News
9255 stories
-
Sir Geoff Hurst, 84, backs England to end 60 years of hurt at World Cup 2026
The only living member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning side, Sir Geoff Hurst, says Thomas Tuchel's squad can go all the way in 2026, insisting a potential final appearance against Argentina would be "categorically" achievable.
Football -
Messi fitness concern forces Argentina to weigh two changes for England semi-final
Lionel Messi missed Argentina's first training session after their extra-time quarter-final win over Switzerland, raising doubts over his availability for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes also picked up knocks in Kansas City.
Football -
Courtois cleared for Real Madrid's La Liga opener after groin scare at World Cup
Thibaut Courtois has been given the all-clear after tests on a groin problem sustained during Belgium's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain revealed only minor damage. The goalkeeper is expected back in first-team training in the final week of July.
Football -
Morgan and McCarthy reignite 17-year feud over Wolves' rotated XI that aided Man Utd title
Piers Morgan and Mick McCarthy clashed live on television over a decision made in December 2009, when McCarthy rested 10 outfield players for Wolves' 3-0 loss at Old Trafford — a result Morgan blamed for handing Manchester United a decisive advantage over Arsenal in that season's title race.
Football -
Barcelona seal £25m Adeyemi deal from Dortmund, ending Rashford's Camp Nou hopes
Barcelona have agreed a £25 million deal to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, with the Germany winger flying in for a medical on Wednesday. The move effectively ends Marcus Rashford's hopes of a permanent return to the Catalan club.
Football -
FairSquare files IOC complaint against Infantino over Trump-Balogun red card reversal
Human rights organisation FairSquare has lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee alleging FIFA president Gianni Infantino violated political neutrality rules, citing his interactions with Donald Trump that preceded Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension being lifted.
Football -
Maradona Jr contradicts Scaloni and insists England clash is no ordinary World Cup semi-final
Diego Maradona Jr has pushed back on Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's attempt to frame Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against England as just another game, invoking the Falklands War and his father's iconic 1986 quarter-final in his response.
Football -
Barcola starts, Tchouaméni returns: Deschamps reveals his XI against Spain
For the World Cup semi-final against Spain on Tuesday, Didier Deschamps starts Bradley Barcola on the left wing in place of Désiré Doué, and recalls Aurélien Tchouaméni, recovered from injury, at the expense of Manu Koné.
Football -
Arsenal agree permanent deal to sell Trossard to Besiktas after title-winning season
Arsenal have reached an agreement to sell Leandro Trossard to Turkish club Besiktas, ending the Belgian winger's three-and-a-half-year stay at the Emirates. The 31-year-old made 174 appearances and scored 36 goals, including a crucial late winner against West Ham during Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years.
Football -
Scotland lose three Glasgow starters to injury ahead of Fiji test at Murrayfield
Rory Darge (concussion), Kyle Steyn (foot) and Alex Samuel (knee, requiring surgery) have all been ruled out of Scotland's Nations Championship clash with Fiji on Saturday, leaving Gregor Townsend short of options.
Rugby -
Injured at World Cup, De Jong could miss four months with Barcelona
Frenkie De Jong returned from the World Cup with a knee injury and underwent alarming medical tests at FC Barcelona. The 29-year-old Dutch midfielder is not expected to play again until mid-November, according to Marca.
Football -
Madueke 'played himself out' of England's XI as Rashford tipped to start vs Argentina
Noni Madueke's underwhelming display against Norway, which saw him hauled off at half-time, has cost him his starting spot for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, according to former Premier League strikers Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent, who both back Marcus Rashford to replace him.
Football -
CAS denies ruling in Senegal-Morocco Africa Cup of Nations 2025 dispute
A fake document circulating on social media claims to be a CAS arbitral award stating that Senegal has recovered its Africa Cup of Nations title. The Lausanne court has formally denied this, clarifying that proceedings are still ongoing.
Football -
Tchouaméni extends contract and closes door on Rodri at Real Madrid
Despite rumours, Real Madrid should not sign Rodri this summer. Aurélien Tchouaméni's imminent contract extension until 2031 or 2032 makes the operation unnecessary in the eyes of the Madrid club.
Football -
Greenwood to Fenerbahçe, Traoré to Genoa: OM accelerates on two departures
In mid-July, Olympique de Marseille is set to part ways with Mason Greenwood and Hamed Junior Traoré. The English striker is headed to Fenerbahçe for €10 million net per season, while the Ivorian completes his medical at Genoa on Tuesday.
Football -
Bilic's return to Croatia could convince Modric to extend international career
Luka Modric was planning to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, but Slaven Bilic's return as Croatia's head coach — a man he has worked with before — could change his mind, according to Spanish newspaper AS.
Football -
Mercedes-Benz Stadium confirms England vs Argentina semi-final starts on time despite Atlanta storm threat
Stadium officials in Atlanta have dismissed fears that thunderstorms could delay England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on July 15, confirming the Mercedes-Benz Stadium's retractable roof means the match will begin as scheduled at 8pm UK time.
Football -
Manchester City target Bouaddi as £116m Anderson signing signals midfield overhaul
Manchester City are interested in Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old who starred for Morocco at the World Cup. The move would continue a sweeping midfield rebuild that already includes a record £116m deal for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Football -
Kane dismisses media 'division' claims after Bellingham-Tuchel furore ahead of Argentina semi-final
Harry Kane has defended England's camp unity after Jude Bellingham's pointed response to Thomas Tuchel's post-match interview following the 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, calling attempts to stoke division 'an English mentality' at major tournaments.
Football -
Wales call up Dee and Thomas as Lake injury clouds Springboks trip to Durban
Hooker Elliot Dee and lock Freddie Thomas have been drafted into the Wales squad for Saturday's Nations Championship clash with world champions South Africa in Durban, with captain Dewi Lake doubtful after picking up a groin injury against Argentina.
Rugby
