A large proportion of players at the Women's World Cup are part of the LGBTQ+ community, but despite this, FIFA have not allowed captains to wear the One Love armband.The armband in question features the number one inside a heart, along with a rainbow — a globally recognised symbol of LGBTQ+ rights.The decision to ban the One Love armband at this year's tournament came after male footballers were also dissuaded from wearing it at their World Cup in Qatar last winter.To appease the players at the Women's World Cup, FIFA has brought out eight sanctioned armbands that the captains can choose to wear to highlight other social injustices.These are: Unite for Education for All, Unite for Ending Violence Against Women, Football is Joy, Peace, Love, Hope and Passion, Unite for Inclusion, Unite for Indigenous Peoples, Unite for Peace and Unite for Zero.While many athletes competing in Australia and New Zealand this summer have decided to wear these pre-sanctioned armbands, a few have decided to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community in other ways, and some have been extremely creative.GiveMeSport has looked into some of the most innovative ways players are showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community at the Women’s World Cup, whether it's nail art or hair dye.

Katie McCabe has made history by scoring the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever goal at a FIFA Women’s World Cup from an incredible set piece.Earlier this year, Vera Pauw’s side booked their ticket to the Australia and New Zealand-based tournament after triumphing 1-0 over Scotland in their final qualifying match.Having been sorted into Group B alongside co-hosts Australia, Nigeria and Canada, questions were originally raised on how far Ireland would be able to climb.In their debut World Cup match, the team fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tony Gustavsson’s side after Marissa Sheva brought down Hayley Raso in the box and Australia were awarded a penalty.

Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay introduced herself on the world stage in Brisbane as her nation made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut against England.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses opened their tournament campaign with a lacklustre win over debutants Haiti, with a retaken Georgia Stanway penalty as the sole deciding factor.Towards the end of the 1-0 game, Haiti’s Roseline Éloissaint came so close to equalising. The England number one Mary Earps was forced to make a huge save which helped her team to claim their slim win.Despite Stanway officially being handed the Player of the Match award, it was Dumornay and her Haitian side who truly came out on top.With stunning vision and wicked pace, the 19-year-old wreaked havoc among England’s defensive line and even gave Barcelona icon Lucy Bronze the runaround on more than a couple of occasions.Dumornay’s debut at the Suncorp Stadium has prompted one particular social media user to create a compilation video of her best bits. It is not an exaggeration to say her performance was absolutely glorious.

The stage is set, the players are poised to perform, and the globe is ready to witness the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup this month.The summer tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever and the favourites - the United States Women’s National Team - will be hoping to bring home the goods again for a fifth time.GiveMeSport is looking back at 11 of the most iconic USWNT World Cup moments which helped shape women’s football and grow the beautiful game in the USA.Our picks include Megan Rapinoe’s best Bruce Springsteen impression, the tea sip celebration that wound up Piers Morgan, and the Brandi Chastain image that has gone down in sporting history.

Fans have gone crazy for an effective method of transportation the Norwegian women’s team used to carry off an injured footballer during the team’s shock 1-0 defeat to New Zealand.Today (Thursday 20 July) the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup kicked off in host countries Australia and New Zealand.The former beat their Group B rivals, Republic of Ireland 1-0, despite captain Sam Kerr being forced to sit on the sidelines with a calf injury.The Perth native took to Instagram this morning to tell Aussie fans that she had suffered an injury in training yesterday, while reports state that she is also expected to miss The Matildas’ next group game against Nigeria next Thursday.Prior to the game at Stadium Australia, New Zealand started their summer campaign with their first-ever win at a World Cup.The Football Ferns triumphed over Hege Riise’s Norway 1-0 - with 31-year-old Hannah Wilkinson’s goal in the 48th minute being the deciding factor.However, following a missed penalty in the 90th minute, Norwegian defender Thea Bjelde went down near the right touchline.After completing eight tackles, the 23-year-old looked as if she was suffering from cramps or had injured her leg.Wasting no time, Bjelde was promptly carted off the field off play by Manchester United’s Vilde Bøe Risa and Norwegian winger Caroline Graham Hansen and subsequently dumped on the sidelines.You can watch the hilarious moment here:

The 2023 Women's World Cup has arrived.Cities across Australia and New Zealand will play host to the 32 teams battling it out for world supremacy, with the final taking place at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20. It’s set to be the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, with thousands of fans packed into stadiums and millions more watching on TV at home. Sam Kerr, Marta, Megan Rapinoe, Alexia Putellas and Lucy Bronze are among the star players set to compete in the tournament. A number of these players are also captaining their respective teams, and will be wearing FIFA-sanctioned armbands during the tournament.

An advert for the Women’s World Cup fronted by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann seems an odd choice to make — but fans are heralding the viral video with a twist as the “best advert” they have ever seen.Following the uncertainty over FIFA TV broadcasting rights, promotion is finally underway for the Australia and New Zealand-based tournament.Three days out from the World Cup, the likes of adidas and Nike football have already dropped star-studded promotional clips featuring the likes of Australia’s Mary Fowler, England’s Alessia Russo, and USA striker Sophia Smith.However, fans are most excited about the powerful French women’s promotional video created by telecom giant, Orange.You can watch the clip below:

The 2022/23 league season across the world was unusual in many respects because of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Domestic competitions paused for a few weeks as 32 nations attempted to win football’s biggest prize.Although some teams would have been frustrated about their seasons coming to a temporary halt, some club executives would have had one eye on their bank accounts as they waved goodbye to players departing for World Cup duty.That is because clubs received a payment from football’s world governing body, FIFA, for sending players to the tournament, with the amount depending on how many players they send and how long each player remains there.

After months of preparation, the FIFA Women’s World Cup returns this summer for what is sure to be a scintillating tournament.For the first time ever, Australia and New Zealand will play host as 32 teams such as England, Sweden and Nigeria all compete for world glory.Elsewhere, the US Women’s National Team are on the hunt for their third consecutive title, while the likes of Japan and Norway will be hoping to claim their second trophy.Before all eyes turn to the competition, we’re reminiscing on World Cup past and helping you get familiar with some of the greatest goals ever scored at the tournament.You’ll find the likes of Lucy Bronze, Chelsea’s Maren Mjelde and Marta on our list of best strikes, as well as former German midfielder Nia Künzer and USWNT hero Abby Wambach.

The stage is set and the globe is gearing up for the return of the Women’s World Cup this summer.For the first time, the tournament is being held in Australia and New Zealand, and organisers are hoping to draw a record-breaking viewership of 1.5 billion people.The competition is expected to be the biggest and the best yet, but how much do you know about the tournaments that came before?Of course, many will remember Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping celebration from 2019 and Kelly Smith kissing her boots in 2007.But how familiar are you with the controversial golden goal that helped Germany win their maiden trophy?

When is the Women's World Cup final? Here is your guide to everything you need to know about the ultimate event.This summer, the world will witness a plethora of generational talent performing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.In its ninth year, the competition is expected to be bigger and better than ever - with 32 teams all going for gold.From July, women’s football fans from across the globe are due to flock to the hosting nations, Australia and New Zealand.These match ticket holders will have the honour of supporting veteran sides such as the Netherlands and the Canadian national women's team. They will also be able to witness teams like Haiti and Morocco make their tournament debuts.The anticipated contest officially kicks off on July 20, but we’re already thinking about that scintillating final showdown.Here’s everything you need to know about the grand finale of the Women’s World Cup 2023, so you can prepare in advance.

Kaka welcomed Lionel Messi to the exclusive ‘Triple Crown’ club after the legendary forward won the World Cup with Argentina.Messi, playing in what is presumed to have been the final World Cup of his illustrious career, inspired Argentina to glory in Qatar with a series of breathtaking performances throughout the tournament.This was the crowning moment of Messi’s career. It’s the achievement which, for many, puts him firmly alongside the late Pele and Diego Maradona on the pantheon of all-time greats.

Marco Materazzi has confirmed what he said to Zinedine Zidane that sparked one of the most shocking incidents in World Cup history.During extra-time in the 2006 World Cup final, Zidane sensationally headbutted Materazzi in his last appearance in professional football.The France captain, who had enjoyed a magnificent tournament and almost single-handedly dragged his team through the knockout stages, was sent off in the 110th minute after losing his temper with the Italian defender.Because it was an off-the-ball incident, almost nobody spotted what had just occurred - including referee Horacio Elizondo."At one moment I saw Materazzi lying on the floor, about thirty or forty metres away, and so I stopped the game,” the Argentina match official said, per AS, in 2018. “Swiftly, through our intercoms, I asked my assistants what happened. Surprisingly, both of them replied to me, 'we saw absolutely nothing’.”However, Elizondo’s fourth official Luis Medina Cantelejo had seen what had just unfolded - and his account led to Zidane’s dismissal. Remember, the summer of 2006 was long before the days of VAR."Dreadful, Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi was dreadful... F***! Zidane headbutted Materazzi. When you see the video you will not believe me,” Cantelejo responded.Millions of football fans around the world found themselves in the same boat when the replays were shown.

The Qatar World Cup final was an incredible match – unless you were Patrice Evra.The former French international has said that he was in tears following Argentina’s victory.It was a sensational clash to watch, with Lionel Messi’s team the much better side in the first half and taking a two-goal lead courtesy of goals from the PSG forward and Angel Di Maria.Argentina remained two goals in front until the last ten minutes when two goals from Kylian Mbappe dragged France back into the game.And following Messi’s extra-time goal, the Frenchman netted again to send the game to penalties.Despite his valiant effort to guide France to a second consecutive World Cup, it was Messi and Argentina who prevailed.

Sarina Wiegman announced her latest England squad for the final international break before the Women’s World Cup.The Lionesses take on Brazil at Wembley for the Women's Finalissima on April 6, before coming up against Australia at Brentford Community Stadium on April 11.Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has returned to the squad after taking time to “sort out some personal issues”, but Beth England, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon were not selected.Also absent is Beth Mead, who is still recovering from an ACL injury she suffered in November.The 27-year-old’s knee buckled while she was playing for Arsenal against Manchester United in the Women’s Super League, cruelly bringing to an end a brilliant vein of form which included six goals for England at Euro 2022.Mead’s participation at the World Cup was already in doubt, with ACL injuries typically taking around nine months to recover from. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has only just returned to team training, for example, having suffered the injury in July.Wiegman subsequently gave an honest assessment of Mead’s chances of making the World Cup.

Footage from inside the France changing room during the 2022 World Cup final shows exactly why Kylian Mbappe has been selected as the new captain of the national team.The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Tuesday that manager Didier Deschamps has named Kylian Mbappe as the new captain of the national side following Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' retirement from international football in January.However, there has been significant backlash against Deschamps' decision, with many claiming that Mbappe does not have the personality or qualities to be a successful captain.

There were incredible scenes as Argentina played their first match since winning the 2022 World Cup.Argentina returned to Buenos Aires as heroes to celebrate their World Cup triumph for one final time.And the 83,196 Argentine fans inside the Estadio Monumental were in a party mood.Lionel Scaloni started with the same side that started the World Cup final against France in Qatar.And those 11 players walked out in their friendly against Panama to some quite amazing atmosphere.As Lionel Messi led his side out, fireworks erupted and blue smoke billowed around the stadium.Something special was about to happen.And something special certainly did happen.Every fan dressed in white and blue chanted and bounced as the players lined up. It looked incredible and brought the likes of Messi and Emi Martinez to tears.Amazing.

FIFA's plans for the 2026 World Cup are about to get even bigger, according to reports.And that's not just because it is taking place in North America.The New York Times reports that football's governing body has agreed to expand the tournament to include 48 different countries from around the world.Each country will play at least three games in the new format, which will see them all split into 12 groups, with each group consisting of four teams respectively. To make it even more complicated, the top two teams will advance to a round of 32, where they will be joined by the eight best third-placed teams before making it to the next stage of the competition.It means the teams who reach the final - which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York - will have to play eight matches to become World Cup champions in July 2026.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed that he told Kylian Mbappe to be ‘proud’ in the immediate aftermath of Argentina’s World Cup triumph against France late last year.The Aston Villa stopper was key to his nation’s success, if not unorthodox in the controversial methods he used to propel his side to victory.Martinez’s mind games have always been at the forefront of his character and his antics against French superstar Mbappe suggest that there is no player exempt from the Argentinian’s antics.

Haiti edged past Chile to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.Melchie Dumornay scored twice to give the Caribbean side a 2-1 victory, with a last-gasp goal from María Rojas unable to change the outcome of the inter-confederation play-off.The final whistle led to joyous celebrations from Haiti, who will now contest Group D at the Women’s World Cup alongside England, Denmark and China.GiveMeSport Women takes a look at the team's remarkable journey so far, and assesses if they are capable of even more upsets this summer.

A clip of Lionel Messi reacting to a journalist saying: ‘Let’s go for more!’ at the end of a new interview has gone viral on social media.Messi was interviewed by Diario Ole, an Argentina sports newspaper, in Paris this week.The 35-year-old spoke, among other things, about how it feels to have achieved his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup.

Enzo Fernandez is a Chelsea player.After a month of rumours surrounding the 2022 World Cup winner, the Blues got the deal over the line at the 11th hour.Fernandez's signing was finally agreed right at the end of deadline day and he's now the most expensive player in Premier League history.The price tag for the 22-year-old stands at £106 million, which also makes him the sixth-costliest footballer of all-time.It's a transfer which has sent shockwaves through football and a clear sign that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly means serious business.Since taking over from Roman Abramovich, the American businessman has spent over £600 million on new signings.He hasn't even been in his current role for a full year...Read more - Chelsea, Man Utd, Barcelona: What club has spent the most in football history?LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Todd Boehly, Owner of Chelsea FC looks on prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)But Boehly is a man who simply does what he wants with regards to transfers.One of the most reliable men in the game, David Ornstein, has shed more light on the Chelsea top dog's unwavering determination to get what he wants.In a short video clip uploaded to Twitter, which has proven to be very popular, the journalist reveals Boehly's reaction to watching Fernandez weave his magic in the recent World Cup final versus France.Check out the footage...

It’s almost exactly one month since Lionel Messi achieved his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup with Argentina.The 35-year-old further cemented his status as one of football’s all-time greats after inspiring his nation to glory in Qatar.Messi was the star of tournament and deservedly received the Golden Ball award following a series of stunning individual performances, culminating in scoring two goals (and a penalty in the shootout) during arguably the best World Cup final of all-time.France, inspired by Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, fought until the final whistle but Argentina prevailed thanks largely to their legendary captain plus goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Martinez pulled off arguably the biggest save in the history of Argentine football in the dying seconds of extra-time before psyching out France’s penalty takers in the shootout.Read more: Emi Martinez gets new tattoo in perfect place after Argentina win World CupSubstitute Gonzalo Montiel had the opportunity to seal Argentina their first World Cup title since 1986 with his team’s fourth penalty after Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni had both missed for Les Bleus. And he took it with both hands, firing the ball into the bottom corner past France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Ally McCoist is one of the most popular UK football pundits around.You just cannot hate the former Rangers and Scotland striker.McCoist was on top form once again at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.The Scotsman commentated on games for ITV, often alongside Clive Tyldesley. McCoist provided some expert analysis and was also thoroughly entertaining to listen to.A few weeks have passed since the World Cup came to an end.And he's now told a comical story of meeting Roy Keane on an empty beach while out in Qatar.In truth, the story isn't all that amazing. But McCoist's hilarious way of telling the encounter made for hilarious viewing.

Gregg Berhalter, manager of the US men’s football team, revealed he was subject to a blackmail plot during the 2022 World Cup.In a lengthy statement on Twitter, Berhalter admitted to kicking his wife’s legs in an altercation in 1991, claiming he had recently been blackmailed over the incident.US Soccer also revealed it had learned of the allegation on December 11th, and was conducting an investigation into the matter. With Berhalter’s contract expiring at the end of last month, US Soccer are subsequently set to announce who would be taking charge of the national team’s January camp in the coming days. 

Brighton and Hove Albion gave returning World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister a hero’s welcome as he returned to training on Monday.The 24-year-old was one of the stars of the tournament in Qatar, playing a leading role for Argentina alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez.Mac Allister enhanced his reputation with a series of superb performances in Argentina’s midfield. The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and several European clubs, including Juventus and Atletico Madrid, have subsequently been linked with a move for the South American since the showpiece international tournament ended.But it’s at Brighton where Mac Allister is likely to continue playing his football until at least the summer.His home since moving England from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, it’s fair to assume that Mac Allister’s value has skyrocketed in recent weeks.Transfermarkt valued Mac Allister to be worth €16 million in June. His current valuation stands at €42 million - but even an offer in that region is unlikely to tempt Brighton into selling their No. 10.LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina touches the FIFA World Cup winning trophy during the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp makes no secret of his admiration for Lionel Messi.The Liverpool manager has been very vocal over the years of his respect for Messi who, on the back of winning the World Cup with Argentina, is now widely considered by many to be the undisputed GOAT of men's football.While, yes, it was an opinion held by millions around the world long before Qatar 2022, Messi slotting that final piece in the puzzle into position has ended the conversation for many supporters who had been sitting on the fence.And to do so while winning the Golden Ball and Silver Boot along the way, scoring in every single round of the competition for good measure, just put the icing on the cake.Messi is currently still soaking up the celebrations surrounding Argentina's historic triumph, but Klopp got back to business over the last few days as Liverpool returned with a Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City and Premier League encounter at Aston Villa.And perhaps inevitably, Klopp was asked about Messi's extraordinary triumph in Qatar along the way.

On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi became a World Cup winner.The Argentina star has suffered from heartbreak numerous times in the tournament.He came ever so close to winning the tournament in 2014 as he led his side to the final.But Messi and Argentina came up short as they were defeated by Germany in extra time.The tournament in Qatar was most definitely Messi's last chance to get his hands on football's biggest trophy.Messi was determined to emerge victorious in Qatar.He was imperious throughout as he scored five times in Argentina's run to the final.He then scored twice and was successful in the penalty shootout as Argentina won their third World Cup title on spot-kicks.Get your Lionel Messi GOAT T-Shirt at the GiveMeSport Shop

Tottenham captain Harry Kane was subjected to cruel chants from sections of Brentford’s home crowd on Boxing Day.Kane, making his first appearance since missing a crucial penalty for England in the World Cup quarter-finals against France on December 10, found himself on the receiving end of stick from the home supporters.Brentford took the lead early on through Vitaly Janelt before doubling their advantage 10 minutes after half-time thanks to Ivan Toney.However, Kane pulled a goal back with 25 minutes left on the clock before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg equalised shortly afterwards.

Emiliano Martinez has shown off a brand new tattoo after winning the World Cup with Argentina.The 30-year-old, who plies his trade with Aston Villa, played an integral role in his country’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.In fact, it’s no exaggeration to suggest that Lionel Messi and the rest of his Argentina teammates probably wouldn’t have lifted the World Cup on December 18 if it wasn’t for their goalkeeper.Martinez produced arguably the most important save in Argentina’s history in the dying seconds of extra-time against France.Randal Kolo Muani looked almost certain to score after finding himself one-on-one with Martinez, but the French forward was denied by the Argentina ‘keeper’s outstretched left leg.LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Randal Kolo Muani of France has a shot saved by Emiliano Martinez of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)Martinez’s astonishing save meant the game went to a penalty shootout, where the Mar del Plata shot-stopper went on to produce more heroics.He saved Kingsley Coman’s spot-kick and did enough to prevent Aurelien Tchouameni hitting the target.LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Emiliano Martinez of Argentina saves the second penalty from Kingsley Coman of France in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi scrambled home his 98th goal for Argentina when he found the back of the net for the second time in the 2022 World Cup final.Cristiano Ronaldo might be the kingpin of goalscoring in men's international football, but his eternal rival is now only 20 strikes behind him after a Golden Ball-winning run at Qatar 2022.In fact, the entire calendar year has been extraordinary for Messi with the great man boasting a jaw-dropping record of 18 goals in just 14 appearances for Argentina over the past 12 months.That's more than some great strikers score in their entire international career, so for Messi to rack up those numbers in 2022 alone is truly something to be heralded.And it does, in turn, mean that it feels like an eternity ago that Messi graduated to 80 goals in the famous blue and white stripes against Uruguay back in October 2021.Back in the heady days when Argentina were qualifying for the World Cup they would later win, Messi made international headlines for scoring one of the strangest goals of his entire career.

So much of what makes Lionel Messi one of the greatest athletes of all time comes down to his mind.The biomechanics of his legs, torso and arms might be critical in making him the slight and slippery slalomer ducking between defenders, but it's the muscle behind his eyes that truly makes him unstoppable.It's an age-old cliché that the brain is the most important muscle in football, but it's such an overused statement because it's one based entirely in truth.