United World Wrestling (UWW) has suspended the membership of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) indefinitely for not conducting its elections on time, a development which will not allow Indian grapplers to compete at the upcoming World Championships under the Indian flag. The reason behind the non-election of the post of president has come to the fore. WFI elections mired in several controversies have been largely postponed. The federation was to hold elections in June 2023.
WFI's membership has been suspended indefinitely by the United World Wrestling over it's failure to conduct elections. Image- The Economic Times
The WFI was first suspended in January and again in May after India's top wrestlers protested its functioning and accused its then-president Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing women wrestlers. The day-to-day affairs of the WFI are currently being managed by an ad-hoc committee constituted by the Indian Olympic Association headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the outgoing president of the Wrestling Federation, was accused of exploitation by women wrestlers. There was uproar from Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to Uttarakhand. The wrestling federation had to postpone the elections several times due to protests by wrestlers and legal petitions by several state units.
The elections for 15 posts in the governing body of WFI were to be held on August 12. On Monday, four candidates, including Sanjay Singh, a close aide of outgoing Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from Uttar Pradesh, filed nominations for the post.
While Darshan Lal of Chandigarh Wrestling Association was nominated for the post of general secretary, SP Deswal of Uttarakhand was nominated for the post of treasurer from the Brij Bhushan camp. Now, due to the delay in elections, United World Wrestling has canceled the membership of Wrestling Federation of India.
Notably, the United World Wrestling, the governing body of the sport at the highest level, warned WFI of suspension if the elections were delayed. Maharashtra and Tripura will not have any representatives at the elections as the Returning Officer deemed claims of both factions from the former "ineligible", while Tripura has remained disaffiliated since 2016.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025 Match 6 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: de Kock's brilliant innings help KKR beat Rajasthan by 8 wickets
Catch the live updates, news, scores, and commentary of the Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match today in the IPL 2025.
This is Payal Debnath, with all the LIVE Updates for you from the web desk.
After disappointing defeats in their opening matches, both KKR) and RR are eager to bounce back when they face each other today.
RR’s recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad exposed their bowling woes, despite strong batting performances from Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Shubham Dubey. Parag, designated as an all-rounder, didn’t bowl, highlighting the team’s lack of a reliable fifth or sixth bowling option.
Meanwhile, KKR, despite their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, remain strong with versatile all-rounders like Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. However, their lower order struggled, something they must address before facing Mumbai Indians next.
Both teams seek redemption in this crucial encounter as they aim for their first win of the season.
So, sit back and relax as we start the live coverage of RR vs KKR match for you. keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.
LIVE Updates
Mar 26, 2025, 5:25 PM
de Kock finishes it off in style
de Kock begins the over with a four! Short ball pulled in front of square.
SIX! That’s a monstrous hit picked back of the length over fine leg. Two wides in a row.
SIX!! de Kock finishes it off with a brilliant hit over long on.
Mar 26, 2025, 5:24 PM
Kolkata 135/2 in 17 overs
Wide down the leg and the keeper misses it as well; five wides.
Mar 26, 2025, 5:22 PM
Theekshana is back
de Kock tries to reverse sweep, gets hit on the pad, and a huge appeal follows. Umpire gives it not out but Rajasthan has reviewed. Impact outside off, not out.
Mar 26, 2025, 5:18 PM
Kolkata 125/2 in 16 overs
Tushar Deshpande for his first over. de Kock slices the first ball for four. Seven runs came in that over.
Mar 26, 2025, 5:12 PM
Nitish Rana into the attack
de Kock, Raghuvanshi continue taking singles. Half tracker and Raghuvanshi smacks it straight for four! Nine runs from the over.
Kolkata 119/2 in 15 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 5:09 PM
Kolkata 109/2 in 14 overs
Sandeep is back. de Kock tries to reverse ramp, gets a top edge over keeper for a single. Wasn’t in control of it at all. No risk needed at the moment for the two batters.
Mar 26, 2025, 5:03 PM
Kolkata 103/2 in 13 overs
Hasaranga comes into attack. Raghuvanshi goes on backfoot and pulls the ball towards midwicket for four.
Now de Kock gets a half volley and smashes straight for four. Kolkata gets the hold over the game again in the last two or three overs.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:58 PM
Kolkata 90/2 in 12 overs
Parag to complete his quota now. SIX! Half tracker and de Kock goes on backfoot to smashes over midwicket region.
Raghuvanshi plays a very nice sweep towards midwicket but only gets a single. 10 runs from the over.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:54 PM
Kolkata 80/2 in 11 overs
SIX! On the pads and de Kock slog sweeps it over midwicket boundary. Gets to his fifty off 36 balls.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:53 PM
Angkrish Raghuvanshi in at four
Off the mark with a single. Kolkata might feel it is slowly losing the grip over the game.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:53 PM
Rahane departs
Sandeep is back. Rahane is gone. He tries to slog sweep but gets a top edge. Short fine leg completes the formalities. Rahane goes for 18 off 15 balls.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:51 PM
Kolkata 70/1 in 10 overs
De Kock has been given leg before. He goes up for a review straight away. This looked like going down leg to the naked eye.
De Kock misses his pull and this hits him above the knee roll. The ball tracker shows this to be missing the leg stump and de Kock survives.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:43 PM
Loud appeal for leg before
Theekshana back to bowl his third. Loud appeal for leg before against Rahane. RR goes up.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:40 PM
Kolkata 61/1 in 9 overs
Rahane square cuts for one. De Kock punches the fifth to long on off his backfoot, gets one. Rahane drives to long off for another run.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:40 PM
Riyan comes for his third over
Slightly short, de Kock cuts through extra covers, just one run. Another short ball, cut away to sweeper cover for one.
The third is at good length, on the pads, de Kock works it away for a single.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:36 PM
Kolkata 55/1 in 8 overs
Wanindu Hasaranga with his wily leg spin now. FOUR!De Kock gets a gift first up, a half-tracker, swivels across to get in line and pulls this past square leg.
De Kock pulls the second delivery too, goes to cow corner at one bounce. Rahane punches the fourth to deep cover off his backfoot. A punch to the on side from de Kock with soft hands, gets him a single.
FOUR! Rahane reads the turn, makes room for himself and chips this pver covers.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:35 PM
Moeen Ali run out
That’s come out of nowhere. Moeen drills this to deep covers and gets a single, but he tries to sneak a second.
De Kock sends him back but he is too casual in turning back in. Riyan gets the ball and takes the bails off, and the third umpire confirms Moeen is short.
Kolkata 44/1 in 7 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 4:28 PM
Kolkata 40/0 in 6 overs
Sandeep Sharma to Moeen, starts with a slower, Moeen knocks it down to long on for one.
FOUR! On the pads from over the wicket, de Kock laps it up with a clip past midwicket.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:23 PM
Kolkata 35/0 in 5 overs
Riyan Parag gets himself into the attack. FOUR! De Kock steps out, gets to the pitch of the ball and scoops this over mid on.
De Kock makes room and drives to long off for a single. The last is dragged down onto the pads to Moeen, one run to deep midwicket.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:20 PM
Kolkata 29/0 in 4 overs
Theekshana to de Kock, plays for the turn but this delivery goes straight and nearly passes through the gate, an inside edge prevents it though.
SIX! De Kock sweeps this over deep square. The third delivery sticks into the surface, de Kock is looking to work it away through the on side but gets a leading edge, lands safe. Three singles off the final three deliveries.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:16 PM
Kolkata 20/0 in 3 overs
This is not even too short, just back of a length, de Kock pulls this over the fence for a maximum. A single to finish the over to third man.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:15 PM
Archer into the attack again
De Kock cuts the first delivery, not too wide of the point fielder. He rides the bounce on the second, punches to deep third and runs a single.
EDGE! Moeen pulls but gets a top edge, but the ball lands in no man’s land, one run.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:11 PM
KKR 7/0 in 2 overs
Maheesh Theekshana to de Kock, blocked to the on side. FOUR! Short and angling into de Kock, pulls it between third man and square leg.
The third delivery turns away from de Kock and beats his outside edge. A single to long on on the fifth delivery.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:09 PM
KKR 2/0 in 1 over
A fantastic display of outswing from Jofra Archer. Moeen Ali takes strike and is not able to get bat onto the ball.
The two runs come in wides. Moeen is able to drive the last ball but only as far mid of.
Mar 26, 2025, 4:04 PM
Moeen Ali and de Kock to open the innings
Moeen Ali and Quinton de Kock open the innings for KKR.
Jofra Archer to bowl the first over.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:46 PM
Rajasthan 151/9 in 20 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 3:45 PM
Archer departs
Nine down Rajasthan with one ball left.
Tushar Deshpande to face the last ball.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:43 PM
Johnson to bowl the final over
Full toss and Archer smacks the ball over midwicket boundary for a SIX! Archer once again smacks towards midwicket and this time gets a double. Archer takes a single off the third ball.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:41 PM
Hetmyer departs
Hetmyer hits the ball straight to long on. Hetmyer scores seven off eight balls.
Rajasthan 138/8 in 19 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 3:38 PM
Jofra Archer at the crease
A six off the first ball! Width on offer outside off, Archer upper cuts over point boundary.
Gives Hetmyer the strike with two balls left in the over. Slow ball, Hetmyer tries to slog and gets beaten.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:34 PM
Jurel departs
Low full toss, Jurel tries to slog it but gets an inside edge onto the stumps. Jurel goes for 33 off 28 balls.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:33 PM
Jurel hits Hetmyer
Jurel gets a slot ball, drives it straight but hits Hetmyer instead.
Rajasthan 130/6 in 18 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 3:31 PM
Catch dropped
Hetmyer slaps the ball towards long off, Venkatesh Iyer dives to take the catch, doesn’t grab it and the ball goes towards the ropes for four.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:29 PM
Johnson is back
Starts the over with two back-to-back wides.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:27 PM
Rajasthan 123/6 in 17 overs
Jurel flicks off his pads but a good fielding at the deep square leg cuts it down to just two.
Now Jurel cover drives for four! Brilliant shot.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:24 PM
Harshit comes for his third over
FOUR! Jurel ramps over fine leg for a much-needed boundary.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:23 PM
Rajasthan 112/6 in 16 overs
Hetmyer takes a single off his third ball to get off the mark. Just two runs from the over.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:20 PM
Shimron Hetmyer is the new man in
Varun for his final over. Not a lot of turn for Varun unlike Moeen. Hetmyer defends his first ball.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:19 PM
Shubham Dubey departs
Short and wide outside off, Dubey cannot resist a slash at it, ends up holing out to deep point who was moved in just before this delivery.
Rajasthan 110/6 in 15 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 3:14 PM
Vaibhav Arora comes to bowl
Vaibhav Arora to Jurel, pulls to deep square for a single.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:13 PM
Rajasthan 103/5 in 14 overs
The third is again outside off, Jurel gets on his front foot, defends this to backward point and runs one.
Beaten, Dubey tries to ramp but is beaten bym the sheer pace of it. Dubey pulls the fifth to deep square leg, it was out of the middle of the bat but gets him only one.
Harshit rolls his fingers over the last ball, Jurel punches to long on, one run.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:10 PM
Harshit Rana back into the attack
A back-of-a-length ball, nips in and jumps onto Jurel, he was set in his late cut, goes for it but just beats de Kock by a whisker.
FOUR again! Nearly chops on this time, goes for a pull and gets an edge past the left of de Kock now.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:04 PM
Rajasthan 92/5 in 13 overs
Moeen to bowl out. Dubey on strike. A single to midwicket on the first. Jurel steps out but checks his shot and pushes to deep midwicket when the ball lands short.
Dubey picks another single to deep midwicket. FOUR! Slightly short, good use of the crease from Jurel, pulls this away. A single to deep covers on the final delivery.
Mar 26, 2025, 3:01 PM
Rajasthan 84/5 in 12 overs
A single to long off on the fourth, plays it on the up to account for the turn, punches to lonng off.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:59 PM
Varun to bowl his third over
Jurel flicks the first to deep square, this one was quick and onto his pads, gets him one.
The second is at length, turning away from Dubey, defends it. Full and on the pads, Dubey clips to midwicket, no run.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:59 PM
RR uses an Impact Player
RR uses an Impact Player. Shubham Dubey comes in for Sanju Samson.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:57 PM
Rana departs
Moeen castles Nitish and RR is falling like nine pins here.
Nitish makes room, possibly to go inside out over covers, but the turn does him and the beats his bat.
Rajasthan 82/5 in 11 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:55 PM
Moeen comes to bowl 11th over
Moeen to Nitish, one run to long, steps down but again the bat turns at contact. Dhruv Jurel off the mark with a flick to deep square leg.
On the pads to Nitish, taps it away on the on side and picks a run. EDGE! Jurel attempts a slog sweep, top edges this to the edge of the circle at mid on, one run. Nitish gets two off the next
Mar 26, 2025, 2:51 PM
Hasaranga dismisses scoring 4
Hasaranga’s promotion does not end well for RR. He clears his front foot and wants to slog through the on side, he’s too cramped to extend his arms and hit this, hands a simple catch to Rahane at extra covers.
Rajasthan 76/4 n 10 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:49 PM
Chakravarthy into the attack again
Varun to Nitish, short and coming into the midrif, Nitish nudges this away to fine leg.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:47 PM
Wanindu Hasaranga to bat next
Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in. A begins with a single to long on. Nitish clips through midwicket for one run.
Rajasthan 71/3 in 9 overs.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:43 PM
Jaiswal departs
Moeen to Jaiswal, Jaiswal’s hoist over long on picks the fielder, the bat turns in his hand which leads to the miscue.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:41 PM
Nitish Rana at No. 4
Rana starts with a front-foot defence.
Rajasthan 67/2 in 8 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:40 PM
Riyan Parag departs
Riyan Parag tries another heave through the on side, the ball holds up a touch leading him to edge this high into the night sky. A good catch by de Kock to complete the wicket.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:38 PM
Chakaravarthy comes
Riyan with a push to long on, gets one run. Slightly short and wide to Jaiswal, cuts to deep point and gets one.
SIX! Short, no run, and Parag just waits for it before absolutely smoking it over deep midwicket.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:37 PM
Moeen Ali into the attack
Riyan works the first delivery through midwicket for a single. The second is angling towards leg stump, Jaiswal goes for a sweep but misses, an appeal for a leg before but its denied.
Jaiswal steps down the wicket and lofts this through midwicket, it’s a miscue and gets him just one.
A single for Riyan on the fourth, punches to long on off his backfoot.
One run again for Jaiswal, sweeps this length ball but there’s a fielder to stop that shot. Riyan again uses the crease to work this through the on side and pick one.
Rajasthan 59/1 in 7 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:31 PM
Rajasthan 54/1 in 6 overs
Full toss now and Jaiswal hits the ball over mid off for a SIX! Nice way to end the PowerPlay.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:30 PM
Vaibhav continues
SIX! Parag launches the ball straight down the ground. Beautiful shot. Plenty of yorkers by Vaibhav across his three overs.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:27 PM
Catch dropped
Kolkata bowlers have been pretty decent so far, haven’t allowed the batters to score freely.
Jaiswal hits the ball straight back to Harshit but he isn’t able to grab it. Seven runs from the over.
Rajasthan 41/1 in 5 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:24 PM
Harshit Rana into the attack
SIX! Parag picks the ball towards square leg - a one-hand shot!
Mar 26, 2025, 2:22 PM
Riyan Parag comes at three
Riyan Parag at three. Takes a single off the first ball.
Rajasthan 34/1 in 4 overs
Mar 26, 2025, 2:20 PM
Samson departs
Comes down the track, Vaibhav yorks him and uproots the leg stump. Samson falls for 13 off 11 balls.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:17 PM
Rajasthan 26/0 in 3 overs
Johnson continues. Four! Jaiswal smacks the ball straight past the bowler and beats the mid off fielder.
Now Jaiswal tries to cut but is beaten. On the pads and Jaiswal picks the ball way over the midwicket boundary for SIX!
Mar 26, 2025, 2:13 PM
Rajasthan 14/0 in 2 overs
Samson goes over the mid on fielder, hasn’t timed the ball well but enough to get a double.
Samson takes off for a quick single, would’ve been close had the throw hit the stumps. Just five runs from the over.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:08 PM
Vaibhav Arora comes for second
Vaibhav Arora from the other end. He’s getting the ball to swing into the right hander.
Mar 26, 2025, 2:07 PM
Rajasthan 9/0 in 1 over
Johnson to Jaiswal, short ball, Jaiswal gets a top edge over the keeper for four. Beats Jaiswal’s outside edge off the second delivery.
Jaiswal takes a quick single off the third ball. Samson plays a dot ball. Four! Wide yorker, Samson opens the blade and places it past point.
Kolkata Knight Riders wins the toss and opts to bowl against Rajasthan Royals.
Sunil Narine not in the playing eleven. Moeen Ali comes in for him. For Rajasthan, Fazalhaq Farooqi makes place for Wanindu Hasaranga.
Mar 26, 2025, 11:50 AM
Weather Report
The weather looks good ahead of the RR vs KKR IPL 2025 clash in Guwahati. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 34 degrees with no chances for the rain. The humidity is expected to be around 42%.
Mar 26, 2025, 11:50 AM
Pitch Report
The surface of the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati suits best for the batters and we are expected to get a high–scoring encounter. Along with this, the pitch also provides a perfect bounce which also becomes beneficial for the fast bowlers.
Total four IPL games have been scheduled at this ground, out of which the team batting first won two times while the chasing team won once.
Mar 26, 2025, 11:49 AM
RR vs KKR: Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches played
30
Rajasthan Royals won
14
Kolkata Knight Riders won
14
Drawn
2
Mar 26, 2025, 11:48 AM
How to watch the match?
The live telecast of the Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match 6 will be available on theStar Sports Networkin India.
The live streaming will be available on theJioHostarApp and website.
FC Barcelona vs CA Osasuna Laliga 2024-25 | Match Preview, Head-to-head Stats, Predicted Line-up, and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, predicted line-up, and fantasy XI prediction of the FC Barcelona vs CA Osasuna match of the Laliga 2024-25 at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
FC Barcelona is set to host CA Osasuna on matchday 28 of the Laliga 2024-25 campaign. The match was rescheduled after the tragic death of Barcelona's first team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. The Spanish League encounter will take place on Friday, March 28, after players return from their national duties. Both sides should produce a good match.
Here is the full match preview, head-to-head stats, predicted line-up, and fantasy XI prediction of the FC Barcelona vs CA Osasuna match of the Laliga 2024-25 at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
FC Barcelona might have some players in the tiring stage. Players like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and more are serving their nations in the UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and might not be 100% fit. Hansi Flick's managed side might face some issues. However, they are at the top of the table and will be looking to extend the lead and keep their place at the top.
CA Osasuna:
Image Credit: X
On the other hand, CA Osasuna will be going to face an in-form side of Barcelona, and their winning percentage is too low. But the last time when they faced both FC Barcelona successfully secured a three-point over FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick's lads scored a couple of goals, but they lost because of their loose defensive technique, hope this time they will not make the same mistake.
Kick-Off:
Image Credit: X
Venue: Camp Nou Stadium
Kick-Off: 1:30 am IST
Date: Friday, March 28
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Recent Form:
FC Barcelona:
Image Credit: X
Sevilla 1-4 FC Barcelona (Away, Laliga)
FC Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (Home, Laliga)
Las Palmas 0-2 FC Barcelona (Away, Laliga)
FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (Home, Laliga)
Atletico Madrid 2-4 FC Barcelona (Away, Laliga)
CA Osasuna:
Image Credit: x
Mallorca 1-1 CA Osasuna (Away, Laliga)
CA Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid (Home, Laliga)
Celta Vigo 1-0 CA Osasuna (Away, Laliga)
CA Osasuna 3-3 Valencia (Home, Laliga)
CA Osasuna 1-2 Getafe (Home, Laliga)
Head-to-head Stats:
Total matches: 24
Barcelona won: 18
Osasuna won: 3
Draws: 3
Predicted Line-Up:
FC Barcelona:
Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde, Gerrard Martin, Pedri, Frankie De-Jong, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal.
Manager: Mr. Hansi Flick]
CA Osasuna:
Sergio Herrera (GK), Areso, Juan Cruz, Boyomo, Catena, Ruben Garcia, Kike Barja, Iker Munoz, Raul, Budimir, Jose Arnaiz,
Manager: Vincente Moreno
Fantasy XI:
Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Juan Cruz, Alejandro Balde, Kike Barja, Pedri, Gerrard Martin, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Budimir.
Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense demand Club World Cup spot following Club Leon's exclusion
Following the removal of Mexican side Club Leon from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Costa Rican club Deportiva Alajuelense are sparking controversy, claiming to be awarded the slot.
The decision has been made due to the violation of FIFA regulations that prohibit multi-ownership among teams competing in the same tournament.
However, Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense have sparked up significant controversy as they have claimed the vacant slot in an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), alleging that Leon and Pachuca, the Mexican clubs sharing common ownership, should be debarred from the tournament.
❌ 2025 Club World Cup currently have 31/32 clubs confirmed, after removal of 🇲🇽 Club León due to a multi-club ownership.
🇨🇷 Alajuelense from Costa Rica, which filed this complaint in the first place, are the most likely replacement, but FIFA are yet to confirm that. pic.twitter.com/tS6PA65kBY
Club Leon's exclusion from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Club leon (Imge Credit | Getty)
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Club Leon failed to meet the criteria stated in Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the tournament regulations. The Club ownership rule has been explained in this article, which clearly states the following:
No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in the Competition, such control or influence being defined in this context as:
i) holding a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights;
ii) having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the club;
iii) being a shareholder and alone controlling a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with other shareholders of the club; or
iv) being able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision-making of the club.
According to these rules, Club Leon failed to comply with the regulation as they are owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also owns Pachuca, another Mexican side participating in this tournament from the Concacaf spot.
FIFA stated in an official statement that "Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership". The statment says:
After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.
Recently, representatives from the Pachuca and Leon football clubs met with FIFA to insist that the two clubs operate independently, even though they share some shareholders. Despite the efforts, FIFA was not convinced and ruled against Leon, leaving another controversy concerning the participating teams.
Club Leon earned their place in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup as they won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023, a tournament that was also won by Pachuca in 2024, ensuring their qualification as well.
Leon decided to appeal against FIFA's decision
Bajan del Mundial de Clubes a un equipo mexicano 🔽
Vaya lío se fue metiendo la #FIFA. Alajuelense se la jugó y, aunque tampoco tiene algo asegurado, sí movió la rama y sacudió el ambiente.
Embrollo para nombrar al sustituto y embrollo también porque vendrá apelación. pic.twitter.com/483qFbneEU
Pachuca and Club Leon published an official club statement following the decision, stating that they are "dissatisfied with this decision" and will "defend what was earned on the field in a fair". The statement is as follows:
We have just been informed by FIFA that one of the two teams: Pachuca and León, participants in the 2025 Club World Cup, will be excluded from the competition. We are dissatisfied with this decision, and we will appeal it to the highest levels, including the highest sports tribunal, as all the evidence and documentation proving our administrative and sporting independence were presented in a timely and transparent manner.
In our case, we will defend what was earned on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in accordance with the competition rules.
Mikel Arriola. (Image Credit | Getty)
Mikel Arriola, the Mexico Football Federation president, has also assured that they will fight for "Liga MX to keep its three spots" in the upcoming tournament. He said:
Technically, we will push for that. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is the one with the authority to define spots and quotas for each league, but we will certainly defend our three spots,
There is constant communication with Club León. Since this decision became known, I have been in contact with the Pachuca Group, but I believe we all need to be very cautious and wait for a process among all parties, in this case between a club and FIFA. We will remain attentive. It’s a legal process that will need to be supported by both the League and the Federation. There will be an appeal, and we will remain attentive and wait.
Víctor Montagliani (on the left) with FIFA president Infantino. (Image Credit | Getty)
Víctor Montagliani, the Concacaf president, has also shown his support for Club Leon regarding this incident. The Concacaf chief expressed his support via a statement during an interview with TUDN México.
I support León because they won the ConcaChampions on the field. We hope that at the end of this legal process, León will be allowed to play in the Club World Cup,
Club Leon has decided to appeal against FIFA at CAS with the backing of Concacaf, along with Liga MX, which already has Monterrey and Pachuca as participants in the Club World Cup.
Leon was drawn in Group D along with the English side Chelsea, Brazilian side Flamengo, and Tunisian side Esperance. However, the vacant berth left by Leon has been targeted by clubs such as Alajuelense, Club America, Tigres UNAL etc.
Alajuelense’s previous complaint and CAS appeal
Alajuelense at the Concacaf Central American Cup. (Image Credit | Getty)
Interestingly, Alajuelense’s complaint regarding the multi-ownership issue initiated the investigation by the FIFA Appeal Committee, leading to Club Leon’s exclusion.
🚨Comunicado oficial🚨Liga Deportiva Alajuelense presenta reclamo ante FIFA por el Mundial de Clubes 2025. https://t.co/yUTdLnWu4j
The Costa Rican side is the most well-positioned team at this moment to take the vacant spot left by Club Leon in the Club World Cup, as it currently holds the highest ranking in Concacaf, excluding clubs from MLS and Liga MX, which have already been assigned their entitled spots.
Alajuelense also won the Concacaf Central American Cup consecutively in 2023 and 2024, strengthening their argument to be awarded a spot in the Club World Cup.
Alajuelense quickly responded to comments made by Víctor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, who publicly expressed support for Club Leon.
The Club condemned the comments by Montagliani in an official statement published in the Club's socials. The statement partly reads:
In these statements, Mr. Montagliani expressed his explicit support for Club León—an institution currently excluded by FIFA due to violations of integrity rules related to multi-ownership—and expressed his desire for the club to be reinstated in the tournament, disregarding the ongoing legal process before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS), initiated by our institution.
Both Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and Club León are part of CONCACAF. Therefore, the statements of the president of the Confederation constitute a serious transgression of the duty of neutrality, the principle of impartiality, and the institutional loyalty that should govern the actions of any international sports authority.
Alajuelense have stirred up an intentional controversy with some strong backings
José Carlos Loaiza Gallego. UNAFUT's executive director and former La Liga executive. (Image Credit | La Republica)
Alajuelense have put up argument that they must replace Club Leon immediately, but their case does not appear to be founded on the set rules or their acknowledgement. The club contends that if Leon is eliminated, they should be considered as the replacement from the Concacaf zone.
Their arguments are based on the rules that dictate that there must be only two teams from one nation. At present, the US has two qualified teams: Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami (the latter being a controversial choice). Two qualified teams from Mexico are Pachuca and Monterrey.
Alajuelense have claimed that they are the next highest-ranked team and, as such, should be part of the competition. But the ranking they are quoting is an unofficial club ranking published by the IFFHS, which is not recognized by Concacaf or by FIFA.
Even if it was accepted, the second-placed team would not automatically qualify; they will have had to earn that right through the relevant qualifying tournaments, as the rules state.
FIFA will have the final say on which team will play in case Club Leon lose its appeal with the CAS and remain excluded from competition. This ruling could also provide the choice of inserting a third team from either Mexico or the USA since there are several teams from both nations ranked higher than Alajuelense.
Looking at the parties to the Alajuelense case poses many questions about possible destabilizing agendas. Alajuelense's legal team has close ties with Spain's La Liga and its top leadership. There is also a cooperation between La Liga and Costa Rica's league authority, UNAFUT.
The alliance is serious, as witnessed by the recent appointment of former La Liga executive José Carlos Loaiza Gallego as UNAFUT's executive director. La Liga and its president, Javier Tebas, have repeatedly attacked FIFA and the role of the Club World Cup in the football calendar.
Since UNAFUT has adopted a dissenting position and is pursuing lawsuit outside Europe, there is no sign that they will desist from trying to create confusion around this topic.
Club Leon is not yet out of the Club World Cup. Grupo Pachuca has provisions on the books similar to those of UEFA competitions which permit two teams with the same ownership to be in the competition at the same time.
CAS can rule that these provisions are adequate to permit Club Leon to remain in the competition, alleviating any doubt about conflicts of interest and potential manipulation.
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
World Champions Argentina qualify for the World Cup 2026. (Image Credit | AP)
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
(Image Credit | AP)
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 than the required seven points at this point.
Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina smash Brazil by 4-1 in dominating performance
Read the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers highlights as the defending World Champions thrashed Brazil by 4-1 at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Hello and welcome to another football LIVE Blog of Sportz Point.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will be staying up with you for this coverage. Tonight, we will be covering the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Argentina are currently leading the South American Qualifiers points table with 28 points from 13 games. In the meantime, Brazil are at number three with 21 points in the same number of games.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025, 1:48 AM
82' | Double change
In: Correa, Palacios
Out: Paredes, Alvarez
Mar 26, 2025, 1:47 AM
80' | Save from Bento
Excellent save from Bento as Paredes's right-footed strike from outside of the box nearly went in.
Bento made a full strechted dive to his left to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:45 AM
78' | Enzo is injured
Enzo Fernandez is injured and is getting a medical attention.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:42 AM
75' | Double change for Argentina
In: Medina, Nico Paz
Out: Tagliafico and Mac Allister
Mar 26, 2025, 1:40 AM
74' | Yellow card
Yellow card for De Paul for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:39 AM
72' | WHAATTTTT A GOAL | ARG 4-1 BRA
What a finish by Simione!
Tagliafico's cross from the left missed everyone, but it fell onto the feet of Simeone.
Although he had a very tight angle to work with, he hit the net with a powerful strike.
Argentina 4-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:36 AM
69' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Otamendi for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:35 AM
69' | Change for Brazil
In: Savinho
Out: Cunha
Mar 26, 2025, 1:34 AM
68' | Change for Argentina
In: Simeone
Out: Almada
Mar 26, 2025, 1:32 AM
64' | Raphinha hits the wall
Brazil earned a free kick close to Argentina’s box, but Raphinha’s effort slammed into the defensive wall before trickling tamely into the arms of Martínez, who dealt with it comfortably.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:27 AM
60' | Chance for Argentina
De Paul caught Brazil napping with a sharp free kick, springing Enzo Fernández free down the right. Fernández delivered a pinpoint cross, but Tagliafico’s glancing header flashed agonizingly wide of the mark.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:25 AM
Banter!
Rodrygo: "You are very bad."
Paredes: "I have 1 World Cup and 2 Copa America's, you have zero." 🥶🥶
The last save from Bento gave the corner to Argentina. After a short corner, Enzo lobbed the ball from right of the box for Mac Allister to come running and get the goal with a clinical finish.
Argentina 3-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:42 AM
36' | Save from Bento
Bento makes a great save as Almada makes a curling effort from the left of the box. Bento had to dive to his right to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:41 AM
32' | End-to-end stuff
Even after conceding the opening goal, Brazil haven’t shifted their approach, allowing Argentina to maintain a greater share of possession as the first half-hour unfolds.
Cristian Romero picked up the ball near his own box but fluffed his pass. Matheus Cunha pounced, nicking the ball back before driving forward and unleashing a right-footed strike that zipped past Emiliano Martínez to his right post, pulling the score to Agrentina 2-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
22' | Chance for Argentina
Romero fed the ball to Álvarez in the center, who quickly laid it off to De Paul. De Paul whipped in a cross, and Almada attempted to redirect it back to Álvarez, only for a Brazilian defender to intervene with a crucial, last-ditch clearance.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
20' | Bento is injured
The referee halted play after Brazil’s goalkeeper, Bento, went down clutching his face. He signaled for medical help due to a cut, prompting the medical staff to rush onto the pitch for treatment. After a brief pause, the game has now resumed.
Argentina, holding the upper hand, refuse to ease up, relentlessly challenging Brazil for possession. The visitors, meanwhile, struggle to carve out any real threat against the home side’s goal.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:19 AM
13' | Enzo scores the second for Argentina | ARG 2-0 BRA
Nahuel Molina’s cross ricocheted off a Brazilian defender, landing perfectly for Enzo.
The Chelsea midfielder seized the chance, calmly slotting it past a stranded Bento. Argentina are soaring in ecstasy, while Brazil find themselves in serious peril!
Mar 26, 2025, 12:15 AM
This is how Alvarez scored
Gol de Julián Álvarez. No me canso de decir que bueno es. Se los dije siempre.
Following a swift move down the left flank, Nicolás Tagliafico nodded the ball to Thiago Almada. Almada then slipped a pass to Julián Álvarez, who deftly threaded it between two defenders inside the penalty area before firing a shot to make it 1-0.
Subs: Lucas Perri, Weverton, Lucas Beraldo, Alex Sandro, Léo Ortiz, Vanderson, Estêvão, João Gomes, Éderson, Savinho, Endrick, João Pedro.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:12 PM
Lineups | Argentina
Starting XI: E. Martínez, N. Molina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi, N. Tagliafico, L. Paredes, R. de Paul, E. Fernández, A. Mac Allister, T. Almada, J. Álvarez.
Subs: Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Germán Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Máximo Perrone, Benjamín Domínguez, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:02 PM
He means it!
🚨🇧🇷| Raphinha’s interview with Romário about the game against Argentina tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/IewIQnm4hT
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025, 10:42 PM
Argentina qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026
After Bolivia’s goalless draw against Uruguay, the defending champions are now guaranteed a top-six position in the points table. Hence, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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