Sports
Suriname Edge Closer to Shock 2026 World Cup Spot
The lowest-ranked team to ever qualify for a World Cup is on the brink of a shock 2026 inclusion. Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are among the minnows that have already secured a spot at next summer’s showpiece tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But they could yet be joined by a side ranked even lower in the FIFA World Rankings.
North Korea currently holds the record from their 2010 appearance, when they were ranked 105th. But the tiny South American nation of Suriname – home to just over 600,000 people, only slightly fewer than the population of Leeds – is now on the verge of World Cup qualification.
Suriname, which gained independence from the Netherlands 50 years ago, is ranked 126th in the FIFA rankings. Only Iceland, among nations that have played in the World Cup finals, has a smaller population than the coastal South American territory, the smallest country on the continent by both population and land area.
Suriname Could Qualify For 2026 World Cup
Suriname are top of Group A in Concacaf qualifying ahead of Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Following their rampant 4-0 win over the latter on Thursday night, they are now just one win against Guatemala on Tuesday away from their first-ever World Cup finals appearance.
For a nation that can boast roots connected to the likes of Ruud Gullit, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, and current Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, the road to get here has been anything but smooth sailing, with Suriname often getting the short end of the straw when it comes to diaspora dynamics. To highlight their true rags-to-riches rise, the Suriboys were ranked 191st out of 209 FIFA teams just a decade ago.
But a rule change to eligibility criteria by football’s governing body allowed Dutch-born players of Surinamese descent to play for them under “sport passports.” This has proven to be the spark that lit the fire of Suriname’s recent successes, with players like Go Ahead Eagles’ Richonell Margaret – who scored twice in midweek – among those born in the Netherlands but choosing to represent their Surinamese heritage. See Suriname’s current standings heading into their final match below:
|
Position |
Team |
Matches played |
W |
D |
L |
GD |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Suriname |
5 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
+5 |
9 |
|
2 |
Panama |
5 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
+2 |
9 |
|
3 |
Guatemala |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
-1 |
5 |
|
4 |
El Salvador |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
-6 |
3 |
The squad also features other European-based stars, including ex-Huddersfield ace Radinio Balker and former Union Berlin and Real Sociedad forward Sheraldo Becker. But much of the credit for their rise can be laid at the feet of former Reading director of football Brian Tevreden and head coach Stanley Menzo, a former Ajax goalkeeper and UEFA Cup winner born in the nation.
The duo have completely shifted the culture of the national team – changing the hotels they stay in, improving the food players eat, and burning the midnight oil to pitch their project to eligible players in the Netherlands who could help lift Suriname to new heights.
Sports
Liverpool Star Wanted By Three Clubs As Transfer Deadline Set
Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window, as Andoni Iraola is in the middle of building a squad capable of playing his style of play for next season.
Work has already been done to land some new signings, with Jeremy Jacquet arriving after a deal was agreed earlier this year, while Victor Munoz was signed from Osasuna as an early arrival.
However, there is an expectation that more deals will be on the way for Liverpool. A move for Yan Diomande is in the works, with a deal that could exceed £100 million.
While that would add some firepower, the Reds will also need to consider some sales. Among those angling for an exit is Federico Chiesa.
Federico Chiesa Eyed By Clubs
Chiesa continues to be linked with an exit this summer, as the forward looks for a new challenge to get himself back in and around some first-team action.
The Italian international has struggled since his move to Anfield, as injuries impacted his early time, while he has failed to regain his best form with the limited opportunities he has received since.
A move away seems likely, but it will depend on the interest he receives and whether it matches the valuation set by Liverpool. According to Calciomercato, there are three teams eyeing up a potential move.
Juventus are linked with a return for Chiesa, where he impressed a few years ago, with the star already admitting that the club has a special place in his heart.
That may not stop a move to their rivals, however, as Inter Milan and Napoli have also been linked with interest in the winger for this summer.
The report adds that Chiesa will have a month to decide on his future, and it’s unclear exactly which of those three clubs he could end up at.
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Competition Is Good For Chiesa Sale
As Liverpool look for a potential sale for Chiesa, there will be some hope that competition for his signature will help maximise the value they can extract this summer.
The Reds paid just £12.5 million for the winger, a fee that can easily be matched or exceeded this summer by the Serie A clubs showing interest.
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Liverpool are behind in the race.
Any money from that deal could then help balance the books, especially with the expensive move for Diomande, as well as the deal for Munoz.
Considering the recent transfer spend, it’s important that Liverpool continue to find ways to raise funds to be active in the market going forward.
Sports
Spain’s Nico Williams Calls Out Uruguay Ace After He Suffers Injury
Nico Williams has opened up on the mental and physical toll of the past year and a half after suffering a fresh injury during Spain’s group stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving his involvement in the rest of the tournament in doubt.
The Athletic Club winger had only come on as a substitute in the 76th minute, before picking up the issue following a challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, who was booked for the tackle.
Williams has endured persistent fitness problems in the last 18 months, and this latest setback has clearly hit hard, with the 23-year-old reflecting on just how much he’s had to overcome to get back on the pitch.
Nico Williams Details Year Of “Suffering” And “Anxiety”
Williams, who has been subject to transfer interest from Arsenal, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s been through before reflecting on the latest blow.
“Today is one of the worst days of my life. I’ve gotten injured again after a very tough year, one in which the pubic symphysis pain won many battles against me, but not the war.”
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He continued by detailing just how much the injury affected his daily life, admitting: “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn’t know when I’d be able to play without pain again or when I’d get back to a normal life. I even got to the point of living with the pain in things as simple as going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or just enjoying day-to-day life.”
See what Williams had to say in full below:
Spain Winger Vows Latest Setback “Won’t Stop” Him
Turning to the incident involving De la Cruz, Williams suggested frustration played a part in the challenge that caused his injury.
“Yesterday, I was caused a new injury after an action in which a fellow professional acted out of frustration, discontent, and sadness over the situation he was going through.”
“It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.”
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Despite the disappointment, Williams remained defiant, insisting that there’s a chance he’ll be seen playing again during the tournament: “But this won’t stop me either. I know God has a plan for me, and I’ll keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing soccer, being happy, and bringing joy to many.” Before going on to say that “the story isn’t over—we’ll see each other as soon as possible in this World Cup.”
It’s been a forgettable World Cup for Uruguay, and the manner of their exit has only added to that reputation. Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card in the same match for diving in on Pau Cubarsi, leading to some chaotic scenes as tempers flared late on.
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The defeat means Uruguay finish bottom of Group H and head home without a single win to their name this summer, leaving Williams’ injury as just one of several incidents that have left a sour taste from their campaign.
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Sports
Everton Now Want World Cup Record-Breaker As Transfer Advantage Revealed
Everton are looking at potential midfield additions this summer, as Marca claims the Toffees are eyeing a deal for a World Cup star in the transfer market.
There is uncertainty specifically surrounding the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the experienced midfielder’s contract comes to an end at the beginning of next month.
In the retained list, the club confirmed that talks were continuing over a potential extension for the 36-year-old, with no confirmation over fresh terms as things stand.
While that could yet signal an exit for him, Everton are looking at other midfield options, one of which is an international teammate of Gueye.
Everton Want Pape Gueye Transfer
A potential replacement for Idrissa Gueye could be his international teammate Pape Gueye, who has been impressing for Senegal in the World Cup this summer.
Marca reports that Everton are keen on a deal for the 27-year-old midfielder, with Villarreal expecting to sell the star for a big fee in the coming weeks of the transfer market.
The Toffees hold an advantage over some of their rivals in the race, as it’s claimed that Gueye is prioritising a move to the Premier League over any other option.
That only remains an advantage if they are the only team from England eyeing up a deal, as others in the division could soon enter the race for his signature.
Gueye made 39 appearances for Villarreal last season, scoring five goals and assisting twice. While he impressed with those displays, it’s at the World Cup where the Senegal star is really showing his class and quality.
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Gueye Impresses At The World Cup
The World Cup is platforming plenty of top stars, with the competition likely to play a huge part in some key transfer switches across the world.
Everton could benefit from that, with Gueye being among those who have impressed in the tournament so far, following three group stage matches.
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The 27-year-old’s most recent appearance came against Iraq, where he picked up two goals and an assist in a 5-0 win. In the process, he became the first African player in the World Cup to get three goal involvements in one match.
That was the moment he became a record-breaker in the competition, with Senegal now dreaming of putting together a deep run with Gueye at the heart of the midfield.
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