Page 2 - Football

England's World Cup opener set to trigger a spike in UK power demand

One of the biggest surges is expected at half-time, as hundreds of thousands of viewers leave their couches and switch on kettles all at once

Inside Atlanta's FIFA World Cup 2026: matches, fans and matchday magic

With eight World Cup matches scheduled to be played here, Atlanta Stadium is expected to be one of the tournament's busiest and most iconic venues.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Rising costs, travel hurdles leave fan bases hanging

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a growing number of long-time supporters say this edition has become financially and logistically out of reach.

Who is Real Madrid's €150m mystery transfer target? Perez drops major hint

Perez's latest comments appear designed to present a more measured approach, confirming that Madrid are pursuing a major signing while avoiding direct references to Premier League stars.

France stumble against Ivory Coast while Spain settle for Iraq draw

Guela Doue scored a goal and set up the winning strike as Ivory Coast surprised France - and Doue's brother in the French dugout - with a 2-1 victory in a World Cup warmup match. Amad Diallo fired home Doue's low cross from the right six minutes from time at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes Thursday. Rayan Cherki had put France ahead in the final minute of the first half when he left two defenders behind and beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana with a low shot. Fofana was frequently in action, saving the chances of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and again Cherki. But Doue - whose brother Desire Doue plays for France - received a through ball from Nicolas Pepe to equalize eight minutes into the second half. Many fans waved posters with a photo of Didier Deschamps to thank the coach for a successful reign that began in 2012 and saw France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final and will come to an end after this edition. Deschamps had all six players involved in the Champions League f

Fifa's $13 bn World Cup faces backlash as high costs hit fans, host cities

Host cities are shifting World Cup costs to fans and taxpayers, for instance, in New York, a New Jersey Transit trip to MetLife Stadium that usually costs $13 is priced at $98 during the tournament

Iran players break silence on how war affects their World Cup preparations

Iran is heading to the World Cup while the country is at war with the primary host nation, a situation that is unique in the tournament's history. In exclusive interviews with The Associated Press during a team camp in Turkey, two members of Iran's squad described how the conflict is affecting its World Cup preparations. "Well, to be honest, it's not easy," said Saeid Ezatolahi, a 29-year-old midfielder who also played for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. "That's going to be my third World Cup. So for me and some of the other players, it might be easier to manage these kind of things," he said in English on the sidelines of a training session on Wednesday. "But at the end ... it is going to be difficult for us because at the same time, we are following the news in our country and the political things, of course, can affect the mind of the players and the people." The Iran team has spent more than two weeks in Turkey, mostly practicing at the coastal resort Antalya, and some we

Switzerland's Embolo goes to US embassy after travel denied ahead of WC

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo applied for an urgent visa at the United States embassy in Bern on Wednesday, one day after he was denied boarding the team's flight to the World Cup because of a criminal conviction. The Swiss soccer federation at the team's training camp in San Diego confirmed why Embolo's travel approval to the U.S. had been put under review Tuesday. He has a conviction that became binding this year. Embolo was charged after an altercation in Basel city center in 2018 and his guilty verdict was upheld at appeal last September. The verdict was finalized in April, just weeks before Embolo was due to travel to the U.S. for the third World Cup of his career. "The embassy's inquiries focused specifically on whether any physical violence had been involved. This was not the case," the Swiss soccer body said. "Breel and the team are now awaiting approval so that he can travel to San Diego and join the squad as soon as possible." Switzerland starts its World Cup campaign

Congo football team's WC warmup game cancelled due to Ebola in Spain

Congo was still hoping to play its World Cup warmup against Chile after the mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion denied authorization for the match because of health concerns related to the Ebola crisis. Congo's soccer federation said it was in discussions with the Spanish soccer federation and relevant international bodies to find solutions. Government authorities in the southern city of La Linea de la Concepcion announced the decision to not authorize next Tuesday's friendly citing possible health risks linked to the Ebola crisis. Congo was playing a warmup against Denmark in Liege, Belgium, on Wednesday. An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus has plagued Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Congo had already canceled a three-day World Cup preparation training camp and a planned farewell to fans in the capital Kinshasa because of the outbreak the eastern part of the country. All

Yildiz to Nico Paz: Young players to watch out for during FIFA WC 2026

From highly-rated teenagers to emerging talents already making waves in Europe's top leagues, several young players could use the tournament as their breakout moment.

Champions League return drives Manchester United's financial growth

A dramatic improvement in league performance, combined with higher commercial activity and increased broadcasting income, has helped the club return to operating profitability.

VAR reviews to quick substitutions: FIFA introduces new rules ahead of WC

From expanded VAR powers to stricter time-wasting measures, here are the key rule changes set to reshape the game.

Hundreds detained after PSG's violent victory celebrations: Report

Paris police detained dozens of people after violence disrupted celebrations late Saturday of Paris Saint-Germain's second Champions League title win and a group tried to storm a police station in the French capital. Fans began celebrating in Paris after the final whistle earlier in the evening in Budapest, Hungary, where PSG won by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final. Fans marched along the avenues near the Arc de Triomphe, with some setting off flares and blaring car horns. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Elysees, with police working to contain the crowd. The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, with some vandalizing shops and setting fires. Cars were also set ablaze. One police officer was injured. Those who attempted to storm a police station in the posh 8th Arrondissement neighborhood were dispersed, police said. It said that by 10 p.m., 45 people were taken into custody. The main ring road surrounding

Five long-standing FIFA World Cup records that may take the fall in 2026

The expanded format has sparked debate among football figures, with concerns raised about maintaining competitive quality.

Vazquez's first-half header lifts Mexico past Australia 1-0 in a WC warm-up

Defender Johan Vazquez scored a first-half goal and Mexico beat Australia 1-0 on Saturday night in a warm-up match for the World Cup. On a corner kick taken by Alexis Vega, Vazquez connected with a header that went in past the right post of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the 27th minute. Mexico extended its unbeaten streak to seven games this year and has not lost since Nov. 18, when it fell 2-1 to Paraguay in a friendly match in San Antonio. Mexico will open World Cup play June 11 against South Africa at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City. On the 18th, it will face South Korea in Guadalajara and close out the first round against Czechia on the 24th. The Mexicans will have one last warm-up match next Thursday night in Toluca against Serbia. Australia will open the tournament against Turkey on June 13 in Vancouver, British Columbia, then play the United States in Seattle on the 19th, and conclude the group stage against Paraguay on the 25th, in Santa Clara, California. The Australians l

Arsenal vs PSG HIGHLIGHTS UCL final: PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to defend their title

PSG become the first French club to successfully defend the European crown.

Who has won the most UEFA Champions League titles? Check full winners list

Real Madrid hold a special place in Champions League history as the inaugural winners of the tournament.

UEFA Champions League 2026 Prize Money: How much will Arsenal or PSG win?

Both Arsenal and PSG have already secured €18.5 million for reaching the Champions League final. However, the winner in Budapest will receive an additional €6.5 million bonus from UEFA.

How the Champions League final could shape the Ballon d'Or 2026 race?

Declan Rice and Ousmane Dembele stand out as two of the leading contenders who will be taking part in the Champions League final.

What to expect from UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal?

With elite talent spread across both squads, several individual battles could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy on Saturday night.