ZURICH (AP) — World Cup qualifiers Australia and Uzbekistan will prepare for the tournament by hosting FIFA-backed tournaments of intercontinental friendlies in March, soccer’s governing body said Friday.

The “FIFA Series” of mini-tournaments designed to help developing soccer nations debuted two years ago and will add the first women’s events next year, in Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand. Brazil will host the Women’s World Cup in 2027.

Australia and World Cup newcomer Uzbekistan are among 42 teams which have secured a spot in the 48-team tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Six more places will be decided by playoffs in March .

Uzbekistan hired coach Fabio Cannavaro , who captained Italy to the 2006 title, after advancing from its Asian qualifying

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