FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his opinions regarding the biennial World Cup. He says it would offer more opportunities to players around the globe and could prevent migrants from crossing the Mediterranean Sea to migrate to Europe.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration, over 1,100 migrants died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2021.
While speaking to the Council of Europe, Infantino argued that the World Cup should be held every two years. Instead of every four years, which has been going on since its inception in 1950.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the Biennial World Cup
"We need to find ways to include the entire world," Infantino said. "To give hope to Africans so that they don't need to cross the Mediterranean to find maybe a better life, but more probably dead in the sea."- Infantino.
Infantino said that most of the top players and the majority of the facilities for football are based in Europe. According to him, the biennial World Cup would give players of other nationalities more opportunities globally and more countries the opportunity to host. The generation of $4.4 billion in revenue that the change in format would generate could help close the wealth gap in the football world, claimed Infantino.
What are the reactions of the players to this idea?
The idea of holding the World Cup every two years is getting support from former players and managers like Arsene Wenger. Certain soccer confederations like CONMEBOL in South America; and individual national federations like France's and Saudi Arabia's have co-signed the idea.
But, the Majority of the players are not showing positive reactions to this new idea. PSG forward Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski believe that it is going to be too tiring for the players to play tournaments frequently. So this will eventually have a negative impact on their physicality.
"I agree with Robert, we already play 60 games a year and there are already a lot of competitions. We are happy to play, but when it's too much, it is too much. If you want to have quality, you have to allow the players to rest," Mbappe said in December. "We have to think about the quality and respect the health of the players."
Is it the correct decision?
However, another group of people is saying that this new pattern will result in it more negligence towards women's football. The main congestion of fixtures will result in nobody watching the women's football.
FIFA is already facing international scrutiny for its reputation in the world of corruption and the choice to stand by the 2022 World Cup host Qatar; Amid the abuse and death of migrant workers, documented in country-specific data and by Human Rights Watch.
Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final highlights: Five-star Spain beat France 5-4 in a record-breaking Nations League classic, to meet Portugal in final
Get the highlights of the Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final as Spain defeated France by 5-4 to set a date with Portugal in the final. Lamine Yamal scored a brace for Spain.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the UEFA Nations League semi-final match between Spain and France in Germany tonight.
Spain are looking to become the first team to retain the Nations League since the tournament was introduced in 2018. Meanwhile, the 2021 winners, France, are also looking to win their first Nations League title since then.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the updates of the Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Jun 5, 2025, 6:59 PM
Final Score
Jun 5, 2025, 9:10 PM
Portugal vs Spain in final!
Jun 5, 2025, 9:08 PM
The highest scoring match in Nations League history!
Jun 5, 2025, 9:06 PM
That is how good it was!
⏱️ Spain 1-0 France (22') ⏱️ Spain 2-0 France (25') ⏱️ Spain 3-0 France (54') ⏱️ Spain 4-0 France (55') ⏱️ Spain 4-1 France (59') ⏱️ Spain 5-1 France (67') ⏱️ Spain 5-2 France (79') ⏱️ Spain 5-3 France (84') ⏱️ Spain 5-4 France (90'+3)
Simon does well to go low and down to his right to save Dembele's on target shot from the right.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:37 PM
36' | Lenglet blocks a shot
France are struggling here with the defence.
Pedri's delivery had created a chance for Nico to go for the goal. But, Lenglet was there to make the block.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:33 PM
33' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Lamine for a foul on Doue.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:33 PM
31' | Chance for France
Doue and Mbappe's timid efforts at the goal were saved by Simon as France looked to make a comeback in the match. Let me remind you, no second leg in the semis. The winner will face Portugal in the final on June 8th.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:28 PM
The second one!
⚡GOAL: MIKEL MERINO DOUBLES THE LEAD FOR SPAIN!!!!!!!!!
26' | Meeeeeeeeerrrriiiiiiiinnnnnoooooo | ESP 2-0 FRA
Merino's goes around the corner and Spain lead by 2-0.
Oyarzabal is again the provider but this time with a very different type of assist, completing a one-two with Merino as part of a slick spell of Spain passing with a delightful chipped ball inside the box on the right.
Merino did the rest by storming inside the box and beating Maignan in the near post.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:24 PM
22' | NICCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOO | ESP 1- 0 FRA
Nico Williams does the job for Spain.
On the left again, but unlike the last two times, he was able to smash the back of the net.
Yamal found Oyarzabal, and the experienced striker played a cute pass at the edge of the box for Nico to go for the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:21 PM
20' | Rabiot takes his chance
Despite space being there and having Mbappe waiting over the shoulder, Rabiot went for the shot.
It went over the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:20 PM
18' | Save from Maignan
It is Nico Williams who made another run on the left for Spain. But his final shot was saved by Maignan. A bit awkward, but it was a good save.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:19 PM
17' | Save from Simon
Theo passed the ball to Doue on the left. Doue, full of confidence, after a record-breaking Champions League final, he made a cutback and went for a shot with his right foot.
Theo Hernandez, though he was not in full control while making the effort with his left foot, hit the crossbar. Simon would have been a spectator if that had gone in.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:12 PM
Two of the best young players in the world in action
Jun 5, 2025, 7:09 PM
8' | Easy save for Maignan
Nico Williams, on the left-hand side, made a good run. But his final effort went straight to Maignan.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:08 PM
7' | Chance for France
Demeble ran away with the ball and found Mbappe. But, unselfish Mbappe tried to find Rabiot and lost the plot.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:05 PM
4' | Theo takes his chance
Theo Hernandez took his chance to surprise Simon with a long-range shot. The shot went over the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:04 PM
3' | Yamal with the first attack
As usual, Lamine Yamal looked to break through the right and then with a backheel found Pedro Porro, whose effort went straight to Maignan.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:01 PM
Kick-off!
France start things off!
Jun 5, 2025, 6:51 PM
They are ready too!
Calentamiento completado, los chicos a vestuarios.
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025, 6:04 PM
Lineups | France
France Starting XI (4-2-3-1): M. Maignan, P. Kalulu, I. Konaté, C. Lenglet, T. Hernández, M. Koné, A. Rabiot, O. Dembélé, M. Olise, D. Doué, K. Mbappé (c)
Substitutes: Brice Samba, Lucas Chevalier, Lucas Hernández, Malo Gusto, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Digne, Loïc Badé, Rayan Cherki, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Mattéo Guendouzi, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram
Jun 5, 2025, 6:01 PM
Lineups | Spain
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón (c); Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams
Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Pau Cubarsí, Daniel Vivian, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Óscar Mingueza, Yéremy Pino, Alejandro Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Isco, Fermín López, Álvaro Morata, Samuel Aghehowa
France will miss the trio of Upamecano, William Saliba and Jules Kounde.
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
Team News: Spain
Luis de la Fuente's side will be without the current Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is still undergoing his recovery at Manchester City. Along with Rodri, Spain will also miss the services of Ferran Torres, who underwent surgery for appendicitis.
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
Spain vs France: Head-to-head stats
Till now, Spain and France have played 37 games against each other, including friendlies.
Spain have won 7 times while France have dominated with 13 wins. 17 games have ended in draws.
France, in those 37 games, have scored 66 goals, while Spain scored 40 goals.
Team
Wins
Draws
Matches
Goals Scored
France
13
17
37
66
Spain
7
17
37
40
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the Spain vs France UEFA Nations League 2024-25 semi-final match on Sony Sports Network TV Channel. They can also watch the match live on the Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription.
Jio TV will also stream the match.
Jun 5, 2025, 4:50 PM
Match details
Match:Spain vs France
Tournament:UEFA Nations League 2024-25, semi-final.
The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.
The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.
The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.
Historical Overview
Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.
Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.
Most Golden Boots win
Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).
Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.
Who is leading the 2024-25 European Golden Boot race?
Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot. However, players like Viktor Gyökeres, Mohamed Salah and a few others are also in race.
The European leagues are up and running and we have already witnessed some great encounters between the top European teams. The hunt to win the European Golden Boot is also taking shape for the 2024-25 season.
Some big names from the Top five European leagues are already in full swing and they are scoring loads of goals to clinch the coveted annual award for the highest goalscorer in Europe. However, some young and talented players have enlisted themselves in the charts as well; even from outside of the top five European leagues.
Sportzpoint brings you all the details about the leading goalscorers in the top five European leagues, details of the UEFA League ranking, and the leading goalscorers competing for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot.
The European Golden Boot Race
Bayern forward Harry Kane won the 2023-24 Golden Boot. (Image Credit | SuperSport))
The Golden Boot is awarded by European Sports Media (ESM) which is a unified association of Football Magazine publications such as Marca, Kicker, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frankfurter AZ, etc. They took over since 1996-97 season and started a new ranking system based on the position of the league for the respective players.
The UEFA coefficient ranking is considered a measure for weighting points, with the principle being to acknowledge players who score in leagues of higher quality according to rankings, which makes it tougher to find the back of the net.
The number of goals scored in the top five leagues of Europe are counted with a multiplier of two, while those from leagues ranked six to 21 receive a 1.5 multiplier, and goals from all other leagues are counted as one.
This is how the points system works.
⚽️🏆 Players with the Most European Golden Boot Wins:
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: 6 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 🇺🇾 Luis Suarez: 2 🇫🇷 Thierry Henry: 2 🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski: 2
The Ultimate European Golden Boot Race (Among the top 10 European Leagues according to UEFA coefficient rankings)
Considering the players from the top 10 European leagues in this list, this is what the current race of chasing the 2024-25 European Golden Boot looks like:
US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.
Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.
During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"
"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."
Trump on Russia-Ukraine war
The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.
Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it ‘could be a good incentive’ for Putin.
"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.
"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."
Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg: Inter knocks out Barcelona by 4-3 in a Champions League classic
Read the highlights of the Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg match as Inter knocked out Barcelona by 4-3 to qualify for the final.
Hello and welcome to another grand evening of UEFA Champions League football. This is Koushik Biswas, with the third final night of the Champions League this season.
Tonight, we will be bringing you LIVE updates, scores, news and free commentary of the Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final 2nd leg match at the San Siro.
Barcelona and Inter played out a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Barcelona last week. Inter Milan are looking to win the Champions League after 15 years, whereas Barcelona are looking for their first one since 2015.
So, both teams have everything to play for, and we can expect nothing but a Champions League classic tonight. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage.
Do not forget the follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all the updates of the match as well.
LIVE Updates
May 6, 2025, 6:53 PM
Final Score
May 6, 2025, 9:57 PM
Final verdict!
It was a hell of a game. Inter kept on coming back, and so did Barcelona.
But in the end, I feel it was Yann Sommer who made the difference for Inter Milan.
Yamal was just incredible, but Sommer was better.
Inter will head to Munich for the final. Who will they face?
We will get to know that tomorrow!
Until then, good night and thanks for staying with us.
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025, 9:02 PM
92' | Yellow card
Augsto gets the yellow card for a foul on Yamal.
May 6, 2025, 9:00 PM
91' | First half of extra time starts
Inter start the first half of the extra time.
May 6, 2025, 8:57 PM
We are into extra time!
We will have 30 more minutes of intense battle to see who will go to the final.
May 6, 2025, 8:57 PM
90+5' | Sommer makes the save
Yamal tries to toe poke the ball and Sommer makes the save. He could have get the penalty if he would have gone down
May 6, 2025, 8:55 PM
90+4' | Accceeerrrrrbbiiiiiii | INT 3-3 FCB (6-6)
Top-class finish from 36-year-old Acerbi.
His first European goal was from him. And, what a time to score that goal.
Yellow card for him for taking off his shirt.
Inter Milan 3-3 FC Barcelona (6-6)
May 6, 2025, 8:53 PM
90+3' | Yamal hits the woodwork
Yamal with a powerful shot from the left of the box, hits the woodwork.
May 6, 2025, 8:52 PM
90+1' | Change for Barcelona
In: Lewandowski
Out: Ferran
May 6, 2025, 8:51 PM
5 minutes added
5 minutes added to the final 90 minutes of time.
May 6, 2025, 8:51 PM
What a season for Raphinha
21 - Raphinha has now equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's competition record from 2013-14 of 21 goal involvements in a single UEFA Champions League campaign (13 goals, 8 assists). Ballon. #INTBARpic.twitter.com/fc6Sf6SbZW
"It's difficult to handle him, we will try to limit the ball getting to him but it is impossible. He will be doubled, but we know he is very dangerous. He thinks so quickly, it's unbelievable."
May 6, 2025, 5:06 PM
Flick on missing Kounde and Balde!
"We can't change anything in terms of injuries. I'm not happy about it, but we can't change it. We have players who can play in those [full-back] positions. Balde and Jules [Koundé] are important for us, but we have Gerard [Martín], Héctor [Fort] and Ronald [Araújo], all of whom are capable of playing in that position."
May 6, 2025, 5:01 PM
Do you know?
Inter have gone 972 days without losing a Champions League home game, their last defeat was on September 7, 2022!
The first leg of the semi-final was one of the Champions League classics with a 3-3 result at the Lluís Companys.
Marcus Thuram scored the fastest goal of Champions League semi-final history with a 30-second goal in the game. In the 21st minute, Dumfries then extended the lead for Inter Milan.
But, Barcelona came back three minutes later with a stunning curling goal from Lamine Yamal. In the 38th minute, Ferran Torres scored again for Barcelona to make it 2-2.
However, Inter Milan were ready to strike back in the second half as Dumfries scored his second to hand Inter the lead, again.
But again, Barcelona came back two minutes later with a third goal from Raphinha, which was later confirmed to be an own goal by Inter goalkeeper Sommer.
Inter nearly won the tie if not Dumfries had been found an inch offside before scoring what could have been a well-deserved hat-trick for him.
We have everything to play for in the second leg. But Inter have not lost a home game in the UCL this season. Can Barcelona break that record?
May 6, 2025, 11:06 AM
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona: Last Meetings
Season
Competition
Venue
Date
Result
24/25
UEFA Champions League
Lluís Companys
31.4.2025
3:3
22/23
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
12.10.2022
3:3
22/23
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
04.10.2022
1:0 (Inter)
19/20
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
10.12.2019
1:2 (Barcelona)
19/20
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
02.10.2019
2:1 (Barcelona)
18/19
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
06.11.2018
1:1
18/19
UEFA Champions League
Camp Nou
24.10.2018
2:0 (Barcelona)
May 6, 2025, 11:05 AM
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona Head-to-head stats
In the 13 matches between these two sides, FC Barcelona have dominated the Italian side with a 6 to 2 win ratio. The remaining 5 games have been drawn. A total of 33 goals have been scored in the matches between these two teams.
Team
Wins
Draws
Goals Scored
Barcelona
6
5
20
Inter Milan
2
5
13
May 6, 2025, 11:02 AM
Tonight's Venue | San Siro
May 6, 2025, 11:01 AM
How to watch the match?
Indian football fans can watch the match LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV Channels. They can also stream the match LIVE on Sony LIV App and Website with a paid subscription.
May 6, 2025, 11:00 AM
Match Details
Match: Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League 2024-25, semi-final, 2nd leg
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