The latest issue of World Soccer is now available to buy online and in shops.

From the editor

Our countdown to the 2022 World Cup continues in this issue as we preview the remaining European, Asian and inter-confederational play-offs to determine the final three qualifiers for Qatar.

Three players already with their eyes on the World Cup are this issue’s cover stars – Netherlands hot-shot Cody Gakpo, Portugal forward Diogo Jota and United States wonderkid Brenden Aaronson – and we shine the spotlight on the talented trio who are all having terrific seasons for their clubs.

The Ukraine conflict continues to cast its shadow, but countries around the world persist in showing their support for the war-torn nation. James Nalton provides an exclusive EyeWitness report into how America’s East Coast is proving an unlikely destination for its show of solidarity and awareness-raising efforts through football, while Jared Tinslay previews what should prove to be an emotional international comeback for Ukraine as they travel to take on Scotland in the European World Cup play-offs.

European champions Italy may not have a World Cup to look forward to, but they face South American champions Argentina in the Finalissima, giving the Azzurri a chance to atone for their qualifying disappointment. Jim Holden discusses the merits of the newly-revived contest, formerly known as the Artemio Franchi Cup.

Following in this issue’s theme of giving exposure to young talents such as Gakpo and Aaronson, this month’s instalment of Talent Scout highlights the standout stars from this season’s UEFA Youth League, with Nick Bidwell giving us an insight into the Champions League’s next generation.

One player most definitely part of the Champions League’s current golden generation is Karim Benzema who, at 34, is enjoying the best form of his already wonderful career. Colin Millar offers his incisive analysis on the purple patch for the likely frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Whether Benzema will be able to add another Champions League winners’ medal to his vast collection this season remains to be seen. Our print deadline for this edition didn’t allow us to preview this season’s finale, but be sure to catch next month’s issue which will review UEFA’s showpiece occasion, along with all of Europe’s other elite competitions and leagues, in our annual season review special.

Stephen Fishlock, Group Editor

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CONTENTS

THE WORLD THIS MONTH
People in the news…on and off the pitch

4 In pictures
10 From the Editor
11 The month in numbers
12 On the radar
13 Jim Holden Heart of the Game Finalissima
14 Keir Radnedge Insider Financial Fair Play with teeth
16 Jonathan Wilson Technically Speaking The gulf on Merseyside
18 Ins & Outs

HEADLINERS

22 Karim Benzema
24 Jojo Wollacott
25 Ruud van Nistelrooy
26 Aljosa Asanovic
27 Fabio Carvalho

EYEWITNESS

28 USA Ukrainian solidarity on America’s east coast
32 Mauritius A year without football
36 Azerbaijan Qarabag’s long-awaited homecoming
40 Spain Barcelona Women breaking records

FEATURES

46 Diogo Jota Player biography
54 Talent scout 2021-22 UEFA Youth League’s stars

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

56 Emmanuel Dennis
60 Brenden Aaronson
64 Cody Gakpo

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

68 UEFA Champions League final

WORLD SERVICE

72 European World Cup play-offs preview
74 Race for Qatar Inter-confederational World Cup play-offs
76 2022-23 UEFA Nations League preview
78 AFCON 2023 qualifiers preview
80 Asian Champions League group stage review
82 Tahiti Looking east for progression
84 Sri Lanka Tough times
86 Greenland Turning to CONCACAF

MY BIGGEST GAME

98 Rio Ferdinand