England bagged third place at the World Cup after beating France 6-4 on Saturday, while Les Bleus' captain Kylian Mbappe became the tournament's all-time top scorer with 22 goals on coach Didier Deschamps' last game after 14 years in charge.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, leading France to a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32. This win maintains France's perfect record and sets up a last-16 clash with Paraguay, with Mbappe continuing his impressive World Cup scoring streak.
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.
Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his impatience to secure more player signings to bolster the squad ahead of the upcoming season. Having already signed two players, Iraola emphasised the club's ongoing efforts to bring in additional talent to improve upon last season's fifth-place finish. He also faces the challenge of managing without key player Mo Salah and addressing several long-term injuries.
France's march into the World Cup last 16 has been built on an attacking force so relentless that comparisons with some of the greatest forward lines in football history are no longer sounding premature.
France's World Cup campaign ended in a 'devastating' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting his team was 'technically, second best' and star players like Michael Olise failing to perform.
France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.
France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain marks the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over and lead a new generation of gifted players towards future global titles.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele shared a warm embrace in France training ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, easing rumours of tension as Les Bleus chase another semi-final appearance.
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.
Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer with a double to power his team to victory against Senegal on Tuesday.
France take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading Les Bleus against Europe's champions.
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
Paris St Germain players presented their Champions League trophies to the French Open crowd on Monday, two days after winning Europe's premium club competition for the second time in a row.
France captain Kylian Mbappe was honoured for reaching 100 international appearances, receiving a commemorative jersey from coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps himself was celebrated for becoming the most successful manager in FIFA World Cup history with 17 victories. Despite their dominant performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, both Mbappe and Deschamps cautioned against complacency ahead of their Round of 16 match against Paraguay.
Kylian Mbappe's crucial second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for France over a resilient Paraguay, propelling them into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.
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.
Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty in the 70th minute to give France a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup last 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with Morocco. The goal also brought Mbappe level with Lionel Messi as the tournament's top scorer.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.
Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick as France made sure of top spot in World Cup Group I with a ruthless 4-1 win on Friday over a second-string Norway who like the French had already qualified for the next round of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup record, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 to advance to the last 32. The match was significantly delayed by thunderstorms, but France maintained control with Ousmane Dembele also scoring. Iraq's chances of progressing now depend on their final group match and other results.
Ravichandran Ashwin recalls the injury that ruled him out of India's historic Gabba Test win, reveals Ravi Shastri's fiery dressing-room reaction and reflects on the unforgettable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.
Aryna Sabalenka overcame Naomi Osaka in a thrilling match to reach the French Open quarter-finals, while other players including Diana Shnaider and Anna Kalinskaya also advanced.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
13 films from the 2026 Cannes film festival, highlighting award-winning international cinema, unexpected gems, and restored classics that truly celebrated the art of filmmaking.
PSG coach Luis Enrique downplays favourites tag ahead of Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, warning of a tough contest despite the English side's struggles.
Ousmane Dembele scored twice as Paris St Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Underwater predators make life hell for everyone from Bollywood's Shanaya Kapoor to Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor on OTT this week along with much, MUCH more.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto apologised for pushing a ball boy during Wednesday's 5-2 Champions League defeat to Paris St Germain.
Arsenal's Eberechi Eze opened his Champions League account with a stunning goal as his team outclassed Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home to reach the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Tournament co-hosts India will be out to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title. The 10th edition of the 20-overs global showpiece event will run from February 7 to March 8.
Last minute T20 World Cup entrants Scotland have included Afghan-born uncapped pacer Zainullah Ihsan in their 15-member squad for the ICC event beginning in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of T20 World Cup 2026.
Zimbabwe faces South Africa in their final Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, aiming to improve their bowling and challenge the in-form Proteas.
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of T20 World Cup 2026 after Game 52.
Tournament co-hosts India will be out to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title in familiar home conditions next month.
Purnendu Maji and Srinivas Bhogle present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of T20 World Cup 2026 after Game 48.
Arsenal missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League in a turgid 0-0 draw with champions Liverpool.
