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FIFA Series 2024 Friendly Matches to Kick Off Thursday in Jeddah

File photo/Saudi flag fluttering in the Jeddah
File photo/Saudi flag fluttering in the Jeddah
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FIFA Series 2024 Friendly Matches to Kick Off Thursday in Jeddah

File photo/Saudi flag fluttering in the Jeddah
File photo/Saudi flag fluttering in the Jeddah

The friendly matches of the FIFA Series 2024 experimental project will kick off Thursday, with the Kingdom hosting for the first time two groups aligning with the ongoing FIFA international match days.
FIFA has announced its support for its member federations in organizing a set of international friendly matches, including the participation of four national teams from diverse continental federations to be taken place in a single host country.
Jeddah Governorate hosts two groups at the reserve stadium of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sport City Stadium, scheduled from March 21 to March 26, SPA reported.
The first group includes teams from Cape Verde (Confederation of African Football), Cambodia (Asian Football Confederation), Equatorial Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Guyana (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football). The second group will host Bermuda (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Brunei Darussalam (Asian Football Confederation), Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Vanuatu (Oceania Football Confederation).
The participating teams have all arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in preparation for the kickoff on Thursday. The teams are holding their practice sessions at the training facilities of King Abdullah Sports City.
The hosting of the intercontinental championship is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Saudi and international football federations, and it contributes to enhancing FIFA's developmental plans, mainly those related to developing national teams, as well as providing more opportunities for their technical growth.
The Kingdom is hosting two groups for this project, reinforcing its status as a prime destination for global mega sports events. The Kingdom has recently been the venue for a variety of major tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup, the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women's Championship. It has announced it will hold the Asian Cup 2027, leading up to its bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

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Man City Charge Stalls at Sunderland, Liverpool Held by Leeds

Manchester City were held by Sunderland to fall four points behind Arsenal. ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP
Manchester City were held by Sunderland to fall four points behind Arsenal. ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP
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Man City Charge Stalls at Sunderland, Liverpool Held by Leeds

Manchester City were held by Sunderland to fall four points behind Arsenal. ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP
Manchester City were held by Sunderland to fall four points behind Arsenal. ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP

Manchester City trail Arsenal by four points at the top of the Premier League after failing to end Sunderland's unbeaten home record in a 0-0 draw on Thursday, while Liverpool were also held by Leeds.

In a goal-shy start to 2026, three of the four New Year's Day fixtures ended without a goal as Tottenham also played out a 0-0 draw on Thomas Frank's return to Brentford.

City had won eight consecutive games to end 2025 and cut the gap on the Gunners to just two points, AFP said.

But they were unable to respond to Arsenal's impressive 4-1 demolition of third-place Aston Villa on Tuesday despite creating a host of chances against a depleted Sunderland.

The Black Cats were without six players at the Africa Cup of Nations plus influential center-back Dan Ballard due to injury.

Bernardo Silva had a City goal ruled out for offside just six minutes in.

Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was in inspired form to deny Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol, while Savinho blasted a glorious chance over.

But City could not find the breakthrough as Sunderland preserved their record of not losing in 10 games at the Stadium of Light since returning to the top flight.

"It's a mystery," said City boss Pep Guardiola on his side's inability to score. "We created a lot, especially in the second half.

"We take the point, it's a long way (to go)."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot bemoaned his side's lack of "individual special moments" as the English champions struggled to break down a resilient Leeds in a goal-less draw at Anfield.

The Reds were toothless in attack without the absent Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak and were only saved from defeat late on by a tight offside call.

Despite scoring in the last six games, Dominic Calvert-Lewin started on the bench as Daniel Farke had one eye on the visit of Manchester United to Elland Road on Saturday.

Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring streak when he prodded in 10 minutes from time but had strayed just beyond the last defender.

A draw extends Leeds' unbeaten run to six games and takes them seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Fourth-placed Liverpool edge three points ahead of Chelsea, who parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca on Thursday, and Manchester United in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League.

'Boring' Tottenham

Frank was given a hero's reception back at the club he returned to the top flight for the first time in 74 years and established as a Premier League force.

The Dane has not found it tougher to make an impact at Tottenham and they produced another display devoid of attacking inspiration.

The visiting Spurs fans chanted "boring, boring Tottenham" in the closing stages, while Frank was booed after the full-time whistle.

"Definitely, we don't create enough," admitted Frank. We need to continually work on that."

A stalemate leaves both sides still separated by just one point with Brentford in ninth and Spurs 12th.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said his depleted side are in "survival mode" after a 1-1 draw against Fulham extended their winless run to six games.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's first goal in eight games opened the scoring for Palace, but Fulham captain Tom Cairney's fine strike rescued a point for the visitors.

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Maresca Leaves Chelsea After Just 18 Months in Charge

Chelsea's Italian head coach Enzo Maresca reacts during the UEFA Champions League league phase day 6 football match between Atalanta Bergamo and Chelsea FC at Bergamo Stadium, in Bergamo on December 9, 2025. (AFP)
Chelsea's Italian head coach Enzo Maresca reacts during the UEFA Champions League league phase day 6 football match between Atalanta Bergamo and Chelsea FC at Bergamo Stadium, in Bergamo on December 9, 2025. (AFP)
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Maresca Leaves Chelsea After Just 18 Months in Charge

Chelsea's Italian head coach Enzo Maresca reacts during the UEFA Champions League league phase day 6 football match between Atalanta Bergamo and Chelsea FC at Bergamo Stadium, in Bergamo on December 9, 2025. (AFP)
Chelsea's Italian head coach Enzo Maresca reacts during the UEFA Champions League league phase day 6 football match between Atalanta Bergamo and Chelsea FC at Bergamo Stadium, in Bergamo on December 9, 2025. (AFP)

Enzo Maresca left his role as Chelsea head coach on Thursday after just 18 months in charge, the Premier League club announced.

The Italian's exit from Stamford Bridge comes with the club fifth in the Premier League table -- 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal -- with one win in their last seven top-flight games.

"Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company," said a club statement.

Speculation about Maresca's position increased during Chelsea's poor run of recent results amid reports of a worsening relationship between the coach and the club's hierarchy.

"With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track," Chelsea added.

Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference following a frantic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, although his absence was attributed to illness.

The draw meant Chelsea had dropped 13 points at home from winning positions this season -- the bulk of the 15-point deficit between the Blues and Arsenal.

His decision to substitute Cole Palmer just after the hour mark during the Bournemouth game was booed by Chelsea fans.

Maresca has stood by comments made on December 13 after a league win at home to Everton when he said many people at Chelsea "didn't support me and the team".

He repeatedly refused to clarify the comments, although he insisted they were not an attack on the club's supporters.

The 45-year-old said the days leading up to the 2-0 victory over Everton were "the worst 48 hours" of his time at Chelsea.

Maresca's stock at Chelsea was high after the Blues beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League in November.

- Man City talks -

But damaging defeats by Leeds, Atalanta and Villa increased the pressure on the Blues boss.

Maresca had also been linked as a potential successor to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola should he end his decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

It has been reported that Maresca twice informed Chelsea of talks with City, where he previously worked as one of Guardiola's assistants, as his contract required him to reveal negotiations with other clubs.

Chelsea sit 13th in the Champions League table and are likely to miss out on direct qualification for the last 16 via a top-eight finish.

But they have progressed to the semi-finals of the League Cup, where they will face Arsenal over two legs.

Maresca's contract had been due to run until the summer of 2029, with a club option of a further year.

Chelsea won the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025 and Maresca also led them back into the Champions League via a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League in his only full season in charge.

"Thank you for everything, mister, and to your staff. For the work and the trust from day one, and for the memories," Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella posted on social media alongside pictures of the Spain international with Maresca.

The Blues return to action on Sunday at Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions during a congested January schedule.

Liam Rosenior, the head coach of French club Strasbourg, owned by Chelsea's parent company BlueCo -- a consortium headed up by US billionaire businessman Todd Boehly -- is a candidate to replace Maresca despite the 41-year-old's lack of Premier League experience.

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are other potential contenders for the job.

Sports

Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen Head Star-packed AFCON Last-16 Cast

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen Head Star-packed AFCON Last-16 Cast

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations group A soccer match between Zambia and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.

After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.

Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favorites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.

AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.

Senegal v Sudan

Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been among the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are among the favorites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.

Mali v Tunisia

"If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further," warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws. Tunisia did well to hold Morocco, but were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalizing.

Morocco v Tanzania

A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.

South Africa v Cameroon

South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.

Egypt v Benin

Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa to win Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.

Nigeria v Mozambique

Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).

Algeria v DR Congo

The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches -- Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.

Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso

This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Ivory Coast share a border in west Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now face impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.