Residents of Tremendous Earth! Don’t concern the resurgence of Illuminate scum – the Helldivers might be able to struggle them within the streets, at your doorsteps, and on town borders and limits! The Ministry of Protection is authorizing the sale and distribution of the City Legends Premium Warbond* to all Helldivers, out there beginning now!

You’ve been preventing in swamps, deserts, and frozen wastelands with our most interesting weapons. However what sort of package do it’s essential make a dent within the invading forces on the subject of your individual streets?

Preventing in colonies means slender streets and shut encounters, so we’re introducing our first melee secondary weapon with the SQC-19 Stun Lance. This extra-large poker offers you good vary and pairs completely with the SH-51 Directional Protect stratagem.

We expect you’re going to understand some stationary firepower–one thing you’ll be able to name down right into a metropolis middle to place a dent in these Illuminate Harvesters. The E/AT-12 Anti-Tank Emplacement will help you liberate even probably the most closely armored of enemies utilizing probably the most democratic of firepower.

However what when you’re going through down a horde of Voteless and the Anti-Tank simply gained’t take out sufficient of them directly? I do know what I’m going to name down: the A/FLAM-40 Flame Sentry. A stationary, high-powered flamethrower turret. Watch out with this one, although, Helldiver–if the pink ammo canister takes an excessive amount of hearth, the entire sentry will go up in flames, taking anybody close by with it.

When you’re busy holding off the onslaught with the defend and lance, you will get some further assist from the brand new Armed Resupply Pods booster, which upgrades your resupply pods with a tiny top-mounted turret to fend off stragglers whilst you make your technique to the ammo drop. Simply keep in mind to maintain your head down on method!

Flip your self into an immovable object for the enemy with the SR-18 Roadblock heavy armor. With a crested, Spartan-style helmet and imposing pauldrons to bulk up your shoulders, you’re positive to look the half.

However when you’re feeling such as you want an agile mild armor to maneuver quick within the streets, there’s additionally the SR-24 Road Scout that’s giving some S.E.A.F trooper vibes. Each of those armors function the Siege Prepared passive, which will increase your main weapon reload pace by a whopping 30% and your main ammo capability by 20%!

City Legends has two capes with a grey and yellow shade scheme that appears nice with both armor set: the Greatcloak of Rebar Resolve with an additional giant cranium design, and the glossy, asymmetrical Holder of the Yellow Line cape.

The Illuminate threaten our colonies with slavery and demise. We now have chosen our phrases rigorously–maybe they need to have carried out the identical. The “That is Democracy” emote will present these squids that Tremendous Earth won’t be conquered.

There are additionally coordinating participant playing cards for Rebar Resolve and Holder of the Yellow Line, as effectively a brand new set of city camouflage patterns, Concrete Jungle, on your hellpods, shuttle, exosuit, and the model new FRV which might be out there quickly! And like our earlier Warbonds, we’re together with loads of Tremendous Credit to unlock.

The residents of Tremendous Earth’s colonies will relaxation somewhat simpler understanding you’re armed with the newest from the Ministry of Protection. Gear up, Helldivers, and make the streets secure once more with City Legends–out there in the present day!

*Requires base sport, paid buy of Tremendous Credit, and sport development to unlock.

The Blues made gentle work of the subzero temperatures in what was comfortably our furthest European journey ever. Marc Guiu opened the scoring earlier than enjoying his half in Aleksandr Marochkin’s own-goal quickly after to set us on our approach, together with his solo strike for the primary a very eye-catching effort.

Chelsea continued to dominate and we deservedly prolonged our benefit via Renato Veiga’s second aim on this competitors, a robust header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor’s nook.

Our Kazakh hosts had a second to cheer earlier than the break when Marin Tomasov curled a tremendous strike past Filip Jorgensen’s attain, however in any other case the Blues have been largely snug in making it 5 from 5 on this competitors’s league section.

There was added satisfaction for Enzo Maresca as he was in a position to give three children – Ato Ampah, Shumaira Mheuka and Kiano Dyer – their Chelsea debuts off the bench, whereas Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Tyrique George have been two of our brightest performers having featured from the off.

Full debut and European bow

With a much-changed squad travelling to Kazakhstan, the headline crew information earlier than kick-off was the number of midfielder Rak-Sakyi for his full Chelsea debut, with Josh Acheampong additionally making his maiden senior begin.

Carney Chukwuemeka begun a recreation for the primary time since August 2023, whereas George was within the XI, too. Pedro Neto was the only real participant to retain his place within the crew, within the data he’s suspended for Sunday’s go to of Brentford. He lined up on the correct flank with George on the other facet.

The bench will go down as one of the inexperienced in Chelsea historical past. Of our 9 subs, solely Harvey Vale had performed for our senior crew earlier than. He got here on, as did three debutants.

It’s onerous to overstate simply how chilly the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion was at kick-off, however the Blues confirmed no signal of letting the subfreezing temperatures have an effect on us early on.

Guiu will get going early

On 4 minutes, George danced infield and curled a shot simply over, earlier than Neto signalled his intent with a low drive Astana keeper Mukhammejan Seisen acquired down effectively to parry.

Chelsea seized management of the competition with a pair of Guiu objectives both facet of the quarter-hour mark. The primary stemmed from a burst down the correct and what adopted was a composed end previous Seisen at his close to publish.

Astana had barely recovered when it appeared as if Guiu had made it two, this time benefitting from Neto’s velocity, ability and exact crossing. The Spaniard appeared to have bundled the ball house from shut vary however it was recorded as an own-goal by Marochkin.

A Neto piledriver pressured a superb low cease from Seisen, and Veiga then stole in across the again from his compatriot’s cross, however couldn’t direct his half-volley on course. The identical went for a ferocious close-range Guiu strike as he tried to finish a fast hat-trick.

On 36 minutes, with their first assault of observe, Charles Chinedu tried his luck from vary. It was snug for Filip Jorgensen.

Renato rises highest

Again Chelsea got here. Acheampong acquired locals and travelling followers alike excited with a dart into the world from deep earlier than seeing his low shot blocked. A Chukwuemeka strike was stored out by Seisen, however from the ensuing nook we did make it 3-0. Veiga rose unchallenged to move in Dewsbury-Corridor’s inswinging supply.

Earlier than the break, Astana acquired a aim again in opposition to the run of play. It was a tremendous end, too, the hosts’ captain Tomasov bending a lovely strike previous Jorgensen and in off the publish. Nonetheless, this had very a lot been Chelsea’s half.

For the second interval, Maresca despatched on Ampah for his Blues debut, as Neto made approach.

Astana began with some gusto however earlier than lengthy Chelsea have been threatening once more. Chukwuemeka was thwarted as soon as extra by Astana’s stopper, with George’s try to fireside house the unfastened ball in useless as a yellow shirt acquired in the way in which.

Seeing it out

That was Chukwuemeka’s final contribution of observe as he was changed by Vale halfway via the second half. The tempo of the sport had slowed, however George was all the time keen to inject some power together with his direct working down the left.

Dewsbury-Corridor, a busy presence in midfield, drilled a shot from the sting of the field simply vast. He was now comfortably the senior statesman in our entrance six.

That remained the case when Mheuka changed Guiu to affix Ampah in making his Chelsea debut and turning into our second-youngest participant to function in European competitors within the course of.

Dewsbury-Corridor had a superb late alternative so as to add a fourth in entrance of the hardy travelling help, however ultimately discovered the angle too slim to get a shot away. It mattered not, as as soon as once more within the Convention League, Chelsea had acquired the job performed with the minimal of fuss.

What it means…

We won’t contest a play-off in February now that our prime eight place is safe, as a substitute awaiting a victor within the Spherical of 16 in March.

What’s subsequent…

We host Brentford at Stamford Bridge within the Premier League on Sunday on the later time of 7pm GMT. Our remaining inserting within the league section of the Convention League will then be decided per week right this moment once we tackle Shamrock Rovers.

Chelsea(4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Disasi (c), Veiga; Dewsbury-Corridor, Rak-Sakyi (Dyer 86); Pedro Neto (Ampah 46), Chukwuemeka (Vale 67), George; Guiu (Mheuka 78)
Unused subs: Bergstrom, Merrick, Murray-Campbell, Olise, Wilson
Scorers: Guiu 14, 18, Veiga 39

Astana (4-2-3-1): Seisen; Bartolec, Kazukolovas, Marochkin, Vorogovskiy; Amanovic (Osei 46), Kalaica; Tomasov (c) (Gripshi 88), Ebonh, Camara (Astanov 90+2); Chinedu (Karimov 73)
Unused subs: Zarutskiy, Condric, Bystrov, Kuat, Ahanonu, Beisebekov, Basmanov, Zhaksylyk
Scorer: Tomasov 45

Referee Sven Jablonski from Germany
Crowd 20,982

Rasmus Hojlund roused himself from the bench to steer Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen and guarantee Ruben Amorim’s run of successive defeats got here to an finish within the Czech Republic.

For a lot of Thursday evening’s contest performed in freezing situations in Bohemia, it appeared as if United have been staring on the prospect of a primary defeat in Europe of the season, after former Burnley striker Matej Vydra pounced on a dreadful mistake from Andre Onana to provide the hosts the lead (48).

Amorim appeared to his substitutes and summoned Hojlund for the disappointing Marcus Rashford, and the Dane made an on the spot influence, producing a poacher’s end after good work from Amad Diallo inside six minutes of approaching (62).

Not content material with a degree, United turned the sport round two minutes shy of stoppage time as a disguised free-kick from Bruno Fernandes allowed Hojlund to spin and fireplace past Plzen goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka to propel United as much as seventh within the Europa League desk.

Amorim informed TNT Sports activities: “We improved through the recreation. We managed it within the first half with none nice probabilities. There was an absence of velocity and an absence of motion.

“The pitch was tough to make the reference to the strikers however we managed it. We then gave a purpose away and reacted. We pushed them and we may have scored earlier than we did. It is necessary to have a look at the efficiency but it surely’s higher to do this with a win.”

Amorim’s aspect stay unbeaten after six video games – successful three of them – whereas Plzen drop to seventeenth following their first defeat of the marketing campaign.

Substitutes make the distinction in Pilsen

Sky Sports activities’ Ben Grounds:

The Plzen gamers dropped to the ground on the closing whistle. They knew that an opportunity had escaped their grasp. United grew to become the primary crew since Barcelona two years in the past to win right here in Europe.

It meant they jumped as much as seventh within the Europa League – they usually did so due to the modifications Amorim made and the targets Hojlund scored.

A penny for the ideas of Rashford, who toiled for almost an hour and was hooked on a reserving, protected for his personal good. His departure from Outdated Trafford seems extra doubtless by the day.

Hojlund wanted to take his alternative, however so too did Mason Mount and Antony of their encouraging cameos. Onana’s blushes have been spared, however as soon as the mud settles on this escape to victory, there will probably be contemporary scrutiny over the United goalkeeper’s decision-making.

His tried go in search of Matthijs de Ligt was a present, wolfed up by Vydra having been served by Pavel Sulc’s go.

Hojlund’s influence was simply what Amorim wanted earlier than the Manchester derby and, with video games towards Rangers at dwelling and away at Steaua Bucharest, it provides them an ideal probability of securing a top-eight end.

The folks of Pilsen have been so happy to have United on the town that they even made a particular beer to commemorate the event.

However it’s United who will toast their first victory on the highway in Europe since March 2023. What modified within the second half?

“The velocity,” added Amorim. “I informed the gamers that we would have liked extra motion in entrance. They needed to really feel that we’re additionally a hazard in behind and we would have liked to make use of the area. The blokes who got here off the bench helped however we improved not simply the best way we performed however particularly the velocity of the sport.

“Rasmus is bettering. Now he’s nearer the purpose and he is aware of the actions he must do. He may have scored extra this night however his management is best. Now we have others on the bench to make an influence they usually all did it tonight.”

Fernandes: Errors are a part of soccer

Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes informed TNT Sports activities:

“It was a superb efficiency total. I believe within the closing third we may have stored the ball a bit extra, however the man-marking from them was tough to get away from. Generally you simply should go and run to attempt to discover the gaps in behind.

“Within the first half we did it higher than within the second half, once we let the sport go a little bit bit in the best way that they needed, a bit extra transitional. Then we handled that and in the long run we obtained the win.

“We wish to play from the again and everybody is aware of that, then we’ve got to make the correct resolution on the pitch. Andre [Onana] thought that Matta [De Ligt] may get on the ball however he missed it they usually scored a purpose.

“It’s not about Andre making the error, we do not have a look at people right here when one thing occurs on the mistaken aspect. Now we have big perception in him. He is aware of he made a mistake as a result of he’s a intelligent man, he’s going to assist us many occasions and we belief his qualities on the ball.

“Errors are a part of soccer. If they do not occur then targets do not occur. However we did nicely to indicate the resilience to return again and discover the victory.”

Opta stats – By no means-say-die United

• No aspect within the Europa League has picked up extra factors from shedding positions than Manchester United this season (7).
• Tonight’s defeat put an finish to Viktoria Plzen’s 12-match dwelling unbeaten run in European competitors (together with qualifiers), with Manchester United the primary aspect to beat the Czech membership on dwelling soil since Barcelona in November 2022.
• Bruno Fernandes’ help for Rasmus Hojlund’s successful purpose was the seventh probability he created on this match towards Viktoria Plzen – it is the third time he has created 7+ probabilities in a serious European match for Man Utd, with no different participant on report (from 2003/04) doing so even as soon as for the Pink Devils.

Story of the match in stats

What’s developing within the Europa League?

In case you have dedicated undemocratic heresy and had your Tremendous Earth broadcasts turned off, let me illuminate (heh) the state of affairs for you—the Illuminate are right here in Helldivers 2, and boy howdy are they pissed off. In a current interview with us right here at PC Gamer, Arrowhead Video games’ CCO Johan Pilestedt promised that the Illuminate would show a problem even for seasoned gamers.

I, like a idiot, like an utter clown, brushed this off as mere braggadocio. It is like he says—builders usually are likely to underestimate gamers, proper? There’s completely no manner the Illuminate could be as harrowing as he is implying, right? Incorrect, because it seems. The design of those buggers is completely devilish. An unholy marriage between the Terminids and the Automatons, cast into one thing far scarier.

Let me clarify what I imply by that: Sometimes talking, the Terminids of Helldivers 2 are a risk that is all about spacing. It’s essential to be sure to don’t get overwhelmed, however doing so normally includes standing in entrance of the horde and mowing them down with a watch on the horizon. It is a very reactive playstyle: see bug, shoot bug.

The Automatons, in the meantime, are all about discovering stable cowl or terrain—nearly each unit has some type of ranged functionality, which means you are usually angling for methods to skinny the herd with out standing in the course of an eminently glassable subject. That’s till a hulk rocks up and tries to soften you, however that is kind of the purpose: You have to be proactive about taking out main threats earlier than the uncommon melee unit threatens no matter security bubble you have obtained.

The Illuminate, with my admittedly restricted expertise, combine up each of those playstyles. The zombies—hilariously known as the ‘Voteless’—are a risk that slowly grows on the bottom stage. Identical to any good zombie, they’re absolute chump fodder on their very own, however once you’re getting swarmed by them? They’re space denial on two legs. Which is an issue as a result of, effectively, the remainder of the Illuminate is making an attempt to glass you from above.

There are a number of tankier floor models, however the principle Illuminate risk are its jetpack boys and striders—evasive and shielded ranged bastards with full air superiority. This throws any potential diver into a right away Catch-22: Both you give attention to the airborne troops, and danger the zombies and troopers on the bottom surrounding you, otherwise you give attention to the bottom stage, and danger getting slowly overwhelmed by the alien equal of hornets (if hornets additionally had plasma rifles, and hated you for respiration. Greater than hornets already hate you, I imply).

There are a number of saving graces right here. Already, my crossbow main is serving me effectively, since Illuminates will all the time drop in as conveniently-grouped clusters due to the restricted scope of their ships’ tractor beams. In the meantime, you possibly can tear via these jetpack boys in case your goal’s ok, and a powerful sufficient hit to their backpacks’ll blow them proper up.

In any other case, although, the Illuminate are already horrifying—and you already know what? Good. I have been in full help of the current updates Arrowhead’s been making to its sport, however I get what our personal Morgan Park stated within the aftermath of these buffs. The sport has, in a way, turn out to be simpler. Nonetheless, whereas it’d simply be a case of adjusting and gitting gud—I’ve solely tango’d with these freaks for a few hours on the time of writing—the Illuminate are shaping as much as be a extreme risk to the free galaxy.

England will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in 2026 World Cup qualifying, whereas Scotland might face Portugal or Denmark, Wales meet Belgium and Northern Eire tackle both Germany or Italy.

England have been drawn in a five-team Group Ok, the place Thomas Tuchel will take cost of the Three Lions in opposition to a Serbia aspect they beat within the Euro 2024 group levels below Gareth Southgate, due to a headed winner from Jude Bellingham.

England will even face Albania, who they beat throughout 4 conferences in qualifiers for the 2002 and 2022 World Cups, Latvia – who they’ve by no means performed – and Andorra, who they beat by an combination rating of 9-0 throughout 2022 World Cup qualifying.

England’s first fixtures on this group shall be at house, with Albania visiting on March 21, 2025 and Latvia three days later.

Scotland will play in a four-team Group C, that includes the crew that loses the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark, in addition to Greece and Belarus.

Steve Clarke’s aspect will even face Greece in March over two legs to resolve in the event that they keep within the prime tier of the Nations League.

They kick off their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign with journeys to Portugal or Denmark on September 5, then Belarus three days later.

Wales have been drawn in five-team Group J with Belgium, Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.

Wales famously beat Belgium at Euro 2016, and can begin their qualifying bid at house to Kazakhstan in March 2025, earlier than going through North Macedonia away.

“It is a good group,” mentioned Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. “We will must do our homework very well, and hopefully attempt to assault it and end prime of the group,” he mentioned.

Northern Eire will play within the four-team Group A in opposition to the winner of Germany or Italy from their Nations League quarter-final, in addition to Slovakia and Luxembourg. That group will start in September 2025 with Michael O’Neil’s aspect away to Luxembourg and Germany or Italy.

Republic of Eire will even begin their qualifying marketing campaign in September they usually have been drawn within the four-team Group F with the winner of the Portugal-Denmark Nations League quarter-final and opening opponents Hungary and Armenia.

Qualification is Tuchel’s ‘prime precedence’

Requested about going through Serbia and Albania, England boss Tuchel mentioned: “They’re at all times very proficient particular person gamers, a really emotional group, a really emotional crowd. To allow them to at all times shock.

“Now we have to take this very critically. It is a first fixture with Latvia, so a brand new problem for all of us.

“After which we’re clear favourites, in fact, in opposition to Andorra, however qualification is essential now. Qualification is prime precedence. Now we have to be critical. Now we have to be decided, and we have now to indicate what we’re up for on this group of 5.”

Tuchel was requested if he was assured of ending prime of the group, and replied: “I do not see it as a given. The hole closes an increasing number of between the massive nations and the small nations. You see it within the Euros currently.

“There are not any such factor as outcomes which are already completed earlier than the match is performed. The smaller nations have turn out to be stronger and stronger. So we have now to earn our place. Now we have to earn our prime spot.”

Clarke ‘determined’ to steer Scotland again to World Cup stage

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke informed Sky Sports activities Information:

“I am by no means one for trying too deep into attracts – you simply have to just accept what you get and get on with it. It might have been worse, might have been higher.

“[We face] a troublesome pot one crew – it does not matter if it is Portugal or Denmark. Greece we’ll get to know very properly over the subsequent yr as a result of we play them twice in March [in the Nations League play-offs] and twice once more later within the yr.

“Belarus, I do not know an excessive amount of about simply now, however I will ensure I do my homework and I will know much more about them by the point we get to enjoying them.

“We’re in a four-team group, we all know what we have now to do – end first or second to qualify.

“For everybody related with Scotland, we’re determined to get again to a World Cup. It was 1998 – a very long time in the past – I used to be nonetheless enjoying, in order that was a very long time in the past!

“We wish to get there. We recognize the Tartan Military wish to be there as properly – they confirmed that in Germany in the summertime – hopefully we will take them to USA, Mexico and Canada.”

What number of European groups qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

A complete of 16 UEFA nations will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 12 group winners qualify immediately, with the 4 remaining berths decided by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.

The teams in full…

Group A

Germany or Italy (Nations League QF winner), Slovakia, Northern Eire, Luxembourg

Group B

Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo

Group C

Portugal or Denmark (Nations League QF loser), Greece, Scotland, Belarus

Group D

France or Croatia (Nations League QF winner), Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan

Group E

Spain or Netherlands (Nations League QF winner), Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria

Group F

Portugal or Denmark (Nations League QF winner), Hungary, Republic of Eire, Armenia

Group G

Spain or Netherlands (Nations League QF loser), Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta

Group H

Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino

Group I

Germany or Italy (Nations League QF loser), Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova

Group J

Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein

Group Ok

England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra

Group L

France or Croatia (Nations League QF loser), Czech Republic, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

World Cup 2026 European qualifiers: Key dates

• Group-stage match dates: March 21-25, June 6-10, September 4-9, October 9-14 and November 13-18, 2025
• Play-off match dates: March 26-31 2026
• Closing event dates: June 11 to July 19 2026

When and the place is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA males’s World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The event will happen throughout 16 cities in three North American nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It’s the first time a World Cup has been hosted by three nations.

The final time North America hosted the event was in 1994, when Brazil triumphed after beating Italy on penalties.

An expanded World Cup will characteristic 48 groups – 16 greater than in Qatar 2022 – and happen throughout three host nations for the primary time.

2026 World Cup – certified groups

Solely three groups to this point are certain of their place on the finals: the hosts USA, Canada and Mexico.

World Cup 2026 schedule

The complete fixture listing with group video games and kick-off instances will solely be obtainable after the draw for the ultimate event, which FIFA says is anticipated to happen in direction of the top of 2025.

However FIFA has already introduced key dates and confirmed that the opening match shall be held in Mexico Metropolis, with the ultimate going down on the New York New Jersey Stadium – house of the New York Giants and New York Jets.

Group stage: June 11-27 Spherical of 32: June 28 to July 3 Spherical of 16: July 4-7 Quarter-finals: July 9/11 Semi-finals: July 14-15 Third-place play-off (‘Bronze ultimate’): July 18 Closing: July 19

England males’s senior group will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra of their European qualifying group for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Groups had been drawn into 12 teams of 4 or 5 groups and England discovered their destiny because the street to the World Cup within the USA, Canada and Mexico begins.

The Three Lions had been allotted to Pot 1, alongside Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, earlier than being drawn into Group Okay alongside Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.

The draw was carried out with the help of former gamers former England worldwide Rachel Yankey – one of the crucial adorned gamers within the girls’s sport – Ariane Hingst, Fernando Llorente, Gianluca Zambrotta and Robert Pires.

Incoming England males’s head coach Thomas Tuchel was additionally in attendance on the attract Zurich forward of beginning his new position on 1 January 2025 because the Three Lions discovered who they might face in UEFA Preliminary Draw.

The draw

Group A: QF4 winner (Germany/Italy), Slovakia, Northern Eire, Luxembourg
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo
Group C: QF3 loser (Portugal/Denmark), Greece, Scotland, Belarus
Group D: QF2 winner (France/Croatia), Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
Group E: QF1 winner (Spain/Netherlands), Turkiye, Georgia, Bulgaria
Group F: QF3 winner (Portugal/Denmark), Hungary, Republic of Eire, Armenia
Group G: QF1 loser (Spain/Netherlands), Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Malta
Group H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San Marino
Group I: QF4 loser (Germany/Italy), Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldova
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
Group Okay: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, Andorra
Group L: QF2 loser (France/Croatia), Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar

Nations who’re drawn in teams of 5 and can begin their marketing campaign in March, whereas groups drawn in teams of 4 begin their campaigns in September 2025. All teams conclude in November 2025.

There can be 16 nations from UEFA who will qualify for the 48-team 2026 World Cup – which kicks off on 11 June 2026 – made up of the 12 group winners who qualify routinely, with the 4 remaining spots to be decided by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.

Additional data on ballots and sale dates can be communicated to all members in the end. As at all times, The FA will work to safe as many tickets as potential for all away fixtures.

Fixture dates are as under, with all venues nonetheless to be confirmed.

England v Albania
7.45pm GMT, Friday 21 March 2025

England v Latvia
7.45pm GMT, Monday 24 March 2025

Andorra v England
5pm BST, Saturday 7 June 2025

England v Andorra
5pm BST, Saturday 6 September 2025

Serbia v England
7.45pm BST, Tuesday 9 September 2025

Latvia v England
7.45pm BST, Tuesday 14 October 2025

England v Serbia
7.45pm GMT, Thursday 13 November 2025

Albania v England
5pm GMT, Sunday 16 November 2025

Immediately is Friday the thirteenth, an prevalence that occurs solely a few occasions a yr.

That is the second Friday the thirteenth of 2024, simply two months after the final one in September. It additionally occurs to be Taylor Swift’s birthday, and somebody could possibly be further fortunate on the day with an upcoming Mega Thousands and thousands drawing. There’ll solely be one Friday the thirteenth in 2025, in June.

The day has come to be related to superstition, luck and magic, although it has some shocking origins. Trepidation round Friday the thirteenth might have been amplified by the slasher-movie sequence, however it possible has non secular origins.

Whether or not you are fastidiously stepping over sidewalk cracks on Friday or leaning into the custom of discounted tattoos on the spooky day, here’s what to find out about Friday the thirteenth.

See the map:The most well-liked superstitions by state

Origins of Friday and the quantity 13

The precise origins of Friday the thirteenth could also be considerably of a thriller of its personal, however many agree it has roots in Christian tales.

Some tie the quantity to Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ and is regarded as the thirteenth visitor to reach on the Final Supper, in keeping with Historical past.com.

Avoiding a connection between two in any other case unrelated occasions is a part of people’ tendency to interact in “magical considering,” in keeping with Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor from the College at Buffalo and the creator of the e book “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.”

Different examples of this embody a great luck attraction or objects changing into extra helpful after they had been owned by celebrities.

“So 13 is related to that horrible occasion. And Friday, the thirteenth you get a double whammy. You get each of those parts coming collectively: the taboo in opposition to 13, and the crucifixion, which was on a Friday,” Stevens stated in an interview with USA TODAY final yr.

Friday the thirteenth superstitions

Listed below are some frequent superstitions related to dangerous luck on Friday the thirteenth:

• Breaking a mirror: Breaking a mirror is claimed to deliver seven years of dangerous luck, so deal with glass fastidiously at present.
• Strolling beneath a ladder: This superstition stems from the concept that strolling beneath a ladder disrupts the triangle, a logo of life, and invitations misfortune.
• Spilling salt: By accident spilling salt has been seen as dangerous luck for hundreds of years. To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to thrust back evil.
• Crossing paths with a black cat: Black cats, usually related to witches and dangerous omens, are thought of unfortunate, particularly after they cross your path on Friday the thirteenth.
• Stepping on Cracks: The rhyme “step on a crack, break your mom’s again” comes from the concept that stepping on cracks invitations dangerous vitality or hurt.

To reverse your fortunes, some actions related to bringing good luck embody:

• Carrying a fortunate attraction: Gadgets like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, or rabbit’s toes are believed to deliver good luck and safety from dangerous vibes.
• Knocking on wooden: This age-old superstition is believed to forestall dangerous luck or jinxes. If you happen to say one thing hopeful, knock on wooden to “seal the deal” and preserve success in your aspect.

Why tattoos are additionally related to Friday the thirteenth

Whereas the superstitious could also be avoiding taking any dangers on Friday the thirteenth, these seeking to get tattoos could possibly be in for a great deal.

On Friday the thirteenth, many outlets run particular promotions charging steeply discounted costs to get work carried out, usually for a flat price at and even beneath store minimal (the minimal payment a store will normally cost on a tattoo to cowl the price of the fundamental provides and overhead).

The common hourly value most artists cost is between $100 to $200 plus, making these flash gross sales an important deal. Whereas reasonably priced predesigned flash tattoos and flash gross sales should not unusual practices all through the remainder of the calendar yr, Friday the thirteenth is the sooner or later you’ll be able to rely on discovering a wealth of markdowns at a number of outlets close to you.

The trendy view of Friday the thirteenth as a tattoo vacation is commonly credited again to co-owner of Elm Avenue Tattoo in Dallas Oliver Peck, who it’s possible you’ll acknowledge from TV present “Ink Grasp” and his transient marriage to Kat Von D (he later left the present after a blackface controversy).

In reference to Friday the thirteenth tattoo promotions, Peck beforehand advised Vice that he “positively wasn’t the primary individual to do it,” saying he drew some inspiration from fellow artist Dave Lum’s Halloween specials, however that he did “make it an occasion.” He threw his first main Friday the thirteenth operate in 1995 on the now-defunct Pair O’ Cube in Dallas, a marathon session of tattooing the quantity “13” on as many individuals as potential in a 24-hour interval.

His swing at creating his personal custom caught on, as he and his co-workers started internet hosting these 24-hour tattoathons annually, at one level successful a spot in Guinness Guide of World Information for tattooing the quantity 13 on 415 individuals in 24 hours on Friday, June 13, 2008.

A model of this story was beforehand printed on Sept. 12, 2024.

Kinsey Crowley is a trending information reporter at USA TODAY. Attain her at kcrowley@gannett.com, and comply with her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.

Eddie Jordan has revealed he was recognized with an “aggressive” type of most cancers earlier this 12 months. The previous Formulation One workforce proprietor mentioned he suffered with bladder and prostate most cancers which unfold to his backbone and pelvis.

The 76-year-old, who ran his personal workforce between 1991 and 2005, earlier than persevering with to work within the sport as a broadcaster, can be the supervisor of F1 designer Adrian Newey. Jordan in contrast his situation to the six-times Olympic observe biking champion, Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed in October he was terminally sick with prostate most cancers.

Talking on his Formulation For Success podcast alongside his co-host David Coulthard, Jordan mentioned: “We’ve form of alluded to it over the reveals, method again in March and April, I used to be recognized with bladder and prostate most cancers, after which it unfold into the backbone and the pelvis, so it was fairly aggressive.

“We’ve all heard about our great pal, Sir Chris Hoy, who’s an absolute megastar, and he’s popping out and speaking about sicknesses like what I’ve received, however he’s a far youthful man. However this can be a little message, and all people listening to this: Don’t waste or put it off. Go and get examined, as a result of in life, you’ve received probabilities.

Jordan continued: “There’s a lot medical recommendation on the market and so many issues that you are able to do to increase your lifetime. Go and do it. Don’t be silly. Don’t be shy. It’s not a shy factor. Take care of your physique, guys.”

Coulthard, who competed for Williams, McLaren and Crimson Bull and received 13 profession grands prix, replied: “EJ, sensible phrases. You’ve had this private expertise, and it’s good to see you’re looking sharp truly contemplating the chemotherapy.

“I’m certain that isn’t the work of a second and never a nice expertise, however it’s nice that you’re sharing your expertise with all of our listeners.” Jordan replied: “We transfer on, however sure, some very darkish days in there. We pulled out of it, fortunately.”

Dublin-born Jordan arrange the eponymous Jordan GP workforce in 1991, getting into 250 races and successful 4 grands prix. Jordan gave Michael Schumacher his Formulation One debut in 1991 whereas Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, ended his profession with the workforce, who left the F1 paddock in 2005.

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has turn into the youngest world chess champion ever after defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China.

Gukesh’s win on Thursday got here within the final sport of the 14-game World Chess Championship in Singapore. The in any other case cricket-crazed India is jubilant on the 18-year-old’s victory.

Right here is extra about Gukesh, and the way he clinched the world title:

Who’s Gukesh?

Gukesh comes from Chennai, the capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He attended Chennai’s Velammal Nexus College.

He began taking part in chess on the age of seven, Gukesh stated in an interview uploaded in 2019 by the Gibraltar Worldwide Chess Pageant.

“Chess is so complicated, so I simply find it irresistible,” Gukesh stated within the video. “I need to turn into a world champion.”

By the age of 12, Gukesh had turn into a grandmaster – the very best title a chess participant can attain – making him the third-youngest grandmaster in historical past and the youngest one from India.

Gukesh sees magnificence and philosophy in pawns, bishops and boards. A YouTube video uploaded by the chess information publication ChessBase India reveals the cabinets of his room in his Chennai home stacked with trophies and chess books, comparable to Below the Floor by Jan Markos and Yochanan Afek’s Sensible Chess Magnificence.

Chennai has come to be generally known as the chess capital of India. Out of the 85 chess grandmasters in India, 31 are from Tamil Nadu. The state is even dwelling to a temple devoted to the sport

Is he the youngest world chess champion?

Sure.

Earlier than Gukesh, Russian legend Garry Kasparov was the youngest to turn into world champion on the age of twenty-two in 1985.

How did Gukesh win?

Gukesh certified for the championship in April by successful the boys’s Candidates Match of the Worldwide Chess Federation (FIDE). He was the youngest candidate to win the Candidates Match.

He competed towards seven different contestants within the occasion held in April in Toronto, Canada. The winner of the double round-robin event goes on to problem the defending champion for the world title.

Ding, 32, grew to become world champion in 2023. Beginning November 25, Gukesh and Ding confronted off over 14 intense video games.

In chess, a participant wins one level for a win and half some extent for a draw.

Ding went into the lead by successful the primary sport. The second spherical resulted in a tie.

Gukesh gained the third sport, tying issues up with Ding at 1.5 every. They remained tied for a number of video games, drawing every of them.

Within the eleventh sport, Gukesh, taking part in with white, took the lead after Ding made a blunder. However Ding bounced again by successful the twelfth sport, levelling the taking part in discipline as soon as once more. The thirteenth sport resulted in a draw.

The successful second

Gukesh performed with black within the 14th and closing sport. Halfway via, a draw appeared imminent. However Ding made the error of transferring his final highly effective piece, his rook, off a robust place. Ding’s mistake took Gukesh abruptly, and he appeared intently on the board and calculated his subsequent strikes.

After realising his mistake, Ding was visibly disenchanted and resigned three strikes later, conceding the world champion title to Gukesh.

“It took me some time to grasp I blundered. … I feel I performed my greatest event within the 12 months.

“I may very well be higher, however contemplating yesterday’s luck, it’s a good end result to lose ultimately. I’ve no regrets,” Ding stated at a information convention after the sport, saying he would proceed to play chess.

When Gukesh realised he had gained, he broke into tears. Chatting with reporters after the sport, Gukesh stated he initially didn’t realise Ding’s blunder however when he did: “It was most likely the very best second of my life.”

Gukesh stated Ding “fought like a real champion”.

Who’re the sooner 17 champions?

1. Wilhelm Steinitz: Born in Prague, Steinitz was the primary official world champion, grabbing the title in 1886 and holding it for eight years over 4 championships.
2. Emanuel Lasker: Born in Prussia in what’s at the moment Poland, Lasker gained the title in 1894 and held it over six championships.
3. Jose Raul Capablanca: Hailing from Cuba, Capablanca gained the title in 1921.
4. Alexander Alekhine: The Russian who obtained French citizenship won the title first in 1927 and thrice after that.
5. Max Euwe: The Dutch mathematician won the title in 1935.
6. Mikhail Botvinnik: The Russian won the title 5 instances, first in 1948.
7. Vasily Smyslov: The Russian grew to become world champion in 1957.
8. Mikhail Tal: The Latvian grew to become world champion in 1960.
9. Tigran V Petrosian: The Armenian remained world champion from 1963 to 1969.
10. Boris Spassky: The Russian grew to become world champion in 1969.
11. Bobby Fischer: The American became world champion in 1972.
12. Anatoly Karpov: The Russian held the title from 1975 to 1985, successful 5 instances.
13. Garry Kasparov: The Russian held the title from 1985 to 2000, successful six instances.
14. Vladimir Kramnik: The Russian held the title from 2000 to 2007, successful thrice.
15. Viswanathan Anand: The primary grandmaster and world champion from India gained the title in 2007 and held it till 2013, successful 4 instances.
16. Magnus Carlsen: The Norwegian grandmaster gained the title in 2013 and held it till 2023.
17. Ding: The Chinese language grandmaster held the title of world champion for 20 months after successful it in April 2023.

What are the reactions to Gukesh’s win?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Modi posted on X on Thursday: “That is the results of his unparalleled expertise, laborious work and unwavering dedication.”

Indian opposition chief Rahul Gandhi: Gandhi additionally posted on X: “Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud!”

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Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! At simply 18, turning into the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is an exceptional achievement.

Your ardour and laborious work remind us that with dedication, something is feasible. Congratulations, champ! pic.twitter.com/wcK4YZmVB9

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2024

Anand: The primary Indian world champion, who has mentored Gukesh and several other different younger Indian chess stars. posted on X: “It’s a proud second for chess, a proud second for India … and for me, a really private second of delight.”

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Congratulations! It is a proud second for chess, a proud second for India, a proud second for WACA, and for me, a really private second of delight. Ding performed a really thrilling match and confirmed the champion he’s.@FIDE_chess @WacaChess pic.twitter.com/o3hq26JFPf

— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 12, 2024

From former champion Kasparov to the CEO of Google and Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, Gukesh obtained congratulatory messages on X from a spread of public figures.

The world of cricket wasn’t untouched both.

The foremost cricket franchise from his hometown, the Chennai Tremendous Kings, congratulated the younger champion in a submit on X on Thursday:

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The King takes the crown! 👑

Congratulations Gukesh, the youngest ever classical chess world champion! 🥳🙌 @DGukesh pic.twitter.com/Tyw2tK2NDO

— Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 12, 2024

Gukesh additionally acquired a shoutout from former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar, who’s broadly considered one of many biggest batsmen within the sport’s historical past. He wrote in an X submit that Gukesh is “now guiding the subsequent wave of Indian chess prodigies”.

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In a sport of 64 squares, you have opened a world of limitless potentialities. Congratulations, @DGukesh, on turning into the 18th World Champion at simply 18! Following in Vishy’s footsteps, you are now guiding the subsequent wave of Indian chess prodigies. 🇮🇳♟️🏆
pic.twitter.com/3kPCzGEv1d

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 12, 2024

Beware—Friday the thirteenth is right here. 

December 13 would’ve been simply Taylor Swift’s birthday, however now that the thirteenth falls on a Friday, the Christmas-spirited month simply acquired a bit spooky. Friday the thirteenth is understood to be superstitious and convey unhealthy luck, with ominous historic occasions occurring on this specific day. 

What’s Friday the thirteenth? Why is it unfortunate? Right here’s what to know.

Xmas plans?:What’s open and closed on Christmas Day? Is it a federal vacation? Here is what to know

What number of Friday the thirteenth days in 2024?

This is not the primary Friday the thirteenth this yr. There have been two Friday the thirteenth days this yr, one in September and now one in December. 

Why is Friday the thirteenth unfortunate?

Concern of Friday the thirteenth stems from a number of sources, although it’s unclear the place it really started, in accordance with Historical past. This features a late Nineteenth-century secret society known as the 13 Membership, an early Twentieth-century novel known as “Friday, the Thirteenth,” and the horror movie franchise of the identical title. 

In comparison with the quantity 12, which may imply completeness—for instance, “12 days of Christmas” or the 12 months in our calendar—the quantity 13 is taken into account unfortunate. 13 has a adverse affiliation as a consequence of its historic roots. 

The Code of Hammurabi, a Babylonian authorized code, in accordance with Historical past, incorporates one of many earliest beliefs that Friday the thirteenth is unfortunate as a result of a thirteenth regulation was omitted from its checklist of authorized guidelines.

13 has additionally been a Christian superstition with a nasty omen, as 13 folks attended The Final Supper. That thirteenth visitor was Judas, who betrayed Jesus.

Superstitions to look at for on Friday the thirteenth

It’s been mentioned that strolling beneath a ladder or witnessing a black cat can deliver unhealthy luck. The identical goes for opening an umbrella inside or shattering a mirror. If any of these occur to you, perhaps it’s your alternative to check simply how unfortunate Friday the thirteenth omens could be. 

The place to stream ‘Friday the thirteenth’ motion pictures 

The Friday the thirteenth film franchise has been widespread since its debut in 1980. The movies within the collection have earned greater than $380 million on the field workplace worldwide, in accordance with Field Workplace Mojo. Are you desperate to know extra and discover what Friday the thirteenth would possibly seem like?

Listed here are all of the “Friday the thirteenth” motion pictures, so as, in accordance with TV Information:

1. Friday the thirteenth (1980)
2. Friday the thirteenth Half II (1981)
3. Friday the thirteenth Half III (1982)
4. Friday the thirteenth: The Last Chapter (1984)
5. Friday the thirteenth: A New Starting (1985)
6. Friday the thirteenth Half VI: Jason Lives (1986)
7. Friday the thirteenth Half VII: The New Blood (1988)
8. Friday the thirteenth Half VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Last Friday (1993)
10. Jason X (2002)
11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
12. Friday the thirteenth (2009)
13. Crystal Lake Recollections: The Full Historical past of Friday the thirteenth (2013)

Bear in mind, they’re simply motion pictures. 

Extra details about Friday the thirteenth

Do you may have triskaidekaphobia (concern of the quantity 13) or paraskavedekatriaphobia (concern of Friday the thirteenth)? 

Had been you capable of learn that? Listed here are a few fast details about Friday the thirteenth, in accordance with NBC:

1. Some suppose concern of 13 stems from the Bible because the thirteenth visitor of The Final Supper, Judas, betrays Jesus. 
2. One other biblical perception additionally comes from when Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, killed his brother, Abel, on Friday the thirteenth.
3. An estimated 17–21 million folks endure from triskaidekaphobia (concern of the quantity 13).
4. Greater than 80% of high-rise buildings keep away from having a thirteenth flooring, some airports skip having a gate 13, and a few motels skip having a room 13.