- [**The best numbers from Palace's World Cup contingent**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/first-team/palace-at-the-world-cup-the-numbers/)

It’s finally here. The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday 11th June, when co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa in the opening game – the first of a record 104 matches at this World Cup, due to the expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.

With 13 of our players involved, there’s more scope for Palace-related storylines than at any other major international tournament in history.

With the big kick-off upon us here’s a World Cup guide – South London-style – that gives you everything you need to know…

#### **How are our players getting on?**

##### **Group K**

After waiting nearly a week since the tournament got underway, Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma were in from the off for Colombia's first game against Uzbekistan. 

And Los Cafeteros enjoyed a dream start to the World Cup in Mexico City, with the Palace duo at the heart of it. 

With the game level five minutes before the break, former Liverpool man Luis Diaz played a wonderful pass behind the Uzbekistan defence. Muñoz had timed his run to perfection and connected with a superb volley at full stretch to open the scoring. 

A simply stunning strike. It was the wing-back's fourth goal at international level, on his World Cup debut.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Unbelievable technique from Daniel Muñoz 🪄 <a href="https://t.co/iks56b44O6">pic.twitter.com/iks56b44O6</a></p>&mdash; ITV Football (@itvfootball) <a href="https://x.com/itvfootball/status/2067458690081341867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Uzbekistan did later equalise in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's close-range header. But Colombia, with Lerma and Muñoz helping them stay on top, quickly responded through Diaz.

Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third goal late on as both Lerma and Muñoz completed the full 90 minutes. The South Americans ran out 3-1 winners to move straight to the top of Group K.

##### **Group L**

England got off to a winning start as they saw off Croatia 4-2 in a thriller in Dallas, with Harry Kane (2), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford getting the goals.

Palace skipper Dean Henderson remained an unused substitute as his team produced an excellent display.

England return to action against Ghana next Tuesday.

##### **Group D**

In Group D,  USA enjoyed a dream start to the tournament on Friday (12th) night with Chris Richards helping them along the way. 

The co-hosts produced a stunning display to see off Paraguay 4-1 in LA in front of a raucous home crowd.

An early own goal and a Folarin Balogun double made it 3-0 to the USMNT at half-time. Prior to Balogun's second, Richards went close to scoring in a World Cup, when his flicked header shaved the Paraguay post. 

Mauricio denied Richards and his defenders a clean sheet with a well-taken goal, but Giovanni Reyna's stoppage-time stunner put the finishing touch on a perfect night for the Americans and Richards.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heck of a World Cup debut for <a href="https://x.com/eastmamba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eastmamba</a> 🐍<br><br>📊 via <a href="https://x.com/OptaJack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OptaJack</a> <a href="https://t.co/ix9Tk7M4gm">pic.twitter.com/ix9Tk7M4gm</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Soccer Men&#39;s National Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://x.com/USMNT/status/2065643495361298884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Elsewhere in the Group on Saturday (13th) evening, although not a current Palace player, former club captain Tony Popovic – whose coaching staff includes another former Eagles skipper in Mile Jedinak – became the first-ever Australian to both play for and coach the Socceroos at a World Cup Finals.

His team emerged 2-0 victors against Turkey in Vancouver.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tony Popovic makes history 👏<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Socceroos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Socceroos</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/RllgUbm0d1">pic.twitter.com/RllgUbm0d1</a></p>&mdash; CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) <a href="https://x.com/Socceroos/status/2066007533303791684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

##### **Group B**

Canada ensured all three co-hosts took a point from their opening game after a late equaliser against Bosnia on Friday (12th) evening.

Jovo Lukic puts Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead, but substitute Cyle Larin equalised late in the second-half only 121 seconds after coming off the bench. 

Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Toronto.

##### **Group D**

At the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday (13th) evening, making his FIFA World Cup Finals debut in his seventh cap, **Chadi Riad** put in an impressive individual display against Brazil as *the Atlas Lions* held Carlo Ancelotti's side to a 1-1 draw.

With Riad an assured presence at the back, Morocco took the lead on 21 minutes through Ismael Saibari's deft lob – albeit one cancelled out 10 minutes later through Vinicius Junior's excellent curling effort.

The 22-year-old completed 35 of his 40 passes, made three clearances and two recoveries, and won both of his ground duels against the *Selecao* side – with Scotland up next at the Boston Stadium next Friday (19th).

##### **Group F**

**Daichi Kamada** enjoyed a dream start to the World Cup as his late flick earned Japan an impressive draw against the Netherlands in Dallas.

In an entertaining affair, twice the Dutch took the lead, only for Japan to fight back on both occasions. Keito Nakamura had already cancelled out Virgil Van Dijk's opener, but Crysencio Summerville looked to have won it for the Netherlands. 

Enter Kamada who, with two minutes of normal time remaining, diverted a flying header from Koki Ogaw into the net. Whilst unclear on first look, replays showed the last touch came off the Palace man and he was duly credited with the goal.

This means he becomes the first active Crystal Palace player to score a non-penalty goal at the World Cup Finals. Kamada's goal was enough to gain a point, the game finishing 2-2.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nothing short of MAYHEM 😱<br><br>Substitute Kamada heads home an 88th-minute equaliser against the Dutch <a href="https://t.co/l9vrkPBZMd">pic.twitter.com/l9vrkPBZMd</a></p>&mdash; ITV Football (@itvfootball) <a href="https://x.com/itvfootball/status/2066277472061034910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daichi Kamada with an 88th-minute equaliser for Japan 🤌🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/Swh6EKSFkv">pic.twitter.com/Swh6EKSFkv</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) <a href="https://x.com/CPFC/status/2066280853492142094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

##### **Group E**

**Evann Guessand** was an unused substitute for Ivory Coast in their 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Sunday (14th) evening.

Germany in Toronto are up next.

##### **Group H**

**Yéremy Pino** is still waiting for his first World Cup Finals appearance as he remained on the bench for La Roja's opening game against Cape Verde. 

The Spanish failed to break down their opponents in Atlanta, Cape Verde claiming a historic point in their first World Cup fixture. 

Pino will hope to be involved in their next game against Saudi Arabia.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;My boy, this is not Crystal Palace anymore&quot; 👀<br><br>Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr exchange words ahead of France v Senegal <a href="https://t.co/Z4K0Ija4Zc">pic.twitter.com/Z4K0Ija4Zc</a></p>&mdash; ITV Football (@itvfootball) <a href="https://x.com/itvfootball/status/2066944141750161852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

##### **Group I**

**Ismaïla Sarr** was given a starting role in a 'Palace derby' on Tuesday, as his Senegal team faced France. 

Les Bleus had both **Maxence Lacroix** and **Jean-Philippe Mateta** on the substitutes bench, while former Eagle Michael Olise started in attack. In a tight first-half, Senegal impressed as the 2018 winners struggled to find their rhythm. Sarr had a decent chance on the half hour mark, but slipped as took aim at goal. 

Then, right on half-time, the Palace man produced a smart run to break away from the French defenders and get on the end of a cross, only for the bounce of the ball to lead to an awkward finish. Sarr's effort cleared the crossbar and the two sides went in level.

In the second-half, France showed their class. Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock with a clever finish from an Olise pass and would later fire home a sensational long-range effort deep into stoppage time.

Bradley Barcola had earlier made it 2-0, by which point Sarr had been substituted. His replacement Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back with an excellent finish, but Mbappe's fine effort meant it finished 3-1 to France. 

A smooth start for Lacroix and Mateta, although the pair remained on the bench and will both have to wait for their World Cup Finals debut.

Sarr and Senegal will aim to hit back when they face Norway next week.

Norway got their campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Iraq 4-1 in Boston in the other game. However, **Jørgen Strand Larsen** did not get on the pitch on this occasion. 

The forward has been affected by illness in the lead up to the game and remained on the bench.

#### **What is the format?**

For the first time in history, the World Cup will be contested by 48 teams. The expansion is helped by a record 16 venues, with USA, Mexico and Canada sharing co-host duties.

11 cities from USA will host matches, three from Mexico and two from Canada.

The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams in each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new round of 32.

From that point on it is straight knockout.

From the quarter-final stage onwards the US hosts every game, with the Final taking place in New Jersey/New York Stadium, normally known as MetLife Stadium, on Sunday, 19th July.

#### **Which Groups feature Palace players?**

Nine of the twelve groups contain nations that have Palace players in their squads.

Groups B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, and finally L, are all ones to watch.

##### **Group B**

Co-hosts Canada are in Group B who have included Palace ‘keeper Owen Goodman in their final squad.

Goodman is yet to play at senior level for his country, who face Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland.

With third place potentially progressing, the co-hosts will be looking to reach the knockout round for the first time.

##### **Group C**

Chadi Riad and Morocco can be found in an intriguing looking Group C, alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

The reigning AFCON champions have a tough looking first fixture against the five-time winners.

But after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Morocco will be looking for another deep run.

##### **Group D**

Chris Richards will have the chance to play for his country on home soil at a World Cup, with USA drawn in Group D at the Finals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be aiming to match their run to the last eight in 2002 with the home advantage and will start off by meeting Paraguay in their first game in New Jersey.

They then face Australia and Türkiye to round out the group stage.

##### **Group E**

Here is where we find Ivory Coast and Palace’s on-loan forward Evann Guessand.

Guessand’s team open up against Ecuador, before then facing four-time winners Germany.

They close out against tournament debutants Curacao in Philadelphia.

##### **Group F**

Japan have included Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada in their squad who is coming into the Finals one cap short of reaching 50.

The four-time Asian Cup winners are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time – having been knocked out in the Round of 16 on four previous occasions.

They will face Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

##### **Group H**

Yéremy Pino will take part in his first World Cup Finals, as part of Spain’s 26-man squad.

The 2010 winners and current European Champions haven’t got past the last 16 in the last two tournaments but will be looking to go further in North America.

Spain are alongside tournament debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, with their final game against the South American side.

**Group I**

Group I has the most Palace representation, with four of our first team all involved. 2022 finalists France will be able to call upon both Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta as they go in search of a third star.

In their first game they face Senegal, who will be fired by Palace’s top goalscorer from 2025/26, Ismaïla Sarr.

Then we have Norway and Jørgen Strand Larsen as the third team in Group I. Norway face Senegal on matchday two and France on matchday three. Former Asian Cup winners Iraq make up the group, for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1986.

##### **Group K**

Palace duo Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma are in Group K, hoping to push Colombia to the knockout stage.

They open up with a game against newcomers Uzbekistan. Then it’s a meeting with DR Congo and finally Portugal in Miami on the final day of the group stages.

##### **Group L**

The final group of the first round includes Euro 2024 finalists England. And, as he was in Germany at the Euros two years ago, Dean Henderson is included the Three Lions squad.

It will be the first time the Palace skipper has experienced a World Cup Finals. England open up against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side then face Ghana in Boston, before rounding things off against Panama.

#### **Familiar faces**

There are plenty of other Palace connections to look out for in North America throughout the next five weeks.

Australia will be one team to follow, led by two former Palace heroes on the touchline. Former defender Tony Popovic is the Socceroos Manager, with ex-Eagles' captain Mile Jedinak one of his trusted coaches.

Jedinak memorably became the first active Palace player to score in a World Cup Finals back in 2014, when scoring for Australia in a thrilling 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands.

On the playing side, several former Eagles will be looking to go far in the tournament. They include Michael Olise, who has become an key man for a heavily stacked France squad in recent times. The French go into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.

Former Palace skipper Marc Guéhi is likely to be England’s first-choice centre-back. It will be Guéhi’s second major tournament after playing a key role in the Three Lions run to the final at the last European Championships in 2024.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be an important player for DR Congo in Group K, with the The Leopards making their first appearance since the 1974 Finals.

Palace’s former striker Jordan Ayew returns for his third World Cup Finals with Ghana and will be reunited with former club teammate Dean Henderson during the group stage, when the Black Stars face England. 

One more cap for Ayew will see him become Ghana’s most capped player of all-time, as he currently stands level with his brother Jordan.

Meanwhile for UK viewers, former Palace hero Ian Wright will be a key part of ITV’s punditry team throughout the five weeks.

Wright will also be joined by former World Cup winner and Palace Manager from 2021 to 2023, Patrick Vieira.

Former Jamaica international and ex-Eagle Jobi McAnuff will also on punditry duties for the broadcaster.

#### **How can I watch in the UK?**

Every single match will be broadcast on either BBC or ITV, as well as their respective streaming platforms. The World Cup Final is broadcast by both. 

A full breakdown of [the schedule is here](https://www.live-footballontv.com/live-world-cup-football-on-tv.html).

#### **Match details**

***Check back on [cpfc.co.uk](http://cpfc.co.uk) for updates on how our players get on in North America. Here are details of the group games with all times BST.***

#### **Owen Goodman – Canada, Group B**

Friday, 12th June: Canada 1-1 Bosnia (Toronto, Goodman was an unused substitute as Canada took a point)

Thursday, 18th June: Canada v Qatar (Vancouver, 23:00)

Wednesday, 24th June: Switzerland v Canada (Vancouver, 20:00)

#### **Chadi Riad – Morocco, Group C**

Saturday, 13th June: Brazil 1-1 Morocco (New York/New Jersey, Riad played the full 90 minutes and delivered an impressive display)

Friday, 19th June: Scotland v Morocco (Boston, 23:00)

Wednesday, 24th June: Morocco v Haiti (Atlanta, 23:00)

#### **Chris Richards – USA, Group D**

Saturday, 13th June: USA 4-1 Paraguay (Los Angeles, Richards played the full 90 minutes as the co-hosts stormed to a comfortable win)

Friday, 19th June: USA v Australia (Seattle, 20:00)

Friday, 26th June: Türkiye v USA (Los Angeles, 03:00)

#### **Evann Guessand – Ivory Coast, Group E**

Monday, 15th June: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador (Philadelphia, Guessand was an unused substitute)

Saturday, 20th June: Germany v Ivory Coast (Toronto, 21:00)

Thursday, 25th June: Curaçao v Ivory Coast (Philadelphia, 21:00)

#### **Daichi Kamada – Japan, Group F**

Sunday, 14th June: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (Dallas, Kamada became the first active Palace player to score a non-penalty goal in a World Cup Finals with a clever late equaliser)

Sunday, 21st June: Tunisia v Japan (Monterrey, 05:00)

Friday, 26th June: Japan v Sweden (Dallas, 00:00)

#### **Yéremy Pino – Spain, Group H**

Monday, 15th June: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (Atlanta, Pino remained an unused substitute as Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw)

Sunday, 21st June: Spain v Saudi Arabia (Atlanta, 17:00)

Saturday, 27th June: Uruguay v Spain (Guadalajara, 01:00)

#### **Jørgen Strand Larsen – Norway, Group I**

Tuesday, 16th June: Iraq 1-4 Norway (Boston, Strand Larsen remained on the bench as he team eased to a comfortable win)

Tuesday, 22rd June: Norway v Senegal (New York/New Jersey, 01:00)

Friday, 26th June: Norway v France (Boston, 20:00)

#### **Maxence Lacroix, Jean-Philippe Mateta – France, Group I**

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, both were unused substitutes as their side secured an impressive win)

Monday, 22nd June: France v Iraq (Philadelphia, 22:00)

Friday, 26th June: Norway v France (Boston, 20:00)

#### **Ismaïla Sarr – Senegal, Group I**

Tuesday, 16th June: France 3-1 Senegal (New York/New Jersey, Sarr played 75 minutes as Senegal impressed in the first-half, but ultimately fell to defeat)

Tuesday, 23rd June: Norway v Senegal (New York/New Jersey, 01:00)

Friday, 26th June: Senegal v Iraq (Toronto, 20:00)

#### **Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz – Colombia, Group K**

Thursday, 18th June: Uzbekistan v Colombia (Mexico City, 03:00 BST)

Wednesday, 24th June: Colombia v DR Congo (Guadalajara, 03:00)

Sunday, 28th June: Colombia v Portugal (Miami, 12:30)

#### **Dean Henderson – England, Group L**

Wednesday, 17th June: England v Croatia (Dallas, 21:00 BST)

Tuesday, 23rd June: England v Ghana (Boston, 21:00)

Saturday, 27th June: Panama v England (New York/New Jersey, 22:00)

Crystal Palace have a record number of players involved at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – throughout the tournament you can keep track of how they are getting on here…

World Cup 2026: Muñoz scores stunner as Colombia ease to win

Get your Season Ticket here!

After a stunning run of form, where the team won 12 of the last 14 league games, Jo Potter’s side have returned to the WSL at the first time of asking.

Season Tickets are now on general sale, and you can secure your spot for the season from just £50!

Palace fans can now look forward to the visits of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others to South London, as the Eagles take on the best of the best.

A 26/27 Women’s Season Ticket covers all 13 home Women’s Super League games, regardless of stadium – meaning any matches at Selhurst Park are also included.

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Season Tickets are now on general sale and will remain on-sale until the week of our first home game in the WSL.

#### **26/27 Palace Women’s Season Ticket prices:**

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**Check out the table below for more information.**


| **NEW (From 10:00 Fri 22nd May)**               | **Season Ticket Price** | **Price per Game** |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
| Adult - Seated                                  | £125                    | £9.62              |
| Adult - Standing                                | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Junior (U16)                                    | £50                     | £3.85              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Seated         | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Standing       | £70                     | £5.38              |
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Back the Eagles in their return to the WSL – Season Tickets are now on general sale for Crystal Palace Women’s return to the top-flight.

2026/27 Palace Women's Season Tickets are now on General Sale!

The home of Palace Women. Find the majority of games played here in Sutton with our official supporters guide.

Visiting the VBS 

## Annabel Blanchard

> Blanchard joined Palace in 2022 and has since grown into one of English football's most exciting playmakers.

Blanchard is a young, two-footed forward capable of playing across the front line or, more regularly, as a No. 10.

Blanchard began her career aged just 16 with Liverpool, but started her time with the England youth setup the year before, and has represented the national side from Under-17-Under-19 levels.

She joined Palace in the summer of 2022 and made a strong start in South London, with four goals in 22 Championship appearances in her maiden campaign.

In 2023/24, Blanchard's brilliance shone as Palace Women claimed promotion from the Championship, the forward scoring 11 times in just 19 league games including clinical hat-tricks against both Durham and London City Lionesses.

Such form led to Blanchard not only winning both the Championship Goal and Player of the Month awards in September – as well as a nomination for the latter for November – but also the club's Player of the Month awards for October and March to boot.

At the start of Palace's first-ever top-flight season, Blanchard became our inaugural Women's Super League goalscorer, netting a brace in our first win against Leicester City – 2-0 at the King Power Stadium – in October 2024.

She was crucial to our second-ever promotion to the WSL, playing in every game and scoring six and assisting three.

Her efforts were recognised by the Palace faithful, as she won the Fan's Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.

September 2023

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Blackburn Rovers, 2021/22

Coaches' Player of the Season

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February 2023, October 2023, April 2024, November 2024, November 2025

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Fan's Player of the Season

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After finishing third in Group A2, Ireland will now contest a seeded World Cup play-off in autumn. 

They will be joined by Wales and Scotland, who both topped their League B groups and will face another second or third-placed League B team in the first-round play-off. 

Allyson Swaby's Jamaica won one and drew one in their double-header against Panama, whilst My Cato's Sweden Under-23's beat Norway and drew Mexico in their two friendlies across early June. 

Read below to see how our players got on...

#### **Scotland**

**Kirsty Howat**

Kirsty Howat's Scotland also confirmed their status as group winners after beating Israel 6-0 and 5-1 in their two June games.

The Palace forward was an unused substitute as a Caroline Weir hat-trick helped Scotland thrash Israel 6-0 in Hungary.

She entered the field on 67 minutes in the second game, as Weir scored another four to see Scotland finish above Belgium on goal difference.

Like Wales, they will face another second or third-placed League B team in the first-round play-off. 

**Fri, 5th June: Scotland 6-0 Israel (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

**Tue, 9th June (KO: 18:00): Israel 1-5 Scotland (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

#### **Wales**

**Elise Hughes**

Wales were stunned by a late equaliser in Podgorica on Friday, as they failed to seize top spot in Group B1 after a 1-1 draw away at Montenegro.

Elise Hughes played the full 90 minutes and came agonisingly close to doubling Wales' lead in the first-half with a chip over the 'keeper, but it was scrambled away before it crossed the line.

The shock draw in Montenegro did not matter in the end though, as Wales beat Czechia 3-1 in Cardiff last night to confirm top spot in Group B1.

Hughes came on as a substitute on 77 minutes, as her nation confirmed their first-round play-off spot.

**Fri, 5th June: Montenegro 1-1 Wales (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

**Tue, 9th June: Wales 3-1 Czechia (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

#### **Republic of Ireland**

**Hayley Nolan &amp; Abbie Larkin**

Ireland secured one of their best results in recent years last Friday, as they managed to beat the Netherlands 3-2 in Cork.

Abbie Larkin put in a Player of the Match performance - providing an assist for Kyra Carusa before lofting the ball over Lize Kop to score Ireland's second.

She came off the bench in Tuesday's away clash against France, where the Girls in Green lost 1-0 in Grenoble.

Hayley Nolan was an unused substitute in both games as Ireland now look to the play-offs in autumn. 

**Fri, 5th June: Republic of Ireland 3-2 Netherlands (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

**Tue, 9th June: France 1-0 Republic of Ireland (UEFA World Cup Qualifiers)**

#### **Jamaica**

**Allyson Swaby**

Jamaica will contest the quarter-final of the CONCACAF W Championship in November against Costa Rica.

A win in that game will guarantee qualification to the 2027 World Cup, with the Reggae Girlz playing a series of friendlies until then.

Shania Hayles proved to be the difference maker as Jamaica beat Panama 1-0 in the first of their friendly double-header on Saturday before a 0-0 stalemate on the Tuesday.

Swaby started in both games, keeping two clean sheets.

**Sat, 6th June: Panama 0-1 Jamaica (Friendly)**

**Tue, 9th June: Panama 0-0 Jamaica (Friendly)**

#### **Sweden U23's**

**My Cato**

After Sweden U23's defeat to England in April's WU23 friendly tournament final in April - Cato and the team now have friendlies against Norway and Mexico to look forward to.

Cato was an unsued substitute in the first game against Norway, as Sweden ran out 2-0 winners in Kalmar.

In a first ever competitive meeting between the two U23 sides, Sweden drew 1-1 with Mexico with Cato also not featuring.

**Wed, 3rd June: Sweden 2-0 Norway (Friendly)**

**Tue, 9th June: Sweden 1-1 Mexico (Friendly)**

Six Crystal Palace Women's players have joined up with their nations to play in important World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.

International Eagles: Scotland and Wales seal top spot

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There were goals aplenty in South London, with Crystal Palace proving to be one of the most entertaining teams in the second-tier. 

Kirsty Howat and Abbie Larkin were both just three goals behind the league's top scorer Lexi Lloyd-Smith, whist nobody recorded more goal contributions (17) than Ashleigh Weerden.

With so many goals to choose from, here are seven of the best strikes from the 2025/26 season...

#### **1. Abbie Larkin v Southampton (H)**

Palace's first game at home proved to be thriller - a 4-4 draw against Southampton. 

It was Palace's Ireland star Larkin who scored the pick of the bunch though - putting the Eagles level at 3-3 on 58 minutes.

She received the ball on the edge of the area, beat a defender, and smashed the ball into the top right corner in spectacular fashion.

#### **2. Kirsty Howat v Ipswich Town (H)**

It was the penultimate home match of the season, and Palace needed a win to keep their promotion dreams alive.

They faced a new look Ipswich, whose form had drastically improved as they pushed to avoid relegation.

Howat scored the only goal in a tight 1-0 affair - picking out the top corner after a well-worked corner routine.

#### **3. Ashleigh Weerden v Southampton (A)**

February opened with a difficult trip to St Mary's, where Palace took on Southampton in torrential conditions on the south coast. 

Whilst the game would end in a 3-1 defeat for the Eagles - their last loss of the season - Ashleigh Weerden did manage to score in some style.

She beat two defenders on the left-wing and floated a high ball into the area - it evaded everyone in red and white and sailed into the bottom corner.

#### **4. Hayley Ladd v Charlton Athletic (H)**

A goal befitting of the occasion, Hayley Ladd's equaliser against Charlton got everyone off their seat at Selhurst Park.

With Palace trailing and just seconds remaining until half-time - the Wales international popped up with a massive goal in SE25.

The ball had rebounded to the edge of the area, and Ladd curled a low drive past the Charlton stopper and into the bottom corner.

#### **5. Justine Vanhaevermaet v Nottingham Forest (A)**

Palace managed their first win under Jo Potter away at Forest on September 21st - and Justine Vanhaevermaet's second goal for the club was one to remember.

The Eagles took an 18 minute lead courtesy of the Belgium international - and it was scored in rather unorthodox style.

A deflected effort from Molly-Mae Sharpe looped into the air, and Vanhaevermaet hooked a sumptuous, first-time volley into the bottom right corner.

#### **6. Hayley Ladd v Sheffield United (A)**

[The winner of January's Goal of the Month award](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/your-loaded-january-goal-of-the-month-revealed/) - Ladd's debut goal will live long in the memory. 

After being unveiled as a Palace player on the Sunday - she bagged an exceptional winner on the Monday away at Bramall Lane.

With 86 minutes on the clock, she stepped up and whipped a free-kick into the top corner to win the game for Palace.

#### **7. Kirsty Howat v Sheffield United (H)**

Despite the defeat at home to the Blades - Howat's strike on the 51st minute was truly special.

Palace had their work cut out for them, after going into the break 2-0 down.

Howat halved the deficit superbly though - rifling into an accurate effort from outside the box into the bottom left corner.

Only Birmingham City scored more goals than Jo Potter's Palace last season - let's take a look at seven of the best strikes throughout our promotion-winning campaign.

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Latest News

International Eagles: Scotland and Wales seal top spot

A season to remember: Seven of the best goals from our 2025/26 season

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Announcement

Announcement

2026/27 Palace Women's Season Tickets are now on General Sale!

Latest News

International Eagles: Scotland and Wales seal top spot

A season to remember: Seven of the best goals from our 2025/26 season

17AnnabelBlanchard

17Annabel
Blanchard