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Ancelotti announces possible return of Neymar to group training next week
Absent from the Brazil squad since October 2023 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Neymar could rejoin the Brazilian group as early as next week if his MRI scan proves conclusive, according to Carlo Ancelotti.
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Dalot reveals Ronaldo warned him a Man United striker lacked the fire to succeed
Diogo Dalot has recalled Cristiano Ronaldo telling him during their 2021-22 season together at Manchester United that a fellow striker 'wasn't gonna make it' — because he failed to chase a hat-trick after scoring twice in one game.
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Messi vows to play 'until I can't anymore' as injury clouds World Cup preparations
Lionel Messi, turning 39 this month and facing what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, says he will keep playing as long as his body allows — though a hamstring problem has disrupted his build-up to the 2026 tournament.
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Richards ruled out as USA face Germany in final World Cup warm-up at Soldier Field
Chris Richards, the United States' first-choice centre back, will miss Saturday's pre-tournament friendly against Germany at Soldier Field after damaging ankle ligaments last month, leaving coach Mauricio Pochettino short of his most important defender ahead of the World Cup.
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Tuchel confirms Kane will be managed carefully through England's World Cup campaign
Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane will not be required to play every minute of England's World Cup campaign this summer, with the Bayern Munich striker set to receive just 45 minutes in Saturday's friendly against New Zealand.
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Tuchel voices pitch concerns ahead of England's friendly against New Zealand in Tampa
Thomas Tuchel says he is 'a little bit worried and concerned' about the patchwork pitch at Raymond James Stadium ahead of England's World Cup warm-up against New Zealand on Saturday, though he insists it will not affect his team selection.
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Fenerbahce agree personal terms with Greenwood, triggering potential £19m United windfall
Fenerbahce presidential candidate Hakan Safi has announced a four-year personal terms agreement with Mason Greenwood, potentially activating Manchester United's 40 per cent sell-on clause from his £26m move to Marseille in 2024.
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Iran's World Cup squad granted US visas ten days before Los Angeles opener
Iran's football squad has been granted visas to enter the United States, a White House official confirmed on Friday, clearing a major obstacle just ten days before their Group G opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
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Wales drop points in Montenegro draw to stay level at top of World Cup qualifying group
Wales were held to a 1-1 draw by Montenegro in Podgorica, leaving them level on 11 points with the Czech Republic in Women's World Cup qualifying Group B1. Hannah Cain's first-half penalty was cancelled out by Jasna Djokovic's 79th-minute equaliser.
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Caroline Weir hat-trick fires Scotland to 6-0 win over Israel as Cuthbert suffers knee injury
Caroline Weir scored a hat-trick and created the opener as Scotland thrashed Israel 6-0 in Budapest to strengthen their grip on top spot in Women's World Cup qualifying Group B4, though the victory was tempered by a potentially serious knee injury to Erin Cuthbert.
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France Women Beat Poland to Provisionally Top World Cup Qualifying Group
Goals from Malard (47') and Baltimore (63') gave France a 2-0 victory in Gdansk and a two-point lead over the Netherlands in Group A2 of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
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Starmer demands FIFA reverse World Cup water bottle ban, calling it a 'money grab'
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticised FIFA's decision to ban reusable water bottles from World Cup 2026 stadiums, calling the policy change wrong and financially motivated. FIFA reversed a previous ruling that had permitted empty transparent bottles of up to one litre.
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Perez hints at £130m Real Madrid signing by ruling out Kane, Haaland, Olise and Doku
Florentino Perez, seeking re-election as Real Madrid president, has promised to spend around €150m on an attacking midfielder from a major Champions League club — while publicly eliminating Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise and Jeremy Doku from consideration.
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Martin O'Neill set to remain Celtic manager after Robbie Keane backlash from supporters
Martin O'Neill is reportedly set to continue as Celtic manager next season after guiding the club to the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup. Robbie Keane's candidacy was effectively ended by fierce supporter opposition linked to his time managing Maccabi Tel Aviv during the Gaza conflict.
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FIFA reverses empty bottle policy for World Cup 2026 amid fan backlash over heat concerns
FIFA has updated its World Cup 2026 entry rules to prohibit fans from bringing water bottles into venues, reversing an earlier policy that permitted empty, transparent containers of up to one litre. The decision has drawn widespread criticism given the sweltering conditions expected at North American stadiums this summer.
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Perez hints at £130m Galactico signing as Real Madrid target Olise and Vitinha
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly declared he will launch a €150m bid for a 'Galactico-level' attacking player if re-elected, with Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and PSG's Vitinha emerging as the leading candidates.
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FIFA's $355m World Cup fund to pay clubs $5,000 per player per day in North America
FIFA has detailed how it will distribute a $355 million club compensation fund during the 2026 World Cup, with clubs earning roughly $5,000 per day for each player selected. Manchester City lead all clubs with 19 players named in squads for the 48-team tournament.
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Mark Bosnich faces surgery after rupturing quadricep at World Cup promotional event
Former Manchester United and Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, 54, ruptured his quadricep while saving a penalty during a celebrity shootout ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He was taken to hospital and has confirmed surgery will be required.
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Shakira, Katy Perry and Michael Bublé to headline World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies
FIFA's first three-host World Cup will open with separate ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles on 11-13 June. Shakira and Burna Boy headline in Mexico, Michael Bublé leads Canada's show, and Katy Perry tops the bill in the United States.
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Bayern Munich target Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha in summer transfer pursuit
Bayern Munich are exploring a move for Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, with manager Vincent Kompany driving interest in the teenager who made 29 appearances for the Reds last season. Liverpool, who hold Ngumoha under contract until 2028, have no intention of selling.
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