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  As you can see, India will play each of their group opponents twice, once at home and once away. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the third round of qualifying. India's group is a tough one, with reigning Asian champions Qatar and Kuwait being the favorites to qualify. However, India will be hoping to cause an upset and make it to the third round of qualifying. Here is a brief analysis of India's group opponents: Qatar: Qatar are the reigning Asian champions and will be the favorites to top the group. They have a very strong squad, with players like Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, and Hassan Al-Haydos. Kuwait: Kuwait are a traditional Asian power and have qualified for the FIFA World Cup on three occasions. They have a good mix of experience and youth in their squad, and will be tough opponents for India. Afghanistan/Mongolia: Afghanistan and Mongolia are the two lowest-ranked teams in the group. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the qualifiers, an

  Riyad Mahrez has left Manchester City to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli on a four-year deal. The Algerian winger has signed for a reported fee of £30 million and will earn a staggering £750,000-a-week. Mahrez, 31, joined City from Leicester City in 2018 and won three Premier League titles, four League Cups and the FA Cup during his time at the club. He was a key player in City's title-winning campaign last season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. However, Mahrez had fallen out of favour with City manager Pep Guardiola in recent months and had been linked with a move away from the club. He has now opted to join Al Ahli, who are one of the richest clubs in Saudi Arabia. The move is a huge payday for Mahrez, who will become the highest-paid player in the Middle East. It is also a sign of the growing financial power of Saudi Arabian football clubs. Mahrez is the latest high-profile player to move to Saudi Arabia in recent years. In 2019, Newcastle United signed Brazilian midfie

  Arsenal came from behind twice to defeat Barcelona 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Gunners started brightly and took the lead through Bukayo Saka in the 22nd minute, but Barcelona equalized through Robert Lewandowski just three minutes later. Arsenal went ahead again through Kai Havertz in the 38th minute, but Barcelona leveled once more through Raphinha in the 42nd minute. After the break, Leandro Trossard scored twice for Arsenal in the 55th and 78th minutes to put the Gunners in control. Ferran Torres scored a late consolation for Barcelona in the 88th minute, but Fabio Vieira made sure of the victory with a long-range strike a minute before full-time. The match was an entertaining end-to-end affair, with both teams creating chances. Arsenal's new signing Gabriel Jesus made his debut for the club, and he had a positive impact, setting up two goals. Xavi, the Barcelona manager, said that the match was "like a Champions League tie". "

  India has been drawn in Group A of the AFC second round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, along with Qatar, Kuwait, and the winner of the match between Afghanistan and Mongolia. The draw ceremony took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The group stage will be played in a round-robin format, with each team playing each other once. The top two teams in the group will advance to the third round of qualification. India will face a tough challenge in Group A, as Qatar is the reigning Asian champions and Kuwait is a traditional powerhouse in Asian football. However, India will be hoping to build on their recent progress and make a strong case for qualification. The second round of qualification will be played between June and September 2024. The third round of qualification will be played between June and September 2025. The final round of qualification will be played between March and June 2026. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United St

  Southampton have rejected Liverpool's opening bid for Romeo Lavia. The Reds reportedly offered £37m plus add-ons for the 19-year-old midfielder, but Southampton are holding out for a fee closer to £50m. Lavia is a highly-rated young player who has impressed since joining Southampton from Manchester City last summer. He is seen as a potential successor to Fabinho in Liverpool's midfield, and the Reds are keen to add him to their squad this summer. However, Southampton are reluctant to sell Lavia, who still has four years left on his contract. They believe that he is worth more than £37m, and they are hoping to get a deal closer to their £50m valuation. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will be willing to pay Southampton's asking price for Lavia. The Reds have already spent a lot of money this summer, and they may be reluctant to spend another £13m or so on a player who is not a guaranteed starter. However, Liverpool are known for their determination to get their targ

According to reports, Kylian Mbappe's family has accepted a record-breaking €1bn offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. The offer would see Mbappe earn an eye-watering €700m over a one-year contract, which would make him the highest-paid footballer on the planet. Mbappe's future at Paris Saint-Germain has been the subject of intense speculation over the last few weeks, with the Frenchman's contract due to expire at the end of the season. He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but it seems that Al Hilal are now the frontrunners to sign him. The offer from Al Hilal is certainly a tempting one for Mbappe, both financially and in terms of the potential to win trophies. The Saudi side are one of the most successful clubs in Asia, and they have won the AFC Champions League four times. However, it is still not clear whether Mbappe will accept the offer from Al Hilal. He has previously stated that he wants to join Real Madrid, and it is possible that he will wait until his

  Wrexham stunned Manchester United 1-0 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday night, with Paul Mullin scoring the only goal of the game. The result was a major upset, as Manchester United are a Premier League club and Wrexham play in League Two. The match was also marred by an injury to Mullin, who suffered a punctured lung after a collision with Manch ester United defender Alvaro Fernandez. Mullin was taken to hospital, but he is expected to make a full recovery. The result will be a major boost for Wrexham, who are hoping to make an impact in League Two this season. They are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have ambitious plans for the club. Manchester United will be disappointed with the result, but they will be hoping to bounce back in their next pre-season friendly against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Here are some of the reactions to the match: "A huge win for Wrexham! They've stunned Manchester United and will be buzzing with this result."

  Cristiano Ronaldo attempted a bicycle kick during a pre-season friendly between his new club Al Nassr and Paris Saint-Germain on July 20, 2023. The video of the attempt quickly went viral, as it reminded many fans of Ronaldo's stunning bicycle kick goal against Juventus in the 2018 Champions League quarterfinals. In the video, Ronaldo is seen jumping high into the air and connecting with the ball with his right foot. The ball sails over the head of the PSG goalkeeper and just misses the top corner of the net. While the attempt was not successful, it was still a remarkable piece of skill from Ronaldo. The 2018 bicycle kick goal against Juventus is widely considered to be one of the greatest goals ever scored in the Champions League. Ronaldo connected with the ball with his left foot and sent it flying into the top corner of the net. The goal helped Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Juventus and a place in the Champions League semifinals. Ronaldo's bicycle kick attempt against PSG

  Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the new captain of Inter Miami ahead of their Leagues Cup tie against Atlanta United on Tuesday. The Argentine superstar was named captain by Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino on Monday. Messi made his debut for Inter Miami on Friday, coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time free-kick in a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul. He will now wear the captain's armband for the first time in his second appearance for the club. Messi's appointment as captain is a major boost for Inter Miami. The 34-year-old is one of the greatest players of all time, and his leadership will be invaluable as the club looks to build on their recent success. Messi is also a global icon, and his presence will help to raise the profile of Inter Miami both in the United States and around the world. Inter Miami are currently in second place in their group in the Leagues Cup, with three points from their first two games. They will need to win their remaining

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich for a fee in the region of €19 million. The 29-year-old Austrian midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club. Sabitzer joins Dortmund after two seasons at Bayern, where he made 54 appearances and scored two goals. He struggled to break into the starting lineup at the Allianz Arena and spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United, where he won the League Cup. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said that Sabitzer is a "perfect fit" for the club and that he will "strengthen us both defensively and offensively." Sabitzer himself said that he is "excited to join Dortmund" and that he is "looking forward to the challenges ahead." Sabitzer is Dortmund's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Ramy Bensebaini and Felix Nmecha. He is expected to play a key role in the club's quest to challenge Bayer

  PSG have given Kylian Mbappe permission to talk to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal after the club made a world record €300 million bid for the French forward. The offer is reportedly for a two-year contract with a salary of €200 million per year. Mbappe has one year left on his contract with PSG, and the club are keen to sell him now rather than lose him for free next summer. Mbappe has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for several years, but it remains to be seen whether he will accept Al Hilal's offer. The Saudi club are one of the richest in the world, and they are looking to make a big splash in the transfer market. They have already signed some big names in recent years, including Carlos Tevez and Fabio Cannavaro. It will be interesting to see what Mbappe decides to do. He has the option to stay at PSG and sign a new contract, but he may be tempted by the prospect of a huge salary and the chance to play in a new league. Only time will tell what the future holds for Mbappe,

  After much uncertainty, the Indian football team has finally been cleared to participate in the 2023 Asian Games. This is thanks in part to the efforts of fans who protested against the Sports Ministry's decision to exclude the team. The Sports Ministry had initially decided not to send the Indian team to the Asian Games because it did not meet the criteria of being ranked among the top-8 sides in Asia. However, the ministry relented after fans staged protests and online campaigns. The Indian team is currently ranked 18th in Asia, but it has been on a recent upswing, winning the SAFF Championship and the Intercontinental Cup in recent months. The team is also led by Sunil Chhetri, who is one of the most prolific goalscorers in international football. The Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8. The Indian team is placed in Group D along with South Korea, Bahrain, and Malaysia. I'm sure the fans are thrilled that the Indian team will be able

  Minerva Academy FC made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian side to lift the Gothia Cup, the world's largest and most international youth football tournament. The Chandigarh-based club defeated Brazilian side Ordin FC 3-1 in the final, with goals from Thiyam, Lakra, and Singh. The Gothia Cup is a prestigious tournament that has been held in Sweden since 1975. It is attended by teams from over 80 countries, and it is seen as a major stepping stone for young players. Minerva Academy's victory is a major achievement for Indian football, and it is a sign that the country is producing talented youngsters who can compete at the highest level. The team's coach, Baljit Singh Bawa, was full of praise for his players after the match. "This is a historic moment for Indian football," he said. "The boys have worked so hard, and they deserve all the credit. This is just the beginning for them, and I am confident that they will go on to achieve great things.&

  Chelsea are pushing Romelu Lukaku to the Saudi Pro League, but he only wants to move to Juventus. Lukaku's preference is to stay in Europe and compete at the top of European football, and he has said that he is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudi clubs are reportedly willing to offer a large salary, and they are hoping that Lukaku will change his mind. Chelsea are eager to sell Lukaku this summer, as they are looking to recoup some of the £97.5 million that they paid for him in 2021. They are also looking to free up space in their wage bill, and Lukaku is one of the club's highest earners. Juventus are also interested in signing Lukaku, but they are not willing to offer as much money as the Saudi clubs. However, they believe that they can offer Lukaku a better chance of winning trophies, and they are hopeful that he will choose to join them. The future of Lukaku is still uncertain, but it is clear that he is not happy at Chelsea. He has been training

Inter Milan are reportedly set to overtake Roma in the race to sign Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham United. The Italian striker has been linked with a move to both clubs this summer, but Inter are now said to be leading the way. According to reports, Inter are planning to make a €20 million bid for Scamacca. This would be a significant increase on the €15 million that Roma are reportedly willing to offer. Scamacca is a highly-rated striker who has been capped by Italy at senior level. He scored 16 goals in 36 appearances for Sassuolo last season, and he is seen as a potential replacement for Edin Dzeko at Inter. It is not yet clear whether West Ham will accept Inter's offer. The Hammers are reportedly holding out for a fee of around €30 million for Scamacca. However, Inter are confident that they can strike a deal for the striker. They are said to be willing to offer West Ham a player in exchange, with Edin Dzeko or Alexis Sanchez being potential makeweights. The transfer window i

   According to a report by Football Italia, Paul Pogba cost Juventus €49,689 per minute last season, while Eden Hazard cost Real Madrid €38,265 per minute. This means that Pogba cost Juventus more than Hazard, even though Hazard played more minutes for Real Madrid. The reason for this is that Pogba's wages are much higher than Hazard's. Pogba earns €8 million per year, while Hazard earns €14 million per year. This means that even though Hazard played more minutes, Pogba's higher wages made him more expensive per minute. Pogba's high cost per minute is a reflection of his injury problems. He has been injured for much of his time at Juventus, and this has limited his playing time. As a result, Juventus have not been able to get the full value out of their investment in Pogba. It is unclear whether Pogba will be able to stay fit and play more minutes for Juventus in the future. If he can, then his cost per minute will come down. However, if he continues to be injured, the

  Chelsea have entered the race to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid. The 24-year-old Uruguayan midfielder has been a long-term target of Manchester United, who tried to bring him to Old Trafford last summer and this. Chelsea are now willing to offer a staggering €130m for Valverde, which would be a club record. The Blues are looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season, and Valverde is seen as a key target. Valverde is a versatile midfielder who can play in a number of positions. He is strong in the tackle, has good passing range, and is also capable of scoring goals. He would be a valuable addition to any team, and Chelsea are confident that they can lure him away from Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to sign Valverde. Real Madrid are reportedly reluctant to sell him, but they may be tempted by a big offer. If Chelsea do sign Valverde, it would be a major coup for the club. Here are some of the pros and cons of Chelsea signing Val

Pep Guardiola has responded to Bayern Munich's interest in Manchester City star Kyle Walker. The 33-year-old England international is reportedly a target for Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who is looking to strengthen his defense ahead of the new season. Guardiola has said that he has spoken to Walker about his future, but that the decision ultimately rests with the player. "I spoke with Kyle and everything is right - we will see what happens," Guardiola said. "I cannot tell you because he is still thinking about that." Walker has been a key player for City since joining the club in 2017, but he has seen his playing time dwindle in recent months. He was not in the starting lineup for the Champions League final win over Inter Milan, and he is reportedly keen to leave the club in search of more regular playing time. It remains to be seen whether Bayern will be able to sign Walker. City are reportedly demanding a fee of £30 million for the player, and it is not clear w

  The French players' union, the UNFP, has threatened legal action against Paris Saint-Germain over the club's decision to leave Kylian Mbappe out of their pre-season squad. Mbappe has been told by PSG that he will be sold if he does not agree to a new contract, but he has so far refused to sign. As a result, the club has decided to exclude him from their pre-season tour of Japan. The UNFP believes that PSG's actions are a breach of French law, which states that all players must be treated equally, regardless of their contract status. The union has said that it will take legal action if PSG does not reinstate Mbappe to the squad. This is not the first time that the UNFP has clashed with PSG over player rights. In 2019, the union threatened to strike after PSG refused to allow players to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. The current situation is a further sign of the growing tensions between PSG and the French football authorities. PSG are owned by Qatar Sports Investm

  Yes, AC Milan have signed Switzerland striker Noah Okafor from Red Bull Salzburg. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Rossoneri, running until June 30, 2028. Okafor is a versatile forward who can play as a center-forward or on the wing. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. He has scored 34 goals in 110 appearances for Salzburg, helping the club to four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups. Okafor's arrival is a major coup for AC Milan. He is one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe and he will provide a significant boost to their attack. Milan finished second in Serie A last season and they will be hoping that Okafor can help them challenge for the Scudetto again next season. Okafor is Milan's third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Divock Origi and Sven Botman. He is the club's second signing from Salzburg this summer, after the arrival of Junior Messias. Okafor is expected to

  Yes, Aston Villa have signed France winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of £51.9m. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Villans and will wear the number 11 shirt. Diaby is a versatile winger who can play on either flank. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for his teammates. He has scored 49 goals and provided 48 assists in 173 appearances for Leverkusen. Diaby's arrival is a major coup for Aston Villa. He is one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe and he will provide a significant boost to their attack. Villa finished seventh in the Premier League last season and they will be hoping that Diaby can help them challenge for European qualification again next season. Diaby is Villa's third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres. He is the club's record signing, surpassing the £33m that they paid for Emiliano Buendia in 2021. Diaby is expec

  As of today, July 22, 2023, Kylian Mbappe has not decided on his next move. There have been reports that he is considering a move to Saudi Arabia, but there is no confirmation of this. Mbappe's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season, and he is free to sign with any club. He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but it is unclear whether he will join the Spanish club. Saudi Arabia is a wealthy country, and it is possible that they could offer Mbappe a lucrative contract. However, it is also possible that Mbappe is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia. He may prefer to stay in Europe and continue to play at the highest level. Only time will tell what Mbappe's decision will be. However, it is clear that he is one of the most sought-after players in the world, and his next move will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Here are some of the factors that Mbappe may consider when making his decision: The level of competition: Mbappe is

  Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for Harry Kane for several months, and the latest reports suggest that the German club have made an improved offer for the Tottenham striker. According to The Times, Bayern have offered £86 million for Kane, but Tottenham are holding out for £120 million. The two clubs are said to be in talks, but it remains to be seen whether they can reach an agreement. Kane has been keen on a move to Bayern for some time, and he is said to be impressed by the club's project. He is also looking for a new challenge after seven years at Tottenham. However, Tottenham are reluctant to sell Kane, and they are under no pressure to do so. The striker has three years left on his contract, and he is not expected to push for a move unless Bayern meet Tottenham's asking price. It remains to be seen whether Bayern will be willing to pay £120 million for Kane. The club have a history of making big-money signings, but they are also mindful of their finances. If

  Bruno Fernandes has been confirmed as the new captain of Manchester United, replacing Harry Maguire. The Portuguese midfielder has been handed the armband on a permanent basis after wearing it on numerous occasions last season. Fernandes was appointed captain on an interim basis in January 2023 after Maguire was dropped from the team by then-manager Ralf Rangnick. He has since led the team to 16 wins in 26 games, including a memorable victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old is a popular figure among the United fans and is seen as a natural leader. He is also a key player for the team, having scored 64 goals and provided 54 assists in 185 appearances since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. Fernandes' appointment as captain is a sign of Erik ten Hag's faith in him. The new manager is looking to build a team around the midfielder and believes that he can be a key figure in the club's future success. Fernandes is the first Portuguese player to captain Manc

  Lionel Messi scored his first goal for Inter Miami in his MLS debut on July 20, 2023, against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. It was a free kick from 25 yards out, and Messi curled the ball into the top corner of the net. The goal was Messi's 769th career goal for club and country, and it helped Inter Miami to a 1-0 victory. The goal was also a fitting way for Messi to start his MLS career, as he has been one of the best free kick takers in the world for many years. Messi's goal was a moment of magic, and it showed why he is considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. The goal was also a sign of things to come for Messi in MLS, as he is sure to score many more goals for Inter Miami in the years to come .