World Cup news and highlights

By Ben Church, Patrick Sung, Issy Ronald, Matias Grez, Aditi Sangal and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 2249 GMT (0649 HKT) November 23, 2022
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4:05 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Belgium beats Canada 1-0 in Group F

Belgium players celebrate after the match against Canada on November 23.
Belgium players celebrate after the match against Canada on November 23. (John Sibley/Reuters)

A hard-fought match ends in Belgium's favor. They defeat Canada, 1-0.

In the first half, it was the underdog Canadians that got off to a better start. And in the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Belgium inside the box. But Alphonso Davies failed to convert as Belgian goaltender Thibaut Courtois made a clutch save to keep it nil-nil. 

Canada thought they might have gotten a second penalty later in the half. Richie Laryea went down under Axel Witsel’s challenge who appeared to stand on his foot. There certainly seemed to be contact but the referee waved play on. Canada’s fans started chanting “VAR” from behind the opposite goal and they got their wish when the VAR started looking. But no penalty was awarded.

Then in the 44th minute and against the run of play, Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi received the ball and deposited it in the back of the Canadian net to grab the lead.

In the second half, Belgium shifted into a more defensive shape after snatching the lead. Canada continued to apply pressure. 

As the half progressed, the Canadians began to take more risks — pushing to find that equalizer — and the game opened up. But alas, Canada's search for its first World Cup goal continues.

Canada will feel they deserved something out of this performance but it's Belgium who take all three points and sit atop Group F. Earlier today in the group, Morocco and Croatia ended in a 0-0 stalemate. 

3:44 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Germany will not face FIFA disciplinary actions for pre-match gesture

From CNN's Homero De la Fuente

 

Germany will not face any disciplinary action from FIFA, football’s governing body, following the team’s pre-match gesture on Wednesday at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

Prior to the team’s 2-1 defeat to Japan, Germany’s starting 11 posed with their right hands over their mouths, in silent protest against freedom of speech in the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. 

“It wasn’t about making a political statement — human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us,” the German Football Federation (DFB) said in a series of tweets.

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

3:23 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

German player says pre-match protest was "spontaneous"

From CNN's David Close

Germany's soccer team players cover their mouths as they pose for a group photo before the match against Japan on November 23.
Germany's soccer team players cover their mouths as they pose for a group photo before the match against Japan on November 23. (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

Following their loss to Japan on Wednesday, German players revealed the team's silent protest against FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband in Qatar was a "spontaneous" gesture.

"We tried to make a statement but we were not able to what we planned. So we tried to do something like a sign. I think it's a critical topic but have to show a sign. It was really spontaneous," German midfielder Julian Brandt told ESPN after the match.

Germany’s starting 11 all posed with their right hands in front of their mouths, and within minutes, the image was circulating widely on social media. 

Brandt's teammate, striker Kai Havertz, told ESPN, "I think first it was the right time to do to show the people that — yeah we try to help wherever we can. Of course, FIFA makes it not easy for us but we tried to show with that thing."

On Wednesday, the German Football Federation (DFB) released a series of tweets shortly after the game had kicked off indicating that FIFA had prevented them from using their voices to speak up at the World Cup for issues they felt passionate about, hence the protest.

3:06 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

The second half has begun

We're back underway in Belgium vs Canada.

The Red Devils lead 1-0.

2:51 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Belgium leads Canada 1-0 at the half

It's 1-0 halfway through Canada and Belgium's Group F match.

It was the underdogs from Canada that got off to a better start. And in the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty after the video-assisted referee (VAR) spotted a handball by Belgium inside the box. But Alphonso Davies failed to convert as Belgian goaltender Thibaut Courtois made a clutch save to keep it nil-nil.

Canada continued to look the better side throughout the half. Then in the 44th minute and against the run of play, Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi received the ball and deposited it in the back of the Canadian net to grab the lead.

Earlier today in the group, Morocco and Croatia ended in a 0-0 stalemate. If Belgium can hold the lead and earn a victory here they'll end the day atop Group F.

2:51 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Canada fans furious they didn’t get another penalty before Belgium goal

From CNN's Ben Church in Doha

Quite remarkable scenes so far this half. Canada has had one penalty saved already but probably should have had another.

Richie Laryea goes down under Axel Witsel’s challenge who appeared to stand on his foot.

There certainly seemed to be contact, but the referee waved play on. Canada’s fans started chanting “VAR” from behind the opposite goal and they got their wish when the Video Assistant Referee started looking.

But no penalty was awarded.

Moments later, Michy Batshuayi put Belgium in front with a goal. It’s a cruel game.

2:49 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Belgium scores a goal

Belgium's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal against Canada on November 23.
Belgium's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal against Canada on November 23. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters)

Belgium opened its account at the tail end of the first half when Michy Batshuayi scored a goal for the Red Devils.

Belgium 1-0 Canada

2:46 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Canada fans loving what they’re seeing so far

From CNN's Ben Church

Fans are seen in the stands during the match between Canada and Belgium on November 23.
Fans are seen in the stands during the match between Canada and Belgium on November 23. (Katelyn Mulcahy/FIFA/Getty Images)

Canada is 39 places below Belgium – which sits second – in FIFA’s official ranking, but you wouldn’t be able to tell on the pitch.

They’ve already missed a penalty and have been on the front foot all game.

The thousands of Canadian fans inside the stadium are making plenty of noise, stamping their feet and cheering every time their team gets close to the Belgian goal.

Belgium are just not clicking and cannot deal with the pace and trickery of Alphonso Davies – who missed the spotkick – down the left.

Canada just needs to find their shooting boots before Belgium, and its star man Kevin De Bruyne, wake up.

2:16 p.m. ET, November 23, 2022

Canada gets a penalty ... and it's saved!

Thibaut Courtois of Belgium saves the penalty taken by Alphonso Davies of Canada on November 23.
Thibaut Courtois of Belgium saves the penalty taken by Alphonso Davies of Canada on November 23. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Canada is awarded an early penalty but Alphonso Davies fails to convert as Belgium's Thibaut Courtois saves it!

Huge moment in the first half.