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Norway doctor denies Haaland illness claims after England's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win
Norway team doctor Ola Sand has flatly denied reports that Erling Haaland was unwell before England's 2-1 extra-time victory in the World Cup quarter-finals, contradicting claims made by TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino.
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Reece James returns from injury to target Argentina in World Cup semi-final
Reece James came off the bench in England's 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway after missing three matches with a hamstring injury, and says the squad is ready for a semi-final showdown with holders Argentina.
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Infantino hints at 64-team World Cup after 48-team format draws praise
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has opened the door to expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, saying the governing body will examine the possibility after the 2026 tournament. South American federation Conmebol formally proposed the change in April 2025, though UEFA's Alexander Ceferin has called it a bad idea.
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Argentina request all-blue kit for World Cup semi-final against England
Argentina have reportedly submitted a request to FIFA to wear their all-blue kit rather than their traditional blue and white stripes for the World Cup semi-final against England, according to journalist Gaston Edul.
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Manchester United push on with £38m Ederson deal despite knee scare in medical
Manchester United are refusing to abandon their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson despite a knee issue flagged during his medical. Further tests are planned, and the club remain confident of completing the £38m deal.
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Pedri on the bench against Belgium: Unai Simon calms unease within La Roja
Left out of the starting XI for the World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Pedri raised questions in Spain. Goalkeeper Unai Simon attempted to defuse the controversy by reminding everyone of the fierce competition within the squad.
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FIFA's Balogun red card reprieve made by single official without consulting 17 committee members
FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's one-game ban before the USA's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium was made solely by disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad al-Kamali, without the other 17 members being consulted, according to reports.
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El Salvador's Iván Barton to referee France vs. Spain World Cup semifinal in Dallas
Iván Barton of El Salvador will take charge of Tuesday's World Cup semifinal between France and Spain in Dallas. The experienced CONCACAF official is making his fourth appearance at this tournament.
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Bellingham rift dismissed, FIFA controversy deepens and Kane plays peacemaker at World Cup 2026
Insiders have denied a Jude Bellingham–Thomas Tuchel rift after England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, while a FIFA disciplinary scandal over Folarin Balogun's red card suspension grows, with only one of 18 officials consulted in the decision.
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Bellingham's Goal Marred by Trajectory Anomaly That FIFA Denies Despite 3D Modeling
Jude Bellingham's equalizer for England in the 45th+2 minute against Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final is at the center of a major controversy: the ball allegedly struck the Spidercam cable, which FIFA denies but BBC's 3D reconstruction appears to contradict.
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Ivan Barton, the 35-year-old Salvadoran referee appointed for France-Spain in Dallas
FIFA has entrusted the 2026 World Cup semi-final between France and Spain to Ivan Barton. The 35-year-old Salvadoran, a chemistry teacher, has already made his mark at this World Cup with an unprecedented red card for a concealment gesture.
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Crawford delivers blunt verdict on McGregor's 69-second UFC 329 collapse
Unbeaten boxing champion Terence Crawford responded to Conor McGregor's injury-shortened UFC 329 return with a pointed message on X, writing 'God punish them' — a reference to their long-running public feud.
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Barrett ruled out of All Blacks' South Africa tour as Holland edges closer to return
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed Scott Barrett will miss the four-Test tour of South Africa after minor injuries kept the 89-cap lock out of the entire 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Fabian Holland, however, is tracking well to be included in the extended 44-man squad.
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Sonnen declares McGregor 'cannot main event' UFC cards after second straight injury exit
Chael Sonnen has written off Conor McGregor's ability to headline UFC events after the Irishman's knee injury ended his return fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329, the second consecutive main event McGregor has failed to complete due to injury.
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Charles re-signing reveals the goalkeeper blueprint Maresca is building at City
Manchester City have re-signed Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, and the move signals a clear preference for ball-playing keepers under Enzo Maresca — as well as a new willingness to buy back academy talent.
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United complete £750k Orozco signing as Ineos' youth-from-abroad strategy faces scrutiny
Manchester United are set to officially announce the signing of Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF this week, completing a deal agreed nine months ago. The move is the latest in a series of low-cost, high-potential youth acquisitions under Ineos, though early results from the strategy remain mixed.
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Disappointing World Cup with Algeria, Luca Zidane under threat at Granada
Criticized during the 2026 World Cup with Algeria, Luca Zidane sees his starting goalkeeper position at Granada weakened: the Andalusian club is targeting Raul Lizoain, an experienced 35-year-old goalkeeper, to compete with him.
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Tchouameni or Koné against Spain: Durand gives his analysis before the semi-final
Back in training after an adductor injury, Aurélien Tchouameni is competing with Manu Koné for the starting midfielder spot for France against Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday in Dallas. Former international Jean-Philippe Durand favours Tchouameni, subject to his physical condition.
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Rennie explains Will Jordan's captaincy as All Blacks leadership group is revealed
Dave Rennie has clarified why Will Jordan captained the All Blacks during the final 15 minutes against Italy, revealing that Jordan was the last of six designated leaders still on the field after a wave of substitutions.
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Martial fined £180,000 and publicly criticised by Mourinho for skipping pre-season to attend child's birth
Anthony Martial was docked two weeks' wages and condemned by Jose Mourinho after leaving Manchester United's 2018 US tour to support his partner through the birth of their second child. The striker fired back, insisting his family would always come first.
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