football

England book World Cup ticket, Ronaldo's Portugal forced to wait

Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian demonstrations prefaced Italy's vital win over Israel and Spain took another step towards qualification with a big victory against Bulgaria.
15 October 2025

France held by Iceland while Germany, Belgium tighten World Cup grip

France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, were without a host of players in Reykjavik including captain Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, both out injured.
14 October 2025

Tiny island, giant leap: Cape Verde at FIFA World Cup

Iceland, with a population of around 340,000, became the smallest country to qualify for the global showpiece when they reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
13 October 2025

Italy’s Gattuso ‘very happy’ at Gaza peace deal ahead of Israel clash

The Azzurri host Israel on Tuesday in Udine, a small city which will be the scene of a massive security operation with a pro-Palestinian demonstration set take place.
13 October 2025

Is Cabrera the right coach for Bangladesh?

To play in the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup, the outcome of the return match against Hong Kong, China will determine the future of the team.
13 October 2025

Ancelotti determined to make World Cup history with Brazil

No country has ever won the World Cup with a foreign-born coach but Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that there was "always a first time" as he eyes glory with Brazil.
13 October 2025

Kudus goal sparks celebrations as Ghana qualify for 2026 World Cup

It will be the fifth appearance by the Black Stars in the global showpiece.
13 October 2025

Zidane confirms ambition to coach France

Zidane, who scored twice in France's 1998 World Cup final win over Brazil, led Real Madrid to three Champions League titles in his only previous senior head coaching role.
12 October 2025

Haaland hattrick puts Norway closer to World Cup return with Israel rout

Norway, who have not played at a major tournament since Euro 2000, now lead Group I with nine points more than second-placed Italy, who have two games in hand and play in Estonia later Saturday.
11 October 2025

Mbappe out of France's World Cup qualifier in Iceland

Kylian Mbappe will miss Monday's qualifier in Iceland where France could book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after taking another knock to his sore right ankle, the French team confirmed.
11 October 2025

Kimmich double fires Germany top in 4-0 win over 10-man Luxembourg

Germany's Joshua Kimmich netted twice to power his side to a 4-0 home win over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier on Friday where the visitors went down to 10 men in the first half and the hosts moved top of the standings in a tight Group A.
11 October 2025

Deschamps praises Mbappe’s form after France’s 3-0 win in qualifier

France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup.
11 October 2025

Seven-goal thriller ends in heartbreak for Bangladesh

Raphael Merkies made a hat-trick with a last-minute strike to silence the home crowd.
9 October 2025

Mbappe relaxed and ready as France face Azerbaijan in WC qualifiers

Mbappe said he was feeling "more relaxed" in his life, having fully settled into life in the Spanish capital since joining Real from Paris Saint-Germain last season.
9 October 2025

Bangladesh v Hong Kong: Key stats ahead of Asian Cup qualifier

The match kicks off at 8:00pm at the National Stadium in Dhaka tonight.
9 October 2025

Argentina to play both friendlies in Miami after venue change

Initially, the second friendly against Puerto Rico was scheduled to take place in Chicago. However, due to ongoing social protests in the Illinois city, the match has been moved to Chase Stadium — home of Inter Miami and, by extension, Lionel Messi.
8 October 2025

Iscreen to stream Bangladesh-Hong Kong Asian Cup qualifier live

The crucial encounter will kick off at 8:00pm on Thursday at the National Stadium.
7 October 2025

Shamit confident as Bangladesh gear up for Hong Kong clash

The 27-year-old will have only one training session with the team before Thursday’s match at the National Stadium.
7 October 2025

Even Messi can’t do it alone, says Hamza on Bangladesh’s team challenge

The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined the camp on Monday, said Bangladesh’s strength must come from unity.
7 October 2025

Stolen passport leaves Depay stranded, out of Malta WC qualifier

"The plan I had in mind for this week will ultimately change somewhat because of this," coach Ronald Koeman told a Monday press conference. "He won't start, no."
7 October 2025