From Trump’s World Cup to wars, revolutions and fairy tales – the football stories that shaped 2025 in the Middle East and beyond.
BabaGol 2025 football review
Iraq’s Last-Minute Triumph Keeps 2026 Dream Alive
A dramatic 107th-minute penalty sends Iraq to the intercontinental playoff—now just one game from a first World Cup since 1986.
Nigeria Crash Out: Super Eagles Miss World Cup Again
Nigeria fell to DR Congo on penalties and missed another World Cup, exposing deep structural issues holding back the once-mighty Super Eagles.
UEFA Pressure Mounts: Ireland Leads Push to Suspend Israel
Ireland and other European FAs are joining efforts to push UEFA to suspend Israel over settlement clubs and racism allegations.
Israel’s UEFA Ban: Pressure Mounts, Outcome Unlikely
Despite rising protests and political pressure, Israel’s suspension from UEFA remains improbable due to regulations and key leadership stances.