The Peninsula's World Cup XI

DOHA: When the FIFA World Cup began in North America, every nation dreamed of lifting the trophy. Four weeks and 104 matches later, a handful of players separated themselves from the rest through consistency, leadership and match-winning performances.

Some lifted the trophy, others fell just short, but all left an unforgettable mark on football's biggest stage. Here is The Peninsula's Team of the Tournament. newsindata.com

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón (Spain)

Spain's triumph was built on the strongest defence in the tournament, and Unai Simón was its final line. Calm with the ball at his feet and assured whenever called upon, the Athletic Club goalkeeper conceded just one goal throughout Spain's title-winning campaign and claimed the tournament's Best Goalkeeper award. His composure allowed Spain to play confidently from the back and provided the platform for their second World Cup crown.

Right-back: Pedro Porro (Spain)

Pedro Porro combined defensive discipline with constant attacking support down the right flank. His energy allowed Spain to stretch opponents while remaining dependable in defence, making him one of the tournament's most complete full-backs. His performances grew stronger as the knockout rounds progressed.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

At just 19, Pau Cubarsí played with the maturity of a veteran. The Barcelona defender read the game superbly, rarely looked troubled and anchored Spain's defence throughout the tournament. His performances earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award, confirming his arrival among football's brightest young defenders.

Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (France)

France ultimately fell short of the title, but Upamecano was central to another deep World Cup run. Strong in the air, composed under pressure and dominant in one-on-one situations, the Bayern Munich defender provided stability against some of the tournament's most dangerous attacks.

Left-back: Djed Spence (England)

One of England's biggest success stories was the emergence of Djed Spence. Solid defensively and fearless going forward, he offered width, pace and recovery speed throughout England's run to third place. His consistency made him one of the tournament's standout full-backs.

Defensive Midfield: Rodri (Spain)

No player controlled the tournament quite like Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder dictated Spain's tempo, broke up opposition attacks and rarely wasted possession. His influence extended far beyond statistics, earning him the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and underlining why he remains the heartbeat of both club and country.

Central Midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)

England's campaign was driven by Jude Bellingham. He combined goals with leadership and delivered in the biggest moments, including decisive knockout-stage contributions. His ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch confirmed why he is regarded as one of football's finest midfielders.

Central Midfield: Michael Olise (France)

No player created more opportunities than Michael Olise. The France winger finished as the tournament's leading assist provider, repeatedly unlocking defences with his vision, delivery and creativity. While others scored the headlines, Olise supplied many of the decisive moments.

Right Wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

At 39, Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world why he remains among the greatest players of all time. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner inspired Argentina to another World Cup final, combining goals, creativity and leadership throughout the tournament. Even as a new generation emerged, Messi continued to define the biggest occasions.

Centre Forward: Erling Haaland (Norway)

Norway's remarkable World Cup journey would not have been possible without Erling Haaland. His power, movement and ruthless finishing carried his country into the latter stages, while his goals against Brazil produced one of the tournament's biggest knockout upsets. He finished among the competition's leading scorers and confirmed his status as one of the world's elite strikers.

Left Wing: Kylian Mbappé (France)

No player was more decisive in front of goal than Kylian Mbappé. France may have fallen short of the trophy, but the captain finished as the Golden Boot winner after scoring 10 goals and adding four assists. The tournament also saw him become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer with 22 goals. Every time France needed inspiration, Mbappé delivered.

Spain provide four players after lifting the trophy, while finalists Argentina, semi-finalists France and England, and surprise package Norway complete a side that reflects both collective excellence and individual brilliance. Together, these 11 players produced the defining performances of World Cup 2026 and earned their place in The Peninsula Team of the Tournament.

تحوّل الحماس المتوتر والهتافات الصاخبة إلى آهات ألم ودموع، بعدما تبدد أمل الأرجنتينيين في تحقيق عودة ملحمية جديدة بقيادة ميسي في المونديال.
ففي أنحاء المدينة انطلقت الألعاب النارية، وتوجه المشجعون إلى المسلة الشهيرة للاحتفالات الكروية.وبعد أن بدت عليهم خيبة الأمل في البداية، سرعان ما عادوا للاحتفال بفريقهم، وقال كثيرون إنهم، رغم الهزيمة، سينزلون إلى الشوارع لاستقبال المنتخب.وكتب الرئيس خافيير ميلي على منصة «إكس»: «شكرا جزيلا لكم أيها اللاعبون!!! قاتلتم حتى اللحظة الأخيرة. الأرجنتين ستبقى دائما شامخة».

أعلن نادي الريان عن تعزيز خط دفاعه بصفقة جديدة، من خلال التعاقد رسمياً مع مدافع نادي الدحيل، يوسف أيمن، للانضمام إلى صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم خلال فترة الانتقالات الحالية. وجاء انتقال المدافع الدولي إلى صفوف «الرهيب» على سبيل الإعارة لمدة موسم واحد، في إطار خطة إدارة النادي لتدعيم الفريق بأسماء قوية قادرة على المنافسة على الألقاب المحلية والقارية في الموسم الكروي الجديد. ويُعد يوسف أيمن من العناصر الدفاعية المميزة.

Egypt have climbed five places to 24th in FIFA’s latest men’s world ranking after reaching the 2026 World Cup round of 16.

FIFA published its updated world rankings on Monday, one day after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final. The Pharaohs now sit third in Africa and second among Arab nations.

Egypt moved up from 29th place and increased their total to 1,597.04 points. This new position represents the country’s highest ranking since March 2011.

The Pharaohs now trail only Morocco and Senegal among African teams. Morocco climbed to a record-high sixth after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, while Senegal occupy 18th place.

Nigeria remain 26th globally but have dropped to fourth in Africa. Algeria complete the continent’s top five in 29th place. Algeria sit third among Arab countries, five places behind the Pharaohs.

Egypt’s rise followed their most successful World Cup campaign. Hossam Hassan’s side reached the knockout stage for the first time and remained unbeaten during the group phase.

The Pharaohs’ campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat against Argentina in the last 16. Egypt led 2-0 until the 79th minute, but the defending champions scored three late goals to advance.

Spain replaced Argentina at the top of the global ranking after winning their second World Cup title. France and England remain third and fourth, while Brazil moved up to fifth.

FIFA will publish its next official men’s ranking on October 7.

The post Egypt Climb to 24th in Post-World Cup FIFA Ranking appeared first on KingFut.

استقبل السيد علي بداوي، المدير العام للأمن الوطني الجزائري، أمس، سعادة اللواء خالد بن حمد العطية، رئيس الاتحادين الرياضيين القطري والعربي للشرطة، وذلك بمقر المديرية العامة للأمن الوطني في الجزائر، حيث جرى بحث سبل تعزيز التعاون المشترك وتطوير العمل الرياضي الشرطي على المستوى العربي.
وتناول اللقاء آليات دعم البرامج والأنشطة الرياضية الشرطية، بما يسهم في تعزيز التعاون بين المؤسسات الشرطية العربية، وتوسيع مجالات التنسيق المشترك بما يخدم أهداف الاتحاد الرياضي العربي للشرطة ويعزز حضوره في مختلف المحافل الرياضية.
وخلال اللقاء، أعرب اللواء خالد بن حمد العطية عن خالص شكره وتقديره للمدير العام للأمن الوطني الجزائري على موافقته على استضافة بطولة الشرطة العربية خلال شهر يناير 2027، إلى جانب اجتماعات الجمعية العمومية للاتحاد الرياضي العربي للشرطة واجتماعات المكتب التنفيذي، مؤكداً أن هذه الاستضافة تعكس حرص الجزائر على دعم مسيرة الرياضة الشرطية العربية وتعزيز العمل العربي المشترك. كما جرى التأكيد على أهمية توسيع التعاون بين الاتحادين الرياضيين القطري والجزائري للشرطة، وتبادل الخبرات بما يسهم في تطوير الأنشطة والبرامج الرياضية.
من جانبه، أشاد علي بداوي بالدور الريادي الذي يضطلع به الاتحاد الرياضي العربي للشرطة في خدمة الرياضة الشرطية العربية.