U-17 and U-19 2021 FIFA World Cups cancelled

Avatar

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of both the U-17 and U-19 FIFA World Cups in 2021.

Indonesia was set to host the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup and now Peru, the scheduled host of the 2021 FIFA U-17 World Cup, will instead host the 2023 editions of the respective tournaments.

The decision to cancel the 2021 tournaments was made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges for the hosting of international sporting events and to have a restrictive effect on international travel,” FIFA said in a statement on Thursday.

“FIFA has therefore regularly consulted the relevant stakeholders, including the host member associations as well as the confederations involved in both tournaments originally scheduled to take place in 2021.”

“In doing so, it became clear that the global situation has failed to normalise to a sufficient level to address the challenges associated with hosting both tournaments, including the feasibility of the relevant qualification pathways.”

FIFA said that it was looking forward to working closely with Indonesia and Peru to organise successful tournaments.

“FIFA would like to express its gratitude to the host member associations, as well as the authorities in Indonesia and Peru, for their commitment and the tournament preparations made so far.”

The Bureau of the FIFA Council also made decisions regarding the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The allocation of the 32 slots for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was confirmed – Australia and New Zealand as the two host countries automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Six direct slots for the Asian Football Confederation have been made available. Four direct slots are available for both the Confederation of African Football and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.

The South American Football Confederation has three direct slots while the Oceania Football Confederation has only one direct slot.

Three remaining slots for the tournament will made available via a play-off tournament.

Australia and New Zealand’s direct qualification for the World Cup are taken as a direct allocation from their confederations, the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Isabella Mossin awarded Ninja A-League Women Referee of the Year

Avatar
Image credit: Football NSW

The youngest recipient since its inception, Mossin will officially receive the award after leading the Ninja A-League Grand Final 2026 on Saturday.

 

A rapid rise

After debuting in 2023, Mossin has quickly proved quality, composure and confidence as a referee in the Ninja A-League.

As a result of the achievement, Mossin will be the appointed referee for this weekend’s Grand Final between Melbourne City FC and Wellington Phoenix.

After beginning in the North West Sydney Football Association, Mossin then honed her craft with the Football NSW Referee Academy, a journey with foundations truly embedded in youth development and grassroots football.

Thus, Mossin is not just am individual success story, but a symbol of what institutional investment and opportunities can do for young women looking for a pathway to the game.

 

Celebrating success

The plaudits, unsurprisngly, are arriving from across Australia’s football landscape, with many emphasising the incredible standards set by Mossin since her debut just three years ago.

“This award is testament to Isabella’s hard work and dedication to refereeing, and a great reflection of the next generation of referees coming through the system in Australia,” said A-Leagues CEO, Steve Rosich.

“At just 25 years of age, she has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, strong decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure in some of the biggest matches in the competition,” highlighted Football Australia Head of Referees, Jon Moss.

“Having someone refereeing their first Ninja A-league Women’s Grand Final at the age of 25 years should inspire all girls and young women referees (and potential referees) and show them that age is not a barrier to talent being recognised within Football Australia refereeing,” said Chair of Football Australia Referee Committee, David Elleray.

Given Mossin’s reputation and experience already at the top level of women’s football in Australia, there is no doubt that she will rise to the occasion this Saturday.

Canada Soccer to begin new National Training Centre project

Avatar
Image credit: ACHPF / Shutterstock.com

Backed by the Government of Canada with an investment worth nearly AUD 10 million ($9,826,000), the project aims to establish a world-class facility for athletes, coaches and communities.

Building the sport and community

The investment comes as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), an ambitious program of the Government of Canada which will provide AUD 51 billion ($51 billion) to infrastructure projects over 10 years.

However, the Canada Soccer Training Centre is one key project which will benefit from such substantial investment. But the project isn’t just for future players – it will help boost economic activity and create a facility built for excellence and growth.

“It is about creating a world-class sport facility where athletes can train and represent Canada at their best,” explained Secretary of State (Sport), Honourable Adam van Koeverden, via press release.

“From the playground to the podium, it is projects like this that provide athletes, coaches, local families and communities with vibrant, accessible spaces to fuel participation, connection, and a growing passion for sport.”

President of Canada Soccer, Peter Auguros, further expressed his gratitude for the investment and what it could bring future generations.

“This support reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to strengthen communities and develop the next generation of Canadian talent. We are proud to partner in building infrastructure that will benefit our athletes and help shape the future of the sport in Canada.”

 

Growth gains momentum

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off in a few short weeks, Canada Soccer’s plan for a National Training Centre Project is symbolic of long-term vision.

The tournament is not a final flourish, but a stepping stone to accelerated growth.

And this is not a short-term setup.

As President of Concacaf and Vice-Preisdent of FIFA, Victori Montagliani explained, this is a project designed to survive for generations.

“The development of a National Training Centre in Canada represents an important legacy project for the country and it is always a positive sign when our members invest in infrastructure across the region.”

 

Final thoughts

The project, therefore, perfectly aligns a growing buzz for football across the region with intentional investment and ambition.

And although the action must eventually stop on the pitch, Canada Soccer are ensuring that growth continues long after the tournament’s final whistle.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend