World Soccer news

• 🎂 Leo Messi and a VERY special birthday

  24-06-2026 18:13 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🎂 Leo Messi and a VERY special birthdayThe Argentine star turns 39 at a point in his career where he wants to win his second consecutive World Cup.He is undoubtedly the standout name of this World Cup, ahead of Cristiano, Haaland, Mbappé, Vinicius, or Lamine. Leo Messi has scored five goals in two matches, keeps breaking records, and today also happens to be his birthday.A special moment for Leo, who turns 39 and has certainly not stopped receiving messages of congratulations from
  
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• Arsenal-bound midfielder receives MBE from King

  25-06-2026 18:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Arsenal-bound midfielder receives MBE from KingThe 27-year-old is set to join on a free transfer from Bayern Munich as Arsenal prepare to reshape their midfield.Photo by Andrew Matthews – Pool/Getty ImagesGeorgia Stanway has received an MBE from the King at Windsor Castle for services to Association Football, just days before she is set to complete her move to Arsenal.The 27-year-old midfielder is due to join Arsenal on a free transfer at the start of July when her contract with Bayern Mun
  
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• Swans to begin season with Birmingham cup tie

  25-06-2026 18:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Swansea City will begin the 2026-27 season with a home Carabao Cup tie against Championship rivals Birmingham City.The cup game will be played on the weekend of 7-9 August with the Championship campaign kicking off the following weekend. Swansea's most recent meeting with Birmingham was in January, when Patrick Roberts' second-half goal earned Blues a point in south Wales after Zan Vipotnik's opener.Birmingham, managed by former Swansea assistant boss Chris Davies, beat
  
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• Cardiff to start season with Swindon Carabao Cup tie

  25-06-2026 18:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Cardiff City will kick off the 2026-27 season with a home tie against League Two Swindon Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The match will be a repeat of last year's first-round meeting of the clubs in the same competition, which Cardiff won 2-1 thanks to goals from Cian Ashford and Rubin Colwill.The Carabao Cup first round is being played on the weekend of 7-9 August.The Championship season begins the following weekend, with Cardiff welcoming Wrexham to south
  
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• Tottenham sign former Arsenal midfielder Pelova

  25-06-2026 18:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Netherlands international midfielder Victoria Pelova following her exit from Arsenal.The 27-year-old joins on a free transfer having spent three years with Tottenham’s rivals in the Women’s Super League. The midfielder was part of the squad that helped Arsenal win the Women’s Champions League in 2025 and she also picked up two League Cups and the Champions Cup with the Gunners.After recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) inju
  
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• New Hearts boss Vrancken ready to challenge Old Firm

  25-06-2026 18:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Wouter Vrancken has never worked outside of Belgium before [SNS]New Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken says his remit is to continue to "compete with the Glasgow teams" for the Scottish Premiership title next season.The 47-year-old former Genk and Sint-Truiden boss has signed a two-year contract at Tynecastle to succeed Derek McInnes, who moved to Rangers last week.Vrancken left hometown club Sint-Truiden this summer after leading them to third place in the Belgian Pro League - their highest fini
  
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• Atlético Block Álvarez Exit to Both Madrid Giants — €500m Clause the Only Way Out

  25-06-2026 18:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Atlético Block Álvarez Exit to Both Madrid Giants — €500m Clause the Only Way OutCadena COPE report that Atlético Madrid are categorically refusing to sell Julián Álvarez (26, Argentine) to either Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer, despite the striker having submitted a formal transfer request. The report states that Atlético “currently has no intention of selling the player” to either domestic rival, and that the club remains &
  
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• Best third-placed teams: Algeria and Senegal's qualifying hopes

  25-06-2026 17:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Best third-placed teams: Algeria and Senegal's qualifying hopesThe battle for the last tickets to the World Cup round of 16 promises to be fierce.With a possible repechage spot in sight, Algeria and Senegal remain in a favorable position to finish among the eight best third-placed teams. Football Meets Data’s projections give us a clearer picture of their qualification chances.Unfortunately for the Fennecs and the Lions of Teranga, South Africa’s hard-fought 1-0 win over South K
  
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• World Cup makes more than enough money - NYC mayor

  25-06-2026 17:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Thousands of football supporters have gathered daily in New York City's Times Square [Getty Images]Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani says the World Cup generates "more than enough" income and supporters should not have to pay higher prices.The tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada is the most expensive to attend with prices for many first-round games ranging from $350 to $5,000 (£260 to £3,735).Supporters have also seen increases in charges for hotels and transport.Prices
  
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• Como could now give up on Nico Paz as Real Madrid stance decisive

  25-06-2026 17:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Como could now give up on Nico Paz as Real Madrid stance decisiveSerie A side Como played a vital role in Nico Paz’s development but there is now a big possibility of them not having him for another season.Get Italian Football News have covered his situation, with Real Madrid causing problems over his permanent sale. After exercising the buyback clause in his contract, they want to only let him go for a major fee, which is proving too much for Como.Gianluca Di Marzio has now reported that
  
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• Leeds United and Brighton among clubs interested in Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko

  25-06-2026 17:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Leeds United and Brighton among clubs interested in Auxerre’s Lassine SinayokoAJ Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko (26) is causing quite a stir. According to information from Foot Mercato, the Malian striker is reportedly in contact with clubs in France, Germany and, above all, England. Among them, Leeds United and Brighton are said to be the most interested in signing the Bamako-born player.Having enjoyed another impressive season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 32 Ligue 1
  
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• Real Madrid icon defends Kylian Mbappe and praises Jude Bellingham: ‘I am in awe’

  25-06-2026 17:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid icon defends Kylian Mbappe and praises Jude Bellingham: ‘I am in awe’Real Madrid have stars on the global stage showcasing their skills at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.Players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. have set the stage alight at the tournament, producing excellent displays for their respective nations.Meanwhile, Real Madrid and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf has spoken about Mbappe and Bellingham more broadly, admitting his admiration
  
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• Scunthorpe sign attacker Hurst after loan spell

  25-06-2026 17:44 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kyle Hurst has scored 20 goals and registered nine assists in 157 senior career games [Shutterstock]Scunthorpe United have signed attacker Kyle Hurst on a permanent deal after he left League One club Doncaster Rovers.The 24-year-old joined the Iron on loan in January and made five National League appearances before suffering an injury that kept him out for the remainder of the season.Hurst scored 16 goals in 108 games in all competitions during a four-year spell at Doncaster, where his contract
  
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• Disasi back on Roma’s radar

  25-06-2026 17:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Disasi back on Roma’s radarThe transfer market is about to open, and two hot months await, with both incoming and outgoing signings. One area Roma would like to strengthen is their defense: a player who has been eyeing for months at Trigoria is Axel Disasi, a central defender currently owned by Chelsea. The Giallorossi had already expressed interest in the Frenchman during the previous transfer window. According to Krrish, the Trigoria club is ready to return to the fray and give Gian Pier
  
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• Tranmere bring in Slater and Conlon

  25-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jacob Slater scored once in 32 League Two appearances for Harrogate Town last season [Shutterstock]Tranmere have signed left-back Jacob Slater on a two-year deal and midfielder Tom Conlon on a six-month contract.Slater, 21, will join Rovers as a free agent on 1 July when his contract with Brighton expires.He joined the Premier League side from Preston in August 2023 but never made a senior appearance for the Seagulls and spent last season on loan with Harrogate Town.Conlon, 30, has not featured
  
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• Roma’s Matias Soule: Intermediary trying to iron out Saudi Arabia move

  25-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Roma’s Matias Soule: Intermediary trying to iron out Saudi Arabia moveThere has been uncertainty around the future of Matias Soule, who can depart Serie A side Roma due to their issues around FFP. While English clubs like Aston Villa have been mentioned as suitors, attempts are ongoing to find a club in Saudi Arabia.Alfredo Pedulla has reported that the Argentine is no longer untouchable. After some inquiries from the Bundesliga, there’s hope that something will heat up in the P
  
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• New RB Leipzig figure now prepared to meddle in record-breaking Yan Diomande deal

  25-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  New RB Leipzig figure now prepared to meddle in record-breaking Yan Diomande dealLast week Liverpool had an opening offer knocked back for Yan Diomande. The RB Leipzig winger, 19, was the subject of a mammoth bid out of Anfield - worth up to €100m to the German Bundesliga side.Richard Hughes proposed €90m up front with another €10m due as add-ons - but that attempt was knocked back by the UEFA Champions League participants.It’s been reported in various outlets that Liverpool
  
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• Holders Luton drawn with Peterborough in EFL Trophy

  25-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Vertu Trophy holders Luton Town have been drawn with Ipswich Town U21s, Colchester United and Peterborough United, who became the first side to defend the trophy in 2025.Luton themselves overcame fellow 'Hatters' Stockport County 3-1 at Wembley in last season's final.Sheffield Wednesday, under new ownership, are back in the competition after two seasons in the Championship. Henrik Pedersen's side are in the same group as Sunderland U21s, Salford and Accrington Stanley.Relegated Oxford United wil
  
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• Sky Sports: Chelsea have made contact over move for Premier League star

  25-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Sky Sports: Chelsea have made contact over move for Premier League starChelsea Transfer News: Maxence Lacroix Enquiry Signals Defensive ReshuffleChelsea’s summer recruitment continues to gather momentum, with fresh reports suggesting the club have identified Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as a potential addition to strengthen their back line.According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have “made an enquiry about signing Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix”, a move that hin
  
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• Real Madrid activate €9m buyback option for Nico Paz; offer Como chance to re-sign for €60m

  25-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid activate €9m buyback option for Nico Paz; offer Como chance to re-sign for €60mFollowing the meeting that took place between officials of Real Madrid and Como 1907, Fabrizio Romano reports that Los Blancos have activated the €9 million buyback clause for Nico Paz.The Spanish capital giants sold their academy gem to the Serie A outfit in 2024 while retaining buyback clauses for three years. Having not opted to activate the €8 million option last year, the club have
  
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• Inter join race for Wesley: Roma not listening to offers

  25-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inter join race for Wesley: Roma not listening to offersWesley is undergoing rehabilitation to fully recover from the injury that prevented him from playing in the World Cup for Brazil. The Brazilian winger is a key player for Gasperini, the coach who has nurtured him close to the opposition goal: five goals in his first year in Serie A, record numbers for the 2003-born player. These performances have not gone unnoticed even by Inter.Inter missed out on Palestra, who is on his way to Chelsea, an
  
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• Championship side plot season-long loan move for Manchester City centre-back

  25-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Championship side plot season-long loan move for Manchester City centre-backDerby County are eyeing a move for Manchester City’s highly-rated starlet Stephen Mfuni for a season-long campaign.The 18-year-old defender caught the eye of Pride Park officials after a hugely promising debut campaign in men’s football with Watford last season.Hugo Viana will now map out a crucial development pathway for the Elite Development Squad (EDS) prospect.Manchester City expected to face keen loan in
  
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• Barcelona midfielder shares recovery update after World Cup heartbreak due to injury

  25-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona midfielder shares recovery update after World Cup heartbreak due to injuryFermin Lopez is continuing his recovery from the fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot that ruled him out of the World Cup, and the Barcelona midfielder has shared a positive update on social media.Fermin posted several images on Instagram from his first month of rehabilitation, showing his progress as he walked with the help of crutches.The La Masia graduated added an image containing a message full of re
  
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• World Cup: Will FIFA punish Mexico after fans' homophobic chant returns vs. Czechia?

  25-06-2026 17:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  At least three times during Mexico's 3-0 win over Czechia on Wednesday, Mexico's fans could be heard chanting an anti-gay slur on the broadcast. The chant, which has caused play stoppages and fines in the past, was mostly ignored by officials, who allowed the contest to continue despite repeated use of the slur.The particular chant is not a new thing for the team's fans. The team and its fans have faced punishment in recent years for the chant, in which fans direct an anti-gay slur at the opposi
  
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• Roma announce Brighton pre-season friendly

  25-06-2026 17:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Roma announce Brighton pre-season friendlyRoma’s summer campaign is starting to take shape, with the club gradually formalizing its plans for the upcoming season, including a training camp in Trigoria, a retreat in Wales, and a series of friendlies. As part of their preseason preparations, the Giallorossi have also announced a prestigious test against Brighton. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team will play at the AMEX Stadium on August 8th at 4:00 PM Italian time, in a match that represents
  
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• Inter keep monitoring Mancini’s situation

  25-06-2026 17:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inter keep monitoring Mancini’s situationGianluca Mancini is expected to renew his contract with Roma, which expires in June 2027. The 1996-born defender spoke to Sky about his extension a few days ago: “Negotiations are ongoing, I’m waiting. There are insiders, my agent, myself, and the club: we’re talking and we’ll continue to do so. I’m waiting for answers and we’ll see what happens.” The Giallorossi defender has an offer of just over €3 mi
  
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• Norwich sign Blades winger Brooks

  25-06-2026 17:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Andre Brooks made 39 Championship appearances for Sheffield United last season [Getty Images]Norwich City have signed winger Andre Brooks from Championship rivals Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee.The Jamaica international, 22, has agreed a five-year contract with the Canaries andbecomes boss Philippe Clement's second signing of the summer after they agreed a loan deal for Brazilian defender Bruno Alves last week.Brooks joined Sheffield United's academy at the age of eight and made 96 seni
  
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• Official I Estéban Lepaul extends Rennes contract

  25-06-2026 17:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official I Estéban Lepaul extends Rennes contractStade Rennais FC have announced that Estéban Lepaul (26) has extended his contract by a further year. Originally signed by the Breton club until 2029, the striker will now remain tied to their ranks until 2030.Having joined from SCO Angers last summer, the Auxerre-born player enjoyed a superb season, finding the net 21 times in Ligue 1 (20 for Rennes, one for Angers) and finishing as the league’s top scorer.A starter in 31 of h
  
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• From offside to tiebreakers: World Cup questions you’re too afraid to ask

  25-06-2026 17:18 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The ongoing World Cup has captivated audiences globally, yet for many first-time viewers, the intricacies of soccer can present a bewildering spectacle. Beyond the thrilling goals and dramatic upsets, understanding the sport's unique rules and terminology is key to full appreciation. Concepts such as free kicks, hydration breaks, and the often-misunderstood stoppage time are just a few elements that can leave newcomers puzzled. To help demystify the beautiful game, we are compiling answers to yo
  
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• Amorim blocks Roma’s interest for Pulisic

  25-06-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Amorim blocks Roma’s interest for PulisicNew York City FC’s sensational offer of €10 million per season for five years for Christian Pulisic immediately shook the entire US transfer market. This transaction, with its significant financial impact, has effectively rekindled speculation about the American playmaker’s return to MLS. According to The Athletic, interest in the former Chelsea player isn’t limited to the New York club alone: ​​the entire American
  
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