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Saudi Arabian clubs dominate the AFC Champions League, with top players like Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante aiming for further success. The tournament features 24 teams split into western and eastern zones, with recent matches showcasing dramatic comebacks and high-profile signings. The competition began this week.
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The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, honoring the world's best footballers. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé are among top contenders, with Scottish players Scott McTominay and Caroline Weir nominated for the first time. The event celebrated achievements across men's and women's football.
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Hamas releases seven hostages amid US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. The White House signals openness to talks with China over trade tensions. Markets fluctuate as tensions and diplomatic efforts unfold today, December 2, 2025.
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South Africa and Cape Verde secured their first World Cup appearances for 2026, with South Africa topping their group after CAF points deductions, and Cape Verde winning their first-ever qualification, joining other African nations in North America. Nigeria and Cameroon face playoff routes.
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European football qualifiers see key wins for England, Norway, and Portugal, with Italy and Spain also progressing. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred around Italy's match, amid security concerns. Cristiano Ronaldo set a scoring record, and Norway's Haaland reached 50 goals for his country. The story highlights qualification progress and related protests.
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Morocco's U-20 team won their first-ever FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in Chile. The victory marks a historic achievement for Arab and African football, with Morocco also hosting a refugee women's team supported by FIFA amid ongoing restrictions in Afghanistan.
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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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France secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine at Parc des Princes, marking the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks with a minute's silence. The match featured key goals from Mbappe, Olise, and Ekitike, and was held in a charged emotional atmosphere.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House on Nov 19, 2025, as part of US efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia. The visit coincides with Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first US trip since 2018 and US arms sales to Riyadh. Ronaldo's presence highlights Saudi's growing influence in sports and geopolitics.
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On December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC. The prize recognizes Trump's efforts in brokering peace deals, including a Gaza ceasefire, despite criticism over his administration's military actions and human rights record. The event highlighted Infantino's close ties with Trump amid global controversy.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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Today marks half a century since Francisco Franco's death, ending his authoritarian rule. The anniversary prompts reflection on his legacy, with debates over his impact on Spain's democracy and rising support for right-wing parties among younger generations. Recent polls show a significant minority view Franco's dictatorship positively.
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Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-match ban from FIFA after a red card incident in Portugal's qualifying match against Ireland. The ban includes deferred games under probation, affecting his participation in the upcoming World Cup. Ronaldo's disciplinary record and recent activities are also under scrutiny amid broader geopolitical developments.
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The US government is preparing for the 2026 World Cup across North America amid concerns over immigration policies and security. While efforts are underway to facilitate visas for fans and delegations, restrictions and rhetoric from President Trump raise questions about the event's welcoming spirit and safety measures.
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Kenyan authorities released a report revealing serious misconduct by British soldiers at BATUK, including sexual violence and environmental damage. Kenyan parliament amended laws to allow local prosecutions, marking a significant step in holding foreign troops accountable after decades of allegations.
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Multiple sources report that ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are significantly higher than previous tournaments, with costs reaching up to $16,590 for some fans. Critics call the pricing 'extortionate' and a betrayal of tradition, prompting calls for FIFA to halt sales and review pricing policies.