Football

Man City beat Liverpool to reach FA Cup semis

Erling Haaland scored a superb hat-trick to help Manchester City continue their formidable FA Cup run under Pep Guardiola by booking a record-extending eighth consecutive semi-final with a ruthless dismantling of insipid Liverpool.

Manager Guardiola had to watch from the stands as he served the second game of a touchline ban and he witnessed his team take apart toothless Liverpool in a result that will increase the pressure on boss Arne Slot.

City’s previous game was at Wembley, when they triumphed over Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, and the hosts backed that up with another impressive victory to close on a domestic cup double.

City had done little to threaten Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal until taking the lead on 38 minutes when Haaland converted from the penalty spot, just as he did at Anfield in the league this season, following Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy trip on Nico O’Reilly.

The Norway striker had been on a relatively barren run in front of goal before this game but he then added a second by guiding a header into the far corner from Antoine Semenyo’s cross on the stroke of half-time.

Liverpool had played fluently earlier in the game at Etihad Stadium – with Florian Wirtz prominent – but their inability to convert the chances they created proved costly.

City failed to deal with a long ball over the top but Mohamed Salah, playing for the first time since announcing he will leave Anfield this summer, hesitated when through on goal and his effort was blocked wide.

He also later had a penalty saved by James Trafford while Hugo Ekitike’s strike from inside the area flew wastefully over.

City were much more clinical, as Semenyo clipped in a delightful finish early in the second half to make it 3-0 before Haaland completed his treble to seal City’s serene progression to the last four.

BBC

Football

Iraq qualifies for 2026 World Cup, ending 40-year wait

Iraq has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 40-year absence since their only previous appearance in 1986, after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico.

The result secures Iraq’s second-ever place at the World Cup, with the team advancing through the fifth round of the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers before booking their spot with the decisive win on March 31.

Known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia”, Iraq reached the tournament despite logistical travel challenges during their campaign.

They join a group of Arab nations already qualified for the 2026 finals, including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format.

Football

Is Salah destined for Saudi?

Mohamed Salah’s recent form has left many wondering whether it could be his last season at Liverpool, with a move to the Saudi Pro League the most likely outcome.

Salah has been unable to recapture the outstanding form he displayed last season, when his influence was central to Liverpool securing only their second Premier League title.

The forward has managed just four league goals to date, and it now appears increasingly unlikely he will reach his customary 20-goal benchmark.

Now 33 years old, football fans around the world are questioning whether Salah still has the consistency and sharpness required to compete at the very highest level, and if a move to Saudi is inevitable.

This noise has been amplified following the recent news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s discontent, the Portuguese star missed Al Nassr’s last two matches following growing frustration with the direction of the Saudi project. It’s not the first time Salah has been linked to a move to the SPL and he is now once again being mentioned as a potential statement signing to further bolster the league’s talent.

According to reports, Saudi clubs are reportedly prepared to offer Salah a salary three times his current £400,000-per-week wage at Liverpool. Such a contract would make him one of the highest-paid footballers globally and fulfil a long-standing goal of Saudi football.

Why the move would make sense

Salah’s potential move to Saudi Arabia could be a win-win for both sides. The Liverpool legend has just one year remaining on his contract, which expires in June 2027, and given his current form, the Reds may prefer to sanction a transfer this summer, securing a fee rather than risk losing him for free next year.

The SPL’s interest in Salah goes beyond his talent on the pitch, signing him would be a huge statement with major sporting, cultural, and commercial implications. Salah is one of the world’s most recognisable footballers, meaning his presence would instantly raise the league’s profile internationally, similar to the signing of Ronaldo. Salah’s identity as a practicing Muslim adds a unique dimension. Playing in a Muslim-majority country like Saudi Arabia, he would be in an environment that aligns closely with his faith, something that resonates with fans in the region. This connection would not only inspire young players in Saudi Arabia but also attract millions of viewers in the Middle East and beyond, amplifying the league’s reach.

From a commercial standpoint, Salah brings huge marketing potential. His signing would draw international attention, boost ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and sponsorship opportunities, and position the Saudi Pro League as a destination capable of attracting elite talent.

Football

Mo Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

Liverpool’s dazzling forward Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of this season, the Premier League champions announced on Tuesday, bringing an end to an “illustrious” nine-year spell at Anfield.

The 33-year-old Egypt international joined from Roma in 2017 and has made 435 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 255 goals.

“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season,” the club said in a statement on its website.

“The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.

“Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”

In a video shared on X featuring highlights from his time at the club, Salah said: “Hello everyone. Unfortunately, the day has come.

“This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.”

“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”

435 appearances

The club added that his 255 goals in 435 appearances place him third on Liverpool’s all-time top scorers list.

Salah was forced off at Anfield last week after scoring in a 4-0 win over Galatasaray, a result that secured Liverpool’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The in-form forward had found the net in three of his last four starts following a rare dry spell.

Although typically resilient to injuries, Salah had earlier endured a difficult period this season after a high-profile fallout with manager Arne Slot, which saw him dropped for several matches before returning to the side.

Despite his recent improvement, Salah has scored just five Premier League goals this season, a sharp contrast to the 29 he netted during Liverpool’s title-winning 2024/25 campaign.