Sport
FIFA president backs Mexico’s World Cup preparations despite cartel violence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed his confidence in Mexico’s readiness to host matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent security concerns linked to cartel violence.
Infantino said FIFA is closely monitoring the situation but remains “very reassured” about Mexico’s preparations. He emphasized that safety planning is being coordinated with national and local authorities and expressed confidence that the tournament will be “spectacular.”
Mexico is set to host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey as part of the first-ever tri-nation World Cup, co-hosted with the United States and Canada. The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format and 104 matches.
Recent violence in parts of Mexico, including Jalisco state, raised international concern after clashes followed a major security operation targeting cartel leadership.
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said there is “no risk” to World Cup fans and that comprehensive security guarantees are in place.
BBC has noted that while security challenges remain in certain regions, federal authorities have stepped up operations and coordination ahead of major international events. FIFA officials have indicated there are no plans to remove any Mexican host venues from the schedule.
Mexico previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986 and will become the first nation to host the men’s tournament three times. Organizers say preparations remain on track as the global football community counts down to kickoff in June 2026.
Sport
Afghanistan U19 defeat Bangladesh by 113 runs in Asia Cup opener
Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team opened its ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 113-run victory over Bangladesh.
Bowlers Amir Hamza, Noor Ali Niazai and Samiullah Mubariz led Afghanistan’s bowling attack, taking three wickets each to help secure the win.
Sport
Afghanistan suffer narrow defeat against Argentina at Dakar Youth Olympics
The result leaves Afghanistan with three points from two matches in Group A, following an impressive 5-0 victory over Panama in their opening fixture.
Afghanistan’s under-18 futsal team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their second Group A match at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday.
Argentina secured victory with a dramatic late goal from Valentino Martínez in the final minute, ending Afghanistan’s hopes of taking points from the closely contested encounter at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar, Senegal.
The South American side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Afghanistan goalkeeper and captain Ahmad Esmaeili. However, Afghanistan responded strongly, with Ali Ahmadi finding the equaliser in the 18th minute to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Afghanistan defended resolutely throughout the second half, with Esmaeili producing important saves to keep Argentina at bay as the contest remained finely balanced.
Just as the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Martínez struck again to secure all three points for Argentina.
The result leaves Afghanistan with three points from two matches in Group A, following an impressive 5-0 victory over Panama in their opening fixture.
Argentina, meanwhile, moved to six points and secured qualification for the semi-finals.
Afghanistan will now turn their attention to their final group match against hosts Senegal on Saturday, November 7, with a place in the knockout stages still at stake.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 9.
Sport
Arman FC secure 3-1 victory over Sarsabz Yashlar in ACL
Arman FC will face Toofan Herat in their next fixture on November 7, while Sarsabz Yashlar are scheduled to take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi on the same day.
Arman FC defeated Sarsabz Yashlar 3-1 in the 70th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Tuesday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium.
Sarsabz Yashlar took the lead in the 17th minute, but Arman FC equalized through Fardin Azizi in the closing stages of the first half to make it 1-1 at the break.
Arman FC took the lead in the second half when Malcolm Isaiah Shaw scored directly from a long-range free kick in the 65th minute.
Shaw added his second goal of the match in the 80th minute, extending Arman FC’s lead to 3-1 and securing all three points for his side.
Shaw was named Man of the Match for his two-goal performance.
Arman FC will face Toofan Herat in their next fixture on November 7, while Sarsabz Yashlar are scheduled to take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi on the same day.
All matches of the sixth season of the Roshan Afghan Champions League are broadcast live on Ariana Television.
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