LOS ANGELES: The 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico promises to take the tournament to a new level, delivering more teams, bigger crowds and bumper profits.FIFA had already decided to expand the 2026 tournament to 48 teams and by backing the joint bid it has also committed to holding the first tournament hosted by three countries.Here is an overview of the bid:STADIUM FACILITIESArguably the greatest strength of the North American bid is the vast array of already-built stadiums available to organisers, ranging from iconic World Cup venues such as Mexico City's Azteca Stadium to state-of-the-art large-capacity arenas.A total of 23 venues - three in Mexico, three in Canada, 17 in the United States - have made the final shortlist that will be considered for the tournament.The average stadium capacity for the tournament is 55,000, with the largest being the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, best known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. The … [Read more...] about FIFA eyes big crowds, bigger profits at 2026 World Cup
Womens world cup final time
Neil Humphreys: All the odds and the odd at the World Cup
There's only one rule for football writers during a World Cup. Never tell strangers how you earn a living unless you want to hear, "eh, tonight how, ah? Morocco and Iran, should buy goals or not?" In some ways it's flattering. First, there's an assumption that all football writers have a crystal ball. Second, there's the fantastical belief that football writers know anything about Morocco and Iran. Still, it's all about giving the people what they want at the World Cup. So here's the definitive betting guide for the key nations involved. Put your house on the lot, if you want to lose your house… THE HOSTS - RUSSIA 1) The odds on the hosts beating everyone in Group A: 20/1 2) The odds on the hosts beating everyone in the town centre: 2/1 THE NEIGHBOURS - ASIAN COUNTRIES 1) The odds of Singaporeans getting behind their continental cousins and supporting the likes of Australia, Iran, Japan and South Korea: 8/1 2) The odds of Singaporeans dumping Australia, Iran, Japan and South … [Read more...] about Neil Humphreys: All the odds and the odd at the World Cup
New goal for Thailand women after semi-final shootout loss
After finishing second in the group stage to earn a berth at the 2019 World Cup Finals in France, Thailand lost a hard- fought semi-final game to Australia in a penalty shoot-out 2-2 (3-1) and then to China (3-0) to finish fourth. Nevertheless, reaching the semi-finals was still the best result achieved by the Thai women since they also reached the last four in 1983. Nuengrutai said that while she had hoped for a better outcome they had suffered due to loss of several key players to injuries. ‘Our players are still tired from the semi-final match with Australia, we had to rest some experienced players and replaced them with younger ones,” said the 46-year-old coach. “But the bottom line is we achieved the primary target of winning a spot at the World Cup Finals. Also our players have improved their performance by playing close matches with stronger teams.” Thailand, also under Nuengrutai, made their first appearance at the World Cup in Canada three … [Read more...] about New goal for Thailand women after semi-final shootout loss
Bt23m bonus as Thai women reach World Cup finals
Two of Thailand’s goals, in the 28th and 53rd minutes, were scored by Kanjana Sung-Ngoen, who also helped the Kingdom reach the 2015 World Cup in Canada. Silawan Intamee scored the third goal in the 62nd minute. Thailand finished second in Group A after one defeat (4-0 to China) and two wins, including a 6-1 trouncing of Jordan, and joined leader China in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup for the first time in 23 years. Their last semi-final appearance was in Hong Kong in 1986, when they finished third following a 3-0 win over Indonesia. Thailand will take on the winners from Group B on April 17 at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman, while China will face the Group B runner-up. Thailand coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian, who also guided the team to the 2015 World Cup finals, was relieved to have made the finals for the second time in a row. “The pressure has finally subsided. Reaching the World Cup finals has been our goal from the beginning. But before that we need … [Read more...] about Bt23m bonus as Thai women reach World Cup finals
Thai women qualify for World Cup 2019
Thai women have qualified for the World Cup for the second year in a row. (Photo YouTube/FifaTV) Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-0 Thursday in Amman, Jordan, to advance to the Women's World Cup 2019 in France. It is the second time in a row the Chaba Kaew (Glass Hibiscus) have qualified for the World Cup finals. They competed in the competition in Canada in 2015. The Asian Football Confederation reported that the Thai women went ahead of the Philippines after 28 minutes, with Kanjana Sung-Ngoen slotting a penalty shot into the bottom left corner of the goal. The match was hotly contested, but Thailand dominated play and put the victory away with goals at the 53rd and 62nd minutes. Kanjana scored the second goal as she deflected a pass from Suchawadee Nildhamrong into the net. Silawan Intamee put the match out of reach nine minutes later when she boomed a free kick into the top left corner of the net from 20 metres. Thailand finish the qualifying tournament in second place in … [Read more...] about Thai women qualify for World Cup 2019