The latest list of FIFA World Ranking 2021 is now out and surprisingly Belgium has ranked first with 1828.45 points. However, they narrowly edged out Brazil who is at 2nd with 1826.35 points, followed by France taking up the third spot with 1786.15 points. Moreover, this is the 4th time that Belgium ended the year with the pole position.
FIFA added- "Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, only 352 full internationals were played in 2020. Not since 1987 (323 matches) had so few games been played in a calendar year. By contrast, planet football made up for the lost time in 2021 with a record-breaking 1116 matches played"
Canada (40th) is the 'Most Improved Side' having accumulated a total of no fewer than 130.32 points over the last 12 months. Their journey to the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup as well as brilliant results in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying has been major factors in their rise.
Jude Bellingham to miss twelve weeks after shoulder surgery in London
Real Madrid and England star midfielder Jude Bellingham has finally decided to undergo the shoulder surgery, which he injured in 2023. He will miss twelve weeks after shoulder surgery in London.
Real Madrid and England star midfielder Jude Bellingham has finally decided to undergo the shoulder surgery, which he injured in 2023. Jude had suffered the injury during his first season for the Los Blancos against Rayo Vallecano on November 5, 2023.
The 21-year-old star will go for surgery today and is all set to miss twelve weeks after shoulder surgery in London. He will return to action in mid-October, following the completion of his rehabilitation process.
Image | TNT Sports
Jude has been suffering from the pain for 2 years now. After dislocating the shoulder against Rayo Vallecano, Jude did not want to go for the surgery right away and decided to play with the pain. He started wearing a shoulder brace, which gave the shoulder a bit of solidity. Jude then went on to have a great 2023-24 season in which he won the La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid.
Image | talkSport
With time, although Jude's pain became a bit less, the shoulder brace started to frustrate him a bit. Due to wearing the shoulder brace for a long time, he was "losing a lot of weight from sweating so much". Not only that, he also mentioned that his "patience is running out" with all the limitations the brace was forcing on him.
So, eventually, after two years, Jude decided to let go of the problem and do the surgery.
An arthroscopic shoulder surgery will be done on Bellingham, and the full process of recovery can take more than three months. However, Fernando Ramos of the Spanish Association of Physiotherapists feels that players with similar injuries generally require four months to return to training, with competitive play resuming potentially five to six months post-surgery.
During his rehabilitation process, Jude will miss eight LaLiga matches and the beginning of the Champions League group stage for Real Madrid under new manager Xabi Alonso. Not only that, he will also miss England's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Andorra and Serbia in September 2025.
Italy’s Journey to the T20 World Cup Goes Back to 1899 and AC Milan
Italy has achieved an unexpected feat by qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026. While Italy in the T20 World Cup still sounds surreal, the game of cricket in Italy isn't as random as you'd think. Discover the nation's surprising history here.
Italy has truly made the unexpected happen, conquering what many considered impossible. Their recently qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marks a historic first for the nation.
A majority of people associate Italy with football, disregarding the thought of cricket being their forte. Football is the major sport that comes to one's mind when the discussion is about Italy, just like pasta. Therefore, the nation's first-ever qualification for the T20 World Cup broke the internet in no time.
While Italy in the T20 World Cup still sounds surreal, the game of cricket has a surprisingly deep and often overlooked historical ties to the country.
Explore the stunning history of cricket in Italy and their correlation with football as a sport.
The first time cricket was even mentioned in Italy was way back in 1973. That's over 230 years ago, when a match was played among Admiral Horatio Nelson's sailors when they stopped at Naples.
Then, about a century later, Englishmen living and working in Italy, especially around busy port cities, started establishing cricket clubs. Around the end of the 19th century, several combined cricket and football clubs were formed, but they soon forgot about cricket and emphasised football to make it reach the highest level.
One of the most striking examples is AC Milan, the Italian football club that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. They were founded in 1899 as the Milan Cricket and Football Club by Englishmen, with cricket actually coming first in their name.
Another example is the oldest Italian football club, Genoa CFC, which was also founded as the Genoa Cricket and Football Club.
Thus, no matter how surreal the qualification of Italy in the T20 World Cup might sound, their deep-rooted history is a clear indication of cricket actually coming first in their nation. The game is not just a fluke, but built on a foundation that's far richer and older than most people realise!
Italy celebrates their T20 World Cup 2026 qualification. Image | Instagram
Italy national cricket team is currently ranked 32nd in the ICC T20I ranking. Starting from 2012, they appeared in the T20 World Cup qualifiers 4 times, and this was the first time ever they made it to the top 2, securing their T20 World Cup 2026 spot.
The team fought so hard in the European Qualifiers that even after losing their last match to the Netherlands, they managed to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026, based on their high net run rate.
This amazing achievement really shows how cricket as a game has evolved in Italy and how determined their team is to make it big this time.
India vs England 3rd Test, Day 1: Even Gill's "boring test match" taunt could not bring out the BazBall
England scored 251, at just 3.02 runs per over, on Day 1 of India vs England 3rd Test at Lord's. Joe Root remained unbeaten, one short of his 37th test ton.
At just 3.02 runs per over, an unlikely England under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brandon McCullum were seen on Day 1 of India vs England 3rd Test at Lord's. Even Shubman Gill's taunting "boring Test cricket" comment could not bring the BazBall of the England cricket team.
England finished Day 1 with 251/4 as Joe Root remained on 99 along with a struggling yet effective Ben Stokes on 39 from 102 balls at the other end.
Indian bowlers did pretty well to restrict English batters and bowled with discipline, except for Akash Deep, who went for 4.41 runs per over on Day 1.
Key Moments and Highlights of Day 1 of India vs England 3rd Test
Joe Root equaled Jacques Kalli's record of 103 fifty plus scores in test cricket. Image | sportzpoint.com
After the defeat at Edgbaston, England wanted a pitch that had "something in it." However, it did not look like that on Day 1. The pitch looked dry and slow, which might favour India as every day progresses.
Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first, which is very unlikely of them as they always want to chase scores in the fourth innings. But, with the dry and slow pitch in action, it might be good to bat in the third inning, rather than batting in the last inning.
Indian opening bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep did well, and it did not look like Akash Deep, who was coming from a historical 10-wicket haul, had any issues with the slope of Lord's. Oh, did I forget to mention that India had one change from Edgbaston - Jasprit Bumrah in place of Prasidh Krishna.
Nitish Kumar Reddy provided the early wickets for India
Reddy dismissed Duckett and Crawley in the same over. Image | BCCI on X
Despite a good start and a long spell from Bumrah, India had to wait till Nitish Kumar Reddy came into the bowling and struck twice in his first over to remove both the English openers. Ben Duckett (23) would consider himself unlucky to be caught down the leg side, while Zack Crawley (18)got a "spitting cobra" delivery from Reddy.
Ollie Pope would have been out first ball if Shubman Gill had caught a tough chance in the gully. But, from then on, the signals were in. The edges were not reaching the slips, and Gill once had to come so close that he wore a helmet.
The first session ended with England being on 83/2 after 25 overs.
Pope and Root had a 109-run partnership for the third wicket. Image | Getty Images
Though Pope struggled to get going, on the other end, Joe Root was Joe Root - buying runs ball by ball, playing the way he does. Gill tried to break the partnership between Pope and Root with Bumrah in action, but that did not happen.
Rishabh Pant recieving a treatment after getting injured in the fingers. Image | Cricbuzz on X
Bumrah and Jadeja provided breakthroughs for India
Dhruv Jurel took a good catch to dismiss Ollie Pope. Image | Getty Images
For India, the breakthrough finally came in the first over of the third season as Ravindra Jadeja produced an outside of Pope (44) and Jurel caught it beautifully to get England's third. Pope and Root had a 109-run partnership, which balanced the first session of the day.
Soon, Bumrah was called into action, and he rattled the stumps of Harry Brook, and everyone thought that Gill and company would have the doors open for a collapse.
Stokes plays through pain; Root closer to another ton
Nitish Kumar Reddy thought he had Ben Stokes out LBW, but DRS went in favour of England. Image | Getty Images
However, captain Ben Stokes, who has not scored a test century in the last two years, played an uncharacteristic inning to build an unbeaten 79-run partnership with Root.
Nitish Kumar Reddy nearly had Stokes out, but the DRS showed that India had to be satisfied with the Umpire's call, which was not out. Root meantime looked flawless against pace and spin.
In the final hour of the day, Stokes struggled with a groin injury and could not run, which stopped the flow of the run as well. With Joe Root on 99, and looking for his 37th test ton and 8th at Lord's, we are set for a big day tomorrow.
Day 1 score summary
India vs England 3rd Test - Day 1 Scorecard Summary (Lord's)
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.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, ten other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. For the first time, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup.
Australia celebrate qualifying for their sixth straight FIFA World Cup 2026.
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 Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
(Image Credit | AFP)
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!#FIFAWorldCuppic.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
(Image Credit | EPA)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
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.
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.
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 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Follow Us/sportzpoint/media/post_attachments/e7fa4c50076069cb69b0f87a8c14893116d370a20f7d0d3dcd800b865fccf37c.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/23/image-db166f72-3c23-4050-84f1-e3ec65128ace-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
