Switzerland vs Italy UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 Highlights | Switzerland are through to the Quarter Finals following a 2-0 victory over the defending champions Italy
Freuler and Vargas scored as Switzerland knocked the defending champions Italy out of the UEFA Euro 2024 to qualify for the last eight of the tournament.
Switzerland beat Italy by 2-0 in Berlin to qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Euro 2024.Freuler scored the opener for Switzerland in the first half and then Vargas scored a stunning curler right after the start of the second half to double the lead. Italy never looked comfortable in the game and Switzerland completely dominated the game right from the start. Italy came close a few times later in the match but the Swiss defence was ready to clear out everything.
Switzerland vs Italy: A brief highlight of the game
Embolo had a brilliant chance to score the opener in the 24th minute but Donnarumma denied it from going in. But, Freuler scored 13 minutes later after receiving a pass from Vargas. Freuler was completely unmarked. He took a touch and then hit it towards the near post. Donnarumma could do nothing and the ball went in.
The second half started with a bang with Vargas scoring a beautiful goal from outside of the box. Italy didn't close him down and the Swiss winger had all the time in the world to unleash a beautiful curler. Once again, Donnarumma could do nothing to stop the ball from going in. It was a nearly perfect hit and Switzerland doubled the lead.
Later Scamacca had a chance to put one back but he missed the opportunity. Schar hit his own post with a header but other than that, Italy couldn't create anything special.
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Switzerland have knocked the defending champions out of the Euros. What a terrific display from the Switzerland team. They deserve all the credit and are through to the next round.
Italy are on their way to get knocked out of the tournament | 90'
The defending champions are possibly going out.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:44 PM
So close from taking a 3-0 lead | 83'
Xhaka sends the ball to Zuber who beats Di Lorenzo and squares it into the box past Donnarumma but fails to find a teammate on the far post.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:41 PM
Freuler has been top notch today | 79'
Fruelerโs half-volley from the edge of the box goes miles over the post.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:38 PM
Double Substitutions from Switzerland | 77'
Embolo and Ndoye are off. Duah and Sierro replace them.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:32 PM
Substitution for Switzerland | 72'
Vargas and Rieder are subbed off after dropping terrific performances today. Zuber and Stergiou are the players to come in.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:32 PM
Rieder is unstoppable today
The way Rieder is playing today is just brilliant. He has been a nightmare in the midfield for Italy. He is winning fouls continuously.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:26 PM
Substitution for Italy | 64'
Barella's day is over. Retegui replaces him and now there are two number 9s for Italy.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:25 PM
Italy are slowly trying to get back into the game | 62'
The Italian players are pressing high up the field with intent and it's not too late to make a comeback.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:18 PM
Yellow card for Mancini | 57'
Yellow card to Mancini for a late tackle on Rieder.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:16 PM
What a scare! | 53'
Schar tries to clear the ball with a header but it goes towards his own net and ultimately hits the post, inches away from becoming the eighth own goal of the tournament.
Jun 29, 2024, 5:15 PM
Poor game from Italy so far | 52'
Switzerland have now scored more goals (2) than Italy have had shots (1) so far in the game.
27 seconds into the 2nd half, the holders are 2-0 down... โฝ๏ธโฝ๏ธ๐จ๐ญ pic.twitter.com/Bf9roIsAys
That is some start from Switzerland! | Vargas scores a stunner | 46'
Vargas scores from outside the box with a beautiful curler. Donnarumma could do nothing to stop it from going in. The Italian defenders didn't close down Vargas; he had all the time in the world to unleash that banger. Switzerland are ahead by 2-0 now.
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Jun 29, 2024, 4:54 PM
End of the First Half | Switzerland are leading by 1 goal
The first half ends and the Italian fans will be happy to see there is still hope for their team to make a comeback in the second half. If Switzerland would have been clinical with their chances the scoreline could have been 3-0 or 4-0 by now.
Rieder takes a free kick from the right. He curls it in perfectly into the near post but Donnarumma stops it from going in. Donnaruma stopped the ball but it hit the post before going out. He is in top form today.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:48 PM
Poor tackle from El Shaarawy | 45'
The Italian winger sees the yellow for a poor foul on Fabian Schar. It could have been gotten worse for El Shaarawy.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:46 PM
Di Lorenzo is looking fine to continue | 43'
Di Lorenzo was down on the ground after an awkward slip. But, he seems fine to continue for now.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:39 PM
Switzerland are ahead | Brilliant goal from Freuler | 37'
Switzerland breaks into a quick attack and Vargas plays a pass into the box. Freuler reaches and takes a touch before firing it into the back of the net. It gets a slight touch off Donnarumma before going in but Freuler was completely unmarked and the Italian skipper couldn't do anything about that. What a brilliant goal from the Swiss team. They deserve all the praise for good.
Freuler scores his seventh goal for Switzerland in his 77th appearance.
There is no control in the midfield for Italy. Barella sees the yellow for a poor tackle on Rieder.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:35 PM
Powerful shot flies over the bar | 31'
Schar tries to go for a left-footed shot from inside of the box but his shot is blocked by the strong Italian defender. However, Rodriguez gets the ball in a good position outside of the box. He unleashes a powerful shot but it goes over the bar.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:32 PM
Switzerland are not clinical with their chances | 30'
Switzerland are dominating the game but they lack the finishing touch.
Jun 29, 2024, 4:28 PM
Sensational save from Donnarumma | 24'
Embolo is through on goal from the left but Donnarumma was off his line and he saved it. What a brilliant save from the Italian skipper and it's a golden chance miss for the Swiss.
From World Cup to continental championships, discover the titans of global football and their achievements. We bring you the football teams with most international trophies with Argentina leading the pack. Check out who joins them.
In the sphere of international football, legacy is not built on sentiment but on unmatched achivement. What truly counts for a national team are the trophies won at the global stage, leaving everyone behind in the race!
This list will provide you an overview of the football teams with most international trophies. Read the full article to know about their dominance in the world of football.
1. Argentina (23 international trophies)
Argentina lifting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Image | Mint
Argentina stands as the titan in international football, having 23 trophies in their cabinet, with a rich legacy shaped by raw talent and passionate play.
Their identity is deeply rooted in the genius of legendary players such as Diego Maradona, whose individual brilliance almost single-handedly sealed the 1986 World Cup, and Lionel Messi, who finally cemented his legacy in 2022 World Cup after years of carrying the team's hope.
Brazil lifting the Confederations Cup in 2013. Image | FIFA
One of the greatest footballing nations, Brazil, holds 20 international trophies in their stunning cabinet. They are widely recognised as a nation that produce players who redefine the sport.
Legendary figures like Pele, Garrincha, and modern maestros like Ronaldinho and Romario, have all contributed to Brazil's success in achieving this milestone. Their contributions have not been just about winning, but about entertaining and inspiring.
Uruguay possesses a truly remarkable legacy in international football, regardless of its small population. They are just one trophy away to reach enter the twenties in their international trophies count, with 19 so far.
Legendary players like Obdulio Varela and Alcides Ghiggia, who had immense contribution in 1950 World Cup win, and more recently, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, have all profoundly shaped Uruguay's rich footballing narrative.
Mexico winning the 2023 COMCACAF Gold Cup. Image | Instagram
Mexico holds a proud legacy as the dominant force in CONCACAF football, known for their passionate fan base, technical prowess, and ability to frequently challenge stronger nations.
Hugo Sanchez, Rafael Marquez, and Cuauhtemoc Blanco, are some names served in achieving the 14 international trophies.
USA lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021. Image | NDTV
The USA has steadily built a legacy of growing competitiveness and professionalism, establishing itself as a successful team within the CONCACAF region.
Players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard, have elevated the team's standing and inspired a new generation of American footballers. They currently hold the 5th place with 10 international trophies.
International trophy cabinet of the USA:
Tournament
Count
Years
CONCACAF Championship/ Gold Cup
7
1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2021
CONCACAF Nations League
3
2021, 2023, 2024
6. France (8 international trophies)
France lifting the 2018 World Cup. Image | Instagram
France holds the sixth place with 8 international trophies achivement elegantly with the efforts of world-class players and athletic brilliance. From Michel Platini of the 1980s to Kylian Mbappe, an explosive forward who's carrying the winning legacy in recent years, this team have come a long way.
Their contributions have led to some historic victories that shaped French football.
Germany lifting the 2014 World Cup. Image | Sportsnet
Germany's legacy in international football is built on resilience, discipline and strong winning mentality. They have won 8international trophies which gracefully shine in their cabinet.
Legendary players like Franz Beckenbauer, the elegant "Der Kaiser" who revolutionized the sweeper role; Gerd Muller, the prolific striker; and Lothar Matthaus, a midfield powerhouse, have shaped the team's consistent success.
International trophy cabinet of Germany:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
European Championship
3
1972, 1980, 1996
Confederations Cup
1
2017
8. Egypt (7 international trophies)
Egypt lifts the AFCON in 2010. Image | CAF Online
Egypt holds an unparalleled legacy as the most successful nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, having great consistency and dominance on the continental stage.
The "Pharaohs" are known for their tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches, which brought them 7 international trophies.
The most memorable victory for Egypt was their achievement of winning three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a feat that cemented their status as the kings of African football.
International trophy cabinet of Egypt:
Tournament
Count
Years
Africa Cup of Nations
7
1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010
9. Spain (6 international trophies)
Spain lifts the 2010 World Cup. Image | Sportstar
Spain's legacy in international football is linked to their "tiki-taka" style, a philosophy of possession-based, intricate passing football that brought unparallaled success.
This approach led to an era of consistent dominance, including a historic treble from 2008 to 2012. Legendary figures like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Iker Casillas were instrumental in this golden age.
Recently, the new generation talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, has emerged, further contributing to add up the numbers of their international trophies, which currently counts to 6.
Italy won 6 internationaltrophies in their football journey, with four World Cup wins among them. They have the capability to rise when it matters most for the nation.
Legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Gianluigi Buffon, and others have left an incredible mark on the history of team's success. The 2006 FIFA World Cup remains a memorable victory where the Azzurri peaked.
International trophy cabinet of Italy:
Tournament
Count
Years
World Cup
4
1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
European Championship
2
1968, 2020
11. New Zealand (6 international trophies)
New Zealand lifts their 6th OFC Nations Cup in 2024. Image | Pinterest
New Zealand won 6 international trophies and all of them were OFC Nations Cup wins, reflecting their dominance within the Oceania confederation. Their strong team spirit and discipline gets them the ability to qualify for the World Cup despite being a smaller footballing nation.
Their qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they remained undefeated in the group stage, drawing all 3 of their matches against strong opponents, stands as a particularly memorable achievement.
International trophy cabinet of New Zealand:
Tournament
Count
Years
OFC Nations Cup
6
1973, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2016, 2024
12. Cameroon (5 international trophies)
Cameroon lifts the AFCON in 2017. Image | Mint
Cameroon, known as the "Indomitable Lions," has forged a legacy as one of Africa's most successful footballing nations. They have achieved 5 international trophies so far, and are in own by their raw power, athleticism, and a fearless, adventurous approach to the game.
The 1990 FIFA World Cup remains their most memorable victory, where they shocked reigning champions Argentina in the opening match and became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, with their commendable performances.
Australia lifts the AFC Asian Cup in 2015. Image | Socceroos
Australia, also known as "Socceroos," have evolved from a dominant force in Oceania to a competitive presence in Asia and a consistent participant on the global stage of football.
They have won 5international trophies so far, with players like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka being the central to their footballing journey.
A standout memorable victory for Australia was winning the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2015, that increased their status as a leading footballing nation within the Asian confederation.
After Luis Enrique became only the sixth football manager to win the Champions League with different clubs, we present you with some interesting football facts about managers with the most UCL titles in their careers.
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.
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.
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 Atlรฉtico Madrid 4-1. His fourth title came in the 2021-22 season with Real Madrid once again after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Since making his FC Barcelona debut just at the age of 15 in 2023, Lamine Yamal has broken multiple records. Here is every record of Lamine Yamal so far in his career.
Lamine Yamal came through Barcelonaโs famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.
Lamine Yamal, a product of FC Barcelona's La Masia Academy. Image | FC Barcelona
He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.
He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.
2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.
3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against.
4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.
5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga
On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.
7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.
9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.
10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.
12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match
In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.
Champions League Records
Lamine Yamal showcasing his skills. Image | SABC Sport
1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League
Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.
2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup
Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.
3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase
Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.
4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match
Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.
Lamine Yamal playing for the Spanish National Team. Image | The Independent
1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gaviโs record at 17 years, 62 days.
2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain
Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.
3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match
Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.
Lamine Yamal celebrating his goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024. Image | Goal.com
Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spainโs Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age.
His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play.
AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion
AFC president, Shaikh Salman, and Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, have raised their voices against the proposal of expansion to a 64-team World Cup.
The controversy over the potential increase in the 2030 FIFA World Cup roster to 64 teams has gained momentum, with key football officials coming out to oppose it. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have joined forces against this controversial suggestion.
Should the 2030 World Cup be expanded to 64 teamsโ๐ ๐
Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, is proposing a one-time expansion of the 2030 Men's World Cup to 64 teams to mark the tournamentโs 100th anniversary.
Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has joined the increasing call to oppose the plan to increase the World Cup teams to 64, claiming increasing the number of teams "would not be the right move".
AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned against the expansion to 64 teams and the โchaosโ it could lead to, telling Agence France Press (AFP), โPersonally, I donโt agree."
AFC and CONCACAF Presidents show concerns over expansion
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez. (Image Source | X)
In March's FIFA Council, Uruguayan football chief Ignacio Alonso proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA later announced that it would study the proposal.
Since then, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has been the frontrunning campaigner for an expansion to 64 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been silent on the idea, but according to sources close to FIFA, he favours the plan and came up with it in the first place.
๐จ An official proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams has been put forward by the South American Football Confederation. ๐๐
โ Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 11, 2025
Conmebol have often been his path to market for alterations that he desires โ the most stunning of these recently having been for a biennial World Cup cycle.
Last week, Dominguez supported a tournament extension from 48 teams to 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup as a once-off for the centenary celebrations for the global finals. Dominguez said:
We are convinced that the celebration of the centenary will be something unique, because it has only once been 100 years old. And for this reason, we are proposing, for one, to carry out this anniversary with 64 teams, across three simultaneous continents. So that all countries have the opportunity to live a world experience, and so that no one is left out of this party even if it is played everywhere, it is our party.
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President. (Image Source | X)
With Victor Montagliani joining the mounting anti-64-team World Cup campaign, he is joined by fellow FIFA vice presidents Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC president) and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
Following Infantino, they are the next three strongest political officials in the world governing body. Montagliani told ESPN:
At Concacaf, weโve shown that we are open to change by supporting the Womenโs World Cup expansion and the continuous evolution of our Confederationโs menโs and womenโs national team and club events,โ
I donโt believe expanding the menโs World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.
AFC president Sheikh Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in 2022. (Image Source | X)
Yesterday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa cautioned against expansion to 64 teams and the 'chaos' it might bring, telling Agence France-Presse: "Personally, I don't agree." He further stated:
If the question is open to amendment, then the door will not only be open to increasing the tournament to 64 teams,"
But somebody will come along and insist on increasing the amount to 132 teams. Where would we get to then? It would be chaos.
Even the president of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice president, joined the chorus of criticism. He stated:
It is not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it's not a good idea for our qualifiers as well,"
I don't know where it came from, but it's odd that we didn't know anything prior to this proposal at the FIFA Council."
Excitement is rising for the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be staged in 2026 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This event is a huge rise from the traditional 32-team setup, and any further expansion to 64 would double matches to a mind-boggling 128. Contrary to this, the forthcoming 2026 event will host 104 matches to be staged in 16 host cities.
The logistical issues for the 2030 World Cup are already significant, with its games spread across three continents. Its initial host nations are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina will be hosting the milestone opening games, marking a century since the tournament's first edition was held in Uruguay.
FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the feasibility of this proposal, although they did confirm their duty to consider it.
The proposal is expected to be a subject of debate at FIFA's upcoming 75th Congress, which takes place annually on May 15 in Paraguay's capital, Asunciรณn, which houses the headquarters of Conmebol. The congress agenda is yet to be published, but the plan for a 64-team World Cup will supposedly receive intense local lobbying in the backrooms and corridors of FIFA.
UEFA reportedly starts to develop blueprints for Russia's return in football
According to reports, UEFA has reportedly started the groundwork to initiate Russia's return to club and international football only if a ceasefire is established in Ukraine.
UEFA has not ruled out the chances of Russia returning to football competitions around the globe if a total ceasefire is agreed upon in Ukraine. This was reported by the renowned British publication 'The Independent', citing its own sources.
The UEFA bans follow the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, sparking universal international criticism, such as FIFA and UEFA's March 2022 ban of Russian teams from every football competition.
However, UEFA has reportedly opened the groundwork to facilitate Russia's return in club and international football, with growing tensions within the members in UEFA.
UEFA may revoke the long-standing ban on Russian teams
Alexander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino. (Image Credit | Getty)
Next week, a UEFA congress will reportedly be held in Belgrade, and insiders say that plans are underway to bring Russian clubs and the national team back into official tournaments.
The publication states that UEFA is already formulating possible measures for restoring Russia's involvement in international football tournaments. It underlines that Russia still has immense power in world football, and there is growing pressure within UEFA on this issue.
The Independent further asserts that the main reason for the suspension of Russian teams by FIFA and UEFA after the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine was not so much moral principles as a practical necessity.
Russia's national football team last participated in the EURO 2020. (image Source | X)
Sources suggest that 12 European football associations signaled their willingness to boycott matches against Russian clubs, with the expectation that the figure could be as high as 18. In this case, football authorities would be faced with the decision of excluding a large number of national teams or only one. The suspension of Russia was therefore motivated by "technical" considerations and not political ideology.
The article points out that UEFA and FIFA attempt to avoid suspending nations for political reasons in order to stay away from being involved in the complicated legal scenario of every international conflict.
๐จ FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed he would like to see Russia return to play in the World Cup in the future. ๐ท๐บ
๐จ The Ukrainian FA says Russia's return to international football would 'ignore the suffering of thousands'. pic.twitter.com/8f7qLaTxqM
โ Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 1, 2025
Earlier, UEFA President Alexander Ceferin made the point about football being employed as a tool for creating peace. He said he believed that contact between children from different nations could build understanding and destroy enmities.
Meanwhile, Ceferin also spoke of a "ferocious attack by politicians," especially those on the left wing, against the suggestion that young Russian teams should be brought back in club and international football.
Andriy Shevchenko calls on UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to visit him in Ukraine and to reconsider letting Russia return to international football @SkySportspic.twitter.com/3K1NhuXdes
Back in 2023, UEFA overturned the decision that allowed Russia to return to international competitions, specifically the U-17 age group. Ukraine, England, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark threatened to withdraw if such a thing happens, AP reported.
๐จ UEFA has spoken out in favour of Russia returning to European competitions at youth level! ๐๐ท๐บ
โUEFA no longer wants children to be punished for actions for which adults are solely responsible.โ
The Independent reports that the suspension of Russia will continue to remain in effect until a complete ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, top officials at UEFA are already preparing a plan for bringing back Russian teams in the case of peace, when sport can once again be "center stage." A halt of aggression by Russia would, therefore be followed by a said normalization in the world of sport.