Football news

England's World Cup 2026 squad and fixtures: Tuchel targets end of 60-year wait

Thomas Tuchel's England open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in Dallas, with a perfect qualifying record — eight wins, 22 goals, none conceded — fuelling confidence ahead of the tournament in North America.

Neville reveals unanimous England strike vote in support of banned Ferdinand in 2003

Gary Neville has disclosed for the first time that every England player voted to boycott the 2003 World Cup qualifier against Turkey in protest at Rio Ferdinand's pre-hearing suspension, with Neville calling the ballot result unanimous despite later denials from some squad members.

Pierre Ménès accuses certain media outlets of seeking to destabilize France ahead of World Cup

A few days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, Pierre Ménès denounces an "unhealthy narrative" orchestrated according to him by certain journalists and influencers to sow discord within the French national team.

Fernandes hints he will stay at United to lead Premier League title charge

Bruno Fernandes has spoken of the "special" responsibility of returning Manchester United to the top of English and European football, appearing to signal he intends to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer despite interest from Saudi Arabia.

Neville admits balance 'maybe wrong' and would accept Sky Sports ban from covering United

Gary Neville has acknowledged he may have misjudged his coverage of Manchester United over the past decade and says he would willingly step aside from covering their games if Sky Sports asked him to. The former United captain also discussed a potential Cole Palmer move to Old Trafford, calling it a 'gold' signing but an unlikely one.

David Sullivan resigns as West Ham director amid BBC and Times investigation into personal life

David Sullivan has stepped down as West Ham director to address what he calls "false allegations" about his private life, ahead of a joint BBC and Times investigation. The billionaire built his £1.1bn fortune through adult entertainment, newspapers and football.

Free festivals to floating pitches: inside the 2026 World Cup's 78 fan zones across North America

All 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will stage dedicated fan festivals for the 2026 World Cup, with FIFA-sanctioned zones numbering around 78. New York has pledged free entry across all five boroughs, while Toronto reversed a controversial $10 admission charge after public backlash.

Haaland draws two out of ten from Norwegian press in nightmare World Cup warm-up return

Erling Haaland managed just four touches and had his only shot blocked as Norway drew 1-1 with Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday, earning a two out of ten rating from Dagbladet and a three from TV2 in his first appearance since May 19.

Ian Cathro appointed Saint-Étienne manager to target Ligue 1 promotion

Relegated to Ligue 2 after losing a playoff to Nice, AS Saint-Étienne has found its new manager: 39-year-old Scot Ian Cathro, who is leaving Estoril to take charge of the Greens.

Iraq face Haaland, Mbappé and Jackson in World Cup 2026's toughest group after 40-year absence

Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after beating Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs, only to be drawn in a brutal Group I alongside Norway, France and Senegal.

Rashford's Barcelona future in doubt as United weigh £34m Bayern offer and June deadline

Marcus Rashford's loan spell at Barcelona is nearing its end with no permanent deal agreed. The La Liga champions hold a £26m purchase option expiring June 15, while Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to pay £34.5m for the England forward.

Iran's World Cup squad wear #168 pins on arrival in Mexico to honour school strike victims

Iran's players arrived in Tijuana on Sunday wearing gold lapel pins bearing the number 168, honouring the victims — predominantly children — killed in a February missile strike on a school in Minab, southern Iran. The gesture echoes a similar tribute the squad made in March.

Clarke urges Scotland squad to embrace World Cup atmosphere at first tournament in 28 years

Steve Clarke has called on his Scotland players to soak up the World Cup experience after the squad arrived at their Charlotte base. Scotland face Haiti in Boston in their opening group fixture.

Morocco winger Ezzalzouli faces tournament exit as knee injury clouds Scotland's World Cup group

Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who scored 15 goals and added 13 assists last season, is facing a three-to-four week layoff after suffering a sprained knee ligament in Morocco's warm-up draw with Norway — potentially ruling him out of the entire World Cup.

Saint-Étienne appoints Scottish coach Ian Cathro two days after Montanier's departure

AS Saint-Étienne has found its successor to Philippe Montanier in the form of Ian Cathro. The 39-year-old Scottish coach is leaving Estoril, where he has been in charge for two seasons, to join the Greens in Ligue 2.

BBC Panorama to air investigation into former West Ham chairman David Sullivan on June 8

Roy Keane threatens to emigrate to Australia if England win the World Cup

The former Manchester United captain made the tongue-in-cheek declaration during a road-trip mini-series with Micah Richards, admitting England's deep runs in tournaments make him nervous.

Ofcom warns social media platforms to stamp out abuse targeting players at World Cup 2026

UK regulator Ofcom has written to social media companies demanding they eradicate illegal hate and abuse during the World Cup, warning they will be held to account if they fail to protect players and pundits.

Van der Vaart Defends Mbappé Against Critics Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Heavily criticized for his season at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé receives strong support from Rafael van der Vaart, who sees him shining with France this summer and contending for the Ballon d'Or.

Rashford keen on permanent Barcelona move but £26m fee clause threatens to derail deal

Marcus Rashford has spoken enthusiastically about Barcelona to England team-mate Anthony Gordon, but the Catalan club are pushing to negotiate below the £26m permanent option they hold — a clause set to expire on June 15.