World Cup 2026

Koubek quits as Czech boss after World Cup exit, citing 'half-truths' media campaign

Miroslav Koubek has left his role as Czech Republic manager by mutual agreement following a dismal World Cup group-stage exit, in which Czechia collected just one point from games against South Korea, South Africa and Mexico.

160 riot police deployed as death-threat coach Hong Myung-bo returns to South Korea after World Cup exit

South Korea's World Cup delegation arrived home to a heavy security presence after coach Hong Myung-bo received death threats following the team's group-stage elimination. More than 160 riot officers and 25 specialist guards were dispatched to Incheon airport, with Hong having already resigned in Mexico.

Kane set to sign new Bayern contract as Barcelona transfer interest ends

Harry Kane is poised to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite reported interest from Barcelona, with the England captain happy to remain in Germany and the two clubs in active contract discussions.

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed appointed for Germany vs Paraguay World Cup clash in Boston

Jalal Jayed of Morocco will take charge of Germany's round-of-32 meeting with Paraguay in Boston. The 39-year-old has officiated twice at the tournament so far, issuing just two yellow cards across both matches.

Riot police deployed as death threats greet South Korea's World Cup exit and Hong Myung-bo's resignation

South Korea will be met by 160 riot and airport police at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday following death threats against manager Hong Myung-bo, who resigned after the team's group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar available off the bench as Brazil face Japan in World Cup round of 32

Neymar remains without a start at the 2026 World Cup but is available from the bench as Brazil take on Japan in the round of 32 on Thursday in Houston. The forward returned from a calf injury in the group-stage finale against Scotland, playing 14 minutes.

Koubek resigns as Czech Republic coach after group-stage exit at World Cup 2026

Miroslav Koubek has stepped down as Czech Republic manager following a dismal World Cup campaign that ended with a 3-0 defeat by Mexico and a bottom-place finish in Group A with just one point.

FIFA dismiss match-fixing claims over Algeria and Austria's dramatic 3-3 World Cup draw

FIFA will not investigate allegations that Algeria and Austria engineered their 3-3 draw to ensure both teams advanced from their World Cup group, despite Austria's 96th-minute equaliser prompting widespread suspicion.

BBC confirms England vs DR Congo World Cup tie will air on BBC One after scheduling confusion

Caicedo handed Ecuador captaincy as Valencia steps down mid-World Cup

Moises Caicedo has been named Ecuador's new captain at the World Cup 2026, replacing Enner Valencia in an emotional handover ceremony. The Chelsea midfielder takes the armband ahead of Ecuador's round-of-32 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to take charge of Brazil vs Japan in Houston

Maurizio Mariani of Italy has been confirmed as the referee for Brazil's round of 32 clash against Japan at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday. The 44-year-old has officiated two matches at the tournament so far, issuing four yellow cards and no reds.

WW1 Lionesses honoured at Kansas World Cup museum a century after FA ban

Memorabilia belonging to England's pioneering women footballers from the World War One era — including a shirt, boots and postcards — is now on display at the National World War 1 Museum in Kansas City, a host city for the 2026 World Cup. Historian Steve Bolton, whose grandmother Lizzy Ashcroft was among the era's greatest players, shipped the items to the US for the exhibition.

Keane says injured Saka 'shouldn't be here' as Neville warns England winger doesn't look right

Roy Keane has called into question Bukayo Saka's place in England's World Cup squad, arguing the Arsenal winger should be resting if not fully fit. Gary Neville and Ian Wright share the concern, suggesting Saka can only realistically contribute from the bench.

Ronaldo's mother sends pride message as son becomes first to score in six World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother Maria Dolores has publicly praised her son after the 41-year-old scored a brace against Uzbekistan to become the first player in history to score at six World Cups, surpassing Eusébio's Portugal record in the process.

Alan Sugar accuses Roy Keane of wearing a wig during England's World Cup win over Panama

Sir Alan Sugar sparked a social media debate after posting on X that Roy Keane appeared to be wearing a wig during ITV's coverage of England's victory over Panama, drawing a mix of agreement and disbelief from users.

Clarke urges Scotland's next generation to learn from veterans ahead of Euro 2028

Departing Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has called on the country's emerging players to absorb the experience of the current senior core, expressing confidence that the squad can reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time at Euro 2028.

DR Congo's iconic 'human statue' superfan denied US visa for England World Cup clash

Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the motionless superfan known as 'Lumumba Vea', was refused a US visa and missed DR Congo's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan that sealed a last-32 meeting with England at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi's record-breaking group stage heroics hand Argentina a psychological burden

Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of World Cup 2026 to help Argentina seal a perfect nine-point group stage, but Argentina's leading sports publication warns that no nation with a flawless group record has lifted the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea manager after president brands him 'incapable' over World Cup exit

South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo has resigned following the team's group-stage elimination from the 2026 World Cup, with president Lee Jae-myung publicly branding him 'incapable' and ordering a full review of the national football programme.

Ugarte faces most of 2026-27 season on sidelines after knee ligament injury at World Cup

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has suffered knee ligament damage during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain at the World Cup, leaving him sidelined for most of next season and complicating United's summer transfer plans.