Soccer
Global football leagues, tournaments, transfers, and governance.
Belgium confirms Zeno Debast will miss Spain quarter-final after Sporting medical dispute
Belgium have confirmed Zeno Debast will not face Spain in the World Cup quarter-final after Sporting CP judged the defender unfit, despite Belgium's medical staff and FIFA authorities reportedly disagreeing.
Belgium take strength from 'millions and millions' of new fans before Spain clash
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia says the team has gained 'millions and millions' of new supporters after beating the United States and will try to use that momentum against Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals.
France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach World Cup semi-finals
France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final in Boston, with Kylian Mbappé scoring after missing a first-half penalty and Ousmane Dembélé adding a second-half goal. France advance to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of Spain vs Belgium.
UEFA poised to resist any Russia football return after IOC eases Olympic ban
FIFA is reviewing the IOC’s decision to ease Russia’s Olympic suspension, but reporting says UEFA members are aligned against readmitting Russian teams, complicating any return to international football.
World Cup 2026: Cape Verde give Argentina mighty scare as last 16 opens amid Mexico v England fixture chaos
Argentina survived a major scare from Cape Verde to win 3-2 after extra time in Miami, as the World Cup’s last 16 began amid uncertainty over England v Mexico kickoff timing. Egypt also beat Australia on penalties, and Jürgen Klopp confirmed talks over the Germany job.
Real Madrid deny interest in Enzo Fernández
Real Madrid has publicly denied any interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, saying it made no direct or indirect approach and has no intention of signing him.
FA reviews security at England team hotel ahead of World Cup last-16 tie in Mexico City
The Football Association is reviewing security around England’s Mexico City hotel before the World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, after Ecuador complained to FIFA about fan noise outside its hotel before a previous game. Thomas Tuchel has also highlighted the altitude and said England expects to adapt its preparations.
German police raid DFB headquarters over Euro 2024 ticketing probe
German investigators searched the DFB headquarters and other sites in a probe into alleged improper ticketing and hospitality benefits tied to Euro 2024. Prosecutors say the federation is only a witness.
UEFA fines Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea for financial rule breaches
UEFA has fined Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Chelsea for breaching its financial sustainability rules, including suspended penalties that could increase if the clubs fall short again.
Plan to expand Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams is rejected
CAF members have rejected a proposal to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams, according to reporting that says the plan was voted down by the executive committee.
Brazil beats Japan in Houston's first World Cup knockout game
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston’s first World Cup knockout match, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the late winner and Casemiro leaving with an apparent leg injury.
FIFA’s penalty shootout tweak was rejected before the World Cup knockout rounds
FIFA’s push to change penalty shootout coin-toss rules before the World Cup knockout stage was rejected, leaving the current two-toss procedure unchanged for this tournament.
World Cup matches played in dangerous heat as players’ union warns of climate risk
A Guardian analysis says nine 2026 World Cup group-stage matches have already been played in severe heat, including two Miami games above a Fifpro warning threshold, while AP reports a heat dome is pushing conditions across several U.S. host cities toward dangerous levels.
Des Moines soccer deal could get $16.4M lease grant
Des Moines City Council is considering a lease-offset grant that would return almost all annual stadium lease payments to the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation, adding about $16.4 million in public support over 25 years if approved.
Algeria 3-3 Austria: late stoppage-time drama sends both through and knocks Iran out
Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in their final Group J match at the 2026 World Cup, with late stoppage-time goals sending both teams into the round of 32 and eliminating Iran on goal difference.
World Cup last 32 set with Portugal vs Croatia and England vs DR Congo among marquee ties
The 2026 World Cup knockout bracket is largely set after group play, with Portugal vs Croatia, England vs DR Congo and Argentina vs Cape Verde among the reported round-of-32 ties.
Egypt draw with Iran, advance from Group G as Belgium beat New Zealand
Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran in Seattle to finish second in Group G and advance to the round of 32. Saber scored after a goalkeeper error, Ramin Rezaeian equalized, Mehdi Taremi had a penalty saved, and a late Iranian goal was ruled out by VAR. Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 in the other Group G match.
Belgium beat New Zealand 3-0 to reach World Cup knockout stage
Belgium defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their final Group G match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Leandro Trossard scoring twice and Kevin De Bruyne adding a third. The result sent Belgium into the round of 32 and eliminated New Zealand.
World Cup 2026 live: James likely out for Panama; Schweinsteiger comments draw criticism; Ecuador declares holiday
England are likely to be without Reece James for Panama because of a hamstring issue, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s comments have sparked criticism from Côte d’Ivoire’s coach, and Ecuador has declared a holiday after reaching the World Cup knockout stage.
Seattle prepares Pride-themed World Cup event around Egypt-Iran match
Seattle organizers are proceeding with Pride-themed World Cup programming around the June 26 Egypt-Iran match despite objections from both federations. FIFA says Pride symbols are allowed inside stadiums under its code of conduct, while SeattleFWC26 plans events outside the venue.
FIFA suspends All Nepal Football Association over third-party interference
FIFA has suspended the All Nepal Football Association with immediate effect over third-party interference, barring Nepal’s teams and clubs from FIFA competitions until the dispute is resolved.
World Cup 2026: England frustrated as final group games kick off with Scotland set to face Brazil
England drew 0-0 with Ghana, Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice, and the final group-stage matches began with Scotland set to face Brazil in a decisive Group C fixture.
England v Ghana: World Cup 2026 - live
England and Ghana met in a World Cup Group L match in Boston with both sides still in contention for knockout qualification. England controlled possession for long spells but struggled to break down Ghana’s compact defense, keeping the result and the group picture live.
Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Argentina beats Austria; Julián Álvarez says he wants Atletico Madrid transfer
Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup win over Austria to set a new tournament goals record. Postmatch comments from Julián Álvarez also fueled transfer attention around Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.