World Soccer news

• Real Madrid preparing final push to secure Vinicius Jr.’s long-term future

  24-06-2026 10:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid preparing final push to secure Vinicius Jr.’s long-term futureThe Vinicius Jr. contract renewal saga is approaching a critical stage, with Real Madrid preparing to make their next move once the Brazilian’s World Cup campaign comes to an end.For months, both parties have projected confidence that an agreement would eventually be reached. Yet despite multiple rounds of discussions and several proposals from the club, Vinicius has still not signed a new deal.Now, accord
  
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• Rennes submit bid for USMNT’s Bryan Reynolds

  24-06-2026 12:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Rennes submit bid for USMNT’s Bryan ReynoldsStade Rennais are preparing for a return to European football and are looking to add strength and depth to their squad over the summer. As per a report from Sacha Tavolieri, they have set their sights on KVC Westerlo’s Bryan Reynolds (24). Reynolds, a USMNT international (seven caps, one goal), is approaching the final year of his contract at KVC Westerlo and is attracting interest from several clubs, including Rennes in Ligue 1.
  
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• Real Madrid’s new manager José Mourinho has no plans for Ferland Mendy, but…

  24-06-2026 12:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid’s new manager José Mourinho has no plans for Ferland Mendy, but…Having recently taken charge at Real Madrid, José Mourinho is reportedly not planning to call upon Ferland Mendy (31) for the coming season, according to The Athletic.Having made just nine appearances during the 2025-26 season, the left-back has endured another very difficult campaign, marred by a string of injuries. Such injuries have been a recurring issue for the former Olympique Lyonnais pl
  
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• Juventus set sights on five Real Madrid stars as transfer links intensify

  24-06-2026 12:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Juventus set sights on five Real Madrid stars as transfer links intensifyAfter already having signed four new players for the next season, Real Madrid are still not done with their business in the transfer market, and are looking for yet another center-back and another midfielder.Meanwhile, the Merengues are also looking for the departures of some of their players, especially the ones who are not expected to be in the plans of the new coach, Jose Mourinho, for the next season.The white club is s
  
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• Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea’s eye-watering valuation of Malo Gusto amid Man City interest

  24-06-2026 12:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea’s eye-watering valuation of Malo Gusto amid Man City interestChelsea have set a premium benchmark to push away potential interest targeting French defensive star Malo Gusto this summer.Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly seeking a reunion with the full-back to resolve a depth issue at the Etihad Stadium.Despite admiration in East Manchester, official movement from City towards Chelsea has remained absent.Chelsea will demand a staggeri
  
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• What are Scotland's chances of progressing as third-place finishers?

  24-06-2026 12:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scotland have three points from two group games [AFP via Getty Images]With 32 of 48 teams advancing to the knockout rounds of this expanded World Cup, it is more difficult to be eliminated than to qualify.But Scotland are in one of the tournament's toughest groups - alongside Morocco and Brazil - and may have to rely on being one of the best third-placed sides to progress.They could beat Brazil on Wednesday (23:00 BST) to finish in the top two of Group C and go through automatically, while a dra
  
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• McLean's 'got to start' against Brazil - Allan

  24-06-2026 12:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scott Allan wants Kenny McLean (centre) and Lewis Ferguson (right) to protect the centre of defence [Getty Images]Kenny McLean has "got to start alongside Lewis Ferguson" for Scotland against Brazil in their World Cup Group C decider tonight, according to former Celtic and Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan.Norwich City's McLean made an impression with his passing when coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat by Morocco.And Allan believes keeping possession in midfield will be vital in the sear
  
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• Gossip: Wednesday close to Swinkels signing

  24-06-2026 12:28 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Sheffield Wednesday are close to agreeing a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Sil Swinkels. The 22-year-old had loan spells last season at League One Exeter City and in League Two with Chesterfield. (The Athletic)Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at - gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• Gossip: Leicester keen on free agent Chaplin

  24-06-2026 12:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Leicester City are targeting free-agent midfielder Conor Chaplin to help their bid to make an immediate return to the Championship. The 29-year-old was released by Ipswich Town at the end of last season having spent the campaign on loan at Portsmouth.(Football League World)Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at - gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• Report – The formation Jose Mourinho plans to use at Real Madrid next season

  24-06-2026 12:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report – The formation Jose Mourinho plans to use at Real Madrid next seasonJose Mourinho’s era at Real Madrid is clearly here with the Portuguese coach enjoying a greater degree of freedom and power over the club’s transfer policy this summer.Mourinho has already played a key role in enabling Real Madrid to sign not one but four new players in the market so far.However, the players are only half the story. It is imperative that Mourinho can back up the strong team with his tac
  
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• Have your say: Is Chelsea the right move for Italy talent Palestra?

  24-06-2026 12:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Have your say: Is Chelsea the right move for Italy talent Palestra?Marco Palestra is set to join Chelsea in a whopping €60m deal from Atalanta after one full season in Serie A, but we want to know, is a move to the Premier League the right decision for the 21-year-old Italy talent at this stage of his career?According to reports over the last 24 hours, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Palestra from Atalanta in a total €60m package including bonuses, at least €55m of which is gua
  
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• Gossip: Preston want Terriers goalkeeper Nicholls

  24-06-2026 12:16 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Goalkeeper Lee Nicholls could be heading for the exit at Huddersfield Town with Preston North End keen to take the 33-year-old to Deepdale. Nicholls still has two years left on his contract with the Terriers where he kept 10 clean sheets in 40 appearances last season. (Alan Nixon - Patreon)Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at - gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• Why Bellingham was not sent off for covering his mouth

  24-06-2026 12:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Players can now be sent off when covering their mouths, with Paraguay's Miguel Almiron receiving a one-match ban [Getty Images]A picture of England midfielder Jude Bellingham covering his mouth while talking to Ghana's Jordan Ayew has caused controversy.A law was brought in for the 2026 World Cup which says a player can be sent off if they hide their mouth when speaking to an opponent.Fifa president Gianni Infantino requested it was introduced after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was given a
  
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• Ronaldo lights up World Cup stage as Canada stand on the brink of history

  24-06-2026 12:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ronaldo lights up World Cup stage as Canada stand on the brink of historyAnother day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought no shortage of drama and defining moments as standout performances and unexpected twists shaped the latest round of action.Several intriguing storylines emerged across the latest batch of World Cup matches as the race for the knockout rounds reaches a crucial phase.Without further ado, here are the biggest talking points from another action-packed day in North America.Ronaldo b
  
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• Barcelona add experienced 29-year-old La Liga star to their striker shortlist – report

  24-06-2026 12:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona add experienced 29-year-old La Liga star to their striker shortlist – reportBarcelona’s search for a new striker this summer seems to be leading to one name: Julian Alvarez. However, they cannot afford to put all their eggs in that basket.Having alternatives and Plan Bs is extremely important, especially in light of Atletico Madrid’s adamant stance on not selling him to the Catalan club.Now, according to El Chiringuito TV, Barça are working on a deal for Real S
  
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• Gossip: Blackburn target Cherries striker Jebbison

  24-06-2026 12:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Tony Mowbray wants to make Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison his first signing since being appointed Blackburn Rovers manager earlier this month. The 22-year-old made 40 appearances on loan at Rovers' Championship rivals Preston North End last season, scoring six goals. (Alan Nixon - Patreon)Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at - gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• Swansea great and ex-Wales player Williams dies

  24-06-2026 12:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Local lad Herbie Williams spent 17 years as a Swansea player[Getty Images]Swansea City great and former Wales international Herbie Williams has died aged 85.After joining as a 15-year-old in 1955, Swansea-born Williams played for his local club between 1958 and 1975.His tally of 513 league appearances is the third highest of any player in the club's history.In all he played 608 times for Swansea, scoring 129 goals.The Championship side said they were "deeply saddened" by the death of "one of the
  
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• Gossip: Pompey in talks with striker Milovanovic

  24-06-2026 12:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Portsmouth have opened talks with UD Almeria striker Marko Milovanovic. The 22-year-old has 12 months left on his contract with the Spanish Segunda Division side but spent last season on loan with Alveca in Portugal. (The News)Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at - gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• 🏆 What's at stake in the final round of the Copa group stage

  24-06-2026 12:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🏆 What's at stake in the final round of the Copa group stageThe second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, leaving a scenario of pure math and anticipation for the close of the group stage.So far, only seven teams have punched their tickets to the Round of 32, while five others have already said goodbye to the tournament.There are 25 spots still up for grabs.Already qualified: Mexico, United States, France, Germany, Norway, Argentina, and Colombia.Mathematically eliminat
  
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• Gianni Infantino defends World Cup hydration breaks - and says they could be here to stay

  24-06-2026 12:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Gianni Infantino has defended the controversial introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at the World Cup 2026 and said Fifa will consider implementing them at future tournaments. The Fifa president insisted that the mandatory three-minute breaks, which take place in the middle of every match at the tournament, bring “no additional revenue for Fifa” and have been introduced to protect player welfare. Infantino has defended hydration breaks at the World Cup (Getty)The breaks have be
  
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• Real Madrid could rethink Vinicius Junior future if renewal talks fail

  24-06-2026 12:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid could rethink Vinicius Junior future if renewal talks failReal Madrid clearly showed the seriousness with which they are approaching their next sporting project by quickly completing the signings of four new players. Even before the start of the transfer window, the Merengues have signed three new defenders to bolster one of the weaker areas of their team, i.e., the backline, and have also signed a midfielder, Bernardo Silva, to solve the problem of limited creativity from the midfie
  
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• Liverpool face huge competition for €80m World Cup midfielder

  24-06-2026 12:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Liverpool face huge competition for €80m World Cup midfielderLiverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Felix Nmecha: Why Europe’s Elite Are Circling BVB’s Midfield LeaderBorussia Dortmund may soon face one of the defining transfer battles of the summer as Felix Nmecha continues to attract attention from across Europe, with Liverpool among the clubs likely to be monitoring developments closely.According to reports originating from German outlet BILD, Nmecha’s performances for Boruss
  
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• Goretzka back in fashion as Juventus discuss Thuram and Kolo Muani with PSG

  24-06-2026 12:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Goretzka back in fashion as Juventus discuss Thuram and Kolo Muani with PSGReports in Italy claim that Leon Goretzka is becoming an increasingly enticing option for Juventus again, as PSG have expressed an interest in signing Khephren Thuram while discussing a potential sale of Randal Kolo Muani to the Old Lady.Could Juventus sell Thuram to PSG and replace him with Goretzka?Juventus and newly-appointed CEO Giovanni Carnevali have the challenging task of strengthening a Bianconeri squad without a
  
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• Gossip: Bristol City keen on striker Greenwood

  24-06-2026 12:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Bristol City are leading the chase to sign former Leeds United forward Sam Greenwood. Talks are under way to bring him back from Poland where the 24-year-old is currently playing for Pogon Szczecin. (Goal.pl - in Polish)Meanwhile, Rangers want to re-sign Ross McCrorie from Bristol City. The 28-year-old defender started his career at Ibrox. (Rangers Review)For more transfer news and rumours, read Friday's full gossip column here.[BBC]
  
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• How the complex maths works for third-placed teams to go through

  24-06-2026 12:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  How the complex maths works for third-placed teams to go throughThe expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup has brought back a rule that stirs nostalgia among fans who followed the tournaments between 1986 and 1994: qualification for the best third-placed teams.However, with 12 groups in the current competition, the math for the knockout stage has become a true logistical puzzle with 495 possible combinations.How does the new format work?With the introduction of an extra knockout round &n
  
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• Real Madrid told they have free run at Julian Alvarez signing

  24-06-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid told they have free run at Julian Alvarez signingA few weeks ago, Real Madrid confirmed they had made an offer of €150m to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. It was turned down, and although that trail has gone cold since, it could be set to warm up again.To the surprise of many, Alvarez turned out to be the player mentioned by Florentino Perez during his re-election campaign, when many thought that Joao Neves or Michael Olise would be the one sought. Regardless, Real
  
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• Lazio to pay compensation in pregnancy dispute case

  24-06-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Swedish midfielder Maja Gothberg spent one season at Lazio in 2023-24 [Getty Images]Lazio Women have been ordered to pay compensation to former midfielder Maja Gothberg because they unlawfully ended her employment due to pregnancy.The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) ruled in favour of the Swedish player in what global players' union FifPro called a "groundbreaking" maternity case.Gothberg will also receive "moral damages" from Lazio.The Italian club were also found to have disclosed informa
  
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• Atletico Madrid to file FIFA complaint against Barcelona over Julian Alvarez

  24-06-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Atletico Madrid to file FIFA complaint against Barcelona over Julian AlvarezAtletico Madrid have decided to file a complaint to FIFA against Barcelona over their transfer approach for striker Julian Alvarez, COPE reports.Los Colchoneros alleged that Barcelona are attempting to negotiate with Alvarez while he’s under contract, as the dispute between both clubs continues to grow.The Argentine forward has a contract that runs until the summer of 2030, and Atletico have no plans to cash in any
  
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• Scotland v Brazil: Key stats

  24-06-2026 11:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Brazil and Scotland will face each other in the World Cup for the fifth time (after 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998). Only Argentina v Netherlands (six) has been played more times since the 1974 edition.Since the sides drew 0-0 in 1974, Brazil have won their past three matches against Scotland at the World Cup (4-1 in 1982, 1-0 in 1990 and 2-1 in 1998).Brazil are the team Scotland have faced most in international football without ever winning (P10 D2 L8). Conversely, Brazil's 10 games ag
  
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• Newport sign Welsh striker Doidge

  24-06-2026 11:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Christian Doidge featured as a substitute as Forest Green were beaten by Boreham Wood in last season's National League play-off eliminator[Getty Images]Newport County have signed experienced Welsh striker Christian Doidge.Doidge, 33, was a free agent after being released by National League side Forest Green Rovers at the end of last season.League Two Newport have not specified the length of Doidge's contract at Rodney Parade.The Newport-born player had been in his second spell at Forest Green ha
  
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