UCL giantkillers: Faroe Islands’ Klaksvik stun Hungary’s Ferencváros
July 20 – The champions of the tiny Faroe Islands, Klaksvik, have made history by reaching the Champions League second qualifying round for the first time.
Kerr-less Aussies beat Ireland with a penalty before a record crowd in Sydney
July 20 – Rocked by the forced withdrawal of skipper Sam Kerr, the poster girl of the tournament, co-hosts Australia got off to a winning start in the women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
New Zealand deliver on an opening night of passion and resilience in Auckland
July 20 – On a historic night for Kiwi football, New Zealand got their World Cup party underway in style with a deserved 1-0 against a lacklustre Norway to claim a first-ever victory at the finals.
After a disjointed and fractious build-up, FIFA stumbles to WWC 2023 start line
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 20 – Australians once described football as a game for Sheilas, Wogs and Poofters but from Thursday on they will co-host, alongside New Zealand, the sport’s premier women’s tournament with more finalists than ever vying for the global crown in a World Cup that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino believes will win over the sceptics, even if pay disputes and prize money inequality shroud the month-long football festival.
Poll of US fans finds New York New Jersey as preferred venue for 2026 World Cup final
July 20 – A survey of fans across the US has found that fans want to see New York New Jersey as the host for the World Cup 2026 Final at the MetLife Stadium.
Auckland shooting casts shadow over opening day of Women’s World Cup
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 20 – A shooting downtown New Zealand’s capital, killing two, on the morning of the opening game of the Women’s World Cup between the co-hosts New Zealand and Norway overshadowed the big kickoff.
Cleared of rape charges, Mendy returns to France and signs for Lorient
July 20 – Former France international Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient on Wednesday, only days after being cleared of rape allegations.
USA favourites for a World Cup three-peat, but European and Aussie challengers have momentum
July 20 – The United States start as the bookies favourites to win a third consecutive Women’s World Cup to cement their dominance in the game in Megan Rapinoe’s farewell finals, but they face real competition from Europe as well as from host nation Australia.
AEK renews online retailer CAR.gr for a further two years
July 20 – Greek champions AEK Athens have extended their back-of-shirt sponsorship with CAR.gr for a further two years.
FIFA finds room for last minute addition of Booking.com to WWC2023 sponsorship roster
July 20 – A day before the official kick off of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA has announced Booking.com as the 2023 tournament’s Official Online Travel Sponsor.
MSC Cruises docks on AC Milan’s sleeve
July 20 – MSC Cruises have picked up the sleeve patch of AC Milan’s shirt in a multi-year deal that will start this weekend when AC Milan meet Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles as part of the Soccer Champions Tour 2023.
MLS vs Saudi Pro League? Garber says the point is expansion of the game beyond Europe
July 19 – Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insists the rise of the cash-rich Saudi Pro League won’t threaten the MLS’s potential expansion into emerging viewing markets.
England women ‘pause’ unresolved World Cup bonus negotiations to focus on football
July 19 – England’s women players have decided to park controversial negotiations over World Cup bonuses but have made clear their disappointment with the national FA over an issue that could have developed into a huge distraction on the eve of the tournament.
Welcome to the USA. Wrexham open tour against Chelsea, Man Utd to come
July 19 – Wrexham, the unheralded Welsh side owned by American Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and globally recognised after the documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, have gained even more notoriety.
Infantino and Samoura plead with Kiwis to buy into Women’s World Cup
July 19 – On the eve of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on New Zealanders to buy into the tournament and get their tickets for the 32-team finals. Slow ticket sales have raised the spectre of empty seats in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin.