Page 8 - Football

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.

Carlo Ancelotti to Thomas Tuchel: Meet the coaches of FIFA World Cup 2026

From experienced tacticians like Carlo Ancelotti and Didier Deschamps to younger modern coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann, the competition promises fascinating tactical battles.

FIFA World Cup 2026 predictions: Winners and Runner-ups for all 12 groups

Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition promises heavyweight clashes, debut stories, and potential upsets across all groups.

Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 for UEFA Conference League title

Crystal Palace didn't want to be in the third-tier Conference League and Jean-Philippe Mateta nearly left the club. On Wednesday, it was Mateta's goal that won Palace the title. A season which began with pleas to play in a higher competition ended with Palace's first-ever European trophy as Mateta's goal lifted his team to a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the final. The French forward, who was close to leaving in January before a transfer collapsed, scored on a rebound in the 51st minute after Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla parried Adam Wharton's long-range shot. "I feel fantastic! ... First time in Europe, we did it! Now I just want to celebrate, I just want to party," Mateta told TNT Sports. "It's incredible. We did everything. I told you about the intensity we're going to put. I'm tired right now. I gave everything." Along with giving outgoing coach Oliver Glasner the perfect send-off, Palace's win, which came in its first season playing in Europe, keeps English teams on trac

FIFA WC 2026: Check Netherlands' full schedule, squad and team preview here

The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan, immediately facing a difficult test in their quest to finally make history.

Unity Cup: Jamaica vs India preview, live match time and streaming

India's squad has been reduced following the withdrawal of several Mohun Bagan Super Giant players after the club recalled them from national duty.

FIFA WC 2026: Check Spain's full schedule, squad and team preview here

Spain arrive at the World Cup with a near-perfect qualifying record, finishing with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 0 defeats. They scored 21 goals and conceded just 2, underlining their control at both ends.

Premier League 2025-26 honours: Golden Boot, Golden Glove and major awards

At the centre of it all were Arsenal, who finally ended their long wait for Premier League glory under manager Mikel Arteta.

Iran's football federation says team's WC base has been moved to Mexico

The president of the governing body of Iranian soccer said Saturday the nation's World Cup training base has been moved to Mexico from the United States after getting approval from FIFA. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, announced the decision Saturday in a statement issued by the federation's media relations official. FIFA has not confirmed the move. Iran had been scheduled to train in Tucson, Arizona, but a move has been a possibility because of uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. Officials at Tucson's Kino Sports Complex had no comment. The federation says the team will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego. This year's World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. "All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved FIFA," Taj said in his statement. "Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held

The end of the Guardiola era: A decade that changed Manchester City forever

Pep, in his time as City's manager, won 20 major trophies, establishing the club as one of Europe's powerhouses