France coach Didier Deschamps expressed unwavering confidence in his team's ability to advance in the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, even after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and several other chances in the first half.
Ousmane Dembele delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick for France against Norway in their final Group I match, overshadowing the anticipated clash between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Jose Mourinho, in his first Real Madrid press conference, emphasised non-negotiable commitment, unavoidable competition, and zero tolerance for selection frustrations, setting a clear tone for the upcoming LaLiga season.
'Every time he beats his own record, he does have the capacity to up his ante.'
Kylian Mbappe admitted VAR confusion distracted him before his missed penalty against Morocco but said France's talented squad still has plenty to prove despite reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-0 victory.
France showcased their tactical superiority and attacking prowess to defeat Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, effectively neutralising Morocco's usually exhilarating offensive style with a dominant midfield and relentless pressure.
Former India internationals analyse Spain's dominant performance and tactical discipline that led them to the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting their defensive solidity and adaptability.
Vinicius Jr.'s goal secured a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid against Sevilla, while Kylian Mbappe returned to the starting lineup after a controversial omission. Barcelona also secured a win against Real Betis.
Kylian Mbappe criticised Real Madrid's lack of hunger and consistency after their 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica, saying champions must show desire every time as Real slipped into the playoffs.
France can secure a more comfortable route through the World Cup when they face Norway in their final Group I match on Friday, though finishing top could leave them facing one of the toughest roads to the trophy.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has stated he feels no added pressure to win the Champions League in his second spell, ahead of their opening match against Inter Milan, emphasising that his current tenure is distinct from his past one.
France has become the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches, a milestone confirmed after their 3-0 victory over Sweden. Captain Kylian Mbappe's double secured their spot in the Round of 16 and set new personal records, surpassing Ronaldo and Leonidas in knockout stage goals and nearing Lionel Messi's overall World Cup goal tally.
While Mbappe and Messi currently lead the charts, Haaland, Kane, Dembele, and Vinicius Junior are all within striking distance, setting up an intense battle for the tournament's top scorer award in the matches ahead.
Ousmane Dembele expressed his delight after scoring and helping France reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, stating he is gaining confidence and momentum as the tournament progresses and the team remains focused on going all the way.
Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens all secured victories in their opening Champions League matches.
Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland have been named in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team, with both rewarded for standout performances during unexpected runs by their teams.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been admitted to hospital after suffering from gastroenteritis during the Club World Cup, the Spanish club said on Thursday.
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 expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.
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.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Lionel Messi has made the 2026 Ballon d'Or shortlist after another prolific season, while five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted despite helping Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title.
Under US protocols, play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile (13-km) radius of a stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes have passed without a further strike.
Real Madrid ended their four-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Alaves in LaLiga, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
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 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.
Carlo Espi, a close-season signing, scored in the 90th minute to give Real Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their LaLiga opener, securing three points for Jose Mourinho's returning side.
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.
France's journey to the World Cup semi-finals is not just about star players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but also a deep-seated unity and player-led analysis forged in private conversations and hotel rooms, according to midfielders Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde.
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.
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.
With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.
The 26-year-old French forward wore the number nine shirt in his debut season after arriving from Paris St Germain on a free transfer.
Nine football superstars, one ultimate honour-vote for the player you believe delivered the most memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The court found that PSG had failed to pay three months of Mbappe's salary, an ethics bonus and a signing bonus due under his employment contract.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni should be banned from the Champions League after the Argentine was accused of directing a racist slur at Vinicius Jr.
France coach Didier Deschamps conceded his side were 'outclassed' by Spain in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat, highlighting technical, tactical, and physical shortcomings that ended their quest for a third title.
Atletico Madrid defeated 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 in a heated LaLiga derby at the Metropolitano. Goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David secured the win, moving Atletico above Real in the standings. Real's Dean Huijsen was sent off, and Antonio Ruediger scored a late consolation goal.
Arsenal preserved their perfect Premier League start with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Sunderland, despite Arteta's anger over a controversial penalty decision and Raya's crucial save.
