Governing Bodies
Ahead of World Cup Draw: Behold clashes that have never happened
This is the first FIFA World Cup draw that will take place in April and on a date universally believed to be ‘all-fools day’. But more importantly, the draw could produce matches that the World Cup has never seen before. The list of potential unprecedented meetings includes duels between European heavyweights
With nearly all the qualification places at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 having now been filled, expectation is mounting ahead of Friday’s Final Draw. Every team going into the hat could be drawn against nations they have never faced in the world finals before. FIFA has drawn up a list of these potential first-time encounters, starting with a meeting between two European giants.
France-Netherlands
The reigning two-time world champions head into their 16th World Cup as one of the eight teams in Pot 1, which contains the highest-ranked sides. Surprisingly, France have never been drawn against three-time runners-up Netherlands, who have ten World Cup appearances to their name.
The Dutch are in Pot 2, and a potential duel with the French would be one of the most eagerly-awaited games of the group phase. This is a fixture with some history to it.
Runners-up at the two previous world finals, Netherlands missed out on a place at Spain 1982 altogether when they finished behind France and Belgium in Group 2 of the European qualifiers. History repeated itself in the race to Russia 2018, when the Dutch again failed to progress after placing third behind France and Sweden in Group A of the preliminaries.
Argentina-Denmark
Qatar 2022 will be World Cup number 18 for Argentina, who could find themselves in the same group as Denmark, who will be making their sixth appearance in the competition. Many had hoped the two would meet in the semi-finals at Mexico 1986 following the Danes’ impressive showing in the group stage.
As it turned out, however, Denmark went down 5-1 to Spain in the Round of 16. The two did meet in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1995, with the Europeans winning 2-0.
Brazil-Korea Republic
A Seleção, who have never missed a World Cup, and are preparing for their 22nd in a row, are another side who could be facing new opposition in Qatar, namely Korea Republic, soon-to-be 11-time participants.
Germany-Japan
Lurking in Pot 2 will be Germany, a team that every Pot 1 side will be anxious to avoid. With 19 World Cups already under their belts, the Germans could be pitched against Japan, who are in Pot 3, having qualified for a seventh time
Belgium-Cameroon
One of the eight top seeds, Belgium might find themselves drawn against Cameroon for the first time ever. The Africans are in the finals for the eighth time, while the Europeans are making their 14th appearance.
Uruguay-Poland
Qatar 2022 is also World Cup number 14 for two-time winners Uruguay, who are in Pot 2. Potentially awaiting them are Poland from Pot 3, who have never faced the Uruguayans before, despite this being their ninth world finals.
Old foes
The Final Draw could also throw up a latest installment or two in some of the World Cup’s most frequent fixtures, with Germany facing the prospect of taking on Argentina or Serbia for the seventh time in the competition. Netherlands could cross swords with Argentina or Brazil for the sixth time in World Cup history, while mouth-watering encounters such as Brazil-Serbia and England-Germany could also be on the menu again, also for a sixth time.
Most frequent clashes
* Only involves nations qualified for Qatar 2022.
Game Number Argentina-Germany 7 Germany-Serbia 7 Argentina-Netherlands 5 Brazil-Mexico 5 Brazil-Netherlands 5 Brazil-Serbia 5 England-Germany 5
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers