Football News

Messi and Yamal photo fuels World Cup destiny talk

A photo of Lionel Messi bathing a baby Lamine Yamal in 2007 has resurfaced, sparking talk of fate ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called it mystical, while the photographer said the image made him believe in destiny.

17 Jul 2026

Starmer backs FIFA probe into Argentina Falklands banner

Downing Street confirmed Keir Starmer supports a FIFA investigation into Argentina players displaying a banner claiming the Falklands Islands after their World Cup semi-final win against England. The controversy emerged as Argentina advanced to their third World Cup final in four tournaments, with Cristian Romero praised as one of their most consistent players.

17 Jul 2026

English speakers switch to Telemundo for livelier World Cup coverage

Many US soccer fans are choosing Telemundo's Spanish-language World Cup broadcasts over Fox Sports' English coverage, citing more energetic commentary and fewer commercial interruptions. Fox's "America first" style and frequent ads are driving viewers to seek the more globally-focused alternative on Telemundo.

17 Jul 2026

Egypt coach blames unfairness after VAR controversy in World Cup loss

Egypt led Argentina 2-0 in the World Cup last 16 before Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes to win 3-2. Coach Hossam Hassan and many Egyptians expressed outrage over refereeing decisions they felt favored Argentina.

17 Jul 2026

Szoboszlai agrees new Liverpool contract extension

Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed in principle to a new long-term contract with Liverpool, ending months of negotiations. The 25-year-old midfielder, who scored 13 goals last season, is close to signing the deal after talks with sporting director Richard Hughes.

17 Jul 2026

Japan fans, Beckham, and bromance define World Cup memes

The World Cup generated viral moments including joyful Japanese fans in costumes, Victoria Beckham’s unbothered expression, and a growing bromance. A Ghanaian witch-doctor and Erling Haaland’s internet popularity also featured among the tournament’s most memorable off-field spectacles.

17 Jul 2026

England's fleeting hope still life-affirming, says writer

The article reflects on England's defeat to Argentina, comparing the fleeting hope of fans to broader philosophical ideas about hope and suffering. It argues that even brief moments of hope can be meaningful, despite the pain of loss.

17 Jul 2026

US mayors use World Cup to connect with voters

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other US mayors are leveraging the World Cup to engage constituents and advance political goals. They use soccer events, watch parties, and references to stars to build connections and reshape public perceptions of their cities.

17 Jul 2026

Trump to attend Spain-Argentina World Cup final

Donald Trump will attend the Geopolitics World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday, marking his first appearance at the tournament. The US president previously lobbied FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, which helped the USA advance in the competition.

17 Jul 2026

Spain's 37-match unbeaten run faces World Cup final test

Spain have gone 37 matches without a loss in normal or extra time, equaling Italy's European record, though they did lose the 2025 Nations League final on penalties. The streak will be put to the ultimate test in the World Cup final against an opponent that has never been defeated in such a run.

17 Jul 2026

Bowen commits to West Ham after relegation

Jarrod Bowen has stated his intention to stay with West Ham following their relegation to the Championship, despite interest from Premier League clubs. The forward emphasized his desire to help the club return to the top flight, saying he believes they are moving in the right direction.

17 Jul 2026

BBC vs ITV: UK World Cup 2026 broadcast battle won by ITV

ITV won the UK broadcast battle for the 2026 World Cup, with its US-based studio and strong pundit lineup outperforming the BBC's cost-cutting digital studio in Salford. The BBC's decision to stay in the UK backfired, while ITV's New York base gave its coverage a more authentic feel despite the distance from some host cities.

17 Jul 2026

Tuchel urges England to embrace fearless possession play

Thomas Tuchel highlighted Argentina's ball-possession culture and natural confidence as key to their comeback ability, contrasting it with England's tendency to surrender leads. He implied England need more courageous, fearless passers to avoid repeating past failures like the 2002 loss to Brazil.

17 Jul 2026

Whistleblower: FIFA will survive Infantino, like Blatter

Mel Brennan, a former Concacaf executive and whistleblower, says FIFA will outlast its current president Gianni Infantino, just as it survived Sepp Blatter and Jack Warner. Brennan’s new book, “Fixing Football,” details corruption he witnessed during his time at the organization.

17 Jul 2026

Infantino secures 200+ endorsements for fourth Fifa term

Gianni Infantino has received formal backing from over 200 of Fifa’s 211 member associations for re-election as president, despite controversy over the Folarin Balogun suspension scandal. Only a handful of countries, including Germany, have yet to submit letters of support, with Infantino on track for a landslide victory at the March congress.

17 Jul 2026

Pitbull concert forces Kauno Zalgiris to relocate Champions League tie

FK Kauno Zalgiris advanced to the Champions League second qualifying round but must move their home leg after renting their stadium for a Pitbull concert on July 31. The Lithuanian champions now scramble to find an alternative venue for the match scheduled around that date.

17 Jul 2026

Fox's World Cup coverage: mispronunciations, Corden, Lowe's skill

Fox's US World Cup broadcasts featured wild mispronunciations, sad scenes of James Corden drinking beer, and Rebecca Lowe's excellent hosting. The coverage also included constant cutaways to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Landon Donovan's awkward celebrity sightings.

17 Jul 2026

US Soccer delays decisions on Pochettino, sporting director

US Soccer CEO JT Batson said the organization will take a break after the World Cup before deciding on Mauricio Pochettino’s future, as his contract ends with the tournament. The sporting director position also remains vacant after Matt Crocker resigned in April, with no immediate resolution expected.

16 Jul 2026

Tuchel blamed but England exit not all his fault

England's World Cup hopes ended in disappointment, with manager Thomas Tuchel facing criticism for the loss. However, the defeat reflects broader issues beyond just the coach's influence.

16 Jul 2026

Romero's composure under pressure earns Messi's trust

Cristian Romero showcased exceptional skill and composure by calmly controlling a difficult pass and evading pressure from Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon before playing the ball to Nahuel Molina. Despite receiving a yellow card for a tactical foul on Bellingham shortly after, his reliable performance in a high-stakes match further solidified his status as one of Lionel Messi's most trusted teammates.

16 Jul 2026