Latest updates, match reports, and tournament highlights
Once hailed as Italian football's next great striker, Pietro Pellegri has returned to full training with Torino after another injury-ravaged spell, as he targets a Serie A comeback and dreams of re-entering the Italy conversation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
England's international break kicks off with a mouthwatering showdown against world champions Spain, and The Guardian's Football Weekly panel has broken down every angle of the marquee fixture. The contest carries major implications for both nations as the 2026 World Cup cycle heats up.
USA international defender Emily Fox has signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal, describing the choice to extend her stay in North London as 'an easy decision' (BBC Sport). The commitment ties one of world football's premier right-backs to the club through a defining era on and off the pitch.
With the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony set for London on October 26, Harry Kane leads a star-studded race featuring Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe — and the World Cup 2026 may have already decided who lifts football's most famous individual prize. (Source: Sky Sports)
AC Milan have sent scouts to monitor Alessandro Romano as the highly-rated talent prepares for his first senior Italy cap, with the Azzurri continuing their road to the 2026 World Cup. The Rossoneri are reportedly weighing up a move as the youngster's stock continues to rise.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is heading for an internal showdown after council members demanded that the abandoned World Cup sell-off plan and the Folarin Balogun affair be included in his proposed external governance review. The battle over the review's terms of reference will come to a head at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on 15 October.
Discarded by Roma, Alessandro Romano has flourished at Cagliari and is now in line for his senior Italy debut. With his market value soaring and the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, his rise has become one of Serie A's most compelling stories.
Anthony Gordon has urged England to stop copying Spain's possession-heavy style, arguing that controlling games isn't part of the 'English DNA' — but insists the Three Lions can still lift silverware by playing to their natural strengths. The comments, originally reported by BBC Sport, come as England fine-tune their approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Anthony Gordon has thrown his support behind Thomas Tuchel's candid assessment that England's players possess an inherent struggle to dominate matches through possession, insisting the Three Lions should instead harness their traditional strengths on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The Newcastle winger's comments, reported by Sky Sports, signal a united dressing room behind the German head coach's philosophy.
Italian sports papers, as compiled by Football Italia, reveal the Azzurri's unveiling of Zoma, a headline-grabbing move by Udinese for David Alaba, and a goalkeeper shake-up at Juventus. Milan's push to tie down Adrien Rabiot until 2030 rounds out a dramatic news day.
Craig Bellamy has put Burnley's managerial interest firmly behind him as Wales open their Nations League campaign against Portugal in Lisbon, per BBC Sport — a critical early test on the road to FIFA World Cup 2026.
Italy have entered their third day of preparations for Friday's Nations League opener against Belgium, with Michael Kayode and Davide Frattesi central to the Azzurri's World Cup 2026 vision — though a major squad doubt looms over the camp, as reported by Football Italia.
Florian Wirtz's underwhelming start at Liverpool has fans questioning when patience runs out on the £116m man — and with the World Cup looming, Germany need their star playmaker back to his best. Analysis by Opta Analyst, via The Guardian, suggests the picture may be more nuanced than it appears.
Bukayo Saka admits England remain haunted by their World Cup 2026 semi-final defeat to Argentina, describing the loss as a lingering 'scar' that he believes can ultimately drive the Three Lions forward. Based on reporting by BBC Sport.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portuguese icon as "beyond a superstar" ahead of his side's Nations League opener against Portugal. Bellamy recounted witnessing first-hand the fan frenzy that once brought an entire airport to a standstill because of Ronaldo's presence.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has called on the Italy squad to focus on the present and future rather than past failures, insisting that everyone in Italian football shares responsibility for reaching the 2026 World Cup. The message comes as the Azzurri battle to avoid a third consecutive missed World Cup.
Jürgen Klopp's Germany travel to face Xavi Hernández's Netherlands in a Nations League derby that marks the competitive birth of two national team revival projects following disappointing World Cup campaigns. The new rivals met for the first time on Monday, with Klopp already in mischievous mood.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he contemplated international retirement after the 2026 World Cup, but the Portugal icon insists he is not done yet as he chases an unprecedented 1,000 career goals. The revelation was first reported by Sky Sports.
Drawing on BBC Sport's Football Daily, we examine the secrets behind Spain's rise to the summit of world football, from Luis de la Fuente's tactical reboot to a Lamine Yamal-inspired golden generation. With a haul of major trophies behind them, La Roja arrive in North America as the side every rival fears.
German official Daniel Siebert has been appointed to take charge of Italy's Nations League showdown with Belgium, according to Football Italia. The experienced Bundesliga referee will marshal one of European football's marquee fixtures, with fellow German officials also featuring prominently in this round of appointments.
Harry Kane has admitted England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina hurt more than any previous tournament exit, revealing the Three Lions 'lost sight of who they were' — but he's targeting a statement performance against Spain at Wembley to begin the healing process.
Martyn Jackson feared he would never play football again after undergoing a heart transplant in 2024. Less than two years later, he stood atop the football world as a World Cup winner with England.
Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa have extended their longstanding broadcast partnership, with Sky Sports and NOW set to exclusively screen England men's three-Test and three-ODI tour of South Africa this winter. The deal ensures UK viewers won't miss a moment of one of cricket's fiercest rivalries.
Roberto Mancini's first starting XI as Italy head coach is coming together ahead of the Azzurri's Nations League opener against Belgium, according to Football Italia, as Italy begins its rebuild on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he considered walking away from football but is now locked in on two final targets: becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals and leading a rejuvenated Portugal squad to World Cup 2026 glory.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he considered quitting international football after Portugal's World Cup exit to Spain, but the 41-year-old has vowed to play on as he chases a historic 1,000 career goals. He hit back at critics who have 'tried to kill' his legacy, while Jorge Jesus launched a passionate defence of the veteran forward.
Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano is poised to make his Italy debut after completing a one-time switch of allegiance from Switzerland — a move that will cost him €100,000 in compensation, according to Football Italia. The playmaker has decided his international future lies with the Azzurri ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
José Mourinho transformed a post-match press conference into courtroom theatre after Real Madrid's fiery derby defeat to Atlético, brandishing printed evidence of tackles he insists deserved red cards. Elsewhere, England's loss to Argentina sparks tactical debate and the Argentine FA unveils yet another head-spinning trophy.
Roma's cut-price capture of Porto's teenage sensation Mora for €25m may be the transfer window's shrewdest business—and the playmaker's ticket to football's biggest stage in 2026. The 18-year-old has already opened his account in Serie A, staking an early claim for a national team call-up.
2006 World Cup winner Luca Toni has launched a scathing attack on Juventus and Inter Milan over their neglect of Italian talent, while urging patience with the Azzurri's long-term project ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Source: Football Italia.
Nigerian football icon Segun Odegbami has launched a blistering attack on the sport's administrators, describing the current era as the nation's darkest hour after both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons failed to qualify for their respective World Cups. The 1980 Afcon winner's comments, reported by BBC Sport, pile pressure on the Nigeria Football Federation.
Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas have been recalled to the Scotland squad for the first time in almost a year ahead of next month's decisive World Cup round one play-off against the Czech Republic. The returning pair add experience and firepower at the most pressurised moment of Scotland's qualifying campaign.
As Craig Bellamy's Wales prepare to travel to Portugal on Thursday, BBC Sport is challenging fans to recall the starting XI from the unforgettable Euro 2016 semi-final defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Nearly a decade on, the memories of that famous summer remain the benchmark for a new generation chasing World Cup 2026 glory.
Netherlands head coach Xavi has played down fears over Donyell Malen's knee problem, insisting the Roma forward is fine ahead of the World Cup 2026. The news comes as a relief to both Oranje supporters and Roma fans.
A late Konstantinos Mavropanos equaliser earned West Ham a share of the spoils in a fiery Dockers Derby against Millwall, keeping the Hammers in the top two behind pace-setting Swansea. The Guardian's Football Weekly panel also dissected the latest upheaval in the England camp as the 2026 World Cup countdown gathers pace.
Team USA's long-standing Presidents Cup dominance faces its latest challenge this week, live on Sky Sports. If the International Team are to finally break through, they may need a comeback for the ages in the mould of Europe's legendary 'Miracle at Medinah'.
Michael Kayode says he discovered his first senior Italy call-up moments after Brentford's 3-0 rout of Chelsea, while confirming Nigeria had approached him before he committed to the Azzurri ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Source: Football Italia.
Football Italia was inside Roberto Mancini's first training session as Italy head coach, and their on-site reporting has already sparked speculation about the Azzurri's predicted starting XI as the rebuild begins with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. (Credit: Football Italia)
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite credits a pioneering German rehabilitation programme that analysed the connection between his brain, movement and recurring injuries for his recall to Thomas Tuchel's England squad. With World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the centre-back's resurgence couldn't be better timed.
England extended their white-ball stranglehold over Sri Lanka with a commanding 89-run victory at Durham, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series thanks to a standout performance from Will Jacks.
Cagliari striker Nicolò Tresoldi admits his international future is a straight '50:50' call between Italy and Germany, confirming he will make his decision at the end of the season, per Football Italia. With the World Cup 2026 looming, both federations are on high alert.
Alessandro Romano has revealed that a direct approach from Italy head coach Claudio Ranieri was the decisive factor in his choice to represent the Azzurri rather than Switzerland. The young talent explained his decision in a wide-ranging interview about his international future.
Kevin De Bruyne has firmly denied attempting to force a summer exit from Napoli, while candidly admitting his debut campaign in Serie A began on rocky ground. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming, the Belgian's club form is under intense scrutiny. (Source: Football Italia)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected at the UN General Assembly to lobby world leaders for federation support ahead of next year's election — despite facing no declared rivals and the recent collapse of FIFA's World Cup broadcast sell-off plan, Guardian Football reports.
As England prepare to face world champions Spain, BBC Sport's experts have cast their gaze toward Euro 2028, predicting who will anchor the Three Lions' starting lineup. The projections paint a picture of a squad in transition, blending established stars with the next generation of English talent.
Will Jacks earned glowing praise from England white-ball captain Harry Brook after his five-wicket haul inspired an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday night. Brook highlighted how the all-rounder is thriving in an expanded bowling role.
Reports in Italy, relayed by Football Italia, claim Massimiliano Allegri punched the dressing room walls after Napoli's 1-1 draw at Fiorentina. The outburst highlights mounting pressure at the club in a season that runs straight into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Venezia have opted to keep faith with head coach Giovanni Stroppa despite failing to pick up a single point from their opening five Serie A matches. According to Football Italia, the club hierarchy has decided against making an early-season change.
Kylian Mbappe has revealed he came close to joining Liverpool in 2016, admitting his mother was a 'big fan' of Jurgen Klopp and pushed for a move to Merseyside before his career took a different path.
The aftermath of the 2026 World Cup has triggered an unprecedented coaching clear-out, with 17 managers already departing their posts while elite names like Jürgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane remain available for the biggest federations to snap up. According to The Guardian, Thomas Tuchel has somehow survived England's semi-final collapse against Argentina.
Italy U21 head coach Silvio Baldini has hinted that senior boss Roberto Mancini could promote several Azzurrini players to the full national team, while admitting he cheered on Frosinone in their clash with Como, according to Football Italia.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has dismissed Real Madrid's refereeing conspiracy accusations as belonging 'in another galaxy' after José Mourinho's extraordinary screenshot protest following the 2-1 derby loss to Atlético Madrid.
Former England winger Andros Townsend says he is lucky to have escaped with only bumps and bruises after being run over by a pitch roller. He described the freak incident as a terrifying experience that could have ended far worse.
England fast bowler Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket after a knee injury he could no longer overcome, ending one of the most thrilling careers of the modern era (Sky Sports).
Sebastiano Esposito has described his first senior Italy call-up as a moment of huge family pride after earning a place in the squad alongside younger brother Pio — admitting the siblings keep each other grounded by teasing one another over missed chances. Source: Football Italia.
The Guardian's Football Weekly panel dissected a dramatic EFL weekend headlined by the Dockers derby, while England's squad upheaval under Thomas Tuchel took centre stage as the World Cup 2026 countdown intensifies.
Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly grown frustrated with the attitude of several experienced Napoli players, including marquee summer signing Kevin De Bruyne, in a storyline strikingly similar to the tensions that defined Antonio Conte's departure, according to Football Italia.
Following the withdrawal of five England players from the national squad, BBC Sport examines the protocols governing how footballers step away from international duty — a process set to face intense scrutiny at the 2026 World Cup.
Chants about the late Diogo Jota directed at Rúben Neves during an Al-Hilal match have sparked criticism that the Saudi Pro League's response was too lenient, drawing a public rebuke from Cristiano Ronaldo and casting a shadow over Portugal's World Cup 2026 preparations.
Sky Sports News is inviting England supporters to submit their questions for a live on-air Q&A session. With Thomas Tuchel's side preparing for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, no topic is off limits.
Roma legend Francesco Totti has revealed that Genoa and Como both attempted to sign him after his 2017 retirement, as reported by Football Italia. The World Cup winner turned down the chance to end his famous one-club loyalty.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini faced the media for the first time this international break, using the occasion to map out the Azzurri's mission to end their World Cup exile and secure a place at the 2026 tournament in North America, as reported by Football Italia.
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been banned from driving for six months after his Rolls-Royce was caught speeding in Wilmslow in March, BBC Sport reports. The off-field hiccup comes as attention begins to turn towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Smilla Holmberg's dramatic 95th-minute equalizer salvaged a 1-1 home draw for Arsenal against Manchester United, deepening concerns over the Gunners' attacking struggles, while Tottenham thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 to maintain their flying start.
England white-ball captain Harry Brook believes tapping into the expertise of mentor Kevin Pietersen will only accelerate his side's upward trajectory as a young squad continues its rebuild. (Source: Sky Sports)
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Milan to bid farewell to Sandro Mazzola, the legendary Inter and Italy forward who has died aged 83, as reported by Football Italia. The creative heartbeat of Grande Inter's golden era and a Euro 1968 winner, Mazzola was honoured by fans, former teammates and club officials.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has agreed to commission an independent external governance review following mounting council pressure over the World Cup sale debacle and the Folarin Balogun controversy. The concession comes after FA chair Debbie Hewitt demanded the release of all documents relating to both issues.
Jordan James insists a depleted Wales side will not be overawed when they face Portugal's star-studded squad in their Nations League A opener on Thursday. The midfielder says taking on 'the best players in the world' is a challenge to embrace rather than fear.
Arsenal's teenage sensation Max Dowman is reportedly set to link up with the England squad, handing Thomas Tuchel a tantalising option ahead of next summer's World Cup. The story leads Tuesday's newspaper back pages, as reported by Sky Sports.
AS Roma have received a welcome boost after the Netherlands confirmed that Donyell Malen's injury is 'not too bad,' easing fears over the striker's fitness ahead of a crucial run-in toward the 2026 World Cup. The forward withdrew from the Dutch squad but appears to have avoided a lengthy layoff.
Riccardo Calafiori, widely praised as the Premier League's top left-back this season, is set to slot into that same position for Italy after Federico Dimarco's injury left a glaring hole in Gennaro Gattuso's squad. The positional switch comes at a crucial moment in the Azzurri's World Cup 2026 preparations.
Cole Palmer and Declan Rice are among five players to withdraw from England's squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, per BBC Sport, with Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford also stepping back from international duty.
RC Lens, fresh off a second-place Ligue 1 finish and a Coupe de France triumph under Pierre Sage, have been plunged into turmoil after successor Dino Toppmöller's reign ended after just six games. Yannick Cahuzac, appointed interim manager only three days before Friday's trip to Monaco, now carries the burden of restoring order.
Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali has issued a stark warning that the Azzurri are heading into a 'difficult spell' under Roberto Mancini as they attempt to rebuild toward the 2026 World Cup. The admission lays bare the challenges facing the European giants as they seek to reclaim their place on football's biggest stage.
Frosinone have tied down Italy Under-21 goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani with a new contract running to 2031 after his heroic display against Como, as reported by Football Italia. The club view the young shot-stopper as a cornerstone of their project and potentially a goalkeeper of national-team pedigree.
Thomas Tuchel has lost Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento to injury ahead of England's Nations League opener, prompting emergency call-ups for James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White. The crisis comes just days after the German unveiled his squad for a new two-year cycle he hopes will end in Euro 2028 glory.
Craig Bellamy's Wales open their Nations League A campaign against Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September, sparking a fierce debate over team selection, as reported by BBC Sport. The fixture doubles as a crucial measuring stick on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Borussia Dortmund lead the Bundesliga for the first time since their heartbreaking 2023 collapse, with Niko Kovac's side making it four wins from four after a gritty single-goal victory at Stuttgart, as reported by Andy Brassell in The Guardian.
New data reveals World Cup fans were exposed to a staggering 65,000 junk food adverts during this summer's tournament — more than 28 hours of marketing for unhealthy food and drinks. The figures were first reported by BBC Sport.
Ireland's WXV Global Series campaign began in heartbreak as they let a 19-point lead slip in a dramatic 40-36 defeat to the USA, according to Sky Sports. The remarkable American fightback leaves Ireland facing difficult questions after their opening fixture.
Donyell Malen has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad after an injury scare with Roma, putting a temporary halt to the striker's extraordinary club form just months before the 2026 World Cup. The news, first reported by Football Italia, has left both club and country anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez has received his first senior France call-up after impressing in Serie A, with the 30-year-old's reward coming as Didier Deschamps fine-tunes his options ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As reported by Football Italia, the call-up caps a remarkable career revival built in Belgium and Italy.
JJ Spaun revealed he played with a 'huge chip on my shoulder' as he transformed his Presidents Cup omission into BMW PGA Championship glory at Wentworth, declaring 'I deserve to be in!' after sealing victory.
England's Charlotte Heath recovered from surrendering her lead to claim a maiden Ladies European Tour title at the La Sella Open in Denia, Alicante, holding off a host of challengers in a dramatic finale, as reported by Sky Sports. The breakthrough victory marks a milestone moment in the Englishwoman's career and signals her arrival among the tour's winners.
JJ Spaun survived a chaotic final round at Wentworth to claim his first BMW PGA Championship title, capitalising on a late stumble from Spain's Manuel Elvira while Rory McIlroy's comeback surge came up agonisingly short. (Source: Sky Sports)
Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been forced to withdraw from Italy's national team squad through injury, prompting head coach Roberto Mancini to draft in an immediate replacement ahead of World Cup 2026.
Sister Olivia Cusack and loved ones completed a 29-mile walk from Bramall Lane to the family's Derbyshire home to raise funds and awareness for the late Sheffield United midfielder. The family says it remains in a 'frustrating and confusing' wait for answers three years on from Maddy's death.
The third anniversary of Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack's death falls while her inquest remains on hold, leaving her family still awaiting answers. Her loved ones continue to insist she was always 'more than a number on a shirt'.
Roma full-back Wesley has withdrawn from the Brazil squad after suffering a thigh strain, dealing a fresh blow to his World Cup 2026 hopes and his already complicated relationship with the Seleção, per Football Italia.
Former England winger Andros Townsend walked away unharmed after being run over by a pitch roller while warming up for Thai League 1 club PT Prachuap — and joked that even a cold night at Stoke 'wasn't so bad after all.' (Source: Guardian Football)
Former England winger Andros Townsend escaped serious injury after being run over by a pitch roller before a match in Thailand — and joked that even a trip to Stoke City 'wasn't so bad after all' (Source: BBC Sport).
Italian newspapers react to Inter and Roma sharing the points in a hard-fought Serie A draw, while heartfelt tributes pour in for Mazzola — all against the backdrop of the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026, per Football Italia.
Twelve months after playing third-tier football with Cardiff City, Rubin Colwill is preparing for the possibility of sharing a World Cup pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland — a scenario he describes as 'surreal' (via BBC Sport).
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino admits he would have returned to Tottenham this summer, even in the Championship, if circumstances had aligned. Now energized by a new US Soccer deal, the Argentine also refuses to rule out the England job one day.
Arsenal are reportedly weighing a January rescue mission for Real Madrid's struggling Brazilian prodigy Endrick, while Barcelona prepare a blockbuster bid for Erling Haaland and Liverpool dig in over Florian Wirtz. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, these moves could reshape the international landscape.
Zinedine Zidane, the most inscrutable figure in modern football management, takes charge of France—a national team whose underachievement has long defied explanation. As reported by The Guardian's Jonathan Wilson, this pairing of football's great enigma with its most perplexing football nation may finally reveal what Zidane truly stands for as a coach.
England have reclaimed the world number one spot in T20 cricket after completing yet another demolition of Sri Lanka, cruising to an eight-wicket victory at Emirates Old Trafford. The win capped a series of lopsided contests that underlined the hosts' white-ball dominance.
Eintracht Frankfurt battled to a 2-2 draw against Bundesliga pacesetters Freiburg, who missed the chance to reclaim top spot from Bayern Munich. Several members of Jürgen Klopp's 44-man Germany squad impressed as auditions for World Cup 2026 continue.
A historical mystery surrounding Peter Baines, Wrexham's trailblazing black footballer of the 1940s, raises the tantalizing question of whether he was the first Indigenous Australian to play football overseas. As The Guardian reports, the answer has confounded historians for decades.
Thomas Tuchel claims 99.9% of England fans have moved on from the World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina, but Jacob Steinberg of Guardian Football argues the England boss risks repeating his mistakes by dismissing the critics. His first post-tournament squad selection hints at a hunger for greater tactical flexibility.
A festival of derby football arrives ahead of an engorged international break, with Celtic in full crisis mode before the Old Firm and Simeone and Mourinho set to bring the morbo to the Madrid derby, per The Guardian's Football Daily.
Tributes have poured in from across Serie A and Italian football following the death of Inter and Italy legend Sandro Mazzola, as reported by Football Italia. The creative heartbeat of Herrera's Grande Inter and a Euro 1968 winner, Mazzola is remembered as one of the greatest players in the nation's history.
France captain Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike to join Swiss brand On, becoming a shareholder in the company as it prepares a major push into football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. On has also appointed Thierry Henry as its football director.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the national squad, but warned that only performance — not reputation — will keep them in his World Cup 2026 plans.
England and Canada are serving up a breathless World Cup 2026 thriller under the Vancouver lights, trading goals in a rematch of the final that first forged this fixture into folklore, as covered live by Sky Sports. Nothing separates the two sides as the clash heads toward a dramatic climax.
Roberto Mancini has named a bold first Italy squad since returning to the national team dugout, handing debut call-ups to nine players as he launches a rebuild aimed at the 2026 World Cup. According to Football Italia, the coach also faces a major line-up dilemma as he looks to blend fresh faces with established stars.
Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the England squad despite an underwhelming start to life at Real Madrid, months after leaving him out of his World Cup plans. The surprise decision headlines a busy matchday that also includes a high-security London derby and the football world mourning an Inter great.
Juventus sent scouts to monitor Cagliari youngster Alessandro Romano shortly before he received his first senior Italy call-up, according to Tuttosport via Football Italia. The timing adds intrigue as Italy builds toward the 2026 World Cup.
Two months after demanding greater control following the World Cup, England manager Thomas Tuchel has dramatically shifted his philosophy, saying he wants to 'embrace the chaos' after unveiling his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The reversal signals a fascinating evolution in the German's approach to leading the Three Lions.
Italian newspapers pay an emotional farewell to Inter and Italy legend Sandro Mazzola, who has died aged 83, while Roma's title surge threatens Inter and Roberto Mancini hands senior debuts to uncapped players ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Sandro Mazzola, the creative heartbeat of Inter Milan's legendary Grande Inter side and one of the greatest Italian footballers of all time, has died at the age of 83, as reported by Football Italia. His passing comes as the Azzurri prepare for their return to football's grandest stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Mancini has named a 34-man Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, handing opportunities to nine players new to the senior international setup as he accelerates the Azzurri's rebuild. According to Football Italia, the bold selection underlines the coach's determination to refresh the squad with the 2026 World Cup firmly in his sights.
Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the England squad despite the Real Madrid defender managing just two unremarkable league starts this season, leaving the evidence behind the decision looking decidedly thin. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the debate over where — and whether — the full-back fits in rages on.
Northampton Town have reached an agreement with a consortium including former Brazil striker Alexandre Pato over a proposed shareholding acquisition, according to BBC Sport. The deal would bring one of Brazilian football's most recognisable names of the past two decades to the English lower leagues.
Vincenzo Montella has included just one Serie A-based player in his Turkiye squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, including a marquee clash with Italy, according to Football Italia.
Zinedine Zidane has stunned observers with his first France squad, handing senior debuts-in-waiting to Diouf and Da Cunha while cutting Thuram for the high-profile meeting with Italy, according to Football Italia.
Harry Kane became the fastest player in Bundesliga history to reach 100 goals, hitting the milestone in just 98 appearances, while Michael Olise bagged a hat-trick as Bayern Munich thrashed Union Berlin 7-0 (BBC Sport).
Harry Kane became the fastest player in Bundesliga history to reach 100 goals, hitting the milestone in just 98 games as Bayern Munich thrashed Union Berlin 7-0, shattering Dieter Müller's mark that had stood since 1977. The England captain's latest scoring feat comes at the perfect time with the 2026 World Cup looming.
Roberto Mancini has named a bloated 34-man Italy squad ahead of the next international gathering, but the headline news, per Football Italia, is the omission of Mateo Retegui, Destiny Udogie, Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano.
Harry Kane has become the quickest player in Bundesliga history to reach 100 goals, according to Sky Sports. England's captain is peaking at the perfect moment as the World Cup 2026 in North America draws closer.
Thomas Tuchel has handed Trent Alexander-Arnold a surprise England recall for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, but the Real Madrid right-back has been told he must deliver defensive solidity to stay in the World Cup picture. Source: Guardian Football.
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring £51.5m-rated Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit, Tottenham lead the chase for Brazil defender Arthur Dias, and Folarin Balogun is tipped for a January exit from Monaco, according to BBC Sport.
Torino coach Paolo Vanoli admits he is 'in love' with Kevin De Bruyne's football and brands Massimiliano Allegri 'a winner', while warning Fiorentina that a purely preventative approach will not suffice. (Source: Football Italia)
England fast bowler Brydon Carse will face no charges after Derbyshire Police closed their investigation into an alleged assault at a Derby nightclub, Sky Sports reports. The decision allows the Durham seamer to draw a line under the episode and refocus fully on his cricket.
New Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel has named six Serie A players in his squad for the Nations League showdown against Italy, as reported by Football Italia. The bold selection signals a new era for the Red Devils with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Roberto Mancini's first Italy squad of the new cycle has raised eyebrows, with Chelsea's Palestra surprisingly omitted, Rolando Mandragora recalled after a five-year exile, and Daniel Maldini handed a chance to write his own chapter in the family story. According to Football Italia, the selections signal a bold reset as the Azzurri begin their road to 2026.
Thomas Tuchel admits he sometimes craves more control, but insists the Premier League's adrenaline-fuelled intensity will remain England's template as he targets Euro 2028 glory after their World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina.
Patrick Vieira, the 1998 World Cup winner with France, has described his appointment as Senegal head coach as an 'absolute dream' and an 'honour', returning to lead the nation of his birth, according to BBC Sport.
Italy's latest squad for the road to the 2026 World Cup contains just six survivors from Roberto Mancini's EURO 2020-winning team, underlining a dramatic generational overhaul, according to Football Italia. The Azzurri are betting on fresh faces as they chase a first World Cup appearance since 2014.
As Premier League clubs race to replace front-of-shirt betting sponsors before the 2026-27 ban, Italy's post-Dignity Decree workarounds — spotlighted by Football Italia — offer a proven template, with champions Inter showing that success on and off the pitch can survive restriction.
Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal says he has experienced racism 'a thousand times,' often from people unaware that their comments or behavior are offensive, as reported by BBC Sport.
Dual-national defender Noahkai Banks has chosen to represent Germany over the United States, dealing a significant blow to USMNT recruitment efforts two years out from the home World Cup. The 19-year-old was named in Germany's U-21 squad for upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Former Everton manager Brian Sorensen will join the Republic of Ireland's coaching staff for this year's Women's World Cup play-off qualifiers, BBC Sport reports. The move brings Women's Super League experience to Dublin at a pivotal moment in Ireland's qualification bid.
Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to his England squad for World Cup 2026 preparations, while Phil Foden is left out and teenage talents Rio Ngumoha and Alex Scott earn recognition. Spain, meanwhile, unveiled their squad in Ceuta.
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez has been rewarded for his breakout season in Serie A with a call-up to Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad for the UEFA Nations League, as reported by Football Italia. The recognition signals the shot-stopper's emergence as a genuine contender for La Roja's goalkeeping corps ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel unveiled his England squad at Wembley insisting he has learned from the mistakes of World Cups past, according to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol. The selections point to a group built on tournament experience, squad harmony, and meticulous preparation for football's biggest stage.
Italy's morning papers are packed with drama as pressure mounts on Rúben Amorim, Juventus rediscover their scoring touch, and Roberto Mancini names his latest Italy squad with World Cup 2026 firmly in sight. Per Football Italia's roundup of the Italian sports press.
Socceroos skipper Maty Ryan has been sensationally dropped for Australia's friendlies against Brazil, with coach Tony Popovic calling up seven uncapped players in a sweeping 26-man squad. Despite the axe, Popovic insists the goalkeeper's international career is far from over.
An Australian Hyrox competitor has issued an apology after facing criticism for continuing a race despite soiling herself mid-event, announcing she will retroactively withdraw from the competition (Sky Sports).
Fresh off a humbling 4-1 World Cup exit on home soil, Mauricio Pochettino remains at the USMNT helm and has named a youthful squad for the first camp of the 2030 cycle. The four-game window now doubles as an audition for the next generation.
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez has reportedly earned a place in France's preliminary squad for Zinedine Zidane's first camp as Les Bleus head coach, rewarding a standout run of form in Serie A. The news, first reported by outlets in France and Italy, signals bold thinking as the World Cup 2026 countdown begins.
England wrapped up their T20 series against Sri Lanka with a match still to play, comfortably chasing down 146 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The victory, reported by Sky Sports, gives the hosts an unassailable lead heading into the finale.
Mauricio Pochettino has named a radically youthful 28-man USMNT squad for the September/October friendlies, with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan poised to become the fourth-youngest American international while star Christian Pulisic is left out. Thirteen players could earn their first senior caps as the post-World Cup rebuild begins in earnest.
Two months after England's painful 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, Thomas Tuchel faces a critical Nations League campaign that could define his legacy and kickstart Euro preparation. As Guardian Football reports, the England manager admits 'people are killing me' as criticism over his failed tactical gamble continues to swirl.
Thomas Tuchel is considering a recall for in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer when he names his first England squad since the World Cup on Friday, with Alex Scott and Morgan Gibbs-White also in the frame for the Nations League.
Gianluigi Buffon has delivered an unapologetic defence of Gennaro Gattuso's reign as Italy head coach, insisting the decision to appoint his 2006 World Cup-winning teammate was correct and that no criticism will change his mind. The Azzurri delegation chief's comments come with Italy facing a high-stakes playoff route to the 2026 tournament.
The Football Association's leadership has issued a direct challenge to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding full disclosure of documents connected to his contentious proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. The call for transparency threatens to deepen tensions within world football's governing body.
Tom Banton's whirlwind unbeaten 52 off just 24 balls powered England to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20, clinching the series with a match still to play, while Jos Buttler added yet another record to his collection, as reported by Sky Sports.
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has formally written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino demanding the release of all documents on his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan and the decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension — piling pressure on the FIFA chief ahead of the presidential election. (Source: Guardian Football)
Manchester City hand competitive debuts to Gero Rulli, £34m winger Allan and academy youngster Floyd Samba as a Kovacic-captained side hosts Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round at the Etihad.
As Thomas Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad since the World Cup, BBC Sport examines the major decisions awaiting the Three Lions boss — from captaincy and goalkeeping to a generational refresh.
Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have been left out of the USA squad for the September-October window, while Yunus Musah returns after his high-profile snub, as reported by Football Italia.
New Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp says the national team must help ensure 'national pride is not entrusted to the wrong people' following a far-right election victory, as reported by BBC Sport. The 58-year-old wants the World Cup to become a moment of inclusive celebration for all Germans.
Italy boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi has not yet made a final decision on his international future, admitting the choice is 'not easy' with World Cup 2026 looming. The Azzurri chief urged patience as the highly-rated forward weighs his options.
New Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp says he wants the national team to help ensure 'national pride is not entrusted to the wrong people' following a far-right AfD election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
Despite guiding England to their best-ever World Cup performance on foreign soil, Thomas Tuchel heads into this international break facing the most pivotal moment of his tenure. As Sky Sports reports, the German must now win back trust amid contract uncertainty and squad transition.
Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun admits he is staking his club career by missing matches to represent South Korea ahead of World Cup 2026, while Old Firm rivals Rangers have reportedly agreed a potential £800,000 fee for James Penrice, according to BBC Sport.
Lionel Messi and Casemiro rolled back the years to inspire Inter Miami to trophy glory, according to Sky Sports. Their heroics arrive at the perfect moment, with both veterans eyeing a starring role at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
United States midfielder Savannah DeMelo is suing a hospital and two doctors after suffering a heart attack during a match last year, BBC Sport reports. The legal action alleges the standard of medical care she received fell seriously short, placing her life and career in jeopardy.
United States midfielder Savannah DeMelo has launched legal action against a hospital and two physicians after suffering a heart attack on the pitch last year, BBC Sport reports. The case raises serious questions about medical standards and duty of care in professional soccer.
Teenage goalkeeper Milo Beimers turned life as a free agent into a continent-crossing van journey — and his search for a club ended with a surprise contract at Italian side Viterbese. (Via BBC Sport)
The Guardian's annual Next Generation list spotlights 60 of world football's brightest players born in 2008 — teenagers who could be the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup. From PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye to Brazil's latest prodigy, the future of the global game is arriving fast.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, The Guardian is offering fans a free weekday email delivering the day's biggest football stories and gossip straight to their inboxes. The publisher also runs companion newsletters covering cricket, rugby union, and weekly sports highlights.
The Guardian's free women's football newsletter, Moving the Goalposts, brings expert insight from stars like Ada Hegerberg and Magdalena Eriksson straight to your inbox twice a week. As the game's global momentum builds toward 2026, it promises to be essential reading for fans.
The Guardian is offering football fans a free weekly sports digest, The Recap, delivering award-winning journalism, analysis, and weekend previews to inboxes every Friday lunchtime. With World Cup 2026 on the horizon, it promises to be an essential companion for supporters.
Luis de la Fuente has agreed a contract extension with Spain until 2032, per BBC Sport, keeping the World Cup-winning boss at the helm through Euro 2028 and a home World Cup in 2030.
Al-Taawoun have been fined nearly £20,000 and ordered to play two home matches without supporters after fans taunted Rúben Neves with chants about his late friend and former teammate Diogo Jota. The punishment follows Cristiano Ronaldo's demand for lifetime bans.
Thomas Tuchel has broken his silence on England's World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina, standing by his criticised defensive substitutions while admitting he made them too early. The Three Lions crumbled in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon's opener, with the head coach confessing his side were 'waiting for death' under relentless Argentine pressure.
Three months after a heartbreakingly narrow World Cup exit, Iranian football is limping back to life with its continental clubs returning to action, a disputed league title still unsettled, and Saudi spending power widening the regional gap. Based on reporting by Guardian Football.
Spain were crowned World Cup champions after a 1-0 final victory over Argentina, but the triumph was overshadowed by ugly scenes that saw Leandro Paredes sent off for violent conduct after the final whistle. UK broadcasters led fierce condemnation of Argentina's behaviour.
Philadelphia Union teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan is set to receive his first senior United States call-up, according to a report from the Guardian, as Mauricio Pochettino prepares his squad for friendlies against Chile, Peru, Mexico and Canada. The highly anticipated roster announcement is expected Thursday morning.
Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has made an emotional appeal to supporters after a 'heartbreaking' summer without the World Cup, insisting the Azzurri can only rebuild with the fans behind them. The goalkeeper called on the nation to stay united as a new era begins.
Thomas Tuchel has passionately defended his controversial defensive substitutions following England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, declaring 'it's my scar, not yours' as he faced down criticism of his tactical calls.
The United States crashed out of the U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, losing 5-4 on penalties to Brazil after a 1-1 draw, extending a troubling run of knockout-stage failures for American youth national teams.
A UEFA-linked legal case and a court-ordered discovery into FIFA's failed attempt to sell World Cup broadcast rights have put Gianni Infantino's presidency under unprecedented pressure, with The Guardian's Barney Ronay suggesting Donald Trump's once-reliable support is evaporating.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has compared 16-year-old teammate Max Dowman to Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal after the teenager scored twice in a 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich. The performance has fuelled excitement that England may have their own generational talent emerging ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Wilfried Gnonto admits he 'missed Italy' during a difficult final season with Leeds United and says his move to Fiorentina was exactly what he needed as he targets a role in Italy's World Cup 2026 ambitions. (Source: Football Italia)
Leaked communications reveal the frantic pace of the VAR check that allowed Erling Haaland's controversial Manchester derby winner, raising urgent questions about officiating standards just a year before the World Cup 2026. The error has intensified calls for technological reform ahead of FIFA's expanded tournament.
England star Rob Hawkins breaks down the rules, the contact and the growing appeal of Wheelchair Rugby League as the sport's Grand Final heads to live free-to-view coverage on Sky Sports this Sunday, as originally reported by Sky Sports.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed the moment from Italy's Euro 2020 triumph that will stay with him forever, while hoping a return to Wembley for future finals can inspire more glory. The Azzurri captain is now focused on ending Italy's World Cup exile in 2026.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has slammed the fixation on Erling Haaland's contentious winning goal at Old Trafford, insisting it is 'quite poor' that the controversy has buried his side's victory over Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini is reportedly set to name Nürnberg winger Zoma in Italy's squad for the first international break of the 2026-27 season, according to Football Italia. The surprise call-up would signal a fresh look for the Azzurri following the World Cup.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has vowed the Stadium of Light will produce an intimidating atmosphere when AZ Alkmaar visit for the club's first home European tie in 53 years — a far cry from the sparsely attended night at Roker Park in 1973.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admits he wishes he had eaten the hallowed Azteca turf after his side's World Cup 2026 victory over Mexico, as a viral documentary lifts the lid on his meditation-fuelled tournament routine, as reported by Sky Sports.
Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Ibrahima Konaté were caught on camera covering up the club's message of support for Ceuta before the match against Elche, BBC Sport reports.
Former England forward Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after inhaling nitrous oxide at the wheel of his £270,000 Lamborghini for more than an hour on the M25 and M3. He will be sentenced on 25 November — a hearing that could end in prison or referral to the crown court.
Michael Olise has spent his career dodging the limelight, but as BBC Sport reports, his scintillating form for France at the 2026 World Cup is making the Bayern Munich maestro impossible to ignore.
With the next World Cup cycle kicking off this week, Guardian Football's roster prediction suggests a bold youth movement could define the USMNT, headlined by teenage phenom Cavan Sullivan. The goalkeeper race features veteran Matt Turner fending off a deep pool of emerging shot-stoppers.
The Guardian's Football Weekly panel, led by Max Rushden, dissects a weekend of European action headlined by Harry Kane's latest goal, Barcelona's flawless form and a lively Ballon d'Or argument. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, England's captain looks sharper than ever.
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's squad for October's friendly against Benin, a match widely expected to mark his farewell to international football, according to BBC Sport. The fixture will bring the curtain down on a two-decade career in the albiceleste shirt.
Lionel Messi will make one final appearance for Argentina in a farewell friendly against Benin on 6 October in Buenos Aires, after AFA president Claudio Tapia invited the legendary captain to say goodbye to fans on home soil.
Ruben Amorim admits he was stunned by Yunus Musah's surprise start, only for 40-year-old Luka Modric to prove the real headache, as reported by Football Italia. The Portuguese coach waxed lyrical about the Ballon d'Or winner's timeless influence on the game.
Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice and assisted another in a man-of-the-match display as Arsenal's reserves swept aside Ipswich 3-0 in the Carabao Cup, with manager Mikel Arteta's Messi comparison looking less like hyperbole by the week. The Hale End academy graduate's emergence adds an intriguing subplot to England's World Cup 2026 conversation.
Barcelona are reportedly keeping close tabs on Harry Kane and Erling Haaland as the summer transfer window heats up, while Bayern Munich eye Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade as a potential Kane successor and Manchester United circle Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Nicolò Fagioli and Esposito have topped Football Italia's rankings of the best Italian performers in Serie A Week 4, strengthening their claims for national team recognition ahead of the first international break of the 2026-27 season.
Harry Brook and Jos Buttler produced another Southampton masterclass as England piled up 254-4 to thrash Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the first T20, handing new white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen a dream start. (Source: Sky Sports)
England manager Thomas Tuchel joked that his sole regret after England's epic World Cup 2026 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium was not sampling the famous pitch itself, BBC Sport reports.
Referees' chief Howard Webb has admitted that VAR never even considered whether Enzo Fernandez was offside in the build-up to Erling Haaland's controversial winner in the Manchester derby, BBC Sport reports. The revelation has ignited fresh scrutiny of the video review process at the highest level of the English game.
The Supercoppa Italiana is weighing a transatlantic move to the United States, though Milan's iconic San Siro remains firmly in contention, leaving Inter and Lazio in a holding pattern as organisers weigh their options, per Football Italia.
Howard Webb, English football's chief refereeing officer, has branded the accidental handball law 'a bit of a nonsense' while expressing deep disappointment over the VAR error that decided Sunday's Manchester derby. He called for urgent reform to prevent officials being dragged into 'ridiculous situations.'