English football to trial goalkeeper injury rule to deter tactical stoppages

Under the trial, if play is stopped for a goalkeeper injury, the manager or head coach must immediately nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes. The new rule will take away the incentive for a team to gain a tactical advantage from the stoppage.
28 July 2026

Maldini resigns from Italy federation after Pirlo coaching plan collapses

Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have decided to resign from their roles with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Sky Sport Italia reported on Monday.
28 July 2026

Yan Diomande: From rejections to Real's doorstep

It has been a remarkable rise for a boy who grew up sharing a home with 25 people in Abidjan.
28 July 2026

Vini to Arsenal?: Dream deal, distant reality

How close is Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to becoming an Arsenal player?
27 July 2026

Cabral's curler against Argentina voted 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament

The full-back, who plays for Turkish club Trabzonspor, produced one of the tournament's most sublime moments in Miami on July 4 when, after gliding past Alexis Mac Allister, he curled a magnificent effort beyond Emiliano Martínez and into the top corner to level the match at 2-2 in extra time.
27 July 2026

'World Cup over, but story continues': Mbappe pens emotional letter

In a message shared on social media, the France captain reflected on the highs and lows of the tournament, describing it as "a month of excitement, overcoming challenges and pride in wearing the colours of France."
27 July 2026

'I have a plan': Alonso on playing Palmer and Rogers together

England midfielder Morgan Rogers is an ideal signing for Chelsea and could form an exciting partnership with midfielder Cole Palmer, new manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday.
27 July 2026

Infantino accuses World Cup critics of spreading hate in open letter

FIFA faced criticism over a number of issues during the tournament, including debate over U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several countries and concerns involving teams from conflict-hit regions.
27 July 2026

Cubarsi in 2026, Dibu in 2022: Throwing bodies in the void to claim World Cup immortality

The history books will record Ferran Torres as Spain’s official Player of the Match for scoring the winner, but the most vivid act of heroism belonged to a teenager.
27 July 2026

Pirlo out of Italy coach race after scrutiny over Russian betting company links

Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers.
27 July 2026

'I'm sorry I couldn't bring you another Cup': Scaloni pens emotional message

The 48-year-old described the emotional aftermath of the final, saying: "Sadness and joy have intertwined, tears and smiles, anguish and tranquility."
27 July 2026

Olmo claims Argentina assistant coach Ayala lying about reason for shove

Ayala was caught forcefully placing his hands near Olmo's neck in the aftermath of Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina during the scrap that followed after full time.
27 July 2026

Spain play possession-based football, not 'tiki-taka': De la Fuente

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS following Spain's World Cup triumph, the 65-year-old coach reflected on the tactical identity that carried his side to a flawless tournament, while also reiterating the values that have shaped one of the most successful international teams in recent years.
27 July 2026

Russian betting company ties spark resistance to appointing Pirlo as Italy coach

The 47-year-old World Cup winner had emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Gennaro Gattuso after former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly turned down the position.
26 July 2026

Kyrgyzstan invites Bangladesh for tri-nation tournament in Sept-Oct

The BFF president had previously stated that Bangladesh would hold a 10-day training camp for the September-October window, beginning on September 21.
26 July 2026

Female referee suffers concussion after being knocked to the ground

A female referee suffered concussion when she was knocked to the ground as she tried to break up a melee between male players during a friendly between French club Metz and Fortuna Sittard of the Netherlands on Saturday, media reports said.
26 July 2026

'King Kazu' Miura scores first competitive goal after four years at 59

Japanese soccer icon Kazuyoshi Miura scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday, finding the net at the age of 59 as Fukushima United thrashed Iwaki Furukawa 7-0 to advance in the Emperor's Cup.
26 July 2026

Iraola begins Liverpool reign with pre-season win over Sunderland

Liverpool claimed a 4-2 pre-season victory over fellow Premier League side Sunderland on Saturday in Andoni Iraola's first game in charge, but it came at a cost after defender Joe Gomez sustained an injury.
26 July 2026

Neymar answers critics with poker-themed celebration

Neymar responded to criticism over his appearance at a poker tournament in the best way he knew how -- by scoring twice for Santos before mocking his detractors with a card-dealing goal celebration.
26 July 2026

Bangladesh football's rise sparks SAFF rethink

A logo inspired by Bangladesh's traditional Jamdani weaving and Nakshi Kantha embroidery was unveiled at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka yesterday, carrying the colours and identity of South Asia's seven nations as the symbol of the upcoming SAFF Championship.
26 July 2026