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The United States remain the team to beat ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the two-time defending champions remain number one in the Fifa rankings ahead of the tournament. The USA are looking to become the first country to win three World Cups in a row and have held top spot since 2017. But the tournament in Australia and New Zealand could bring a shake-up to the order. Europe is catching up and the likes of England, Germany, France and Spain will be coming for the USA’s crown. Zambia come into the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, which is hosting 32 teams for the first time. Fifa women’s world rankings (Teams in bold are competing at the World Cup) 1. United States 2. Germany 3. Sweden 4. England 5. France 6. Spain 7. Canada 8. Brazil 9. Netherlands 10. Australia (hosts) 11. Japan 12. Norway 13. Denmark 14. China 15. Iceland 16. Italy 17. Korea Republic 18. Austria 19. Belgium 20. Switzerland 21. Portugal 22. Republic of Ireland 23. Scotland 24. Russia 25. Colombia 26. New Zealand (hosts) 27. Czech Republic 28. Argentina 29. Finland 30. Wales 31. Poland 32. Vietnam 33. Ukraine 34. Serbia 35. Mexico 36. Costa Rica 37. Chinese Taipei 38. Romania 39. Slovenia 40. Nigeria 41. Chile 42. Hungary 43. Jamaica 44. Thailand 45. Northern Ireland 46. Philippines 47. Slovakia 48. Paraguay 49. Uzbekistan 50. Myanmar 51. Venezuela 52. Panama 53. Haiti 54. South Africa 55. Papua New Guinea 56. Cameroon 57. Belarus 58. Ghana 59. Croatia 60. India 61. Iran 62. Greece 63. Turkey 64. Uruguay 65. Bosnia and Herzegovina 66. Cote d’Ivoire 67. Ecuador 68. Israel 69. Fiji 70. Equatorial Guinea 71, Albania 72. Morocco 73. Jordan 74. Peru 75. Trinidad and Tobago 76. Tunisia 77. Zambia 78. Hong Kong 79. Azerbaijan 80. Algeria The full Fifa rankings can be found here Read More Women’s World Cup enters new era as stars and storylines take centre stage Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Today at the Women’s World Cup: Co-hosts play in opening games How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule

What the papers say Chelsea will make a second bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, adding £10million and add-ons to their first offer of £70million, the Daily Mail said. Liverpool’s quest for a younger midfield will come at a hefty cost with Crystal Palace valuing Cheick Doucoure at £70million, the Daily Mail reports. Liverpool have already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to their midfield this summer. The Guardian says Chelsea are also thinking of making a bid for Marc Guehi, who they sold to Crystal Palace two years ago. Chelsea are trying to fill the void in defence that will be left by Wesley Fofana who had surgery on a serious knee injury. Newcastle are on the verge of selling Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli for around £30million, as they look to bring in Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, according to the Telegraph. Social media round-up Players to watch Pedro: Tottenham are interested in signing the 26-year-old Brazilian striker who plays for Flamengo, the Independent said. Ivan Fresneda: Bournemouth look likely to beat Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to the signing of the 18-year-old Valladolid defender with a bid of £15million, according to Football Insider. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The biggest ever Women’s World Cup kicks off with both co-hosts in action on the opening day, as New Zealand face Norway in Auckland and Australia meet the Republic of Ireland in Sydney. The kick-off comes just hours after a mass shooting in Auckland that killed two people and wounded six. A gunman was found dead after killing two people and injuring multiple others in the city this morning. The shooting took place at a building site in Auckland city centre. The World Cup will “proceed as planned” and New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins said there was no risk to national security New Zealand attempting to claim a historic win at the tournament - the Football Ferns have failed to win a match at the World Cup finals in 15 previous attempts but will be roared on by the home crowd at Eden Park as they face star-studded Norway. Australia will then hope to get their campaign off to the perfect start as the Matildas take on Ireland in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. Australia have emerged as one of the tournament favourites, with star Sam Kerr leading the line, and a winning start is vital with Canada and Nigeria making up the ‘group of death’. Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog Read More Why this Women’s World Cup will be unlike anything we’ve seen before Women’s World Cup to ‘proceed as planned’ after shooting in Auckland Women’s World Cup 2023: Group guides and players to watch for every team How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV

Co-hosts New Zealand and Australia are in action on the opening day of the World Cup finals as their big moment finally arrives. The Football Ferns kick off the tournament against Norway at Eden Park in Auckland before the Matildas host the Republic of Ireland side in front of a sold-out 80,000 crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at an eagerly-anticipated opening day. A different ball game New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimkova has challenged her players to make football as popular as rugby in the southern hemisphere nation with their exploits in the tournament. The All Blacks are three-times Rugby World Cup winners, while the Black Ferns have lifted the women’s version on six occasions and are the current holders. Klimkova told a press conference: “I really believe this is an incredible opportunity for this country to not be just a rugby country, but to actually really also wake up the love of football.” The Football Ferns, who are playing at their sixth finals but are yet to win a match, are ranked 26th in the world by FIFA and will have to upset the odds if they are to launch their campaign with a victory over the 12th-placed Norwegians. Play it again, Sam Sam Kerr is happy to bear the weight of expectation as Australia target World Cup glory. The Matildas’ record goalscorer with 63, Chelsea striker Kerr insists she is used to the pressure of having to deliver on the big stage. She told a press conference: “I guess for me the expectation has been growing over four years so it’s been something I’ve learned to deal with. “I think I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m really proud we have a home World Cup, and to be part of this journey is amazing. I’m really excited for it. “Of course everyone in Australia has a lot of expectations, but it’s something I take in my stride and I try to just enjoy. “Back at Chelsea I’ve done that too, just enjoyed it, and that’s when I’m my best me.” Dictionary corner Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw is predicting her team’s “outbelieve” slogan will end up in the dictionary if they continue to defy expectations. Ireland got the better of Sweden, Finland and, in a dramatic play-off, Scotland to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time, and they will need to scale new heights if they are the emerge from a group which includes top-10 sides Australia and Canada, as well as Nigeria. Pauw said: “That word will end up in the dictionary because we outbelieve we can do something special here. “That is how we ended up here because we outbelieve and we did something that nobody expected, but we are realistic. “We are very realistic, otherwise you cannot succeed, but the key thing everybody will feel is we have no fear of failure.” Picture of the day Quote of the day We must play every match as if it's our last. We need to really bleed for each other and bleed for our uniform, because nothing comes free Norway striker Ada Hegerberg Post of the day Up next July 20 Group A: New Zealand v Norway (8am, Eden Park, Auckland)Group B: Australia v Republic of Ireland (11am, Stadium Australia, Sydney)

FIFA has confirmed the Women’s World Cup opener in Auckland will “proceed as planned” after a shooting in the city’s central business district on Thursday morning left three people dead. Co-hosts New Zealand are set to play Norway at Eden Park this evening with kick-off scheduled for 08.00 BST. New Zealand Police said they have contained what they believe was an “isolated incident” and “not a national security risk”. A FIFA statement revealed the decision was made to move forward with the match after consulting with New Zealand authorities and the participating teams, who have both confirmed players and staff are safe. FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned FIFA statement The FIFA release read: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident. “Immediately following the incident, President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura were in communication with the Aotearoa New Zealand authorities. FIFA has also been in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident. “FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned. “The opening hours of the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau city centre will be confirmed in due course. The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place.” New Zealand Police on Thursday morning shared via their official Twitter account that in addition to the three deceased – among them the person they believe to be the male offender – an officer and four members of the public were injured in the incident which took place at a building under construction in the lower Queen Street area. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also addressed the match, telling a press conference: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland, the government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned. “Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident. “New Zealanders safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority. “We have been in regular contact with FIFA, they are proceeding as planned, there will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.” Both teams involved in tonight’s contest have assured the public that their players and staff are safe. Norway’s team hotel is located about 300-400m from where the shooting took place, but a team spokesperson told the PA news agency that everything is calm in the Norwegian squad and preparations for the match are proceeding as normal. Captain Maren Mjelde, through a statement, said: “Being informed about the consequences, the Norwegian team’s thoughts are with those affected and their families. “Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside our hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived. “At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media. We felt safe the whole time. FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and we have our own security officer in the squad. “Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight, then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.” New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. “We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” The United States women’s national team, who are also based in New Zealand, responded in a tweet posted to their official account, saying: “US Soccer extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who were killed in the shooting in downtown Auckland today. “We are saddened by the inexcusable loss of life to gun violence and our thoughts are with the people of Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand.” A previous US tweet read: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” The Philippine Women’s National Team also confirmed via social media that all members of their delegation were safe. An Eden Park statement read: “Eden Park Trust extends its deepest condolences to the Whanau of the victims in the incident which took place in Auckland’s CBD this morning. It is a sad day for Auckland on what should be a day of celebration. “Eden Park has been working with all relevant agencies regarding this morning’s incident and the impact on services and staffing.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ryan Searle requires new hotel after shocking Peter Wright in Blackpool Wayne Rooney remaining patient at DC United in bid to ‘develop’ as manager Wayne Rooney backs Declan Rice to be ‘leader’ for Arsenal

Picking a football team isn't as simple as a line on a map for people living in Northern Ireland.

An increased police presence will be seen around Auckland as the Women’s World Cup gets underway after a shooting at a construction site in the city left three people dead. New Zealand Police reported that a gunman had killed two people before he died and there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which came just hours before co-hosts New Zealand were due to kick off the tournament against Norway at Eden Park. Addressing media in New Zealand on Thursday morning, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. “The government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned. There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don't think there is an ongoing security or safety risk New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins “Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident. “New Zealanders’ safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority. “There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.” In the wake of the incident, New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. “We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” The US Women’s Team also confirmed the safety of its players and staff. The US Soccer Comms Account tweeted: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe. “Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” New Zealand Police earlier wrote on Twitter: “Police have contained a serious incident that unfolded at a construction site in Auckland’s CBD this morning. “Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased. Police are now commencing an investigation into what has occurred this morning. “Cordons remain in place and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ryan Searle requires new hotel after shocking Peter Wright in Blackpool Wayne Rooney remaining patient at DC United in bid to ‘develop’ as manager Wayne Rooney backs Declan Rice to be ‘leader’ for Arsenal

National football teams have begun to issue reports around the safety of players and staff, following a shooting in Auckland just hours before the start of the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and opponents Norway in Auckland, a gunman was found dead after killing two people and injuring multiple others in the city on Thursday (20 July). The shooting took place at a building site in Auckland city centre. New Zealand Football issued a statement on social media, writing: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” Meanwhile, reigning world champions USA issued the following statement: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT [US Women’s National Team] players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information. Read More How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV Women’s World Cup: Group guides and players to watch for every team ‘That World Cup Guy’ arrives in Australia to back the Lionesses

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart issued a message at SEC Media Day when discussing the team's traffic and speeding incidents.The Georgia Bulldogs are the first team to win the National Championship in back-to-back years in the College Football Playoff era and are looking to go for th...

England great Wayne Rooney believes Declan Rice will prove a “huge player” and key leader for title-chasing Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder completed his £105million switch from West Ham to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, signing a long-term deal with the north London club. Rice immediately jetted off with his new team-mates to Washington DC, where Arsenal kick-off their US pre-season tour against the Major League Soccer All-Stars. DC United boss Rooney is managing the hosts and believes Mikel Arteta’s men have secured a vital figure as they look to win the Premier League. “I think could be the one who could… well, he has to be the leader now, really, I think of that Arsenal team,” he told the PA news agency. “I saw Frank Lampard saying he felt Declan could be the Chelsea captain for the next 10 years if he went there. “I think he can do that (for Arsenal) and he seems to have that character and I believe he will be a huge player for Arsenal.” Rooney knows a thing or two about expectation after big-money moves but flourished rather than wilted after joining Manchester United from Everton in 2004. The 37-year-old expects the same from Rice and fellow England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who last month completed his move to Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m rising to a possible £115m. Asked how much he would gone for in an era of eye-watering transfer fees, Rooney said with a laugh: “It’s crazy, isn’t it? Yes, it’s mad. “The money players are getting sold for now is crazy and I suppose that’s where the value is nowadays. “I think someday it’s got to just crash because it can’t keep going that way but that is what the value is and good luck to the two of them. “They are obviously two different type of players. Bellingham is very good athletically, a box-to-box midfielder, more attacking. “Declan Rice is a powerful lad when he drives with the ball and also defensively and tactically he is very aware. “I think they are two different players but both with a huge future. The moves for the two of them are probably the right ones for them.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jamie Smith century puts Surrey in control against Middlesex Stuart Broad reveals addiction to Test cricket after taking 600th wicket Inter Milan sign Juan Cuadrado on one-year deal

Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £12million plus add-ons to sell Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, the PA news agency understands. The 33-year-old is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with the club – who are now managed by former Anfield teammate Steven Gerrard – over a reported wage of £700,000 a week. The Reds’ captain has been in Germany with the team on their pre-season tour but was left out of Jurgen Klopp's squad to face Karlsruhe in their first friendly on Wednesday (19 July). Henderson has made 491 appearances since signing for Liverpool from Sunderland for £20m in 2011 and skippered the side to the Premier League title and the Champions League. He has also won the FA Cup and two League Cups. Last week the England LGBT+ supporters group criticised Henderson, as rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia circulated, with the midfielder having been a vocal ally of the LGBT+ community in football. He wore rainbow laces during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and has repeatedly voiced his support for greater inclusivity in the game. Meanwhile, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in the Gulf state of Saudi Arabia. A statement from the group read: “Our joy for Mr Henderson when he scored against Ukraine in the Euros [quarter-final] was, in part, due to his kindness and his ‘lucky’ rainbow laces. A banner was created to commemorate the low bar he had achieved in being outspoken on our right to support England & show visibility on the pitch. “If the rumours are true, then that banner will be consigned to the depths of history.” PA Read More Who could replace Fabinho? Liverpool transfer options analysed Man City accept Riyad Mahrez bid from Saudi club Al Ahli Man Utd edge closer to Rasmus Hojlund signing amid advanced talks with Atalanta

Hampered by hostile new regulations, firms that promised instant grocery deliveries are leaving France.