Melbourne Rectangular Stadium hosted the huge Canada vs Australia clash on Monday. It was a must-win clash for both teams but Australia came out as the absolute favourites. The Matildas defeated Canada by 4-0 and finished as the top team in Group B. Hayley Raso scored a brace and then Fowler scored the third one in the second half. That was the moment when Canada lost their hopes completely. Australia were nearly perfect today while Canada were allowed only to keep the ball. Catley put the cherry on the top by converting the penalty in the 94th minute to make a statement before knocking Canada out of the competition. Nigeria played a draw in the other game. As a result, Australia finished top of Group B and enters the Round of 16 alongside Nigeria.

🥇 @TheMatildas
🥈 @NGSuper_Falcons

Australia finish 🔝 of a #FIFAWWC group for the first time, and Nigeria are back in the knockouts! 💪

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023

Read Also: Japan vs Spain FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Highlights | Miyazawa scores brace as Japan dismantled Spain by 4-0 to finish top on Group C

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia Live Blog

Lineups

Canada XI:

Your @CANWNT Starting XI for our #FIFAWWC match vs. Australia 🇨🇦🏆#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/EHXbOIpXWU

— CAN Soccer's WNT (@CANWNT) July 31, 2023

Australia XI: Sam Kerr starts on the bench.

STARTING XI 🗒

Teams news is IN. Here's how we line up for our #FIFAWWC clash with Canada! 👊

⏰: 8:00pm AEST
📺💻📱: @Channel7 & @OptusSport#Matildas #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/5IluN85Hr0

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

Time for the National Anthems | 3:25 P.M.

The players are out of the tunnel. It is time for the anthems.

Canada vs Australia | Kick Off | 3:30 P.M.

The game is on. A very important match for both teams for qualification to the Round of 16.

Long throw from Canada | 6'

Riviere with her first long throw from the right. It's towards Sinclair but Australia wins the second ball and clears it.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia | 9' | Goalllllll!!!.. for Australia

Raso scores the opener. VAR checked it for possible offside but it is given. Australia with the early lead against Canada.

Raso almost makes it two | 13'

Catley provided another superb low-centering ball to Raso. She times her run to perfection and fires off a controlled effort with her left foot that Sheridan does superbly to save on the line low to her left.

Canada are struggling | 17'

Raso is too quick and the front three of the Matildas, are continuously causing trouble to the Canadian backline.

Free kick | 22'

A long free-kick from deep finds Huitema at the far post but she can only glance her header wide.

Canada are improving | 24'

Canada are slowly backing themselves in this contest nicely. They are moving the ball at speed, dragging Australia around probing for a gap.

Canada haven't produced anything yet | 28'

Australia haven't gone forward in a while but they look dangerous when they do.

The Matildas are looking much more disciplined than their opposition | 33'

Canada are increasingly struggling to find a release ball out of defence. Australia's forwards are pressing effectively and the midfield is disciplined.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia | 34' | 2nd Goalllllll!!!.. for Australia

Goal overtuned | 37'

The back heel of Ellie Carpenter was shown to be offside and Carpenter was adjudged to be interfering with play. She blocked the onrushing Buchanan when Fowler slammed home the finish. Very very marginal call.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia | 39' | 2nd Goalllllll!!!.. for Australia

This time, it's clean. Raso doesn't make mistakes on an opportunity like this.

Canada will have to climb Everest in the second half | 44'

If they want to qualify, they have to defeat the Matildas which is looking really tough now.

Added minutes | 45+2'

 Seven minutes of VAR time is to be added on at the end of the half.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada (0) vs Australia (2) | Half-time

Australia are only 45 minutes away from entering the knockout stages. Raso was brilliant for the Matildas in the first half. Australia didn't keep possession just like Japan and relied on the counters. Japan scored three in the first half against Spain while Australia scored twice and they took only three shots. All of them were in targets. Canada couldn't produce anything and they suffered. Australia were clinical and that is the most important thing in a stage like this.

Canada vs Australia | Second half: Kick Off | 46'

Back underway in Melbourne. Four changes for Canada at half-time.

Australia on the attack | 51'

Australia's first attack of the half is dangerous with Catley whipping over a dangerous low cross from the left, just out of reach of the diving Raso.

Canada are trying to get back into the match | 57'

A good attack from Leon down the left but the final outcome is not coming.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia | 58' | 3rd Goalllllll!!!.. for Australia

A superb counter-attacking goal from Fowler. Australia are now 3 goals ahead of Canada. It's surely the end.

Fowler makes it three!

The #FIFAWWC co-hosts are flying! 🔥@TheMatildas | #BeyondGreatness

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023

Canada player down | 63'

 Leon, Canada's brightest spark is down again after a challenge with Raso. 

Hopeless Canada | 68'

Canada's corner from the left doesn't even clear the first defender.

Golden opportunity for Canada | 76'

The long ball is heaved into the box, Hunt doesn't make a great headed clearance and the ball falls to Schmidt who takes a shot but the ball deflected over the bar.

Fowler hits the post | 80'

Fowler got the space but her left-footed fiery shot hits the post.

Substitution for Australia | 84'

Van Egmond is replaced by Clare Polkinghorne.

Excellent match from Cooney-Cross | 90'

Cooney-Cross delivers with her right foot but Sheridan punches clear.

Added time | 90+1'

Eight minutes of time added on.

Penalty for Australia | 90+3'

VAR is back in the action, and replays prove Gorry was clattered into by Fleming's clumsy challenge centimeters inside the box.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada vs Australia | 90+4' | 4th Goalllllll!!!.. for Australia

Australia's stand-in skipper scores her second penalty of the tournament as the Matildas enter the Round of 16. A statement victory for the Aussies.

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada (0) vs Australia (4) | Full-time

A perfect game from Australia. Their intentions were clear right from the start. They allowed Canada to keep the possession but didn't allow to produce anything. The Matildas were so dangerous on counters and that caused trouble for Canada every single time. Nigeria played a draw in the other game. As a result, Australia finished top of Group B and enters the Round of 16 alongside Nigeria.

An emphatic performance from @TheMatildas! 👏🇦🇺#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023

The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup provided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Lionel Messi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. 

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

Key Details on the FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.

The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32, 

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: The groups are set for the European qualifiers

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each  regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats  

• Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
• A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
• A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
• With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
• With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.

Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs, South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.

Teams That Have Qualified

With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.

1. The USA

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

2. Mexico

Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.

Read Also | 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

3. Canada

Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.

Teams from the Qualifier Rounds

4. Japan

Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.

🇯🇵 Japan have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26 | @jfa_samuraiblue

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 20, 2025

Japan surprised the world with their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, before bowing out from the Round of 16 in a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual third-place finishers Croatia. However, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in the group stage to march onto the next round.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.

Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.

SEE YOU IN ‘26 🇳🇿🏆 pic.twitter.com/PiCofS1bVn

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) March 24, 2025

For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.

6. Iran

Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.

Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌
Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football
Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷
This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa

— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025

Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.

In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.

7. Argentina 

The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26. 

Argentina produced a bolstering performance, beating the Selecaos 4-1, powered by goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha netted the only goal for Brazil.

🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.

8. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.

Read Also | 7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026

This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.

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9. South Korea

South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.

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10. Jordan

While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year. 

Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.

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11. Australia 

Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.

Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

🇦🇺🦘 Australia at the #FIFAWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/OIg3mrVxTc

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 10, 2025

12. Brazil 

Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup. 

The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday. 

VINIIII JR.!!!!

TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷

🎥TV GLOBO pic.twitter.com/1JmKVR5d3z

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 11, 2025

13. Ecuador 

Despite Alan Franco's red card, Ecuador managed a brave, strong 0-0 draw against Peru to ensure their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

With 25 points, they are currently second in the South American qualification, with 25 points, behind Argentina.

¡ESTAMOS EN NUESTRO QUINTO MUNDIAL!

🇺🇸, 🇲🇽 y 🇨🇦; allá vamos pic.twitter.com/9DdkLLG8VX

— La Tri 🇪🇨 (@LaTri) June 11, 2025

After two years of intense battles, captivating storylines, and relentless Test cricket, the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final is here! At the iconic Lord's, two formidable nations, Australia and South Africa, are set to face each other for the ultimate battle on June 11, 2025.

The Australian side will play their second WTC final, aiming to defend their hard-won title. On the other hand, the South African side is determined to shred the tag of "chokers" and hungry to claim their maiden WTC title.

This marks the first time both the teams are facing each other in an ICC tournament final. Their knockout encounters include the infamous tied 1999 World Cup semi-final, and the 2023 World Cup semi-final, and Australia won both the times.

Here's everything you need to know before the WTC 2023-25 final clash of Australia vs South Africa, with head-to-head stats and more!

Match Details

• Match: Australia vs South Africa
• Tournament: ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, Final
• Date: 11 - 15 June, 2025
• Time: 3:30 PM IST
• Venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, England
• Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth, Nitin Menon (Reserve)
• Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

Read Also: ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get

Streaming Details

Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights of AUS vs SA WTC Final 2023-25. The match will be telecast live in India on TV channels of Star Sports Network.

Fans can watch the live streaming of AUS vs SA WTC Final 2023-25 online on the JioHotstar app and website.

Australia vs South Africa: Head-to-head stats in Tests

Head-to-head Record (last 5 matches)

• AUS: 2 wins
• SA: 2 wins
• Draws: 1

Australia and South Africa's road to final in WTC 2023-25

Australia

• Matches Played: 19
• Wins: 13
• Losses: 4
• Draws: 2
• Points: 154
• PCT: 67.54%

South Africa

• Matches Played: 12
• Wins: 8
• Losses: 3
• Draws: 1
• Points: 100
• PCT: 69.44%

Read Also: Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia?

Australia vs South Africa: Pitch Report

The Lord's pitch for the WTC Final is expected to offer a balanced but challenging surface. Fast bowlers are likely to find significant seam movement and swing in the early stages, especially with the new Duke's ball.

As the match progresses, particularly from Day 3, the pitch us expected to flatten out. This will make batting easier, though reverse swing for pacers and some turn for spinners might emergency.

English weather remains a significant factor. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first.

Overall, expect a pitch that provides a good contrast between bat and ball throughout the five days.

Australia vs South Africa: Possible Lineups

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.

The World Test Championship 2023-25 Final isn't just another game for the Proteas; it is an opportunity for them to get rid of the "chokers" label that the team has long carried from past failures in big tournaments.

Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia? Let's check out the odds and what the numbers say about their fight for redemption.

The weight of the tag: Why "chokers"?

South Africa carries a unique burden of the "chokers" tag, which is not merely a casual insult, but a deep-seated reputation earned through a series of painful failures. Despite having world-class talent and often dominating in the group stages, they have a history of stumbling when the stakes are highest.

Here's some of the most significant losses in crucial stages, which originated the "chokers" tag:

1. 1992 World Cup Semi-final vs. England

South Africa, needing 22 runs off 13 balls, faced a controversial rain rule that dramatically revised their target to an impossible 22 runs off just one ball.

While not a "choke" in the traditional sense, but this marked their first major semi-final heartbreak.

2. 1999 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa needed just 1 run to win off 4 balls, while their explosive batsman Lance Klusener was on strike. However, a horrible mix-up led to the run-out of Allan Donald and the match ended in a tie.

Australia made it to the finals eventually for having better net run rate.

3. 2003 World Cup group stage exit vs. Sri Lanka

SA miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) target which led to their elimination from the tournament. Mark Boucher, believing they have reached the par score to win, blocked the last ball of an over, after which heavy rain stopped the game.

They were, in fact, just 1 run short of the D/L par score, resulting in a tie as well as their elimination.

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

4. 2011 World Cup Quarter-final vs. New Zealand

They collapsed from 108/2 while chasing 222 runs and lost 8 wickets for 64 runs in a shocking defeat. They were bowled out for 172 runs.

5. 2015 World Cup Semi-final vs. New Zealand

Dropped crucial catches while defending in the second half and was was unable to play under pressure in the final overs. Everything let to a dramatic last-ball loss.

6. 2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 stage vs. Netherlands

South Africa needed a win to secure a semi-final spot in the tournament. Despite being strong favourites, they failed to chase a decent target, suffering a 13-run defeat.

7. 2023 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa found themselves in a familiar pattern of faltering under pressure while defending 212 runs. Despite great efforts, they could not make it and lost by 3 wickets.

8. 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs. India

While they did reach the finals after breaking their semi-final curse, they ultimately lost to India by 7 runs. Despite being in a good position at one stage, they could not maintain the required run rate in the final overs due to right bowling from Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Read Also: ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get

South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head in tests: What are the odds?

Australia has the upper hand in terms of past records when the two sides met. Here's what the head-to-head stats in test cricket looks like:

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mark Boucher's perspective ahead of WTC Final:

As a former South African wicket-keeper batsman and head coach, Mark Boucher understands the immense pressure associated with their cricket history. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he provided an insight about the mindset and the game.

Here's what he said:

"We're playing for a trophy, so I guess a lot of people are saying no [we can't win] but I think it's a different feel in Test match cricket. It's played over a longer period of time and you've just got to win big moments in the game as well. Yes, there will be that tag [chokers] that gets thrown our way until we win a trophy. You're not going to get rid of the tag. Is it deserving on these youngsters coming through? No, it's almost like they're carrying the burden of what happened in previous years, which is always going to be tough on them but they're the ones in control of their futures at the moment."

He also added: "If we win it, I think then that could be the turnaround for Test cricket in our country."

Read Also: Most runs in WTC 2023-25 | Updated

WTC 2023-25 Final: What this win would mean for South Africa

For South Africa, winning the WTC final would be breaking free of the "chokers" tag that has haunted them for decades. This win would also live upto the nation's expectations, inspire future generations, and earn them global respect as true champions.

The UEFA Champions League final represents the pinnacle of Europeam Club football, a stage where heroes are crowned. For any player, scoring in this momentous match is a big achivement, and for a few, that moment comes at an astonishingly young age!

Dive into the list of 5 youngest goalscorers in Champions League finals, with the spotlight on recent additions of Paris Saint-Germain's Mayulu and Doue, who have etched their names on this exclusive list.

5. Lars Ricken (20 years 322 days) | 1997

In 1997, Borussia Dortmund's local boy, Lars Ricken etched his name into Champions League final history with a goal against Juventus. Coming on as a substitute, he took just 16 seconds to score the goal after entering the pitch!

At just 20 years and 322 days old, his impactful goal helped Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory, and it still remains one of the most iconic moments in UCL finals history.

4. Desire Doue (19 years 362 days) | 2025

The 2025 UEFA Champions League final saw a remarkably young talent make his mark on field. Desire Doue added his name in this list of youngest goalscorers with scoring twice (20' , 63') in the finals against Inter Milan.

He scored the second and third goal of the match, which significantly gave PSG a boost in this high-stakes match. His attacking style and dominant gameplay at just 19 years and 362 days of age, was great to watch.

Doue's name will be forever treasured in the books of PSG's success in UEFA Champions League.

Read Also: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

3. Carlos Alberto (19 years 167 days) | 2004

Carlos Alberto of FC Porto scored a stunning goal in the 2004 Champions League finals at the age of 19 years and 167 days. He scored the first goal of the match, which eventually led to a victory of 3-0 against AS Monaco FC.

He delivered a memorable moment for the team and became the key figure in Porto's surprising triumph, that too, for their second UCL title.

2. Senny Mayulu (19 years 14 days) | 2025

In the electrifying final of 2025 Champions League, PSG got another young talent who didn't just play; he made history. Senny Mayulu, at just 19 years and 14 days old, became the second-youngest goalscorer ever in the Champions League final.

Mayulu scored the final goal in their 5-0 victory against Inter Milan, and his strike in a match of such immense pressure solidified his status as an emerging player for the Parisian giants.

Read Also: Football Facts: Managers with most UCL titles

1. Patrick Kluivert (18 years 327 days) | 1995

Topping the list as the youngest goalscorer in Champions League final is Patrick Kluivert. In 1995 final, playing for Ajax, he scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, securing a 1-0 victory against AC Milan.

At just 18 years and 327 days of age, his crucial finish brought Ajax's fifth UCL title home, and established him as an iconic talent who made history in European football's grandest stage.

In Europe, the Champions League is seen as the most demanding title among players, managers, and clubs from all over Europe. The Giant clubs compete for this specific trophy every year, with the prestige and financial rewards received from the tournament being among the biggest in club football.

Achieving success in this competition is usually seen by most players and managers as the benchmark of club-level achievement in Europe. For many managers, winning the Champions League is the ultimate goal.

Some managers, however, have managed to win the competition multiple times, some with multiple teams as well. Without further due, here are the interesting football facts of the five managers with the most Champions League titles.

Read Also: Barcelona 2008/09 vs Man City 2022/23 - which Pep Guardiola treble team is better?

Football Facts: Managers with the most UCL titles 

Pep Guardiola | 3 Champions League titles

Many regard Pep Guardiola as the greatest manager of his generation due to his success with all the clubs he has managed. The Spanish manager has won the competition thrice in his managerial career, two times with FC Barcelona and once with Manchester City.

Guardiola won his first Champions League title in his first season in charge of Barcelona, with his side defeating Manchester United 2-0 in 2008-09 as part of their first-ever treble. The former Barcelona midfielder was 38 years old at the time, making him the youngest manager to win the competition to date.

He won his second title two years later in the 2010-11 season, defeating the same opponent 3-1 in the final. Lionel Messi was the star of both triumphs, scoring both times.

Then he managed Bayern but wasn't able to bring any Champions League titles to the German Club. Finally, his 12-year wait came to an end when Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the Final of the UCL 2022-23 season.

Read Also | European treble winners in men's football history

Zinedine Zidane | 3 Champions League titles

Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid in its most dominant period of the 21st century. The Frenchman won three titles with Los Blancos in three years in charge of the club.

Zidane won his first title just four months after he replaced Rafael Benitez as manager of Real Madrid. He led the side to defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the 2015-16 final.

The next season, Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final for their 12th crown.

Zidane led Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the 2017-18 final. The Frenchman is the only manager in history to win the competition three consecutive times. He is also the first and only French manager to win the competition to date.

Bob Paisley | 3 European Cups

Bob Paisley was a Liverpool soccer player, manager, and administrator for almost 50 years. 

No football manager demonstrated the art of leading quietly and without ego more than Bob Paisley. He won twenty trophies in nine years for Liverpool Football Club between 1974 and 1983.

He brought 3 European Cups, six League Championships (including three in a row in 1981, 1982, and 1983), three League Cups, 6 Charity Shields, one UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Paisley is the only British manager to win the European Cup three times. Bob is now regarded as one of the best soccer managers of all time.

Carlo Ancelotti | 5 Champions League titles

Carlo Ancelotti is one of football's managerial greats of the 21st century. The Italian manager has won five Champions League titles in his time as a manager, having also won the competition twice as a player.

Ancelotti won his first Champions League title in the 2002-03 season with AC Milan as his side defeated Juventus on penalties in the final. He won his second title in the 2006-07 season as AC Milan defeated Liverpool 2-1.

Ancelotti won his third title with Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season after his side defeated Atlético Madrid 4-1. His fourth title came in the 2021-22 season with Real Madrid once again after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.

He completed his fifth win in the Champions League as a manager in the 2023-24 season when Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund by 2-0 in the final.

The Italian manager is also the only manager to win all of Europe's top five leagues.

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Football Facts: Managers with the most UCL titles (Top Ten)