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Zubimendi defends Rodri after Spain's shock World Cup draw with Cape Verde
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has backed Rodri following widespread criticism of the Manchester City star after Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup opener. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also rallied to the Ballon d'Or winner's defence.
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BBC's Chapman jokes he's 'in Houston' as studio controversy overshadows World Cup coverage
Mark Chapman deflected with humour after Micah Richards pressed him to address the BBC's decision to broadcast World Cup coverage from a Salford studio rather than the United States, a choice that has drawn widespread criticism.
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Doué dazzles Olise with unstoppable dribble, Hernandez pays the price in training
During a France training session for the 2026 World Cup, Désiré Doué demonstrated to Michael Olise a devastating double-touch move threaded through the legs, leaving Lucas Hernandez helpless as the test defender.
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Saka sits out England training with Achilles issue ahead of Ghana World Cup clash
Bukayo Saka missed England's training session in Kansas City on Monday as he continues to manage an Achilles tendinitis problem, leaving him doubtful to start against Ghana in England's second World Cup group game on Tuesday.
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Michael Oliver to referee Netherlands vs Sweden in 2026 World Cup Group F clash
England's Michael Oliver has been appointed referee for Netherlands vs Sweden in Group F at the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch enter the match on the back of a 2-2 draw with Japan, while Sweden arrive buoyed by a 5-1 demolition of Tunisia.
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Real Madrid deny any contact over £190m Olise as Bayern move to extend his contract
Real Madrid have officially denied holding any direct or indirect talks over a move for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, dismissing reports of a £190m bid. Bayern, meanwhile, are pushing to hand the 24-year-old a new deal to fend off outside interest.
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Unpaid bonuses, substandard hotel, uncontracted manager: the crisis shaking Senegal at the World Cup
After losing to France 3-1 on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup, Senegal is facing a series of internal dysfunctions: unpaid bonuses to players, inadequate accommodation conditions, and manager Pape Thiaw unpaid for five months.
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Tottenham close to snatching Mateus Fernandes from under Manchester United's nose
Manchester United were considered frontrunners for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham have moved sharply ahead in the race, with journalist Matteo Moretto reporting a deal for the 21-year-old is now 'very close'.
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Grimaldo agrees Atlético Madrid terms as €25m bid falls short of Leverkusen's €30m demand
Alejandro Grimaldo has agreed personal terms with Atlético Madrid on a contract to 2029, but a €5m gap remains between Atlético's €25m offer and Bayer Leverkusen's €30m asking price.
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BBC's 3D World Cup tool goes viral after producing baffling cramp animation
The BBC's FIFA World Cup 3D Experience drew widespread mockery on social media after its rendering of referee Felix Zwayer receiving cramp treatment from Australia's Aiden O'Neill produced a bizarre, glitching animation during the USA vs Australia match.
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At 46, Ronaldinho announces his return to competition with Ravenna FC
Retired since 2015, Ronaldinho is set to lace up his boots with Ravenna FC 1913, a Serie C club in which he is a shareholder. An official presentation is scheduled for June 23 in Miami.
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Ivan Barton to referee Turkey vs Paraguay in World Cup 2026 Group D decider
El Salvador's Ivan Barton has been appointed to referee Turkey vs Paraguay at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, a Group D clash that is effectively a must-win for both sides after the United States moved to six points with two wins.
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Paxo the rubber chicken becomes USA's unlikely World Cup mascot after Richards' Conference League find
Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has brought a rubber chicken named Paxo to the 2026 World Cup after picking it up on the pitch following Palace's Conference League final victory in Leipzig. The charm appears to be working: Richards has completed 97.8% of his passes across two USA wins.
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Ederson confirms £35m Manchester United move is 'practically all sorted' after World Cup debut
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has declared his move to Manchester United is 'practically almost all sorted', with a £35m deal already agreed between the clubs. The Brazil international made his World Cup debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Haiti.
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Bordeaux face Marseille's reserve team in friendly: a symbol of dramatic decline
Relegated to National 1, France's fourth division, Bordeaux will face Olympique de Marseille's reserve team in a summer friendly ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The fixture has sparked strong reactions among supporters, highlighting the club's painful fall from grace.
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England players reunite with families on Father's Day after Croatia win in Kansas City
Thomas Tuchel's England squad enjoyed a family day off in Kansas City following their 4-2 victory over Croatia, with the FA arranging personal message boxes from players' loved ones ahead of Tuesday's World Cup clash with Ghana.
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United's Fernandes fallback Nmecha sees asking price halved to £52m ahead of World Cup audition
Manchester United are targeting West Ham's Mateus Fernandes as their primary midfield signing, but Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha has emerged as a credible alternative after his asking price dropped from £104m to £52m.
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Roy Keane mocks England WAGs for wearing partners' names at the World Cup
Roy Keane has sparked debate after criticising England players' wives and girlfriends for wearing shirts bearing their partners' surnames at the World Cup, drawing a swift rebuttal from fellow pundit Ian Wright.
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Liverpool fear World Cup spotlight will inflate Yan Diomande's £104m price tag
Liverpool have already had a €100m bid rejected by RB Leipzig for 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, their primary target to replace Mohamed Salah. Leipzig are now hoping a standout World Cup performance against Germany on Saturday drives his valuation even higher.
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Mexico and United States first teams qualified for 2026 World Cup round of 16
After two group stage matchdays, Mexico (Group A) and the United States (Group D) are the first two teams assured of playing in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, and already know their path in the bracket.
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