Chaos and alleged favoritism

“Families were separated, people were left in uncertainty, and the seating plan became chaotic. While Fenerbahce fans were trying to enter the arena, rival supporters were even seen in family sections allocated to our fans,” Ciritci added. He demanded clarification from EuroLeague over claims that nearly 5,000 ticketless Olympiakos fans were allowed into the arena. “If ticketed supporters were left waiting outside while ticketless individuals were allowed inside, then this is no longer a simple organizational failure but a direct violation of supporter rights,” he said. Ciritci stressed that an event considered the pinnacle of European basketball cannot afford such failures.

Legal action and compensation

Ciritci said Fenerbahce would pursue legal action and collect testimonies, records, and evidence related to organizational failures, including seating irregularities and allegations involving ticketless spectators. He demanded a compensation mechanism for affected supporters. “EuroLeague cannot simply dismiss this situation as a ‘disruption.’ It must identify those responsible … because what happened in Athens was not only a Fenerbahce issue. It was an issue concerning the reputation of European basketball itself,” he added.

Iran's national football team on Thursday submitted visa applications at the US Embassy in Ankara, according to local media reports, as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Members of the Iranian squad arrived at the embassy in the Turkish capital to complete the necessary procedures. As they departed the building, players smiled when reporters asked whether their applications had been approved, though they offered no confirmation.

Training camp and procedures

The team has been holding a training camp in the Turkish resort city of Antalya since May 19. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, first vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, previously said that the squad would travel to Ankara to complete both US and Canadian visa procedures for all team members. He added that several foreign-based players were also expected to join the delegation for the process and other formalities, according to the reports.

‘All the right ingredients are there’

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu, Ceferin said: “When you come here, you see stadiums, clubs, supporters, media attention, government and federation commitment - all the right ingredients are there. But above all, you feel the authentic football fever. In Türkiye, football matters every day, not only on matchdays. This is your great strength, but it is also a huge responsibility.” He praised his professional and constructive relationship with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and its president, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, commending his seriousness in addressing integrity issues.

Istanbul as a great football city

Ceferin noted that UEFA would not repeatedly return to Istanbul without confidence in the city and the federation, citing the 2019 Super Cup, the 2023 Champions League final, and the 2026 Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park as evidence of Türkiye’s capability. He called Istanbul “one of Europe’s great football cities,” adding that it is “always a pleasure to be back here.” He also praised Türkiye’s stadium infrastructure ahead of the jointly hosted UEFA EURO 2032 with Italy, noting that “Türkiye walked the talk and built excellent facilities.”

Expectations for 2026 World Cup and Turkish talent

Ceferin said Türkiye should not have waited 24 years to return to the FIFA World Cup and expects the national team to be “brave and competitive” in 2026. “I expect you to be a team that nobody will want to play against,” he said. He praised Türkiye’s midfield talent, singling out Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız as “exceptional talents and the present and future of European football,” while Hakan Çalhanoğlu “brings the authority and experience.” He urged Turkish clubs to seek sustained success in Europe and described impatience as the main weakness of Turkish football, calling for investment in academies, coaching, financial discipline, and women’s football.

UEFA already present, major tournaments ahead

UEFA opened its Istanbul office in April 2025, ahead of several major events. The Istanbul office will coordinate the 2026 UEFA Europa League final, the 2027 UEFA Conference League final, and the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2032), co-hosted by Türkiye and Italy. Haciosmanoglu noted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously presented the World Cup trophy to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Türkiye. “The decision has been made. The location has also been determined. Our president has given instructions to the minister for the allocation procedures,” he said.

World Cup hopes and EURO 2032

Türkiye will face hosts USA, Paraguay, and Australia in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haciosmanoglu expressed confidence in winning the tournament, joking: “My wish is to face Spain in the final.” Regarding EURO 2032, he addressed UEFA President Ceferin’s criticism of Italy’s infrastructure delays, saying: “I do not want to be unfair to Italy… They have problems. If we talk about it now, it would be disrespectful. Let’s wait and see.” The FIFA office will further cement Istanbul’s role as a global football hub.

Solidarity with Spain and Palestine

Haciosmanoglu noted that Türkiye shares strong friendship with Spain in sports and politics, saying: “When I see the Spanish Football Federation president from afar, I go and hug him. They are also very sensitive about the Palestinian issue. If Israel had participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain would have said, ‘We will not participate.’” He added: “Where we need to react, we follow the lead of our President. Just as we support the oppressed, we stand with everyone who suffers from the oppression of the oppressor.”

Call for international ban

Haciosmanoglu recalled that Russia was expelled from all sports organisations within a week, questioning why similar action has not been taken against Israel. “We see the world’s attitude towards these cruel people who eliminate people regardless of religion, language, race, sect, children, women, the elderly, schools, mosques, or churches,” he said. Last September, he sent letters to FIFA, UEFA, and national football federations calling for Israel’s suspension from international sporting events. More than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.

Italian officials unite in opposition

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti delivered the strongest criticism of the scheme, expressing personal embarrassment at the notion. "Today I read that Trump's envoy asked for it: I find it shameful. I would be ashamed," the minister stated according to domestic media reports. His sentiments echoed earlier statements from Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, who dismissed any possibility of Italy entering through a repechage mechanism. "An Italy repechage at the World Cup? It's not appropriate, we qualify on the pitch," Abodi emphasized, noting such administrative interventions were neither feasible nor desirable.

US Administration denies exclusion efforts

Despite the initial proposal emanating from a Trump representative, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to distance the administration from the controversy. Speaking on Thursday, Rubio denied reports suggesting Washington sought to bar Iranian athletes from competing on American soil, clarifying that no official steps had been taken to prevent Iran's participation in the upcoming competition.

Olympic committee and FIFA position

Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee, joined the chorus of disapproval, stating he would feel offended by such an arrangement. "You have to deserve it to go to the World Cup," he asserted. Meanwhile, football's international governing body has reportedly signaled through sources cited by Italy's state news agency ANSA that the proposed swap lacks any regulatory foundation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino apparently maintains confidence that the Iranian national squad will compete as scheduled in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iranian response and tournament context

The Iranian Embassy in Rome utilized social media platform X to counter the proposal, declaring that football belongs to populations rather than political actors. "Italy achieved greatness on the pitch, not thanks to political gains," the diplomatic mission posted, characterizing the exclusion attempt as evidence of American "moral bankruptcy." The 2026 championship marks the first edition to feature 48 participating nations, though questions persist regarding logistical arrangements for Iran's matches scheduled within American territory.

Iranian authorities weigh options

Officials from Iran's National Olympic Committee indicated that governmental authorities retain ultimate authority over the participation choice. The organization's secretary-general emphasized that while administrative preparations proceed, the definitive verdict awaits cabinet-level approval. Meanwhile, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani previously indicated comprehensive readiness, suggesting that logistical frameworks and athletic facilities stand prepared for the squad's potential deployment.

Washington addresses security concerns

The United States administration has addressed potential restrictions surrounding the Iranian delegation's entry. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that American authorities have not initiated proceedings to prevent athletes from competing, though he acknowledged that certain support personnel might encounter visa limitations. President Donald Trump similarly expressed reluctance to impact competitors directly while simultaneously highlighting overarching security considerations that necessitate careful evaluation of the entire entourage.

Replacement rumors dismissed

Recent speculation suggesting Iran might face removal from the tournament roster prompted swift denials from American officials. Italian representatives also rejected proposals advocating for Iran's substitution, underscoring that World Cup qualification must derive exclusively from athletic achievement rather than political circumstances. These clarifications emerged following media reports questioning Tehran's continued inclusion in the competition lineup.

FIFA expects Persian Gulf participation

Federation Internationale de Football Association President Gianni Infantino affirmed on April 16 that organizers anticipate Iran's presence at the June 2026 kickoff. The Swiss-Italian administrator noted that the Middle Eastern squad earned its position through qualification rounds and has formally communicated its intention to attend. The expanded tournament format will see matches distributed across venues in the US, Canada and Mexico throughout the summer competition period.

Italy replacement report denied

Rubio also rejected a Financial Times report from Wednesday that US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had proposed to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place in the tournament. The World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. President Donald Trump, speaking at the same news conference, said the US “would not want to affect the athletes.” Italy has already rejected the proposal outright, stressing that World Cup qualification must be earned on merit, not granted through political maneuvering.

Iran’s position

Iran has declared it is fully prepared to participate, and FIFA has indicated that the Iranian team is expected to compete.

Conflict and humanitarian toll

Separately, Mohajerani noted that the health minister reported 40,000 injured people were treated free of charge during what she described as the “third imposed war.” Regional tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation against US assets across the Middle East. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, which ended without an agreement. The ceasefire was later extended as diplomatic efforts continue.

World Cup participation

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, noting that the team has qualified and expressed willingness to compete despite the situation. US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran’s team would be welcome, he questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety.” For Türkiye, which has strong football ties with Iran and will also be competing in the World Cup, Iran’s participation is seen as a positive sign of normalcy amid regional conflict. Turkish fans and officials have previously called for keeping sports separate from politics.

Infantino visited Iran squad in Türkiye

Infantino noted that he recently visited the Iranian national team at their training camp in Antalya, southern Türkiye, where the players expressed their desire to compete. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he said. Iran qualified for the tournament, which kicks off June 11 across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The team is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran’s request to move its matches to Mexico was denied by FIFA.

Political uncertainty remains

Iran’s sports minister had previously stated that the country could not participate “under any circumstances,” citing the killing of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli offensive on Feb. 28. US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran’s team would be welcome, he did not think it was appropriate for them to attend “for their own life and safety.” Infantino said he hoped the situation would be peaceful by the time the tournament begins.

Host Cities and US Dominance

Matches will be played in Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and eleven US cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York‑New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco. The final will be held on 19 July in New Jersey. The United States, with 11 host cities, will account for the bulk of the economic impact, generating $17.2 billion in economic output, $3.4 billion in tax revenue and 185,000 jobs. Los Angeles alone expects $594 million in economic impact from eight matches, surpassing the 2022 Super Bowl.

Rising Costs for Fans

Despite the economic boom, the World Cup is becoming increasingly expensive. The average daily expense for an international visitor is estimated at $416, with fans staying an average of 12 days and attending at least two matches. Average hotel rates in Los Angeles, normally $227 per night, are expected to rise 90% to $480 during the event. FIFA’s dynamic pricing model will push ticket prices higher based on demand; the cheapest group‑stage tickets start at around $700, while a Category 1 final ticket during the last sales round exceeded $10,000.

Football Diplomacy

The meeting was also attended by Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Adviser Ambassador Akif Çağatay Kılıç, and Turkish Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu. Hacıosmanoğlu presented Erdoğan with a jersey of Türkiye’s national football team. The exchange of jerseys and symbolic gifts underlined the growing importance of football diplomacy as a tool for international outreach.

Türkiye’s Football Ambitions

Infantino’s visit comes at a time when Türkiye is seeking to strengthen its position in the global football landscape. Ankara has expressed interest in hosting major international tournaments and has been investing in sports infrastructure. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss football development and possible cooperation projects between FIFA and Turkish football authorities.

Aktürkoğlu delivers decisive moment

The match’s only goal arrived in the 53rd minute, when Kerem Aktürkoğlu finished from close range after a fluid attacking move orchestrated by Kenan Yıldız and Orkun Kökçü. The goal proved enough to separate the sides, though Türkiye were forced to withstand sustained pressure from the home side in the latter stages.

Cakir’s late heroics secure victory

Kosovo pushed for an equalizer, creating several dangerous moments in the second half. Goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır produced a vital save in the 87th minute, denying a powerful effort from Asllani to preserve the slender lead. Türkiye’s defense remained disciplined throughout, limiting clear-cut opportunities and managing the contest with composure in the closing minutes.

Qualification ends long wait

The playoff final was marked by its intensity, with several bookings reflecting the high stakes. The result confirms Türkiye’s qualification for the World Cup for the first time since their third-place finish in 2002, ending a 24-year absence and sparking celebrations among players and supporters alike.

League Performance and Revenue Growth

Total revenue for top-division clubs reached €28.6 billion in the 2024 financial year, a 6.7% increase from the previous year. The English Premier League maintained its dominance as the wealthiest European league, generating €7.44 billion in 2024—nearly double that of Spain's La Liga, its closest competitor. The top-division list included 136 teams across Europe, with nine from the UK, eight each from Spain and Italy, seven each from France and Germany, and six each from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Türkiye.

Revenue Streams and Expenses

Commercial revenues, including sponsorships and merchandise, totaled €9.7 billion across all European top-tier clubs in 2024. Gate receipts surged 10% to €4.4 billion as stadium attendances hit record highs across the continent. Wages remained the largest expense for clubs, increasing 3.33% to €18.6 billion in 2024, as new financial sustainability regulations began taking effect.

Top Clubs and Turkish Performance

Real Madrid topped the revenue rankings with a record €1.18 billion in 2025, driven by Champions League success and stadium redevelopment. Barcelona followed with €989 million, Bayern Munich with €861 million, Manchester City with €855 million, and Liverpool with €852 million. Paris Saint-Germain (€837 million), Arsenal (€822 million), Manchester United (€793 million), Tottenham (€673 million), and Chelsea (€585 million) rounded out the top ten. Galatasaray emerged as the highest-earning Turkish club with revenues of €280 million, up 13% year-on-year, fueled by European competition participation and strong domestic merchandise sales.

Protocol Activation and Player Response

Following an exchange with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius approached French referee Francois Letexier, who made the crossed-arms gesture signaling UEFA's anti-racism protocol. Vinicius subsequently left the pitch, followed by his Real Madrid teammates, as players and coaching staff from both sides engaged in discussions. Benfica manager Jose Mourinho was observed speaking with Vinicius amid the escalating tensions before play eventually resumed.

Ongoing Pattern of Abuse

The incident marks another chapter in Vinicius's ongoing experience with racist abuse during matches in Spain and Europe, having been targeted repeatedly in La Liga fixtures. The Brazilian has become a prominent voice against racism in football, with his cases often drawing international attention to persistent discrimination within the sport. UEFA is expected to investigate the incident and may take disciplinary action against Benfica if evidence supports the allegations.

Real Madrid announced on Monday the immediate departure of first-team manager Xabi Alonso, ending his brief tenure after less than eight months. The decision, reached by mutual agreement, comes directly after the Spanish giants suffered a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.

A swift succession plan

In a swift move, the Madrid-based club named Álvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s successor. Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso’s at both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, has been the coach of the reserve team, Castilla, since June 2025. The club highlighted his deep roots, noting he has spent his entire coaching career within Real Madrid’s youth academy structure since 2020.

Immediate pressure in cup competition

The new head coach faces immediate pressure, with his first match scheduled for Wednesday. Real Madrid will travel to face Albacete in a high-stakes Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash. This cup tournament represents a quick opportunity for Arbeloa to make his mark and shift focus from the recent Super Cup disappointment.

A legend's farewell

The club’s official statement struck a respectful tone toward the departing Alonso, a former midfield star for the team. "Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club," the statement read, adding, "Real Madrid will always be his home." The managerial change underscores the relentless demand for success at one of the world’s most prestigious football institutions.

Galatasaray Chair Dursun Ozbek described the situation in Gaza as a "test of conscience for humanity" in a video message, declaring, "We will not get used to this silence." Trabzonspor Chairman Ertugrul Dogan called the gathering "a stance, not just a march," while Besiktas Chair Serdar Adali emphasized that "the bloodshed and tears in Palestine have not stopped."

Broad support across the Super Lig

Other top-flight clubs, including Fenerbahce, Basaksehir, Konyaspor, Kayserispor, and Gaziantep FK, issued social media statements endorsing the rally and encouraging public participation. The unified stance from traditionally rival fan bases highlights the widespread public sentiment in Türkiye regarding the conflict.

Context of ceasefire violations and civilian toll

The rally comes amid reports of continued violence despite a ceasefire agreement in October. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 400 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. At a recent press conference, civil society representatives cited a death toll exceeding 70,000 civilians since the war's start in 2023, framing the event as an act of solidarity with the oppressed.

Galatasaray's Early Control and Lead

The visitors, Galatasaray, executed their game plan effectively in the first half, controlling periods of play and striking first. German winger Leroy Sane broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, putting the league leaders ahead with a well-taken finish. Fenerbahce struggled to convert possession into clear chances before the break, leaving the home supporters frustrated as their team trailed in one of world football's most heated derbies, historically known as the "Intercontinental Derby".

Fenerbahce's Pressure and Dramatic Climax

The home side emerged with greater urgency after halftime, applying sustained pressure and creating several opportunities. However, a combination of errant finishing and resilient Galatasaray defending seemed destined to hand the visitors all three points. The narrative shifted entirely in the dying moments of stoppage time. Colombian striker Jhon Duran, who joined Fenerbahce on a high-profile loan from Al-Nassr in the summer, rose to meet a cross and powered a header into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the 95th minute.

Impact on the Super Lig Title Race

The last-gasp equalizer has significant implications for the championship. With this draw, Galatasaray's points tally moves to 33 from 14 matches, maintaining their position at the summit. Fenerbahce, now on 32 points, remains hot on their heels in second place. The single-point gap ensures the title race remains wide open, adding even greater importance to future fixtures. For Fenerbahce, the draw felt like a victory, showcasing the immediate impact of their strategic investment in a proven goalscorer like Duran to challenge for domestic supremacy.

Strategic Infrastructure Development

The country's football renaissance results from deliberate long-term planning and substantial infrastructure investment. Morocco has renovated or completely rebuilt major stadiums in Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakesh, and Rabat, with the iconic Ibn Battuta Stadium expanding its capacity from 45,000 to 75,000 seats. These facility enhancements, part of an $8.7 billion rail and infrastructure modernization program, directly support Morocco's preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Youth Academy Foundation

Central to Morocco's football strategy is the Mohammed VI Football Academy, established in 2009 under royal patronage to identify and develop young talent. The academy system has produced a generation of players who now compete at top European clubs, with over 700 Moroccan footballers currently playing abroad. This pipeline of professionally trained athletes has strengthened both domestic clubs and the national team program, creating a sustainable model for football development that benefits from international experience.

Women's Football Advancement

Morocco's football revolution extends beyond the men's game, with significant investment in women's football yielding tangible results. The women's national team has reached the finals of the last two Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and aims to claim the title when it hosts the 2026 competition. The country provides scholarships for both boys and girls to pursue football careers, ensuring the sport's growth across genders and establishing football as Morocco's dominant sport.

Global Tournament Ambitions

With eight consecutive victories in their 2026 World Cup qualification group, Morocco has demonstrated that their 2022 semifinal performance was no anomaly. The team's consistent excellence under coach Walid Regragui positions them as serious contenders for future international honors. As co-hosts of the unprecedented six-country 2030 World Cup spanning three continents, Morocco stands poised to showcase both its organisational capabilities and footballing quality on the global stage.

Strategic Development Initiative

Infantino explained that the competition will "give a real boost to football" by featuring the region's best players in a structured international framework. "Football unites the world and together with all 11 ASEAN countries, we are creating the FIFA ASEAN Cup," the FIFA president stated during the announcement in Kuala Lumpur, predicting the tournament would "bring the region together and become a huge success" on the global football stage.

Formal Agreement and High-Level Endorsement

The announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on regional football development during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia's capital. The agreement was formalized by Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attending in his capacity as ASEAN 2025 chair. The MoU represents FIFA's commitment to expanding development initiatives throughout Southeast Asia.

Three-Pillar Development Framework

Infantino outlined a comprehensive development strategy built on three core principles: ensuring integrity in the game, providing safe and secure match environments, and promoting educational opportunities through football for both genders across the region. The structured approach aims to create sustainable football development while leveraging the sport's unifying potential throughout Southeast Asia's diverse nations.

Historical Precedent and Institutional Dilemma

The organization's swift action against Russia following the Ukraine invasion established a significant precedent for using sports sanctions as responses to international conflicts. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's recent appearance at the Gaza Summit in Egypt highlighted the political dimensions of the current crisis, though he subsequently avoided direct commentary on Israel's status, asserting that "football cannot be part of geopolitical ambitions." This stance has drawn criticism from multiple football federations questioning FIFA's selective application of principles.

Growing International Consensus

Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Belgium have formally urged FIFA and UEFA to impose sanctions on Israel, with the Turkish Football Federation actively supporting these initiatives. United Nations rapporteurs have amplified these calls, issuing a formal statement demanding Israel's suspension from international football "in response to the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories." This coalition reflects broadening consensus that sporting bodies cannot claim neutrality amid severe humanitarian crises.

Divergent Positions and Institutional Future

While Germany and the United Kingdom advocate keeping football separate from geopolitical disputes, the prevailing momentum favors sanctioning Israel. UEFA has scheduled a special session to address the matter, indicating the seriousness of the institutional challenge. FIFA's eventual decision will define whether the organization can maintain consistent ethical standards or risks permanent damage to its credibility by applying selective morality to international conflicts.

“It’s a tremendous honor to bring the global event, and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes, the best athletes in the world, to the cultural center of our nation’s capital,” he told reporters in the Oval Office, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“The Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff,” he added.

The 2026 World Cup, the first to expand to 48 teams, will be hosted across the US, Mexico and Canada. Eleven US cities will host matches, but Washington is not among them, making the draw the capital’s main showcase.

Montella, 51, stressed the importance of the journey ahead. “There is a tournament we haven’t been part of for 24 years. Of course, we will use all our energy to qualify,” he told Anadolu.

On the games ahead, he explained: “Our first game will be (Sept. 4) against Georgia, a very important opponent. We can see how much they have developed recently and how they have progressed as a team. Compared to the European Championship, they now have a more settled squad. From the first match on, we will focus all our concentration and energy.”

Asked whether Türkiye’s long absence from the World Cup is creating pressure, the Italian coach said such expectations are natural: “This is very normal. A country like Türkiye should always have big goals. We must prepare the players in the best possible way. We want this very much, and we will do everything in our power to achieve it.”

On the group stage, Montella spoke on the strength of Türkiye’s rivals: “From the first pot, we drew Spain, the European champions. From the third pot, Georgia, a strong opponent. From the fourth, Bulgaria, who collected the most points. Objectively, it is one of the toughest groups, but that doesn’t matter to us. We need to move forward step by step.”

Asked about the threat posed by Spain’s young stars, he said balance will be the key: “We place great importance on team balance. Since I arrived, I’ve always underlined this. Against opponents of such quality, you can’t only focus on Yamal, Nico Williams, or Pedri. You must consider the whole team. Our preparation will be as usual, focusing on what we can do while also studying the opponent’s weaknesses. Like every match, we must prepare in the best possible way.”

-Young internationals

On Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ferdi Kadioglu, who has been out with a long-term injury, Montella said he is close to returning. “We’re closely following his situation and will talk to him to get a sense of how he feels. But I feel his return is very close. Ferdi wants to be here. He’s been away from his teammates and the team for a long time. I want him here as well. This week I will see him and our performance coach will assess him. Then we will have clearer information and can give a more precise answer.”

On Istanbul team Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo, Montella underlined the midfielder’s potential: “He’s a very talented player with high physical and technical capacity. He can play at the international level. He has had some small injuries, but if he can gain continuity in terms of playing time, I believe he can reach his potential.”

Montella also praised the progress of Türkiye’s young internationals Arda Guler and Kenan Yildız: “Arda plays for such a team where the only thing that matters is winning. He’s starting to embrace this mentality, and his technical skills are improving. Similarly, Kenan plays for one of the clubs with the most trophies. The will and desire to win is very high there. Their physical and mental development is very important. The higher their level, the higher the national team’s level will rise. That’s why I follow them with great happiness.”

On whether new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso can affect Arda Guler’s progress or not, he said: “Even with (former Coach Carlo) Ancelotti, he was getting more playing time. I believe when you go to such a successful team, there’s always a process of adaptation. You must adapt to that mentality, and you must win in every competition. Arda’s technical skills are unquestionable, but his adaptation has been both mental and physical. If Ancelotti had stayed, I also knew Arda would play more this season.”

Turning to Yildız, Montella described him as disciplined and ambitious: “Kenan Yildız is very hardworking, eager to improve, and ambitious. He’s also a nice player.” Smiling, he added: “As for fashion, I need to do some research because at the moment, I don’t think he’s very fashionable. But when I was his age, I dressed even worse.”

The Italian coach welcomed recent high-profile transfers to the Turkish Super League, including Victor Osimhen, Jhon Duran, Orkun Kokcu and Tammy Abraham, highlighting their positive impact on the league’s reputation and competitiveness.

“These are very important names. They shine a spotlight on the league. I also think this boosts the league’s appeal in the eyes of other players. Osimhen showed that he really wanted to play at Galatasaray and fought incredibly hard with Napoli to return. He’s young, important, and at an international level. Players like him can pave the way for others to come. It is of course pleasing to see such players here.”

The Turkish Football Federation said in a statement that tickets for the match – scheduled to kick off at 0030GMT June 11 in Chapel Hill in the Southern US state of North Carolina – are being sold exclusively by Soccer United Marketing.

The federation emphasized that it holds no responsibility for any potential issues that may arise related to ticket sales.

Fans who want seats to watch the match can visit goheels.evenue.net.

After a dramatic quarterfinal victory against the Netherlands on penalties (5-4), Spain secured their place in the Nations League semifinals and will now shift focus to the World Cup qualifiers.

Türkiye, meanwhile, earned promotion to the top tier of the Nations League by defeating Hungary in both legs of the playoff round.

The group stage draw set up several competitive matchups across Europe. Other notable groups include reigning world champions Argentina's European challengers, traditional powerhouses such as France and Germany, and teams like Portugal and the Netherlands seeking a direct path to the finals.

2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying groups:

Group A: Luxembourg, Northern Ireland, Germany, Slovakia

Group B: Kosovo, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland

Group C: Belarus, Greece, Denmark, Scotland

Group D: Azerbaijan, Iceland, France, Ukraine

Group E: Bulgaria, Georgia, Spain, Türkiye

Group F: Armenia, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal

Group G: Finland, Poland, Netherlands, Lithuania, Malta

Group H: Cyprus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Austria, Romania, San Marino

Group I: Norway, Israel, Italy, Estonia, Moldova

Group J: North Macedonia, Wales, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein

Group K: England, Latvia, Serbia, Andorra, Albania

Group L: Montenegro, Czechia, Croatia, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

Qualification format

The group winners will secure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 12 second-placed teams will enter a playoff round alongside four teams from the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League rankings.

These 16 teams will be split into four paths, with each path consisting of a single-leg semifinal and final.

The winner of each path will claim one of the final four European spots for the tournament.

With Spain a clear favorite in Group E, Türkiye will aim to challenge for an automatic qualification spot while Bulgaria and Georgia look to upset the balance.

Barcelona's young Spanish star Lamine Yamal topped the list, while Kenan Yildiz, who plays for Italian Serie A team Juventus, was ranked 5th and Can Uzun, who plays for German team Eintracht Frankfurt, was ranked 9th.

Paris Saint-Germain's 19-year-old French winger Desire Doue is third on the list, while another Barcelona player, Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi, is fourth.

Danish Conrad Harder, one of the two players of the Portuguese team Sporting Lisbon in the top 10, was ranked second and his 17-year-old Portuguese teammate Geovany Quenda was ranked 10th.

The full list is as follows:

RANK

PLAYER CLUB POINTS

1 Lamine Yamal Barcelona 90.8

2 Conrad Harder Sporting Lisbon 88.4

3 Désiré Doué Paris Saint-Germain 88.2

4 Pau Cubarsí Barcelona 86.3

5 Kenan Yildiz Juventus 85.7

6 Dean Huijsen Bournemouth 84.3

7 Martim Fernandes Porto 83.5

8 Estêvão Willian Palmeiras 83.2

9 Can Uzun Eintracht Frankfurt 82.3

10 Geovany Quenda Sporting Lisbon 82.2

“I chose the number 17 jersey for a boy who lost his life in the earthquake in Türkiye. I promised it to his father,” the 25-year-old said when an Italian journalist asked why he picked that number for his jersey at his new team, Fiorentina.

The footballer transferred to Istanbul's Galatasaray during the 2022-2023 season before joining Italian Serie A side Fiorentina this week on loan from the Turkish team.

Zaniolo said he met with Dogan Ozkan, the father of 17-year-old Muhammed Emin Ozkan, who lost his life in the earthquake, while Galatasaray was training in the Turkish resort city of Antalya.

The Italian footballer also wore the number 17 jersey while playing for the Istanbul team.

On social media, the Italian Embassy in Ankara also expressed gratitude for Zaniolo's commemorative gesture.

On Feb. 6, 2023, eleven Turkish provinces – Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Hatay, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa – were hit by 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes.

The disaster killed more than 53,000 people, injured over 107,000 others, and impacted the lives of more than 14 million people.

"I am very happy to be here; I will do everything I can for this club," the Brazilian defender, Diego Carlos, said after signing with Istanbul club.

Carlos formerly played for Madureira, Estoril, Nantes and Sevilla. He also was instrumental in helping Sevilla win the 2020 Europa League title.

The 31-year-old defender has made 17 appearances for Aston Villa this season.

Besiktas opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Milot Rashica found the net with a close-range finish, assisted by Rafa Silva, at the Besiktas Tupras Stadium.

However, Athletic Club equalized just before halftime, with Unai Gomez scoring from inside the penalty area in the 45th minute.

The Turkish club regained the lead as Rashica scored his second goal in the 60th minute, with Rafa Silva providing his second assist.

Rafa Silva extended the lead to 3-1 in the 78th minute.

In the 90th minute, Javi Serrano conceded a penalty for a foul on Semih Kilicsoy, and Joao Mario converted from the spot to seal the victory.

Besiktas are 18th with nine points and Athletic Club are second with 16 points after seven games.

Real Madrid scored in the 5th minute at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a goal from Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona responded emphatically, finishing the first half with a commanding 4-1 lead thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal in the 22nd minute, Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, Raphinha in the 39th minute and Alejandro Balde in the 45+10th minute.

Barcelona, led by manager Hansi Flick, started the second half quickly and scored another goal with Raphinha in the 48th minute, making it 5-1.

Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off with a direct red card in the 56th minute, while Real Madrid narrowed the gap to three with Rodrygo's free-kick goal in the 60th minute.

On June 3, Mbappe, 26, left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to complete his move to Real Madrid, which the Spanish giants confirmed.

A couple of days after their UEFA Champions League triumph, Real Madrid signed Mbappe on a free transfer.

The player's deal at PSG expired this summer.

Mbappe's impact at Real Madrid in the first weeks of the Spanish league was criticized. He scored 14 goals and made four assists in 24 matches for the club.

On July 27, Real Madrid signed highly-rated Brazilian teenager Endrick to a six-year contract just days after his 18th birthday.

The Whites paid €47.5 million ($50 million) to Brazilian club Palmeiras.

Osimhen's shocking move to Türkiye's Galatasaray

Nigeria's Osimhen, one of the world’s most valuable forwards, made his way to Türkiye in September in a surprising move.

Osimhen, 26, joined Galatasaray on loan from Serie A side Napoli on Sept. 4.

His market value was €100 million once he signed for Galatasaray temporarily. His loan deal at the Turkish team will end on June 30, 2025.

Many big clubs in Europe were chasing Osimhen, but he chose to play for Galatasaray for the 2024-25 season.

Thanks to his goalscoring skills, pace, strength and athleticism, he became the fans' favorite at Galatasaray.

He scored 12 goals and made five assists in 15 matches for the defending Turkish champions.

Julian Alvarez moves to Atletico Madrid for record deal

Atletico Madrid signed 24-year-old Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for €75 million on Aug. 12.

It was the record sale of the 2024 summer transfer window.

Alvarez helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He scored 36 goals in 103 matches for Manchester City and previously played for Argentine giants River Plate.

Alvarez scored 12 goals in 26 matches for the Spanish La Liga club this season.

This summer, Atletico Madrid also signed English midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, Spanish defender Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad and Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal.

So Atletico Madrid paid €183.5 million for four players including Alvarez.

Having strengthened their squad with important players, Atletico Madrid ended 2024 as the Spanish La Liga leaders.

Sacha Boey leaves Galatasaray for Bayern; Brighton sign Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce

On Jan. 28, Bayern Munich signed French right-back Sacha Boey from Galatasaray for €30 million plus add-ons.

Galatasaray's archrivals Fenerbahce sold their Turkish full-back Ferdi Kadioglu to English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion on Aug. 27.

In addition to Kadioglu, Brighton signed many football players in 2024 such as Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Brajan Gruda, Matt O'Riley, Ibrahim Osman, Diego Gomez and Malick Yalcouye to spend €250 million.

This year, Bayern Munich have spent €170 million to buy French winger Michael Olise, Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, Japanese defender Hiroki Ito and Spanish winger Bryan Zaragoza.

Record transfers in 2024 are as follows:

Footballer Left Joined Transfer fee (million euros)

1 Julian Alvarez Manchester City Atletico Madrid 75

2 Dominic Solanke Bournemouth Tottenham Hotspur 64.30

3 Leny Yoro Lille Manchester United 62

4 Pedro Neto Wolverhampton Chelsea 60

5 Moussa Diaby Aston Villa Al-Ittihad 60

6 Joao Neves Benfica PSG 59.92

7 Amadou Onana Everton Aston Villa 59.35

8 Dani Olmo Leipzig Barcelona 55

9 Teun Koopmeiners Atalanta Juventus 54.70

10 Michael Olise Crystal Palace Bayern Munich 53

In the AI-generated video accompanying the post, Terim's motivational words to the players in the locker room following head coach Vitor Pereira's departure were featured. "Finish the video, and let's get back to work now."

Debuting as Al-Shabab's head coach, he will lead the team against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Arabian King's Cup quarterfinals on Jan. 6.

In the Saudi Arabia Pro League, Al-Shabab ranked sixth with 23 points in 13 weeks, 13 points behind the leader Al-Ittihad.

The 71-year-old has previously managed Turkish and European giants like Galatasaray, Fiorentina, and AC Milan.

Under Terim, Galatasaray won Europe's second-tier trophy, the UEFA Cup, in 2000 after beating English club Arsenal on penalties.

He is considered one of the most respected coaches in Turkish football history, winning eight Super Lig titles with the Lions.

Terim has also managed the Turkish national football team, leading them to the UEFA European Championship semifinals in 2008.

The museum in the Swiss city offers guests the chance to see the signed football jerseys of legendary players such as former Argentina superstar Diego Armando Maradona and former Brazil forward Pele.

They can also watch a video of former Dutch star Johan Cruyff's famous dribbles and Turkish forward Ilhan Mansız's golden goal against Senegal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, which was one of the biggest moments in World Cup history.

The men's and women's FIFA World Cup trophies in the museum's exhibition area are very popular as the guests flock to see them.

Fans can also see memorabilia from the men's inaugural World Cup finals in Uruguay in 1930 to the latest one in Qatar in 2022.

Lionel Messi-led Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while Spain were crowned the women's World Cup champions in 2023, which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Moreover, this venue also displays the original football shirts of all 211 countries, as well as World Cup footballs from previous tournaments.

To leave their belongings, visitors of the museum first see lockers named after legends such as former Brazil forward Ronaldo and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, which are in high demand.

Visitors can also watch their national teams' unforgettable achievements by choosing their country from the map on the digital screens and famous match moments at the FIFA Museum.

The museum also displays referee Rudolf Kreitlein's notes from the 1966 World Cup quarterfinal between England and Argentina, as well as a "juju figure" that was previously used in African country Benin to bring success to local teams.

In some parts of the globe, the “juju figure” is believed to influence football matches, players, and referees.

The museum has received visitors from over 140 countries.

In addition to the museum tour, visitors can test their football skills and enjoy themselves by playing giant pinball machines.

The museum was opened on Feb. 28, 2016, by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

It spans at least 3,000 square meters (32,000 square feet) and exhibits at least 1,000 unique football items.

World football's governing body FIFA has celebrated its 120th anniversary of foundation in May.

The UEFA qualifying group stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to take place from March 2025 to November 2025.

The format remains unchanged, with 12 groups of four or five teams each. The winners of each group will qualify directly for the World Cup.

The four remaining spots will be decided in a 16-team UEFA playoff in March 2026 between the 12 group-stage runners-up and the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League 2024-25 group winners that have not qualified directly for the FIFA World Cup as group winners or have already entered the playoffs as group runners-up.

- Opening game on June 11, 2026

The 2026 World Cup is set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic expansion, featuring 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.

Europe will contribute 16 of these national teams, determined through the UEFA qualifying process.

The competition will be structured into 12 groups, with a total of 104 matches to be played.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 with the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The grand finale is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

- World Cup qualifying groups:

Group A: Winner of Germany vs. Italy UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg

Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo

Group C: Loser of Portugal vs Denmark UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Greece, Scotland, Belarus

Group D: Winner of France vs. Croatia UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan

Group E: Winner of Spain vs. Netherlands UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Türkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria

Group F: Winner of Portugal vs. Denmark UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Armenia

Group G: Loser of Spain vs. Netherlands UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta

Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greek Cypriot Administration, San Marino

Group I: Loser of Germany vs. Italy UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova

Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein

Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra

Group L: Loser vs. France vs. Croatia UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

"Dear Besiktas community, Today, with an indescribable sadness in my heart, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as the President of Besiktas Gymnastics Club due to personal reasons," Hasan Arat told the official Besiktas website.

"From now on, I will always be honored to support my club as a fan..." he added.

Besiktas endured a tough week as their team suffered back-to-back defeats in both domestic and European competitions.

The Istanbul club faced a surprising setback against Goztepe on Sunday in the Turkish Super Lig.

The disappointment was compounded on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, where Besiktas fell short against Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Besiktas are sixth with 21 points in the Turkish top-tier and 22nd with six points in the Europa League.

Arat, 65, was elected as the new president of Besiktas at an extraordinary general assembly meeting in December 2023.

"The ‘talent' of Juventus and the Turkish national team was able to count on the unwavering support of his home fans, always ready to go wild when it comes to voting for one of their stars," the Italian sports newspaper, Tuttosport, said in a statement after Yildiz received the most online votes with 33.2%.​​​​​​​

"His performances at the European Championship and a sparkling start in black and white did the rest," it added.

The European Golden Boy Award, introduced in 2003 by journalist Massimo Franchi, recognizes the best under-21 football player on a European team. The prestigious honor is presented annually by Tuttosport.

Juventus congratulated Yildiz, saying: "Well done to all our players, and a special round of applause for Kenan!"

Lamine Yamal, 17, a Barcelona sensation, won the Golden Boy for being the best under-21 football player.

"The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund is a landmark project that builds on the unprecedented impact of the tournament from a sustainability point of view," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"FIFA is taking the concept of a legacy fund to the next level in terms of reach and impact by tackling key priorities such as refugees, occupational health, education, and football development," he added.

FIFA said in a statement that, in partnership with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization (WTO), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, this initiative seeks to extend the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 beyond football.

It highlighted that the program aims to tackle critical global challenges, including refugee support, public health, education, and the development of football infrastructure, thereby contributing to meaningful social and economic progress worldwide.

Türkiye have 11 points to be on top of Group B4 before the final matches of this phase. Wales are second in this group with nine points in five matches.

In their previous fixture on Nov. 16, Türkiye were held to a 0-0 draw with visitors Wales as Benfica's Turkish forward Kerem Akturkoglu missed a penalty near the end of the match.

Craig Bellamy's Wales will host third-place Iceland at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

The Welsh national team must win against Iceland and wait for Türkiye's mistake in Montenegro to qualify for the League A directly.

Only the group winners in League B will be promoted to the top-tier League A without a playoff.

The third-ranked teams of League A and the runners-up of League B will play a home and away promotion/relegation playoffs.

The teams, which will finish League B groups in the third spot, will face the runners-up of League C in the promotion/relegation playoffs.

Iceland have seven points in the group and are seeking a playoff spot. They must win against Wales in Cardiff to finish second.

A loss in Cardiff will send Wales to the third position.

Montenegro lost all their matches in Group B4, and have been already relegated to the League C.

The knockout round playoff draw will be held on Nov. 22, and the playoffs for higher leagues will be played on March 20-23, 2025.

Tuesday's all league phase matches will start at 1945GMT.

Having competed in League B, England and Norway on Sunday were promoted to the League A after winning their groups each.

Portugal (Group A1), France and Italy (Group A2), Germany and the Netherlands (Group A3), and Spain (Group A4) have reached the home and away quarterfinals that will be held on March 20-23, 2025. The final tournament will be on June 4-8.

- Tuesday's fixtures in Nations League are as follows:

Montenegro vs. Türkiye (League B - Group B4)

Wales vs. Iceland (League B - Group B4)

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Netherlands (League A - Group A3)

Hungary vs. Germany (League A - Group A3)

Czech Republic vs. Georgia (League B - Group B1)

Albania vs. Ukraine (League B - Group B1)

Sweden vs. Azerbaijan (League C - Group C1)

Slovakia vs. Estonia (League C - Group C1)

Malta vs. Andorra (League D - Group D2)

"Arda is a fantastic player. He has a lot of talent. It is not easy to get to Real Madrid with this age and actually being able to make a difference. I think you guys have to be patient with him. Because he is very young," said Jamie, who resides in Spain and closely follows Real Madrid.

The Turkish attacking midfielder faces tough competition at Real Madrid, and the 19-year-old struggles to secure a spot in the starting lineup.

This season, Guler has made 12 appearances for Real Madrid, playing 307 minutes.

The young midfielder competes for playing time with seven other midfielders, including English star Jude Bellingham, Morocco's Brahim Diaz, Uruguay's Federico Valverde, Croatia's Luka Modric, French players Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, and Spain's Dani Ceballos.

"If you give this player an opportunity, as he is playing and training every day with the best players in the world, he is going to become a very important player for Turkey," said Jamie.

Arda was the second-best young player for the under-21 Kopa Trophy after Lamine Yamal, who won the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

"Arda has a great career ahead of him," he said.

"I think it is a matter of how Real Madrid works with young players. I do not think there is anything to do with him being unhappy or Real Madrid being unhappy at all. If you look at the cases, for example, (Martin) Odegaard. Now, he is playing for Arsenal. But, Odegaard was sent to another club for a couple of years and came back to Real Madrid. Brahim went to Milan for a couple of years and came back, and he is getting opportunities. Even Dani Carvahal, defender and captain of the team, played for Bayer Leverkusen for a couple of years and came back. I think it is good for the players to get this exposure. It is something Real Madrid have done very well, to the point that other European clubs are doing the same thing. They are sending them out to the clubs that are competing at a high level. It is part of the development process," he said.

"Real Madrid has been very consistent in terms of betting on young players," Jaime noted. "Their commitment is to try to develop them as much as possible and have a long-term strategy with the hope of bringing them back."

Expressing his views on Guler's future at Real Madrid, Jaime said, "They believe in Arda. They believe in his potential. I think it is a matter of making him reach that potential as soon as possible."

"I have been in Turkey and have seen the passion there. There is a lot of talent in Turkish football. I think it is a matter of creating sustainable structures from a business perspective. I see a lot of potential for Turkish football clubs to compete at the highest level," he said.

Guler joined Real Madrid from Turkish club Fenerbahce last year and is under contract with the Spanish giants until 2029. Despite knee and muscle injuries last season, he managed to score six goals in 21 matches for the club.

Guler made history last season by scoring six goals in 373 minutes, becoming the player with the most goals in the shortest playing time at Real Madrid.

Last season, Guler helped Real Madrid secure several major titles, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga and the UEFA Super Cup.

One of the key matches in the fifth round of the Nations League will take place at RHG Enerturk Enerji stadium in the country's central province of Kayseri, where Türkiye will host Wales at 1700GMT.

Spanish referee Juan Martinez Munuera has been appointed to officiate this highly anticipated League B clash.

Having earned 10 points, Türkiye are on top of Group B4, two points ahead of second-place Wales.

Iceland are third with four points while Montenegro are at the bottom of the table without a single point.

Under Craig Bellamy's management, Wales remains unbeaten with two wins and two draws. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Montella's Türkiye secured three victories but suffered one defeat in their four matches.

Türkiye are dismayed by the injury of right-back Ferdi Kadioglu, who has been left out of the squad.

The 25-year-old sustained a capsule tear in his left big toe, ruling him out of the upcoming Wales and Montenegro games.

But Freiburg winger Eren Dinkci and Kasimpasa defender Yasin Ozcan are both on the squad.

In their 101-year history, the Turkish national team has racked up 248 wins (including one by default), 149 draws, and 238 losses. Across 635 matches, they scored 869 goals and conceded 908 goals.

- Saturday's fixtures:

Azerbaijan vs. Estonia:

Andorra vs. Moldova:

Georgia vs. Ukraine:

Montenegro vs. Iceland:

Türkiye vs. Wales:

Albania vs. Czech Republic:

Germany vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Netherlands vs. Hungary:

Sweden vs. Slovakia:

- Sunday's fixtures:

Latvia vs. Armenia:

North Macedonia vs. Faroe Islands:

Austria vs. Slovenia:

England vs. Republic of Ireland:

Finland vs. Greece:

Norway vs. Kazakhstan:

Israel vs. Belgium

Italy vs. France:

"The star attraction is Andres Iniesta, who only recently retired and is a beloved figure in Japan after spending five years at Vissel Kobe, but there are plenty of other exciting faces," Barcelona said in a statement.

“There is Xavi Hernandez, recently coach of the FC Barcelona first team and whose name is synonymous with Iniesta's, as well as Argentine favourite Javier Mascherano.

"Also making his debut is Mexican Rafa Marquez, coach of Barca Atletic for the last two seasons. All four are going to wearing the blaugrana jersey for the first time since 2018 (Iniesta), 2015 (Xavi) and 2018 (Mascherano) and 2010 (Marquez).”

Fans will also get the chance to see legendary players like Rivaldo, Bojan Krkic, Javier Saviola, Ludovic Giuly, Adriano, and Gaizka Mendieta, among others.

The legends' clash is set to take place on Dec. 15 at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, marking their first-ever meeting in Japan.

The Barca Legends program, established in 2016 and directly managed by the club, brings together former stars of Barcelona in an ongoing initiative.

The goal is to globalize the Barcelona name, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to connect with the club's rich history and iconic players.

Matchday 4 will take place at 1530 GMT at Besiktas' home ground, Tupras Stadium. Sven Jablonski from Germany will be the match referee.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side is optimistic about securing a win against Malmo, especially after their narrow away victory over Lyon last week. Both teams are eager to advance in the Europa League, making this a pivotal match in their campaigns.

Besiktas are 27th with three points while Malmo are 25th with three points in the League phase table.

In their previous encounters with the Swedish club, Besiktas has won just once, while losing four times and drawing once.

Istanbul club played 247 European matches. Throughout these appearances, they have achieved 93 wins, 49 draws, and 105 losses.

Besiktas have scored a total of 330 goals in European competitions, while conceding 376 goals.

Due to injuries, Stefano Holmquist Vecchia, Sead Haksabanov, Anders Christiansen, Oscar Lewicki, Anton Tinnerholm, and Niklas Moisander will not fight for Malmo.

Ciro Immobile, Milot Rashica, and Necip Uysal will be absent from Besiktas when they host the Swedish club.

Other Turkish teams, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, will play their Europa League games on Thursday.

Fenerbahce will face AZ Alkmaar at AZ Stadion at 2000GMT and Galatasaray will host Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex at 1745GMT.

Fifth-place Galatasaray collected seven points and 14th-place Fenerbahce had five points after three games.

League leader Lazio will face Porto at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, with the game starting at 2000GMT.

Due to injuries, Stefano Holmquist Vecchia, Sead Haksabanov, Anders Christiansen, Oscar Lewicki, Anton Tinnerholm, and Niklas Moisander will not fight for Malmo.

Ciro Immobile, Milot Rashica, and Necip Uysal will be absent from Besiktas when they host the Swedish club.

Matchday 4 Fixture:

Wednesday:

Besiktas - Malmo

Thursday:

Galatasaray - Tottenham

Bodo/Glimt - Qarabag

Eintracht Frankfurt - Slavia Prague

FCSB - Midtjylland

IF Elfsborg - Braga

Ludogorets - Athletic Bilbao

Nice - Twente

Olympiakos - Rangers

U.S Gilloise - Roma

AZ Alkmaar - Fenerbahce

Ajax - Maccabi Tel Aviv

Dynamo Kyiv - Ferencvaros

Hoffenheim - Lyon

Lazio - Porto

Manchester United - PAOK

Rigas Skola - Anderlecht

Viktoria Plzen - Real Sociedad

The decision was made at the 74th International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Council meeting in Zurich to evaluate the PFA's application against the Israel Football Association.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will be mandated to initiate an investigation into the alleged offence of discrimination raised by the Palestine Football Association," read the committee statement.

"The FIFA Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee will be entrusted with the mission to investigate – and subsequently advise the FIFA Council on – the participation in Israeli competitions of Israeli football teams allegedly based in the territory of Palestine," the statement added.

In April, the PFA petitioned FIFA to sanction and exclude Israel for violating human rights and humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.

Later in September, the PFA announced that FIFA had received an independent legal opinion recommending sanctions against the Israel Football Association for violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Gaza.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 of last year.

Earlier on Thursday, the Health Ministry in the war-torn territory said nearly 100 more Palestinians were killed in relentless Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll since last Oct. 7 to 41,788.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

- Voting procedure for FIFA World Cup 2030 and 2034 begins

The FIFA Council also announced unanimous approval of the voting procedure for naming the FIFA World Cup hosts for 2030 and 2034.

The competition hosts will be decided at the extraordinary FIFA Congress on Dec. 11.

In addition, the council approved a registration window for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will run from June 1 to June 10.

Clubs will be able to replace players during a restricted in-competition period from June 27 to July 3, 2025, as some players' contracts may expire in the middle of the competition.

Carlo Ancelotti's Los Merengues aim to extend their unbeaten run in 39 games, and they are also undefeated in their last 50 matches across both La Liga and the Champions League combined.

LaLiga's longest unbeaten run record of 43 games is held by Barcelona, which included Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar Jr. (nicknamed MSN), between April 2017 and May 2018.

The biggest obstacle to extending the run is French superstar Kylian Mbappe's thigh injury, which will cause him to miss the upcoming duel.

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz and David Alaba will also be unable to play due to their injuries.

Diego Simeone helmed Atletico Madrid's only doubtful player is young midfielder Pablo Barrios, who is suffering from a muscle tear.

Neither side has lost a single LaLiga game in the 2024-25 season, but Real Madrid couldn't beat Atletico in either match last season, as the first ended in a 3-1 defeat and the second in a 1-1 draw.

Real Madrid have 91 wins, while Atletico have 41 wins, and 42 clashes ended with draws in 174 Madrid derbies in LaLiga.

Third-place Inter have eight points in four matches. Mid-table Milan have five points before this weekend's derby at Inter's home ground, the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

Udinese are leading the league standings with 10 points.

Milan's Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer is expected to miss the Inter clash due to an ongoing calf muscle injury.

Meanwhile Inter's Italian full-back Federico Dimarco has been suffering from a muscle fatigue but he may play in the derby.

The Inter vs. Milan derby will kick off at 1845GMT.

Saeter, the 28-year-old Rosenborg forward, told Norwegian channel TV 2 that he could not accept the deal, despite the financial security it would have brought.

"I don't want any blood money coming into my account. It would be a nightmare," Saeter said of the offer.

He said that the deal could have made him "financially independent", but the Rosenborg member insisted that he could not represent a country whose values and actions he opposed.

"It is a country that I have neither the morals nor the values to represent," he added.

Saeter has made 53 appearances for Rosenborg since 2021, scoring 32 goals and providing 11 assists.

Israel has faced international criticism for its ongoing military offensive in Gaza, launched after an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire, the conflict has continued, with nearly 41,300 people, mostly women and children, killed and over 95,500 injured, according to local health authorities.

The 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward celebrated the achievement on his personal X account, expressing gratitude to his fans.

"We've made history -- 1 billion followers! This is more than just a number -- it's a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond," Ronaldo wrote.

The football superstar, who has also set records for the most Instagram followers with over 638 million, recently launched a YouTube channel that reached 50 million subscribers within a week, reportedly a record for the platform.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has scored 131 goals for Portugal and contributed significantly to top European teams, including 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, and five for his first club Sporting CP. He has also netted 62 goals for his current club, Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.

"Thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life. The best is yet to come, and we'll keep pushing, winning, and making history together," Ronaldo added in his post.

"There's always criticism, I try to give it a deaf ear," said the 30-year-old midfielder.

“I don't want to brag, but this is the first time in 21 years a Turkish player has gotten the nod for the Ballon d'Or, and I'm proud of that. After all, I'm trying to represent my country in the best way possible. That's always been my goal.”

It was back in 2003 when Real Sociedad's Turkish attacker Nihat Kahveci was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, the top-tier football player award of the season.

Hakan also said he will remain at Italian Serie A club Inter Milan.

"There've been offers in recent months but I said I'm staying at Inter and Inter aren't letting me go. I will try to play at the highest level," he said.

"If my body wants it, if my body can do it, I will try to continue my football life as long as I can."

This year Real Madrid's Arda Guler, 19, has also been nominated for the under-21 Kopa Trophy, a sister honor to the Ballon d'Or.

Portugal full-back Diogo Dalot scored an early opener to put his team ahead before Ronaldo's close-range volley in the 34th minute, which meant a significant milestone for the 39-year-old forward.

Then Dalot scored an own goal near the end of the first half to give hope to the visitors, but Portugal secured a narrow win.

Playing the game at a top level at least for two decades, Ronaldo scored 900 goals for club and country to go down in history books. He has tallied 131 goals for Portugal.

The experienced forward scored many others for Sporting Lisbon (5 goals), Manchester United (145), Real Madrid (450), Juventus (101) and his current club Al-Nassr (68) in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo spent his best time at Real Madrid, where he had 450 goals in 2009-2018.

Following the win over Croatia, Portugal leveled on points with Group A1 leaders Poland, which beat Scotland 3-2 in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia in a Group A4 match in Belgrade.

Denmark are leading Group A4 as they won against a nine-man Switzerland 2-0 in Copenhagen. Swiss pair Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka were sent off during the game in the Danish capital.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family," his family said in a statement.

"The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong. The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted," the statement said.

In January, Eriksson revealed that he had terminal cancer.

One of the well-known football coaches in Europe, Eriksson coached many clubs such as Italy's Lazio, Fiorentina and Roma, Portugal's Benfica and England's Manchester City, as well as the English national team.

Eriksson coached England in 2001-2006, and was the first foreign head coach of the Three Lions. He led England to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the EURO 2004.

Later in his career, he managed Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines.

He won 18 trophies including the Italian Serie A title with Lazio in 2000, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a UEFA Super Cup with the Italian club, as well as three Portuguese league titles with Benfica.

Eriksson led Goteborg to the UEFA Cup success in 1982, a historic achievement for the Swedish club.

Due to health issues, Eriksson left his recent role as the sporting director at Swedish lower division club Karlstad in February 2023.

European football's governing body UEFA, the Swedish Football Association, the English national team, and the clubs that Eriksson served for such as Lazio, Roma, Manchester City, Leicester City, Benfica and Goteborg expressed their condolences.

Real Madrid defender Eder Militao's deflection was looped onto the top of the crossbar and went out in the 26th minute at Warsaw National Stadium.

Real's English midfielder Jude Bellingham collided with the goalkeeper while trying to push the ball into the net with the tip of his foot in the 34th minute.

Real Madrid's Brazilian attacker Rodrygo's shot skimmed the top of the crossbar and went out just before the end of the first half.

Real goalie Thibaut Courtois tipped Atalanta's Mario Pasalic's header over the bar in the 47th minute.

Federico Valverde put the ball into an empty Atalanta net to bring the lead to Real Madrid in the 59th minute.

The second goal attempts of both Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham were denied by Atalanta keeper Juan Musso in the 62nd minute.

Musso denied another attempt from Bellingham in the 66th minute.

Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappe left his mark with a goal in the 68th minute of his official debut game.

With this victory, Real Madrid became the most successful team of the competition with six titles, passing Barcelona and AC Milan.

Separately, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti became the only manager to clinch five Super Cup trophies.

In a statement, Atletico Madrid said that French born Le Normand, 27, signed a five-year contract with his new club.

Le Normand previously played for Brest reserves in France, and San Sebastian's Real Sociedad reserves and senior team.

He helped Real Sociedad win the 2020 Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup).

Le Normand scored six goals in 221 matches for Real Sociedad.

He played in six of seven EURO 2024 matches for Spain to win the title in Germany.

Istanbul club said on the Turkish Public Disclosure Platform that the Turkish Super Lig side would pay a €19.5 million ($21 million) transfer fee in eight installments within four years.

They added that solidarity contribution fees that would arise by FIFA instructions would be shared half by the parties.

Sevilla wished good luck to En-Nesyri on their website, saying" The club would like to thank En-Nesyri for his great contribution to the club's success over the last five years and wishes him the best of luck in the future."

En-Nesyri, who leaves Sevilla after four and a half seasons with 196 appearances, helped the Spanish club lift the 2020 and 2023 Europa League titles.

The 27-year-old also scored 20 goals in 73 matches for Morocco.

Meanwhile, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in Qatar 2022 as the only goal came from En-Nesyri against Portugal in quarterfinal game.

Israel drew with Mali 1-1 in an Olympic football match at Paris' Parc des Princes Stadium as many fans in the stands protested Israel waving Palestinian flags.

Before the kick-off, some sections of the crowd at the stadium booed the Israeli national anthem.

The match was held without major security incidents.

Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Over 39,000 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 90,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

Earlier this week, the Palestinian Olympic body called on the International Olympic Committee to exclude Israel from the Paris Olympics.

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 will be held Friday on the River Seine.

The Summer Games will go through till Aug. 11.

Nico Schlotterbeck scored the opener for Germany but referee Michael Oliver called it off for a foul on Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the fourth minute.

The match was suspended because of weather and the players went to their dressing rooms in the 36th minute at BVB Stadion Dortmund.

The Round of 16 clash resumed 25 minutes later.

Joachim Andersen scored for Denmark but it was disallowed because of an offside call in the 49th minute.

Four minutes later, Germany were awarded a penalty kick after Andersen's handball inside the penalty box.

Kai Havertz successfully converted to give the lead to the host country.

In the 68th minute, Jamal Musiala doubled the lead with a close-range finish.

Florian Wirtz made it three with a stoppage-time goal but that was ruled out for an offside call.

Germany will take on the winner of the Spain versus Georgia match on July 5.

Vincenzo Montella's Türkiye beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion to finish Group F second with six points.

Meanwhile, Georgia shocked Group F winners Portugal 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen to clinch third spot, which meant a last 16 berth. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze were the scorers.

Already-qualified Portugal have six points, and Georgia have four to progress.

The Czech Republic, who have collected one point in three matches, bottomed the group to be eliminated.

In the thriller against Türkiye, the Czechs were down to 10 men on the pitch as midfielder Antonin Barak was sent off after a foul in the first half. Barak was previously booked.

Türkiye scored the opener in the early minutes of the second half as Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu fired a vicious strike in the box after the Czech defense was unable the clear the ball.

The Czechs were level after Tomas Soucek performed a close-range finish in the 66nd minute. Turkish goalie Mert Gunok failed to catch the ball in a challenge with Czech player Tomas Chory as Soucek scored after the rebound.

Türkiye regular Calhanoglu is suspended for the next match after he was booked for arguing with the referee.

The goal was also confirmed by VAR (Video Assistant Referee).

In injury time, Türkiye forward Cenk Tosun, who was subbed in the 75th minute, scored a solo-effort winner in the box, making it 2-1.

After the final whistle, the Czech Republic's Chory was sent off for an altercation.

Türkiye will next face Austria in a Round of 16 match on July 2.

EURO debutants Georgia will play Spain on June 30.

The last 16 will start on Saturday with two matches: Switzerland vs. Italy and Germany vs. Denmark.

- EURO 2024 last 16

Switzerland vs. Italy

Germany vs. Denmark

England vs. Slovakia

Spain vs. Georgia

France vs. Belgium

Portugal vs. Slovenia

Romania vs. the Netherlands

Austria vs. Türkiye

England settled for a goalless draw with Slovenia thanks to vital saves by Slovenian goalie Jan Oblak at Cologne Stadium.

Denmark also drew 0-0 with Serbia, which defended the score with several saves by their keeper Predrag Rajkovic at Munich Football Arena.

England finish Group C as the leaders with five points, while Denmark are just behind and Slovenia are in third spot, both with three points and without any goal difference.

Serbia failed to qualify as they lie in fourth spot with two points.

Denmark will take on Germany in the Round of 16, while England and Slovenia both have to wait for other group matches to complete to determine their upcoming opponents.

Austria drew first blood with Dutch winger Donyell Malen's own goal in the sixth minute at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

The equalizer came in the second half from the Netherlands' Cody Gakpo in minute 47, but Austria took the lead once more with midfielder Romano Schmid's header in the 59th minute.

Dutch attacker Memphis Depay leveled the game once more with his volley in the 75th minute, followed by an accurate shot from a tight angle by Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer just five minutes later, giving his team the vital win.

Austria finished at the top of its group with six points, while the Netherlands, which also booked their place in the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, have four points.

Türkiye will be paired with Austria in the last 16 if they finish second in Group F.

- 1-1 draw with Poland lands France spot in round of 16

France settled for a 1-1 draw with Poland in a matchday-three game in Group D on Tuesday.

French star Kylian Mbappe brought the lead to his team with a goal from a penalty kick in the 56th minute at BVB Stadion Dortmund.

Polish veteran striker Robert Lewandowski responded in kind with a penalty kick in minute 79.

France thus reached the round of 16 in second Group D's second spot with five points, while Poland finished the group stage last with a single point.

In the first half of the pulsating clash at Leipzig Stadium, France star Antoine Griezmann missed two chances in the penalty area.

The Netherlands scored in the second half but it was ruled out for an offside call.

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons fired a low strike that beat France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, but the goal in the 69th minute was disallowed after a VAR review.

Simons' teammate Denzel Dumfries, who was standing next to Maignan, was flagged for offside once Simons took the shot. The referee decided that Dutch right-back Dumfries had affected the play by obstructing the French goalie's movement.

The Netherlands and France shared the points in Leipzig as the result has kept them level with four points at the top of the group after their second match.

Austria are third with three points following their 3 - 1 win against Poland earlier Friday.

Poland, who had two losses in the group, were the first team to be eliminated from EURO 2024.

The Polish national team will return home after their match with France on June 25.

Group D will end with the third matches. The Netherlands will next face Austria.

Separately, before kick-off in Leipzig, the Dutch and French players observed a moment of applause to honor former UEFA General Secretary Gerhard Aigner from Germany.

Aigner died June 20. He was 80.