Football news

DR Congo's living-statue fan Mboladinga reaches Mexico after Ebola travel delays

Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the DR Congo super-fan who stands motionless dressed as assassinated Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, has arrived in Mexico in time to support his country against Colombia in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

Mourinho drives Real Madrid toward Dias and Enzo Fernandez in experienced-player overhaul

José Mourinho has been granted primary control over Real Madrid's summer recruitment, with Rúben Dias and Enzo Fernández topping his list. The shift marks a deliberate move away from youth, with new arrivals averaging nearly 29 years of age.

Salah's Egypt barred from Seattle stay after historic first World Cup win

Egypt's Football Association confirmed their squad was refused permission to remain in Seattle following a 3-1 victory over New Zealand — the country's first-ever World Cup win — forcing the team to return to their Spokane base ahead of a Group G clash with Iran.

Maresca's £17m Man City move ranks third in manager compensation history

Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea over a £17.26m compensation package for Enzo Maresca, making the 46-year-old the third most expensive managerial appointment in football history behind Graham Potter and Julian Nagelsmann.

Barcelona's interest in Sesko only confirms Manchester United have a long-term striker

Barcelona have been linked with Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but Manchester United are bemused by the reports and have absolutely no intention of selling the Slovenian after just one promising season at Old Trafford.

Egyptian referee Amin Omar appointed to oversee Argentina vs Austria at World Cup 2026

Egyptian official Amin Omar will take charge of Argentina's World Cup group-stage clash against Austria, with both sides knowing a win guarantees a place in the knockout rounds.

Partey breaks silence on World Cup visa ban as Ghana prepare to face England

Thomas Partey has spoken for the first time since a Canadian court refused to overturn his visa denial, calling the absence from Ghana's opening World Cup fixture against Panama 'just part of football' as he prepares to face England.

Manchester United secure key land parcel to unlock 100,000-seat stadium design

Manchester United have acquired a 25-acre plot from Indurent, roughly 350 metres north-west of Old Trafford, giving the club the majority of land needed to press ahead with their planned 100,000-capacity stadium. Design work, led by Foster + Partners, can now resume.

Man City to pay Chelsea £17.2m compensation to appoint Enzo Maresca as Guardiola's successor

Manchester City have reportedly agreed a €20m (£17.2m) compensation package with Chelsea to appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade in charge at the Etihad.

England fans in Boston chant against Farage hours after Starmer's resignation

England supporters gathered in Boston ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Ghana voiced divided opinions on Keir Starmer's resignation, with many turning their chants toward Nigel Farage as a potential successor.

Five results that would send Scotland into the World Cup last 32 even with a Brazil defeat

Scotland can still reach the World Cup knockout stages despite losing to Brazil if results elsewhere go their way. Steve Clarke's side need four other third-placed teams to finish on fewer than three points to advance.

Tottenham's surprise move for Mateus Fernandes complicates United's transfer pursuit

Manchester United had appeared to have a clear path to signing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham have entered talks and could trigger a bidding war — with the player's preference likely to prove decisive.

Doku, his child's birth and the World Cup: what we actually know

At the heart of a controversy triggered by comments from journalist France Pierron, the question of whether Jérémy Doku will leave Belgium during the World Cup to attend his wife's delivery remains unanswered.

Manchester United secure 25-acre site to advance £2bn Old Trafford replacement

Manchester United have purchased a 25-acre plot of land roughly 350 metres from Old Trafford, clearing a major obstacle in their £2bn plan to build a 100,000-seat stadium — the largest in the United Kingdom.

UK government moves to shield World Cup highlights from online paywall

Neil El Aynaoui's father opens door to Barcelona move for son under Roma contract

Younes El Aynaoui, father of Morocco international Neil El Aynaoui, has stated that his son, currently tied to AS Roma until 2030, would be "the happiest man in the world" if he ever played for FC Barcelona, the club where he grew up.

Manchester United secure key land deal to keep new 100,000-seat Old Trafford on track

Manchester United have struck a deal for a 25-acre plot roughly 350 metres north-west of their current ground, securing the majority of land needed for a privately financed 100,000-seat stadium targeted for completion by the 2035 Women's World Cup.

Saka, Eze and Reece James shaped by grassroots coaches who reunite as England chase World Cup glory

The youth coaches behind Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Reece James gathered in Wimbledon to reflect on their former players' journeys to the England squad, highlighting the role grassroots coaching plays in developing elite talent.

Mahrez back in starting XI, Amoura sidelined: Algeria revamped for Jordan clash

After a 3-0 drubbing by Argentina, Algeria must respond on Tuesday against Jordan at Levi's Stadium. Coach Petkovic is expected to recall Mahrez to the starting lineup and drop Boudaoui and Belghali, while Amoura is ruled out through injury.

Amorim's AC Milan appointment could block United's £43m move for Leao

Ruben Amorim has been appointed AC Milan manager on a three-year deal, potentially complicating Manchester United's pursuit of winger Rafael Leao, valued at around £43 million, with whom the club has already held direct talks.