The end of coach Didier Deschamps' Midas-like reign turned into a Tantalus torment as France suffered a comprehensive World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain before losing 6-4 to England in a wild third-place playoff, but those disappointments will not tarnish his legacy.
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face-off as defending champions Argentina meet reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, in New York on Saturday.
The match ball from Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England - made famous by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal - is set to go up for auction with a $2.5-million opening bid, Heritage Auctions said.
Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
France defender Ibrahima Konate says Les Bleus fear no one ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Lamine Yamal and the tournament's best defence.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice from the penalty spot as Real Madrid fought back from a goal down to beat Olympique de Marseille 2-1 in their opening match of the Champions League group stage, at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, on Tuesday.
Real are on 24 points, two ahead of Barcelona and the top two will go head-to-head in next Sunday's El Clasico. Getafe are 12th in the standings on 11 points.
Lionel Messi's profound influence, marked by crucial assists and strategic play, was instrumental in Argentina's victory over England, securing their spot in a second successive World Cup final. Despite not scoring, his collective contribution and energy preservation were key to the team's success, culminating in two late assists for the equaliser and winning goal.
Spain, led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, securing their place in the final. Yamal, who played a crucial role in the victory, has already expressed his team's readiness for the title clash in New York. This marks Spain's first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 triumph.
Masked Kylian Mbappe fit to face Netherlands
Spain's young star Lamine Yamal has confidently stated that France holds no advantage in the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismissing them as favourites. Yamal expressed strong belief in Spain's ability to win the tournament, highlighting that knockout rounds are a different challenge from the group stage.
Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes 39-year-old Lionel Messi will continue to be the world's best player for as long as he desires, dismissing age concerns as Messi dominates the World Cup with eight crucial goals.
England captain Harry Kane continued his record-breaking run, scoring a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup. His goals not only secured England's progression but also saw him surpass football legends like Pele in World Cup goals and join Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player with 20+ goals across both FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships. England now faces Mexico in the Round of 16.
Switzerland players have heaped praise on Lionel Messi ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, but said they have identified weaknesses in the defending champions and believe they can cause an upset.
Senegal face a major defensive selection dilemma ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway as coach Pape Bouna Thiaw weighs whether to drop Kalidou Koulibaly in a bid to stop Erling Haaland and keep knockout hopes alive.
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.
Real were left with 10 men before halftime when Mbappe saw a straight red after taking down Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco as the referee overturned his initial decision of booking him with a yellow after consulting with VAR.
Mbappe fires Real Madrid to the summit, Bayern lose at home and Dortmund stay in the title hunt.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on his striker Kylian Mbappe after he scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Manchester City on Wednesday that took the Champions League holders into the last 16.
Kylian Mbappe has been called up to the France squad for the first time since last September to face Croatia in the Nations League quarter-finals, coach Didier Deschamps said on Thursday.
Hector Bellerin's late goal secured a draw for Real Betis against Real Madrid, impacting Real's LaLiga title aspirations as Barcelona's lead widens.
This year's WAGs include influencers, models, actors, and lifelong companions whose own careers and stories are drawing as much attention as the football itself.
On a goals-filled night in the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Marseille score resounding victories.
French football superstar Kylian Kylian Mbappe celebrated France's passage into the qurterfinals at Euro 2024 by indulging a young fan with a hug and a selfie.
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.
French reports claim Kylian Mbappe, captain of the France national team, is on his way to Real Madrid.
England captain Harry Kane addressed comparisons with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match, downplaying direct comparisons while praising Haaland's physical prowess and finishing. Kane emphasised his priority is team success in the World Cup over individual accolades like the Golden Boot, despite being in contention. He also spoke about equalling Wayne Rooney's cap record and received high praise from coach Thomas Tuchel.
Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona, allowing Barcelona to potentially extend their lead in LaLiga.
England captain Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, blazing a close-range shot over the bar, which denied his side an immediate spot in the World Cup round of 32. The 0-0 draw means England must now wait to confirm their progression.
Kylian Mbappe bagged his first hat-trick for Real Madrid as the LaLiga champions easily beat bottom-club Real Valladolid 3-0 on Saturday
Allegations of rape against French footballer Kylian Mbappe are "totally false" and "a slanderous rumour", his representatives said on Tuesday, following media reports that he was the subject of an investigation over an incident in a Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10.
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.
England's World Cup campaign has increasingly come to rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane, whose goals, link-up play and ability to deliver in decisive moments have repeatedly rescued a side still searching for fluency and conviction.
Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.
Brazil secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland. Vinicius Jr scored twice, continuing his impressive form, while Neymar made his much-anticipated return to the national team after nearly three years. The win saw Brazil top Group C, with Matheus Cunha also contributing a goal. Scotland's hopes now rest on qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose late on in his side's 1-0 victory Euro 2024 victory over Austria on Monday.
'Did I leave too soon? No, my story was over, it had to end. There was no bitterness, I'd reached the end of my tether.'
Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.
