Initiated, previously failed to pressure me and mar to change its policies. Sandwich audrey Al Jazeera Tom root myanmar, bangladesh butter. Ah, so this is our desert, these are the top stories and moscow back separatist in east and ukraine will Start Holding votes on joining russia on friday. Keep says its a sham move aimed at annexing more territory. Hunters protested, had been detained across russia after president Vladimir Putin announced a partial military mobilization on wednesday. One way ticket side of the country have sold out and traffic is searched at border crossings. The secretary of state is urged the Un Security Council to send a clear message to russia over its invasion of ukraine in its threats to use nuclear weapons. Antony blanket describe moscows languages. Reckless, saying it must stop. It must be asked. How has this aggression against view crane by president putin improved the lives or prospects of a single russian citizen . One man chose this war. One man can end it. Because if russia stops fighting, the war ends. If you crane stops fighting ukraine ends. Thats why we will continue to support ukraine as it defends itself. The u. S. Has announced sanctions are members of iran, so called morality police. It follows the death of master minnie who died last week after she was arrested for allegedly breaking the countrys head scarf. Moores u. S. Accuses the force of abuse and violence against already women and of violating the rights of peaceful protests. Reiney and president is called the ongoing protest. Everybodys death acts of chaos. At least 9 piece of thigh during the unless new census information is revealed that for the 1st time ever, Northern Island has more catholics and protestants. Northern islands, protestant population is seen as majority steadily declined. Since the states creation with the partition of island by the british a century ago, most of the Protestant Community favors remaining parts of the u. K. While catholics, they historically favor irish reunification. There is no headlines. One use come up here in our desert right after. Well, cup count out, dont you so much isnt, isnt evil under a labor government, it will not be tolerated in any form. What . So ever. Beneath the surface lies a darker side in british politics. The labour files hot one on al jazeera. Ah, hello, and far as smile. Welcome to our latest world hub count down program. As we build up to cats are 2020 to the middle east, 1st world cup, which kicks off in november. Each month were focusing on a different region and this time its north and central america. Oh, canadas bands are excited after their country finished as regions talk qualifier. Well take a closer look at their t. The United States are also in the mix after missing the last finals in russia, but will they be able to surpass the success of their womens world cup winners . Joining us to talk through it all, our former u. S. International and current bn, sports analyst christophers sullivan, whos near palo alto in california, and canadian sports analysts foreign school. His in vancouver. Ah, weve got lots to get through with 4 teams having qualified from the north and Central American region. Canada finished top of the table followed by their 2026 world cup co host mexico and the United States, costa rica qualified via the playoff. Heres how theyve been drawn in the group stage for the finals here encounter. Well take a closer look at each one shortly. Lets 1st focused on the informed team. Canada will be making just their 2nd world comp appearance. Jody bounce reports from vancouver. O canadians are passionate about their sports teams. Generally those playing baseball, basketball, and of course ice hockey. But more recently, fans are turning to a different game with the success of the mens and womens sides has caused a massive spike and interest in the sport. The canadian womens team, one olympic gold in tokyo, followed by the mens team qualifying for just their 2nd world cap. Much of this success is down to the influence of coach john herdman. John herdman has brought so much confidence through the Canadian National team program that it attracts winners, right . Winners attract, winners. He had metal success as an olympic a coach for the canadian women. Hes more than brought that to the canadian men. This group of players is much more diverse than the team that played at the 1986 world cup and mexico. Among them, the Canadian Immigrant from ghana, alfonso davies, the buyer and munich player has captured the attention of the soccer world and his thriving under heard men, while croatian born b, land bori, and tells everyone how proud he is to be part of this team. Its a great tool to give back something to canada, the gemini, give it to me, you know, new life, new everything. Experts thank novembers world cap. Could be a turning point for the sport in canada. Now this is an opportunity to be there in, in, in cutter this year. And then in canada, United States, mexico, in 4 years, this will set a real transition for canada to the next level. The recent success is already paying off with greater enrollments in Youth Programs and fans ready for a taste of world cup. Lori were gorgeous. Oh, with hopes of being a dark horse. Canadians are counting down to the tournament in guitar with excitement not felt in a generation. Jodi vance al jazeera vancouver. And heres whats facing canada. When the world cup starts in november, their group asks with belgiums, were until recently the top rank side in the world morocco and co way chef or the other teams in that group. Lets bring in our guests now and scott, i want to start with you because tana that have never even scored a world cup goal before. Can this team cause an upset tear . Do you think . Well far the short answer is yes, but it will certainly be an upset if canada and specifically can take a point or perhaps even a win against either the european side. In the group manager, john herdman is already laying the groundwork of canada. Being a mass of underdog in his group, he began today in the media saying it would be a Monumental Task in the group. Or if an upset is to occur, itll happen for a couple of reasons. One is that fearless, cohesive approach that we saw from canada during this last round of qualifying candidate were not intimidated by raining powers, like mexico and the United States even away from their home pitch. And the other factor would be the ability to generate goals from a variety of sources. Canada led, the group for the last stage, were 23 goals across 14 matches. And those goals came from a different sources. Yes, it will be an upset of canada. Can find a way through this group or perhaps earn a result against one of those european side, but it most certainly as possible. And Christopher Kennedy coey sean herdman, scott just mentioned to him. Hes had quite an unusual career up until now. Has any absolutely. I think its been a fascinating path to this point right here. I mean, hes coached for 7 years where the womens team and hes won every competition that hes been in or place battle around in olympic qualified in pen american. They won the gold. Its very interesting, you know, i agree with scott unequivocally a 100 percent. I think they were the best the and merited qualifying top of the group we for the 1st time youve seen mexico, thats been a power along with the u. S. Sub. Busy par performance throughout the whole, qualify another hereto martino, the u. S. Normally never looked past canada because i didnt canada, the us are very similar. Similar when you look at the composition of what they break, but kept canada and even more diverse. When youre talking about the diversity of the players from where they have all over the world is really impressed. And unfortunately, i think costa rican and kind of are in the toughest groups and car they come up against belgium creation morocco. I think they can get 3 points against morocco having watch morocco without resides against the us. Been a recent friendly. The tough one is going to be belgium and much like 86. 00 when they played again. That great french team with the stars started mid field of play, teenager se going on fernandez. Youre looking at the best midfielder and kevin broner. So if they can get a point, i actually believe that they get a point between belgium and corporation. One of those to the way that they played in perform, you know, were talking about a year ago and qualifying will they be up to the performance of the day at optimal performance. Canada could take anyone in this competition or surprise, anyone the way they play. And scott cannot and demographics have changed a lot since they last qualified in 1986. How much of an impact has that had on the Current National teen bar . Its had a Significant Impact and you need look no further than the roster and the squad that was named by john herdman earlier today for the upcoming friendliest leading up to the top 2 months from now. More than a 3rd of the team are players born outside of canada is back. If you look at Immigration Trends in canada over the last 30 to 40 years, you can see a significant uptick. This is a country that is more than 20 percent immigrants, and the vast majority of canadians are very proud of the fact that were multicultural. And when you look at john herdman, being an immigrant himself, a story that he has mention, alfonso davey. That was mentioned in jodys report, being a refugee who came from gone to this country, they are the faces of this team, but they lead a very strong contingent of immigrants. So yes, it has had a Significant Impact on candidate soccer portions on the mens side. Ok, well lets shift our focus to the other team from north america, the United States. Theyre back and finally, theyre missing the last world cup in russia, the furthest theyve ever gone to the semi finals back at the very 1st edition in 1930. Since then its been the us womens team that has enjoyed the most success with 4 world cop title when the wife will be taking on around in their groups. Countries havent had formal diplomatic relations for more than 40 years. Around one theyre only previous world cup meeting to one in 1998th, england and wales are the other 2 teens in fruit. Oh christopher, are you confident that the u. S. Can get out of the group stage. I think you definitely dont want to be arrogant and you want to take your opponents, you know, with, with, with certain credibility. And i think wales will be a very interesting battle. I think both teams are on similar levels when you look at start power of vail and others like ramsey and its a well coach team and they had to fight to get here the game against iran. We last thing is iran in 98. I think that that team under carlos titos, thats just come back and did it streamline . Well they got 4 point that in 2018 where they beat they tied portugal and they beat morocco out of the gate. And then last 2, i think they lost the 2nd game. I can remember who that was again, but they have players that can score and they have top forwards equally like the United States. We have a young generation that has an american in each group of champions league, but the game is not played on paper and thats what makes it so excited. We have a team thats finally starting to take shape, play a little bit better, but the pool is deeper than its ever been. Scott canada did beat the usa at the start of the year. What did you think of the u ss . Qualifying campaign . I thought a times the group showed its youth and christophers point is very well made. This is not a lack of talent on this us roster. This is a deep pool and a very talented one. Falsifying round. The final one that the us struggled when they played outside of the United States to generate results. Im not sure if that was a lack of experience or perhaps a little over confidence after what was an extremely successful 2021 campaign in which the us won. The con cap nations cup and gold cup. Its not a lack of talent. It may be a lack of experience, but the u. S. Does have the potential to rise up on the biggest age football has to offer. And to me, this group really comes down to that 1st match against wales. Im not discounting iran by any means and the political ramifications, as you mentioned far coming in to this topic. Well certainly plan to that match as well. But its a lot of pressure on the us and well side coming into that 1st match together. But yes, i agree with christopher esteem is certainly talented enough to make its way through the group. Can it come together at the right time and will that youth serve them well, instead of being a lack of experience, thanks guys will come back to bo shortly. But now lets take a look ahead. The 2026 world cup will be vastly different from novembers here in caviar. The tournament is spread over 3 countries, the us, mexico and canada, and for the 1st time ever will feature 48. 00. Supporters in washington d. C are unhappy that the u. S. Capital wasnt chosen as one of the health city mike hannah spoke to fans there. Ah, you as fans, excitedly awaiting the beginning of the cut, a world cup in a matter of weeks, interest all the more intense here. Because the game is part of washingtons culture. Almost every school plays it at all levels. And the local professional t, d. C united has substantial support then groups like the screaming eagles could be described as fanatical. Theres a lot of fandom, a lot of support, a lot of passion for the game. And its so its important to us, given this passion, this a degree of anger that dc was not selected as a host city, as it was in 1990 for the last time. The us hosted the tournament and we are the nate, the nations capital, that i mean that to me is just i dont know what the thinking behind that was, but i mean, how many other countries do not host from their nation has happened. Theres a place to play in virtually every washington neighbourhood. Its important to note that in the us, the name of the game is soccer ball is a different sport entirely. But then theres a team called into miami, c f. The c. F stands for club to put bowl, a knob to the many hispanic supported and in miami. Each game is like a festival. The party has been ongoing since the city was selected as one of the 2026 venues are excited about the world to have coming down here. Ah, just because its finally happening in our backyard, the kids day, you know, the lobbying the on was for your and how i, you know, everybody so excited a lot to work up. Billions of us bands like these will be watching when the cutter will come get turned away. But already theres a sense of anticipation about what happens beyond when the world cup comes to the region in just over 4 years time. Mike hannah, out his era washington. Christopher, what do you think of the 4800 format . Do you think its too many countries . Well, i think most clements and certainly my colleague, richard keys in any great way to live. And in the United States, they play the see to a tournament where you get to the sweet 16. It starts at 64. 00. So for american, you know, i think that they would understand it for the rest of the world. Its one of those new rules that is different from the traditions, but weve jumped to 32 from 24 and now theyre going to 48 and i think it will be a shorter turn them in for some teams before they go out. And we just have to deal with, and i mean thats the only thing that i could say. I do believe that with god said, canada has 3 places. I think its vancouver, toronto, and montreal. And then you have in mexico, they have mexico city, long 8th. And then one of the hot i believe, and then you have all the cities in the United States. So really 3 countries and big countries as well will be able to accommodate so many teens. And so many cultures watching this fantastic event in 2026. Its going to be amazing. Oh scott, what sort of legacy do hope the 2026 world cup will leave for the game in canada . Hopefully something that resembles the improve results in increased the expectations that we saw from our olympic programs. Following the 202010, pardon me, winter games in vancouver, leading up to those games, there was an influx of money and resources made possible by a lot of different sponsors across canada and a lot of different organizations. And our athletes benefited tremendously. That is increased the expectation across this country when it comes to the olympics. And i think we could see something similar on the soccer side. Our womens t that team has certainly led from the front much like our neighbors to the south in the United States, canada on the women side, current olympic champion that started back as chris for rent reference earlier. When john herdman took over the women side and the surprised everyone in london in 2012 by winning an olympic bronze and taking the americans to their limits at that point in time, the number one country in the world. So our women have laid out a template that hopefully our men can emulate, and hopefully 2026 is a springboard into future results that resemble those. Lets take a look at mexico now. They finish 2nd in their qualifying table, behind canada. And theyve got quite a match coming up in the group stage against lena masseys argentina. Also be placing saudi arabia and poland. Mexico is woven into the history of the world. The stadium taca in mexico city was the 1st venue to host 2 World Cup Finals, and it was also where diego merit donna scored the famous hand of god goal and goal of the century. And the same game against england in 1986. Our correspondent john holman, has more from mexico city. This is the cathedral of mexican football, though thats perhaps the way to describe what is quite a rule. Kiss a row the ground b as pick a stadium. And its got a long history with the world cup 2 finals were played in 1970 and in 1986 in general. This is a tournament the mexican get excited about about 80000 people are expected to travel from here to could to cheer on that team. L 3 co lot. Thats the nickname for the national. So i, based on the 3 colors in the mexican flag that doesnt necessarily mean that people are expecting that much from the mexican never been past the quota. Final of any wilcox. And this is generally regarded as not a particularly vintage crop of players. The country in general actually is the biggest trophy drought in 15 years and that the mens women and the you things. But despite that, whenever they go to woke up met because know how to celebrate to the point where the Mexican Foreign minister has actually explicit evil. Not to take any to kayla in the suitcases. To get off. Its not going to be a problem in 4 years time when the woke up is actually held on home ground here together with the United States and canada. Christopher, not a great run for mexico. Theyve gone out in the round of 16 and left 7 world top 10 this year. Be their year. Well, i mean, they call it l kito part of the 5th match in mexico and has been stuck in their head qualifying as, as scott mentioned earlier, was not a very good performance thunder head. I dont, you know, in fact the fans have been chanting what i thought, what i thought. And, you know, theyve had the recent injury of, hey sues corona, what a nickname that is to cut the corona to beard. So, you know, is the, or the boy, we dont know, but hes from port out. He wont be there to be locked on. Napoli is one of their star players, ro, is, hasnt caught his best for him, since they had an injury that he had with wolves. So theyre having problems with some of the star players. They, theyve underperformed. Theres been a drought of goals for mexico. And i think mexico, you know, that 1st game against poland is going to tell the story of the group. They have pulling argentina, saudi arabia, theyll be playing against poland for that 2nd place. This, in my opinion, i think with the fans the sentiment and they are, some of the greatest fans in the world is really dire. You know, i mean, they really feel that mexico is not going to do well. The guy only wants have mexico be in canada. Or the u. S. In the last 3 years, do they have a chance . Or they have a chance to get out of their group because thats what mexico traditionally does 7 consecutive world cup to the round of 16 getting past that hurdle. As chris per mentioned, has been somewhat of a challenge, a daunting one. Whats interesting about mexico is that despite their poor qualification round in the final stage, they feel finished with the same record of canada. But that tells you the different standards between the 2 countries. What surprised everyone, including me, was mac, mexicos lack of english. In the last round, mexico is the con, cap squad that you depend on for goals. And you have known traditionally as one that does not lack often, but that was not the case over the past year. Mexico scoring just 17 goals in the 14 matches of qualifying they do have as for entirely that game against poland is the one that stands out in mexico gets off to a good start in that game and wins that game and takes 3 points. You feel very good about their chances of getting to the rounded 16 but to hearken back whats happened in the past year and this particular group of players. Im not particularly optimistic about their chances of going beyond the round of 60 and now to the final team from the north and Central American region, and thats costa rica. They were the last team to qualify for the turn them in through the intercom until playoff beating at new zealand here in cats are battling if they find themselves in a very tough world, cab group against for a time winters, germany 2010 champion, fane and japan, alessandra rock, yet he spoke to fans who are hoping to win their way to encounter costa rica classic match between somebody saying a la william said, always brings out the strongest of emotions among football crazed fans known as thick goes her cache. Shakia when only conditions in the country of men to reduction in the sale of world cup packages. For many fans, their only chance of getting to katara is by participating in raffles. Like this said in saying i can really wanting it would be a dream come true. Football fascinates me. And in such a spectacular location, but prices estate. So we can only hope, travel agency say only around 500. 00 of costa rica, as 5000000. 00 inhabitants will make the trip to doha. Those will be watching from home, say they will still be cheering on their team. Guitar will be the thickest 6 participation in a world cup over all the 3rd consecutive time in a row that they qualified. Not bad for such a small country. Despite a rocky Qualification Campaign fans hope the team will repeat, its historic performance from 2014 in brazil where they reached the quarter finals. The site earned the label of giant killers after finishing top of the group they shared with italy, england, and uruguay. Former defender and national legend, michael, who manya scored the winning penalty that sent cost that he came to the quarter finals and brazil. He says the current team has what it takes to get out of the group stage. Once again, been a lot of that as an endo sat in the truces. We like being in a group like this one to compete with the best. Thats what you do in a world count faced the best. I feel optimistic. I know our National Team shows its best when it faces the worlds most powerful. The next generation of players hoping for another strong showing and Katara Allison the get it. Ill just sierra san jose, costa rica, christopher 10 memories of what that team achieved and 2014 help them here. I mean, thats the big question. I think that they track costa rica very similar to that golden generation from killing. That wont be in cut are under jorge. Luis been taught in 2014. In brazil, i was there, i mean, they taught the group with uruguay and italy, and then they got to the quarter finals. And last for 3. In penalties against the netherland. Now they have a different, you know, they have a history of having columbia and coach that coach. I have now, louise fernandos wanted. Hes a little more defensive, but he has just you have history and experience in a world cup. So i mean, this is a team of old player can hes we that final bit of juice from the 11, from the limit of these players, kaylor novice, was the legend in costa rica. And then you have sell so borges. Whereas with 150 cas, and that was brian luis as well, your campbell who scored the goal is to get them there. If they sprinkle enough fresh Young Players from costa rica, it could be put on be the and they can go through. But the odds are against them. Scott, what do you think . Are costa rica facing an Impossible Task . Far it certainly feels like it in a group of spain, germany, and japan. And while they have all of that veteran experienced, the christopher talked about they do struggle to score goals and you can expect low t goes to try to frustrate their opponents to play physical brand of football, to play very defensive brand of football as well. And hope to generate the odd chance here there be opportunistic, perhaps go to penalties as well. It spain off the hop. And then its japan finishing with germany as well. If the upset is to occur, you would think it would have to be early in their group stage of matches. But it does not look very promising. Theyve drawn an extremely tough group and well see if their experience pays off. But im not very optimistic about that. Happening this time around, its just catch up on whats been happening here in the house country catera. The venue for the World Cup Final you sale stadium is undergone a major stress test ahead of the tournament. It staged the super cop between the champions of egypt and saudi arabia with a near capacity crowd of 75000 supporters. Thats all we have time for so big. Thank you to our guest, christopher sullivan, and scott brin tool next month will be switching continents to focus on the asian teams. Ill be heading to qatar as we get ever closer to novembers mid event. And of course, al jazeera will keep you right up to date every step of the way from the war in ukraine to the Global Energy crisis. And the impact of Climate Change. The need for International Cooperation has never been more vital. As leaders from a 193 Member States gathered that the United Nations general assembly. Will we see any breakthroughs on al jazeera, debating the issues of the day produce as always, dan criminalized around though boundaries of rights under member of their people or families and our friends and our Community Member on our online, at your voice 1st minute to reap . Dont believe in dialogue, go political crisis must be soft with a political solution. As Climate Change progress is there some people who are in places that theyre just organ afternoon. Theres no recognition about what were ready facing. The street on al jazeera, witness inspiring films from around the world. 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