https://www.theguardian.com/football Latest Football news, comment and analysis from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:54:03 GMT 2026-06-23T19:54:03Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/23/england-v-ghana-world-cup-2026-live <p>⚽ World Cup kick-off time: 4pm EST/9pm BST/6am AEST<br>⚽️ <a href="https://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Guide to all 1,248 players</a> | <a href="https://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory">Bracketology</a> | <a href="https://preview.gutools.co.uk/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner">Golden Boot</a></p><p><strong>Antoine Semenyo was only 10 years old when Ghana came within a Luis Suárez handball of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.</strong> The Manchester City forward can still vividly recall the emotions that night as he watched with his family in Bexleyheath, south-east London.</p><p>“I remember being at my uncle’s house, and we were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/18/my-favourite-game-uruguay-v-ghana-world-cup-2010-quarter-final">screaming after the handball</a>, thinking we were going through,” he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/17/from-wiltshire-to-wembley-semenyo-surreal-journey-hits-new-heights">said in an interview last month</a>. “Watching Ghana play in the World Cup was so special. Mum, Dad, uncles, aunties, cousins all turn up to one house, and we would watch all the games together, celebrating and screaming. Ghana came in [for me] when I was 19 or 20, so I was never going to turn it down.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/23/england-v-ghana-world-cup-2026-live">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport England Ghana football team Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:45:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/23/england-v-ghana-world-cup-2026-live Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Rob Smyth 2026-06-23T19:45:01Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/portugal-uzbekistan-world-cup-group-k-match-report <p>Golden oldies fighting for the golden boot? Let us not get ahead of ourselves. But it will do Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego no harm that he is off the mark at this World Cup, particularly in light of Lionel Messi’s voracious appetite to stoke fires that started long ago. Two first-half goals gave Houston’s public what they came for and laid an unfortunate run to rest. Until this contribution to what quickly became a leisurely non-contest, Ronaldo had not scored in 10 major tournament matches.</p><p>Thank goodness, then, for an Uzbekistan defence that would have struggled to hold firm in a Masters game. There could have been no better opponent to help Ronaldo get his eye in, Nuno Mendes’ free-kick, an Abdukodir Khusanov own goal and Rafael Leão’s late adornment emphasising the point. Fabio Cannavaro’s players could not get near opponents of this level.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/portugal-uzbekistan-world-cup-group-k-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Portugal Uzbekistan Football Sport Cristiano Ronaldo Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:20:34 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/portugal-uzbekistan-world-cup-group-k-match-report Photograph: Walid Ibrahim/Jna Press/Nexpher/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Walid Ibrahim/Jna Press/Nexpher/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Walid Ibrahim/Jna Press/Nexpher/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Nick Ames at Houston Stadium 2026-06-23T19:20:34Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/department-of-homeland-security-will-allow-iran-to-travel-to-us-early-for-world-cup-match <ul><li><p>Iran will be allowed into US 48 hours before crucial game</p></li><li><p>Team Melli have complained about travel conditions</p></li></ul><p>The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it will grant Iran extra time to prepare for their World Cup match against Egypt on Friday.</p><p>The team had planned to lodge an official complaint with Fifa about the “restrictions imposed by the organisers” at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/world-cup-football">World Cup</a>. Iran have been training in Mexico and were only allowed to enter the United States 24 hours before their first two matches.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/department-of-homeland-security-will-allow-iran-to-travel-to-us-early-for-world-cup-match">Continue reading...</a> Iran Iran World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Middle East and north Africa US news US politics Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:57:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/department-of-homeland-security-will-allow-iran-to-travel-to-us-early-for-world-cup-match Photograph: DiaEsportivo/Action Plus/Shutterstock Photograph: DiaEsportivo/Action Plus/Shutterstock Photograph: DiaEsportivo/Action Plus/Shutterstock Tom Lutz 2026-06-23T16:57:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/donald-trump-to-present-world-cup-trophy-infantino <ul><li><p>Two men due to share trophy-presenting on 19 July</p></li><li><p>‘We are together all the time’, says Fifa president </p></li></ul><p>Donald Trump will hand over the World Cup trophy to the winners at the final on 19 July, Gianni Infantino has said.</p><p>Infantino and Trump have forged a close relationship in the buildup to these finals, but the US president has made very few public pronouncements concerning the tournament since it began on 11 June.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/donald-trump-to-present-world-cup-trophy-infantino">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Gianni Infantino Donald Trump US news US politics Sport US sports Fifa Football politics Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:13:14 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/donald-trump-to-present-world-cup-trophy-infantino Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images PA Media 2026-06-23T17:13:14Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/transfer-latest-spurs-mateus-fernandes-sandro-tonali-chelsea-marco-palestra <ul><li><p>Tottenham also among clubs tracking Summerville</p></li><li><p>Chelsea consider move for Como’s Jacobo Ramón</p></li></ul><p>Roberto De Zerbi has been given significant funds and is looking to make two big moves in midfield. Tottenham are pushing to land Sandro Tonali, even though Newcastle will demand a huge fee for the Italy international, and have entered the race to sign Mateus Fernandes.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/18/west-ham-could-have-to-raise-100m-in-player-sales-if-they-are-relegated">West Ham need to raise funds</a> after relegation from the Premier League and are expected to lose Fernandes. The 21-year-old impressed after joining from Southampton for £38m last summer and is a key target for Manchester United. However Tottenham are pushing for the Portuguese midfielder and prepared to beat United on the finances. Real Madrid have also considered a move for Fernandes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/transfer-latest-spurs-mateus-fernandes-sandro-tonali-chelsea-marco-palestra">Continue reading...</a> Transfer window Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United Newcastle United Chelsea Atalanta Football Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:17:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/transfer-latest-spurs-mateus-fernandes-sandro-tonali-chelsea-marco-palestra Photograph: Robbie Hoad/Every Second Media/Shutterstock Photograph: Robbie Hoad/Every Second Media/Shutterstock Photograph: Robbie Hoad/Every Second Media/Shutterstock Jacob Steinberg 2026-06-23T19:17:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/23/david-squires-on-big-names-messi-mbappe-ronaldo-putting-on-a-show-at-world-cup <p>Our cartoonist on the heroes, villains and superstar performances in week two of the tournament</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://guardianprintshop.com/collections/david-squires"><strong>Buy a cartoon</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/04/david-squires-picks-his-favourite-cartoons-of-2025"><strong>Some of David’s favourite works</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://guardianbookshop.com/chaos-in-the-box-9781783352838/?utm_source=editoriallink&amp;utm_medium=merch&amp;utm_campaign=article"><strong>And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now</strong></a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/23/david-squires-on-big-names-messi-mbappe-ronaldo-putting-on-a-show-at-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Football Sport World Cup Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:02:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/23/david-squires-on-big-names-messi-mbappe-ronaldo-putting-on-a-show-at-world-cup Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian David Squires 2026-06-23T10:02:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/decisive-dembele-joins-party-but-could-group-dominance-hurt-france <p>Norway will provide a tougher test for two-time world champions – and they are going to need it before knockouts</p><p>France will take on Norway in Boston on Friday for the right to top Group I, but one man thinks it’s already done. “Honestly I don’t care that much”, Erling Haaland told Fox in the US. “They’re probably going to win against us. They’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”</p><p>Haaland may have been playing mind games, and you will not hear Didier Deschamps making any such argument. But the French head coach certainly took satisfaction from his team’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/france-iraq-world-cup-group-i-match-report">storm-hit but ultimately straightforward victory</a> over Iraq. Featuring another Kylian Mbappé double and two more assists for Michael Olise, this match’s notable success was Ousmane Dembélé’s arrival at the party, scoring his first tournament goal at the 20th attempt.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/decisive-dembele-joins-party-but-could-group-dominance-hurt-france">Continue reading...</a> France World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:54:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/decisive-dembele-joins-party-but-could-group-dominance-hurt-france Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock Paul MacInnes in Philadelphia 2026-06-23T16:54:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/gary-oneil-appointed-ipswich-town-manager-premier-league-return <ul><li><p>O’Neil signs three-year deal after spell at Strasbourg</p></li><li><p>Oxford United hire Wales legend after relegation</p></li></ul><p>Ipswich have unveiled Gary O’Neil as their new manager as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. The 43-year-old, who was in charge at French club Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal which will take him up to the summer of 2029.</p><p>O’Neil told the club’s website: “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club. I have followed the progress the club has made over the last few years closely and to now have the opportunity to lead Ipswich Town in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/gary-oneil-appointed-ipswich-town-manager-premier-league-return">Continue reading...</a> Ipswich Town Football Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:37:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/gary-oneil-appointed-ipswich-town-manager-premier-league-return Photograph: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images PA Media 2026-06-23T17:37:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide <p>Everything you need to know (and more) about every squad member. Click on the player pictures for more information</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport France Argentina Spain Brazil England Czechia Mexico South Africa football team South Korea Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada Qatar Switzerland Haiti football team Morocco football team Scotland Australia national football team – Socceroos Paraguay Turkey USA Curaçao Ecuador Germany Côte d’Ivoire football team Japan Netherlands Sweden Tunisia football team Belgium Egypt football team Iran New Zealand Cape Verde Saudi Arabia Uruguay Iraq Norway Senegal football team Algeria football team Austria Jordan Colombia Democratic Republic of the Congo football team Portugal Uzbekistan Croatia Panama Ghana football team US sports Australia sport Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:55:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images Marcus Christenson, David Hills, Steven Bloor and Garry Blight 2026-06-04T08:55:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory <p>Click your way through the group stage and the knockouts to crown champion</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Spain France Argentina Brazil England Sport Scotland South Korea Mexico Czechia South Africa football team Canada Qatar Bosnia and Herzegovina Morocco football team Haiti football team USA Turkey Australia national football team – Socceroos Paraguay Germany Ecuador Côte d’Ivoire football team Curaçao Netherlands Japan Sweden Tunisia football team Belgium Iran Egypt football team New Zealand Uruguay Saudi Arabia Cape Verde Senegal football team Norway Iraq Austria Algeria football team Jordan Portugal Colombia Democratic Republic of the Congo football team Uzbekistan Croatia Panama Ghana football team US sports Australia sport Switzerland Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Guardian Staff 2026-06-04T10:00:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2026/jun/23/david-narey-scotland-brazil-jimmy-hill-world-cup-1982-toe-poke <p>Narey’s goal at the World Cup in 1982 was a spectacular, unexpected and beautiful strike. But was it a toe poke?</p><p>By <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/that-1980s-sports-blog">That 1980s Sports Blog</a></p><p>If you are going to score one international goal, you might as well make it special. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw-1hZLnbDo&amp;t=18m44s">José Luis Brown</a> scoring for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final takes some beating. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi_2GELMwfY&amp;t=19s">Kieran Trippier</a> scored his only England goal in a World Cup semi-final. <a href="http://that1980ssportsblog.blogspot.com/2020/11/golden-goals-gary-mackay-1987.html">Gary Mackay’s only goal for Scotland</a> helped the Republic of Ireland reach Euro 88. And the general hilarity of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKDh04AN-Us">Davide Gualtieri’s sole strike for San Marino</a> ensures that it lives on in the memory.</p><p>Another player who can be added to this list is David Narey. His only goal for Scotland was a screamer against Brazil at the 1982 World Cup. The response to Narey’s moment of glory has added to its impact. Little did he know the story his right boot was about to tell as he let fly on that sweltering evening in Sevilla.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2026/jun/23/david-narey-scotland-brazil-jimmy-hill-world-cup-1982-toe-poke">Continue reading...</a> World Cup World Cup 2026 Football Sport Scotland Brazil Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:42:54 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2026/jun/23/david-narey-scotland-brazil-jimmy-hill-world-cup-1982-toe-poke Photograph: Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images Photograph: Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images Photograph: Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images Steven Pye 2026-06-23T15:42:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/scotland-fans-usa-world-cup-joy-fifa <p>Major tournaments bring people together and Scotland’s welcome presence adds to the case for a 48-team event</p><p>I could watch videos of the Scots online for hours. Wearing kilts, they marched through Boston playing bagpipes. In the stadium, the Tartan Army roared their team <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/haiti-scotland-world-cup-match-report">to victory against Haiti</a>, their first World Cup win in 36 years.</p><p>Afterwards they went to a baseball game and, singing and wearing knee-length red socks, turned a Boston Red Sox home game into part of the World Cup – and one of its highlights, too. In the stadium they had the rules of this sport, which we Europeans find difficult to understand, explained to them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/scotland-fans-usa-world-cup-joy-fifa">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Scotland World Cup Fifa Football Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/scotland-fans-usa-world-cup-joy-fifa Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Philipp Lahm 2026-06-23T07:00:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/argentinian-national-treasure-lionel-messi-world-cup-goal-record <p>Missed penalty merely delayed the inevitable before forward scored the goals to go past Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goals record</p><p>There stood 38-year-old Lionel Messi by the penalty spot, poised for yet another flashbulb moment in a career already overflowing with them. Just a few days removed from his first World Cup hat-trick – one that had thrust him into co-ownership of the all-time tournament goalscoring record – Messi had been gifted an opportunity to notch his 17th goal and stand atop the mountain alone.</p><p>Calmly, coolly, he approached the ball. And then he missed the goal entirely.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/argentinian-national-treasure-lionel-messi-world-cup-goal-record">Continue reading...</a> Lionel Messi Argentina World Cup 2026 Football Sport World Cup Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:01:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/argentinian-national-treasure-lionel-messi-world-cup-goal-record Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Pablo Iglesias Maurer at Dallas Stadium 2026-06-22T21:01:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/mens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-europes-top-five-leagues <p>All the latest Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A deals and a club-by-club guide</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/womens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-worlds-top-six-leagues">Women’s transfer window interactive guide</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/mens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-europes-top-five-leagues">Continue reading...</a> Transfer window Football Sport Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/mens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-europes-top-five-leagues Composite: PR handout Composite: PR handout Composite: PR handout Niall McVeigh, Will Magee, Billy Munday and Garry Blight 2026-06-08T09:00:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/womens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-worlds-top-six-leagues <p>Every deal in the NWSL, WSL, Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile as well as a club-by-club guide</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/mens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-europes-top-five-leagues">Men’s transfer window interactive guide</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/womens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-worlds-top-six-leagues">Continue reading...</a> Transfer window Football Sport Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/womens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-worlds-top-six-leagues Composite: Getty Images, Guardian design Composite: Getty Images, Guardian design Composite: Getty Images, Guardian design Sarah Rendell and Garry Blight 2026-06-08T09:00:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/france-iraq-world-cup-group-i-match-report <p></p><p>Could France do it on a hot, humid, waterlogged and lightning-threatened night in Pennsylvania? The answer was pretty straightforward. Despite an interruption of more than two hours after a chain of severe thunderstorms disrupted play at Philadelphia Stadium, France brushed past the physical challenge of Iraq, and furthered Kylian Mbappé’s personal duel with Lionel Messi in the process.</p><p>The France captain got another two goals on the night of his 100th cap, the first a rip-snorter from outside the box after a period of dominance, the second a tap in after calamitous defending from Iraq. Ousmane Dembélé got the third, his first goal at a major tournament. Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, was able to confirm passage to the knockout rounds, rest players from his starting XI, and even retire Dembélé and Michael Olise on the hour, preserving them for more taxing contests. There were no clouds on this particular horizon.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/france-iraq-world-cup-group-i-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 France Iraq World Cup Football Sport Kylian Mbappé Tue, 23 Jun 2026 01:05:39 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/france-iraq-world-cup-group-i-match-report Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Paul MacInnes at Philadelphia Stadium 2026-06-23T01:05:39Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cape-verde-uruguay-world-cup-group-h-match-report <p>Wow. The continuation of Cape Verde’s fairytale may have serious repercussions for Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay. The heroics of Cape Verde in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/spain-cape-verde-world-cup-2026-group-h-match-report">holding Spain to a draw</a> mean Uruguay should have been forewarned and forearmed in Florida. Instead, this tiny nation with a population equivalent to that of Bristol embarrassed World Cup aristocracy once more. What fun, what glorious fun.</p><p>Uruguay now head into Group H’s final game against Spain with their tournament involvement in serious jeopardy after having already <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/saudi-arabia-uruguay-world-cup-match-report">failed to beat Saudi Arabia</a>. Cape Verde will hold high and legitimate hopes of seeing off the Saudis on Friday. They might not even need to, with an aggregate of three points from another draw potentially good enough for the last 32. The Blue Sharks, swimming in bigger waters than ever before, are the story of this World Cup. Uruguay have desperately underperformed thus far.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cape-verde-uruguay-world-cup-group-h-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Cape Verde Uruguay World Cup Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:28:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cape-verde-uruguay-world-cup-group-h-match-report Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters Ewan Murray at Miami Stadium 2026-06-22T00:28:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/new-zealand-egypt-world-cup-group-g-match-report <p>Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to their first ever World Cup win as they came from a goal down to beat New Zealand 3-1 with a superb second-half display, moving top of Group G and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.</p><p>After a relatively quiet first half in which New Zealand took the lead in the 15th minute, Egypt and Salah turned up the heat in the second period as the 34-year-old forward showed he is still capable of conjuring magic from his boots.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/new-zealand-egypt-world-cup-group-g-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Egypt football team New Zealand World Cup Football Sport Mohamed Salah Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:11:14 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/new-zealand-egypt-world-cup-group-g-match-report Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters Reuters 2026-06-22T03:11:14Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/belgium-iran-world-cup-group-g-match-report <p>There was simply no debate over the moment of the match and it is one that Iran will cherish, even more so if they are to progress to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time. Every angle of Alireza Beiranvand’s preposterous save to prevent Belgium taking the lead approaching the hour added to the miraculousness of it all. Perhaps the most ludicrous element was that Beiranvand appeared to have been eliminated from the game when the ball dropped at the feet of Maxim De Cuyper inside the six-yard box, the goal gaping. Yet, while scrambling on the turf after seesawing to his left in an attempt to intercept Kevin De Bruyne’s rolled cross, Beiranvand stuck out a strong left hand to shut the door in the face of De Cuyper, before smothering the ball.</p><p>Presumably, given this summer’s apparent appetite for a goalkeeping cult hero, this all means Beiranvand’s following might now increase tenfold, though as Iran’s longtime No 1 who saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty at the 2018 World Cup, he is no unknown. Just ask Vozinha and Eloy Room how their outstanding performances for Cape Verde and Curaçao respectively have done wonders for their profile. At 33, Beiranvand is a youngster compared to those guys.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/belgium-iran-world-cup-group-g-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Belgium Iran World Cup Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:16:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/belgium-iran-world-cup-group-g-match-report Photograph: Mark J Terrill/AP Photograph: Mark J Terrill/AP Photograph: Mark J Terrill/AP Ben Fisher at Los Angeles Stadium 2026-06-21T21:16:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/julian-alvarez-sparks-transfer-frenzy-by-telling-atletico-madrid-he-wants-to-leave <ul><li><p>Argentina forward wants to ‘fulfil dream’ by departing</p></li><li><p>Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG linked with 26-year-old</p></li></ul><p>Julián Alvarez has said he wants to ⁠leave Atlético Madrid to “fulfil his dream” following reported interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid ⁠and Paris Saint-⁠Germain.</p><p>“I ​spoke with people at the club [Atlético], with those I had to speak with, ⁠and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil ⁠my dream,” Alvarez said after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/argentina-austria-world-cup-group-j-match-report">Argentina’s World Cup Group ​J win over Austria</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/julian-alvarez-sparks-transfer-frenzy-by-telling-atletico-madrid-he-wants-to-leave">Continue reading...</a> Atlético Madrid Argentina Barcelona Paris Saint-Germain Real Madrid Transfer window Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:06:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/julian-alvarez-sparks-transfer-frenzy-by-telling-atletico-madrid-he-wants-to-leave Photograph: Jeffrey Mcwhorter/EPA Photograph: Jeffrey Mcwhorter/EPA Photograph: Jeffrey Mcwhorter/EPA Reuters 2026-06-22T23:06:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/arsenal-make-morgan-rogers-top-target-in-transfer-window <ul><li><p>Champions expected to make an approach for forward</p></li><li><p>Fee could be around £100m for Villa’s England player</p></li></ul><p>Arsenal are expected to make an approach to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa after identifying the England forward as their primary transfer target this summer.</p><p>The Premier League champions want to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad and are hopeful of bringing Rogers to north London, although he could cost up to £100m. Talks with Villa have yet to commence but they are expected to make contact in the coming weeks. The former European champions do not want to sell the 23-year-old, who also has interest from Chelsea and others, but Arsenal are confident of doing a deal.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/arsenal-make-morgan-rogers-top-target-in-transfer-window">Continue reading...</a> Transfer window Arsenal Aston Villa Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:20:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/arsenal-make-morgan-rogers-top-target-in-transfer-window Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Ed Aarons 2026-06-22T21:20:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/wsl-wsl2-fans-can-drink-alcohol-in-stands-next-season-after-successful-trial <ul><li><p>Leagues’ regulations altered after positive test period</p></li><li><p>Clubs will not be obliged to offer option to supporters</p></li></ul><p>Women’s Super League and WSL2 clubs can permit supporters to drink alcohol in view of the pitch from next season, the Guardian can reveal, after a change to the leagues’ regulations on the back of a successful trial over the past 18 months.</p><p>Not all clubs will necessarily take up the opportunity, but it is understood WSL Football’s shareholders have approved the change. Clubs will be expected to inform their fans whether they will allow the practice, and in which areas of stadiums it will be permitted.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/wsl-wsl2-fans-can-drink-alcohol-in-stands-next-season-after-successful-trial">Continue reading...</a> Women's Super League Women's Super League 2 Women's football Football Alcohol Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:44:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/wsl-wsl2-fans-can-drink-alcohol-in-stands-next-season-after-successful-trial Photograph: John Walton/PA Photograph: John Walton/PA Photograph: John Walton/PA Exclusive by Tom Garry 2026-06-22T11:44:00Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/grimsby-town-death-alex-hughes-mark-hughes <ul><li><p>Hughes family heartbroken at unexpected loss</p></li><li><p>Father of two joined Mariners as recruitment lead in 2025</p></li></ul><p>Grimsby have paid tribute to Alex Hughes after his death at the age of 38. Hughes, the son of the former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes, was player recruitment lead at the League Two club.</p><p>The Hughes family said in a statement released via the League Managers Association that they were “heartbroken” at the “sudden and unexpected loss” of Alex and that he would be “deeply missed”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/grimsby-town-death-alex-hughes-mark-hughes">Continue reading...</a> Grimsby Football Sport Mark Hughes League Two Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:47:25 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/grimsby-town-death-alex-hughes-mark-hughes Photograph: Grimsby Town FC Photograph: Grimsby Town FC Photograph: Grimsby Town FC PA Media 2026-06-21T14:47:25Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/premier-league-fixtures-opening-arsenal-coventry-liverpool-newcastle-manchester-united-hull <ul><li><p>Manchester United travel to Hull on first weekend</p></li><li><p>Manchester City without Guardiola host Bournemouth </p></li></ul><p>Coventry will begin their first Premier League campaign in 25 years with a Friday night trip to the champions, Arsenal, on 21 August. Their fellow promoted club Hull begin at home to Manchester United on the Saturday and Ipswich entertain Sunderland that day.</p><p>Other eye-catching opening weekend fixtures include Andoni Iraola taking Liverpool to Newcastle on 23 August for his debut match and Manchester City starting life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on the same day.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/premier-league-fixtures-opening-arsenal-coventry-liverpool-newcastle-manchester-united-hull">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Sport Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:09:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/premier-league-fixtures-opening-arsenal-coventry-liverpool-newcastle-manchester-united-hull Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty Images Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty Images Photograph: Alex Pantling/Getty Images PA Media 2026-06-19T09:09:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/23/messi-in-a-class-of-his-own-and-rain-stops-play-in-philadelphia-world-cup-daily <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/maxrushden.bsky.social">Max Rushden</a> is joined by <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:i55lfvhkg573wfmby5sdnvq6">Barry Glendenning</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/anabnos.com">Alexander Abnos</a> and Mark Langdon as Lionel Messi becomes the all-time top goalscorer at World Cups, while there’s a huge storm delay in France 3-0 Iraq</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/23/messi-in-a-class-of-his-own-and-rain-stops-play-in-philadelphia-world-cup-daily">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:59:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/23/messi-in-a-class-of-his-own-and-rain-stops-play-in-philadelphia-world-cup-daily Photograph: Getty Images Photograph: Getty Images Photograph: Getty Images 2026-06-23T05:59:01Z https://www.theguardian.com/info/2022/nov/14/football-daily-email-sign-up <p>Kick off your afternoon with the Guardian’s take on the world of football</p><p>Every weekday, we’ll deliver a roundup the football news and gossip in our own belligerent, sometimes intelligent and – very occasionally – funny way. Still not convinced? Find out what you’re missing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/thefiver/latest/email">here</a>.</p><p>Try our other sports emails: there’s weekly catch-ups for cricket in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-spin">The Spin</a> and rugby union in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-breakdown">The Breakdown</a>, and our seven-day round-up of the best of our sports journalism in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/15/the-recap-sign-up-for-the-best-of-the-guardians-sport-coverage">The Recap</a>.</p><p>Living in Australia? Try the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/jun/05/guardian-australia-sport-newsletter-subscribe-by-email">Guardian Australia’s daily sports newsletter</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2022/nov/14/football-daily-email-sign-up">Continue reading...</a> Information Football Newsletter sign-up Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:05:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/info/2022/nov/14/football-daily-email-sign-up Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Guardian Staff 2022-11-14T09:05:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts <p>Get our roundup of women’s football for free twice a week, featuring the insights of experts such as Ada Hegerberg and Magdalena Eriksson</p><p>Join us as we delve deeper into the wonderful world of women’s football in our weekly newsletter. It is informative, entertaining, global, critical – when needed – and, above all, passionate. Written mainly by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/julia-belas-trindade">Júlia Belas Trindade</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/sophie-downey">Sophie Downey</a>, expect guest appearances from stars such as Anita Asante, Ada Hegerberg and many more.</p><p>Try our other sports emails: as well as the occasionally funny football email <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2016/jan/05/the-fiver-email-sign-up">The Fiver </a>from Monday to Friday, there are weekly catch-ups for cricket in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-spin">The Spin</a> and rugby union in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-breakdown">The Breakdown</a>, and our seven-day roundup of the best of our sports journalism in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/15/the-recap-sign-up-for-the-best-of-the-guardians-sport-coverage">The Recap</a>.</p><p>Living in Australia? Try the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/jun/05/guardian-australia-sport-newsletter-subscribe-by-email">Guardian Australia’s daily sports newsletter</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts">Continue reading...</a> Football Women's football Sport Newsletter sign-up Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:57:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Suzanne Wrack 2022-03-22T16:57:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/sign-up-to-the-sport-in-focus-newsletter-the-sporting-week-in-photos <p>Our editors’ favourite sporting images from the past week, from the spectacular to the powerful, and with a little bit of fun thrown in</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/sign-up-to-the-sport-in-focus-newsletter-the-sporting-week-in-photos">Continue reading...</a> Newsletter sign-up Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:00:23 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/sign-up-to-the-sport-in-focus-newsletter-the-sporting-week-in-photos Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Guardian Staff 2025-10-01T11:00:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/15/the-recap-sign-up-for-the-best-of-the-guardians-sport-coverage <p>The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action</p><p>Subscribe to get our editors’ pick of the Guardian’s award-winning sport coverage. We’ll email you the stand-out features and interviews, insightful analysis and highlights from the archive, plus films, podcasts, galleries and more – all arriving in your inbox at every Friday lunchtime. And we’ll set you up for the weekend and let you know our live coverage plans so you’ll be ahead of the game. <a href="https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2020/11/16/TheRecap.pdf">Here’s what you can expect from us.</a></p><p>Try our other sports emails: there’s daily football news and gossip in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2016/jan/05/the-fiver-email-sign-up">The Fiver</a>, and weekly catch-ups for cricket in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-spin">The Spin</a> and rugby union in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/18/sign-up-to-the-breakdown">The Breakdown</a>.</p><p>Living in Australia? Try the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/jun/05/guardian-australia-sport-newsletter-subscribe-by-email">Guardian Australia’s daily sports newsletter</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/15/the-recap-sign-up-for-the-best-of-the-guardians-sport-coverage">Continue reading...</a> Sport Information Newsletter sign-up Mon, 15 May 2017 11:00:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/15/the-recap-sign-up-for-the-best-of-the-guardians-sport-coverage Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Guardian Staff 2017-05-15T11:00:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/17/its-just-a-statistic-messi-on-tying-all-time-world-cup-scoring-record-video <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, in his 200th cap, took another step towards solidifying his place as the greatest footballer in the history of the sport, scoring three goals and tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time goal scoring mark in World Cup play (16).</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/lionel-messi-hat-trick-algeria-argentina-world-cup"><strong>What happened on a historic night for Argentina? ‘Messi things’</strong></a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/17/its-just-a-statistic-messi-on-tying-all-time-world-cup-scoring-record-video">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Lionel Messi Sport Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:27:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/17/its-just-a-statistic-messi-on-tying-all-time-world-cup-scoring-record-video Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Pablo Iglesias Maurer 2026-06-17T11:27:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/19/era-of-spy-mauricio-pochettino-spotted-looking-for-spies-video <p>Guardian journalist Pablo Iglesias Maurer captured the US manager Mauricio Pochettino taking a video appearing to look for spies at his team's training ground.&nbsp;“I wanted to see, because you know, we're in an era of, how you say: spy,” he told reporters at his pre-match press conference before their second group-stage match against Australia.</p><p></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer"><strong>World Cup newsletter</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly"><strong>Daily podcast</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://app.adjust.com/1o65wsyj"><strong>Download the app</strong></a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/19/era-of-spy-mauricio-pochettino-spotted-looking-for-spies-video">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Mauricio Pochettino Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:21:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/19/era-of-spy-mauricio-pochettino-spotted-looking-for-spies-video Photograph: Shutterstock Photograph: Shutterstock Photograph: Shutterstock 2026-06-19T11:21:41Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/16/from-brazil-to-haaland-four-must-watch-world-cup-group-stage-matches-video <p>With the World Cup expanding to a massive 104 matches, navigating the "morass of endless football" can feel a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, the Guardian’s&nbsp;chief sports writer, Barney Ronay, has done the heavy lifting. He breaks down the group stage fixtures you absolutely cannot miss - from historic David v Goliath battles to high-stakes political showdowns.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/16/from-brazil-to-haaland-four-must-watch-world-cup-group-stage-matches-video">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Brazil Haiti football team Norway Senegal football team Egypt football team Iran Ecuador Germany England Sport Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:22:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2026/jun/16/from-brazil-to-haaland-four-must-watch-world-cup-group-stage-matches-video Photograph: The Guardian Photograph: The Guardian Photograph: The Guardian Barney Ronay, David Verman, Francesca de Bassa, Elena Cresci and Nikhita Chulani 2026-06-16T18:22:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/thomas-tuchel-brings-the-surge-to-make-england-genuine-world-cup-threat <p>Head coach wants players to use energy in the right spaces and is also getting the best out of an in-form Harry Kane</p><p>It didn’t take long for one wag in the travelling England caravan to come up with a deeply inappropriate nickname for that jazzed-up high-energy start to the second-half performance in Dallas last Wednesday. That name was:&nbsp;Packetball.</p><p>The word packet is, the Urban Dictionary confirms, slang for a small sachet of the same illegal and wholly inadvisable stimulant that was discovered in more than half of the Wembley Stadium toilets by a newspaper investigation after a home qualifier during the Southgate era.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/thomas-tuchel-brings-the-surge-to-make-england-genuine-world-cup-threat">Continue reading...</a> England World Cup Thomas Tuchel World Cup 2026 Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:00:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/thomas-tuchel-brings-the-surge-to-make-england-genuine-world-cup-threat Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA Barney Ronay in New York 2026-06-22T18:00:17Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/behind-the-scenes-official-world-cup-portrait-photographs <p>Poses and backstage snaps showcase the players’ personalities and the mechanics of Fifa’s obligatory photoshoots</p><p>Lionel Messi of Argentina stands rigidly in front of the camera. Marc Cucurella of Spain whips his hair and appears to boogie. Diego Moreira of Belgium covers his eyes with his forearm and reveals an eerie tattoo. Harry Kane leans awkwardly on to one knee.</p><p>There are 1,248 football players and 48 managers at the World Cup, and none could escape the obligatory media duty that is the official portrait – whether or not they had a fun pose in mind.</p><p>(Above) Diego Moreira of Belgium obscures his eyes for an eerie portrait. (Below) Marc Cucurella of Spain, Ronald Araújo of Uruguay and various other familiar faces.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/behind-the-scenes-official-world-cup-portrait-photographs">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Sport Football Photography Marcelo Bielsa Lionel Messi Jude Bellingham Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:39:23 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/behind-the-scenes-official-world-cup-portrait-photographs Photograph: Johnnie Izquierdo/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Johnnie Izquierdo/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Johnnie Izquierdo/FIFA/Getty Images Jonny Weeks 2026-06-22T09:39:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/julian-quinones-mexico-world-cup-blackness-race-identity <p>Two years ago, Quiñones was the target of racist chants by fans. Now, hailed as a hero in that same country, he’s challenging expectations of race and identity</p><p>On a March night in Guadalajara in 2024, Club América were winning El Clásico Nacional. Julián Quiñones, their star player, had scored and headed toward the sideline. Then a shout at Quiñones, who is Black, rang out from the stands. <em>¡Puto negro!</em> A racial slur.</p><p>Moments later, monkey noises were heard in the stands. The scene was familiar to anyone who follows Mexican soccer. <a href="https://x.com/EnriqueVonBeas/status/1766187746219946467">Cell phone videos captured</a> it. Commentators analyzed it the next day. Officials <a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2024/03/09/concacaf-to-investigate-chivas-fans-racist-chants-vs-america-quinones/77412536007/">condemned</a> it. Investigations were announced. For a few days, the Mexican game went through its ritual of shock.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/julian-quinones-mexico-world-cup-blackness-race-identity">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Mexico Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:22:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/julian-quinones-mexico-world-cup-blackness-race-identity Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Raúl Vilchis in Mexico City 2026-06-22T12:22:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-world-cup <p>One of the finest players to grace the game no longer deserves his place in the team and should take it upon himself to stand down to serve their chances</p><p>At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo’s problem is not his age. It is that nobody seems willing to tell him to his face what everyone else can see. In Portugal, patience for the legend has run dry.</p><p>Ronaldo is not fit to be a Portugal starter any more. What would have sounded like a treasonous statement a few years ago now looks an obvious truth. At least to everyone except the national team manager, Roberto Martínez, and his coaching staff.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal World Cup Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-world-cup Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Miguel Dantas 2026-06-22T04:00:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-red-cards-history <p>Miguel Almirón’s dismissal was unusual but there’s nothing new about players losing their cool on the biggest stage</p><p>After a fairly pedestrian first half of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/11/mexico-south-africa-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report">opening match of the 2026 World Cup</a>, the game burst into life in the second period. South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, who had been at fault for Mexico’s opening goal, compounded his error by being sent off in the 49th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity. When Themba Zwane was dismissed, South Africa became the 15th team to have two players sent off in the same World Cup match.</p><p>There was time for one more red card before full-time, the Mexico centre-back César Montes seeing red in stoppage time and following in the footsteps of his manager, Javier Aguirre, who was sent off while playing for Mexico in the 1986 quarter-final against West Germany in Monterrey.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-red-cards-history">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:15:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-red-cards-history Composite: Getty Composite: Getty Composite: Getty Richard Foster 2026-06-22T15:15:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/thierry-henry-alexi-lalas-fox-world-cup <p>Fox’s broadcast at the tournament has become a story of two contrasting styles. And there is one clear winner</p><p>We all know someone like Alexi Lalas. He’s the ranter whose rants never actually say anything, the life of the party at the party no one enjoys attending, the “big personality” who’s always misjudging the size of the room. He’s corporate America’s idea of a fun guy, the type of workplace “character” whose business trip hangover never stops him from being first at the hotel breakfast buffet, hair wet, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E31oX-a_5t8">Untuckit</a> shirt untucked. He would absolutely dominate karaoke night at a conference on infrastructure finance. If only this were the limit of Alexi Lalas’s actual impact on the world, our culture would live in blessed ignorance of his existence. But in the real world Alexi Lalas is not a small-time menace working the floor at an infrastructure conference. In the real world Alexi Lalas is American soccer’s brightest media star, and he is everywhere this World Cup.</p><p>When Lalas’s Roger Ramjet jaw thrust into frame on Fox at the start of this tournament, it’s fair to assume that many viewers felt a sense of dread similar to that expressed in the Grand Theft Auto <a href="https://en.meming.world/wiki/File:Ah_Shit,_Here_We_Go_Again.jpg/">meme</a>: “Ah shit, here we go again.” Lalas’s ubiquitousness every World Cup is American TV’s answer to the Iran war: no one wants it, everyone hates it, and as it drags on, it inevitably becomes a face-saving exercise in damage limitation. But there was also a glimmer of hope: for this tournament Fox has enlisted a pair of elite European strikers, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, to terrorize Lalas and shake proceedings up. Steered by Rebecca Lowe, this new-look panel has promised a slightly more sophisticated approach to covering the tournament than the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/05/fox-sports-us-world-cup-coverage-tv-soccer">yahooing belligerence</a> that was Fox’s stock in trade at the last two World Cups.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/thierry-henry-alexi-lalas-fox-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Thierry Henry Zlatan Ibrahimovic World Cup US television Sport TV Fox Football US television industry Television Television & radio Media Culture Sport US sports Television industry Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:00:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/thierry-henry-alexi-lalas-fox-world-cup Photograph: Frank Micelotta/Fox Sports/Getty Images Photograph: Frank Micelotta/Fox Sports/Getty Images Photograph: Frank Micelotta/Fox Sports/Getty Images Aaron Timms 2026-06-21T09:00:27Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/ruben-amorim-agrees-become-milan-head-coach-boost-manchester-finances-compensation <ul><li><p>Portuguese will replace Massimiliano Allegri at San Siro</p></li><li><p>United will not need to pay full £16.7m compensation</p></li></ul><p>Ruben Amorim is poised to return to management after agreeing to become Milan’s head coach. The move will make Manchester United a significant saving on his compensation package, the club having <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/05/ruben-amorim-sacked-by-manchester-united-transfers-power-struggle">dismissed him in </a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jan/05/ruben-amorim-sacked-by-manchester-united-transfers-power-struggle">January</a>.</p><p>Amorim will replace Massimiliano Allegri at Milan after accepting a two-year contract, with the option of a third, and will be tasked with turning things around after the club finished fifth in Serie A.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/ruben-amorim-agrees-become-milan-head-coach-boost-manchester-finances-compensation">Continue reading...</a> Ruben Amorim Milan Manchester United Football Sport Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:25:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/ruben-amorim-agrees-become-milan-head-coach-boost-manchester-finances-compensation Photograph: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Photograph: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Photograph: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Will Unwin 2026-06-15T12:25:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/14/young-socceroos-inspiring-australians-world-cup <p>Irankunda and co have not yet earned golden generation status but they can revive Australia’s World Cup aspirations</p><p>There always was a familiar feeling to this youthful squad of Socceroos. That sense of deja vu. That you had seen something like this before. But it took Nestory Irankunda running to the corner flag to remember what it was.</p><p>By reviving Tim Cahill’s famous goal celebration, the new face of Australian football instantly connected this fearless crop of young footballers finding their way on the world stage to the greats wearing yellow that have gone before.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/14/young-socceroos-inspiring-australians-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Australia national football team – Socceroos Turkey Football World Cup Australia sport Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:00:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2026/jun/14/young-socceroos-inspiring-australians-world-cup Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters Photograph: Lee Smith/Reuters Jack Snape at BC Place Vancouver 2026-06-14T15:00:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/why-football-does-not-remember-the-name-of-its-greatest-ever-jewish-player <p>Influential Jewish managers such as Bela Guttman survived the Holocaust. In his new book, David Bolchover explores the great players who did not</p><p>Who was the best Brazilian player of all time? Pelé comes the answer. Argentina? Maradona or Messi. Hungary? Puskas. Holland? Cruyff. Germany? Beckenbauer. Portugal? Eusébio or Ronaldo – take your pick. France? Zidane? England? Perhaps Bobby Charlton?</p><p>What about the best Jewish footballer ever? Gotcha! That’s one to send even a group of the most historically literate Jewish football nerds into a prolonged silence. Not even a semblance of a suggestion is likely to emanate from their lips. Maybe they will break into a smile to indicate that we Jews are not very good at football, so choosing the best is probably a pointless exercise anyway, because the best would be rather bad in the broader scheme of things.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/why-football-does-not-remember-the-name-of-its-greatest-ever-jewish-player">Continue reading...</a> Football Hungary Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 04:00:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/why-football-does-not-remember-the-name-of-its-greatest-ever-jewish-player Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images David Bolchover 2026-06-13T04:00:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/02/ligue-1-season-awards-hits-misses-shocks-flops-2025-26-vitinha-sage-paul-pogba-nice <p>It was a season to remember for Vitinha, Pierre Sage and Florian Thauvin but one to forget for Paul Pogba and Nice </p><p>By <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/">Get French Football News</a></p><p>“I like feeling the match go through me,” said Vitinha at the end of December. It’s an apt way for the 26-year-old to interpret his role at PSG, given that everything the team produces on the pitch involves him in some way or another.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/02/ligue-1-season-awards-hits-misses-shocks-flops-2025-26-vitinha-sage-paul-pogba-nice">Continue reading...</a> Ligue 1 Paris Saint-Germain Football European club football Sport Lens Lyon Monaco Nice Paul Pogba Marseille Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:14:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/02/ligue-1-season-awards-hits-misses-shocks-flops-2025-26-vitinha-sage-paul-pogba-nice Composite: Getty/Shutterstock Composite: Getty/Shutterstock Composite: Getty/Shutterstock Raphaël Jucobin and Luke Entwistle 2026-06-02T14:14:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-2026-us-united-states-usa-co-host-nation <p>Tournament could hold up a useful hand mirror to the isolationism and divisiveness of Trump’s joint-host nation</p><p>One of the best parts of following football across the world is the&nbsp;way it drags you into special places, local shrines, objects of profound cultural connection. The US, of course, has these holy&nbsp;spaces too.</p><p>The queue of pilgrims in Philadelphia on Thursday morning stretched down the sun-blasted steps to the plaza at the bottom. Edging forward, the people in their ritual colours approached the figure at the top, arms outstretched in supplication, in a state of hushed deference. Called finally for his moment of communion, the man at the front of this line straightened his Ronaldinho shirt, clenched his fists above his head for the ceremonial Insta pic and shouted: “Adrian! I did it.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-2026-us-united-states-usa-co-host-nation">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football US sports Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/world-cup-2026-us-united-states-usa-co-host-nation Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Barney Ronay in New York 2026-06-22T04:00:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/i-dont-like-the-world-cup-hydration-breaks-but-trust-me-they-help-the-coaches <p>Nobody wants more stoppages in the game but it allows us, whether on TV or the touchline, to analyse what we see</p><p>In the NFL or NBA, a head coach can sometimes affect momentum in the game during a timeout. Even as a head coach in American football you get three timeouts per half. In most cases in soccer, players have to problem-solve and think on their feet.</p><p>I’m not a fan of the hydration breaks that have been introduced at this World Cup, but they’re here for now and it is fascinating from a coaching perspective because the momentum has swung straight after several hydration breaks. That could suggest coach involvement has helped teams to tweak things.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/i-dont-like-the-world-cup-hydration-breaks-but-trust-me-they-help-the-coaches">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Emma Hayes Sat, 20 Jun 2026 04:00:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/i-dont-like-the-world-cup-hydration-breaks-but-trust-me-they-help-the-coaches Photograph: Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images Emma Hayes 2026-06-20T04:00:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/life-hollywood-bubble-second-fiddle-us-need-for-world-cup-success <p>Working at a tournament brings its own demands but nothing like the pressure on home players for a good showing</p><p>Greetings from Los Angeles – from your own podcasting correspondent. England aside, it’s been 20 years since I was in the host country for a major tournament. Professional commitments make this a marginally different experience from driving around Germany with Ian, Matt and Oli in 2006 just wondering when the next stein was going to be thrust into my hands – dancing with Trinidad and Tobago fans, feeling lucky to miss out on Brazil v Australia tickets because my hangover was too much for the sun.</p><p>The question you are asked most by people back home is along the lines of: “Is there World Cup fever in the States?” I am reminded of a local TV crew who walked around central Cambridge on the eve of our FA Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace in 1990 asking people how they felt about the game, and being rewarded with lots of nice middle-class people who didn’t even know there was a football team in Cambridge.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/life-hollywood-bubble-second-fiddle-us-need-for-world-cup-success">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport USA Australia national football team – Socceroos US sports Australia sport Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:05:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/life-hollywood-bubble-second-fiddle-us-need-for-world-cup-success Illustration: David Lyttleton Illustration: David Lyttleton Illustration: David Lyttleton Max Rushden 2026-06-19T17:05:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/players-are-human-beings-and-social-media-comments-reach-us-but-the-focus-has-to-be-on-the-pitch <p>The pressure of wearing the Brazil shirt can be heavy but also creates a positive kind of responsibility</p><p>Playing in a World Cup is a huge experience; when you’re with the national team, your entire focus is on the squad’s schedule – the hotel, the training centre, the stadium – basically, everything revolves around the matches.</p><p>I lived that routine daily at the 2022 World Cup and realised the immense dedication the tournament demands. In this 2026 edition, as fate would have it and as I am still recovering from my injury, I’m discovering a different side of the World Cup: a World Cup of reunions, with countless events happening simultaneously across the cities and countries, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/england-world-cup-training-base-kansas-city-swope">creating opportunities for conversations</a> and extraordinary experiences.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/players-are-human-beings-and-social-media-comments-reach-us-but-the-focus-has-to-be-on-the-pitch">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Brazil World Cup Football Sport Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/players-are-human-beings-and-social-media-comments-reach-us-but-the-focus-has-to-be-on-the-pitch Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images Photograph: Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images Rodrygo 2026-06-19T07:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/19/socceroos-world-cup-so-far-david-squires-cartoon <p>Our cartoonist looks at Australia’s involvement at the tournament, with a place in the knockout phase tantalisingly close</p><p>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/watch-2026-world-cup-australia-socceroos-vs-usa-game-kick-off-time-sbs-tv-guide">How to watch the Socceroos</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer">World Cup newsletter</a><br>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly">Daily podcast</a> | <a href="https://app.adjust.com/1o65wsyj">Download the app</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/19/socceroos-world-cup-so-far-david-squires-cartoon">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Australia national football team – Socceroos World Cup Australia sport Football Sport Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:00:08 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/jun/19/socceroos-world-cup-so-far-david-squires-cartoon Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian David Squires 2026-06-18T15:00:08Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-review-our-writers-best-and-worst-of-the-season <p>The Premier League season is over, but what did Guardian football writers enjoy, dislike or marvel at over the last nine months? </p><p>Goalkeepers never usually get a mention for this award but <strong>David Raya</strong> played an integral role in Arsenal finally getting over the line, winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove award for a third year in a row thanks to 19 clean sheets. Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes were the outstanding outfield players. <strong>Ed Aarons</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-review-our-writers-best-and-worst-of-the-season">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Sport Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-review-our-writers-best-and-worst-of-the-season Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Guardian sport 2026-05-26T07:00:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/story-of-2025-26-premier-league-season-in-100-photos <p>A century of our favourite images from the season including wild celebrations, protesting fans and goalmouth scrambles</p><p>Reigning champions Liverpool left it late to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/15/liverpool-bournemouth-premier-league-match-report">beat Bournemouth 4-2</a> on the opening day of the season in their first league game back at Anfield following the death of Diogo Jota. The Reds also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/25/newcastle-united-liverpool-premier-league-match-report">squeaked past Newcastle</a> thanks to Rio Ngumoha and then Arsenal, after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/31/liverpool-arsenal-premier-league-match-report">Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick</a>, which won goal of the month. Meanwhile, Manchester City <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/23/manchester-city-tottenham-premier-league-match-report">lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/31/brighton-manchester-city-premier-league-match-report">2-1 away at Brighton</a>, Everton christened their new home, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/20/everton-new-ground-hill-dickinson-stadium">Hill Dickinson Stadium</a>, with a win, and Sunderland made a strong start on their return to the top flight with two wins from three.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/story-of-2025-26-premier-league-season-in-100-photos">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Sport Arsenal Manchester City Manchester United Liverpool Aston Villa Bournemouth Chelsea Brentford Brighton & Hove Albion Fulham Everton Sunderland Newcastle United Leeds United Crystal Palace Nottingham Forest Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Mon, 25 May 2026 19:00:33 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/story-of-2025-26-premier-league-season-in-100-photos Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Jonny Weeks 2026-05-25T19:00:33Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-season-review-predictions-reality-liverpool-chelsea-brentford-sunderland <p>We picked Liverpool as champions, Chelsea as challengers and tipped Brentford and Sunderland to go down. Oh dear</p><p><strong>What we predicted: </strong>Mikel Arteta vowed this would be a “big summer” after finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for a third season in succession and the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has delivered on a number of signings in his first transfer window. The question now for Arsenal supporters is whether Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga can help them take that elusive final step to becoming champions for the first time since the Invincibles in 2004.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-season-review-predictions-reality-liverpool-chelsea-brentford-sunderland">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Sport Tue, 26 May 2026 15:56:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/26/premier-league-2025-26-season-review-predictions-reality-liverpool-chelsea-brentford-sunderland Composite: Alamy, Getty Composite: Alamy, Getty Composite: Alamy, Getty Guardian sport 2026-05-26T15:56:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/premier-league-2025-26-review-gripes-of-the-season <p>The most infuriating things, including mayhem at set pieces, daft jerseys and a largely ignored video game</p><p>You will almost certainly be aware that there have been a load of set-piece goals this season, and an extraordinary proliferation of long throws. At times the self-styled greatest league in the world has drowned in a torrent of guileless ball-flinging.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/premier-league-2025-26-review-gripes-of-the-season">Continue reading...</a> Premier League Football Sport Mon, 25 May 2026 10:30:23 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/25/premier-league-2025-26-review-gripes-of-the-season Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Composite: Guardian Picture Desk Simon Burnton 2026-05-25T10:30:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/antonin-panenka-penalty-50-years-on-czechoslovakia-west-germany-1976 <p>Czech’s audacious defiance of Sepp Maier in Belgrade has slipped into football folklore: ‘The only disadvantage is that I don’t get any royalties from it’</p><p>Antonin Panenka laughs like a bear might, a low rumble, suggesting mischief among the memories. He is sat in an office at Bohemians football club in Prague, recounting the story of his <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/video/025a-0eb0b5a588e0-4bf13b9a4a50-1000--watch-every-panenka-penalty-at-euro/">impudent, revolutionary penalty</a> that not only won the 1976 European Championship for Czechoslovakia against West Germany but soured his relationship with the goalkeeper his spot-kick humiliated, Sepp Maier. “He went 35 years without uttering a single word to me,” he smiles.</p><p>But the feud went much deeper. “I read some articles that he even had a shooting target in his garage with my face on it that he used to fire darts at. We get on well enough now though.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/antonin-panenka-penalty-50-years-on-czechoslovakia-west-germany-1976">Continue reading...</a> Czechia Czechoslovakia European Championship Football Sport Sat, 20 Jun 2026 04:00:53 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/antonin-panenka-penalty-50-years-on-czechoslovakia-west-germany-1976 Photograph: Björn Steinz/The Guardian Photograph: Björn Steinz/The Guardian Photograph: Björn Steinz/The Guardian Gavin Newsham 2026-06-20T04:00:53Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/spaceship-stadiums-and-ronaldo-mania-guardian-writers-first-impressions-of-the-world-cup <p>Tournament has completed its first week and while the logistics have sometimes been challenging, the people and the football have been good</p><p>It was quite a contrast touching down in sleepy Kansas City hours after having witnessed the bedlam on the streets of New York when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/13/new-york-knicks-win-nba-title-san-antonio-spurs">the Knicks won the NBA Finals </a>and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/brazil-morocco-world-cup-match-report">Brazil drew with Morocco</a>. But this is a World Cup full of contrasts, from Fifa’s never-ending quest to make a quick buck ($5 a pop for a bottle of water in the media centre) to the warmth shown by locals I’ve encountered in the Big Apple, Kansas City and Dallas. Then there’s the football. It’s been hard to keep up with the volume of matches, but the opening round served up some classics, with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/portugal-dr-congo-world-cup-2026-group-k-match-report">DR Congo’s draw against Portugal </a>on the same day as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/england-croatia-world-cup-2026-group-l-match-report">England beat Croatia</a> capping a thrilling first week of action. Let’s hope it continues. <strong>Ed Aarons</strong></p><p>It took nearly the full opening round, but a US scene that is usually focused on other sports has fully turned its eyes to socc– sorry, I mean football, forgot to code-switch. Fitting, actually, because at times this state of affairs has been awkward, like when the standard “loud men yelling” sports talk shows are forced to reckon with international football being the No 1 talking point and employing nobody that knows the scene. But these are growing pains. The sport is on at bars and delis, it is being discussed at school pickups and on the rides home. It’s beautiful and exactly what so many of us here in the States have been fighting for. <strong>Alexander Abnos</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/spaceship-stadiums-and-ronaldo-mania-guardian-writers-first-impressions-of-the-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport US sports Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:00:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/spaceship-stadiums-and-ronaldo-mania-guardian-writers-first-impressions-of-the-world-cup Composite: Getty Images, Reuters and Shutterstock Composite: Getty Images, Reuters and Shutterstock Composite: Getty Images, Reuters and Shutterstock Guardian sport 2026-06-20T07:00:02Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/mary-earps-london-city-lionesses-signing-interview <p>Former England goalkeeper discusses why it was time to leave Paris, the lure of her new club and when she will know it is time to stop</p><p>When Mary Earps signed for Wolfsburg eight years ago, shortly after they had played in the Women’s Champions League final, there was no club photographer available for her unveiling, meaning her agent popped out to buy a scarf from the club shop before taking a makeshift announcement image. So when the former England goalkeeper’s latest club, London City Lionesses, announced her Women’s Super League return with a glamorous photoshoot on a boat on the Thames in front of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, she was struck not only by how much the women’s game and her life have been transformed, but by the bold scale of her new team’s ambitions.</p><p>“The energy and effort put into the shoot, I would never have imagined this even five years ago,” says Earps, whose move to London City from Paris Saint-Germain was confirmed on Friday. “All I keep saying is ‘I’m so excited,’ but that shoot just poured petrol on the excitement fire. Wow, if that’s what they do just to say ‘Hey, by the way, Mary’s arrived,’ then imagine hopefully what we can do [in the future].”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/mary-earps-london-city-lionesses-signing-interview">Continue reading...</a> Mary Earps London City Lionesses Women's Super League Women's football Paris Saint-Germain Women Football Sport Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:30:32 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/mary-earps-london-city-lionesses-signing-interview Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian Tom Garry 2026-06-19T12:30:32Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/the-perfect-job-meet-the-fans-being-paid-to-watch-all-104-world-cup-games-in-times-square <p>A Liverpool fan and an influencer explain what it’s like to be hired for a Truman Show-style experiment</p><p>When Kevin Akoto heard that he had been selected as one of Fox’s chief World Cup watchers he had no hesitation in accepting. What self-respecting football fan could turn down the opportunity to be paid $50,000 (£37,000) to take in all 104 games at this World Cup, after all?</p><p>The only issues were that he would have to watch every match in a custom-built viewing cube in the heart of Times Square and let his employers know that he wouldn’t be coming in for work the next day. “I quit my job,” admits Akoto, a Liverpool fan who is from Florida and was working as a waiter in a restaurant. “I found out on Thursday that I had won the competition and so I told them on Friday that would be my last day!”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/the-perfect-job-meet-the-fans-being-paid-to-watch-all-104-world-cup-games-in-times-square">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport US sports New York US news Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:00:07 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/the-perfect-job-meet-the-fans-being-paid-to-watch-all-104-world-cup-games-in-times-square Photograph: Fox Photograph: Fox Photograph: Fox Ed Aarons in New York 2026-06-16T10:00:07Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/uruguay-bielsa-ball-world-cup-football-daily-newsletter <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2022/nov/14/football-daily-email-sign-up"><strong>Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!</strong></a></p><p>Anyone brave enough to predict the Geopolitics World Cup knockout bracket before the tournament would have clocked that Argentina could meet Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in the last 32 and thought: “Cor, that’ll be fun”. But nothing seems to be very fun for the two-time winners at the moment. After <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/saudi-arabia-uruguay-world-cup-match-report">narrowly avoiding defeat by Saudi Arabia</a> in their opener in Miami, Uruguay <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/cape-verde-uruguay-world-cup-group-h-match-report">were held again by Cape Verde</a> at Hard [Luck] Stadium, meaning Bielsa-ball might not go beyond the group stage after all. “I think that the problem or greatest issue is that we started the second half with the ball and with the victory,” Bielsa sniffed after climbing down from his upturned water bucket. “We lacked a finishing touch,” he added.</p><p>Greetings from the Houston area! We’ve watched most of the GWC matches on Telemundo (Football Daily letters passim). My Spanish-speaking sister translates for us, and she agrees that the commentators are ‘unabashedly’ biased toward the Spanish-speaking teams. We switch to Fox between matches to hear what Henry, Zlatan, and Rebecca Lowe have to say, but we all agree: Alexi Lalas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/thierry-henry-alexi-lalas-fox-world-cup">is just a blowhard</a>. He gets muted frequently. And in case <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/HCXZ9iQVEJ0?si=wjUSefYOeK7E8drM">y’all missed it</a>” – Jennifer Jones.</p><p>Interesting debate about watching football in English or Spanish. I choose to watch most matches in the same way that I read Football Daily – with the sound completely off. And, from time to time, in a very dark room” – Mike Wilner.</p><p>I was playing on Football Manager earlier when I was offered the job of coaching Tunisia. I politely declined, hung up the phone, and resumed playing my game” – James Vortkamp-Tong.</p><p>Has anyone else noticed that there are two former managers of Swansea City at the GWC [and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/apr/29/luka-modric-swansea-investment-football-real-madrid-explainer">a minority stakeholder</a> – Football Daily Ed]? This must mean something: not sure what, though” – Peter Phillips (and no others).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/uruguay-bielsa-ball-world-cup-football-daily-newsletter">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:22:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/22/uruguay-bielsa-ball-world-cup-football-daily-newsletter Photograph: Michael Regan/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/FIFA/Getty Images Billy Munday 2026-06-22T14:22:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/22/aramco-petrodollar-world-cup-football-sportswashing-the-hotspot <p>How Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant is embedding fossil fuels as a crucial part of the world’s biggest sport</p><p>If you have watched the World Cup, you may have seen the big signs announcing Aramco as the tournament’s “energy partner”. This <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/15/170000-a-minute-why-saudi-arabia-is-the-biggest-blocker-of-climate-action">Saudi Arabian fossil fuel company </a>also happens to be the world’s<a href="https://www.clientearth.org/projects/the-greenwashing-files/aramco/"> single largest corporate polluter</a> while Saudi Arabia has, for decades, been the greatest stumbling block in international climate change negotiations. Aramco’s sponsorship is one aspect of Fifa’s increasing sportswashing that has angered fans around the world.</p><p>This cosy relationship between modern football and the polluting industries has a long history that can be divided into three periods. First was when the game grew in British society as a tool to order and discipline workers and then became a cultural export of the British empire and capitalism. In the Factory Act of 1850, workers won the right to have Saturday afternoons free from work from 2pm, which is why the traditional kick-off is 3pm.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/22/aramco-petrodollar-world-cup-football-sportswashing-the-hotspot">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Sport Football World Cup Aramco Saudi Arabia and sport Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:39:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/22/aramco-petrodollar-world-cup-football-sportswashing-the-hotspot Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters Oscar Berglund 2026-06-22T10:39:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/the-night-before-i-dreamt-about-my-acl-evertons-aurora-galli-on-the-long-way-back-from-injury <p>This week’s newsletter spends a day with the Italy midfielder as she continues to battle her way back to a peak physical condition</p><p>“It was accepting that I couldn’t play football because it was my life. It was everything that I knew.” For Everton’s Aurora Galli, the past 20 months have been anything but straightforward. Her return from a serious knee injury has been difficult, one beset with obstacles before, ultimately, a long-awaited comeback.</p><p>It was September 2024, 83 minutes and three seconds into the first game of the Women’s Super League season to be exact, when Galli went down in agony. Everton were losing 4-0 to Brighton and, in her eagerness to salvage something for her team, the midfielder attempted to challenge for the ball when her standing leg buckled. As expected, it was confirmed that she had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.</p><p><em><strong>This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts">visit this page and follow the instructions</a>. Moving the Goalposts will be sent out once a week, on Wednesdays, in the close season but will be back on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/the-night-before-i-dreamt-about-my-acl-evertons-aurora-galli-on-the-long-way-back-from-injury">Continue reading...</a> Everton Women Football Sport Women's football Women's Super League Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:40:59 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/the-night-before-i-dreamt-about-my-acl-evertons-aurora-galli-on-the-long-way-back-from-injury Photograph: Rachel O'Sullivan Photograph: Rachel O'Sullivan Photograph: Rachel O'Sullivan Sophie Downey 2026-06-17T10:40:59Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/exciting-transfer-window-will-only-exacerbate-womens-footballs-wealth-gap <p>Alexia Putellas leads a host of stars expected to arrive in the WSL but smaller clubs will still struggle to keep pace</p><p>The whistle has blown on the 2025-26 season for the vast majority of women’s teams around the world, and attention now turns to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/08/womens-transfer-window-summer-2026-all-deals-from-worlds-top-six-leagues">the hullabaloo of the transfer window</a> and another summer of rising wages, transfer fees and agents fees.</p><p>This summer’s activity is likely to see the gap between the haves and the have-nots widen further. Last summer there was an 83.6% increase in global spending on transfer fees in women’s football year-on-year, according to Fifa. This included headline-grabbing moves such as London City Lionesses’ £1.43m purchase of Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain, albeit London City have denied the figure is that high, and Arsenal’s landmark first £1m deal – <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/17/arsenal-complete-world-record-1m-olivia-smith-signing-liverpool-womens-football">the signing of Olivia Smith</a> from Liverpool.</p><p><em><strong>This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts">visit this page and follow the instructions</a>. Moving the Goalposts will be sent out once a week, on Wednesdays, in the close season but will be back on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/exciting-transfer-window-will-only-exacerbate-womens-footballs-wealth-gap">Continue reading...</a> Women's Super League Women's Super League 2 Women's football Football Sport Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:06:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/10/exciting-transfer-window-will-only-exacerbate-womens-footballs-wealth-gap Photograph: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Tom Garry 2026-06-10T13:06:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/which-player-has-scored-the-highest-percentage-of-their-teams-goals-at-a-world-cup <p>Plus: World Cup winners with no domestic honours, and why Australia are unofficial world champions</p><ul><li><p><a href="mailto:knowledge@theguardian.com"><strong>Mail us</strong></a><strong> with your all of your questions and answers</strong></p></li></ul><p><strong>“In 1986, Gary Lineker scored six of England’s seven World Cup goals,”</strong> writes Brendon O’Mahony. <strong>“Has anyone scored a higher proportion of their country’s goals at a World Cup? Let’s exclude teams who were knocked out in the group stage or who scored three goals or fewer</strong><strong>.”</strong></p><p>A number of you mentioned Oleg Salenko, the Russian striker who matched Lineker by scoring six of their seven goals at USA 94. That included five in one game against Cameroon, which turned out to be Salenko’s last in international football at the age of 24. Russia went out at the group stage despite Salenko’s romp, so he doesn’t meet the criteria laid out in Brendon’s question.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/which-player-has-scored-the-highest-percentage-of-their-teams-goals-at-a-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup Football Sport Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/which-player-has-scored-the-highest-percentage-of-their-teams-goals-at-a-world-cup Photograph: Bongarts/Getty Images Photograph: Bongarts/Getty Images Photograph: Bongarts/Getty Images Guardian sport 2026-06-17T07:00:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/16/history-for-cape-verde-spain-start-with-stutter-world-cup-daily-podcast <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/maxrushden.bsky.social">Max Rushden</a> is joined by <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:i55lfvhkg573wfmby5sdnvq6">Barry Glendenning</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/barneyronay.bsky.social">Barney Ronay</a>, Dan Bardell and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/sidlowe.bsky.social">Sid Lowe</a> as debutants Cape Verde earn a draw against the favourites Spain</p><p><strong>Rate, review, share on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/football-weekly-the-guardian/id188674007?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a> and join the conversation on <a href="mailto:footballweekly@theguardian.com">email</a>.</strong></p><p>On the podcast today: their first ever game at a World Cup and Cape Verde hold Spain to a 0-0 draw after an utterly heroic defensive effort. Sid Lowe joins us to ask if this is just an early blip or if Spanish fans should be concerned.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/16/history-for-cape-verde-spain-start-with-stutter-world-cup-daily-podcast">Continue reading...</a> Football World Cup 2026 World Cup Sport Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:31:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/16/history-for-cape-verde-spain-start-with-stutter-world-cup-daily-podcast Photograph: Buda Mendes/Getty Images Photograph: Buda Mendes/Getty Images Photograph: Buda Mendes/Getty Images Presented by Max Rushden with Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay, Dan Bardell and Sid Lowe. Produced by Rory Symon and our executive producer is Joel Grove. 2026-06-16T06:31:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/12/the-joy-of-six-forgotten-world-cup-goals <p>From Ogris’s Florentine charge to Quagliarella’s Ellis Park chip, half a dozen World Cup classics that deserve to be better remembered</p><p>The first six or seven World Cups certainly are not without their charms, but they are noticeably light on the kind of viscerally spectacular goals that we take for granted in the modern game. Hardly surprising when you contemplate what teams of the era had to endure: quagmire-like pitches, boots comprising 50% leather and 50% landfill, and balls so heavy that they basically constituted gym equipment.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/12/the-joy-of-six-forgotten-world-cup-goals">Continue reading...</a> World Cup Football Sport Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/12/the-joy-of-six-forgotten-world-cup-goals Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images Jonathan O'Brien 2026-06-12T04:00:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/10/englands-world-cup-setback-and-durhams-fight-for-survival-womens-football-weekly <p><a href="https://x.com/FayeCarruthers">Faye Carruthers</a> is joined by <a href="https://x.com/SuzyWrack">Suzy Wrack</a>, <a href="https://x.com/TomJGarry">Tom Garry</a> and <a href="https://x.com/MarvaKreel">Marva Kreel</a> to discuss England’s failure to qualify automatically for the 2027 World Cup and the uncertain future facing Durham.</p><p>On today’s pod: The panel assess a frustrating end to England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, as the Lionesses miss out on automatic qualification for Brazil 2027 and must now navigate the play-offs.</p><p>The panel discuss the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/05/spain-england-world-cup-qualifying-match-report">Lionesses’ heaviest defeat in 17 years as Spain ran riot in Mallorca</a>, debate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/05/wiegman-pays-price-for-lack-of-defensive-pragmatism-as-spain-expose-technical-gap">Sarina Wiegman’s tactical approach</a> and squad selection, and ask what England’s performances against Spain and Ukraine reveal about the team ahead of next year’s World Cup.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/10/englands-world-cup-setback-and-durhams-fight-for-survival-womens-football-weekly">Continue reading...</a> Football Women's football Sport Durham Women England women's football team Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:53:26 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/10/englands-world-cup-setback-and-durhams-fight-for-survival-womens-football-weekly Photograph: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock Photograph: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock Photograph: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock Presented by Faye Carruthers, with Suzanne Wrack, Tom Garry and Marva Kreel. Produced by Sophie Downey and Silas Gray. Executive produced by Danielle Stephens. Music composition by Laura Iredale. 2026-06-10T13:53:26Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/16/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2025 <p>Ousmane Dembélé becomes our seventh winner as he beats Lamine Yamal into second and Vitinha into third on our list of the best players on the planet</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/19/the-premier-league-dominates-guardians-top-100-male-footballers-again-can-anyone-catch-up">Premier League dominates list</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/19/see-how-every-judge-voted-for-the-100-best-male-footballers-in-2025">How every judge voted</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/15/how-the-guardian-ranked-the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2025">Our methodology</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/01/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025">The top 100 female players for 2025</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/dec/17/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2024">2024 edition</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/dec/19/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2023">2023</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/jan/24/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2022">2022</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2021/dec/21/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2021">2021</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2020/dec/21/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2020">2020</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/ng-interactive/2019/dec/17/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2019">2019</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/dec/18/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2018-nos-100-71">2018</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2017/dec/19/the-100-best-footballers-in-the-world-2017-interactive">2017</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2016/dec/20/the-100-best-footballers-in-the-world-2016-interactive">2016</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2015/dec/21/the-100-best-footballers-in-the-world-2015-interactive">2015</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2014/dec/21/the-top-100-footballers-2014-interactive">2014</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2013/dec/100-greatest-footballers-2013">2013</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/interactive/2012/dec/20/top-100-footballers-in-the-world-interactive">2012</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/16/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2025">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:04:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/16/the-100-best-male-footballers-in-the-world-2025 Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Marcus Christenson, Pamela Duncan, Steven Bloor and Garry Blight 2025-12-19T10:04:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/20/ousmane-dembele-quietly-becomes-the-main-man-after-long-journey-to-the-top <p>The Frenchman, who has been named the best male footballer in the world by the Guardian, has benefitted from PSG’s focus on the team rather than individuals</p><p>What makes a good player great, and a great player the best? This question has been occupying me since 2014, when the Guardian first asked me to contribute to its <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/ng-interactive/2014/oct/14/next-generation-2014-40-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">inaugural Next Generation feature</a>. My job was to look for a France-based talent born in 1997 who could go on to have a stellar career.</p><p>After a great deal of research, I narrowed it down from my shortlist&nbsp;of five by asking questions&nbsp;not about the players’ football ability, but about other attributes: resilience, adaptability, decision-making, creativity, work ethic, response to feedback and willingness to learn. Qualities we cannot see, and are harder to&nbsp;measure.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/20/ousmane-dembele-quietly-becomes-the-main-man-after-long-journey-to-the-top">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Sat, 20 Dec 2025 08:00:25 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/20/ousmane-dembele-quietly-becomes-the-main-man-after-long-journey-to-the-top Photograph: Kristy Sparow/UEFA/Getty Images Photograph: Kristy Sparow/UEFA/Getty Images Photograph: Kristy Sparow/UEFA/Getty Images Ben Lyttleton 2025-12-20T08:00:25Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/01/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025 <p>Aitana Bonmatí has been voted the best female player on the planet by our panel of 127 experts ahead of Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/dec/03/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2024">2024 list</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/jan/09/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2023">2023</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/dec/21/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2022">2022 </a>| <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2021/dec/07/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2021">2021</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2020/dec/08/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2020">2020</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2019/dec/03/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2019">2019</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/dec/04/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2018">2018</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/30/how-the-guardian-ranked-the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025">Meet the judges</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/04/see-how-every-judge-voted-in-the-100-best-female-footballers-for-2025">See how every judge voted</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/22/sign-up-for-our-new-womens-football-newsletter-moving-the-goalposts">Subscribe to Moving the Goalposts, our free newsletter</a></p></li></ul> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/01/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025">Continue reading...</a> Football Women's football Sport Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/01/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025 Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Rich Laverty 2025-12-04T10:00:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/aitana-bonmati-guardian-top-100-history-third-straight-title <p>The margin may have got smaller but the brilliant Spanish midfielder makes it a hat-trick of No 1 finishes</p><p>They say the best things come in threes, and Aitana Bonmatí has written herself into <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/dec/01/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2025">the Guardian’s top 100</a> history as the first player to finish at the top of the tree for a third consecutive year.</p><p>Last year the majestic midfielder emulated her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/dec/03/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2024">winning for a second year running</a>, but the 27-year-old has now gone one better, establishing herself once again at the top of the women’s game.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/aitana-bonmati-guardian-top-100-history-third-straight-title">Continue reading...</a> Aitana Bonmatí Women's football Football Sport Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/aitana-bonmati-guardian-top-100-history-third-straight-title Photograph: Álex Caparrós/UEFA/Getty Images Photograph: Álex Caparrós/UEFA/Getty Images Photograph: Álex Caparrós/UEFA/Getty Images Rich Laverty 2025-12-05T08:00:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/14/next-generation-2025-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football <p>From PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye to Brazil’s next hope, we select some of the most talented players born in 2008. Check the progress of our classes of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/oct/15/next-generation-2024-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2024</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/oct/11/next-generation-2023-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2023</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/sep/28/next-generation-2022-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2022</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2021/oct/07/next-generation-2021-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2021</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2020/oct/08/next-generation-2020-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2020</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2019/oct/10/next-generation-2019-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2019</a> … <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/next-generation">and go even further back</a>. Here’s our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/13/next-generation-2025-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">Premier League class of 2025</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/14/next-generation-2025-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:59:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/14/next-generation-2025-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Marcus Christenson, Steven Bloor and Garry Blight 2025-10-14T09:59:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/13/next-generation-2025-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs <p>We pick the best youngsters at each club born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009, an age band known as first-year scholars. Check the progress of our classes of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2024/oct/14/next-generation-2024-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">2024</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/oct/10/next-generation-2023-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">2023</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/sep/27/next-generation-2022-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">2022</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2021/oct/06/next-generation-2021-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">2021</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2020/oct/07/next-generation-2020-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">2020</a> … <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/next-generation">and go even further back</a>. Here’s our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/14/next-generation-2025-60-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football">2025 world picks</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/13/next-generation-2025-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:10:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2025/oct/13/next-generation-2025-20-of-the-best-talents-at-premier-league-clubs Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Illustration: Guardian Design Marcus Christenson, Steven Bloor and Garry Blight 2025-10-13T09:10:16Z