Portugal to finish World Cup preparations with Nigeria friendly

Portugal will complete their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Nigeria on June 10, the Portuguese Football Federation said.
3 April 2026

Culture clash spelt shock end for Japan women's first foreign coach

Nils Nielsen's shock exit as Japan coach after leading them to Women's Asian Cup glory was partly down to communication issues and cultural differences, officials and experts said.
3 April 2026

Four stars: Italy’s World Cup glory story

Despite their storied past, the footballing world remains in shock as the Azzurri face a third consecutive absence from the finals, having failed to qualify since 2014.
3 April 2026

Can Bangladesh break India final jinx?

Bangladesh will take on India in the final of the 2026 SAFF U-20 Championship at the National Football Stadium in Male today, hoping to secure a maiden win over their neighbours in the final of the tournament at any level. The match will kick off at 9:00 pm, and will be live-streamed on ‘Sportzworkz’ YouTube channel.
3 April 2026

Italy’s World Cup woes trace back to Baggio’s ignored reform plan

His 900-page document, titled “Renew the Future,” was a comprehensive reform plan designed to rebuild the sport from its grassroots.
3 April 2026

‘Want to bring trophy home by beating India’

Bangladesh are looking to regain the SAFF U-20 Championship title when they square off against defending champions India in the final at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives, on Friday.
3 April 2026

Anatomy of Cabrera era: Long reign, limited return

Ultimately, Cabrera’s Bangladesh leaned too heavily on individual moments rather than a defined structure.
3 April 2026

Lewandowski hints at Poland exit after playoff heartbreak

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has hinted at his international retirement following the country's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking the potential end for the national team's all-time leading goalscorer.
2 April 2026

De Zerbi to stay at Tottenham next season 'no matter what'

New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi confirmed he will remain at the club next season even if they suffer relegation from the Premier League as he welcomed the biggest challenge of his career.
2 April 2026

Veteran Lucescu leaves Romania job after failing to reach World Cup

The Romanian football federation (FRF) announced on Thursday 80-year-old coach Mircea Lucescu has left his position after missing out on qualification for this year's World Cup.
2 April 2026

Italy football federation chief resigns after World Cup failure

Italian football federation (Figc) chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
2 April 2026

UEFA chief Ceferin warns Italy could lose Euro 2032 without stadium improvements

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin warned Italy risks not be able to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey due the condition of the country's stadiums, which he called "some of the worst in Europe".
2 April 2026

Japan axe coach Nielsen 12 days after winning Women's Asian Cup

Japan abruptly axed Nils Nielsen as coach on Thursday just 12 days after taking them to Women's Asian Cup glory, with football chiefs accusing him of being "lax" and "lacking passion".
2 April 2026

Women's Asian Cup finalists accuse governing body over equal money

Women's Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia renewed calls Thursday for equal prize money with the men's tournament in a direct challenge to the Asian Football Confederation and accused the governing body of "ignoring" previous requests.
2 April 2026

France back on top for first time since 2018; Bangladesh fall to 181

Vietnam emerged as the biggest climbers, driven by their dominant performance against Bangladesh and a crucial 3-1 victory over Malaysia.
2 April 2026

Final ticket sales phase begins for FIFA World Cup

More than three million of these tickets have already been sold during the first three sales phases.
2 April 2026

Slot hoping Salah can still burnish Liverpool legacy

Arne Slot is hoping Mohamed Salah's farewell can inspire a strong end to Liverpool's season as he declared the Egyptian a living "legend" at the club.
2 April 2026

Tuchel casts doubt on Foden's World Cup chances

Thomas Tuchel said Phil Foden's place in England's World Cup squad is "not a guarantee" after failing once more to hit peak form for the Three Lions.
2 April 2026

Seaman and the 42-yard illusion

Distance has always been a sanctuary for goalkeepers.
2 April 2026

Hamza hails progress after ‘hard lesson’

Reflecting on his first year in international football, the 28-year-old described his experience with Bangladesh as deeply fulfilling.
2 April 2026