Clint Dempsey scored his fourth goal in two games as the United States were held to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought CONCACAF World Cup qualifying battle with Panama on Tuesday.

The United States remain in contention for a spot at next year's World Cup after Bruce Arena's side battled to a scrappy 1-1 away draw against Panama in CONCACAF qualifying on Tuesday.

Danny Blind was sacked as Netherlands coach on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Bulgaria left the team's chances of reaching the World Cup finals hanging by the slenderest of threads.

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil insists he is comfortable at the North London club and will make a decision regarding his future soon with the German's contract due to expire at the end of next season.

A Chinese player with Shenhua Shanghai has been handed a six month ban by the Chinese Football Association for stomping on Belgian international Axel Witsel, an action which has already earned him a hefty fine.

Former Germany international striker Kevin Kuranyi said Friday he was calling time on his career despite money-spinning offers to play overseas in Qatar and China.

Record-breaking Germany face Azerbaijan on Sunday with head coach Joachim Loew insisting their simple goal is to "ruthlessly" secure World Cup qualification as quickly as possible.

Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, has warned of a global shortage of match officials if efforts are not made to tackle abuse and violence towards referees at the grassroots level.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino will replace Gabriel Jesus in the Brazil team to play Uruguay in Thursday's crunch World Cup qualifier, coach Tite said on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale's Wales hope to recapture the spirit of Euro 2016 when they attempt to revive their flagging World Cup qualifying campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Friday.

Contract negotiations with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are on hold until the end of the season, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Wednesday.

Germany's Lukas Podolski capped his international swansong with a sensational goal to give the world champions a 1-0 victory over England in a friendly on Wednesday.

The unthinkable prospect of a World Cup without Argentina or Lionel Messi could move a step closer to becoming reality on Thursday as the South American giants prepare to face arch-rivals Chile in a crucial battle on the road to Russia 2018.

Chinese authorities have stepped up security for Thursday's tense World Cup qualifier against South Korea, whose fans will receive a police escort after protests over Seoul's decision to deploy a controversial missile defence system.

After a year scarred by scandal and sporting catastrophe, Gareth Southgate will begin his attempt to steer England into calmer waters in Wednesday's friendly against Germany in Dortmund.

Argentina’s players, who have been arriving in Buenos Aires for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, are sticking to a decision dating back to November not to talk to the media.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insisted midfielder Andre Gomes will become a pillar of the Catalans' midfield after silencing his critics with his first goal for the club in a 4-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Beleaguered Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has decided to stay at the club, according to British media reports on Monday.

Casemiro was Real Madrid's unlikely hero as he hit the winner to open up a five-point lead on Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Manchester United have been fined 20,000 pounds ($24,784.00) for failing to control their players in Monday's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Chelsea, the governing body said on Friday.