FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier News

Poland's Football Association president, Cezary Kulesza confirms that Poland will not play the World Cup qualifying fixture against Russia.

Argentine officials said they believed the same protocols used in the Copa America in Brazil in June were in place for the World Cup qualifiers to allow teams to travel across the continent. 

In the La Cartuja Stadium in June, also against Sweden, Alvaro Morata was substituted to a chorus of boos after missing a penalty and wasting another clear opportunity in a disappointing 0-0 draw in Spain’s Euro 2020 opener. 

Argentine star Lionel Messi became the top international goal scorer in South American history, overtaking Brazil's Pele. The 34-year-old netted all the goals at Argentina's 3-0 win against Bolivia in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, and now has 79 for the national team. Messi scored his goals in 153 caps for Argentina, while Pele netted his 77 in 92 official matches for Brazil. We look at the collection of records that Lionel Messi broke in these pictures.

Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is the leading international goal-scorer with 111 in 180 matches but Lionel Messi, who recently moved from Barcelona to PSG football club, now has 79 in 155 games to be tied in 5th spot.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica Arena pitch as part of Argentina’s team when officials from Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa walked onto the field and stopped the game around five minutes after kickoff.

Lionel Messi started his first match since the final of the Copa America on July 10 and his flicks and jinks frequently ended with him being fouled as Venezuela struggled to contain him.

Raheem Sterling was then pelted with plastic cups by fans after he scored the opening goal in the second half and celebrated by the corner flag near to Hungary’s hardcore ‘ultras’ fans.

As per the AFC release, China will host Group A which comprises leaders Syria, Philippines, Maldives and Guam. Kuwait has been confirmed as the host for Group B which includes Australia, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei. India are currently fourth in Group E with three points from five games. Qatar top the table with 13 points while Oman are a point behind them in second.