Football
Dembélé’s hat-trick against Norway takes the pressure off and underlines France’s depth
Les Bleus have finally got their Ballon d’Or contender firing, a warning to the rest of the field.
Graham Arnold: Iraq’s football obsession is total
The Australian coach had never been in the country before his appointment. He says Barcelona–Real Madrid matchdays are treated as public holidays.
Como set to bring back Nico Paz, an impressive display of strength, not only financial but also sporting
No other Italian club, and very few in Europe, would have been able to put the deal together, having to convince Real Madrid and one of the world’s brightest young talents.
A large share of Ecuador’s World Cup last-16 squad comes from a small province without a top-flight club
Esmeraldas. A region in northern Ecuador with a distinct history.
Sunderland’s momentum continues at the World Cup
The Black Cats, nine players in the final stage, four already on the scoresheet.
Qatar’s football federation paid supporters for the 2026 World Cup, The Telegraph reports
According to the British newspaper, around a thousand people were involved in a paid cheering operation, many of whom had never watched a football match before the games in North America.
Club World Cup expansion to 48 teams increasingly likely, with leagues set to field more than two clubs each
An agreement between FIFA and the EFC, the international clubs’ organisation, is driving the expansion, as financial stakes rise and the tournament’s value becomes a central concern.
The United States national team is doing very well at the World Cup, also because it has “adopted” puppies in its training camp
The initiative, launched with support from a federation sponsor, is set to continue through the knockout stage and beyond.
Cruyff and the pitch in Guadalajara, still visible at one of the most striking stadiums of the 2026 World Cup
During his brief spell as consultant at Chivas Guadalajara, the Dutch legend insisted on natural grass, a decision whose effects are still visible today.
European-born players reshaping African national teams
Families, federation development and the expanded World Cup format are redrawing global football hierarchies.
After Miami, Messi even more decisive with Argentina. And maybe no coincidence
A life choice for Argentina, and for the game’s greatest player’s legacy.
Marco Palestra to Chelsea, good news for Palestra, Atalanta and Italian football — not for Inter
Being paid more than 50 million by a Premier League top club is not for everyone: Italian football still a competitive environment for talent.