Spain, Portugal and Morocco to jointly host the 2030 World Cup.
FIFA has officially confirmed Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that their bid was uncontested and approved during an online FIFA Congress, with support from the English and Welsh Football Associations. In a historic move, the tournament will begin with three opening matches in South America to honor the World Cup’s centenary. These matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, marking 100 years since the inaugural tournament in Uruguay. The rest of the tournament will be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Initially, the joint European and African bid competed with a South American proposal. However, an agreement allowed South America to host the opening games. Meanwhile, FIFA confirmed that only countries from Asia or Oceania are eligible to bid for the 2034 World Cup under its rotation policy.
🚨🏆 OFFICIAL: Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the centenary edition of the World Cup in 2030.
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will also be 'centenary hosts'. pic.twitter.com/MZcXry94ZR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2024
Barcelona moves 2nd in the CL standings after a massive 3-2 win over Dortmund.
Ferran Torres proved to be Barcelona’s hero, scoring twice as a substitute to secure a dramatic 3-2 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. Barcelona initially took the lead through Raphinha, who slotted a Dani Olmo pass into the bottom corner. However, Dortmund equalized from the penalty spot after Pau Cubarsi fouled Serhou Guirassy. Barcelona regained the lead when Torres capitalized on a rebound from Fermin Lopez’s shot, only for Dortmund to level again minutes later. Inigo Martinez’s misplaced pass allowed Yan Couto to intercept and assist Guirassy for a simple finish. With the match hanging in the balance, Torres delivered the decisive blow on a counterattack, finishing calmly from Lamine Yamal’s assist. Despite Dortmund’s resilience, Barcelona controlled possession and showed composure in key moments to claim the hard-fought victory and edge closer to the knockout stages.
FT: Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Barcelona.
MASSIVE VICTORY FOR BARCELONA WHICH MOVES THEM TO 2ND IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/bFKyD2qsnz
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 11, 2024
Manchester United set their sights on 17-year old full-back, Diego León.
According to Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign 17-year-old left-back Diego León from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño. The move aligns with United’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their youth recruitment strategy, following recent signings like Sekou Kone and Chido Obi-Martin. León, who has already made 19 league appearances for Cerro Porteño this season, is seen as a high-potential talent. United are reportedly negotiating a $4 million deal, aiming to secure the player before his value skyrockets, similar to their success with Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho joined United as a teenager from Atletico Madrid and has since become a valuable asset. If the deal goes through, León could become manager Amorim’s first signing, but he is expected to join the youth setup rather than make an immediate impact on the senior squad.
🚨🔴 Manchester United are in active talks with Cerro Porteno for 17 year old left back Diego León as talent for the future.
Similar to Sekou Koné deal last summer, Man Utd keep looking at talents from abroad and $4m deal is being discussed also with León’s agents. pic.twitter.com/uun9k4Hq9i
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2024
Vlahović and McKennie help Juventus defeat Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
Juventus secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, dealing a significant blow to the defending champions’ hopes of reaching the top eight. Goals from Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie highlighted City’s ongoing struggles, extending their dismal run to just one win in 10 games across all competitions. Vlahović broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a header that narrowly crossed the line after a cross from Kenan Yildiz. Despite City’s efforts to equalize, Juventus struck again in the 75th minute, with McKennie volleying home Timothy Weah’s cross. City created opportunities but failed to convert, including a missed chip from Erling Haaland. The defeat leaves them 22nd in the group stage standings, while Juventus sits 14th. City, who have conceded 21 goals since November, face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
FT: Juventus 2-0 Manchester City.
MANCHESTER CITY LOSE 7 OUT OF THEIR LAST 10 GAMES INCLUDING 2 DRAWS, THEY GO 22ND IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP! ❌ pic.twitter.com/EXfYfI6uo1
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 11, 2024
The Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks qualify for the NBA Cup semifinals.
In a thrilling turn of events, the Houston Rockets edged the Golden State Warriors 91-90 on Wednesday, snapping a 15-game losing streak against them dating back to 2020 and advancing to the NBA Cup semi-finals. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Green sank the game-winning free throws with 3.5 seconds left. The Rockets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas on Saturday. In another semi-final clash, the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat the New York Knicks 108-100 at Madison Square Garden. Trae Young, a consistent thorn in the Knicks’ side since Atlanta’s 2021 playoff triumph, scored 22 points and dished out 11 assists, igniting a second-half comeback. De’Andre Hunter added 24 points off the bench. Josh Hart led New York with 21 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each contributed 19. The NBA Cup final takes place on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
THE NBA CUP SEMIS IN VEGAS ARE SET 🔥
HAWKS-BUCKS. ROCKETS-THUNDER. WHO TAKES THE CUP? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HRVlPfb0v1
— ESPN (@espn) December 12, 2024