World Soccer news

• Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll

  12-06-2026 15:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The World Cup 2026 has finally arrived, bringing together 48 nations across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the biggest tournament in football history. As ever, there is no shortage of contenders.Defending champions Argentina are aiming to retain their crown, while Spain arrive as European champions and many pundits' favourites after two years without defeat. France, runners-up in 2022, possess one of the deepest squads in the competition, while Brazil will hope Carlo Ancelotti can guid
  
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• Ousmane Dembélé believes he made ‘the best decision’ in leaving Barcelona to join PSG

  12-06-2026 17:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ousmane Dembélé believes he made ‘the best decision’ in leaving Barcelona to join PSGFew, when he first arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, would have predicted such a rise for Ousmane Dembélé (29). He, however, was convinced that leaving FC Barcelona was “the best decision” for the rest of his career.“In my case, it was time to leave the club. Even though I was very attached to Barça, whom I’ve supported since I was a child,&rdq
  
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• Barcelona midfielder would prefer reunion with ex-teammate in Saudi Arabia over Al Hilal move

  12-06-2026 17:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona midfielder would prefer reunion with ex-teammate in Saudi Arabia over Al Hilal moveMarc Casado is one of the few players whose future at FC Barcelona is far from secured heading into the summer transfer window.The La Masia graduate saw his standing in the team take a hit during last season when he fell down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.With a number of players already ahead of him, a summer exit has been talked about, with the homegrown star now accepting his fate.Casado would l
  
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• From Italy: Atalanta defender reaches Manchester City agreement on personal terms

  12-06-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  From Italy: Atalanta defender reaches Manchester City agreement on personal termsManchester City’s summer transfer work has partly focussed on the backline, with an elite, modern full-back reinforcement being targeted.With support being eyed for Matheus Nunes, City appear to have been positioned at the front of a competitive race for one of Italy’s most exciting talents.Despite personal ties to the reigning Serie A champions, some suitors may struggle to match the premium market valu
  
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• Premier League to relax red cards for hair pulling

  12-06-2026 17:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Michael Keane would still be sent off under the new interpretation for hair pulling [Getty Images]Premier League referees will change the way they judge hair pulling next season after three players were sent off for the offence in 2025-26.Officials will also be asked to place a greater emphasis on grappling and holding inside the area after it became commonplace on corners and set-pieces.The measures were agreed at the Premier League AGM earlier this month after consultation with the game improv
  
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• 'A succession plan for the first time in five years... it won't be easy'

  12-06-2026 17:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC][Getty Images]It's 36 hours on and Ipswich Town supporters are still getting their heads round the idea that inspirational coach Kieran McKenna won't be in the home dugout next season.Of minimum consolation is that the hugely popular McKenna won't take a position in the Portman Road away dugout either - at least for now...The previous instance of an Ipswich managerial departure not being a sacking or "mutual consent" agreement was Sir Bobby Robson taking the England job in 1982. So millenni
  
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• Saints' Lomax suffers fractured jaw in Wire defeat

  12-06-2026 17:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jonny Lomax has made nine appearances for St Helens this season [SWPix]St Helens half-back Jonny Lomax will require surgery having fractured his jaw during his side's Super League defeat by Warrington Wolves.The 35-year-old was forced off in the first half of Thursday's loss and was sent to hospital.A statement on the Saints website said that the surgery "will happen as soon as possible" but the club did not offer a timeframe for his absence."Thank you to all the fans who have messaged the club
  
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• 🤣 Mexico's most viral fan is... a duck!

  12-06-2026 17:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  🤣 Mexico's most viral fan is... a duck!The World Cup is causing a sensation all over the world, but especially in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the host countries.
  And it is precisely in Mexico where a very exotic 'El Tri' fan has gone viral.The star of the story is a duck walking through the streets of Mexico with its family while wearing the national team jersey.What is more, it is striking that behind the animal are two family members tied together with handcuffs.We could say
  
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• World Cup: Where to buy tickets for Argentina vs. Algeria on June 17

  12-06-2026 17:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  World Cup: Where to buy tickets for Argentina vs. Algeria on June 17Defending champions Argentina are set to face a highly motivated Algerian side on June 17.BUY ARGENTINA VS. ALGERIA WORLD CUP TICKETS The reigning title holders arrive with the weight of expectation on their shoulders, looking to assert their dominance early in the tournament.However, they face an Algerian team desperate to prove they belong among the world’s elite after navigating a rigorous CAF qualification campaig
  
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• Barcelona will move for €50m-rated Chelsea star if academy graduate leaves – report

  12-06-2026 17:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Barcelona will move for €50m-rated Chelsea star if academy graduate leaves – reportFC Barcelona are staring at a pivotal summer transfer window as they look to finally conquer the European frontier after back-to-back La Liga triumphs.With Anthony Gordon already signed, the Blaugrana are now prioritising the signing of a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski.However, more signings are not ruled out, especially in the defensive line, where a new left-back could be arriving, d
  
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• Koeman defends Roma star Malen ahead of World Cup despite blistering Serie A form

  12-06-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Koeman defends Roma star Malen ahead of World Cup despite blistering Serie A formThe Netherlands national team head coach Ronald Koeman has had to come out and publicly defend Roma star Donyell Malen ahead of their nation’s first game at the 2026 World Cup, despite the striker’s blistering form in Serie A in the second half of the 2025-26 season.Malen criticised for Netherlands form despite hitting 14 goals in 18 games for RomaMalen joined Roma on loan with an option to buy from Asto
  
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• Scotland handed major World Cup boost as Scott McTominay returns to training after illness

  12-06-2026 17:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Scott McTominay has rejoined the Scotland squad for training in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday. The Napoli midfielder had missed Thursday’s session at the team’s Charlotte, North Carolina base due to an upset stomach.Following the training session, Steve Clarke’s squad flew to Boston, with reports indicating the 29-year-old travelled separately with a doctor as a precautionary measure. McTominay is a pivotal figure for Scotl
  
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• Official: Abate is the new Torino head coach

  12-06-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Official: Abate is the new Torino head coachTorino have confirmed the appointment of Ignazio Abate as their new head coach with a contract until June 2028.Former Milan defender Abate has been appointed as the new head coach of Serie A side Torino.Official: Torino hire Abate as new head coachThe Granata confirmed the 39-year-old’s arrival with an official statement on Friday.“Torino Football Club is pleased to announce that, effective from July 1, 2026, the First Team will be placed u
  
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• Bree signs new deal as Stewart departs Southampton

  12-06-2026 17:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Southampton defender James Bree has extended his stay at St Mary's, while the Championship club have also announced that seven players are being released.Bree has signed a new three-year deal after making 74 appearances in all competitions since arriving from Luton Town in 2023. The 28-year-old also contributed five goals in the 2025-26 season, including four in the league and one in the FA Cup.Bree told the club's website: "I'm absolutely buzzing to get it all sorted. It's something that I spok
  
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• L’Equipe: PSG ready to let regular league starter go after “stalled” contract talks

  12-06-2026 17:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  L’Equipe: PSG ready to let regular league starter go after “stalled” contract talksBradley Barcola looks closer than ever to a move away from PSG as he reaches the final two years of his contract in Paris.If you enjoy PSG Talk coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.L’Equipe’s piece today about one PSG star makes it pretty clear that he’s on his way out of the club.They note
  
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• Two former Real Madrid stars emerge as options as Mourinho looking for a ‘recognised’ assistant

  12-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Two former Real Madrid stars emerge as options as Mourinho looking for a ‘recognised’ assistantEarlier this week, Real Madrid made it official that Jose Mourinho will return as the manager of the first team, taking over from Alvaro Arbeloa after a chaotic end to the season.The return of the ‘Special One’ is no random decision but a well-weighted and strategic appointment by Florentino Perez.After all, the club president was always clear that he would only bet on a success
  
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• Report: Fulham are leading the race to sign Serie A defender

  12-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Report: Fulham are leading the race to sign Serie A defenderFulham Transfer News: Mariano Troilo Emerges as Defensive TargetFulham’s search for defensive reinforcements has taken them towards Serie A, with Parma centre-back Mariano Troilo now firmly on their radar.Sports Boom report that Fulham and Brighton are preparing offers worth around €15 million to €20 million for the 22-year-old Argentine, although Parma are expected to reject those opening proposals. Leeds United and Bre
  
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• Paul Gorst reveals Liverpool’s plans for £60m defender

  12-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Paul Gorst reveals Liverpool’s plans for £60m defenderGorst Warns Liverpool Over Centre Back Gamble as Jacquet Steps Into SpotlightLiverpool’s summer transfer plans continue to attract scrutiny, and one position remains firmly under the microscope.The departure of Ibrahima Konate has left a significant hole in Liverpool’s defensive structure. While the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes provides excitement and promise, there is a growing feeling that relying solely on
  
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• Hansi Flick takes a firmer stance as he shapes Barcelona’s future

  12-06-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Hansi Flick takes a firmer stance as he shapes Barcelona’s futureHansi Flick is entering his third season at Barcelona with a noticeably stronger grip on internal decision-making. The German coach, once viewed as a consensus-builder, has recently demonstrated a far more demanding approach as he looks to impose his vision on every aspect of the club’s sporting structure, reports Javi Miguel of AS.The clearest example came with the departure of Julio Tous from the first-team setup. Fli
  
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• Bosnian band’s American Dream satire song becomes viral World Cup anthem

  12-06-2026 16:58 via yahoo.com
  "I am from Bosnia; take me to America." These stark opening lyrics, once a lament of disillusionment, have been transformed by the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv into a viral anthem, now powering Bosnia-Herzegovina’s World Cup aspirations. By rewriting their classic track "USA”, the genre-bending rock group has captured the nation’s spirit ahead of its second World Cup appearance.The new music video for the accordion-heavy earworm, retitled "I Am From Bosnia, Take Me to America&
  
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• Another protagonist in sight? Belgium 🆚 Egypt to have Brazilian refs

  12-06-2026 16:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Another protagonist in sight? Belgium 🆚 Egypt to have Brazilian refsAfter Wilton Pereira Sampaio took charge of the on-field officiating in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup and went viral, it will be Ramon Abatti Abel’s turn to take the spotlight in Belgium versus Egypt. A member of the Santa Catarina federation, he will be the on-field referee for next Monday’s (15) clash, valid for the opening round of Group G and set to be played in Seattle.
  He will be joined b
  
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• ‘He’s the greatest footballer of all time’ – France’s Ousmane Dembélé on former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi

  12-06-2026 16:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ‘He’s the greatest footballer of all time’ – France’s Ousmane Dembélé on former Barcelona teammate Lionel MessiOf the dozens of players he has had the chance to play with since the start of his career, Ousmane Dembélé (29) is in no doubt: Lionel Messi (38) is without question the best of them all. That’s why the Ballon d’Or winner believes the Argentine is still capable of winning the World Cup. “He can win every trophy
  
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• Italiano could take three unwanted Juventus players with him to Besiktas

  12-06-2026 16:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Italiano could take three unwanted Juventus players with him to BesiktasVincenzo Italiano has recently been appointed as the head coach of Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, and reports in Italy claim that he could target the signings of three players who are currently considered surplus to requirements at Juventus.Gazzetta: Three unwanted Juventus players could join Italiano at BesiktasItaliano joined Besiktas on a two-year contract last weekend, which reportedly makes him the third-highest-pai
  
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• Newcastle rekindle their interest in a Manchester City keeper who seems destined to depart this summer

  12-06-2026 16:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Newcastle rekindle their interest in a Manchester City keeper who seems destined to depart this summerThe future of James Trafford is a subject that will dominate the summer for Manchester City. It would be a major surprise if Trafford didn’t find a new home during the summer transfer window. Trafford is too good to be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy, and barring a change in the goalkeeping structure at City, Donnarumma will start next season as Manchester City’s first-choice
  
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• 'Another hard luck story' - Scotland at Italia 90 World Cup

  12-06-2026 16:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jim Leighton was in goal for both of Scotland's narrow defeats in Italy [SNS]Luciano Pavarotti provided the most dramatic of soundtracks with the aria Nessun Dorma - which translates to none shall sleep - from Giacomo Puccini's Turandot.In the opera, suitors of a princess are given three riddles to solve to win her hand. There's a catch, though - failure equals death.While not quite vying for a royal bride, the comparisons with the Italia 90 World Cup anthem and Scotland's campaign are clear. Th
  
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• Premier League club move ahead of Barcelona in race for highly-rated defender – report

  12-06-2026 16:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Premier League club move ahead of Barcelona in race for highly-rated defender – reportOne of the biggest issues for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the 2025/26 season is that they failed to identify a reliable centre-back partner for Pau Cubarsi for the longest time.Thus, one of the priority areas that the Catalan club seem to be looking to reinforce this summer transfer window is central defence.Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona’s search for a long-term defensive reinforcement may
  
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• Newcastle Revive Goalkeeper Interest as Pope Future Comes Into Focus

  12-06-2026 16:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Newcastle Revive Goalkeeper Interest as Pope Future Comes Into FocusNewcastle Rekindle James Trafford Interest as Goalkeeper Question ReturnsCredit goes to The Athletic for the original information on Newcastle United’s renewed interest in James Trafford, a transfer thread that feels less like a new idea and more like unfinished business.Newcastle’s Goalkeeping Plan Takes ShapeNewcastle United appear ready to revisit a familiar target. Trafford, now 23, was wanted by the club last su
  
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• Real Madrid will decide renewal offer for key superstar after the World Cup

  12-06-2026 16:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid will decide renewal offer for key superstar after the World CupThe 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is already underway, and all eyes are on Brazil, as Vinicius Jr. and co look to lead the Selecao back to glory days.While Vinicius is the undisputed star of the Brazilian team, his status at Real Madrid continues to hang in the balance, with the player yet to sign a contract extension.Vinicius’ contract expires in 2027, meaning he is heading into the final 12 months of his cont
  
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• Newcastle revive interest in Man City’s James Trafford 

  12-06-2026 16:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Newcastle revive interest in Man City’s James Trafford Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as Eddie Howe’s side continue to assess options between the posts ahead of the new season.The Magpies have long admired the England international and are once again exploring the possibility of bringing him to St James’ Park this summer.Newcastle attempted to sign Trafford last year before the goalkeeper completed a move to Manche
  
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• 'Nightmare from start to finish' for South Africa in opener

  12-06-2026 16:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  South Africa's Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct in the 84th minute of their Group A opener against Mexico following a VAR review [Getty Images]South Africa's 2026 Fifa World Cup defeat by Mexico has been described as "a nightmare from start to finish" by former captain Dean Furman.Bafana Bafana went 1-0 down in the ninth minute after Sphephelo Sithole was caught in possession on the edge of his penalty area, and the midfielder was then sent off in the second half, with forward Themb
  
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