French footballer, Crystal Palace midfielder, born in England
Norway’s star striker Haaland has played full international duty and club games, prompting a coaching decision as he is pulled back for rest. The Nations League schedule has created heavy fatigue, raising questions about player welfare and club commitments. The next matches will test balance between international duties and domestic pressures.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Co-host Mexico has advanced to the Round of 16 at World Cup 2026 after a 2-0 win over Ecuador, triggering huge public celebrations in Mexico City. At least two deaths have been confirmed due to crowd crush and asphyxiation near Paseo de la Reforma, prompting security tightenings and traffic controls. Authorities urge responsible celebrations as fans watch from designated areas.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
Spain secures a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time to send La Roja into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo bows out of the tournament, while France and Morocco’s Mbappe push on toward a potential final.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
FairSquare has lodged complaints with the IOC accusing Infantino of breaching political neutrality. The Balogun ban was suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee after a call from Donald Trump. FIFA says the committee acted independently, while critics warn the governance balance between FIFA and the IOC is shifting.
Spain masterclasss sinks France 2-0 in Dallas, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second. Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament; France will play for third place while Spain awaits the final.
Mbappé has secured the Golden Boot with 22 World Cup goals after France’s 6-4 bronze-medal win over England. Messi remains close, and Mbappé also ties the single-tournament record with 10 goals. Spain’s Rodri claims the Golden Ball as the strongest all-round player, while Unai Simón earns the Golden Glove in a tournament packed with drama.
A wave of data from the Home Office and football bodies shows rising incidents at matches, with officials arguing current policing funding—with taxpayers shouldering about £70m annually—cannot continue. The debate centers on safety, policing costs, and the future role of clubs in funding security outside stadiums.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed France's head coach on a four-year deal and will start in August, with staff to be announced in September. He describes the role as a dream and signals continuity with Didier Deschamps while pledging to bring his own approach to the team.
Harry Kane has won the Kicker magazine Player of the Year award after a 61-goal season with Bayern Munich, aiding a Bundesliga title, German Cup, and a run to the Champions League semi-finals. He leads the England captaincy into a Ballon d’Or conversation as Bayern open the new season.
Harry Kane has extended his range and influence, dropping deeper and still scoring at a career-best rate as Bayern Munich and England contexts shift around him. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and others also feature, highlighting a trend of stars expanding roles; the season’s start has underscored tactical evolution across top clubs.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
The 70th Ballon d’Or is set to be awarded in London on October 26. Kane, Bellingham, and Rice headline the men’s shortlist, with Messi and Mbappé among others on the list. The ceremony marks a milestone anniversary; the competition has featured a global lineup and continues to spark debate over the year’s standout performers.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
Arsenal have beaten Sunderland 2-1 after a dramatic second half. Bruno Guimarães scores from outside the area after a Le Fée saved penalty by David Raya, while Saka seals it with a stoppage-time penalty after Reinildo Mandava is sent off. Arsenal maintain perfect league start while Sunderland push for consistency.
Dortmund has won 1-0 away at Stuttgart, extending their 4-0 start to the season. Kovac’s side show defensive resolve and clinical finishing from Beier off the bench, hinting at a potential title push. Bayern remain top contenders with a narrow gap; Dortmund’s improvement signals a possible challenge this season.
Harry Kane has reached 100 Bundesliga goals, breaking Dieter Müller’s 1977 record. He scored a 39th-minute penalty and added a second in the 54th minute as Bayern Munich beat Cologne to go top of the table. Kane has averaged a Bundesliga goal every 78.5 minutes since joining in 2023, with 152 goals in 154 appearances.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has sustained a knee hyperextension and will return to Madrid for treatment, casting doubt over his participation in upcoming Nations League matches and the Clasico.
France and Italy play to a 1-1 draw in Paris as Olise nets a late winner for France in a tense Nations League clash; Donnarumma and Bastoni rescue Italy with key saves and a late Upamecano red card alters the game.