Eagle-eyed viewers might have noticed Canadian international Quinn sporting an interesting piece of gear around their neck in their nation's Women's World Cup group stage opener against Nigeria. So too with Costa Rican star Rocky Rodriguez.
The duo are just two of many footballers who have begun to employ the Q-Collar, a horseshoe-shaped piece of silicone tasked with protecting the brain from the inside to combat the prevalence of brain injuries in contact sports.
With an historic prize pool up for grabs at this summer's showpiece event, the need for protection has arguably never been greater.
In fact, days before the tournament's opening matches, a new study, published by The Journal of the American Medical Association, found that "the risk of cognitive impairment increased with the cumulative heading frequency" after they evaluated the cognitive impairment of more than 450 retired professional men's footballers in the UK and the frequency with which they headed the ball during their playing careers.
Quinn of Canada looks on during the Group B match between Nigeria and Canada (Image- FIFA)
The findings reinforced those of earlier studies, but past research has also established that female footballers are considerably more likely to experience brain injuries in comparison to their male counterparts. In fact, for every 1,000 hours of playing or practising soccer, there are about 1.5 concussions for women compared with 1.0 for men, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The reasoning behind females' higher susceptibility is heavily mooted, though a plethora of theories exist, including differences in neck muscles, metabolisms and hormone cycles hence we see this new technology used in FIFA Women's World Cup.
Nevertheless, the danger posed to female and male footballers is stark, which is why the Q-collar is fast becoming a part of more footballers' uniforms.
Dr David Smith, a former internist who invented the device, explained that the device prevents excessive brain movement within the skull, thus mitigating the risk of brain injuries.
Some debate remains over the efficacy of the Q-Collar, though in the USA a number of collegiate and professional athletes have begun to utilise the device with increasing frequency and now in the biggest stage of FIFA Women's World Cup.
New research has found that female athletes are often disproportionately affected by injury, with the recent epidemic of ACL tears in the upper echelons of women's football shining a particularly glaring light on the lack of research and resources afforded footballers in the women's game.
And with so much on the line this summer, more footballers could turn to the new technology as a means of protection.
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 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Esha Oza currently holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is, with four centuries in the format. Explore the list of players with such century records!
Scoring a century in any form of cricket is a moment of glory, but in the fast-paced format of T20s, it gets more exciting to watch. Numerous cricketers have consistently proved themselves in this format by delivering spectacular tons.
The list goes deep as we have such power-hitters from around the globe!
Join us as we explore the list of players with most centuries in WT20Is and celebrate their glorious innings.
1. Esha Oza (4 centuries) | UAE
Esha Oza in action against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2024. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The current captain of UAE, Esha Oza, holds the record for most centuries in WT20Is with 4 centuries in her T20 career so far. This Indian-born cricketer made her debut in T20Is in 2018 and reached this milestone extremely fast.
She is also the fastest player from UAE to reach 1000 runs in T20Is. Her fourth century in T20Is came against Qatar in the Asia Cup qualifier, where she led her team to a brilliant victory.
Chamari Athapaththu celebrating her 113 off 66 balls against Australia in 2019. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Chamari Athapaththu, the current captain of Sri Lanka national team, holds the 2nd position in this list with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is one of the finest cricketers from Sri Lanka and led them to win the 2024 Asia Cup.
Chamari scored her first hundred in T20Is in 2019 against Australia. She scored the other following centuries in 2024 against Scotland and Malaysia.
Fatuma Kibasu celebrating her century in 2019. Image | Facebook
The former captain of Tanzania, Fatuma Kibasu, holds the 3rd position with her 3 centuries in WT20Is. She is the only Tanzanian woman to score a century at international level so far, and holds the highest individual score for her country in WT20Is.
Fatuma made her T20 debut in 2019 and played magnificently ever since!
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian Women's Cricket team squad for the upcoming England tour starting June 28th, 2025.
The Women in Blue will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the England Women's Cricket team.
Harmanpreet Kaur was named the captain of the both squads. Meantime, Smriti Mandhana was named the vice captain of the team.
Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare are a few of the new names in the squad who were not part of the Tri-Nation series-winning squad for India. Shafali Verma returned to the T20I squad after missing out for a few months due to being off form.
Bengal Cricket: Aryan Club Clinch CAB Women's One-Day Title with Dominant 47-Run Win
Tanusree Sarkar's attacking 76 from 50 balls and Priyanka Bala's unbeaten 45 helped Aryan Club win the CAB Women's One-Day Title by 47 runs against Mohun Bagan A.C.
Aryan Club (Women's) delivered a commanding performance to secure the C.A.B. Women's Club Cricket League (One-Day) Tournament 2024-2025 title, defeating Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) by 47 runs in a thrilling final at the 22-Yards SP School Ground.
Powered by a blazing knock from captain Tanusree Sarkar and a disciplined bowling effort, Aryan Club showcased their dominance in a match that had fans buzzing with excitement.
Tanusree Sarkar scored an attacking 76 off 50 balls. Image | C.A.B.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Aryan Club got off to a steady start with opener Dyuti Paul (23 off 23) and Sujata Dey taking the score to 28 for the first wicket.
However, it was captain Tanusree Sarkar who stole the show with a scintillating 76 off 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six at a strike rate of 152. Her aggressive strokeplay set the tone for Aryan’s innings.
Priyanka Bala’s unbeaten 45 provided the perfect foil, anchoring the latter half with composure, while Jhumia Khatun chipped in with a quickfire 18. Despite Diya Nandi’s 2/38 for Mohun Bagan, Aryan Club posted a formidable 171/4 in their 25 overs, setting a challenging target.
Sritama Nandi was the star with the ball with her 4/29 | Image - C.A.B.
Chasing 172, Mohun Bagan A.C. (Women) got off to a rocky start, losing Sneha Gupta (3) in the second over to Susmita Ganguly.
Captain Ankita Chakraborty led the fightback with a resolute 46, partnering with Diya Nandi (32) for a crucial 71-run stand. However, Aryan’s bowlers struck back with precision.
Sinjini Sarkar (2/28) removed both set batters in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Tanusree Sarkar (1/22) and Sritama Nandi (4/29) ran through the middle order, with Nandi’s sensational spell dismantling Mohun Bagan’s hopes.
Dipa Das (29) and Puja Rajak (13) showed fight, but Jhumia Khatun’s late wickets, including a stumping, sealed Mohun Bagan’s fate at 128 all out in 25 overs.
Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana
With her 116 from 101 balls against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has scored 11 tons in WODIs. Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
With another century in the tri-nation series final against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener scored a staggering 116 from 101 balls to help India score 342 in the first inning in Colombo.
Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.
While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.
The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.
6. Jemimah Rodrigues | 2 Centuries
Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the record books with a blistering century as India Women posted 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women in the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 at Colombo.
Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 123 runs off just 101 balls, anchoring the middle overs and setting the tone for a massive total. Her innings featured 15 fours and one six, scored at a strike rate of 121.78.
With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 102 against Ireland Women earlier this year.
5. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries
Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.
Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.
4. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries
The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.
Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 6 Centuries
Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored six WODI centuries in her career.
Apart from three home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final.
2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries
Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.
While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.
Smriti Mandhan after scoring her 11th WODI ton in the tri-nation series final vs Sri Lanka. Image | AFP
Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.
She achieved the record solely in January 2025 after scoring a 70-ball century against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series in Rajkot. It was her tenth WODI hundred.
Mandhana has scored four WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year.
Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI.
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