Football news

Sir Geoff Hurst dismisses 'nonsense' claim he doesn't want England to win the World Cup

Sir Geoff Hurst, the last surviving starter from England's 1966 World Cup-winning XI, has pushed back against suggestions he would not want the Three Lions to lift the trophy again, calling the notion 'nonsense' ahead of England's tournament opener.

Mabil 'relieved' his family stayed home as World Cup safety fears mount before opener

Australia winger Awer Mabil says he is glad his family did not travel to the 2026 World Cup, citing safety concerns and travel difficulties. His comments come as Iran relocated their training base, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry, and FIFA president Infantino held a press conference attempting to address mounting worries.

Essex Police receive new information as David Sullivan categorically denies exploitation allegations

Essex Police confirmed on Thursday they had received new information following the publication of sexual exploitation allegations against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who stepped down as chairman at the weekend and denies all claims.

Ronaldo misses everything against Nigeria six days before World Cup: press alarmed

Starting in the friendly Portugal-Nigeria match (2-1) on Wednesday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo missed at least three clear chances, including several one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper, just six days before Portugal's opening match at the 2026 World Cup.

Barcelona set to let £26m Rashford clause expire, leaving Man Utd forward's future unresolved

Barcelona are expected to let their June 15 purchase option on Marcus Rashford lapse, with no official communication yet made to Manchester United. The 27-year-old's future is now likely to be decided in the window between the World Cup and pre-season.

Neville backs FIFA's time-limited substitution rule ahead of 2026 World Cup

Gary Neville has praised FIFA's decision to introduce time-limited substitutions at the 2026 World Cup, saying teams that delay will temporarily play with ten men. He also welcomed a new throw-in counter designed to speed up play.

Desailly predicts Zidane will drop four or five Deschamps regulars

Marcel Desailly believes Zinedine Zidane, tipped to succeed Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup, will impose his own philosophy and part ways with several current France squad pillars.

Wolves sack Rob Edwards after seven months and relegation to the Championship

Wolverhampton Wanderers have dismissed head coach Rob Edwards, seven months after appointing him to manage their Premier League relegation battle. Edwards won just five of his 30 games in charge, with Wolves finishing bottom of the table.

Aguerd and Ezzalzouli ruled out, double blow for Morocco ahead of World Cup

Two days before their opening match against Brazil, the Atlas Lions lose their central defender Nayef Aguerd, sidelined by chronic pubic pain, and Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who suffered a knee sprain against Norway.

Declan Rice's Florida sunburn earns him a telling-off from his mum before World Cup opener

Declan Rice arrived at England's pre-tournament base in Florida looking "bright red" after overdoing it in the heat during the official World Cup photo shoot — and his mother made sure he heard about it.

Tuchel allows England WAGs into World Cup base, reversing Southgate's strict policy

Thomas Tuchel has permitted the partners of England players to join them at the squad's training hotel in West Palm Beach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, scrapping a restriction maintained throughout Gareth Southgate's tenure.

Wright backs ITV's New York World Cup set as BBC faces criticism over Salford studio

Deschamps confirms receiving Real Madrid offers before leaving France role

Five days before France's opening World Cup 2026 match, Didier Deschamps acknowledged in an interview with Marca that he had been contacted by Real Madrid, without elaborating on his post-national team future.

Wolves sack Rob Edwards after seven months with Gil Vicente's César Peixoto lined up

Wolverhampton Wanderers have dismissed manager Rob Edwards just seven months into his tenure at Molineux, despite his involvement in summer signings including Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez. Gil Vicente head coach César Peixoto is expected to be appointed as his replacement.

Gordon scores penalty and sets up Rice as England ease past Costa Rica 3-0

Anthony Gordon starred in England's final World Cup warm-up, assisting Declan Rice's opener and converting a penalty in a comfortable 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando, with the winger admitting he was eager to step up after Harry Kane was substituted.

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.