AL-ITTIFAQ Overview

Nigeria players boycott training TWO days before crunch WC play-off

Nigeria players have boycotted training just two days before a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon. The squad have downed tools due to issues with outstanding payments and have demanded a resolution before their next game. The Super Eagles must beat Gabon in their play-off semi-final to have any chance of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification in the group phase.

adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 home kit launch

adidas reveals 2026 FIFA World Cup home kits

adidas drops their largest ever collection of home kits ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina v Venezuela - International Friendly

No Messi, no problem! Lo Celso shines in Argentina win

Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The World Cup holders were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

Mascherano hints Messi could play for Miami against Atlanta

Lionel Messi was rested for Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela, a 1-0 win, at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, keeping alive the possibility he could feature for Inter Miami against Atlanta United on Saturday. Earlier in the day, head coach Javier Mascherano said Messi’s availability would depend on whether he played against Venezuela, noting that Argentina would make the final decision.

Lionel Messi Argentine Venezuela tunnel Tomas Rincon 2025

📽️ | Angry Messi clash! Argentine waits for rival in tunnel

Lionel Messi has cut an angry figure at times this season, with the Argentine involved in a behind the scenes clash with a Venezuelan rival.

Argentina v Venezuela - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Messi will skip Argentina’s final qualifier to focus on MLS

Argentina will visit Ecuador next Tuesday in their last World Cup qualifying match.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
10	Gulf United	28	8	4	16	40	48	-8	28	L L L W L
11	City	29	7	5	17	32	57	-25	26	L L D L L
12	AL-ITTIFAQ	27	7	3	17	36	54	-18	24	W D L D L
13	Al Jazira Al Hamra	28	5	6	17	36	54	-18	21	W D W L L
14	Majd	28	5	6	17	30	56	-26	21	L W D W L

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+/-

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Form