World Cup
Ngoy's ban leaves Belgium staring down NZ duel
Nathan Ngoy’s one-match ban for his red card against Iran leaves Belgium without the Lille defender for Friday’s must-win clash with New Zealand in Vancouver.
The FIFA ban, confirmed by the Belgian FA, means the 23-year-old central defender will miss the final group-stage game at 05:00 Belgian time. Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute of Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran after a reckless challenge on Mehdi Taremi, forcing the Belgians to finish the match with ten men.
Belgium now face a do-or-die scenario: victory is required to keep their tournament hopes alive, while a draw would still leave qualification hanging by a thread. The pressure is mounting on Rudi Garcia’s side to deliver a convincing performance against New Zealand.
Jeremy Doku returned to the squad on Tuesday evening Seattle-time after attending the birth of his son, Praise, but the focus remains on finding a solution at centre-back. Hans Vanaken is tipped to start in defence as Belgium look to tighten their defensive shape against the All Whites.
The FIFA disciplinary committee handed Madibo a five-match ban for the tackle that sidelined Ismaël Koné, though the Qatari FA may still lodge an appeal. Koné has already undergone surgery and was visited in hospital by Madibo and Qatar’s Minister of Sport.
Ronaldinho’s surprise return to professional football at 46 has been confirmed, with the Brazilian legend set to play for Italian third-tier club Ravenna. The move comes as Ravenna becomes the first club to wear the R10 brand, founded by the 2002 World Cup winner.
Neymar trained with Brazil for three days and is available for their next match, with Carlo Ancelotti stating the forward is ready and in good condition. The Seleção’s hopes hinge on his involvement against Scotland.
France’s Didier Deschamps left the World Cup after learning of his mother’s passing, leaving the reigning champions without their manager for their final group fixture. Colombia meanwhile leads Group K after a 1-0 win over DR Congo, with Daniel Muñoz’s late strike separating the sides.
England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana left Gareth Southgate’s side with a mountain to climb in Group B, while Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama to keep their own qualification hopes alive. The tournament’s final group-stage matches begin on Friday.
The Jordanians Adham Makhadmeh will lead Friday’s clash between Belgium and New Zealand, with his compatriots Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle as assistant referees. Makhadmeh previously officiated Spain vs Cape Verde and showed a disciplined approach, issuing just two yellow cards in that match.
Belgium’s Arthur Theate insisted the squad is ready for the pressure, stating the team must show quality, mentality and enthusiasm to overcome New Zealand. The 39-year-old referee’s experience could be crucial in managing a high-stakes encounter in Vancouver.
FIFA confirms Ngoy's one-match ban for red card vs Iran
"We have to be better than New Zealand. We need to combine quality with mentality and show we want to play this match."
"He said I would be an important player for him at the World Cup. He expressed confidence in what I can bring."
The final group games mark the last chance for teams to secure their path to the knockout stages, with several high-stakes encounters on the horizon. Belgium’s focus is squarely on the task ahead in Vancouver, where every point counts.