World Soccer news

• What went wrong for Italy before the 2026 World Cup?

  18-06-2026 12:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  What went wrong for Italy before the 2026 World Cup?Italy missing the 2018 World Cup was hard enough to take. Missing 2022 after winning the Euros made no sense to many supporters. Now 2026 has gone as well, and there is only so long a country can keep calling this a shock.The Azzurri will not be at the next World Cup, even with the tournament expanded to 48 teams. Europe has more places, too, so there was no hiding behind a narrow format this time. For a country with four World Cup titles, this
  
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• NEC Nijmegen to take advantage of former Ajax strikers failed move to Cyprus

  18-06-2026 16:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEC Nijmegen to take advantage of former Ajax strikers failed move to CyprusAccording to Soccernews.nl, Kaj Sierhuis will not be moving to Cyprus. The move of the former Fortuna Sittard striker to a Cypriot side appears to have fallen through. As a result, NEC Nijmegen look primed to take advantage of the failed transfer by giving Sierhuis a change to remain in the Eredivisie. Sierhuis had a good season for Fortuna Sittard last season but decided to leave at the end of his contract. The former A
  
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• 🚨 Spain v Saudi Arabia now has a referee: Brazilian and experienced

  18-06-2026 16:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🚨 Spain v Saudi Arabia now has a referee: Brazilian and experiencedRaphael Claus will be in charge of officiating the match between Spain and Saudi Arabia.
  The Brazilian referee, making his debut at the 2026 World Cup, has been an international official since 2015 and enjoys a strong reputation in South America.His résumé includes appearances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2019 and 2021 Copa América tournaments. He officiated the final of the 2024 Copa Amé
  
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• Zaniolo at Casa Milan 👀, Juve eye Dibu, Vicario, Kean to Premier League 🤑

  18-06-2026 16:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Zaniolo at Casa Milan 👀, Juve eye Dibu, Vicario, Kean to Premier League 🤑The World Cup is making the front pages again today, even more so after the many discussions sparked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s far-from-impressive performance, as he looked to be in serious difficulty in Portugal’s debut last night. Want to stay up to date on everything happening in the USA, Mexico and Canada? Don’t forget to bookmark the World Cup! To follow the competition, search for &
  
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• Tartan Army brings Glasgow traffic cone tradition to Boston as World Cup party goes on

  18-06-2026 15:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Tartan Army have brought a distinctive Glasgow tradition to Boston, placing traffic cones on the heads of statues across the city. The unusual sight has prompted local media in the Massachusetts capital to try and explain the phenomenon.Thousands of Scotland supporters have descended upon Boston for the World Cup, as the men’s national team plays its initial two fixtures in Massachusetts. Their high-spirited presence has injected a vibrant atmosphere into the city, with numerous bars a
  
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• ‘I’d be absolutely delighted’ – Antonio Rudiger backs Real Madrid move for Bundesliga star

  18-06-2026 15:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ‘I’d be absolutely delighted’ – Antonio Rudiger backs Real Madrid move for Bundesliga starEver since his arrival at Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger has been one of the leaders of the Merengue team. This is not only the case in the dressing room, but also on the pitch, where his experience, mentality, and commitment to the team are clearly visible in every game.His importance in the dressing room is going to increase even more next year, as the whites have already lost two ot
  
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• Hansi Flick identifies €40 million-rated Valencia star as key target for Barcelona rebuild – report

  18-06-2026 15:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Hansi Flick identifies €40 million-rated Valencia star as key target for Barcelona rebuild – reportBarcelona’s search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season has led the club back to one of the most highly-rated young talents in La Liga.As Hansi Flick and the sporting department continue evaluating options to strengthen the squad, Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra has emerged as a serious candidate. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year, and
  
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• Why are World Cup teams making so many errors?

  18-06-2026 15:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Erling Haaland pressures Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan during Norway's 4-1 win at World Cup 2026 [Getty Images]The opening goal of World Cup 2026 may have set the tone for a tournament increasingly characterised by costly errors.South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area against Mexico after receiving a short pass from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, gifting the tournament co-hosts an early breakthrough. Since then, similar moments have become a rec
  
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• Norwich sign Brazilian defender Alves on loan

  18-06-2026 15:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Bruno Alves will join up with the Canaries on 1 July [Getty Images]Norwich City have signed Cruzeiro defender Bruno Alves on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent.The Brazil Under-20 international has played through the youth ranks for his club side but has yet to make his senior debut."He is a player of real potential," Canaries sporting director Ben Knapper told the club website."Whilst it will of course be a process for him to adapt to both our club and English footbal
  
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• Barcelona show interest in 21-year-old Spanish attacker – report

  18-06-2026 15:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona show interest in 21-year-old Spanish attacker – reportAccording to SPORT, Barcelona have identified another young talent as they look to strengthen the reserve team ahead of the 2026/27 season. The club have set their sights on Alejandro Meca, a highly-rated right winger currently playing for Real Murcia Imperial.Reinforcements for Barça Atletic after disappointing seasonFollowing a disappointing campaign for Barça Atletic, in which promotion back to Primera RFEF wa
  
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• Sunderland aim to compete with world's best

  18-06-2026 15:37 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]Bay Collective have completed their takeover of Sunderland AFC Women, acquiring a majority stake in the club. The multi-club owners, who also oversee American club Bay FC, received formal approval from WSL Football this week.Sunderland finished eighth in the Women's Super League 2 but Bay Collective chief Kay Cossington hopes they can compete with "the very best in the world" in the future."I don't see why not. The club has been there previously. This is not something new," said Co
  
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• Europe-bound Motherwell appoint little-known Swedish manager after putting faith in data again

  18-06-2026 15:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Motherwell have announced the appointment of Alfred Johansson as their new manager, utilising the same data-driven recruitment strategy that brought his successful predecessor, Jens Berthel Askou, to Fir Park a year ago. The 35-year-old Swede arrives after two and a half years as head coach of Norwegian club Rosenborg, a tenure that concluded last month following a challenging start to their current campaign.Johansson steps into the role vacated by Askou, who was headhunted by Toulouse after gui
  
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• Motherwell appoint Johansson as Askou successor

  18-06-2026 15:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Johansson managed Rosenborg in last season's Conference League qualifiers [Getty Images]Alfred Johansson is the new manager at Motherwell, with the Swede aiming to build on the success of last season at Fir Park.The 35-year-old takes over from Jens Berthel Askou, who led the club to fourth place in the Scottish Premiership before departing for Toulouse.Johansson spent two-and-a-half-years in charge of Rosenborg in Norway before he was sacked in May.Motherwell say they followed the "same data-dri
  
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• The celebration photo that sums up my relationship with Mbappe - Giroud

  18-06-2026 15:28 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]I texted Kylian Mbappe straight after France's win over Senegal when he broke my record to become the all-time record goalscorer for Les Bleus with 58 goals.I wrote: 'Congrats bro, I am really happy for you. Well, I kept the record for three-and-a-half years, and it was great - but now it is yours, and you have to go again... oh, and bro, don't forget to save me your jersey!'.We haven't caught up yet but I've spoken to one of the coaching staff and he said Kylian told him to tell me he got
  
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• Mexican military brings down drone near South Korean training camp in ‘unfortunate’ incident

  18-06-2026 15:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Mexican military intercepted and brought down a drone flying near the South Korean training camp ahead of the team’s World Cup clash with Mexico.Military forces used specialist equipment to detect the “unregistered drone” near the team’s base camp and “neutralise” it, according to a federal official, speaking anonymously to Associated Press.The two teams meet in Group A on Thursday (2am BST on Friday). It was not clear whether the drone was intended to spy
  
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• Liverpool should consider move to re-sign former forward – Opinion

  18-06-2026 15:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Liverpool should consider move to re-sign former forward – OpinionCould Darwin Núñez Be About to Complete an Anfield Return?Rumours continue to circulate that Darwin Núñez is waiting until Uruguay’s World Cup campaign concludes before deciding on his future.Some reports suggest the striker could return to Liverpool on either a free transfer or a season-long loan agreement containing an option to buy. Others insist there is no truth whatsoever to the specul
  
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• Everything you need to know about Victor Munoz as new update emerges

  18-06-2026 15:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Everything you need to know about Victor Munoz as new update emergesHere's everything you need to know about Victor Munoz. That was a question last summer as Liverpool went on a massive spending spree embarking in long and overdrawn sagas.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.It felt like the end of the old-school approach Edwards implemented in his previous reign at the club. Signing under the radar players out of nowhere.Well, I’m happy to report
  
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• Elye Wahi denied entry to Canada ahead of Ivory Coast’s World Cup clash with Germany

  18-06-2026 15:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Elye Wahi denied entry to Canada ahead of Ivory Coast’s World Cup clash with GermanyIvory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been denied entry to Canada ahead of his country’s second World Cup group-stage match against Germany.The 23-year-old will miss Saturday’s fixture in Toronto after failing to obtain the administrative authorisations required to enter Canadian territory.The development comes just days after Wahi featured in Ivory Coast’s opening World Cup victory over Ecuad
  
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• Real Madrid identify two key players as candidates for summer exit

  18-06-2026 15:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid identify two key players as candidates for summer exitReal Madrid are preparing to spend big this summer, but in order to do this, funds must be recouped from sales. They’re about to receive €20m as part of Victor Munoz’s move from Osasuna to Liverpool, but more will be needed to ensure that they can afford to bring in all of their desired targets during the upcoming transfer window.One way to guarantee this is for a big sale to be made. Mourinho wants a fresh start
  
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• Johansson 'honoured' to be named Motherwell manager & have your say

  18-06-2026 15:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [Getty Images]New Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson says it's a "huge honour" to become the club's 31st manager. The Fir Park side have been searching for Jens Berthel Askou's replacement following his departure to French Ligue 1 side Toulouse last month. The 35-year-old was most recently manager of Norwegian side Rosenborg but has also had spells with FC Copenhagen in their youth set-up. "This is a huge honour for me," manager Alfred Johansson said."To work at this football club and to lead is a
  
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• Paratici on Kean’s Fiorentina future, Liverpool and Man Utd ‘appeal’ and interest in young Italy talents

  18-06-2026 15:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Paratici on Kean’s Fiorentina future, Liverpool and Man Utd ‘appeal’ and interest in young Italy talentsFabio Paratici refuses to rule out Moise Kean’s summer exit, but insists Fiorentina want to retain Cher Ndour and are interested in Luca Koleosho.Paratici held a press conference at the Viola Park on Thursday to discuss the Tuscans’ plans for the summer transfer window.“The ownership is very strong; it wants to build a competitive and lasting Fiorentina
  
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• 🎥 Next-level trolling! The internet mocks CR7's display

  18-06-2026 15:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🎥 Next-level trolling! The internet mocks CR7's displayThat large parts of the football world aren’t exactly well-disposed toward Cristiano Ronaldo is far from anything new.But the ridicule directed at the Portuguese superstar since the 1-1 draw against DR Congo has reached entirely new dimensions.In the disappointing tournament opener for the title favorites, Ronaldo delivered a disappointing performance. The 41-year-old was completely isolated for long stretches of the match and
  
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• Sky Sports: Tottenham Hotspur reject £35m bid for defender

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Sky Sports: Tottenham Hotspur reject £35m bid for defenderTottenham’s Luka Vuskovic Problem Highlights Bigger Roberto De Zerbi ChallengeTottenham’s summer rebuild is accelerating, but every ambitious project eventually creates difficult decisions. According to Sky Sports, Spurs have arrived at one of those moments with Luka Vuskovic.The arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million and the earlier addition of Marcos Senesi underline Roberto De Zerbi’s
  
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• PSG informally approach Real Madrid star over potential summer move

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PSG informally approach Real Madrid star over potential summer moveReal Madrid have been fully focused on signings so far since the arrival of Jose Mourinho, wrapping up four deals in quick succession.However, adding a lot of new players to the squad can only mean that sacrifices are needed elsewhere, and one or two high-profile names could leave Madrid this summer.One player who has now been approached by another European club over a potential transfer this summer is Eduardo Camavinga.According
  
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• Manchester City striker expected to leave this summer – Ligue 1 and Bundesliga ‘most likely’

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester City striker expected to leave this summer – Ligue 1 and Bundesliga ‘most likely’Manchester City set to undergo change within their attacking ranks this summer.Attacking starlet Mahamadou Sangare is expected to leave, with France and Germany the most likely destinations.Doubts continue to linger over the futures of Omar Marmoush and Savinho.Mahamadou Sangaréis expected to leave Manchester City this summer, with the Premier League side receiving ‘several&
  
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• Ivory Coast World Cup star Yan Diomande pens heartbreaking tribute to late sister

  18-06-2026 15:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Yan Diomande has paid an emotional tribute to his sister Roxane, who passed away aged 15 following an incident in which she allegedly had a drink spiked, with the Ivory Coast star saying: “Everything I do on a football pitch, it’s for you.”The RB Leipzig winger, in an article published by the Players’ Tribune, has revealed the heartbreak he experienced when being told that his sister had died not long after he made his debut for Leganes in La Liga last year.Diomande, 19,
  
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• Gary Lineker hails Harry Kane as ‘greatest English striker we’ve ever had’ after equalling World Cup record

  18-06-2026 14:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Gary Lineker said Harry Kane is “the greatest English striker we’ve ever had” after the England captain equalled his tally of World Cup goals for the side.Kane scored twice as England beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener in Dallas on Wednesday, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on the scoresheet.The Bayern Munich star’s brace saw him move level with Lineker on 10 World Cup goals.Lineker quipped he reached double figures in two tournaments – 1986 in M
  
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• Why are England playing a darts song at the World Cup?

  18-06-2026 14:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]The Proclaimers, AC/DC, Daft Punk and Lynard Skynard all have something in common this summer - and it’s because of the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.All four are among the artists whose songs have been selected by national teams to be played after every goal scored as their dedicated goal song.England supporters, particularly those with a soft spot for darts, had the privilege of listening to Planet Funk's ‘Chase the Sun’ four times on Wednesd
  
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• Barcelona leading the race to sign 19-year-old defensive star ‘wanted by half of Europe’

  18-06-2026 14:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona leading the race to sign 19-year-old defensive star ‘wanted by half of Europe’Central defence is one area of the pitch that Barcelona need to address in the summer transfer window, as Deco looks to improve the options Hansi Flick has at his disposal.At times last season, this was the one position holding the team back from reaching the next level, despite the excellent form of Pau Cubarsi.Thus, signing a partner for the Spanish teenager has to be a priority for the Catalan
  
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• Major midfield exit under consideration at Real Madrid to fund new arrivals

  18-06-2026 14:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Major midfield exit under consideration at Real Madrid to fund new arrivalsReal Madrid’s summer rebuild may not be limited to new arrivals. While much of the focus has been on the players joining the club, attention is now beginning to shift towards a potentially significant departure that could reshape Jose Mourinho’s midfield plans.The Spanish giants have already taken steps to reduce the wage bill and create room within the squad, including approving Dani Ceballos’ cont
  
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