Lamine Yamal returned to the Spain squad named Friday after injury forced Barcelona's young star to miss last month's World Cup qualifiers.

A groin problem kept Yamal sidelined for Spain's games against Georgia and Bulgaria.

But after recovering from a groin injury and returning to club duty, Yamal is back in the reckoning to face Georgia on November 15 in Tbilisi followed by Turkey in Seville three days later.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz is also fit again after recovering from a leg injury suffered in the 2-1 Champions League defeat of Barcelona at the start of October.

Spain, the European champions, are top of Group E, with automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in their grasp.

While Yamal returns to national duty, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will be missing his Barca teammate Pedri.

Also out of contention with injury are Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand.

Nuno Mendes will miss Portugal's final two World Cup qualifiers, national coach Roberto Martinez said Friday but his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Joao Neves is expected to return.

"There's no player who can replace Nuno Mendes. He's probably the best in the world right now," Spaniard Martinez told a press conference.

Full-back Mendes is suffering from a sprained left knee and will be out for "the next few weeks", PSG said on Wednesday.

Martinez called up Carlos Forbs for the first time after the Club Brugge winger tormented Barcelona in the Champions League, scoring twice and setting up another goal in the 3-3 draw in midweek.

Joao Neves is back after recovering from injury while captain Cristiano Ronaldo will look to add to his team-leading five goals in the qualifying campaign.

Ronaldo continues to be "an example for the group with his more than 200 caps", said Martinez.

Portugal will play in Ireland on November 13 and then host Armenia on November 16 in Porto.

A victory in Dublin would secure qualification for the Portuguese, who are top of Group F, to next year's World Cup in North America.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Joao Cancelo (Al Hilal/KSA), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City/ENG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal/ESP)

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Tottenham/ENG), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Joao Neves (PSG/FRA), Vitinha (PSG/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)

Forwards: Pedro Goncalves (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Felix (Al Nassr/KSA), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus/ITA), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge/BEL), Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr/KSA)

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says the door is still open for those hoping to make a late run for his World Cup squad despite disappointment for several players on Friday.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Manchester City's Phil Foden returned to the 25-man squad named for the final qualifiers against Serbia and Albania next week.

But there was not such good news for others with Everton's Jack Grealish, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly among the notable absentees.

There was also no place for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Morgan Gibbs-White and time is running out to impress the German who will have one more squad to pick in March before then naming his World Cup selection in May.

But the German insisted the door was still open when addressing the media on Friday, even if admitting he has a "settled mind" about the squad he will take to North America.

"I will also be open because I know anything can happen. You don't wish for injuries but it can happen in short notice," he said. "My thoughts now are more for the camps for September, October and November. But my thoughts for the World Cup will then start after this camp and the qualification phase is over.

"This was an important cycle for me and this is the third part of the cycle, so it's not finished. This is where all the attention goes now. Then comes the March camp.

"I think it's important for me to reconnect after these three camps with all 55 to 60 players on the long list and be in close contact and see them, meet them and text them."

England are yet to confirm which teams they will play in friendlies in March and that could largely depend on who Tuchel's side are drawn with for the World Cup group stage.

"We will have the phase in March which could be even busier for some of our players and their clubs," Tuchel said.

"We have to stay open-minded because young players can come through – those who are struggling for minutes can play important roles for their clubs. I need to make sure the door is always open and they are on their toes.

"The final nomination is only in May and until then, anything can happen."

Gennaro Gattuso recalled Gianluca Scamacca and Alessandro Buongiorno on Friday as he named a squad which contained few surprises for Italy's final World Cup qualifying group games against Moldova and Norway.

Elia Caprile gets his first Italy call-up with the Cagliari goalkeeper stepping in for the injured Alex Meret, who has a fractured metatarsal.

Meret's Napoli teammate Buongiorno returns to the fold after missing both of this season's international breaks with injury, as does Atalanta striker Scamacca, who last played for Italy at Euro 2024.

Italy face Group I's bottom team, Moldova, in Chisinau on Thursday before welcoming leaders Norway to the San Siro the following Sunday.

The Azzurri are guaranteed at least a spot in the qualifying play-offs after securing second place in the group with wins over Estonia and Israel last month.

Three points separate them from Norway who will effectively seal top spot and direct qualification for the World Cup if they beat Estonia just before Italy take on Moldova.

Norway's goal difference is 16 better than Italy's, meaning a huge turnaround in that statistic would be needed for Gattuso's team to snatch first place, even if the two teams were to finish the group level on points.

Italy are therefore very likely to take part in the play-offs, from which they failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups.

Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/ENG), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal/ENG), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma)

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Samuele Ricci (AC Milan), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle/ENG)

Forwards: Pio Esposito (Inter Milan), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah/KSA), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

The German FA (DFB) on Friday announced a four-year contract extension for president Bernd Neuendorf, whose ambitious agenda includes a potential World Cup bid.

Neuendorf has been in office since 2022 and was elected unopposed until 2029 at a vote at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt.

"We are now entering a new phase - a phase of shaping the future," said Neuendorf.

"Thanks to our joint efforts as an association, we are once again capable of taking action. We want to move forward courageously."

As part of his four-year term, the 64-year-old is considering a bid for Germany to host either the 2038 or 2042 World Cups.

Speaking earlier this week, Neuendorf said the DFB would "address this question in the future and see under what conditions such a bid would even be conceivable.

"It is clear that there are only a few associations in the world that have the infrastructure to handle such a tournament with 48 teams and the associated requirements. We can confidently say that we possess excellent infrastructure."

During his term, the former journalist has overseen a calmer time in charge of the organisation.

Prior to taking the role, the DFB had been embroiled in numerous scandals. The three previous presidents – Wolfgang Niersbach, Reinhard Grindel and Fritz Heller – were all forced to resign, while the organisation was struggling financially.

In March 2024, the DFB agreed a deal with American sportswear company Nike to take over as kit manufacturer from 2027, ending a 70-year partnership with German company Adidas.

While the decision attracted criticism, Nike's offer was reportedly double that of Adidas and has allowed the DFB to improve its financial situation.

Germany last hosted the World Cup in 2006.

The DFB's current focus is on a bid to host the women's Euros in 2029, with a decision expected in early December.

England have recalled Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Manchester City's Phil Foden to the squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Both missed out last time as Thomas Tuchel's England side sealed their passage to next year's finals with two games to spare following a 5-0 victory over Latvia.

There was no place once again for Everton winger Jack Grealish despite his impressive start to the season.

SQUAD:

Goalkeepers - Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)

Defenders - Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders - Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards - Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Serbia on Thursday appointed former Real Oviedo boss Veljko Paunovic as their new national team coach, following the resignation of Dragan Stojkovic earlier this month.

Paunovic, who led Serbia's youth team to the Under-20 World Cup title in 2015, will be tasked with turning around the senior side's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"His priority was neither the contract nor the financial terms, but to make himself immediately available and take over the team at such an important moment," Serbian football federation general secretary Branko Radujko said.

Serbia are third in Group K, one point behind second-placed Albania in the race for a play-off place.

They face already-qualified England at Wembley on November 13 and host Latvia three days later in their final two qualifiers for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"The result of these two matches will in no way affect Paunovic's future status," Radujko added.

Its official!

Veljko Paunovic is the new Serbia manager.

We have been waiting for you.

Welcome back 👑 🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/F35e4bQc7m

— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) October 30, 2025

Stojkovic resigned on 12 October after Serbia lost 1–0 to Albania at home.

"This defeat should not have happened, and I accept responsibility," Stojkovic said after the match.

They bounced back in their next game with a 3-1 win at Andorra under interim boss Zoran Mirkovic.

Paunovic, whose former clubs include Guadalajara, Tigres, Reading and Chicago Fire, was sacked by Oviedo earlier this month with the club 17th in the LaLiga table.

Serbia have qualified for three of four World Cups as an independent nation, but have never got past the group phase.

Lionel Messi has agreed a contract extension with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer confirmed on Thursday.

"Official: Leo Messi will continue to be an MLS player with Inter Miami," the league's Spanish language account on X said.

Inter Miami's X feed posted a video of Messi signing a contract sitting at a table in the middle of the club's new stadium, which is under construction, with the simple caption: "He's Home."

HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025

The Argentine superstar's new contract will see him remain with Inter through the end of the 2028 season, sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed to AFP.

The 38-year-old World Cup-winner's current contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

A new deal had been viewed as a formality after club sources told AFP last month that the franchise had reached an agreement on an extension.

Messi's contract ensures he will remain in competitive action until and long after the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament gets under way on 11 June, with the final to be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023 after an unhappy spell at Paris Saint-Germain, but the bulk of his stellar career was spent at Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021 after coming through the youth system at the Spanish giants.

At Barcelona, he won the LaLiga title 10 times and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy on four occasions.

In 2022, he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar and has expressed a desire to try to retain the trophy next year.

He has scored 114 international goals and also won the Copa America twice with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024.

MLS GOALS HISTORY

Messi could play at a sixth World Cup next year, which would set a new all-time record, although he could be matched by long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also just three goals short of Miroslav Klose's record of 16 career World Cup goals.

Argentina comfortably booked a spot at next year's finals, finishing nine points clear at the top of the South American qualifying table.

Messi finished as the top scorer with eight goals, including a brace in what may have been his last competitive match on home soil against Venezuela two weeks ago.

He was named the MLS Most Valuable Player in the 2024 season even though Inter Miami were eliminated in the playoffs.

In 2025, he became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in MLS history.

This season, Messi has led Miami back into the playoffs after finishing in third place in the Eastern Conference.

He wrapped up Inter Miami's regular season campaign with a superb hat-trick last Saturday in a 5-2 demolition of Nashville SC, leaving him with 29 goals from 28 matches to win MLS's Golden Boot award.

Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez each scored two goals and Argentina routed Puerto Rico 6-0 in an international football friendly on Tuesday.

Argentine legend Lionel Messi assisted on two goals and played the entire way in a match moved from Chicago to the home pitch of Messi's MLS Inter Miami squad.

Mac Allister, a standout midfielder for reigning English Premier League champion Liverpool, opened the scoring on a header in the 14th minute.

Messi set up the second goal for the Albiceleste with a through ball to Gonzalo Montiel, who fired in a shot to the bottom left corner in the 23rd minute.

Mac Allister scored again in the 36th minute for a 3-0 Argentina halftime lead.

Puerto Rico's Steven Echevarria scored an own goal in the 64th minute to give Argentina a 4-0 edge.

Martinez, who entered in the 63rd minute, scored in the 79th and 84th minutes – the latter off a Messi assist – to give the South Americans their final victory margin.

The match was moved over low ticket sales, according to organisers.

Argentina was coming off a 1-0 victory over Colombia last Friday, the same day Puerto Rico beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2-1.

Lionel Messi has rejoined the Argentina squad and could feature in Tuesday's friendly against Puerto Rico, coach Lionel Scaloni said after the forward skipped their 1-0 victory over Venezuela to play for Inter Miami at the weekend.

Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer on Saturday, and Scaloni said he would speak to the 38-year-old about his fitness before deciding if he plays against Puerto Rico.

"I saw Messi play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished well. I haven't spoken to him yet," Scaloni told reporters on Monday.

"Now we have the last training session for tomorrow's match, and as we always do before preparing for the final training, I'll talk to him and if he's in condition, he'll play tomorrow."

The match against Puerto Rico will take place at Inter Miami's home venue Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after being moved from Chicago due to security and logistical concerns.

Neymar remains in Brazil's plans but the forward needs to be fully fit to earn a recall to the squad as he looks to reignite his international career ahead of next year's World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday.

Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil in two years, with injuries hampering his ability to perform consistently since returning to Santos last year after a stint in Saudi Arabia.

Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Brazil's friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, praised Neymar's talent but stressed the importance of his physical condition.

"Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems," the Italian told reporters. "When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent."

The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward last wore the famous yellow jersey in October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament damage that has plagued comeback attempts.

Brazil head into Tuesday's match buoyed by an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Korea last Friday, a performance that showcased their ability to entertain with the "beautiful game."

However, Ancelotti emphasised that balance and teamwork remain paramount.

"The Brazilian national team wants to play beautiful football and can play it, yes, but it depends on what you mean by beautiful game," he said.

"Of course, the players have individual quality and commitment. You have to play beautifully with the ball and also without the ball, which is an important aspect."

The Italian, who took over in May after a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign, has prioritised attitude and adaptability in the limited time before the tournament in North America.

Since taking charge, Ancelotti has overseen three wins, a draw, and one defeat. Under him Brazil have become more defensively solid, conceding only one goal — a penalty against Bolivia in the high altitude of El Alto — while scoring nine.

On Friday in Seoul, the coach included four forwards in his starting eleven — Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha and teenager Estevao — and Brazil overwhelmed the home side.

Tuesday's clash with Japan provides another opportunity for Ancelotti to refine his tactical approach.

Reflecting on the team's progress, he added: "Commitment and teamwork are essential. Playing beautifully is important, but the most important thing is to win."

Argentina's Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has withdrawn from the squad due to inflammation in his right knee, the national team said on Saturday.

The 24-year-old played the majority of the 1-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly in Florida on Friday.

The Argentina team posted on X saying Fernandez had "synovitis in his right knee."

Fernandez, who has scored three Premier League goals for seventh-placed Chelsea this season, is the club's latest midfielder to pick up an injury, with Cole Palmer, Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos also sidelined.

Argentina play Puerto Rico in another friendly on Tuesday, while Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest on 18 October.

Curacao boosted their chances of reaching the World Cup for the first time on Friday with a 2-0 victory over Jamaica in CONCACAF qualifiers.

Goals from Livano Comenencia and Kenji Gorre at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad sealed a deserved victory that left the Caribbean minnows atop Group B.

Curacao are coached by veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old who is bidding to take a team to the World Cup for the third time after leading the Netherlands to the 1998 finals and South Korea to the 2006 tournament.

Friday's victory over Jamaica leaves Curacao top of their group with seven points from three games, one point over the second-placed Jamaicans, who have six points.

Trinidad & Tobago are third in the group on four points after securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Bermuda on Friday.

Curacao face a potentially pivotal home game against Trinidad & Tobago in their next qualifier on Tuesday.

But Friday's defeat was another blow for Jamaica coach Steve McClaren, the former England manager who is attempting to lead the Reggae Boyz back to the World Cup for only the second time.

Elsewhere on Friday, Suriname also kept their improbable qualifying campaign on track with a 1-1 draw at home to Guatemala in Group A.

Darwin Lom volleyed Guatemala into the lead in the 75th minute but Suriname leveled in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a scrambled goal from Virgil Misidjan.

The result left Suriname top of the group with five points from three games, leading Panama on goal difference. Panama improved their chances of qualification with a 1-0 away win over El Salvador on Friday.

With CONCACAF giants the United States, Mexico and Canada qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts, three more automatic berths are on offer for teams from the region.

The three group winners from the final round of qualifying will qualify for next year's tournament, with the two best-ranked second placed teams advancing to the inter-confederation playoff.

Folarin Balogun scored a second-half equaliser as the United States came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly international on Friday.

Monaco striker Balogun tucked away a clever finish in the 71st minute after latching on to a perfectly timed pass from Malik Tillman at Austin's Q2 Stadium in Texas.

Ecuador had taken the lead in the 24th minute when veteran striker Enner Valencia burst clear in a lightning counter-attack by the South Americans.

Valencia's first touch took him away from Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards before he arrowed in a low angled shot past US goalkeeper Matt Freese.

The Americans, however, responded well to that early setback, and Mauricio Pochettino's side looked the more threatening team after halftime, getting their reward from Balogun's equaliser midway through the half.

The result and the US performance was full of positives though for US coach Pochettino, who has struggled to build consistent performances since his appointment a year ago.

Back-to-back matches with a goal for Folarin Balogun! ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/gcfVaJpykF

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 11, 2025

Against Ecuador, one of the most in-form teams in South America who have qualified for the World Cup, Pochettino's side were well worth a draw.

"It's good to build momentum," Balogun said afterwards. "I said before the game, Ecuador is a strong team and we knew it was going to be difficult, but we're disappointed not to get the win.

"But I think we were the better side and there were a lot of positives. There was some good combination play and we created a lot of chances. I think I could have been a bit more clinical."

The US face Australia in a second friendly international on Tuesday in Colorado.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his World Cup-bound team's in-form strikers after Koki Ogawa and Ayase Ueda scored on Friday to rescue a 2-2 home friendly draw with Paraguay.

Feyenoord's Ueda got a late leveller in Osaka when he stooped to head home in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, shortly after replacing Ogawa from the bench.

NEC Nijmegen's Ogawa scored Japan's other goal in the first half after unleashing a stinging shot that Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez parried into his own net.

Paraguay defended doggedly throughout, and Moriyasu was happy that his centre-forwards were able to find a way through.

"When you face a strong team that doesn't let you shoot in the attacking third, it gives us confidence as a team when the strikers who we look to for goals manage to score," he said.

Ueda tops the Dutch league's scoring charts with eight goals in eight games this season for Feyenoord, who lead the table.

Ogawa has three in seven games for sixth-placed NEC.

"I'm in good form, but the things I have been building up are paying off," said the 27-year-old Ueda.

"I'm in a good situation."

Former Newcastle attacker Miguel Almiron opened the scoring for Paraguay midway through the first half before Ogawa equalised for Japan five minutes later.

Brighton's Diego Gomez scored a 64th-minute header for Paraguay, who took the sixth and final direct World Cup spot in South American qualifying.

Moriyasu was satisfied with his players' attitude after drawing with Mexico and losing to the US in their previous friendlies.

"We went behind twice, but the players clawed it back and I think the feeling that they played with came across to the fans," he said.

Japan host Brazil in Tokyo in another friendly on Tuesday, while Paraguay travel to South Korea.

Japan were missing several regulars through injury, including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

Eighteen-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao scored twice as an impressive Brazil thrashed fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea 5-0 away in a friendly on Friday.

Home captain Son Heung-min made his 137th appearance for South Korea, a record for the country's men's team, in wet conditions in Seoul.

But apart from that it was all about Carlo Ancelotti's side, who led 2-0 at half-time after goals from Estevao and Real Madrid's Rodrygo.

Estevao finished from close range after 13 minutes following an incisive through ball from Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

It was his second goal in his eighth game for Brazil and a reminder that he could be one of the stars of next year's World Cup in North America.

Brazil looked dangerous every time they went forward and they doubled their lead four minutes before the break when Rodrygo rifled in after evading the South Korean defence with some neat footwork.

The visitors played a strong side, with Manchester United's Matheus Cunha leading the frontline and the dangerous trio of Estevao, Rodrygo and his Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior just behind.

That quality told soon after the break as Estevao and Rodrygo both scored again, before Vinicius made it five with 13 minutes to go.

Brazil face Japan away on Tuesday, when South Korea host Paraguay.

France centre back William Saliba said his side are not intimidated by facing reigning champions Argentina or European holders Spain at next year's World Cup and believe they can overcome any rival.

France finished as the runners-up at the 2022 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties in a pulsating final widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in the tournament's history.

Spain, meanwhile, enter the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, as one of the favourites, having clinched the European Championship last year after knocking out France in the semifinals.

"The World Cup is eight months away. Spain and Argentina have won the last two major competitions, that's true. But we're not afraid of them. I hope we qualify and get our revenge at the World Cup," Saliba told reporters ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

"It's the greatest competition in football. Everyone wants to be there. There's nothing higher than that. That's all we're waiting for."

France lead Group D in their World Cup qualifiers with six points from two matches. They host Azerbaijan, who sit bottom of the group, at the Parc des Princes before travelling to Reykjavik to face second-placed Iceland three days later.

Saliba, who missed France's opening qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland due to injury, is eager to contribute as he eyes his 29th cap for the Les Bleus.

"It's always a bit annoying to be injured. Competition is fierce in the French team. I'm back today. We'll see how it goes. But I'll have to be good when the coach needs me," the Arsenal defender said.

World Cup qualifying in Asia reaches its climax over the next week, with Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia among six countries vying for the two remaining spots from the region.

The football-mad nation of nearly 300 million people is on the verge of its first World Cup since gaining independence from the Dutch in 1945.

Indonesian football authorities have looked to the Netherlands to achieve it, bringing in legendary Dutch striker Kluivert as coach in January.

They have also naturalised more than a dozen players born in the Netherlands but with family ties to the Southeast Asian country.

It comes three years after Indonesian football was plunged into mourning when 135 people were killed in a stadium crush during a domestic game.

"The whole country needs to stand behind us," said Kluivert, the former Netherlands and Barcelona great whose side faces Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Group B.

There are two groups in this stage of Asian qualifying, each with three teams that will all face each other once.

The teams that finish top of each group qualify for next year's showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams from 32, giving the likes of Indonesia a better chance of qualifying.

"We are doing our utmost best to perform at the highest level and prepare the players as good as possible," said Kluivert.

"Inshallah (God-willing) we are ready to make the country proud of us."

Indonesia will have to do it the hard way, with Saudi Arabia staging all the games in Group B, and so having home advantage.

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia meet on Wednesday in Jeddah to kickstart the action.

Kluivert, whose coaching career has never lived up to his stellar playing days, has won three of his six games in charge, losing two and drawing one.

The Saudis will be favourites to progress out of the group and are now back under French coach Herve Renard following the sacking of Italian Roberto Mancini a year ago.

Renard masterminded the Saudis' shock 2-1 win over Lionel Messi's eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Group A comprises Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, who are bidding to reach the finals for the first time.

That group will play all its games in Qatar, giving the reigning Asian champions an undeniable advantage.

Qatar appointed former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui in May, following his sacking by West Ham United.

Qatar begin the Group A action in Doha against Oman.

The runners-up in the two groups will meet in a two-legged tie in November, with the winner going into an intercontinental playoff.

Six teams from Asia have already guaranteed qualification: Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, Jordan and Australia.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been ruled out until after this month's international break after injuring his hamstring in the Champions League defeat at Galatasaray.

The Brazil international was replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili in the 56th minute of the game in Istanbul – Liverpool's second straight defeat after they started the season with seven successive wins in all competitions.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday his No 1 goalkeeper would not be fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

"Alisson is not a part of the squad tomorrow and he's not going to travel to Brazil as well for the national team," he said.

Slot said it was difficult to put a timescale on when the goalkeeper, 33, would return.

"I would be surprised if he would be there in the first game after the international break, but from there on sometimes things can go a bit faster or a bit slower," he added.

"It's difficult to say the amount of days and weeks, but for the upcoming games he will not be part of us or the Brazil team."

Slot said forward Hugo Ekitike, who also came off with an injury in the second half in Turkey, would train on Friday and would be assessed.

Liverpool remain top of the Premier League despite last week's 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace – two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

Real Madrid forwards Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr have been called up to the Brazil squad for friendlies against South Korea and Japan this month, while Neymar misses out due to a thigh injury.

Vinicius was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia last month, while Rodrygo last played for Brazil in March. Eder Militao was also included after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Neymar, Brazil's leading goalscorer, suffered a thigh muscle tear last month and is expected to be out until November.

Goalkeeper Alisson, defender Marquinhos and forward Raphinha were all also left out due to injuries.

Brazil play South Korea in Seoul on October 10, before travelling to face Japan in Tokyo four days later.

Ancelotti said the squad was not a definitive list of those who will travel to North America for next year's World Cup.

"Obviously, many of these players will be at the World Cup, but it is a list that also takes into account the injuries we have had in recent days," he added. "It is an opportunity for others to demonstrate their qualities."

Squad

Goalkeepers: Bento, Ederson, Hugo Souza

Defenders: Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Eder Militao, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Beraldo, Vanderson, Wesley

Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joao Gomes, Joelinton, Lucas Paqueta

Forwards: Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr