Women's Euro 2022 final: Women's football will never be the same again

the Women's Euro 2022 final, The bare statistics state they beat old rivals and eight-time European champions Germany 2-1 after extra time.

Women's Euro 2022 final: Women's football will never be the same again

In the Women's Euro 2022 final, The bare statistics state they beat old rivals and eight-time European champions Germany 2-1 after extra time. Sounds straightforward enough, except the wider context makes their triumph a seismic moment for women's football and the sport in general.

It was 7.51pm in the evening Wembley sunshine when the outstanding captain, Leah Williamson, lifted that precious piece of silverware above her head and it all actually felt, looked and sounded real.

Women's Euro 2022 final: Winner | Sportz Point.
Image- The FA Twitter

England's magnificent Lionesses were Women's Euro 2022 final champions and had secured their place in history. England's women had won their first major trophy. An England senior football team had won its first major trophy in 56 years.

On a day when 87,192 packed Wembley, an all-time Uefa tournament record, coach Sarina Wiegman and her players made themselves legends.

England's women were centre stage. Winners. No-one can ever take this away from them.

The years of disappointment were over. England's football had a success story - a winning story - to tell at last, and no-one deserved it more than a coach and squad that have quite simply changed the face of women's football in this country throughout a flawless, superbly managed Euro 2022 campaign over the past month.

For those of us used to witnessing the years of hurt following England men's team, five European Championships and five World Cups in this particular case - a journey that has taken in Japan, Portugal, Germany, South Africa, Poland and Ukraine, Brazil, France, Russia and last summer's Euro 2020 - the misery was ended by the Lionesses on their own doorstep at Wembley.

This was what watching an England team winning a trophy felt like and how the Lionesses deserved it, how they had the right to milk every second of Wembley's ecstasy, Wiegman's squad and support team taking a lap of honour, staring out at a sea of thousands of smiling, celebrating faces.

"Couldn't be further from last year's final"- Weigman

Women's Euro 2022 final: Weigman | Sportz Point.
Sarina Weigman (Image - AFP)

It was a little more than a year ago when the England men's team came closest to ending the curse, only to lose on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, another hard-luck story to follow on from losing the World Cup semi-final to Croatia in Moscow three years earlier.

The occasion was one of abject misery and shame from first to last, a day defaced by disgraceful crowd behaviour, a lack of organisation and racial abuse of the England players who missed penalties in the shootout that left the crushing loss as simply another item on a thoroughly grim agenda.

This day could not have been further away as an experience - joyful, peaceful, but still containing all the requisite jeopardy and tension that accompanies a major final. This was wonderfully civilised and friendly, but the atmosphere lost nothing for that. This still felt like a big occasion, but devoid of the slightest hint of toxicity. It could catch on.

The game was not a classic when measured in quality but it was fiercely fought, at times brutal, and came up with the storyline England football fans have craved for so long.

Sportz Point
Image- AFP

England found a way to prevail, as they have before in this tournament when times have been tough, and 31 July 2022 will now be marked down as the game-changer for women's football. The sky is the limit now with this team capturing the hearts and minds of a nation, surely ushering in a new era.

Victory also brought more iconic moments to add to Alessia Russo's brilliant backheel in the semi-final against Sweden, with match-winner Chloe Kelly the central figure.

England led though Ella Toone's superb lofted finish from Keira Walsh's perfect pass just after the hour, but the dangerous Germans, cruelly robbed of top scorer and talisman Alexandra Popp after she was injured in the warm-up, deservedly struck back when the dangerous Lina Magull clipped in the equaliser at the near post with 11 minutes left.

Women's Euro 2022 final: Match Winner | Sportz Point
Image - AFP

Into extra time they went, and with the prospect of penalties looming - and we all know how painfully that usually ends for England - Kelly emerged from a scramble at a corner to bundle home the winner.

What followed will be etched on the memory forever. It was England's Brandi Chastain moment.Chastain famously celebrated scoring the winning penalty for the United States in the 1999 World Cup by ripping off her shirt. Kelly followed suit as she raced around Wembley almost in disbelief. Her shirt-swirling jubilation will provide an image for the ages.

Kelly had been introduced in one of those masterful changes Wiegman has implemented throughout Euro 2022, usually impeccably timed and having maximum impact.

Wembley erupted when Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul sounded the final whistle, Kelly breaking off from her post-match interview by running away singing Sweet Caroline into the microphone. Lucy Bronze launched herself head first into layers of silver tickertape that exploded behind England as they lifted the trophy.

Wiegman was brought in to make England winners after losing three semi-finals. Job done.

She has given off a cool air of calm and authority throughout. Wiegman stuck with the same team for six games, and for all the arguments about whether Alessia Russo should have started ahead of Ellen White, Wiegman can point towards a large silver trophy as her answer to that.

As for England's Lionesses, this was the crowning glory of an unforgettable Women's Euro 2022 final. Women's football - in the very best of ways - will never be the same again.In the words of Wiegman as she left the scene of England's triumph: "We changed society."

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The most Valuable U21 Football Players in 2024

The football scene is buzzing with young players dazzling on the pitch, leaving fans in awe of their talent. In 2024, these rising stars boast incredible market values, and Sportz Point showcases them all.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 18, 2024, 4:41 PM

The most Valuable U21 Football Players in 2024

A remarkable crop of young talent continues to grace the football world in 2024, with under-21 players attracting enormous attention and high prices. In addition to being the sport's future, these up-and-coming talents are already having a big influence on their teams and the global scene. 

These U21 players are not only influencing the success of their clubs but also changing the economics of contemporary football as transfer markets soar to previously unheard-of heights. Let's take a look at the players leading the list.

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Lamine Yamal- €181M

Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player to make 50 LaLiga appearances-sportzpoint.com

Unsurprisingly, the Barcelona winger tops the list, thanks to his remarkable achievements in 2024, including becoming one of the youngest players to score and win the Euros.

His contributions at club level this season have been equally outstanding. From decisive goals to maintaining relentless attacking pressure, Yamal has embraced responsibilities on the pitch that are rare for someone his age.

With the growing demand for top-quality players in his position, his market value is set to rise even further. Should Barcelona decide to part ways with him, they would undoubtedly hold a commanding position in negotiations.

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Alejandro Garnacho- €115M

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League 2024-25 LIVE updates - Garnacho impressed in the second half - sportzpoint.com

Under Erik Ten Hag's leadership at Manchester United, this young Argentine has emerged as a rising star. While he lacks major silverware compared to Yamal, his impact at United has been significant, particularly when the team struggled in attack and goals were hard to come by.

The player has shown notable improvement across various facets of his game, including dribbling, shooting accuracy, and teamwork, making him an exciting talent to watch. However, I believe his valuation might be inflated—although playing for one of football’s most iconic clubs naturally amplifies his market appeal.

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Warren Zaire- Emery- €109M

Warren Zaire Emery- Sportz Point.com

It’s still surprising that clubs didn’t aggressively pursue this young talent during the summer transfer window, perhaps due to lingering doubts about his potential. This season, however, he has firmly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield, forming an impressive partnership with Fabian Ruiz.

Should PSG clinch the Ligue 1 title dominantly and make significant progress in the Champions League, the player is likely to attract more interest from top clubs, with his market value expected to soar.

Savinho- €101M

Savinho in action for Man City- Sportz Point.com

Football analysts have given Brazilian winger Savinho a lot of credit for his flair, and versatility.  Pep Guardiola was impressed by his performance during his time with Girona, as he produced 11 goals and 10 assists in the 2023–2024 campaign and this led to Manchester City signing him in the summer of this year.

Guardiola called him "devastating in one-on-one situations" and emphasized his ability to make accurate crosses and generate a potent attacking situation

Savinho has the potential to be a prominent figure in the Premier League as well as for City if he keeps improving. He is a player to keep an eye on this season because of his explosive playstyle and room for improvement.

Read Also| Most goal contributions so far in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Joao Neves- €100M

Joao Neves - Sportz Point.com

One of Europe's most promising young players is João Neves, a Portuguese midfielder who made a high-profile move to PSG earlier this year for an estimated €60 million (with add-ons). He is a sought-after asset because of his performances at Benfica and his innate ability to direct play. 

Neves is well known for his technical abilities, which include accurate passing and deftly avoiding pressure. His pressing style demonstrates a relentless, high-intensity strategy for regaining possession. 

Given his current trajectory, João Neves' market value is likely to rise as he continues to impress in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.

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Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

Many players have made their mark on the national team by scoring remarkable goals that have helped their countries succeed. In this article, Sportz Point discusses the players with the most hat trick goals in International football.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 8, 2024, 4:11 PM

USA's Alex Morgan in action for her country

Various international women's football players have cemented themselves in history books by achieving remarkable records. At the forefront is Canada's Christine Sinclair, an iconic figure in women's football

This collection of players and their impressive accomplishments underscore the development of women's football and the extraordinary talent that has emerged within the sport over the years. Let’s take a closer look at these stellar performers

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Babra Bander: Zambia- 7 

Babra Banda of Zambia at the Olympics- Sportz Point.com

From the streets of Lusaka to the global stage, Barbra Banda’s journey is a testament to determination and raw talent. Born in Zambia’s capital, Banda started playing football at the tender age of seven. But her early sporting prowess wasn’t confined to just football.

Inspired by renowned Zambian boxer Catherine Phiri, Banda also dabbled in boxing at 14, quickly making a name for herself. She dominated the amateur scene, and after winning every bout and seeing other fighters hesitant to face her, Banda turned professional, where she won all five of her matches. However, football eventually took center stage in her life.

In October 2018, Banda signed with Spain's first division club, EDF Logroño, becoming the first Zambian woman to play football in Europe. Her career continued to soar when, in March 2024, she joined the Orlando Pride in the United States, signing a four-year contract that would keep her with the club until 2027.

Her impact on the international stage began early. Banda played for Zambia’s U-17 women’s team at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, turning 14 during the tournament. Two years later, on March 6, 2016, she made her senior team debut in a Women’s Nations Cup qualifier against Namibia.

The peak of her career came at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Banda captained the Zambian national team as they made their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament. She became the first woman to score consecutive hat-tricks in Olympic history, netting three goals in a 3-10 loss to the Netherlands, she scored another three in a 4-4 draw against China. These performances also made her the first woman to score two hat-tricks in a single Olympic tournament.

Read Also: I didn't set a date or a deadline": Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against BoliviaFIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Michelle Akers: United States of America- 7

The name Michelle Akers is synonymous with U.S. women’s soccer dominance. With seven career hat-tricks, Akers helped the U.S. win the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the tournament with 10 goals, including five in a single game.

Her leading the team was crucial to the U.S. women's team securing its first-ever world title, and she later played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup and 1996 Olympics victories. 

Akers was also the lead scorer in the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China in 1991. The U.S. women's team defeated Norway 2–1 in the final with Akers scoring both goals.

Ali Al-Biski: Libya - 7

Ali Al-Biski, a former Libyan footballer, played as a striker and holds the record as Libya's all-time top scorer despite the nation’s limited participation in FIFA events during his time. He led the Libyan Premier League in scoring twice—first in 1965 with Al-Madina SC, and again in 1968 with Al Ahli Tripoli. He recorded seven hat-tricks for the national team.

Pelé: Brazil - 7

Pele has scored 757 goals in his footballing career

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, was a Brazilian forward and a football icon, widely hailed as one of the greatest players in history. With a Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies), Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 and featured in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He debuted for Santos at 15 and for Brazil at 16, winning three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scoring seven hat-tricks for Brazil.

Sándor Kocsis: Hungary - 7

Sándor Kocsis, a Hungarian striker, played for Ferencvárosi TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, and FC Barcelona. After relocating to Spain post-1956 Hungarian Revolution, Kocsis joined Barcelona’s squad. He led the 1954 World Cup with a record 11 goals, scoring 23 times for Hungary that year—a single-year record. Kocsis was also the first player to achieve two hat-tricks in a World Cup.

Cristiane: Brazil- 8

Cristian of Brazil in one of her numerous appearances for the country- Sportz Point.com

Brazilian forward Cristiane stands alongside the greats, boasting eight hat-tricks throughout her career. A prolific goal scorer, she played a key role in Brazil's silver medal triumphs at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Cristiane has participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympics, with her most recent hat-trick coming in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ali Daei: Iran - 8

Ali dael  in his country's international colors- Sportz Point.com

Iranian striker and former national team captain, Ali Daei, was renowned as the world’s top scorer in official internationals per the IFFHS, netting 20 goals in 1996. During the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, he scored nine goals over 17 matches, amassing 38 goals in 52 appearances by that time. In 2004, he became the first male to score 100 international goals, reaching 102 with a four-goal game against Laos.

Gerd Müller: Germany - 8

Gerd Muller - UEFA Euro 1976 Top Scorer - sportzpoint.com

Gerd Müller, a prolific German striker known for his precision in the penalty area, is considered one of football’s top scorers. With West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 games. For Bayern Munich, he scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches and 65 goals in 74 European games, holding a league scoring record. Müller’s eight hat-tricks include two in the 1970 World Cup.

Poul Nielsen: Denmark - 8

Danish striker Poul Nielsen scored 52 goals in 38 games, sharing Denmark’s top-scoring record. He earned a silver medal at the 1912 Olympics and led Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB) to six Danish championships. Scoring eight hat-tricks in international play, Nielsen was an iconic figure for Denmark until his death in 1962.

Abby Wambach: United States of America- 8

American soccer Legend Abby doing an overhead kick- Sportz Point.com

Mary Abigail Wambach, born on June 2, 1980, is a retired American soccer player, coach, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. A six-time recipient of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Wambach was a key player for the U.S. women’s national team from 2003 to 2015.

She earned her first international cap in 2001 and, as a forward, became the highest all-time goal scorer for the U.S. national team. Globally, she ranks second in international goals for both men and women with 184 goals, trailing only Canada's Christine Sinclair.

Wambach competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the 2003 edition in the U.S., the 2007 event in China, the 2011 tournament in Germany, and the 2015 competition in Canada. She also represented the U.S. in the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics.

Throughout these five major international tournaments, Wambach played 30 matches and netted 22 goals. She helped her team secure two Olympic gold medals, third-place finishes twice at the Women's World Cup, a second-place finish in 2011, and ultimately, a World Cup victory in 2015.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Carli Lloyd: United States of America- 9

Retired female football veteran Carli holding a world cup trophy- Sportz Point.com

Carli Lloyd is another legend of international football, having represented the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. Over her remarkable career, she earned two Olympic gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and won two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. In addition, she was named FIFA Player of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2016, and competed in four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021).

Lloyd’s capacity for rising to the occasion was evident when she scored the decisive goals in the gold medal matches of both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She was also instrumental in the U.S. clinching World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, she also secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She played in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the US finished as runners-up.

Ali Mabkhout: UAE - 9

Ali Makhbout- Sportz Point.com

Ali Mabkhout, a forward for Al Nasr and the UAE national team, debuted with Al Jazira in 2009. A pivotal figure in UAE’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal win over Australia, he became UAE’s top scorer on October 10, 2019, with a hat-trick against Indonesia in a 5-0 victory.

Sven Rydell: Sweden- 9

Swedish striker Sven Rydell scored 49 goals in 43 matches, a record that stood for over 80 years until broken by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2014. Rydell’s international career included a bronze medal at the 1924 Olympics, and he holds the Swedish record of nine international hat-tricks.

Vivian Woodward: England - 10

Vivian Woodward, an English forward, starred from the early 1900s to World War I, playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. As Great Britain’s captain, he won gold at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, recording six hat-tricks for England amateurs and four for England’s national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal- 10

Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead-sportzpoint.com

At the age of 18, Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal as a substitute against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003. At UEFA Euro 2004, he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 group stage loss to Greece in his eighth international appearance.

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first-ever trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016, although he was subbed off in the 25th minute in the final against hosts France.He received the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer.

In the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, in a 3–3 draw against Spain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score 10 hat-tricks for a national team on 12 October 2021 in Portugal's 5–0 win against Luxembourg, breaking Sven Rydell's record.

Lionel Messi:Argentina -10

Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against Bolivia-sportzpoint.com

Lionel Messi debuted for Argentina’s U20 team in 2004 and won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. His senior debut came in 2005 at 18. In 2021, he ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought with a Copa América win. On October 15, 2024, Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.

Christine Sinclair: Canada- 11

Former Canadian soccer captain Sinclaire celebrating a goal- Sportz Point.com

Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). From 2000 until her international retirement in 2023, she was a key member of the Canadian national team. 

Sinclair is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and has won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award 14 times. She holds the world record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals and is among the most-capped players in international soccer, with 331 appearances.

In a career spanning more than two decades with the senior national team, Sinclair has competed in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments, leading her team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and to gold in 2020.

She is one of only three players to score in five different World Cup tournaments, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022, Sinclair was honored with the Best FIFA Special Award for her achievement as the world’s top goal scorer.

Notably, Sinclair scored her eleventh international hat-trick during a 2012 Olympic match against the United States, netting all three of Canada’s goals in a 3–4 loss.

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Alex Morgan: United States of America- 12 

Alex Morgan of the USWNT during a match- Sportz Point.com

Alexandra Patricia Morgan, born on July 2, 1989, is a retired American professional soccer player who last played as a striker for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she served as captain, as well as for the United States national team. She co-captained the U.S. national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020, and later with Lindsay Horan in 2023.

Morgan was the first overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where she made her professional debut and contributed to the team's league championship win. At 22, she was the youngest player on the U.S. national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runner-up.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Morgan scored the decisive goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final against Canada. She ended 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, becoming the second American woman, after Mia Hamm, to record 20 goals and 20 assists in a single year. This achievement made her the sixth and youngest U.S. player to reach 20 goals in one season. Morgan was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and became a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.

She played a crucial role in the U.S. team's victories at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, earning a spot on the Dream Team in both tournaments and winning the Silver Boot in 2019. Morgan recorded her eleventh international hat-trick with five goals on 11 June 2019 in the United States 13–0 victory over Thailand in the 2019 World

Her record-breaking twelfth international hat-trick came in 2021 against Paraguay in a game where the United States dominated and won 8-0

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Germany vs Netherlands UEFA Nations League: Where to watch, Previous records, Head-to-head stats

Catch all the details and head-to-head stats with previous records ahead of tonight's football match between Germany and the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

Soumit Bhattacharya

Oct 14, 2024, 10:34 AM

(Image Courtesy | Bavarian Football Works)

Germany is going to take on the Netherlands in a scintillating clash in the UEFA Nations League group game tonight, scheduled to kick off at 12:15 AM IST on 15 October 2024. The two teams will set their foot in the iconic Allianz Arena Stadium in Munich where the German home crowd will welcome the visitors, the Dutch brigade.

Currently standing on the top of Nations League Group A3 with 7 points earned in 3 matches so far, Germany will face the second-placed Netherlands who are at 5 points in the same amout of matches played.

Germany will utilize their home advantage in this match after a smooth away victory by 2-1 against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Deniz Undav scored a brace and now has scored 3 goals in his two Nations League outings for Germany.

Germany vs Netherlands UEFA Nations League-sportzpoint.com
Germany team photo against Bosnia on 12 October 2024 (Image Source | X)

On the other hand, the Netherlands faced an unexpected result in their last game against Hungary, managing a frustrating 1-1 away draw after Denzel Dumfries scored in the 83rd minute to save the day for the Dutch. 

Germany vs Netherlands UEFA Nations League-sportzpoint.com
Netherlands team photo against Hungary on 12 October 2024 (Image Source | X)

Match Details

Match: Germany vs Netherlands 

Date: 15 October 2024

Time: 12:15 AM IST

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany 

Streaming Details

Indian viewers can stream the game live on the SonyLIV app and website. The TV broadcast will be on Sony Sports Network channels.

Head-to-head Stats (Since 2004)

Matches Played: 12

Germany wins: 4

Netherlands wins: 2

Draws: 6

Previous Records 

Germany vs Netherlands UEFA Nations League-sportzpoint.com
Deniz Undav scored the equalizer for Germany in their last meeting against the Netherlands in September 2024.

Since the 2004 EURO, Germany and Netherlands have faced each other 12 times over almost 20 years. Germany emerged victorious 4 times while Netherlands snatched the win 2 times. In their last face-off on 11th September 2024, Germany held a 2-2 against Netherlands in the same clash in the UEFA Nations League. 

Here are the previous records between these two teams since EURO 2004:

Year  Tournament  Winning Team  Losing Team  Scoreline 
2004 EURO 2004 1-1
2005 Friendly 2-2
2011 Friendly Germany  Netherlands 3-0
2012 EURO 2012 Germany  Netherlands 2-1
2012 Friendly 0-0
2018 UEFA Nations League 2018-'19 Netherlands Germany  3-0
2018 UEFA Nations League 2018-'19 2-2
2019 European Qualifiers  Germany Netherlands 3-2
2019 European Qualifiers  Netherlands Germany 4-2
2022 Friendly 1-1
2024 Friendly Germany Netherlands 2-1
2024 UEFA Nations League 2024-'25 2-2

 

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The World Cup presents the greatest chance for players to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing their nations on the global stage, with another edition nearby Sportz Point presents the countries that have booked a spot in the final

Muojindu Francis

Oct 13, 2024, 11:14 AM

Qualification slots for 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup

In 2022, the World Cup left an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. Messi led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé put on a historic display, netting three goals in the final and pushing the match into extra time.

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

Key Details on the World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams. The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new round of 32

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It 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 It will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

How Do Teams Qualify for the World Cup?

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

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

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

 Teams That Have Already 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.

United States of America

USA national team

Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, the appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup

Read Also: 10 Footballers Who Retired And Came Back

Mexico

Mexican team

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

Read Also: 5 Craziest Football Transfers of All-time

 Canada

Canadian men team

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.

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Most goals for Barcelona: Alexia Putellas is the only female on the list

Barcelona Football Club, one of the most iconic teams in world football, has been home to some of the game's greatest players. Here, we take a look at the top five footballers with most goals for Barcelona.

Muojindu Francis

Oct 8, 2024, 3:06 PM

A glance at some of Barcelona's leading all-time scorers

Over the years, players have worked their way into a club's history by scoring many goals, dazzling fans, and ensuring countless victories. Barcelona's club's top scorers have left a huge mark on both the club and the sport. Sportz Point highlights Barcelona's top 5 for you.

Lionel Messi- 627 Goals

Lionel Messi Stats: Goals in every calendar year by Messi-sportzpoint.com

Often termed the greatest player of his generation. He is regarded as the best player in the club's history, Messi's extraordinary talent and unmatched consistency turned him into a living legend at Camp Nou.

Messi made his La Liga debut on October 16, 2004, between that time and when he left the club in 2021 he was instrumental in Barcelona winning 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League.

Read Also: Lionel Messi's Top 5 most important free-kick goals

His brace against Real Betis saw the Argentine forward become Barcelona's all-time top scorer in La Liga, and surpassed Gerd Muller's record for most goals scored in a calendar year; Messi would score a record 91 goals in all competitions for Barcelona and Argentina throughout 2012

Cesar Rodriguez- 232

Rodriguez was a key figure in one of the earliest generations of Barcelona players. Throughout his career, he made 351 official appearances for the club, winning five La Liga titles. After retiring, he returned to Barcelona as a coach,  His contributions, both as a player and coach, remain an integral part of the club's history.

Read Also:10 players who have won the most trophies in football history

Luis Suarez- 198

Luis suarez in barcelona colours

A striker of exceptional quality, known for his ability to score from the toughest angles, Barcelona will forever be thankful for the day Liverpool agreed to sell him.

Despite only being with the club from 2014 to 2020, he left a lasting impact, playing as the number 9 in the iconic attacking trio alongside Messi and Neymar, famously known as MSN. His contributions were crucial to Barcelona's success, particularly in their 2015 Champions League victory.

Read Also:Top 10 players with the Most goals in a single season

Alexia Putellas- 194

female barca captain

She is the thorough definition of longevity in women's club football. joining Barcelona in 2012 from Levante Putellas has gone on to become the captain of the side.

Following her incredible performances in 2021 by guiding the club to a Continental treble for the first time in their history she went on to win the UEFA Women's Player of the Year Award, Ballon d'Or Feminin, The Best Fifa Women's Player becoming the first player to win all three awards in the same year.

Read Also:Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

Laszlo Kubala- 194

The Hungarian professional footballer played for the Spanish giants between 1951 and 1961 playing a total of 186 games for the club. He was well known for his dribbling and powerful finishing. With 5 La Liga honors to his name, his contributions to the club can never be forgotten.

 

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