World Soccer news

• ❌ Real Madrid deny interest in Olise with a statement

  20-06-2026 18:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ❌ Real Madrid deny interest in Olise with a statementReal Madrid have issued an official statement denying any interest in Michael Olise, the Bayern Munich and France winger. The club says it has had “no direct or indirect contact with the player in question, his representatives, or people in his circle.”The statement, unusually explicit in dismissing a rumor, goes beyond denying a bid: it also denies any form of prior approach. Real Madrid also regrets the spread of “sp
  
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• Boca Juniors coach contacts Dybala

  21-06-2026 18:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Boca Juniors coach contacts DybalaPaulo Dybala’s future is still up in the air. Roma is negotiating a contract renewal, and the gap between supply and demand needs to be narrowed before a deal is reached. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors remains on the lookout, continuing to monitor the Argentine’s situation.According to Argentine journalist Diego Monroig, Boca Juniors coach Vasco Arruabarrena has personally contacted Paulo Dybala to discuss his project and reiterate that he is the Argentine
  
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• Barcelona midfielder is the second-highest valued absentee at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

  21-06-2026 18:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona midfielder is the second-highest valued absentee at the 2026 FIFA World CupBarcelona’s players dominate Luis de la Fuente’s side in the Spanish national team squad called up for the FIFA World Cup, but the contingent is still missing one big name.While Joan Garcia, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, and even Gavi and Eric Garcia received call-ups, the big name who was left out of the event was Fermin Lopez.The midfielder’s exclusion from the c
  
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• Atletico Madrid Eye Third Attempt to Sign Aleix García for €25m

  21-06-2026 18:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Atletico Madrid Eye Third Attempt to Sign Aleix García for €25mDiario AS report that Atletico Madrid have revived their interest in Aleix García (28), the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder who has been on Los Colchoneros’ midfield shortlist for over a year. Director Mateu Alemany is understood to be managing the target list, with García identified as a realistic and relatively affordable option in what is shaping up to be an active summer of recruitment at the Metropoli
  
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• VAR official who made hand gesture returns to duty

  21-06-2026 17:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Shaun Evans also acted as a VAR official at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar [Getty Images]Video assistant referee official Shaun Evans will return to duty for New Zealand's game against Egypt on Sunday(Monday, 02:00 BST).The Australian will act as the assistant VAR official to Mohammed Khamid for the Group G match in Vancouver.It is Evans' first appointment since a Fifa investigation cleared him of making an inappropriate hand gesture, captured by the television cameras, before Germany's 7-1 win ove
  
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• Inter want Genoa & Norway defender Ostigard to replace De Vrij

  21-06-2026 17:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Inter want Genoa & Norway defender Ostigard to replace De VrijInter have identified Leo Ostigard as a potential replacement for Stefan De Vrij, with the Norwegian centre-back’s impressive season at Genoa catching the eye of the Nerazzurri as they plan their defensive rebuild ahead of 2026/27.De Vrij’s departure is now virtually confirmed, with the veteran Dutchman closing in on a move to Panathinaikos after Inter accepted his decision not to renew.Oumar Solet remains the priority
  
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• “He has been everywhere!” – Alan Shearer heaps praise on Liverpool star

  21-06-2026 17:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  “He has been everywhere!” – Alan Shearer heaps praise on Liverpool starLiverpool Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch Earns Alan Shearer Praise After Netherlands VictoryInternational tournaments often shine a spotlight on goalscorers, and Netherlands’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden at the World Cup was no different. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo grabbed the headlines with two goals apiece, helping the Dutch bounce back from an opening 2-2 draw against Japan and move closer to qua
  
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• Gannon-Doak likely to start on bench again versus Brazil - Levein

  21-06-2026 17:51 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Ben Gannon-Doak might have to settle for being an impact substitute again in the final World Cup Group C game against Brazil on Wednesday, suggests former Scotland manager Craig Levein.There have been calls to start the Bournemouth winger, as the 20-year-old did in the opening with over Haiti, after he made an impact as a substitute in the defeat by Morocco."The thing about Gannon-Doak for me is, starting him, I don't think [head coach] Steve [Clarke] is of a mind to start him and
  
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• Three things learned as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1

  21-06-2026 17:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Three things learned as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1Germany secured their place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, but the performance raised several questions for Julian Nagelsmann despite the positive result. Against the strongest opponent they have faced so far in the tournament, Germany were pushed far harder than in their opening win over Curaçao and needed a second-half turnaround to secure all three
  
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• World Cup 2026: Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard believes it's 'literally impossible' for USMNT to win tournament

  21-06-2026 17:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Legendary U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard is not impressed with the USMNT's chances of winning the 2026 World Cup despite winning its first two matches versus Paraguay and Australia in group play. On his "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast with former teammate Landon Donovan, the Hall of Famer was skeptical of the U.S. being able to continue its success in the tournament's round of 32. "The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup," Howard said while discussing the USMNT's chances with Donovan. "The U.S
  
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• Real Madrid star Federico Valverde set for crucial season under Mourinho

  21-06-2026 17:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid star Federico Valverde set for crucial season under MourinhoHaving gone through the ordeal of spending two consecutive seasons without a major trophy, Real Madrid are set to take all the necessary steps to put things right with their team, and to ensure they return to winning ways in the 2026-27 season.This is quite clear from their choice of Jose Mourinho to manage the team going forward, a coach who has already had a stint at the Merengue club, and who is characterized above anythi
  
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• Miami heat could mean a repeat of 1982 against Brazil - Vickery

  21-06-2026 17:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paqueta are likely to start for Brazil [Getty Images]Scotland's strong midfield will be key to competing with Brazil on Wednesday, but the "sweltering afternoon heat" of Miami could mean a similar outcome to their 1982 meeting in Seville, fears South American football expert Tim Vickery.The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.Vickery expects Al-I
  
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• Maignan tempted by Premier League as Chelsea revive interest in Milan goalkeeper

  21-06-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Maignan tempted by Premier League as Chelsea revive interest in Milan goalkeeperChelsea have intensified contact with the entourage of Mike Maignan, with the Premier League club in dialogue with the French goalkeeper’s agent Jonathan Kebe over the feasibility of a move this summer, though no formal offer has yet been submitted.The development represents a fresh complication for Milan, who are already navigating significant uncertainty across their squad.Ruben Amorim considers Maignan a cor
  
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• Barcelona superstar enduring a nightmare 2026 as injury problems continue

  21-06-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona superstar enduring a nightmare 2026 as injury problems continueRaphinha’s difficult run with injuries has continued after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that the Barcelona winger has suffered a muscle injury to the back of his right thigh. It is the latest setback in what has become a frustrating 2026 for the Brazilian international, who has now sustained four separate injuries in less than six months.Between his commitments with Barcelona and Brazil, Raphin
  
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• The beauty of sharing your child's first World Cup

  21-06-2026 17:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]There is nothing like the wonder of your first World Cup - the misty-eyed nostalgia of youth, summers that seemed to last forever, the gargantuan stars you believed were immortal.In a blink of an eye those childhood heroes became a cut-to in the crowd - Ronaldo, the original, with Roberto Carlos and Kaka - greying legends in suits instead of swashbuckling boots. Still a twinkle in their eye. Aura with achy knees.Tournaments once so defined now blur into adulthood ambivalence, postcards plot
  
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• The World Cup star who has impressed Real Madrid more than anyone else

  21-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The World Cup star who has impressed Real Madrid more than anyone elseBeing the biggest football competition in the world, the World Cup is keenly followed by football clubs around the world, as it provides them with an opportunity to see some of the most select footballing talents on the pitch. This is particularly the case with Real Madrid, who now have almost a tradition of getting some of the most notable stars from every World Cup.The examples of the signings of James Rodriguez and Keylor N
  
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• Roma star Mancini on Italy World Cup pain: ‘I cannot watch the matches, it hurts too much’

  21-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Roma star Mancini on Italy World Cup pain: ‘I cannot watch the matches, it hurts too much’Gianluca Mancini has admitted he cannot bring himself to watch the 2026 World Cup, describing Italy’s third consecutive absence from the tournament as a pain that remains too raw to confront, even as a spectator.Speaking to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Roma centre-back was candid about how deeply the qualification failure has affected him.Mancini was on the pitch in Zenica during on
  
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• Napoli target Former Arsenal defender Norton-Cuffy in €20m deal

  21-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Napoli target Former Arsenal defender Norton-Cuffy in €20m dealNapoli have moved to the front of the queue for Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with the English defender identified as a priority reinforcement for incoming coach Massimiliano Allegri as he looks to strengthen the right flank ahead of next season.According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Napoli have made a significant step forward in the race for Norton-Cuffy, who has also attracted interest from Fiorentina.The wing back’s perf
  
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• Gareth Bale explains why Mourinho can make Real Madrid successful again

  21-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Gareth Bale explains why Mourinho can make Real Madrid successful againAfter a highly turbulent 2025-26 season, in which they saw two coaches join and depart, i.e., Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid have decided to start their next project under the experienced stewardship of Jose Mourinho.Although there are no doubts about his quality as a manager, there have been some concerns about the Portuguese coach’s appointment, especially as it has been some time since he managed a reall
  
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• Former England striker backs Liverpool midfielder Jones to follow in McTominay footsteps amid Inter links

  21-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Former England striker backs Liverpool midfielder Jones to follow in McTominay footsteps amid Inter linksEmile Heskey has backed Curtis Jones to make a move away from Liverpool this summer, suggesting the midfielder’s contract situation points towards an imminent departure, and drawing a direct comparison with Scott McTominay’s transformative switch to Napoli as evidence that a move to Serie A could revive Jones’s career.Speaking to Live Football Tickets, with qutoes via FCInte
  
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• King and Queen join Curaçao dressing-room party after draw; watch 🎥

  21-06-2026 17:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  King and Queen join Curaçao dressing-room party after draw; watch 🎥The Curaçao squad’s celebration after the draw against Ecuador in the World Cup this Saturday (20) included a visit from the Dutch royal family.King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima went to the team’s locker room to celebrate the result with the players.They greeted the players and joined the group in the dance that fueled the celebration. See below:Curaçao is an autonomous territo
  
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• Dublin see off Donegal after extra-time thriller

  21-06-2026 17:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Colm Basqel scored seven points in Dublin's win [Getty Images]Dublin advanced into the last eight of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship with a 2-26 to 2-22 win over Donegal after extra-time at Croke Park.It was a thrilling contest that seemed to be going the way of Ger Brennan's men late in normal time when Paddy Small hit the net, but a last-gasp two-point free from Michael Murphy sent the game into extra-time.Donegal had looked much better in the opening half with goals from Shea Mal
  
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• Gary Neville urges Man United to sign ‘outstanding’ World Cup star

  21-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Gary Neville urges Man United to sign ‘outstanding’ World Cup starManchester United Told Felix Nmecha Has ‘Absolutely Everything’Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has already begun, but Gary Neville believes there may be another opportunity staring his former club in the face. That opportunity is Felix Nmecha, the Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder who has caught the eye at the World Cup.United have moved to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad with a &
  
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• Real Madrid plan to make opening offer for Galactico target in 2-3 weeks – report

  21-06-2026 16:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid plan to make opening offer for Galactico target in 2-3 weeks – reportReal Madrid have set a blistering pace heading into the summer transfer window, having already closed as many as three signings in the form of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konate. A fourth transfer has also been secured but not announced officially – Denzel Dumfries. And Los Blancos are showing no signs of wanting to slow down.While a new midfielder is very much on the agenda, the focus n
  
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• Jurgen Klopp defends Liverpool star after recent criticism

  21-06-2026 16:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jurgen Klopp defends Liverpool star after recent criticismJurgen Klopp Defends Liverpool StarFew partnerships have shaped modern Liverpool more profoundly than Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk. Even two years after Klopp’s departure from Anfield, the bond between manager and captain remains evident, and it was on display again during the World Cup as Klopp publicly defended the Netherlands skipper from criticism in his homeland.The latest debate emerged following the Netherlands’ ope
  
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• Confirmed: Real Madrid new signing Marc Cucurella starts for Spain vs Saudi Arabia

  21-06-2026 16:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Confirmed: Real Madrid new signing Marc Cucurella starts for Spain vs Saudi ArabiaThe Spain national team are back in action today at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they take on Saudi Arabia.After failing to defeat minnows Cape Verde in their opening fixture, La Roja are under pressure to deliver a positive performance and grab three points.Given the situation, manager Luis de la Fuente has made multiple changes to the starting lineup for the game.Cucurella features againHowever, one of the few play
  
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• What next for £70m Fofana at Chelsea?

  21-06-2026 16:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fofana played 38 times in a largely injury-free campaign last season [Getty Images]In Wesley Fofana's final act of the season, he was sent off as Chelsea suffered the consequences of failing to qualify for Europe.The 25-year-old centre-back, signed for £70m in 2022, pulled down Wilson Isidor as Sunderland held on for a vital win on the final day of the Premier League season to secure European qualification at Chelsea's expense.It was another low point for Fofana, who received a second yell
  
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• Ruben Dias hands Portugal significant fitness update ahead of Uzbekistan clash

  21-06-2026 16:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ruben Dias hands Portugal significant fitness update ahead of Uzbekistan clashManchester City’s Ruben Dias has returned to full on-field training ahead of Portugal’s second World Cup fixture.The 29-year-old has successfully shaken off a load-management problem that ruled him out of the opening Group K clash with DR Congo.The fitness boost will no doubt give Portugal plenty of hope when it comes to their aims of securing their first three points in North America.Manchester City star R
  
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• Freuler-Gasperini reunion appears to be real possibility

  21-06-2026 16:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Freuler-Gasperini reunion appears to be real possibilityThese are days of planning at Trigoria. While awaiting the start of Roma’s training camp on July 13th, the Giallorossi are busy on various fronts, including settlement agreements, players whose contracts are expiring, and new players who could strengthen the squad. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the recent call between the owners, sporting director D’Amico, and Gasperini has clearly defined the coach’s priorities fo
  
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• 🚨 Spain-Saudi Arabia: La Roja XI, decision made on Yamal

  21-06-2026 16:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🚨 Spain-Saudi Arabia: La Roja XI, decision made on YamalThe first World Cup match of the evening kicks off at 7 p.m. Saudi Arabia take on Spain in the second matchday of Group H.Back from his thigh injury, Lamine Yamal returns to the starting lineup.The Barcelona player, along with fellow Barça teammate Dani Olmo and Atlético attacking midfielder Álex Baena, comes into the starting XI at the expense of Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz, and Gavi.Pedro Porro (Tottenha
  
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