Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.
Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) first approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team coaching job before engaging with Pep Guardiola, as they seek to rebuild the Azzurri after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Holders Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 with a late Bernardo Silva goal on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final after an absorbing end-to-end Wembley semi-final left the exhausted winners still chasing a domestic double.
Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.
Manchester City were drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase for the sixth time since the 2019-20 season after the draw for the last 16, quarterfinals and semifinals was made on Friday.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Jude Bellingham's England in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, reviving one of football's greatest rivalries with a place in the final on the line.
Reigning champions City are also involved in a separate independent hearing into the club's alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations which began in September, with a verdict expected some time before the end of the current season.
Pedro Porro has emerged as a pivotal player for Spain in the World Cup, transforming the right-back position into a strength. His exceptional performance against France in the semi-final, where he scored and was named MVP, has solidified his place, drawing parallels to Marc Cucurella's rise. Porro's defensive prowess and attacking contributions have been crucial for Spain's journey to the final against Argentina.
Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named the Best Young Player, leaving Lionel Messi without another personal honour despite his impressive World Cup performance.
Spain captain Rodri has expressed his team's ambition and hunger ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina. He highlighted Spain's gradual growth and well-rounded team play, while acknowledging Argentina's competitive spirit and the formidable presence of Lionel Messi. Rodri anticipates a physical battle and draws inspiration from Spain's 2010 World Cup victory.
City's precision and pace saw them overwhelm United 3-0, with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland making the difference on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to participate in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, as announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
Arsenal moved nine points clear in the Premier League after beating Everton 2-0 as 16-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest scorer in league history, while Manchester City dropped points at West Ham.
Erling Haaland struck a dramatic last-gasp winner to send Norway through to the next round of the 2026 World Cup, knocking Ivory Coast out in heartbreaking fashion.
European champions Spain will travel to next month's World Cup with plenty of Barcelona swagger but no-one from Real Madrid after manager Luis de la Fuente named a 26-man squad on Monday built around eight players from the Catalan club.
Chelsea defeated Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to secure a place in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, with Enzo Fernandez scoring the decisive goal.
Former Norway international Alf-Inge 'Alfie' Haaland expressed his disappointment after Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England, claiming the Scandinavian side had been 'robbed' in the contest.
Man City snatch chaotic 2-1 win at Liverpool to stay on Arsenal's heels
England manager Thomas Tuchel made several bold selection calls for the World Cup, leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire while recalling Ivan Toney and backing a new-look squad built on chemistry and trust.
Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.
Manchester City defeated Salford City in the FA Cup, while Burnley suffered a surprising defeat to Mansfield Town. West Ham United and Norwich City also secured victories in their respective matches.
Holders Manchester City cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals for the seventh consecutive season with a 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen.
Kai Havertz's first-half header earned Arsenal a tense 1-0 win over Burnley, moving Mikel Arteta's side within touching distance of their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Nervy Arsenal go back to top of Premier League as Eze seals viNervy Arsenal go back to top of Premier League as Eze seals vital win over Newcastletal win over Newcastle
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League match played between Bodo/Glimt and Manchester City in Bodo, Norway, on Tuesday.
Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was charged by the Cheshire Constabulary with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Thursday.
Norway made history at the FIFA World Cup by fielding three sons of former World Cup players in the same match: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt. This mirrored a 1994 World Cup match where their fathers played together. Erling Haaland marked his debut with a brace, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq.
Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.
Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for saying the midfielder was overweight
A summary of Wednesday's action in the UEFA Champions League Knock-out phase play-offs.
Casemiro backs Michael Carrick for the permanent Manchester United job after a strong run that lifted the club to third in the Premier League.
Federico Valverde scores a hat-trick as Real Madrid defeats Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Breel Embolo became the first player in 20 years to be sent off at a World Cup for a second yellow card for simulation, a decision that proved a turning point in Switzerland's 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.
France arrive in Philadelphia as the World Cup's most feared attacking force, but Kylian Mbappe and coach Didier Deschamps have warned that acclaim, records and a seemingly clear path mean little if they fail to stay grounded against Paraguay in Saturday's last-16 clash.
Sven-Goran Eriksson left Manchester City on Monday, less than a year after taking over as coach of the EPL club.
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku faces a personal dilemma during the World Cup as his wife is due to give birth to their first child. He hopes to be present for the birth, potentially requiring him to leave the tournament.
Mikel Arteta insists the Premier League title race "starts again" after Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Manchester City, with five games left and everything still to play for.
