Football news

Shakira to headline World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City alongside Madonna and BTS

Shakira will perform her new World Cup anthem Dai Dai at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday before hosts Mexico face South Africa, and is also set to co-headline the final's half-time show on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS.

World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City as 48 nations chase sport's biggest prize

The largest World Cup in history gets underway on Thursday when Mexico host South Africa in Mexico City, with 83,000 fans expected. England, buoyed by a 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica, open their campaign against Croatia on June 17.

Koundé uncertain for France-Senegal after muscle discomfort at half-time

Jules Koundé asked to be substituted at half-time of France's warm-up match against Northern Ireland due to thigh muscle discomfort. His presence for France's opening World Cup match against Senegal on Tuesday remains uncertain.

Richard Olise released by Chelsea at 21, his older brother Michael shines for France

Right-back Richard Olise, 21, trained at Chelsea since age 9, has not been retained by the Blues at the end of his contract. He is now free to join any club of his choice.

Infantino tells world to 'chill' as chaotic press conference opens World Cup 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino drew widespread criticism after urging reporters to 'just chill' when pressed on a Somali referee being denied a US visa, in a pre-tournament press conference widely described as shambolic. Mexico host the opening match at the Azteca on Wednesday evening.

Bellingham and Gordon shine as England demolish Costa Rica 3-0 in World Cup warm-up

England produced a commanding 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham controlling midfield, Anthony Gordon scoring and Declan Rice also on target as Thomas Tuchel's side sharpened their World Cup preparations.

BBC and ITV confirm World Cup 2026 punditry line-ups featuring Giroud, Mata and Postecoglou

BBC Sport and ITV Sport have unveiled their full presenter, pundit and commentary teams for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Former Premier League stars Olivier Giroud, Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta are among the notable new additions.

World Cup 2026: Every stadium hosting matches across the USA, Canada and Mexico

The expanded 48-team World Cup spans 16 venues across three countries, with MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosting the final on 19 July and Mexico City's Estadio Azteca opening the tournament.

Rashford's Barcelona dream fades as Real Madrid reunion with Mourinho emerges

Marcus Rashford's loan spell at Barcelona is set to end without a permanent deal after the club opted to sign Anthony Gordon instead. A move to Real Madrid, where Jose Mourinho is expected to return as manager, has now been floated as a possible next step.

All 48 World Cup 2026 squads confirmed as Tuchel omits Palmer and Foden from England

Every nation has submitted their final 26-man roster for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament kicking off on 11 June. Thomas Tuchel's England squad drew headlines after Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were left out.

Sampaio handed World Cup opener despite England's bitter memories of Qatar nightmare

Wilton Sampaio, the Brazilian referee whose performance in England's 2022 quarter-final defeat to France drew fierce criticism from players and pundits alike, has been appointed to officiate the World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.

Tuchel hails England's 'tone-setting' 3-0 win over Costa Rica as World Cup countdown begins

England rounded off their Florida warm-up camp with a commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, with goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins leaving Thomas Tuchel bullish ahead of their Group L opener against Croatia.

Courtois and Neuer threaten Barthez's World Cup clean sheet record in 2026

With 10 clean sheets at the World Cup, Fabien Barthez co-holds a record dating back several decades. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer, each with seven, are in position to surpass it.

Dembélé invisible against Northern Ireland, his starting place with France questioned

Quiet during France's 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, Ousmane Dembélé's legitimacy as a starter for the national team is being called into question, eight days before the competition begins.

West Ham's £85m asking price stands between Man United and Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have made contact with Mateus Fernandes's agent over a potential transfer, but West Ham are demanding £85m for the 21-year-old midfielder — more than double the £42m they paid Southampton last summer.

Iraola's fresh-start pledge gives Harvey Elliott a route back into Liverpool's plans

Harvey Elliott's Anfield future hinges on impressing new head coach Andoni Iraola this summer, after the 23-year-old's loan spell at Aston Villa ended just one appearance short of triggering a £35m permanent deal.

Rashford removes Barcelona from bio as £26m move collapses after Gordon signing

Marcus Rashford has deleted Barcelona from his Instagram bio after the Spanish club opted against triggering their £26m purchase option, reportedly preferring Anthony Gordon. Manchester United are also in contact with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is currently in contract talks at Elland Road.

Zaïre-Emery banned from bar at France's Boston base camp, too young under Massachusetts law

The only player under 21 in the France squad, Warren Zaïre-Emery will not be able to access the bar at the Four Seasons hotel in Boston, in compliance with Massachusetts legislation that prohibits under-21s from entering bars.

Mourinho angered on day one: Real Madrid offered €150M for Alvarez without consulting him

Newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho reportedly learned through an official club announcement about the €150 million offer submitted to Atlético Madrid for Julian Alvarez — without being informed beforehand, according to his entourage.

Sky launches near-live Real Time channels for World Cup coverage on BBC and ITV