Former Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has completed a swift return to international management by taking charge of the United Arab Emirates national team. The 59-year-old coach has signed on to lead the Gulf state into a new era, just a month after he ended his nine-year tenure with Croatia following their World Cup exit.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to taking over as England manager in the future as he begins his life after Manchester City. The legendary coach, who has just ended a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, is viewed as the ultimate 'dream' candidate for the Football Association.
Italy missed out on qualification for the upcoming showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada, but they might reportedly get one last chance to book their ticket after all, even if Fifa remains confident no emergency scenarios are required
FIFA has been left facing scrutiny after unprecedented scenes at the Arab Cup, with the third-place playoff abandoned because of severe lightning storms and never restarted. Instead of finishing the match, football’s governing body handed responsibility to a committee, which ultimately decided the outcome away from the pitch, leaving both teams sharing third place in a chaotic conclusion.
Three of the four semifinalists of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 will be seen at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer. Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have laid down their readiness for the global showpiece next summer with a strong showing in Qatar. One of them will hope to land the ultimate regional crown before setting their sights on the World Cup.
Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui was a proud man after leading the Maroons to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Qatar overcame a stubborn UAE 2-1 on Tuesday in the fourth round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers to top the group and secure a spot in the marquee event.
UAE
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