FIFA World Cup (Women's)

Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to inform you of the unthinkable, the impossible, the never-before-seen result of crest rebrand done right — the Football Association of Ireland has shocked the planet.

It always helps when your old badge is entirely forgettable, and that's what Ireland previously had with a soccer ball that had some Celtic flair. It wasn't the worst, but it was a pretty heavy-handed "we're a soccer team" logo. 

PARIS - France women's national soccer team coach Corinne Diacre has been sacked on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the French soccer federation (FFF) said on Thursday.

Former France captain Wendie Renard said last month she would not play at this year's World Cup and French multimedia outlet RMC Sport reported that Renard said she would not represent the national side as long as Diacre is in charge.

With kick-off less than 20 weeks away (135 days) and Wednesday serving as the global celebration of International Women's Day, FIFA marked the occasion by unveiling the official poster for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The main poster is accompanied by one for each of the nine host cities, "highlighting the iconic and historical landmarks, wildlife and vibrant cultures that are unique to each."

March 4 (Reuters) - New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell has thrown his support behind coach Jitka Klimková to turn around the fortunes of her underperforming team with less than five months before the Women's World Cup begins.

New Zealand, who will co-host the World Cup with neighbors Australia from July 20 to Aug. 20, lost all their friendlies last month, suffering a 5-0 hammering by Portugal before falling 2-0 and 1-0 to Argentina.

FIFA's appointment of supermodel Adriana Lima as its global fan ambassador in a Women's World Cup year is "baffling" and sends the wrong message to players and fans, former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd said.

Brazilian Lima will "develop, promote and participate in several global initiatives" in her role as FIFA's first global fan ambassador, the governing body said in a statement on Monday.

On Saturday in London, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) gathers for its 137th annual general meeting regarding the Laws of the Game.

France captain Wendie Renard said on Friday that she will not play at this year's Women's World Cup to preserve her mental health, with fellow internationals Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani following suit.

Renard, who is widely considered to be one of the best defenders in women's football, played for France in international games against Norway, Denmark and Uruguay earlier this month.

She has 142 caps for France and plays for French side Olympique Lyonnais.

Panama became the final team to book their ticket for the upcoming Women's World Cup after they defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the final qualifying playoff at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Thursday.

Panama, who will play at the World Cup for the first time, will be in Group F with France, Jamaica and Brazil.

No sé quienes son, pero mándenles el pasaporte y háganlos ciudadanos honorarios de Panamá pic.twitter.com/bGZ1xb8Yhl