Ken Bates obituary
Former owner and chairman of Chelsea FC who bought the club for a pound and helped restore it to the top rank of English footballFor more than 20...
England vs Norway referee once labelled ‘absolutely terrible’ by Thomas Tuchel
Clement Turpin will referee Norway vs England tonight (Photo: Getty)
Clement Turpin, the referee for England’s World Cup quarter-final against...
The World Cup has upended the old world order – and despite Trump and Infantino, it still inspires | Simon Tisdall
Even White House interference and Fifa's greed cannot spoil the celebrations. At last, an arena in which multiculturalism triumphs and underdogs...
Who is Mory Gbane? Celtic 'ready move' to beat West Ham to deal
Mory Gbane could soon be on his way to Celtic in this summer's transfer window.The 25-year-old midfielder currently plays for Reims in Ligue 2, and...
Joe Cole claims ‘genius’ ex-Chelsea star could have been the next Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is often regarded as the greatest football of all time (Photo: Getty)
Joe Cole believes a former teammate and Chelsea legend was just...
Haissem Hassan's World Cup performances analysed after Celtic 'bid' submitted
Haissem Hassan is on Celtic's radar after some strong performances at the World Cup for Egypt.Celtic need to add some quality to their attacking...
Uefa set to block Russia’s return to football, risking fresh Fifa clash
Uefa is prepared to keep Russia out of international football despite the IOC lifting its Olympic suspension, setting up another row with Fifa.
The...
Uefa could block Russia returning to football in potential new clash with Fifa
Russia banned since full-scale invasion of UkraineMany national associations opposed to reintegrationUefa is prepared to block the return of...
What is the furthest Belgium has ever gone at a FIFA World Cup?
Belgium, as one of the powerhouses in the World Cup, expect to have the best performance in their history. Belgium hold a prominent place in world...
Belgium are looking for a new beginning at the World Cup against USA | Jonathan Wilson
Parts of 2018's Golden Generation still remain, but there are more than enough good players in this Belgian side to give the US headaches• Predict...
England vs Mexico referee made ‘bizarre’ World Cup call that baffled top officials
Referee Alireza Faghani will take charge of England v Mexico (Picture: Getty Images)
Alireza Faghani will take charge of the huge World Cup clash...
Mbappé’s World Cup legacy is already scary good
Kylian Mbappé made his World Cup debut eight years ago in Russia. He’s only in his third tournament, and he already sits one goal behind Lionel...
Joao Fonseca departs Wimbledon with a whimper but deafening hype army roar on
Roman Safiullin ousts Brazilian but fails to dampen the relentless noise that follows the 19-year-oldThe first chants of “FON! SE! CA!” started up...
What is the furthest Egypt has ever gone at a FIFA World Cup?
Egypt’s FIFA World Cup journey adds a new milestone in 2026, with their latest appearance offering fresh context to the team’s history on the...
What is the furthest Algeria has gone at a FIFA World Cup?
While Algeria may not be a perennial fixture at the FIFA World Cup, the North African side has a knack for making history during its rare...
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks World Cup record Lionel Messi is unable to surpass in 2026
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo broke a record at the 2026 World Cup, one that Lionel Messi could not achieve in this edition. Portugal celebrated...
Do Croatia and Luka Modric have won World Cup titles? The furthest they’ve gone on the big stage
Croatia has never lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy, but few nations have achieved more in such a short history. Croatia has built one of the most...
The uniforms Portugal and Croatia are wearing today for 2026 World Cup Round of 32
With their kits officially locked in, European powerhouses Portugal and Croatia are finalizing preparations for today's high-stakes 2026 World Cup...
What happens if Spain win, tie or lose vs Austria today at the 2026 World Cup?
Spain enter the knockout stage under pressure, while Austria believe in a major upset. Here's what every possible result means for both teams in...
Lionel Messi scores 2nd free-kick goal at a World Cup: How many does Cristiano Ronaldo have?
Lionel Messi scored again from a free kick at a World Cup, further extending his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in the rankings. Lionel Messi scored...
Trossard, De Bruyne score and Belgium defeats New Zealand 5-1 to advance at the World Cup
With a flurry of of goals, Belgium finally found its footing at the World Cup.
Leandro Trossard scored a pair of goals and Belgium overcame a...
Russia set for return as FIFA announces huge step to lift international football ban
FIFA has invited all 211 member associations, including Russia, to the inaugural Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, marking a potential first step...
World Cup 2026: Ousmane Dembele's hat-trick the second fastest in tournament history
France winger Ousmane Dembele produced a stunning first‑half hat‑trick inside just 32 minutes as Les Bleus thrashed Norway...
Senegal's World Cup is hanging by a thread after comedy of errors on and off pitch
Pape Thiaw's side need to beat Iraq handsomely to progress from tough group after persisting issue of poor governanceAs the most successful...
What is Panama’s updated FIFA ranking for game vs Croatia at 2026 World Cup?
Panama faces a crucial match against Croatia, with its FIFA ranking adjusted following its 2026 World Cup opener. Panama’s original FIFA ranking...
Harry Kane's record against African teams offers warning to Ghana ahead of England showdown
Ghana's defence faces one of its toughest assignments of the FIFA World Cup when the Black Stars take on England on Tuesday, with captain Harry...
How many penalties has Lionel Messi missed at World Cups compared to Cristiano Ronaldo?
Lionel Messi had the chance to open the score for Argentina vs Austria, but he missed the penalty. How does he compare to Cristiano Ronaldo? Lionel...
Eight own goals in 10 days! FIFA WC races towards breaking unwanted record
Only the 2018 World Cup in Russia has seen more, with 12 own goals recorded during the tournament. With the 2026 edition featuring 48 teams and 104...
Safonov gives a rating to PSG’s season
Matvey Safonov, the 27-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and Russia, was invited to a Telegram...
EXCLUSIVE: Fazio praises Messi brilliance and Rodri's Spain impact
Federico Fazio won Olympic gold with Argentina at Beijing 2008 and represented the Albiceleste at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The former player...
Drone strike on young football team bus could drag Belarus into Russia-Ukraine war
'If someone is provoking us and trying to drag us into the war, I think it will end badly for those who are trying to do this.'
Why Ivan Rakitic isn’t playing in 2026 World Cup with Croatia
Ivan Rakitic won't play at the 2026 World Cup with Croatia. As Croatia begin what could be Luka Modric’s final World Cup, one familiar face is...
Who’s the oldest player to score a goal in FIFA World Cup history?
Before the FIFA World Cup records were shaped by veteran icons like Roger Milla and Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament has already seen...
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic aims dig at England’s 60 years of hurt
Zlatko Dalic has no concerns over the age of his players (Picture: Getty Images)
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has defended the ageing nature of...
Who is Ivan Basic? Celtic target profiled as midfielder emerges on summer shortlist
Celtic have identified Ivan Basic as the latest midfielder who could make the move to Glasgow this summer.The Hoops have yet to announce a summer...
England vs Croatia referee once branded ‘one out of 10’ by Thomas Tuchel
Clement Turpin takes charge of England vs Croatia on Wednesday night (Picture: Getty Images)
Clement Turpin, the referee for England’s World Cup...
Which player has scored the highest percentage of their team's goals at a World Cup? | The Knowledge
Plus: World Cup winners with no domestic honours, and why Australia are unofficial world championsMail us with your all of your questions and...
World Cup 2026: England kick off in Dallas after big-hitting trio make mark – live
⚽ All the latest news on day seven of the tournament⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail usAfter the tedium of four draws the day...
Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the oldest player with a World Cup hat-trick
Lionel Messi's rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo had a new chapter as the Argentinian scored a hat-trick in his 2026 World Cup debut. Lionel Messi...
How Erling Haaland’s brace in World Cup debut compares to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo
Norway star Erling Haaland scored a brace in his World Cup debut, and it is interesting to compare it to the debuts of Lionel Messi and Cristiano...
Sources: Celtic ready to move for 'cut-price' Ivan Basic deal amid World Cup worry
Celtic are lining up a move to sign Astana midfielder Ivan Basic this summer, sources have told Football Insider.The Hoops have been "keeping tabs"...
Iran star accused of ‘gun’ celebration in World Cup draw against New Zealand
Mohebbi scored Iran’s equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw (Picture: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Iran opened their politically-charged World Cup...
Lineups, uniforms, and referee for Belgium vs Egypt in 2026 World Cup debut
Ahead of this Group G showdown between Belgium and Egypt, both teams are finalized and ready for their 2026 World Cup opener, with lineups, kits,...
Fifa plans symbolic Israel v Palestine fixture as opening game of new under-15s tournament
Tournament open to all Fifa members, including RussiaInfantino wants to use football to promote peaceFifa wants to schedule a symbolic match...
Aston Villa’s 2026 World Cup: A Barometer of How Far They’ve Come
Aston Villa and World Cup 2026 At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Aston Villa’s contingent consisted of Birkir Bjarnason representing Iceland, Mile...
World Cup 2026: Panama star Ismael Diaz sends strong warning to Ghana ahead of opener
Panama forward Ismael Diaz has expressed strong confidence in his country's ability to compete against any opponent as the Central Americans...
Man who has predicted last THREE World Cup winners backs the Netherlands but troubled build-up, injury woes and a team lacking flair suggests he'll be wrong this time, writes CHRIS WHEELER
By his own admission, UK-based German economist Joachim Klement admits there is an element of luck about his forecast model getting it right in...
Mohamed Salah's previous World Cup was a waking nightmare - now Egypt's poster boy needs to deliver when it matters most
Mohamed Salah faces his last chance of making history with Egypt at the 2026 World Cup after the debacle in Russia in 2018
World Cup 2026: Belgium vs Egypt â Preview, team news, key facts and kick-off time
Egypt will face one of their toughest tests of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage when they take on Belgium in a highly anticipated Group G clash...
England v Costa Rica: World Cup 2026 warm-up – live
Kick-off in the Orlando friendly 9pm BST, 4pm EDTPlayer guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail ScottEngland have concluded their World Cup warm-up...
How much does it cost to make a 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony?
As the FIFA World Cup heads to the US, Mexico and Canada, its opening ceremony is shaping up as a massive global production driven by scale, star...
Amir Ibragimov gets second cap for Russia as Man Utd target scores in 3-0 win
Manchester United academy talent Amir Ibragimov has now picked up a second international cap for Russia in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago....
Why is Gianluigi Donnarumma not playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of the world's top goalkeepers, but he will not be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Find out the story behind his...
Why is Russia not playing at the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams and historic firsts, but one familiar name is missing from the field. Russia's absence has become one...
World Cup 2026 visa chaos: from referee Omar Artan to Iranian officials – who is affected?
Fifa has found its tournament squarely caught up in the second Trump administration's aggressive border restrictionsFor successive men's World Cup...
Former Chelsea striker Crespo says he wishes he’d spent longer at the club
Hernan Crespo has said he wishes he ‘could have spent more days’ at Chelsea but admits his time in the Premier League was ‘very hard’. Crespo...
If not England, then who? Micah Richards makes his World Cup winner prediction
Who will be lifting the trophy on 19 July?
Micah Richards is tipping Brazil or France to secure World Cup glory this summer 60 years of hurt...
Newcastle handed Karl Etta Eyong boost as target makes intention clear
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in a move for Karl Etta Eyong, who is set for a move to the Premier League this summer.Reports emerged...
Germany are no longer inevitable as painful World Cup failures loom large
Germany hope to deliver in a World Cup after bad experiences in Russia and Qatar, with Richard Jolly detailing how the shock return of Manuel Neuer...
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says he met Roman Abramovich in Kyiv in backchannel to Putin
Russian billionaire offered to take a ‘silent' message on peace talks back to Moscow, Ukraine's president says. What we know on day 1,566Volodymyr...
Russia vs Trinidad and Tobago - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Tuesday's International Friendlies clash between Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, including predictions, team news and possible...
World Cup 2026 Group E-H guide: What to expect and players to watch
Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Jamal Musiala and Lamine Yamal (Picture: Getty/Metro)
With legendary players like Mohamed Salah, Kevin de Bruyne and...
Panama: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
Panama arrive at their second FIFA World Cup this summer, eight years after a chastening debut at Russia 2018. Los Canaleros finished bottom of...
Panama eyes first World Cup win against Ghana - Felipe Baloy
Panama are confident heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according former defender Felipe Baloy. Baloy holds the record of being the first...
How Amir Ibragimov fared on senior Russia debut vs Burkina Faso
Amir Ibragimov is concluding his 2025/26 campaign in Russia, representing his home nation at a senior level. After another injury-ridden campaign...
The week around the world in 20 pictures
Attacks on police in Southampton, Russian strikes in Kyiv, the Ebola outbreak and PSG win the Champions League – the past seven days as captured by...
What was the match with the most yellow and red cards in World Cup history?
Before discipline records shaped FIFA World Cup history, certain matches in the FIFA World Cup turned into intense battles marked by aggressive...
Real Madrid want the world to know there's another show in town
Before the Geopolitics World Cup circus gets under way, Real Madrid would like you to know there's always another show in town. Los Blancos have an...
PSG transfer news – Bratakov speaks out: “It was a joke”
Alexei Batrakov, the 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow (contract until 2029), is one...
Senegal: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule
Sadio Mané leads Senegal into a fourth FIFA World Cup this summer, still chasing the heights of their 2002 fairytale. The Lions of Teranga reached...
Chelsea foiled again by PSG as Luis Enrique set to swoop for 29 G/A Russian star
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have developed a new-found rivalry over the past 12 months and this summer, that rivalry is set to strengthen...
PSG Transfer News – Huge announcement regarding Bratakov
Alexei Batrakov, the 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder for Lokomotiv Moscow (under contract until 2029), is...
Russia vs Burkina Faso - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Friday's International Friendlies clash between Russia and Burkina Faso, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Editorial – Aleksey Batrakov, the Russian gamble that’s gaining momentum
PSG have reportedly entered a more serious phase in their pursuit of Aleksey Batrakov, the...
Man Utd suffer hammer blow as PSG defeat INEOS in race to sign brilliant 55 G/A attacker
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been left frustrated in their attempts to position themselves for Aleksey Batrakov, with...
Premier League legend Yaya Toure close to surprise first job as manager
Yaya Toure is ready to make the step up to management (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester City legend Yaya Toure is ‘one step away’ from his first...
World Cup 2026: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz rues Alexander Djiku's absence
Carlos Queiroz insists the Black Stars will miss dependable defender Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spartak Moscow...
PSG close in on €25m move for Russian talent Batrakov
Paris Saint-Germain are closing in on the signing of highly rated Russian midfielder Aleksey Batrakov.
PSG close in on Russian midfielder in €25m deal as agent reveals transfer is '95% done'
PSG are set to sign Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Aleksey Batrakov for €25m after his agent confirmed a deal is 95% complete.
The Guardian view on a gripping season of British football: the best may be yet to come | Editorial
England and Scotland will both compete in a men's World Cup this month for the first time this century. For both nations there are reasons to...
Transfer news – PSG well-positioned to sign Batrakov
Alexei Batrakov, the 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow (under contract until 2029), is...
EXCLUSIVE: Alexander Djiku set to miss 2026 World Cup due to niggling injury
The Black Stars have suffered a major setback with defender Alexander Djiku expected to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injury concerns.The...
Transfer news – A new signing for PSG is “95% done”
Alexei Batrakov, the 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow (contract until 2029), is one...
PSG goalie misses out on ‘night of passion’ with adult creator after Arsenal win
Russian keeper Matvey Safonov was generously offered a 'night of passion' from adult star Mary Rock, before the Champion's League final last...
‘I was five seconds from death': Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man, on owning Shakhtar and resisting Russia
In a rare interview the businessman discusses football, his ownership of the Azovstal steelworks and why he is optimistic about the futureIt is the...
David Raya and Matvey Safonov penalty saving records for Champions League final
Raya has been in two penalty shoot-outs since joining Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping it doesn't reach...
World Cup 2026: Weâre working to achieve the best results â Egypt coach Hossam Hassan
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has stressed that unity and collective spirit within the squad will be key as the Pharaohs prepare for their 2026 FIFA...
Salah-less Egypt secure narrow win over Russia
Egypt began their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 home victory over Russia in Thursday's international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
Transfer news – PSG is moving towards its first signing this summer
Alexei Batrakov, the 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow (contract until 2029), is one...