On Tuesday (December 17), FIFA will reveal the winners of the ninth edition of the FIFA The Best Football Awards. The awards ceremony will take place at a gala dinner in Doha, Qatar, at the Aspire Academy. Brazil has several nominees: striker Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and goalkeeper Ederson from Manchester City are in contention for the best player and best goalkeeper awards, respectively; while Arthur Elias, the coach of the Brazilian National Team, is nominated for the women's football category. Marta is in the running for the award named after her (Marta Award), which recognizes the most beautiful goal of the season. Vasco supporter Guilherme Gandra Moura, affectionately known as "little Gui," is among the nominees for the FIFA Fan Award. Where to Watch? The announcement of the winners will be live on FIFA.com starting at 2 pm (Brasília time). The event will feature the presence of dignitaries, football legends, and various local and regional ambassadors, alongside pioneers of the sport. All winners of the awards were selected through a voting system that equally weighs votes from fans, national team captains, and coaches from both women's and men's national teams, as well as media representatives. Fans also participated in the voting for the formation of the FIFA The Best women's and men's teams. For the selection of the starting eleven, fans had access to a list of 77 players, selecting them in predefined formations. The results were based on this voting and the consultation of a panel of experts. Starting this year, The Best will include the "Marta Award," given to the scorer of the most beautiful goal in women's football for the year. Voting on this matter was divided between fans and the FIFA Legends panel. The FIFA Fan Award winner was chosen solely by fans, while the FIFA Fair Play Award was determined by experts. FIFA 'The Best' Awards Ceremony: Nominees Men's Player Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint Germain/Real Madrid Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami Rodri (Spain), Manchester City Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired) Vinicius Junior (Brazil), Real Madrid   Women's Player Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit   Women's Coach Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea   Men's Coach Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City   Women's Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain   Men's Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid David Raya (Spain), Arsenal Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club

According to the new schedule of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the SAFF Under-20 Women's Championship will take place in July. This decision was made during a meeting of the SAFF Competition Committee on Tuesday, December 17. Bangladesh will be the host country for the event, which is scheduled to take place from July 1 to 11, 2025. The SAFF Under-20 Women's Championship was originally set to be held in February 2025, with Bangladesh announced as the host. However, a few days ago, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) postponed the event. The rescheduling of the AFC's 2025 calendar led to the SAFF authorities revising the dates for all their competitions. Since the SAFF age-group tournaments are considered preparatory rounds for the AFC's age-group competitions, the SAFF age-group events have been rescheduled to align with the AFC's calendar.

December 16 is Victory Day, a special day celebrated nationwide in Bangladesh. On this momentous occasion, the Tigers added to the celebrations by defeating the West Indies in a thrilling match in St. Vincent. Despite not posting a big total after losing the toss, Bangladesh managed to edge out the hosts by 7 runs. Batting first, the Tigers set a modest target of 148 runs, with Soumya Sarkar contributing a crucial 43 runs off 32 balls. In response, the West Indies faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals and getting bowled out for 140 with just one ball left in the match. From the outset, the West Indies batters struggled against the disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack. By the time they reached a team score of 38, they had already lost 5 wickets and were under immense pressure, unable to recover thereafter. Mehidy Hasan played a pivotal role with both bat and ball. After scoring a steady 26 off 24 balls, he shone with the ball, picking up two wickets in a single over during the 7th, pushing the hosts onto the back foot. Bangladesh’s innings began on a cautious note. However, after reaching 15 runs, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell for 6 runs off 11 balls, bowled by Akeal Hosein. Captain Liton Das followed with a golden duck, leaving the team in a precarious position. Afif Hossain Dhrubo couldn't capitalize either, scoring just 8 off 11 balls before getting caught off Roston Chase’s delivery. However, Soumya Sarkar and Zakir Ali Anik stabilized the innings with a 57-run partnership off 42 balls. Their partnership ended when Zakir departed for 24 runs, followed by Soumya, who fell after scoring a crucial 43 off 32 balls. At the 15-over mark, Bangladesh’s score was just 95, and few would have predicted they’d cross 140. But Shamim Patwari, making his return to the national team after a year, played a quickfire 27 off 13 balls, supported by Mehidy Hasan. Their partnership pushed Bangladesh to 147/6 by the end of the innings. Shamim was dismissed on the second-last ball, and Rishad Hossain added two runs on the final delivery. For the West Indies, Akeal Hosein and McKoy took two wickets each, while Roston Chase and Shepherd picked up one each. Chasing 148, the West Indies never found momentum as the Bangladesh bowlers kept the pressure on. The hosts were reduced to 38/5 early on, and despite some resistance, they fell short by 7 runs, handing Bangladesh a memorable Victory Day triumph.

On October 17 last year, Neymar Jr. sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing in a World Cup qualifying match. Although he returned to the field after 369 days, he couldn't complete even two matches before being sidelined again. According to Brazil's coach Dorival Junior, Neymar will need more time to make a full recovery. The Brazilian team is unwilling to take any risks with their star player as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. Recently, Neymar shared his plans for the upcoming tournament in an interview with French media outlet RMC. He revealed his aspiration to play in his fourth World Cup and lead Brazil to glory. "Every player dreams of the World Cup. I've played in three World Cups, and I want to play in my fourth. Now, I need to regain my fitness and prepare well," Neymar said. So far, Neymar has scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 13 World Cup matches. However, his World Cup journey has been fraught with challenges. In 2014, a back injury prevented him from playing in the semifinal against Germany, where Brazil suffered a humiliating 1-7 defeat. In 2018, Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Belgium. And in the 2022 World Cup, Neymar's dream was shattered when Brazil lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout. Neymar is celebrated as an extraordinary talent in football history. His stellar career with Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain has mesmerized football enthusiasts. However, during his current stint with Al-Hilal, injuries have prevented him from showcasing his best form. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation after a hamstring injury. If all goes well, Neymar is expected to return to the national team next year in World Cup qualifying matches and prepare himself for the 2026 World Cup.

The excitement of the World Cup has spread across Europe through an exhilarating draw. On Friday (December 13), the draw for Europe's World Cup qualifiers took place in Zurich, Switzerland. However, many heavyweight teams have not yet been placed in their groups, as the outcome depends on the Nations League results. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has already begun in other continents, but due to the ongoing Nations League in Europe, the qualification process has started later. As a result, many teams have not yet been assigned to groups, as the final groups will be determined after the Nations League quarterfinals. To clarify, an example can be given: If Germany beats Italy in the Nations League quarterfinals, they will move to Group A, where they will be joined by Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. However, if Germany loses to Italy, they will move to Group I, where their opponents will be Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. The same situation applies to Spain-Netherlands, France-Croatia, and Portugal-Denmark. Although eight groups are still incomplete, the remaining four groups are fully settled in the draw. England, the 1966 World Cup champions, will play in Group K, alongside Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein will be in Group J. In Group B, Switzerland will face Sweden, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Additionally, Group H consists of Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and San Marino. The 12 groups are not all evenly matched. Six groups have been formed with four teams each, while six other groups consist of five teams, who will play in a home-and-away round-robin format. The top team from each group will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the runners-up will play in the playoffs. In total, 16 European teams will secure their places in the World Cup from the 12 groups. UEFA has also announced the dates for the European qualifiers. The matches will be held from March 21-25, June 6-10, September 4-9, October 9-14, and November 13-18, 2024. The playoffs will take place from March 26-31, 2026. The World Cup will begin in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, with the final in New Jersey on July 19. Group Draws: Group A: Germany/Italy (Nations League match winner), Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo Group C: Portugal/Denmark (Nations League match loser), Greece, Scotland, Belarus Group D: France/Croatia (Nations League match winner), Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan Group E: Spain/Netherlands (Nations League match winner), Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria Group F: Portugal/Denmark (Nations League match winner), Hungary, Ireland, Armenia Group G: Spain/Netherlands (Nations League match loser), Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino Group I: Germany/Italy (Nations League match loser), Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein Group K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra Group L: France/Croatia (Nations League match loser), Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

Despite their strong Nations League performance, Germany are left in the awkward position of not yet knowing their exact 2026 World Cup qualifying path — even after Friday's draw. After finishing top of their Nations League group, Germany will face Italy in the quarterfinals in March 2025. The outcome of that game will affect which World Cup qualifying group Germany ends up in. If Germany win their quarterfinal against Italy, they will be in Group A with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, and will start their campaign in September. Germany haven't played Slovakia since Euro 2016. They also played Northern Ireland in that tournament, but beat them more recently in qualifiers for Euro 2021. Germany haven't played Luxembourg in nearly 20 years. If they lose to Italy, they will be in Group I with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova and start their qualifying campaign in March. Being in this group would mean a return to Germany for Erling Haaland and a first-ever qualifier against Israel for Germany's men. Germany would also face Moldova for the first time since 1999, and play Estonia again, having last faced them in qualifying for Euro 2021, winning the home game 8-0. In short, beating Italy would not only give Germany a chance at winning the Nations League but also place them in a smaller World Cup qualifying group that would start later in the year. “I think group A is a little more comfortable but it’s hard to know right now," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. With draws, it can always be worse or better. I think in group I, Norway are a very good team with many good and experienced players. Group A might be the easier path but we have to beat Italy first. That’s the next step.” Germany dominated their 2022 World Cup qualifying group, losing just once albeit notably at home to North Macedonia. Under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany have been rejuvinated, losing only one game in all of 2024. A complicated draw Elsewhere in the European part of the World Cup qualifying draw, Thomas Tuchel's England were drawn in Group K with Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra. With the 2026 tournament set to be the first World Cup with 48 teams, UEFA now has 16 qualifying spots on offer. They will be secured by the 12 group winners, and the runners-up (plus four teams with the best Nations League records) will go into the playoffs for the final four European spots. In addition to the 16 European teams, there will be nine teams from Africa, eight from Asia and six from South America. Canada, the US and Mexico all qualify automatically as hosts and there will be three more teams from North and Central America (CONCACAF). Oceania have an automatic spot for the first time and two more will qualify through the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.

In a short span of time, Lamine Yamal has dazzled the football world with his performances for Barcelona and Spain. Already breaking numerous records, Yamal is hailed as one of the brightest young talents in global football today. Many see shades of Lionel Messi in him, and Messi himself agrees. During a recent event at the Adidas headquarters in Germany, Messi was asked to name a standout player from the new generation. The football legend highlighted Yamal. Messi remarked, “There’s a great generation of young footballers coming through. They have many years ahead of them. If I had to choose one, based on age and potential, I’ve heard many name Lamine Yamal—and without a doubt, I would too.” He added, “I agree with that assessment, but ultimately, it depends on him and many other factors, because that’s how football is. But there’s no doubt he has a fantastic future ahead.” Yamal joined Barcelona’s academy at the age of seven and made his first-team debut at just 15. He has already played over 70 matches for the club and was instrumental in Spain’s recent European Championship victory. At the last Ballon d’Or ceremony, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young footballer of the year. He also recently became the youngest player to win the prestigious Golden Boy award. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, left Barcelona in 2021 against his wishes after a 21-year career that saw him win a record 34 trophies for the club. He remains Barcelona’s all-time leader in appearances and goals. Since Messi’s departure, Barcelona has struggled to replicate its former glory. However, under German coach Hansi Flick, the team is currently leading La Liga this season and has climbed to second place in the newly revamped Champions League standings.