Football
Asia Leads the Charge as 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Begin to Take Shape
The road to the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup is gaining momentum, and Asia is already making its mark on football’s grandest stage. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this edition promises to be the most inclusive and diverse yet — and Asia is stepping up early.
🇯🇵 Japan Sets the Benchmark for Asia
Japan was the first nation worldwide to book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring their dominance in Asian football. Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign with six wins and one draw, the Samurai Blue continue to be the standard-bearers for the continent.
🇮🇷 Iran Continues Consistent Form
Iran soon followed Japan, securing their seventh overall World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive berth. The team remained undefeated in their group, showcasing the experience and tactical depth that has made them a fixture on the world stage.
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan Makes Historic Debut
In one of the most emotional stories of the qualifiers so far, Uzbekistan qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. A gritty 0-0 draw against the UAE was enough for the Central Asian side to clinch a spot, sparking nationwide celebrations. Their rise highlights the growing strength of second-tier Asian nations on the global stage.
Asia’s Presence Grows in 2026 Format
Asia is guaranteed eight slots in the 2026 World Cup — a significant jump from previous editions — allowing the region to showcase more talent, depth, and emerging football powerhouses. With teams like South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Australia still in the hunt, the continent could make a serious impact come 2026.
Global Context
The tournament’s expanded format and host countries in North America mark a new era for international football. With 104 matches, 16 host cities, and an increased number of participants, it will be a celebration of global diversity — and Asian nations are ready to shine.
Countries Qualified So Far
- Asia: 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
- Oceania: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- South America: 🇦🇷 Argentina
(Additional qualifiers from other confederations are ongoing.)
As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes are on Asia’s rising stars — ready to challenge the world and redefine the future of football.
Football
Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot
The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.
Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.
Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.
Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.
With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.
School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zahira College, Colombo | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 6 |
Gampola Zahira College | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
Darussalam College | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
Kingswood College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 0 |



Football
Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025
The Group D stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship concluded with Hameed Al Husseinie College and Vaddakkachchi Central College sealing their spots in the quarterfinals after a fiercely contested round of matches.
Hameed Al Husseinie topped the group with an unbeaten record, securing 7 points from three matches, including two wins and one draw. Their dominance was evident with a commanding 9 goals scored while conceding only one — showcasing a solid attacking unit and disciplined defense.
Vaddakkachchi Central College earned the second qualification spot with 5 points, winning one and drawing two matches. Despite a lower goal tally of five, their consistency and composure under pressure helped them edge out Baduriya College, who finished third with four points.
Al-Falah College, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm throughout the group stage, finishing at the bottom without a win.
According to the tournament structure, Group D winner Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) will face Group A runner-up (A2) in the quarterfinals, while Vaddakkachchi Central (D2) will meet Group A winner, most probably Zahira College Colombo (A1) — a clash that promises thrilling football action.
As the competition intensifies, both qualifying teams from Group D will be looking to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds and make a strong statement in their quest for the prestigious Lifebuoy Ball Blaster Championship 2025 title.
🏅 Final Group D Standings
School | MP | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hameed Al Husseinie College | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 7 |
Vaddakkachchi Central College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 5 |
Baduriya College | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
Al-Falah College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | -9 | 0 |








Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Kicks Off in Grand Style!
Colombo, October 9, 2025 – The wait is finally over! The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025 officially kicked off on October 4th with a spectacular start, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s school football journey.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), the event is proudly organized and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV (SLSTV). The tournament showcases the best of young Sri Lankan football talent from across the island, with 16 leading Division I schools vying for national glory.
Tournament Overview
The competition features 16 top football schools divided into four groups (A–D), competing in 24 matches during the group stages.
Following the intense group battles, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the grand finale scheduled for November 9, 2025.
The opening day witnessed Gateway College and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo setting the tone with a thrilling curtain-raiser, while matches in Gampola, Eravur, Kalutara, and Jaffna are already electrifying local crowds with football fever.
Group Line-up
Group A
- Zahira College, Colombo
- Darrusalam College
- Gampola Zahira College
- Kingswood College, Kandy
Group B
- Aligar Central College, Eravur
- Kalutara Muslim Central College
- Maristella College, Negombo
- Royal College, Colombo
Group C
- St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna
- St. Benedict’s College, Colombo
- Gateway College
Group D
- Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo
- Al Falah College, Negombo
- Baduriya Central College, Mawanella
- Waddakachchi Central College, Kilinochchi
Key Fixtures
- Oct 4: Gateway College vs St. Joseph’s College (City League, 2.00 PM)
- Oct 6: Zahira College vs Darrusalam College (City League, 4.30 PM)
- Oct 9: St. Benedict’s College vs Gateway College (University Grounds)
- Oct 12: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Benedict’s College (City League, 3.30 PM)
- Oct 19: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Joseph’s College (Jaffna Durayappa, 4.00 PM)
- Oct 25–26: Quarter Finals
- Nov 2: Semi Finals
- Nov 9: 3rd Place Match & Grand Final
Proud Partners Behind the Tournament
The success of the Ball Blaster 2025 is powered by the commitment and partnership of Sri Lanka’s leading brands:
- 🧴 Title Sponsor: Lifebuoy Bodywash – Promoting health, hygiene, and youth empowerment through sport.
- 🥤 Refreshing Partner: Elephant House Lemonade – Keeping players and fans refreshed throughout the intense tournament.
- ✈️ Travel Partner: Sky Market Travel – Supporting smooth team travel and logistics across the island.
- 👕 Clothing Partner: Aacty Wear – Outfitting players, officials, and referees with professional-grade sportswear.
A Celebration of Youth Football
“The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 is not just a tournament—it’s a celebration of youth, energy, and sporting excellence,” said the organizing team of Sri Lankan Sports TV. “With the support of our sponsors and partners, we are elevating the standard of school football in Sri Lanka and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
Watch the Action Live
Fans can experience every thrilling moment of the Ball Blaster 2025 through Sri Lankan Sports TV’s exclusive coverage, including:
🎥 Live match broadcasts
📸 Highlights and interviews
📲 Digital updates on social media
👉 Visit Sri Lankan Sports TV Online for full fixtures, results, and exclusive stories.
The Future of School Football
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has already captured the hearts of fans nationwide. With passion, teamwork, and the roar of young lions on full display, the journey toward the championship promises unforgettable footballing moments that define the future of the game in Sri Lanka.
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