Sarina and (Under-21 coach) Lee (Carsley) because they made it and they made an extraordinary effort and a huge success with back-to-back victories... It is possible (to win a trophy with England), there is no curse on English teams and it is a good omen and we will do our very best to follow their example."England face Andorra today in qualifying for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, before taking on Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday. "I get a lot of tips, that's for sure, but always in a friendly manner," former Chelsea boss Tuchel said of his interactions with England fans. "Most of them just say, 'Bring it home, Thomas'. That's basically the task."Manchester City defender John Stones has withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming games with injury. Stones has not added to his tally of 83 caps since last October. "Unfortunately, John Stones just left," Tuchel said. "He came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn't progress as we thought and hoped he would. So, he left camp this morning (Friday) because we will not take the risk. Everyone else is available."Tuchel confirmed England captain Harry Kane will lead the side in the Andorra qualifier. "Yes. He (Kane) starts. There is no balance, the competition is on and it is World Cup season," he said.England only beat Andorra, a lowly 174th in the FIFA world rankings, 1-0 when the teams met in their initial qualifier in June. "We will face in both matches a deep block and a 5-4-1 for sure in the first match and it is the challenge to overcome that quickly and aggressively and play with more rhythm than we did in the first match (against Andorra)," said Tuchel.Latvia and Albania are the other two sides in Group K of European qualifying, with the group winners booking a place at the World Cup.

Germany went down to a shock 2-0 defeat in Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier on Thursday, while Spain kicked off their bid to reach next year's finals with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Bulgaria.Atletico Madrid's David Hancko burst untracked into the penalty box to fire Slovakia into the lead just before half-time against Germany in Bratislava. David Strelec, who has just signed for Middlesbrough in the English Championship, then made it two with a brilliant strike high into the top corner 10 minutes into the second half.The result gives Slovakia a dream start in Group A as they attempt to qualify for a first World Cup since 2010. Germany, meanwhile, find themselves immediately under pressure even if this game was their hardest fixture in the group on paper. "We haven't had a great history in recent years and we should have realised that if we want to go to the World Cup and play a good role. Today, we were miles away," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.Germany have gone out of each of the last two World Cups in the group stage, but have never failed in a qualifying campaign. "If we perform like we did today, we'll definitely not qualify," warned captain Joshua Kimmich.Nagelsmann's side came into the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign off the back of losing both of their matches in the UEFA Nations League Final Four in June, against Portugal and France. They must now react quickly when they entertain Northern Ireland on Tuesday, with Luxembourg their other opponents in the four-team group. Only the group winners qualify directly for the 48-team finals in North America.Northern Ireland won 3-1 in Luxembourg, with Jamie Reid, Shea Charles and Justin Devenny scoring their goals. The home side had gone in on level terms at the break thanks to an Aiman Dardari equaliser, but Seid Korac's second-half red card ended their hopes of taking anything from the contest.European champions Spain, who lost June's Nations League final on penalties to Portugal, had few problems against Bulgaria in Sofia in Group E. Mikel Oyarzabal produced an expert finish from a Martin Zubimendi pass to open the scoring inside five minutes, and Marc Cucurella fired in a superb second goal on the half-hour.Lamine Yamal then set up Mikel Merino for the third goal on 38 minutes, and there was no further scoring. "We're happy but we have to keep taking steps forward," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.Spain's next game is away to Turkey, who staved off a Georgia comeback to win 3-2 in Tbilisi. Mert Muldur's early opener was followed by two goals either side of half-time by Kerem Akturkoglu, and Turkey appeared to be cruising. However, Zuriko Davitashvili pulled one back and the visitors had Baris Alper Yilmaz sent off. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then made it 3-2 deep in stoppage time, but Turkey held on for the victory.The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in Rotterdam in Group G despite taking the lead in the first half through Denzel Dumfries. Matty Cash equalised with a ferocious late strike to deny Ronald Koeman's team, but the Dutch still the top the group on seven points -- they lead Poland and Finland on goal difference, and also boast a game in hand.Lithuania scored a penalty deep in injury time to draw 1-1 with Malta in the same group. Belgium walloped minnows Liechtenstein 6-0 away in Group J, with Maxim De Cuyper opening the scoring.Youri Tielemans netted twice including a penalty, while Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne and Malick Fofana also struck. That result leaves Belgium three points behind group leaders Wales with two games in hand. Craig Bellamy's side won 1-0 in Kazakhstan earlier thanks to a Kieffer Moore goal.

FIFA will kick off a multi-phase ticket sale process for the 2026 World Cup this month with initial single seat prices as low as $60 for group-stage matches and as high as $6,710 for the final.Those prices will fluctuate based on demand, and fans will be able to buy single-game tickets, venue-specific tickets and team-specific packages, world football's governing body said Wednesday as it announced a schedule for the first phase of sales.Forty-eight teams, the biggest field in World Cup history, will play in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11-July 19 next year.Fans who have a Visa card can register for a FIFA ID on the body's website to enter a presale draw to be held September 10-19.Those selected through the randomized presale draw can then apply to purchase tickets starting October 1.Sales will be capped at four tickets per person per match, and no person can purchase more than 40 for the entire tournament.Further ticket sales will be launched in the coming months, with registration for phase two expected to take place October 27-31 for sales from mid-November to early December.Phase three will begin shortly after the tournament draw is held in Washington on December 5 and fans can submit applications for specific matches.Closer to the tournament, fans will be able to buy remaining inventory on a first-come, first-served basis.FIFA said in a statement it planned to offer additional products such as supporter tickets for fans who want to sit with others backing the same team, and conditional supporter tickets for fans who want to reserve a place in potential knockout rounds.FIFA will also launch an official resale platform.