Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo struck his fifth international hat-trick, including a spectacular volleyed opener, to lead the European champions to a 5-1 win over the Faroe Islands in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
All five African teams at the last World Cup in Russia failed to get past the first round and the continent's football leaders have said their future priority is to make sides more competitive in the international arena.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said the show of support for Ronaldo during their 4-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday was the "moment of the game", as both sets of fans stood for a minute of applause following the death of his newborn son.
Angel Di Maria delivered a near-perfect performance, scoring two and setting up another as runaway leaders Paris St Germain beat 10-man Olympique de Marseille 3-1 at home on Sunday.
The Women's Asian Cup was thrown into turmoil when hosts India were kicked out of the tournament after a COVID-19 outbreak meant they were unable to field a team for their Group A match against Taiwan on Sunday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
They were two small Argentina players with the same enormous challenge -- to meet the expectations of a soccer-mad country. Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi have both proved themselves to be skilful giants on the world soccer stage despite their diminutive frames of 1.65 and 1.70 metres respectively.
Leicester will remain second overnight with Everton, level on points with them, not playing later on Monday after their home match against Manchester City was postponed following more positive COVID-19 cases at City.
Check out the top footballers of the weekend...
A summary of the Euro 2024 qualification matches played on Saturday.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on the club's manager Arsene Wenger, saying he could not make a case for the Frenchman to extend his reign beyond this season.
Manchester United conceded two late own goals to allow Sevilla to snatch a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Hinata Miyazawa scored twice as former champions Japan put on a counter-attacking clinic to beat Spain 4-0 and lock up top spot in Group C at the Women's World Cup on Monday.
A summary of all things football.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Sunil Chhetri likened the national team setup with his home and expressed his relief at returning to where he belongs
Soccer fans at the almost alcohol-free World Cup are ready to pay high prices for a beer, a few have tried to smuggle booze into stadiums but most simply accept that drinking is off limits at the first tournament in a Muslim country.
The World Cup will expand to 48 teams from its current 32, starting with the 2026 edition of football's showpiece tournament.
Images from Saturday's action in the Premier League.
FIFA will carry out a feasibility study on holding the World Cup and the women's World Cup every two years after backing a proposal at its annual congress on Friday.
The federation has confirmed that they are flying players in from their domestic league
A howler by Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea gifted West Ham United three vital points in their battle against relegation as the hosts secured a 1-0 Premier League win.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Indian football hero of '80s, Chibuzor dies
Abramovich had sanctions imposed on him by the British government after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
All the results from the I-League and ISL matches played on Saturday
Netherlands will be hoping the teenager known as the Messi of women's football discovers her scoring touch as they seek an upset win over Japan at the Women's World Cup on Tuesday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The Premier League found a record 42 cases of COVID-19 among players and staff at various clubs over the past week.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Valverde said he was concerned about the team's away form after they were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by promoted Granada
Although Spurs always looked more comfortable on the ball it was Sean Dyche's side, who have just a point from their opening five games, who had come the closest.
India captain Sunil Chhetri said the team couldn't make use of the opportunities, but no less mediocre was India's defending.
A round-up of Saturday's football action in La Liga, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
There was as much action off the field as on it during the month-long Euro 2020 championships.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
