The 2022 World Cup is less than two weeks away from kick-off and confirmed teams are coming in fast now, with Australia and Brazil among those to name theirs this week. For England manager Gareth Southgate, there are plenty of issues to consider even with just a day to go before his options are announced, with injuries playing a key role and another potential player, Leicester’s James Justine, retires Tuesday night. Further afield, Sadio Mane also left the field injured for Bayern Munich, fueling fears he could miss out after sending Senegal to the finals. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, revealed that players are already taking to the pitch for club matches with one eye on the World Cup, possibly fearing for their participation in Qatar given the rapid turnaround between the end of the campaign and the start of the international. Follow all the latest news and team announcements from the following 32 teams:
The latest World Cup news
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Players already have ‘one eye on the World Cup’, admits Man City boss Pep Guardiola
This midweek round of Carabao Cup fixtures in England has drawn plenty of criticism for crashing yet another game less than two weeks before the World Cup kicks off. The authorities point out that there are no other dates available, but should that have led to the contest being dissolved for a year? It’s a wider debate and the League Cup’s place looks increasingly shaky on the football calendar. Manchester City face Chelsea in their top-flight third-round clash tonight, but boss Pep Guardiola says the players have already “run with one eye on the World Cup” and he understands why, saying he would do the same himself. “It’s crazy, it’s a lot of games. It’s too much for the players,” he said. Karl Matchett November 9, 2022 12:48 p.m 1667997650
Sadio Mane will miss the World Cup due to injury
It’s yet to be confirmed by his team or nation, but it looks like Sadio Mane will miss the World Cup for sure. This is a huge blow for Senegal to lose their all-time leading scorer and such a key player. Bild journalist Tobi Altschäffl says: “Bayern were upbeat after yesterday’s game, but the Senegalese will miss the World Cup. The exact diagnosis according to information from Bild: a tendon in the head of the fibula is said to have ruptured.” Karl Matchett9 November 2022 12:40 1667997170
The latest World Cup news
A blow for Spain, but not unexpected. Real Sociedad play Sevilla tonight and Mikel Oyarzabal is reportedly not in the squad. He has battled to regain fitness after rupturing his ACL earlier this year, but this is the last club game before the World Cup break and he is still not close enough to participate. No surprise, and even if he was in, it would be a big bet to get him. Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres are hoping to be named as wide options by Luis Enrique. Karl Matchett9 November 2022 12:32 1667996810
The latest World Cup news
Huge effort here from Switzerland to announce their line-up. “We want to make history,” says coach Murat Yakin. Together, is the dominant message. Karl Matchett9 November 2022 12:26 1667996373
EXPLANATION: Laws and customs in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup
Over a million fans will descend on Qatar for the World Cup in November and December, a spectacle that usually turns the host countries into a non-stop party. But this year may be different. The tiny, conservative Muslim nation may show little tolerance for the booze-fueled hooliganism that has unfolded in previous tournaments. Qatar has tried to present itself as welcoming to foreigners, but traditional Muslim values remain strong in the hereditary-ruled emirate. Qatar’s judicial system, based on an interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, has drawn Western criticism for its tendency to favor prosecutors and police. The authoritarian country says it will ease up on the unprecedented influx of tourists. But fans watching the World Cup should be aware of Qatar’s laws and cultural customs, including policies on alcohol, drugs, sexuality and dress code. Here’s a look at some of them. Karl Matchett9 November 2022 12:19 1667995970
Festa World Cup 2022: Every shirt ranked and rated
The Qatar World Cup is almost upon us, and that means a host of delightful/grotesque international soccer jerseys to enjoy/fight over. What do we think of Portugal’s bold diagonal stripe? Who has chosen an enchanting shade of red? Why are Argentina dressed as if they need 144 off 20 overs? Is this Jafar? Please share your views in the comments below. Here are the 2022 World Cup kits, ranked and ranked from worst to best: Karl Matchett9 November 2022 12:12 1667995550
Wales 2022 World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, must-watch, odds and more
Time to look ahead to tonight’s Wales announcement – who will Robert Page call up for his last 26? A handful of names are of course guaranteed for as long as their fitness allows them to be involved, with Gareth Bale at the top of that queue. Here’s the predicted full line-up, the history of Wales reaching their first finals since the 50s, their fixture list and more. Karl Matchett November 9, 2022 12:05 p.m 1667995190
Calvin Phillips gives injury update ahead of England World Cup squad announcement
Phillips underwent surgery on his shoulder in September and has not played since, although the Manchester City midfielder could return to the bench for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea. However, Phillips, who starred for England during their run to the Euro 2020 final, has completed 90 minutes just once this season – raising fears he may not be fit enough to play a role for England in Catarrh But the 26-year-old believes he is capable of starting for England if needed ahead of the opening game against Iran on November 21. Karl Matchett9 November 2022 11:59 1667994735
Rhys James to miss England squad as Gareth Southgate doesn’t want to ‘gamble’ on fitness
A report from the Evening Standard suggests that Chelsea right-back Rhys James is set for an upset tomorrow. The versatile performer has been out injured since mid-October and, although it was hoped he would be ready to make the England squad, it looks like he will not be included in the Three Lions’ final 26. Gareth Southgate “doesn’t want to gamble with his fitness” with Kyle Walker also struggling, Ben Chilwell now ruled out and James Justin last night also injured. The England boss has already called James to inform him of the news, the report continues. (Getty Images) Karl Matchett9 November 2022 11:52 1667994255
Callum Wilson’s ‘brilliant mentality’ hailed as he awaits England call-up
Eddie Howe has hailed Callum Wilson’s “brilliant mentality” as he waits to see if his latest fight back from adversity will be rewarded with a World Cup call-up. The 30-year-old striker is back in the Newcastle squad and among the goals after six weeks out with a hamstring injury, which came at the worst possible time as England manager Gareth Southgate assessed his options. Wilson has previously rehabbed two cruciate ligament tears and Magpies boss Howe, who gave him a chance at Bournemouth, is confident his energy and positivity will serve his country well in Qatar if he makes it into the 26-man squad. Southgate players. Thursday. Karl Matchett9 November 2022 11:44
