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 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:45:54 GMT 2026-06-21T06:45:54Z 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/2026/jun/21/japan-tunisia-world-cup-group-f-match-report <p>Two goals from Ueda, plus strikes by Kamada and Ito, sealed the fate of Tunisia and their new coach Hervé Renard</p><p>Perhaps the manager wasn’t the problem after all. Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi after last week’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden, appointing Hervé Renard as their seventh manager since qualifying began. But it turned out a diffident side lacking defensive conviction is a diffident side lacking defensive conviction whoever has to do the press conferences. Tunisia were well beaten by a Japan side inspired by the centre-forward Ayase Ueda, who scored twice and led the line with intelligence and imagination.<br><br> Renard had just three days with his players since replacing Lamouchi. Renard performed heroics to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia in 2012 and three years later became the first manager to win two Cups of Nations with different teams as he ended Côte d’Ivoire’s 23-year trophy drought.</p><p>Attempts to break into the mainstream of French football with Sochaux, Lille and the France women’s team have faltered and the 57-year-old seems to have accepted that his role now is with aspirant nations in Africa and the Middle East rather than at the apex of the European game. Renard still wears his trademark white shirt but whatever luck it may once have brought seems to have worn off. Not that this mess could, in any realistic sense, be blamed on Renard. He’s just the well-remunerated sap paid to try to explain how Tunisia are out of the World Cup already.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/japan-tunisia-world-cup-group-f-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Japan Tunisia football team World Cup Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:22:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/japan-tunisia-world-cup-group-f-match-report Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images Jonathan Wilson at the Estadio Monterrey 2026-06-21T06:22:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/curacao-ecuador-world-cup-group-e-match-report <p>It’s doubtful whether many Ecuador supporters – or many others for that matter – had ever heard the name Eloy Room before this match. They will never forget it now.</p><p>Watched by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in the stands, the Curaçao goalkeeper etched his name into the pantheon of World Cup legends with what must rank as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jun/20/ecuador-v-curacao-world-cup-2026-live">one of the most heroic performances</a> in the long history of the competition.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/curacao-ecuador-world-cup-group-e-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Curaçao Ecuador Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 02:35:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/curacao-ecuador-world-cup-group-e-match-report Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Ed Aarons at Kansas City Stadium 2026-06-21T02:35:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/germany-cote-divoire-group-e-match-report <p>Some footballing stereotypes just will not fade away. Germany may no longer be the mirthless, methodical winning machine who would slowly maul their opponents until they inevitably engineered victory, but, evidently, they still know how to fashion match-winners from final moments.</p><p>Consequently, the Germans will play in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 12 years after another victory at the death. Côte d’Ivoire had gone ahead in a lively encounter on Saturday through Franck Kessié’s 30th-minute goal for <em>Les Éléphants</em>. But it was cancelled out by Deniz Undav’s 68th-minute equaliser and 94th-minute winner for <em>Die Mannschaft</em>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/germany-cote-divoire-group-e-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Germany Côte d’Ivoire football team World Cup Football Sport Sat, 20 Jun 2026 22:17:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/germany-cote-divoire-group-e-match-report Photograph: Kevin Sousa/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Photograph: Kevin Sousa/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Photograph: Kevin Sousa/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Leander Schaerlaeckens at Toronto Stadium 2026-06-20T22:17:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/netherlands-sweden-world-cup-group-f-match-report <p>It turns out Sweden do not have a monopoly on old-fashioned centre-forward play. They were schooled in it here by Brian Brobbey, who was brought in by Ronald Koeman to give the Netherlands’ attack a focal point and swiftly made his under-pressure manager resemble a genius. Brobbey scored twice in the opening 17 minutes to pave the way for a crushing win, proving impossible to handle with a cocktail of strength, touch and finishing.</p><p>Koeman had criticised his own decisions after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/netherlands-japan-world-cup-match-report">Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Japan</a>, lamenting substitutions that failed to pay off. This time he could, if the mood took him, pat himself firmly on the back. There was yet more to enjoy in the contribution of Crysencio Summerville, who sparkled after his half-time introduction. Summerville finished unerringly late on to complete a rout that leaves Sweden dizzy from finishing on different ends of the same scoreline.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/netherlands-sweden-world-cup-group-f-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Netherlands Sweden Football Sport World Cup Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:03:13 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/netherlands-sweden-world-cup-group-f-match-report Photograph: Molly Darlington/Getty Images Photograph: Molly Darlington/Getty Images Photograph: Molly Darlington/Getty Images Nick Ames at Houston Stadium 2026-06-20T19:03:13Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/stung-spain-have-digested-shock-start-but-know-repeat-is-not-an-option <p>European champions were frustrated by Cape Verde and know there is little margin for error against Saudi Arabia</p><p>Cape Verde are not the only ones to have kept Spain out at this World Cup. Turns out it was even harder to get past security on the gate of the team hotel in downtown Chattanooga. Two days after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/spain-cape-verde-world-cup-2026-group-h-match-report">the 0-0 draw in their opener</a>, Luis de la Fuente gave his players the day off, a chance to clear their heads and leave the disappointment behind. Lamine Yamal went to Nashville, Dani Olmo headed for Hamilton Place mall and Rodri strolled the Tennessee river with his partner. When Borja Iglesias got back before the 9pm curfew, they didn’t recognise him and wouldn’t let him in.</p><p>“It was funny,” Iglesias said, standing at the side of the pitch at Kennesaw State University 30 miles north-west of Atlanta on Saturday, moments before the <em>selección</em>’s final session in preparation for their second game. “It happens to me in Spain, so how could it not happen here? I didn’t have the accreditation with me so I have to wait for someone to come and get me. Lamine laughed at me: ‘I love it, they didn’t let you in.’ The good thing is I told a couple of them and they said it had happened to them before too.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/stung-spain-have-digested-shock-start-but-know-repeat-is-not-an-option">Continue reading...</a> Spain World Cup 2026 Cape Verde World Cup Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:00:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/stung-spain-have-digested-shock-start-but-know-repeat-is-not-an-option Photograph: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images Photograph: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images Photograph: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images Sid Lowe in Chattanooga 2026-06-21T04:00:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/england-world-cup-training-intensity-peek-behind-curtain-thomas-tuchel <p>There was more insight at the World Cup training base than usual with intensity on the rise under Thomas Tuchel</p><p>The tall hooded figure kept barking instructions under a hot Missouri sun. Thomas Tuchel was looking for perfection as preparations for Ghana geared up. England’s head coach watched from a distance at first but it was not long before he was making sure the training drill was up his standards.</p><p>Tuchel, wearing a hoodie to protect himself from the UV rays, loomed over a group made up of Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Djed Spence and Ollie Watkins. This was a rare peek behind the curtain. At international tournaments there are days when journalists are allowed to watch 15 minutes of open training. They are often anodyne experiences, limited to a bit of jogging around, maybe a glimpse of a rondo if you’re lucky, but there was more insight at England’s base in Kansas City on Saturday morning. Mannequins were carefully arranged in four zones and it soon became clear there is no hiding place when Tuchel is watching.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/england-world-cup-training-intensity-peek-behind-curtain-thomas-tuchel">Continue reading...</a> England Thomas Tuchel Football tactics World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:58:34 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/england-world-cup-training-intensity-peek-behind-curtain-thomas-tuchel Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty Images Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty Images Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty Images Jacob Steinberg in Kansas City 2026-06-21T00:58:34Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/the-2026-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament-so-far-without-the-superstars <p>We pick an XI of players who have impressed during the initial rounds of games in Canada, the US and Mexico</p><p>A star was born, at 40, when a player whose highest-profile employers were Portugal’s Gil Vicente, denied Spain’s all-stars in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/spain-cape-verde-world-cup-2026-group-h-match-report">that historic 0-0 draw</a>. His Christian name being Josimar may well have pointed to him being a nascent World Cup cult hero. So huge was his impact that the US authorities, on the orders of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, waived the visa fee and $15,000 (£11,300) bond for his mother, now able to fly in for her boy’s continuing adventures. Seven saves from Spain have made him a global social media sensation, too.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/the-2026-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament-so-far-without-the-superstars">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:00:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/the-2026-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament-so-far-without-the-superstars Composite: Guardian Design; Getty Images; AP Composite: Guardian Design; Getty Images; AP Composite: Guardian Design; Getty Images; AP John Brewin, Billy Munday and Marcus Christenson 2026-06-21T04:00:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/michael-olise-france-world-cup-didier-deschamps <p>Unusually in the France side, he plays with a sense of freedom and has not yet submitted fully to Deschamps’s tactical yoke</p><p>Michael Olise is probably the best creative player in the world at the moment. He racked up 26 assists for Bayern Munich last season. It was his shift into a more central role that transformed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/france-senegal-world-cup-group-i-match-report">France’s game against Senegal</a> from drab slog to impressive victory.</p><p>The confidence he always had at Crystal Place has evolved at Bayern into a graceful fluency. In a hugely talented France side, Olise is the standout, the player who it feels might carry them to the World Cup. Yet he is something of an anomaly.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/michael-olise-france-world-cup-didier-deschamps">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport France Football tactics Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:00:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/michael-olise-france-world-cup-didier-deschamps Photograph: William Volcov/Shutterstock Photograph: William Volcov/Shutterstock Photograph: William Volcov/Shutterstock Jonathan Wilson 2026-06-20T19:00:09Z 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/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner <p>Who is winning the battle to be top scorer at the World Cup? Live and updated throughout the tournament</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/17/who-is-highest-goalscorer-world-cup-history-messi-mbappe">All-time World Cup goalscorers</a></p><p>The Golden Boot is awarded to the World Cup’s top goalscorer, with assists used as a tie-breaker if two or more players finish level. The 2026 tournament has three former Golden Boot winners taking part: Kylian Mbappé of France (eight goals in 2022), England’s Harry Kane (six goals in 2018) and James Rodríguez of Colombia (six goals in 2014).</p><p>Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites to finish top scorer in North America, alongside Norway’s Erling Haaland – making his World Cup debut – and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Football World Cup Sport US sports Australia sport Mexico Czechia South Korea South Africa football team Bosnia and Herzegovina Canada Qatar Switzerland Brazil 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 Spain Uruguay France Iraq Norway Senegal football team Algeria football team Argentina Austria Jordan Colombia Democratic Republic of the Congo football team Portugal Uzbekistan Croatia England Ghana football team Panama Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:17:30 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images Illustration: Guardian Design; Getty Images 2026-06-18T08:17:30Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/take-me-home-country-roads-world-cup-usmnt <p>John Denver’s classic has been belted out during US matches at this tournament. Its appeal lies in the story it tells about a united America</p><p>Lumen Field was designed for a moment like Friday’s. Under a blue sky dotted with clouds, the US men’s national team celebrated their victory over Australia with a lap around the stadium to thank their fans for creating a worthy atmosphere.</p><p>I’ve reported from four matches so far at this World Cup and the set list remains largely the same, no matter the venue. You’ll hear Dai Dai and Seven Nation Army. The growing boos that accompany the onset of a hydration break will be drowned out by Livin’ On A Prayer.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/take-me-home-country-roads-world-cup-usmnt">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Football US sports Sport USA Music Country Culture Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:45:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/take-me-home-country-roads-world-cup-usmnt Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images Photograph: Jared C Tilton/FIFA/Getty Images Jeff Rueter in Seattle 2026-06-20T18:45:16Z 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/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/20/scotland-morocco-world-cup-match-report <p>Scotland would have taken this outcome after 70 seconds. Ismael Saibiri had fired this highly rated Morocco team ahead. Men in kilts gulped under the blazing Massachusetts sun. Scotland may even privately have taken this outcome before a ball was kicked. Avoidance of a comprehensive defeat against Brazil will leave them with at least a fighting chance of becoming the first Scotland team to progress to the knockout phase of a major tournament.</p><p>Easier said than done, of course, but a scenario where history remains within the grasp of Steve Clarke and his players. Onwards to Miami, for what promises to be quite the spectacle. The value in beating Haiti by a goal or only losing this by the same will all be apparent by full time on Wednesday. The Tartan Army need calculators in hand.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-morocco-world-cup-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Scotland Morocco football team World Cup Football Sport Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:07:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-morocco-world-cup-match-report Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Photograph: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images Ewan Murray at Boston Stadium 2026-06-20T00:07:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-paraguay-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report <p></p><p>Turkey arrived at their first World Cup in 24 years with great expectations and a host of rising stars but crashed ⁠out goalless and in tears ⁠after another shocking ​failure to convert against Paraguay.</p><p>Despite facing 10 men for more than a half, Turkey slumped to a 1-0 defeat against the spirited South Americans after racking up 32 goal ⁠attempts to be eliminated with a match to spare. It came after they amassed 30 fruitless attempts in a 2-0 opening defeat by Australia, a match in which they were similarly thwarted by poor ⁠finishing and a staunch opposition defence.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-paraguay-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Turkey Paraguay World Cup Football Sport Laws of football Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:57:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-paraguay-world-cup-2026-group-d-match-report Photograph: Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images Photograph: Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images Reuters 2026-06-20T07:57:00Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/brazil-haiti-world-cup-match-report <p>On a sticky, fun, occasionally boisterous, occasionally listless night in Philadelphia, Brazil eased past a game but limited Haiti. All three goals in this 3-0 win came during a spell of first-half urgency driven by the high-grade wide play of Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. In that period Brazil’s wide forwards were simply too much for a Haiti team that looked as if it was trying to defend in a dogged low block, which gave the appearance of cautious, deep defence, but with the added key variation of also leaving huge open spaces in exactly the wrong places.</p><p>Haiti, with no goals and no points, are now certain to finish bottom of Group C and face a final fixture against Morocco in Atlanta on Wednesday. There is also an oddity for Scotland now, who are likely to play their fixture against Brazil uncertain as to what result is required, needing to wait for the other groups to finish before knowing their destiny. Thanks, again, for that Gianni. Pile ’em high. Deal with the consequences later.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/brazil-haiti-world-cup-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Brazil Haiti football team World Cup Football Sport Sat, 20 Jun 2026 03:05:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/brazil-haiti-world-cup-match-report Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Barney Ronay at the Philadelphia Stadium 2026-06-20T03:05:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/portugal-dr-congo-world-cup-2026-group-k-match-report <p>The clock was about to hit 83 minutes when Roberto Martínez rolled the dice one last time. His team certainly needed extra movement up front so it hardly confounded logic that Gonçalo Ramos was stripped and ready. What made less sense was that Vitinha departed while Cristiano Ronaldo, peripheral save for two earlier half-chances, remained on and slogged his way towards the end of a draw that could check Portugal’s summer ambitions.</p><p>Ronaldo’s baying followers, swathes of them with local accents and wearing his No 7 shirt, had done their best to cajole a meaningful contribution from their idol but ultimately they had to settle for being under the same roof. Perhaps they expected a repeat of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/lionel-messi-hat-trick-algeria-argentina-world-cup">Lionel Messi’s staggering performance</a> the previous night but Ronaldo did little to assuage concerns that his presence, once glorious, is nowadays a dead weight. The watching Gianni Infantino could have been forgiven for wondering whether Fifa’s contortions in freeing him from suspension for this game had been worthwhile.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/portugal-dr-congo-world-cup-2026-group-k-match-report">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Portugal Democratic Republic of the Congo football team World Cup Football Sport Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:28:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/portugal-dr-congo-world-cup-2026-group-k-match-report Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters Nick Ames at Houston Stadium 2026-06-17T19:28:06Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/manchester-city-close-to-financial-settlement-with-chelsea-to-appoint-enzo-maresca <ul><li><p>Chelsea demand compensation for former coach</p></li><li><p>West London club insist Italian breached contract</p></li></ul><p>Manchester City are close to reaching a financial settlement with Chelsea that will enable them to appoint Enzo Maresca as their manager.</p><p>Chelsea are demanding compensation from City to release Maresca as they believe they have evidence the Italian breached his contract at Stamford Bridge by talking to the club’s Premier League rivals when he was still their manager last season.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/manchester-city-close-to-financial-settlement-with-chelsea-to-appoint-enzo-maresca">Continue reading...</a> Manchester City Football Sport Chelsea Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:06:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/manchester-city-close-to-financial-settlement-with-chelsea-to-appoint-enzo-maresca Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Matt Hughes 2026-06-20T07:06:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/australias-jackson-irvine-has-no-sympathy-for-paraguay-after-historic-world-cup-red-card <ul><li><p>Miguel Almirón sent off against Turkey for covering mouth</p></li><li><p>Socceroos face South Americans in crucial last Group D match</p></li></ul><p>Socceroo Jackson Irvine has backed the decision by Fifa to send players off for covering their mouths when they speak, after Paraguay winger Miguel Almirón was given a historic red card against Turkey.</p><p>The Socceroos and Paraguay face a showdown for second place in the group at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Thursday (Friday AEST). If either team loses they will face a torturous wait to find out if they will progress as one of the eight third-placed teams across the 12 groups.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/australias-jackson-irvine-has-no-sympathy-for-paraguay-after-historic-world-cup-red-card">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 World Cup Australia national football team – Socceroos Football Australia sport Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:50:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/australias-jackson-irvine-has-no-sympathy-for-paraguay-after-historic-world-cup-red-card Photograph: Melissa Levin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Melissa Levin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Melissa Levin/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Jack Snape in Oakland 2026-06-21T04:50:24Z 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/2026/jun/19/itv-wins-world-cup-ratings-battle-bbc-first-week-england-croatia <ul><li><p>England v Croatia attracted year’s highest UK TV figures</p></li><li><p>BBC opted for more first-pick games in knockout stages</p></li></ul><p>ITV is winning the UK television ratings battle after the first week of the World Cup. Viewing figures from Barb (the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board) show the channel had four of the five highest TV audiences, topped by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/17/england-croatia-world-cup-2026-group-l-match-report">England’s 4-2 win</a> over Croatia on Wednesday.</p><p>England’s victory in Dallas attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million on ITV and an average of more than 10 million, the highest UK TV viewing figures of the year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/itv-wins-world-cup-ratings-battle-bbc-first-week-england-croatia">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 ITV BBC Football Media Sport World Cup Sports rights Sport TV Television Television & radio Culture Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:53:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/itv-wins-world-cup-ratings-battle-bbc-first-week-england-croatia Photograph: MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Exclusive by Matt Hughes 2026-06-19T10:53:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/lionel-messi-father-receives-medical-treatment-argentina-world-cup <ul><li><p>Jorge Messi, 68, ‘recovering and progressing favourably’</p></li><li><p>‘At times like these, we ask for responsibility,’ says family</p></li></ul><p>Lionel Messi’s father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for “humanity” on Thursday amid rumours about Jorge Messi’s health while his son competes at the World Cup. “Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement.</p><p>The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favourably within his current condition,” the statement said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/lionel-messi-father-receives-medical-treatment-argentina-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 World Cup Argentina Football Sport Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:04:00 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/lionel-messi-father-receives-medical-treatment-argentina-world-cup Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images Associated Press 2026-06-18T19:04:00Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/21/brian-brobbey-netherlands-sweden-germany-deniz-undav-curacao-ecuador <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>, Dan Bardell and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/leanderalphabet.bsky.social">Leander Schaerlaeckens</a> after the Netherlands thrash Sweden and Germany get a late winner against Côte d’Ivoire</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: the Netherlands hammer Sweden 5-1 to top Group F. Brian Brobbey comes into the Dutch attack and transforms them with some classic centre-forward hold-up play.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/21/brian-brobbey-netherlands-sweden-germany-deniz-undav-curacao-ecuador">Continue reading...</a> Football World Cup 2026 World Cup Sport Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:15:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/21/brian-brobbey-netherlands-sweden-germany-deniz-undav-curacao-ecuador Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters Presented by Max Rushden with Barry Glendenning, Dan Bardell and Leander Schaerlaeckens. Produced by Rory Symon and our executive producer is Joel Grove. 2026-06-21T05:15:02Z 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? 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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/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/20/david-raya-when-you-lose-a-champions-league-final-it-destroys-you-inside <p>The goalkeeper discusses being bullied by 35-year-olds in the English fifth tier, winning the Premier League and competition in the Spain squad</p><p>“No, no, there’s someone else,” David Raya says, leaping out of his chair at Spain’s training camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, pulling his phone from the wash bag sitting on the floor and starting to scroll. Ah, look, here it is,” he says eventually, reading from the screen: “‘… the goalkeeper, who played in yesterday’s match, was at Southport on loan from Oxford United…’ Yeah, Max Crocombe. I <em>think</em> that is right”</p><p>And so then there were four, another name to add to the list. Peter Withe, Stan Mortensen, him, and now New Zealand’s No 1: the men who played for Southport and went to a World Cup.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/david-raya-when-you-lose-a-champions-league-final-it-destroys-you-inside">Continue reading...</a> Spain Football Sport World Cup Arsenal Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:00:04 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/david-raya-when-you-lose-a-champions-league-final-it-destroys-you-inside Photograph: Pablo Garcia/The Guardian Photograph: Pablo Garcia/The Guardian Photograph: Pablo Garcia/The Guardian Sid Lowe in Chattanooga 2026-06-20T11:00:04Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-2026-world-cup-destiny-morocco-brazil-steve-clarke <p>Questions remain before battle with Brazil after narrow defeat by Morocco leaves fans looking at last-32 permutations</p><p>The permutations Steve Clarke is so desperate to avoid are already dominating discussion among the Tartan Army. As Ismael Saibari smacked Morocco in front inside two minutes against Scotland, goal difference rose on the horizon of anyone wanting Clarke and his players to create history. Those in navy blue were clinging on in Boston.</p><p>What happened next can be considered a moral victory for Scotland. Morocco were wasteful for the remainder of the first half. Scotland improved markedly in the second period, even daring to control spells of the game. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-morocco-world-cup-match-report">The 1-0 defeat</a> returns their goal difference to zero rather than leaving them already staring at early elimination while on three points. The problem is, Brazil lie in wait next.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-2026-world-cup-destiny-morocco-brazil-steve-clarke">Continue reading...</a> Scotland World Cup 2026 World Cup Football Sport Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:13:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/scotland-2026-world-cup-destiny-morocco-brazil-steve-clarke Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock Ewan Murray in Miami 2026-06-20T18:13:50Z 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/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 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/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/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/may/31/rinat-akhmetov-ukraines-richest-man-shakhtar-donetsk-owner-russia-interview <p>In a rare interview, the businessman discusses football, his ownership of the Azovstal steelworks and why he is optimistic about the future</p><p>It is the morning after Russia’s heaviest aerial raid on Kyiv in several months. At least 25 people have been killed and, as always, those emerging from a sleepless night are the lucky ones. Rinat Akhmetov is at the end of a paved driveway half an hour from the city centre. Shakhtar Donetsk’s owner rarely gives interviews and his whereabouts have been a subject of conjecture during the war.</p><p>But he is here in Ukraine, speaking to mark the 90th anniversary of a club whose tribulations over the past dozen years have been unmatched. It is 30 years since Akhmetov, the richest person in Ukraine and arguably eastern Europe’s most influential businessman, became president of Shakhtar. The club has been a labour of love, the straightforward face of a career whose complexities beyond football have been widely documented. Akhmetov’s influence spreads across the country and beyond, most visibly in the form of places such as Azovstal, the iron and steelworks that became symbolic of a country’s resilience in 2022.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/31/rinat-akhmetov-ukraines-richest-man-shakhtar-donetsk-owner-russia-interview">Continue reading...</a> Shakhtar Donetsk Ukraine Football Sport Sun, 31 May 2026 07:00:41 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/31/rinat-akhmetov-ukraines-richest-man-shakhtar-donetsk-owner-russia-interview Photograph: Courtesy of FC Shakhtar Donetsk Photograph: Courtesy of FC Shakhtar Donetsk Photograph: Courtesy of FC Shakhtar Donetsk Nick Ames in Kyiv 2026-05-31T07:00:41Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/could-asian-teams-be-catching-up-to-europe-at-this-world-cup <p>If there were a shift in world football power, it may look something like the impressive results from South Korea, Japan, Qatar and Australia</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory">Predict the winner</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly">Daily podcast</a> | <a href="https://app.adjust.com/1o65wsyj">Download our app</a></p></li></ul><p>Daichi Kamada’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/netherlands-japan-world-cup-match-report">late equaliser for Japan</a> against the Netherlands on Sunday did not merely mean that the scoreline more accurately reflected the game. It also extended to four the unbeaten run of teams from the Asian confederation against Europe at this tournament. There is a degree of contingency to that record, and nobody should draw definitive conclusions from the first week of a World Cup, but equally if there were a shift in the power dynamics of world football, it might look a bit like this.</p><p>The tone was set on day one with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/south-korea-czechia-world-cup-2026-group-a-match-report">South Korea’s victory over Czech Republic</a>. It perhaps shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anybody who saw their qualifying playoff semi-final against Ireland that the Czechs would be so ponderous and lumbering, a side that understood the value of dead balls and long throws and little else. But still, the ease with which South Korea passed their way around them was striking. If Son Heung-min had been the player he was three or four years ago, the Korean victory would have been far more emphatic.</p><p><em>This is an extract from Soccer Desk: World Cup edition, a newsletter from the Guardian US that will run regularly during the tournament. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer">Subscribe for free here.</a></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/could-asian-teams-be-catching-up-to-europe-at-this-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup World Cup 2026 Football Sport Japan South Korea Australia national football team – Socceroos Qatar Australia sport Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:47:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/could-asian-teams-be-catching-up-to-europe-at-this-world-cup Composite: Getty Composite: Getty Composite: Getty Jonathan Wilson 2026-06-15T14:47:35Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/wedding-parties-hand-of-god-lineker-world-cup <p>Forget the Olympic and the rest. People across the planet remember where they were for their biggest World Cup matches</p><p>The connection between King Lear and the 1966 World Cup is little known, mainly because it affected very few people at a now defunct boarding school. I had been a surprise selection to act in the school’s production of Lear (yes, I played the Fool; yes, I was typecast). The day before one of the performances I fell and twisted something and was a doubtful starter for a part that required a lot of dashing&nbsp;about.</p><p>Matron prescribed sleeping pills. That night England were playing Mexico in that now-sanctified tournament – almost a must-win after a goalless start against Uruguay. I went to bed early, tucked my transistor under the pillow to hear the commentary, went spark out and only heard the result next morning: England 2 Mexico 0. The rest is national history.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/wedding-parties-hand-of-god-lineker-world-cup">Continue reading...</a> World Cup England Football Sport Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:00:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/wedding-parties-hand-of-god-lineker-world-cup Illustration: Gary Neill Illustration: Gary Neill Illustration: Gary Neill Matthew Engel 2026-06-14T07:00:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ayyoub-bouaddi-morocco-brazil-world-cup-football-vinicius-junior <p>Lille midfielder excelled against Brazil but it was no surprise to his national coach after a key role in convincing him to turn down France’s overtures</p><p>The name Ayyoub Bouaddi was on everyone’s lips after Brazil’s draw against Morocco on Saturday night. Even the army of concerned South American journalists firing questions at Vinícius Júnior at the MetLife Stadium had to acknowledge that the Real Madrid forward had been fortunate to be named as man of the match despite scoring a superb equaliser <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/brazil-morocco-world-cup-match-report">to rescue a point</a> for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in their opening game.</p><p>Instead it was the imposing figure with a distinctive mop of hair in Morocco’s central midfield who stole the show in his first competitive international. Bouaddi managed the most touches (88), won the most duels (11) and completed the most successful passes in the opposition’s half (30), finishing with a passing success rate of 93% as he dominated Casemiro – a player almost twice his age and with a vastly different career trajectory.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ayyoub-bouaddi-morocco-brazil-world-cup-football-vinicius-junior">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Morocco football team Football Sport World Cup Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:59:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ayyoub-bouaddi-morocco-brazil-world-cup-football-vinicius-junior Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images Ed Aarons in New York 2026-06-14T16:59:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ben-gannon-doak-scotland-haiti-world-cup-group-c <p>There was nothing too complicated about the Bournemouth man’s performance but he took the fight to Haiti in a historic World Cup win</p><p>The game was about 15 minutes in and a familiar script appeared to be taking shape. After an initial flurry, Scotland were under the pump, struggling to deal with the intensity and physicality of a determined Haiti team. Passes were going astray and tackles were being missed. It seemed only a matter of time before calamity became manifest, but there was one route of escape, summarised eloquently by a cry from the crowd: “Hit it long for the wee man!”</p><p>Ben Gannon-Doak, the wee man in question, did what was required of him. The balls did indeed start going long to the Bournemouth winger and, when they did, he took the fight to the opposition. In the 17th minute he surged to the byline to square the ball for a Scott McTominay effort that came back off a post. Twelve minutes later, after great hold up play from Ché Adams, he again went deep, then nipped past the full-back Martin Expérience to tee up Adams for a shot that was parried away from close range. The loose ball came to John McGinn, and a deflected effort from Scotland’s No 7 found the back of the net to ultimately decide the outcome of the match.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ben-gannon-doak-scotland-haiti-world-cup-group-c">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Scotland Haiti football team World Cup Sport Football Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:49:13 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/14/ben-gannon-doak-scotland-haiti-world-cup-group-c Photograph: Billy Myers/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Billy Myers/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Photograph: Billy Myers/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Paul MacInnes at Boston Stadium 2026-06-14T04:49:13Z 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/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/after-cape-verdes-heroics-against-spain-more-great-world-cup-underdog-stories <p>From Sparwasser being the toast of East Germany to Cameroon’s rumbling of Argentina, the finals are littered with upsets</p><p>Cape Verde’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/spain-cape-verde-world-cup-2026-group-h-match-report">stunning draw against Spain</a> produced some incredible statistics. The Spaniards had 27 attempts on the goal of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/cape-verde-hero-vozinha-in-tears-after-spain-draw-as-cost-of-visa-stopped-his-mother-being-at-game">40-year-old Vozinha</a> and completed 734 passes compared with Cape Verde’s 205. It was an unbelievable rearguard action from a side ranked 61 places below their opponents, who had just named the oldest starting XI of the tournament with an average age north of 31 years.</p><p>It will no doubt enter World Cup lore as one of the greatest displays of dogged defending the competition has seen. To celebrate, here is a look back at some of those magic moments when underdogs truly had their day.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/after-cape-verdes-heroics-against-spain-more-great-world-cup-underdog-stories">Continue reading...</a> World Cup World Cup 2026 Sport Football France Spain Northern Ireland North Korea Italy Morocco football team Senegal football team Algeria football team USA England Saudi Arabia Argentina Cameroon football team Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:08 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/16/after-cape-verdes-heroics-against-spain-more-great-world-cup-underdog-stories Photograph: AP Photograph: AP Photograph: AP Martin Belam 2026-06-16T15:00:08Z 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/13/making-england-declan-rice-world-cup-west-ham-arsenal <p>Rejected by Chelsea, honed by West Ham and a league winner at Arsenal, the midfielder has plenty from his footballing journey wishing him well at the World Cup</p><p>Three years ago Declan Rice was the star guest at a Soho House event about the power of effective leadership. Tickets were in hot demand and Rice, who was due to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/18/az-alkmaar-west-ham-europa-conference-league-match-report">play a European semi-final for West Ham two days later</a>, could not understand why so many people were interested in what he had to say.</p><p>The audience was packed with marketing directors and CEOs, all eager to hear the England midfielder speak. To Rice, though, it just seemed weird. Why him? What made him so special? The answer lay in his everyman appeal. It was because of his ability to form connections with everyone he comes across. It was because Rice, who goes into the World Cup fresh from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/19/arsenal-win-premier-league-title-mikel-arteta-2025-26">winning the Premier League with Arsenal</a>, would be a leader in any setting. More than anything, it was because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/07/declan-rice-named-england-vice-captain-thomas-tuchel-world-cup-2026">England’s new vice-captain</a> is authentic, genuine and always ready to charm, no matter if the 27-year-old is speaking to a room of high-powered executives or heading back to his old school to spend an afternoon with a group of awestruck kids.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/making-england-declan-rice-world-cup-west-ham-arsenal">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 England World Cup Arsenal West Ham United Football Sport Sat, 13 Jun 2026 04:00:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/13/making-england-declan-rice-world-cup-west-ham-arsenal Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner in Kansas City 2026-06-13T04:00:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-exit-tears-world-cup-2026-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>When Turkey changed to Türkiye in 2022, president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced it was because the new name was “the best representation and expression of the Turkish people’s culture, civilisation, and values.” The rebrand, though, also had a less lofty reason. “The association with the bird genuinely annoys Erdoğan and the people around him,” explained Selim Koru of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, while even state broadcaster TRT conceded that the loose-necked Christmas bird was at least a factor in the revamp.</p><p>When did it become a thing for the refereeing team to have their names on the backs of their shirts? I’m amazed that Fifa isn’t looking to cash in by selling replicas” – Phil Taverner.</p><p>Re: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/canada-usa-mexico-co-hosts-world-cup-2026-football-daily-newsletter">yesterday’s Football Daily</a>. Please, up your game! Australian rules football and American football do not play with anything egg-shaped. It’s a prolate spheroid. How different the game would be (could it even exist?) if it were” – Kate Clements.</p><p>Re: Trevor Wastell and US commentary (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/canada-usa-mexico-co-hosts-world-cup-2026-football-daily-newsletter">yesterday’s Football Daily letters</a>). I am lucky to speak Spanish but, even if I did not, anyone who would watch football in the USA USA USA (or anywhere else) in any other language is off their rocker. Also, one needs only the barest anglicised Spanglish to get the gist. Luckily for United Statesians, Peacock TV are showing my home nation’s characteristic enthusiasm for multilingual audiences, with the basic subscription having thrown in streaming of every GWC partido en Español, much like they would reruns of ‘Betty la Fea’ or ‘María la del Barrio’. I almost hear NBC suits saying: ‘Who would be watching this? I can’t even understand it!’ Highly recommended” – Thad Brown.</p><p><em><strong>This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version,<a href="https://preview.gutools.co.uk/info/2016/jan/05/the-fiver-email-sign-up"> </a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2022/nov/14/football-daily-email-sign-up">just visit this page and follow the instructions</a>.</strong></em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-exit-tears-world-cup-2026-football-daily-newsletter">Continue reading...</a> Football Sport Turkey Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:22:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/20/turkey-exit-tears-world-cup-2026-football-daily-newsletter Photograph: Luisa González/Reuters Photograph: Luisa González/Reuters Photograph: Luisa González/Reuters Michael Butler 2026-06-20T13:22:15Z 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/sport/2026/jun/08/this-may-be-our-last-chance-rising-sea-levels-threaten-kiribatis-world-cup-dream <p>In today’s newsletter: the Pacific islands hoping to enter World Cup qualifying before ocean level increase wipes them from the map</p><p>“This is not just about football, it’s about building something from scratch,” Eriati Reebo, the Kiribati football president, explains. “A legacy, a story, that the world will always remember.”</p><p>Kiribati, a group of Pacific islands south of Hawaii with 138,000 inhabitants, is seeking entry into World Cup qualifying for the 2030 tournament. Becoming a recognised international football team would help to bring attention to the only nation on earth that sits within all four hemispheres, and one that is rapidly disappearing from the map. It could be the first, but certainly not the last, country to be engulfed by sea water, leaving it uninhabitable. And before that happens, it wants to professionalise the football setup and become a full member of the Oceania Football Confederation. This would both create a route to competing with bigger nations and help to keep the Kiribati spirit alive.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/08/this-may-be-our-last-chance-rising-sea-levels-threaten-kiribatis-world-cup-dream">Continue reading...</a> Kiribati Asia Pacific World Cup Football Sport Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:23 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jun/08/this-may-be-our-last-chance-rising-sea-levels-threaten-kiribatis-world-cup-dream Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian Will Unwin 2026-06-08T10:00:23Z https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/psg-champions-league-ligue-1-arsenal <p>The origin of PSG’s largesse and the effect it’s had on their domestic game can’t be ignored, even as we appreciate the team’s stunning quality</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/31/sign-up-for-the-world-behind-the-cup-a-newsletter-about-more-than-soccer"><strong>Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter</strong></a></p></li></ul><p>Since 1990, only one side had ever successfully defended the Champions League – Real Madrid, who won three in a row between 2016 and 2018. Paris Saint-Germain’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/30/paris-saint-germain-1-1-arsenal-4-3-on-penalties-champions-league-final-player-ratings">victory in the final</a> on Saturday elevates them to a new tier of the pantheon. No bad side has ever won the European Cup or Champions League, but only great sides have ever retained it.</p><p>Arsenal pushed them much closer than Inter had in losing in the final the previous year, and there is always something slightly unsatisfying about a victory on penalties, but the quality of this PSG cannot be denied. They put six past Bayern in the semi-final – their superiority far greater than the one-goal aggregate margin would suggest. It was a similar story in the quarter-final, in which a 4-0 aggregate victory didn’t really reflect how much better they were than Liverpool. And while Chelsea may think they were slightly unlucky to lose the first leg of their last-16 tie away to PSG 5-2, the 3-0 result in the second leg was a devastating assertion of authority: three goals scored by an almost bored opponent apparently just as they felt like it.</p><p><em>This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/20/sign-up-for-soccer-with-jonathan-wilson-his-free-weekly-newsletter-on-european-soccer">Subscribe for free here.</a> Have a question for Jonathan? Email <a href="mailto:soccerwithjw@theguardian.com?utm_term=64e374e957bc66de2eba0d88db18746b&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_campaign=SoccerwithJonathanWilson&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_source=esp&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;amp;amp;amp;CMP=soccerwithjonathanwilson_email&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_term=64ff1d6da46fdfa0ee94e9584bcde874&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_campaign=SoccerwithJonathanWilson&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_source=esp&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;amp;amp;amp;CMP=soccerwithjonathanwilson_email&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_term=650857e42d6de1edacd87a4ce777e357&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_campaign=SoccerwithJonathanWilson&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_source=esp&amp;amp;amp;amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;amp;amp;amp;CMP=soccerwithjonathanwilson_email">soccerwithjw@theguardian.com</a>, and he’ll answer the best in a future edition.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/psg-champions-league-ligue-1-arsenal">Continue reading...</a> Champions League Football Sport Arsenal Paris Saint-Germain Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:00:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/psg-champions-league-ligue-1-arsenal Composite: Getty/Action Images Composite: Getty/Action Images Composite: Getty/Action Images Jonathan Wilson 2026-06-01T16:00:22Z 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/12/mexico-joy-raul-jimenez-south-korea-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>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jeffrueter.bsky.social">Jeff Rueter</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jonawils.bsky.social">Jonathan Wilson</a> as the World Cup kicks off in Mexico</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: there are tears from Raúl Jiménez as he scores his first ever World Cup goal that confirms a very easy win for co-hosts Mexico. South Africa gifted them the first, had a man sent off … and then had another red card (while the there was also another dismissal for Mexico).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/12/mexico-joy-raul-jimenez-south-korea-world-cup-daily-podcast">Continue reading...</a> World Cup 2026 Football Sport World Cup Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:58:35 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/jun/12/mexico-joy-raul-jimenez-south-korea-world-cup-daily-podcast Photograph: Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images Presented by Max Rushden with Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay, Jeff Rueter and Jonathan Wilson Produced by Rory Symon and our executive producer is Joel Grove. 2026-06-12T07:58:35Z 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