Latest updates, match reports, and tournament highlights
Jarrod Bowen scored twice, including the winner 13 minutes from time, as West Ham beat Bolton 3-2 to climb top of the Championship on goal difference — their first victory at Bolton in 31 years. Southampton and Watford also claimed wins elsewhere in the round-up.
England stars Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have been named among the 30 nominees for the women's Ballon d'Or, per BBC Sport, with both Lionesses chasing a place in the award's history books.
Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde both found the net as Real Madrid saw off Inter Milan, sending an unmistakable message about their form ahead of next summer's FIFA World Cup 2026. With both stars set to headline their nations' campaigns in North America, the performance couldn't have come at a better time.
Major League Soccer's summer transfer window shattered spending records, with clubs investing nearly $190 million—a 65% jump from last year—as the league positions itself ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The spending spree signals a dramatic shift in how MLS clubs do business, fueled by new transfer rules and expanded financial resources.
Liverpool are keeping close tabs on German defender Malick Thiaw, Fulham are desperate to tie down Calvin Bassey to a new deal, and James Rodriguez could be Serie B-bound, according to BBC Sport's Wednesday gossip column.
Arsenal have scrapped their traditional pre-match press conference ahead of facing Napoli after travel complications left the squad still outside Italy, as reported by Football Italia. The disruption throws the Gunners' finely-tuned preparations into question ahead of the fixture in Naples.
Erling Haaland's clinical brace earned Manchester City a 2-0 victory at FC Porto, but Enzo Maresca's side produced another unconvincing performance despite taking the points, according to Sky Sports.
Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League opener against Napoli were thrown into disarray after UK air traffic control chaos severely delayed their flight to Italy, forcing Mikel Arteta to cancel his pre-match press conference. In a welcome boost, Jurriën Timber has been named in the squad for the first time since May.
Kylian Mbappé's history-making 22 World Cup goals anchor this year's Ballon d'Or nominations, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood flying the flag for England ahead of October's London ceremony.
Chelsea have confirmed a 'frustrating' injury for Italy international Marco Palestra that delays his first official appearance for the club. The setback comes at a delicate moment, with the World Cup 2026 on the horizon and places in Italy's squad up for grabs.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been installed as favourite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after headlining a three-man England contingent on the shortlist, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice also nominated, according to BBC Sport.
Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham have been named among the 2026 Ballon d'Or nominees, while Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the shortlist marks a symbolic changing of the guard in world football. The announcement, reported by Sky Sports, comes with the World Cup 2026 spotlight shining brightly on England's golden generation.
A stacked midweek schedule delivers Champions League glamour as Real Madrid face Inter Milan, while Club Brugge claw a goal back against Aston Villa and Manchester City reveal a new tactical identity under Enzo Maresca. Carabao Cup ties add further intrigue across England.
Argentina's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has revealed his sadness at Liverpool's decision not to offer him a new contract, admitting he rejected summer offers from elite clubs to stay and chase silverware under Andoni Iraola. (Source: Guardian Football)
Dundee forward Westley faces a spell on the sidelines, while a Celtic striker has reportedly been lined up for a Colombia call-up as international attention turns toward the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to BBC Sport.
Reports in Spain, relayed by Football Italia, claim James Rodriguez is closing in on a stunning move to Serie B to play under Alessandro Nesta, as Colombia's captain chases regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A campaign demanding accountability from FIFA president Gianni Infantino has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, accusing him of abusing his power and breaching his duty of political neutrality through his ties to Donald Trump. The Reboot FIFA movement has broadened its allegations to include contested tournament decisions and a collapsed governance initiative.
Guardian cartoonist David Squires turns his satirical pen to Lionel Messi's post-international retirement, playfully imagining how the World Cup winner fills his days away from the Argentina spotlight. The strip lands as the football world looks ahead to a 2026 tournament that may unfold without its greatest modern talisman.
As the Champions League kicks off its new season on Tuesday night, eight Italian players have the chance to strengthen their claims for a spot in Italy's World Cup 2026 squad. Football Italia highlights the names worth watching as the road to North America runs through Europe's biggest stage.
Highly rated Porto manager Francesco Farioli takes charge in the Champions League for the first time on Tuesday, capping a remarkable journey from non-league football to the elite of the European game as his side prepare to face Manchester City, as reported by BBC Sport.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini will attend two Champions League fixtures this week to evaluate four players eligible for the Azzurri, according to Football Italia. The scouting trip comes as Italy continue building toward the 2026 World Cup after their painful absence from the last edition.
Loris Karius produced a defiant shutout to keep Harry Kane and Bayern Munich at bay as Schalke marked their top-flight return to Gelsenkirchen with a stunning 0-0 draw. Manuel Neuer's hostile homecoming was upstaged as Bayern failed to score domestically for the first time in 18 months and lost their grip on top spot.
Belgium's football federation continues to press for a full explanation over why Folarin Balogun was cleared to face them at the World Cup 2026, according to BBC Sport. The row has reignited wider debate about FIFA's player-eligibility processes.
The United States have surged into a dominant Junior Solheim Cup lead over Europe, with their young squad hailed as 'insanely talented' in Sky Sports' coverage of the biennial contest. Europe now face an uphill battle to rescue the match.
Crystal Palace's landmark 1-0 victory over Everton could be overturned after the promoted side used four substitution windows against the permitted three, per Guardian Football, while Georgia Stanway and Arsenal's new signings shone elsewhere in the WSL weekend.
Federico Chiesa's Anfield future is uncertain, Jadon Sancho could be heading back to the Premier League, and Real Madrid's Endrick is drawing Serie A interest, according to BBC Sport's latest gossip column.
Erling Haaland has played every minute of Manchester City's season, but boss Enzo Maresca is considering resting the 'complete' striker — whose priorities shifted after becoming a father — ahead of the Porto clash, as reported by Guardian Football.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has declared the Champions League a realistic objective for the Nerazzurri, while voicing unwavering belief in Lionel Messi as Argentina's eyes turn toward the 2026 World Cup. (Source: Football Italia)
Kylian Mbappé has reaffirmed his preference for AC Milan over city rivals Inter while praising Lautaro Martínez as "a great player," per Football Italia — with the two superstars on course for a potential FIFA World Cup 2026 collision. (Via Football Italia)
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has issued a stark warning to his teammates ahead of their showdown with Inter, admitting the Italians' physical strength will pose serious problems. The Brazilian called on Los Blancos to match their opponents' intensity if they are to prevail.
Fresh off signing a contract extension, US men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled an audacious vision to transform American soccer into a global superpower following the team's disappointing home World Cup exit.
Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d'Or for the first time, with the World Cup in North America looming as the perfect stage to seal his claim. Source: BBC Sport.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has opened an investigation into media reports concerning player 'discipline and conduct' as the national team's crisis-hit white-ball tour of England continues to unravel, Sky Sports reports. The probe follows a winless tour marred by heavy defeats and persistent speculation of dressing-room unrest.
Andrea Belotti, once Serie A's most feared striker and a European champion with Italy, has agreed to join Serie B outfit Modena in a move that marks a striking new chapter for the 31-year-old. The transfer signals the twilight phase of a career that once seemed destined for far bigger stages.
The Ballon d'Or has almost always rewarded players fresh from winning football's biggest prizes, but as BBC Sport explores, Harry Kane sees the 2026 World Cup as his chance to become a rare exception to that rule.
Fabio Pisacane and Eusebio Di Francesco have confirmed their starting XIs as Cagliari host Lecce in a Serie A fixture neither side can afford to lose. Per Football Italia, both coaches have gone bold with their selections ahead of kickoff in Sardinia.
Guardian Football's daily newsletter ignites debate over whether World Cup 2026 has transformed stars like Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland from promising talents into hardened greats, while Arsenal's balaclava-clad wannabe ultras draw both ridicule and an unexpected defence. Meanwhile, readers muse on Cole Palmer's tournament absence and Tottenham's annual 'stability' in the relegation zone.
Inter Milan have tied down Italy international Francesco Pio Esposito with a landmark contract extension running until 2032, a deal that stands among the longest commitments in the club's history, as reported by Football Italia. The announcement signals the Nerazzurri's belief that the young striker is central to both their present and their long-term project.
Former Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen recalls the infamous 1998 World Cup night in Saint-Étienne when his red card for David Beckham against Argentina became one of English football's defining moments. In an extract from a new book, he reveals how the decision still follows him everywhere he goes.
Teenage goalkeeper Milo Beimers turned a self-made van journey across Europe into a professional contract with Italian club Viterbese. As reported by BBC Sport, the unconventional scouting trip paid off in the most unexpected of destinations.
Team Europe will bid to reclaim the Solheim Cup from a resurgent Team USA when the biennial golf showdown heads to Dutch soil for the first time, with every day of the contest exclusively live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
Kevin Pietersen has been appointed specialist mentor to England's men's white-ball teams ahead of next year's Cricket World Cup in Africa, Sky Sports reports. The move brings one of England's greatest-ever batsmen back into the international setup as the side chases global redemption.
Sophia Dunkley produced a scintillating century at Worcester as England completed a 3-0 ODI series whitewash over Ireland, underlining the hosts' growing dominance in the 50-over format.
Lamine Yamal scored twice as Barcelona crushed Valencia 5-0 to stay perfect in La Liga and move three points clear after Real Madrid's defeat. The teenage star's scintillating form is fast becoming one of the defining storylines ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Great Britain and Ireland edged the United States 13½-12½ in a heart-stopping Walker Cup finale, lifting the famous trophy for the first time since 2015. A dramatic late comeback sealed a victory that will live long in amateur golf folklore.
Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain descended into shocking post-match violence, with Leandro Paredes sent off after brawling with Spanish players and pundits condemning the scenes as 'disgusting'. What should have been Lionel Messi's fairytale farewell instead ended in infamy for the defending champions.
Riccardo Calafiori shook off a VAR disallowance to deliver the decisive moment in Arsenal's 2-1 victory, earning rave reviews as the Premier League's finest left-back, per Football Italia. His scintillating form is a major boost to Italy's World Cup 2026 ambitions.
Jamie Vardy has signed for Championship strugglers Burnley as a free agent, returning to English football after a season in Italy with Cremonese. The former Leicester City hero, who turns 40 in January, has committed until the end of the season.
Inter Milan have officially tied highly-rated young striker Francesco Pio Esposito to a new long-term contract running until June 2032, per Football Italia. The deal signals the Nerazzurri's belief that the academy graduate is central to their future — and perhaps to Italy's road to the 2026 World Cup.
Under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his intention to stand for re-election despite fierce pressure to resign over his controversial plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. UEFA has led the calls for the Swiss administrator to step down.
Philadelphia Union's 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history to record a five-match goal contribution streak, celebrating with a LeBron James-inspired gesture. Vincent Janssen's historic hat-trick and a Messi assist also headlined a dramatic weekend.
Sophia Dunkley smashed a superb century as England crushed Ireland by 114 runs in the third and final ODI at Worcester. The victory sealed a commanding 3-0 series sweep for the hosts, according to Sky Sports.
Mikel Arteta has named Italy international Riccardo Calafiori in Arsenal's starting lineup for their London derby clash with Chelsea, rewarding the defender's recent Player of the Month-nominated form. The in-form full-back now carries World Cup 2026 ambitions into one of English football's fiercest rivalries.
Jamie Vardy, the former Leicester City and England striker, has joined Burnley on a deal until the end of the season, according to BBC Sport. The move brings one of the Premier League's most improbable success stories back to the top flight.
Italy icon Gianluigi Buffon admits he deliberately 'eliminates negative experiences from his mind' as he confronts the 'searing disappointment' of the Azzurri's World Cup absences. Now working within the national team setup, his focus is firmly fixed on guiding Italy back to the 2026 tournament.
Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon believes the Bianconeri hold the edge over AC Milan and has revealed the advice he offered Guglielmo Vicario following his move from Tottenham, as reported by Football Italia.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway begins her 'new chapter' with Arsenal at Brighton, where former Gunners stalwart Lia Walti lines up against her old club in a Women's Super League clash packed with subplots.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi confronted and insulted Roma sporting director D'Amico following Roma's victory over Atalanta, with security forced to intervene, according to Football Italia. The explosive post-match episode has reignited tensions between two of Serie A's most ambitious clubs.
Charlton Athletic Women are back in England's top flight after 19 years, reviving memories of the era when they regularly challenged Arsenal and reached multiple cup finals, as reported by Sky Sports.
Erling Haaland's decisive header preserved Manchester City's 100% record after three Premier League games, though newly promoted Coventry pushed them all the way and remain searching for their first point of the season.
Erling Haaland's 300th goal in club football earned Manchester City a slender victory over Coventry. British-record signing Enzo Fernández, a late replacement for the injured Nico O'Reilly, starred on an unexpected debut start.
Cody Gakpo upstaged Bradley Barcola on the World Cup 2026 stage with a performance full of attacking menace, while Elliot Anderson's midfield passing masterclass drew comparisons to Spain's Rodri, according to Sky Sports' latest analysis.
Lazio are weighing a surprise move to bring Marcelo Brozović back to Serie A from Al-Nassr, according to Football Italia, a switch that could sharpen the Croatian metronome ahead of what may be his final World Cup. The 33-year-old is reportedly open to returning to Italy after two seasons in Saudi Arabia.
Ben Chilwell came off the bench to volley a dramatic late winner as Crystal Palace twice came from behind to beat Fulham 3-2, handing new boss Pierre Sage his first victory while extending the Eagles' remarkable run in west London.
A composed debut from goalkeeper Akane Okuma and a Veerle Buurman own goal earned Aston Villa an improbable point at Stamford Bridge, dealing an early blow to Chelsea's bid to reclaim the WSL title, as reported by Guardian Football.
Inter have left John Stones out of their starting XI for the Serie A clash with Napoli, with Lautaro Martínez and Francesco Pio Esposito leading the line, according to Football Italia. The England international must wait for his first start in Nerazzurri colours.
Luka Modrić has dismissed talk of international retirement despite passing his 41st birthday, targeting Croatia's upcoming Nations League fixtures — including a marquee clash with England — according to BBC Sport.
Luka Modric will extend his legendary international career with Croatia at the age of 41, the Croatian Football Federation has confirmed, per Football Italia — setting up a fairy-tale fourth World Cup appearance at the 2026 tournament in North America.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke admits he had to give the Scottish FA 'a little shove' to secure his new contract, believing the governing body was playing it safe before the World Cup finals. The revelation comes as Scotland prepare for their first appearance at football's biggest stage in nearly three decades.
Football Italia's Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie assess Serie A's smartest under-the-radar signings, dig into Scott McTominay's struggles to settle at Napoli, and unpack the tactical keys to Juventus versus Milan. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, every club-form storyline now carries international consequences.
Italy's major sports outlets expect John Stones to make his first Inter Milan start against Napoli, reuniting him with former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, both veterans know their club form could define their international futures.
A discovery order linked to FIFA's collapsed plan to sell future World Cup rights could spell serious trouble for Gianni Infantino, with Barney Ronay of The Guardian arguing that even political protection in Washington may not save him. The fallout looms large just months before the 2026 tournament kicks off on American soil.
The referee at the centre of Thomas Tuchel's 'just not good enough' storm has broken his silence on England's fiery World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico. Alireza Faghani reveals the surreal reality of officiating at altitude inside the Estadio Azteca cauldron.
The Guardian's free Moving the Goalposts newsletter delivers expert women's football insight twice a week, written by Júlia Belas Trindade and Sophie Downey with guest contributions from stars including Ada Hegerberg and Magdalena Eriksson.
The Guardian's free weekly Recap newsletter delivers award-winning sports journalism every Friday lunchtime, offering football fans a curated way to follow the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026. Subscribers get features, analysis, weekend previews, and live coverage plans straight to their inbox.
Troy Parrott scored the only goal as Real Betis stunned Real Madrid 1-0 in La Liga, and Kylian Mbappé squandered an injury-time penalty that would have salvaged a point for the visitors. (Source: BBC Sport)
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi insists Richarlison 'decided everything, not me' after the Brazilian striker rejected a new contract, leaving his future in doubt ahead of World Cup 2026. Story first reported by Guardian Football.
The Football Association will canvass the opinions of England's players as part of its formal review into the national team's World Cup 2026 campaign, BBC Sport reports. The findings could shape major decisions about the team's future, including the direction of the coaching setup.
Guardian Football's annual Next Generation series crowns the 60 best young players born in 2008, headlined by PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye — teenagers young enough to sneak into World Cup 2026 squads and destined to dominate tournaments for years to come.
Football fans gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026 can get a free weekday fix of news and gossip from The Guardian's Football Daily newsletter, delivered with the paper's trademark wit. Cricket, rugby and weekly sports round-up emails are also on offer.
Chelsea's late swoop for Morgan Rogers has paid instant dividends under Xabi Alonso, while Arsenal must now face the in-form England international they let slip away after dithering over his signature.
Michael Olise has become one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, yet the Bayern Munich playmaker remains football's most camera-shy genius. According to BBC Sport, his refusal to embrace fame makes his rise all the more fascinating.
As Mexico prepares to make history as the first three-time World Cup host, the story of how 19th-century Cornish miners introduced football to the country's silver mining towns has resurfaced. The unlikely transatlantic link helped shape a national obsession more than a century before the 2026 tournament.
A decade after being spotted as a raw teenager in the Guardian's Next Generation feature, Ousmane Dembélé has been named the best male footballer in the world — a triumph of intangibles and PSG's team-first culture that could define France's World Cup 2026 campaign.
Aitana Bonmatí has become the first player ever to finish No 1 in the Guardian's women's football top 100 for a third straight year, though the chasing pack is closing the gap. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder now stands alone atop the sport's most respected ranking.
Barcelona are monitoring Inter Milan wing-back Federico Dimarco ahead of next season, with contract negotiations in Milan reportedly at a standstill. According to reports cited by Football Italia, the Catalan giants are preparing to exploit the uncertainty surrounding the Italian's future.
With the transfer window slammed shut, Guardian Football's newsletter unpacks the deals that never materialized — from Vinícius Júnior's non-move to Arsenal to Gabriel Martinelli's pointed Saudi farewell — with ripple effects stretching toward World Cup 2026. Plus: readers demand clubs be renamed after their owners, and a search for football's most revolutionary midfield pairing.
Coventry City have completed the signing of Toulouse winger Yann Gboho, cousin of Paris Saint-Germain and France star Desire Doue, according to BBC Sport. While his relative chases World Cup 2026 glory with Les Bleus, Gboho begins his own journey in the Championship.
Interim Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson says his players are well accustomed to disorder as they chase a morale-boosting finish to a sobering Test tour of England after a week of dramatic upheaval.
Eighteen-year-old Australian Lucas Herrington, the 54th Socceroo to play in the Premier League, insists he will keep working hard after a dream Hull City debut against Manchester United — and cannot wait to test himself against Erling Haaland.
Zvonimir Boban has leapt to Paolo Maldini's defence amid claims the Italy legend went back on his word, while insisting Pep Guardiola deserves the nation's gratitude ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Boban stressed that the Manchester City mastermind holds 'enormous respect' for his old Milan teammate.
The Independent Football Regulator has approved a Brazilian consortium fronted by former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato to invest in Northampton Town, according to BBC Sport. The decision gives the Cobblers fresh South American backing heading into a World Cup year.
Luis Enrique likened his press conference to a classroom as PSG prepare for their long-awaited home opener against second-placed Monaco, with the manager trusting his summer signings to deliver the 'new energy' needed to turn two opening draws into a winning run.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has hinted that red-hot striker Donyell Malen could threaten Gonzalo Higuain's legendary Serie A scoring record, while dismissing rumours of friction with Paulo Dybala. (via Football Italia)
Jude Bellingham has returned from a strong World Cup 2026 campaign looking revitalized, with BBC Sport reporting that Jose Mourinho's tailored system at Real Madrid is helping the England midfielder rediscover his very best form.
Europe's deadliest finisher last season plays like a midfielder, and Harry Kane's hybrid mastery of dropping deep could be England's ultimate weapon at the 2026 World Cup. (Source: BBC Sport)
Tottenham's decision to drop Richarlison from their squad has cast fresh doubt over the Brazilian's World Cup 2026 prospects, while a refereeing controversy and a landmark joint campaign for women's sport television coverage lead the football agenda, according to Guardian Football.
Sandro Tonali's agent claims Tottenham had 'a very clear idea' of what the midfielder would bring and insists his record-breaking fee was fully deserved, while pointing to Mattia Ahanor's Chelsea transfer as proof of Italy's talent boom heading into the 2026 World Cup. (Source: Football Italia)
England's World Cup 2026 build-up has taken an unlikely turn, with assistant headteacher Andy McCann — who has only just returned to work — set to take charge of the national team for a week, according to Sky Sports.
Atlético Madrid knocked back Manchester City's £500,000-plus bid for Spain midfielder Fiamma Benítez, while Everton also refused to part with Ornella Vignola — leaving the WSL champions without attacking cover for the injured Vivianne Miedema.
Speaking to The Guardian from the UAE, the 36-year-old striker opens up about his turbulent journey, his enduring love for Manchester City, and the street culture he believes Italian football has lost.
England seamer Issy Wong has revealed that her lightning-fast Rubik's Cube solving mirrors her bowling philosophy — strip the game back to basics and let clarity do the damage, as reported by Sky Sports. The young quick says keeping things simple is the secret behind her box of tricks with the ball.
Nasser Hussain has savaged the Pakistan Cricket Board's whirlwind changes ahead of the decisive Test against England, claiming the constant turmoil has turned the national side into a 'laughing stock', as reported by Sky Sports.
Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze opens up about her late ADHD and autism diagnosis, a moving summer spent with refugees in Colombia, and why she believes footballers must raise their voices with FIFA under scrutiny ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Fiorentina marked their centenary with four days of celebrations across Florence, but a home fixture against Frosinone that promised the perfect finale delivered a chastening reality check instead, as reported by The Guardian's Nicky Bandini.
A debate sparked by Sky Sports over Freya Kemp's ideal batting position in England's ODI side highlights a wider question about how the team should nurture one of its most exciting young talents. The discussion pits long-term investment in her batting against the need to protect a player whose primary role remains opening the bowling.
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has hailed Inter Milan as 'the perfect club' for England internationals Djed Spence, John Stones and Curtis Jones, claiming a Serie A switch could be the ideal springboard ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Manchester City have signed England goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse on a short-term loan from NWSL champions Orlando Pride, adding international pedigree to their goalkeeping ranks, according to BBC Sport.
Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has urged footballers to recognise their collective influence, insisting they can drive change at the top of the game as FIFA faces mounting scrutiny over its governance. Speaking to the Guardian, the World Cup winner said players 'can make it happen' if they want football's power structures to change.
Lionel Messi has become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting his 17th tournament goal in Argentina's group stage clash against Austria to surpass Miroslav Klose's long-standing record, as reported by BBC Sport. At 38, and in a record sixth World Cup, the Argentina captain continues to defy the limits of footballing greatness.
FIFA has accused UEFA of orchestrating a 'smear campaign' against president Gianni Infantino, according to BBC Sport, as the fallout from his scrapped plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors continues to poison relations between football's two most powerful bodies.
Arsenal have confirmed Gabriel Martinelli's £60m transfer to Al-Hilal, a club-record sale that surpasses the £40m received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017. The Brazil forward follows Gabriel Jesus out of the Premier League champions, with the 2026 World Cup now looming over his next chapter.
FIFA has accused European football's governing body of orchestrating a 'smear campaign' against president Gianni Infantino as its legal battle over the abandoned attempt to sell part of the World Cup to private investors intensifies, according to Sky Sports.
Morgan Gibbs-White was surprisingly left out of Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, but the Nottingham Forest playmaker's relentless form keeps the selection debate burning. As reported by BBC Sport, the question now is whether the 'Adonis' can force his way back into the manager's plans.
The 2026 World Cup served as football's ultimate shop window, with Yan Diomande's £115.7m Real Madrid move headlining a transfer window defined by tournament-fueled breakout stars. From Ivorian wonderkids to Cape Verde's cult hero, the summer's biggest deals were made in America.
England defender Fikayo Tomori has rejoined Milan training after being frozen out of the first-team picture over the summer, a timely reprieve with FIFA World Cup 2026 squad places on the line (via Football Italia).
Carlos Queiroz has sensationally returned as head of Ghana's men's national team, barely two months after appearing to walk away following the Black Stars' World Cup exit, according to BBC Sport. The Ghana Football Association has opted to restore the veteran Portuguese tactician rather than begin a fresh search.
The Women's Super League returns Friday with a record 14 teams, three promoted clubs and a wide-open title race as Manchester City bid to defend their crown, according to Guardian Football. After the first tournament-free summer in six years, players and managers enter the campaign fresher than ever before.
Lewis Hamilton has revealed he has been reflecting on the magnitude of potentially becoming the first black Ferrari Formula 1 driver to win a home race for the team, ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. (Source: Sky Sports)
VfL Osnabrück fans unveiled a spectacular tifo featuring a working rollercoaster — months in the making — ahead of their German Cup tie against Bayern Munich, only for Harry Kane to spoil the party, BBC Sport reports.
Arsenal are closing in on a deal worth just over £500,000 for France defender Élisa De Almeida before the WSL transfer deadline, while PSG resist Manchester City's pursuit of Jennifer Echegini, according to Guardian Football. New Manchester United coach Olid has also promised an 'attacking' style of play.
Argentina's domestic league will pause all fixtures this weekend during the 10th minute as a tribute to Lionel Messi's international career, honouring the iconic number worn by the World Cup-winning captain.
Premier League clubs are spending record sums on unproven teenagers, with Newcastle's $27m capture of 18-year-old Ajax prodigy Sean Steur exemplifying a market that now outbids Europe's elite for youth. The trend could have lasting implications for national teams preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
Schalke are back in the Bundesliga after years of turmoil, and as BBC Sport reports, the club is embracing a 'humble but ambitious' mindset for its return to Germany's top flight. Their renaissance also arrives at a fitting moment, with German football's ecosystem in the spotlight ahead of the World Cup 2026.
The summer transfer window has closed in characteristic chaos, but beneath the buzzwords and online meltdowns lie genuine World Cup 2026 storylines — from Donyell Malen's stunning Roma renaissance to the eternal question of life after Messi. Report by Guardian Football.
Sandro Tonali was comfortably the most expensive Italian footballer to change clubs during the 2026 summer transfer window, according to Football Italia's ranking of the top ten priciest Azzurri movers. The list lands at a fascinating moment, with Italian players reshuffling their careers just as the World Cup era dawns on North American soil.
Lionel Messi scored what proved to be the last goal of his legendary Argentina career, netting a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against Egypt at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta. The strike brings down the curtain on perhaps the greatest international career in the nation's history.
Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio is reportedly set to depart the Nerazzurri after nearly three decades at the club, according to Football Italia. The exit comes as Inter face a major leadership reshuffle ahead of a World Cup 2026 summer that will compress and complicate the transfer market.
Camilo Durán struck again as Celtic thrashed Aberdeen 3-0 at Parkhead, the Colombian netting his sixth goal in five games with a spectacular long-range effort. Elsewhere, Rangers snatched a 2-1 win at Falkirk and St Mirren beat Kilmarnock 1-0.
Manchester City have shattered Premier League spending records with a £458m squad overhaul centred on a completely rebuilt midfield, yet serious questions remain about their lack of cover for Erling Haaland, as reported by BBC Sport.
Ricardo Rodriguez's proposed deadline day transfer to West Ham has fallen through, with reports in Italy suggesting the Swiss defender is now set to remain with Torino — a twist that could shape his World Cup 2026 ambitions. Source: Football Italia.
Premier League clubs shattered transfer records with more than £3.4bn in summer spending, an 11.9% jump that has widened the gap to European rivals — and the ripple effects could shape the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Guardian Football's data-driven analysis, three key storylines emerged from an unprecedented window.
Manchester United have completed the signing of Mexico international defender Rebeca Bernal from NWSL side Washington Spirit, BBC Sport reports. The move brings a proven international centre-back to the Women's Super League as Mexican football enjoys unprecedented global attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Agent Diomansy Kamara has accused the transfer market of treating African footballers as tradeable assets after Crystal Palace rejected Liverpool's bid for Ismaïla Sarr and Monaco blocked Lamine Camara's Chelsea move, as reported by Guardian Football.
New Juventus signing Nick Woltemade has voiced his excitement about joining what he calls the biggest club in Italy, while embracing his unique profile as a towering forward with technical flair. The German striker's move to Turin comes at a pivotal moment with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro claims Folarin Balogun abandoned his £40m transfer to Everton due to the club's handling of his medical, while also defending the late decision to block Lamine Camara's move to Chelsea.
Some of Italian football's most beloved icons, including Francesco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta and Franck Ribery, are set to grace the pitch once more in a special Fiorentina friendly. The occasion promises a nostalgic celebration of Serie A's golden era for fans in Florence and beyond.
Brazilian striker Richarlison could be on his way out of Tottenham, with Turkish side Trabzonspor weighing up a late move before Friday's transfer deadline. The 28-year-old has reportedly asked to leave, adding another twist to a turbulent spell in North London.
Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is on the verge of a loan switch to Anderlecht, while the Ibrox club have rejected a loan approach from Turkish side Besiktas for Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin, according to BBC Sport.
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has signed a new long-term contract extension, per Football Italia, securing his club future just as Italy chase a long-awaited return to football's biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Wolves, while teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka arrives from Chelsea, as both players chase regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi's retirement from international football has left Argentina hunting for a new creative talisman. According to reports in Argentina, as covered by Football Italia, Como's rising star Nico Paz is emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos has become the most decorated player in club football history with 41 trophies, edging past Lionel Messi's haul of 40 — and both legends now have their sights set on World Cup 2026 glory.
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini spent the weekend in England personally scouting Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori and Michael Kayode as he weighs up his wild-card options for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Football Italia reports.
Italy international Marco Palestra leads Football Italia's ranking of Serie A's most profitable departures in the 2026 summer transfer window, as Italian clubs banked huge margins on developed talent in the first market after the World Cup.
Arsenal started strong in the transfer window with Tzolis, Guimarães and Konsa, but their failure to land a headline attacker could leave Mikel Arteta dangerously thin up front. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Gunners' gamble may define their season.
Khephren Thuram will undergo knee surgery and faces a layoff stretching into 2027, ruling the Juventus midfielder out of next summer's World Cup, according to Football Italia. The injury deals a devastating blow to both club and country on the eve of the tournament in North America.
Leandro Paredes says it will be 'difficult' to keep playing for Argentina after being hit with a 10-match international ban, plunging his role in the world champions' 2026 World Cup defence into serious doubt.
The Premier League transfer window closed with Everton stranded at the altar after USA international Folarin Balogun rejected a late move, while veteran striker Jamie Vardy contemplates offers from São Paulo and Sheffield Wednesday, per Guardian Football.
Sir David Beckham and Jose Mourinho have paid heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's retirement from international football, with Beckham declaring the Argentine icon has inspired 'millions of children worldwide.' The football world continues to react as the 2026 World Cup approaches without one of its greatest ever stars.
Barcelona dismantled Rayo Vallecano 5-2 with braces from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, but as Guardian Football reports, the Spanish champions remain fixated on prising World Cup winner Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid before the transfer deadline.
Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, announced following the death of his father Jorge, closes a two-decade chapter of Argentinian football. BBC Sport looks back at the goals, records and tears that defined his legendary career in the albiceleste shirt.
France winger Bradley Barcola has completed a blockbuster move to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain worth up to £123m, declaring the Premier League title 'one of my biggest dreams' as the club rejects Manchester City's £80m bid for Cody Gakpo.
Lamine Camara's £47.1m transfer from Monaco to Chelsea has collapsed, with the Senegal midfielder now remaining in Ligue 1 — a twist that could shape his build-up to the 2026 World Cup. Source: BBC Sport.
Manchester City have matched the British transfer record by prising World Cup winner Enzo Fernández from Chelsea for £125m, while the Blues were left fuming after Monaco wrecked their move for Lamine Camara (Guardian Football).
Sunderland beat Crystal Palace to Malick Fofana's signature after both clubs sent private jets to France, completing a club-record £31m move that could shape the winger's World Cup 2026 ambitions with Belgium. Based on reporting by Guardian Football.
Lionel Messi's reported retirement from international football has sparked speculation about a dramatic return for the 2026 World Cup, while Argentina teammate Emi Martínez shines as Chelsea's bargain of the season. The Guardian's Football Daily readers deliver their trademark wit in response.
Riccardo Sottil's move to Watford has collapsed despite the Italian winger completing his medical tests in England, while veteran forward Stephan El Shaarawy is closing in on a transfer to Genoa, according to Football Italia.
Aston Villa capped a radical transfer window by signing Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, taking their summer arrivals to ten as Unai Emery backs his rebuilt squad to sustain the club's recent rise. The deadline-day moves follow a stunning £300m player exodus from Villa Park.
Aston Villa have completed a double swoop for Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris St-Germain and English centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton, per BBC Sport. The signings land just as club football prepares to share the spotlight with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Juventus have officially loaned Canada international Jonathan David to Atletico Madrid on a free deal that includes a €25 million option to buy, according to Football Italia. The move hands the striker a fresh start just months before Canada co-hosts the World Cup 2026.
Rangers boss Derek McInnes insists Nicolas Raskin's attitude has been 'as good as gold' despite the Belgium midfielder's absence from the last two match-day squads and no sign of an impending transfer, according to BBC Sport.
Juventus have officially confirmed the season-long loan signing of Germany international striker Nick Woltemade from Newcastle United in a €2.8m deal, according to Football Italia. The move hands the towering forward a vital stage to force his way into Germany's World Cup 2026 plans.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with an emotional handwritten letter, days after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, triggering a nationwide outpouring of gratitude. Based on reporting by Guardian Football.
Como have completed the deadline-day signing of Italy international Moise Kean from Fiorentina in a deal worth a reported €40m, as announced by the club and reported by Football Italia. The striker arrives on an initial loan that includes an obligation to make the move permanent.
Juventus have completed the deadline-day signing of Senegal international Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham on a season-long loan with a potential €30m permanent option, per Football Italia. The move hands the midfielder a crucial platform to stake his claim ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial £51.4m, according to BBC Sport. The move hands the young Belgian a Premier League platform just as his national team builds toward the 2026 World Cup.
Canada and Denver Summit full-back Janine Sonis says a packed Mile High Stadium proves Denver was long overdue a women's team, as she enjoys the most prolific and joyful season of her NWSL career with her hometown club.
Inter Milan are set to secure Francesco Pio Esposito's long-term future with a contract extension running to 2032 on improved salary terms, per Football Italia, rewarding the teenage striker's meteoric rise and fueling speculation about his role in Italy's next generation.
Arsenal have agreed terms to sign versatile France defender Elisa de Almeida from Paris St-Germain, according to BBC Sport, bolstering their backline with proven big-stage experience.
Transfer deadline day has gripped football fans with Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez and Iliman Ndiaye at the centre of swirling speculation — and with World Cup 2026 fast approaching, every move could shape international fortunes. For players who miss the cut, leagues from Turkey to Saudi Arabia keep their windows open well into October.
Jonathan David has left Turin and flown to Spain to complete an initial deal with Atletico Madrid, according to Football Italia — a mid-season switch that could reshape his form heading into a home World Cup with Canada.
The 2026 summer transfer window closes in England at 11pm on September 1, capping off a chaotic post-World Cup spending spree across Europe's top leagues. Sky Sports is tracking every completed deal as the clock runs down.
Lionel Messi's international career ended in heartbreak as Argentina fell to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, capping a tournament filled with brilliance and emotion. His retirement reminds football fans everywhere that even legends must eventually say goodbye.
Juventus are negotiating a £5m loan deal for Newcastle's club-record signing Nick Woltemade, with Borussia Dortmund also monitoring the Germany forward, according to Guardian Football. Elsewhere, Everton have agreed a £40m fee for Balogun and Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Allan for an initial £32.1m.
Fiorentina are closing in on a double raid on English football, with Everton striker Beto and Leeds United's Italy international Wilfried Gnonto both undergoing medical tests with the Viola, as reported by Football Italia. For Gnonto, the switch could carry extra significance with the World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Manchester City have opened negotiations with Chelsea over a move for Argentina's World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to BBC Sport. The potential deal could reshape both clubs' midfields ahead of a landmark club season that runs alongside the road to the 2026 World Cup.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, hosted by Mark Chapman with Chris Sutton, Stephen Warnock and Rory Smith, tackled Lionel Messi's emotional goodbye to the Argentine national team on the eve of the transfer deadline. The panel explored what the captain's farewell means for Argentina's ambitions heading toward the 2026 World Cup.
Harry Kane finally lifted major international silverware as England conquered the Euros, with Anthony Gordon providing two decisive assists, as reported by Sky Sports. The triumph instantly installs the Three Lions among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
Harry Kane has emerged as the favourite for the Ballon d'Or, with Sky Sports reporting that Bayern Munich are treating the England captain's individual glory as a club-wide mission. The push adds fresh intrigue ahead of Kane leading England at the 2026 World Cup.
Ian Wright has criticised Arsenal's handling of Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazil forward was left out of their opening-day squad, raising concerns about his World Cup 2026 prospects with the tournament less than a year away. The Premier League's opening weekend also delivered talking points including Brighton's 4-0 rout of Aston Villa and Manchester United's blunt attack.
The ball Diego Maradona famously punched into the net during Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold at auction for £2.5 million, ending 39 years in the match referee's possession, according to BBC Sport.
As the Socceroos prepare for World Cup 2026, BBC Sport examines why the Premier League features just one Australian while the WSL brims with Matildas talent — and what the divide means for the road to North America.
While just one Australian remains in the Premier League, the Women's Super League has become a powerhouse hub for Matildas stars — a fascinating divide examined by BBC Sport. The trend raises fresh questions about Socceroos development pathways with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Erling Haaland's shocking pre-season buzz cut has inspired a brainteaser for football fans, with BBC Sport challenging readers to identify players purely by their haircuts ahead of the World Cup 2026.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has launched a blistering attack on FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino, branding his attempt to sell off a stake in the World Cup 'worse than the Super League' and reminding him of his European roots.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has launched a scathing attack on Gianni Infantino's scrapped plan to sell World Cup stakes, branding it worse than the Super League and warning the FIFA chief he will face a challenger if he seeks re-election in March.
Adrien Rabiot insists he fully understands what Ruben Amorim demands at Milan while dismissing the surrounding media noise as 'the usual controversy in Italy' (via Football Italia).
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have opened negotiations with Arsenal over a move for Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, according to BBC Sport. The potential transfer lands at a pivotal moment, with the winger chasing a key role in Brazil's World Cup 2026 squad.
Unai Emery pointedly declined to defend Ollie Watkins after the England striker was left out of Aston Villa's 4-0 hammering by Brighton, with the forward reportedly weighing a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.
BBC Sport's latest podcast episode delivers reaction to the Dundee derby, weighs up the debate surrounding the Scotland manager, and celebrates the Scottish contingent thriving in Serie A — with an Edinburgh Fringe twist. With World Cup 2026 looming, every talking point carries extra weight for the Tartan Army.
Sevilla's storied number nine shirt, previously worn by internationals from five different nations, now belongs to uncapped Scot Ure, who is emerging as a leading candidate to spearhead Scotland's attack at the 2026 World Cup.
Montenegro striker Milutin Osmajic has arrived in Italy to begin medical examinations with Genoa, closing in on a €2.5m plus bonuses transfer from Preston North End, according to Football Italia.
Liverpool hand 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha a starting role on the right wing at Newcastle as their pursuit of Mohamed Salah's replacement falters in the transfer market, while the Magpies weigh up teenage talent Lewis Miley for the full ninety minutes.
Harry Kane has been voted Germany's 2026 footballer of the year, making him the first English player ever to win the prestigious award. The honour caps a remarkable chapter of the striker's career at Bayern Munich, as reported by BBC Sport.
Harry Kane has become the first Englishman to be named Germany's player of the year, beating Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise to the honour voted on by German sports journalists. The award caps a stunning individual run for the striker just months before the World Cup 2026.
Enzo Maresca's first competitive match as Manchester City manager ended in a humbling 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, raising uncomfortable questions about life after Pep Guardiola. With Rodri's departure to Barcelona looming, the champions' defensive frailties set alarm bells ringing.
As Premier League stars prepared for their season opener, Larne defender Dan Bent was living the biggest matches of his life — and now a Conference League reunion with a former club could secure vital funds for the Northern Irish champions. Based on reporting by Guardian Football.
Erling Haaland has debuted a dramatic buzzcut ahead of the new campaign, telling fans 'new season, new trim' in a social media reveal first reported by BBC Sport. The Manchester City and Norway striker's makeover comes with the biggest year of his career on the horizon, headlined by the World Cup 2026.
Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to €100m for Lille's 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, taking their summer spending to nearly £200m. The teenager's rise adds another weapon to Morocco's arsenal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.