BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

The FIFA Foundation has pledged USD 1 million from its Humanitarian Fund to assist relief operations following the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela, providing much-needed support to affected communities as recovery efforts gather momentum.

The world football body’s charitable arm announced that the funding would be directed towards urgent humanitarian assistance, helping both local and international relief organisations respond to the disaster and support thousands of people impacted by the earthquake.

The contribution forms part of the FIFA Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing rapid emergency assistance whenever communities are affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises around the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, stressing that football’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the game.

“The people of Venezuela have the full solidarity of the global football family during this incredibly difficult time,” Infantino said.

“Football has a unique ability to unite and inspire hope, especially in moments of crisis. Through the FIFA Foundation, we are proud to stand alongside the people of Venezuela and support humanitarian organisations and local partners working tirelessly to deliver urgent assistance to those most affected.”

The funding is expected to support emergency response initiatives, including the provision of essential aid and services as affected communities begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.

FIFA Foundation Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri said the organisation was determined to use football’s global reach to assist those facing hardship.

“The thoughts of everyone at the FIFA Foundation are with all those who have been affected by this devastating earthquake,” Macri said.

“Football has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, especially in moments of great need. Through our Humanitarian Fund, we are committed to standing alongside the people of Venezuela and supporting outstanding organisations working tirelessly to provide emergency assistance to affected communities.”

Football authorities within Venezuela have also joined the relief effort. The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) has been mobilising support through the country’s football community, highlighting the role that sport can play in helping communities cope with tragedy and accelerate recovery.

The latest intervention adds to a growing list of humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the FIFA Foundation since its establishment.

Through its Humanitarian Fund, the organisation has distributed millions of dollars in financial assistance and emergency supplies to communities affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies across the globe.

FIFA said additional details regarding the deployment of the funds and the specific projects that will benefit from the assistance will be announced after ongoing humanitarian assessments are completed and operational arrangements are finalised.

The move once again demonstrates football’s capacity to act as a force for solidarity, extending its influence beyond the stadium to provide hope and practical support when communities face their greatest challenges.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

This Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland will not only pit two nations against each other but also rekindle an intriguing personal rivalry between their head coaches.

Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Switzerland’s Murat Yakin once faced off as players in the UEFA Champions League more than two decades ago.

The only meeting between the pair came during the 2002/03 Champions League second group stage when Yakin’s FC Basel edged Scaloni’s Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 in a memorable upset by the Swiss club.

Now both men find themselves on the touchline rather than the pitch, guiding their countries in one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup.

Scaloni, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, is seeking another step towards a successful title defence. Yakin, meanwhile, has already guided Switzerland to their best World Cup performance in 72 years and is aiming to take the Swiss into uncharted territory.

While their playing careers crossed paths only once, the stakes are significantly higher this time around, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals hanging in the balance.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Two proud European nations burdened by contrasting but equally frustrating records will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals when Norway take on England on Saturday.

For Norway, this quarter-final represents an opportunity to continue one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories. Led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, the Scandinavians have already stunned football heavyweights Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire on their route to the last eight and now stand just two victories away from an unlikely appearance in the final.

Yet history offers a warning. Norway have failed to win any of their last six FIFA World Cup matches against fellow European opponents, a statistic they will be desperate to erase against an England side renowned for its tournament pedigree.

The Three Lions, however, arrive with demons of their own. While England have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, their record in World Cup knockout matches against UEFA opposition has been surprisingly poor. They have won only one of their last six such encounters, a sequence that underlines the challenge awaiting Gareth Southgate’s men.

England earned their quarter-final berth after a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico, while Norway continued their giant-killing run with a memorable 2-1 triumph over five-time champions Brazil, courtesy of another decisive contribution from Haaland.

The clash pits Norway’s fearless attacking approach against England’s tournament experience. Haaland remains the focal point of Norwegian hopes, while England will look to captain Harry Kane and their wealth of attacking talent to deliver when it matters most.

With a semi-final place at stake and both sides eager to banish unwanted records, the encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament.

For Norway, victory would move them closer to the greatest achievement in the nation’s football history. For England, it would represent another step towards ending a 60-year wait for a second World Cup crown.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H