Ousmane Dembélé is a French international winger for PSG, known for dribbling and pace. His career includes a World Cup title with France and a high-profile move to top clubs amid injury setbacks.
England has opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane has scored twice in the first half, Jude Bellingham has put England ahead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford has sealed the win late on. Elsewhere Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo and Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
England has beaten Costa Rica 3-0 in a friendly in Orlando. Jude Bellingham has started in the No 10 role, pressing from the front and helping set the tone; Reece James inverted into midfield and Anthony Gordon has provided the early attacking threat. Declan Rice has opened the scoring.
France hosts Senegal in a high-stakes World Cup clash at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Didier Deschamps is managing Mbappé’s public profile while protecting the squad from distractions; Senegal brings defensive strength and pace to challenge the defending champions.
France has sealed top spot in Group I after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé’s hat-trick and Mbappé’s goals highlighting a potent attack. Deschamps has returned to France for family reasons, and Norway rested most starters as they fight to reach the knockout stage.
France has beaten Iraq in Philadelphia after a two-hour storm delay, with Mbappé scoring twice and Dembélé securing a first major tournament goal. Deschamps has backed Dembélé and Olise’s contributions as France progresses to the knockout stage amid chaotic weather.
Burkina Faso has cut diplomatic relations with France with effect from June 26, 2026, accusing Paris of neo-colonial ambitions and backing subversive networks. France regrets the move and says reciprocal measures are under review. The junta cites non-interference and sovereignty as reasons; France seeks safety for its personnel as violence in the region persists.
The World Cup knockouts are underway. France and Argentina dominate the top spots, Spain rises after a strong group run, and Brazil; England; and Portugal face early scrutiny as the window to the final narrows.
Messi and Mbappé are among the leaders in the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race, each with six goals. Haaland and Kane are close behind, while Dembele, Oyarzabal, Vinicius Junior and Sarr also feature in the race. No one has secured the award yet, and tiebreakers include assists and minutes played. The race continues as knockout-stage play unfolds.
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.
France has booked a World Cup semi-final spot after a 2-0 victory over Morocco. Mbappé scores on the 60th minute and Dembele nets six minutes later, sending the 2018 champions to face Spain or Belgium in Arlington, Texas. Morocco pressed but were unable to breakdown a disciplined French side.
Spain leads defensively in the World Cup, with the fewest goals conceded and the strongest defensive metrics among the final four. Argentina remains the top scorer, while France and England show strength in attack and overall efficiency. The data reflects intense matches and the impact of extra time on playing time.
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.
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.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing a dominant display. France’s hopes are dashed as the Spaniards fortify their bid for a first final since 2010.
Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after a gripping extra-time win. Messi has delivered decisive moments, setting up late goals and demonstrating why he is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest. England faces a bronze final as they prepare for a different challenge.
France’s Kylian Mbappé has reclaimed the Golden Boot race lead with eight goals after France’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco. Lionel Messi is level on eight, with Haaland and others close behind as the world’s top scorers push toward the final stages of the 2026 World Cup.
EA Sports FC 27 introduces The Grounds, an open-world social hub, with Mbappé on the Standard and Ultimate Covers and Jude Bellingham joining on the Ultimate Plus Edition. The game promises refined gameplay, improved AI defence, new live scenarios, and a refreshed progression system, with release set for 25 September 2026 and early access from 18 September for pre-orders.
The French Football Federation has announced Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the France national team. Zidane has not coached since 2021 and signs a four-year contract. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who has stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane says he is ready to lead the team to further glory.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened, Villa teenager Brian Madjo levelled, and Desire Doue scored the winner after a VAR review awarded the goal. Somali referee Omar Artan, controversially denied a US World Cup visa, officiated the match.
Paris Saint‑Germain has moved its Ligue 1 opener against Rennes to Roazhon Park after declaring the Parc des Princes pitch unsafe following a scorching summer. The club has also completed major summer sales — including Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye in high‑value deals — and has generated roughly €400m from departures while recruiting selectively.
Liverpool has secured a transfer for Barcola from PSG, valued at about £106m with add-ons up to £17m. A five-year contract is expected, with a medical soon. Barcola, who has starred for PSG, will bolster Liverpool’s attack after Salah’s departure as the club eyes a new forward line.
Mbappé has won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and now leads all-time World Cup goals with 22. He says a Ballon d’Or win could be possible this year despite Real Madrid’s lack of major trophies, as Madrid prepare for Inter Milan in the Champions League. Mourinho and Chivu reflect on past glory as Madrid look to rebound from a setback.
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.
Mbappé has acknowledged the humorous AI-generated memes linking him to controversial figures but has said he dislikes the associations with killers and dictators. He has noted a lack of political and human awareness in some responses and has referenced the nickname “Mobut” given by Ousmane Dembélé. The discussion follows reports of a missed Manchester United interest in Mbappé from 2015.