World Soccer news

• 📸 Home game for World Cup hosts: even England get Mexico flags

  05-07-2026 18:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  📸 Home game for World Cup hosts: even England get Mexico flagsEven before kick-off tonight at 2 a.m. German time, it is already clear that the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is likely to be firmly in the hands of the World Cup hosts.A picture from the stadium shows that 80,000 Mexican flags have been distributed around the vast arena. The flags are even said to be on the seats reserved for the England supporters.So everything points to it being a home game for Mexico. Let’s see whet
  
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• Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban

  05-07-2026 21:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Belgium have declared themselves “astonished” after Folarin Balogun’s suspension was wiped by Fifa ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash.United States striker Balogun had his one-match ban “suspended” in an extraordinary development on Monday after being controversially sent off in his country’s round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.Fifa’s regulations provided no official avenue to hear an appeal of Balogun’s red card - something which was c
  
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• Everton Handed Boost To Sign 20 G/A Forward: Right Man For Moyes?

  05-07-2026 21:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Everton Handed Boost To Sign 20 G/A Forward: Right Man For Moyes?David Moyes wants his man. And now, he knows he can get him. According to reports from TEAMtalk, via Read Everton, Jarrod Bowen has directly told his former boss that he is ready to seriously consider a summer move to Goodison Park. It is a massive development. Insider Graeme Bailey has added some vital context to this, revealing that the England international has given the green light, but on one strict condition: the Everton hier
  
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• Cristiano Ronaldo confirms this is his last World Cup, doesn't want to talk retirement

  05-07-2026 21:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed what most had expected on Sunday. This World Cup, the sixth that the Portugal star has played in throughout his career, will be his last. Ronaldo said as much on Sunday ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 match with Spain at Dallas Stadium in Texas. The 41-year-old, however, was simply trying to keep the focus on the game itself rather than his future. And, despite putting an end to his World Cup run, Ronaldo was not ready to answer any retirement questions just
  
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• Spence muscle problem adds to England right-back concerns

  05-07-2026 21:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Djed Spence has featured in all four of England's World Cup matches so far [Getty Images]Defender Djed Spence has complained of a muscular niggle before England's last-16 World Cup meeting with Mexico.The 25-year-old started the last-32 victory over DR Congo at right-back, but there is uncertainty over his role at the Azteca Stadium.The Tottenham player's issue is currently unspecified and it remains to be seen whether he is able to start the match on Sunday night (Monday 01:00 BST).If Spence is
  
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• Trump finally arrives at World Cup – but Balogun decision shows Fifa hasn’t learned its lesson

  05-07-2026 21:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It came like a bolt from the blue, so much so that many Team USA players and staff were completely unaware of the pack of cards being shuffled behind closed doors on Sunday morning. The extraordinary decision by Fifa to “suspend” Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina means the United States will have their star striker available for the last-16 tie against Belgium, who maintain they are “astonished” at the decision. Just thi
  
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• 📹 Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup exit: not tomorrow, I hope

  05-07-2026 21:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  📹 Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup exit: not tomorrow, I hopeNext Monday (6), Portugal will take the field again to face Spain in Dallas at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  On the eve of the Iberian derby, Cristiano Ronaldo was chosen to give the press conference. + CR7 challenges Brazilian journalist to ask a question: 'He doesn't like me'; watch 🎥Portugal’s greatest icon, CR7 confirmed that, at 41, this will b
  
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• Belgium's soccer federation 'astonished' that FIFA allows USMNT's Folarin Balogun to play after red card

  05-07-2026 21:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Belgium's soccer governing body said Sunday afternoon it was shocked that FIFA had allowed United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in Monday's World Cup Round of 16 game.Balogun had been suspended for the game against Belgium (8 p.m. ET, Fox) after his straight red card in the 64th minute of the USMNT's Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was sent off after replay officials summoned referee Raphael Claus to the monitor after a play where Balogun stepped on the back of Tari
  
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• Report: Premier League clubs and Real Madrid keen on Inter talent Sucic

  05-07-2026 21:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report: Premier League clubs and Real Madrid keen on Inter talent SucicPetar Sucic has emerged from the World Cup with his reputation enhanced, and the Inter midfielder is now attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.According to Croatian newspaper Večernji, via CalcioMercato, both Real Madrid and a number of Premier League sides have taken note of the 2003-born playmaker’s displays in North America.Sucic was among the brightest spots of Zlatko Dalic’s Croa
  
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• Folarin Balogun available to play for US v Belgium as Trump thanks Fifa for suspending ban

  05-07-2026 21:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Folarin Balogun has been a key part of the US attack with three goals in this World Cup.Photograph: Paul Kitagaki Jr/Zuma Press Wire/ShutterstockPresident Donald Trump thanked Fifa after Sunday’s stunning announcement that USA striker would have his one-game ban suspended and be available for the host nation’s last-16 clash against Belgium.The decision gives the US a huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun h
  
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• Aston Villa Linked With £18.3m Goalkeeper: Good Option For Emery?

  05-07-2026 21:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Aston Villa Linked With £18.3m Goalkeeper: Good Option For Emery?Aston Villa’s scouting network has focused its gaze on South America. Reports from Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo, via Sport Witness, suggest the Midlands club are keeping a very close watch on River Plate’s rising star, Santiago Beltrán. The 21-year-old shot-stopper is attracting attention after a brilliant breakthrough year.Aston Villa eye River Plate goalkeeper Santiago BeltránRight now, it i
  
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• 🚨 Belgian FA reacts after Balogun's card is overturned

  05-07-2026 21:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🚨 Belgian FA reacts after Balogun's card is overturnedThe controversy is growing.This Sunday evening, FIFA announced that Folarin Balogun, sent off after a VAR review during the United States’ round-of-16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, will ultimately be available for Team USA against Belgium this Monday in the Round of 16!"Pursuant to article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a p
  
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• Long-serving Ilesanmi opts to leave Boreham Wood

  05-07-2026 21:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Shutterstock]Boreham Wood stalwart Femi Ilesanmi has opted to leave Meadow Park after rejecting a contract offer for next season.The 35-year-old defender, who featured 370 times for Wood in all competitions over two separate spells, was the club's longest-serving player and took his farewell bow in their play-off final defeat to Rochdale in May.Ilesanmi, who began his career at AFC Wimbledon before spending a year at QPR, originally joined Wood in 2016 after leaving York City.He moved to Dover
  
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• World Cup 2026: USMNT reacts after FIFA's stunning Folarin Balogun reversal — 'A lot of us thought it was AI'

  05-07-2026 21:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SEATTLE — U.S. players were on the team bus traveling to their training grounds Sunday morning, listening to music, talking among themselves and thinking ahead to Monday's World CupRound of 16 game against Belgium, when social media began sounding the alarm.Folarin Balogun, the team's leading scorer and suspended striker, had been allowed to play."A lot of us thought it was AI at first," defender Chris Richards said. "We weren't sure if it was true or not."It was true. In a stunning revers
  
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• 🇧🇪 Astonished: Belgium rebels against FIFA over Balogun case

  05-07-2026 21:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🇧🇪 Astonished: Belgium rebels against FIFA over Balogun caseThe Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has said it is "astonished" by FIFA’s decision to declare Folarin Balogun eligible for Monday, July 6’s United States-Belgium match. The Belgian federation has already announced that it is "exploring all potential options" in response to FIFA’s decision.
  Why has Balogun’s suspension been lifted?FIFA is basing its decision on Article 27 of the Disciplin
  
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• Who could take a penalty for England if World Cup last-16 clash vs Mexico goes to a shootout?

  05-07-2026 21:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Here we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup 2026, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game with Mexico coming up in the last 16.England’s relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia ‘90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way. Follow the latest updates for Mexico v England with our live blogThe
  
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• Sunderland Are In The Running To Sign This Talented Midfielder: Good Choice For Le Bris?

  05-07-2026 21:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Sunderland Are In The Running To Sign This Talented Midfielder: Good Choice For Le Bris?In a recent report, Greek news outlet Sportdog stated that Sunderland are in the running to sign River Plate midfielder Matias Galarza. It is understood that the Black Cats are facing competition in the form of Olympiacos, Getafe, Monza and Strasbourg in the race to land the Paraguay international this summer.Galarza’s Decent Loan Spell At Atlanta United Last SeasonGalarza enjoyed a good loan spell at A
  
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• Newcastle announce the signing of ‘exciting’ Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure

  05-07-2026 21:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Newcastle announce the signing of ‘exciting’ Ivorian winger Bazoumana ToureNewcastle have announced the signing of Ivory Coast international Bazoumana Toure.Toure joins Newcastle in a £42 million deal from Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim, where he impressed last term.The 20-year-old become the Tynesiders’ second signing this summer following goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen’s arrival from Guingamp.Toure could be Anthony Gordon’s replacementFollowing Anthony Gordon&rsqu
  
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• This is it, Liverpool can finally replace Fabinho with perfect transfer

  05-07-2026 21:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  This is it, Liverpool can finally replace Fabinho with perfect transferLiverpool's Fabinho heir is already here and they can sign him with the perfect transfer. Liverpool are placing midfield reinforcements at the heart of their summer transfer plans, with sporting director Richard Hughes already laying the foundations for a busy recruitment drive.Anfield Watch understands the club has drawn up an ambitious shortlist featuring several potential targets, reflecting Liverpool’s proactive app
  
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• Rangers Table An Offer For This 20-Year-Old Serbian Midfield Ace: Why He Could Be Another Exciting Addition At Ibrox

  05-07-2026 21:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Rangers Table An Offer For This 20-Year-Old Serbian Midfield Ace: Why He Could Be Another Exciting Addition At IbroxIf a recent report from the Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers are plotting a move for Vanja Dragojević. They have tabled an offer of around €4.5m for the Partizan Belgrade midfield ace, but his current employers, destined to lose him this summer, are holding out for a €5.5m fee along with a sell-on clause.The
  
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• What could have been: Ansu Fati and the Barcelona story that never got its ending

  05-07-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  What could have been: Ansu Fati and the Barcelona story that never got its endingSome departures bring closure. Some departures bring relief. And then, there are departures like this one.The kind that leaves behind an uncomfortable silence, not because a great player has gone, but because the player everyone once believed would become great never truly completed his arc.When Barcelona confirmed Ansu Fati’s permanent departure to AS Monaco, it marked the end of a 14-year relationship that h
  
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• What could Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City look like?

  05-07-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  What could Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City look like?After a decade of dominance from Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in English and European football, there is now a fresh face in the dugout at the Etihad Stadium.Former Chelsea boss and former assistant to Guardiola Enzo Maresca takes charge as City boss on a three year contract.Maresca’s backgroundAfter being promoted from Manchester City’s under 21 manager, the Italian was instrumental in the Cityzens’ success, helpin
  
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• Real Madrid youngster’s exit unlikely amid La Liga interest due to two key reasons – report

  05-07-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid youngster’s exit unlikely amid La Liga interest due to two key reasons – reportReal Betis have joined the growing list of clubs interested in signing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia. However, according to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), the deal faces two major obstacles: the player’s valuation and Jose Mourinho’s desire to keep him at the club.Mourinho views Gonzalo as a reliable backup strikerThe incoming Real Madrid manager sees the young forward as an import
  
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• Fiorentina agree Dragusin deal with Tottenham

  05-07-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fiorentina agree Dragusin deal with TottenhamFiorentina have pulled off a surprise move in defence, closing in on the return of Radu Dragusin to Serie A from Tottenham.According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, a verbal agreement is in place for the Romania international to join on loan with an obligation to buy.The Viola have agreed terms on the basis of a €1.5 million paid loan, with the obligatory purchase at the end of the season set at €17.5 million.The move reunites Dragusi
  
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• 🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last

  05-07-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his lastThe 2026 FIFA World Cup has many fans watching and soaking up the talents of an aging generation, with names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric playing in what may be their last tournament.On Sunday, the Portugal captain confirmed this would be his case. 
  Ronaldo was tasked with sitting in front of the media ahead of Monday's Round of 16 clash with Spain. During the press conference, the 41-year-old took
  
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• World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Norway Lineups – Bologna’s Heggem and Juventus target Sorloth face star studded Brazil side

  05-07-2026 20:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Norway Lineups – Bologna’s Heggem and Juventus target Sorloth face star studded Brazil sideBrazil vs Norway resumes the FIFA World Cup action this evening, with both sides looking to book their place in the quarter-finals.The winner of this match will face the winner of the later match today, where Mexico welcome England to the Azteca.For Brazil, former Juventus defender Danilo starts at right-back, up against Leipzig talent Antonio Nusa.Juventus target Alex
  
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• Real Madrid forward Rodrygo delivers hopeful recovery update

  05-07-2026 20:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid forward Rodrygo delivers hopeful recovery updatePhysical issues and injuries suffered by their players has been one of the most significant problems that Real Madrid have faced in the last few years, and this problem has undoubtedly played a role in them going the last two seasons without a trophy.The Merengues have taken several steps to address this issue, including making some changes to their medical team, and it remains to be seen how this problem would evolve in the coming seas
  
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• Liverpool make transfer U-turn after latest midfielder decision

  05-07-2026 20:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Liverpool make transfer U-turn after latest midfielder decisionLiverpool Transfer News: Midfielder Set to Stay After U-TurnThe future of Curtis Jones has been a topic of discussion for months now. It all started when Inter Milan made a late enquiry for the midfielder back in January.The 25-year-old was reportedly open to a move to the Italian giants, but a concrete move wasn’t made. That was until this summer, where Liverpool have rejected a £21m offer from Inter for Jones.Liverpool
  
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• CR7 challenges Brazilian journalist: he doesn't like me 🎥

  05-07-2026 20:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CR7 challenges Brazilian journalist: he doesn't like me 🎥Cristiano Ronaldo “challenged” journalist Marcelo Bechler to ask a question during a press conference this Sunday (5), on the eve of the Portugal vs. Spain clash at the World Cup.The forward asked for the microphone to be handed to the Brazilian: “I know he doesn’t like me,” he said.Bechler then asked what the hardest part was about playing in a World Cup at 41 years old. In his response, Ronaldo
  
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• Report: Tottenham Hotspur ready to launch bid for €60m-rated forward

  05-07-2026 20:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report: Tottenham Hotspur ready to launch bid for €60m-rated forwardTottenham Transfer News: Omar Marmoush Interest Makes Sense as Spurs Eye Attacking DepthTottenham are in the frame for Omar Marmoush, and this one feels credible. According to Caught Offside, Spurs are showing “strong interest” in the Manchester City forward, with movement expected soon as the summer window develops.The headline detail is straightforward. Galatasaray remain active in their pursuit and want a loa
  
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