Football news

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.

Arsenal lead race for Julian Alvarez as Barcelona's pursuit stalls

Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with Barcelona's rival bid reported to have stalled. The Premier League champions are targeting the Argentina World Cup winner to fill a left-wing vacancy next season.

Frank Lampard joins Rest Is Football on Netflix for 2026 World Cup coverage

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard will appear as a special guest on The Rest Is Football podcast, streaming on Netflix from June 10 alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Joe Cole for the 2026 World Cup.

Mateta to AC Milan: Crystal Palace striker close to historic transfer

Author of 12 goals in the Premier League this season and selected by Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup, Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly in advanced negotiations with AC Milan, a year after a first agreement fell through during a medical examination.

Leao red card for punching prompts Bruno Fernandes solidarity as £43m Man Utd target eyes Premier League move

Rafael Leao was sent off for punching an opponent during Portugal's World Cup warm-up win over Chile, prompting a show of support from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. The AC Milan winger, valued at £43m, has openly expressed his desire to play in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough mourn Anthony Renton, who died aged 27 after nine-year leukaemia battle

Middlesbrough have paid tribute to former academy defender Anthony Renton, who passed away peacefully at 27 following a nine-year battle with leukaemia. The club described him as a 'beacon of positivity' who went on to coach young players across Teesside.

Eriksen collapses again on international duty, raising fresh fears over his career

Christian Eriksen was taken to hospital after collapsing during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine in Odense on Sunday. The 34-year-old was conscious and reported to be in good spirits, but the incident — five years on from his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 — has renewed uncertainty about his future in football.

Jill Scott sets off on 388-mile cycling and marathon challenge for Sport Relief

Former Lioness Jill Scott has begun a gruelling five-day, 388-mile 'Coming Home Challenge' for Sport Relief, starting at Wembley Stadium and finishing at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on 12 June.

Where to watch England's World Cup 2026 games across Greater Manchester

With England's World Cup 2026 campaign kicking off against Croatia on June 17, Greater Manchester has a host of pubs and venues setting up big-screen screenings, fanzones, and matchday events for supporters.

Haaland silenced by Diop, just four touches against Morocco

Starting for Norway in the 1-1 draw against Morocco, Erling Haaland touched the ball only four times before his substitution in the 75th minute — his lowest total since 2019 in a match started as a starter.

Greenwood's £47.5m Fenerbahce move could spark Man Utd reunion with Fred

Mason Greenwood's potential £47.5m transfer to Fenerbahce would reunite him with former Manchester United midfielder Fred, with new club president Aziz Yildirim's stance on the deal set to prove decisive.

Bayern Munich ready to meet £34.5m asking price as Rashford's Barcelona dream fades

Bayern Munich are prepared to meet Manchester United's £34.5m valuation of Marcus Rashford this summer, according to reports, though his £325,000-per-week wages remain a significant obstacle. Barcelona, where Rashford spent last season on loan, appear unwilling to pay the £26m required to make the deal permanent.

Amorim had warned of Eriksen heart precautions before Denmark collapse scare

Ruben Amorim revealed Manchester United carefully monitored Christian Eriksen's heart condition during his time at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old midfielder collapsed during Denmark's friendly against Ukraine on Sunday but regained consciousness quickly, with his pacemaker reported to be functioning correctly.

Fernandes backs red-carded Leao as £43m United transfer target eyes Premier League move

Bruno Fernandes publicly supported Portugal team-mate Rafael Leao after the AC Milan winger was sent off for striking an opponent in a World Cup warm-up match. Leao, valued at £43m by Milan, has openly stated the Premier League would suit his style.