World Soccer news

• Xhaka set to stay at Sunderland

  03-07-2026 20:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  [BBC]Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Chelsea.The Switzerland midfielder, whose contract ends in 2028, was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, after playing under him at Bayer Leverkusen.Chelsea saw an £8m bid for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland last week and the Blues had been expected to return with an improved offer.However, sources at Sunderland have told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old is not
  
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• Shelter-in-place order at Azteca before Mexico-England because of weather

  05-07-2026 23:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mexico are facing England for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals [PA Media]The Azteca Stadium has issued a shelter-in-place order because of severe weather before the last-16 World Cup tie between Mexico and England.The match in Mexico City is set to kick off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (01:00 BST Monday).There has been heavy rain in the city during the day and reports of lightning above the stadium.The current advice for supporters and media inside the ground is to remain in their seats.
  
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• FIFA's bizarre Folarin Balogun flip-flop stuns World Cup, but should anyone really be surprised?

  05-07-2026 23:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  If FIFA is going to live up to its reputation as a nakedly corrupt, comically soulless governing body of the world's most popular sport, at least this time they're doing it on behalf of 340 million Americans.The decision to suspend USMNT star Folarin Balogun's one-game red card ban, allowing him to play in Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium, makes no sense by the letter of the law and comes with no good explanation. It smacks of favoritism for the host country or, if you really want to g
  
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• Neymar introduced with Brazil goalless against Norway in World Cup last 16

  05-07-2026 23:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Brazil face Norway in last 16 of World Cup in New JerseyEndrick misses one-on-one within minute of being introduced off benchGuimaraes sees VAR-awarded penalty saved early in first halfBerg has early opener ruled out for offside in build-up Neymar introduced with Brazil goalless against Norway in World Cup last 16
  
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• Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino before Fifa’s stunning decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban, report says

  05-07-2026 23:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Donald Trump called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask for US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban to be reviewed – before the ban was controversially suspended.Balogun was sent off during USA’s last-32 win overBosnia-Herzegovina, when he appeared to accidentally make contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic.On Sunday, Fifa’s disciplinary committee announced that it was applying article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code to suspend the red card, meaning Balogun will o
  
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• Real Madrid plot £188m Olise deal - Monday's gossip

  05-07-2026 23:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Real Madrid prepare mammoth deal for Michael Olise, Tottenham explore move for Rafael Leao, while Newcastle target Angelo Stiller.Real Madrid are preparing a mammoth deal that could be worth up to 220m euros (£188m) for Bayern Munich and France forward Michael Olise. (Fichajes - in Spanish) Tottenham are exploring a move for AC Milan and Portugal forward Rafael Leao, 27, who is open to a switch to London.(Teamtalk)Bradley Barcola's future at Paris St-Germain remains unclear, with Arsenal a
  
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• Erling Haaland’s father drops Real Madrid hint ahead of Brazil-Norway clash

  05-07-2026 23:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Erling Haaland’s father drops Real Madrid hint ahead of Brazil-Norway clashManchester City star Erling Haaland has been linked with Real Madrid for a number of years, and periodically, those links return. This summer, Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed he had an agreement to bring Haaland to the club were he to win, but that was quickly denied by his representation, and Florentino Perez came out victorious in the elections.Nevertheless, the speculation that Haaland
  
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• Chelsea Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Should Alonso Bring Him On Board?

  05-07-2026 23:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Chelsea Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Should Alonso Bring Him On Board?In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Chelsea are among the clubs hoping to land Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been claimed that the Blues would have to rival Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign the Morocco international later this year.Boauddi’s Impressive Rise In Ligue 1Bouaddi enjoyed a good run of form at the French club after he produced a se
  
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• Latest penalty miss brings up bad omens for Brazil 👻

  05-07-2026 23:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Latest penalty miss brings up bad omens for Brazil 👻South American giants Brazil had a massive opportunity to go up 1-0 over opponents Norway during Sunday's Round of 16 clash. But they went on to squander it.
  Manchester United star Matheus Cunha was blatantly brought down in the box, and despite no initial penalty call, VAR intervened and awarded Brazil a rightful spot-kick in the 14th minute.Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior grabbed the ball but then handed it off to Bru
  
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• €130m? Richard Hughes can do better for final blockbuster Liverpool transfer

  05-07-2026 23:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  €130m? Richard Hughes can do better for final blockbuster Liverpool transferRichard Hughes can do better than a proposed €130m deal on his way out of Liverpool.The clock is now counting down on Richard Hughes’s time as Liverpool sporting director. That’s according to recent reports, such as from the BBC, which suggest Hughes is set to join Al-Hilal after the summer.There have long been links claiming Hughes is off there, mostly from Saudi Arabia. Now it seems there was some
  
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• Rangers Miss Out On €5m Defensive Target: Big Setback For McInnes?

  05-07-2026 23:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Rangers Miss Out On €5m Defensive Target: Big Setback For McInnes?Rangers have been beaten to the signature of Zalaegerszeg starlet Akpe Victory. Swiss heavyweights FC Basel have secured a deal for the highly-rated defender after intensive negotiations, leaving the Ibrox recruitment team to lick their wounds.Rangers miss out as Basel snatch teenage powerhouse Akpe VictoryItalian transfer specialist Rudy Galetti broke the news via X on 3 July, as relayed via The Scotsman, reporting that the
  
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• Oliver Whatmuff recalled by Man City just days after Stockport County loan confirmed

  05-07-2026 23:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Oliver Whatmuff recalled by Man City just days after Stockport County loan confirmedMan City will recall Oliver Whatmuff from his Stockport County loan for pre-seasonThe teenager only joined the League One side on Wednesday before being called backWhatmuff is set to join Man City’s two-week Asia tour departing in the week of July 20Manchester City will recall Oliver Whatmuff from his loan at Stockport County despite the move to the League One side only being confirmed on Thursday.Whatmuff&
  
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• Manchester United Have Set Their Sights On This Chelsea Midfielder: What Will He Add To Carrick’s Team?

  05-07-2026 22:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester United Have Set Their Sights On This Chelsea Midfielder: What Will He Add To Carrick’s Team?In a recent report, The Guardian stated that Manchester United have set their sights on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to bring the Brazilian midfield ace to Old Trafford, but would have to pay in the region of £50m to land him this off-season.Santos’ Impressive Season In The Premier LeagueSantos had a solid campai
  
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• Deal agreed in massive win for Liverpool and Florian Wirtz

  05-07-2026 22:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Deal agreed in massive win for Liverpool and Florian WirtzA deal has been agreed that should have nothing but positive repercussions for Liverpool and Florian Wirtz. A massive win.Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool a year ago as potentially their next superstar. His reputation in Germany was outstanding, after all, and he was voted, by the players, as the best in the Bundesliga before heading to Anfield.However, season no.1 wasn’t particularly a success. Wirtz wasn’t bad, certainly,
  
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• Cristiano Ronaldo confirms international retirement after World Cup

  05-07-2026 22:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Cristiano Ronaldo confirms international retirement after World CupReal Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the World Cup will be his final tournament at international level, with the 41-year-old set to call time on his Portugal career. The Selecao face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday night, with five of the last six encounters between the two having finished level after 90 minutes.Ronaldo has had a mixed tournament so far, scoring three times in four games, but receiving significan
  
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• Quansah set to start at right-back for England

  05-07-2026 22:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jarell Quansah is fit again after suffering an ankle injury against Panama [Getty Images]Jarell Quansah is set to start at right-back for England against Mexico in the World Cup last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.Wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are also expected to come into the side in place of Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.Bayer Leverkusen defender Quansah starts ahead of Djed Spence, who complained of a muscle niggle on Sunday morning.BBC Sport expects the England XI to be: Jordan Pi
  
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• Manchester City Defender Is On The Radar Of Real Madrid: Should Maresca Cash In On Him?

  05-07-2026 22:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester City Defender Is On The Radar Of Real Madrid: Should Maresca Cash In On Him?In a recent report, journalist James Holland stated that Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is on the radar of Real Madrid. It has been mentioned that Los Blancos, Barcelona and Chelsea are all hoping to acquire the services of the Portuguese centre-back from the Mancunian club this summer.Dias’ Important Role At Man CityDias enjoyed a solid campaign in the Premier League after putting in a series of im
  
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• Online outrage over Brazil's missed penalty: why didn't Vini take it?

  05-07-2026 22:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Online outrage over Brazil's missed penalty: why didn't Vini take it?Brazil is drawing 0-0 with Norway this Sunday (5) in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.But the deadlock in New Jersey, United States, could already have been broken if Bruno Guimarães had converted the penalty won by Matheus Cunha.Right after the Norwegian goalkeeper’s save, social media erupted over the choice of the Newcastle midfielder to take the penalty.Even Vini Jr., who had the ball before passing i
  
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• Ball don’t lie?! Brazil miss dubious penalty

  05-07-2026 22:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Ball don’t lie?! Brazil miss dubious penaltySometimes, in sports, the ball does a pretty good job of deciding right and wrong. Perhaps that was just the case in the match between Brazil and Norway.
  With the score at 0-0, the Brazilians were awarded a questionable penalty. Matheus Cunha had been brought down in Norway’s penalty area by Ajer. However, VAR and referee Ismail Elfath conveniently ignored a tough challenge on Antonio Nusa in the buildup to the penalty-worthy foul.📸
  
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• Manchester City stance on Ruben Dias sale as Real Madrid register formal transfer enquiry

  05-07-2026 22:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Manchester City stance on Ruben Dias sale as Real Madrid register formal transfer enquiryMan City have turned down Real Madrid’s interest in signing Ruben Dias this summer.The defender’s contract at the English club is valid until the end of June 2029.Barcelona and Chelsea are also interested in acquiring the Portuguese star’s signature.Manchester City have ‘firmly rejected’ enquiries from Real Madrid for Ruben Dias over a possible transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu
  
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• USA v Belgium tactical analysis: what’s Pochettino’s plan with Balogun available?

  05-07-2026 22:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mauricio Pochettino has his sights set on a World Cup quarter-final.Photograph: Julio Cortez/APAfter a few days of preparing for the World Cup’s last 16 without their top scorer, the United States were dealt a surprise Sunday when Fifa rescinded Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension for Monday’s match against Belgium.Belgium’s own preparations have now been scuppered as they go from planning to face an alternative – likely either Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright –
  
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• £10m Celtic Target In Talks With Serie A Sides: Why The Hoops Must Stay Away?

  05-07-2026 22:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  £10m Celtic Target In Talks With Serie A Sides: Why The Hoops Must Stay Away?The Italian top flight loves a Scottish export these days. Look at the data. It works. Now, a proper bidding war has kicked off in Serie A for Kieron Bowie, and it leaves Celtic with a massive decision to make this summer.Serie A bidding war erupts for £10m Scotland striker Kieron Bowie as Celtic look elsewhereSassuolo have actively entered the race for the 23-year-old forward. According to the Daily Record,
  
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• World Cup 2026: President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA's Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card suspension

  05-07-2026 22:16 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  President Donald Trump reportedly pushed for FIFA to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play on Monday against Belgium.FIFA stunned the soccer world with its announcement Sunday that Balogun’s one-match ban for his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 had been suspended and he would be allowed to play in the Round of 16.Sunday afternoon, the New York Times reported that Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked
  
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• Guimaraes has VAR-awarded penalty saved for Brazil against Norway in last 16

  05-07-2026 22:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Brazil face Norway in last 16 of World Cup in New JerseyGuimaraes sees VAR-awarded penalty saved early in first halfBerg has early opener ruled out for offside in build-upMatch sees Man City forward Erling Haaland renew rivalry with Arsenal defender Gabriel Guimaraes has VAR-awarded penalty saved for Brazil against Norway in last 16
  
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• 📸 Norway, close to a howler after three minutes against Brazil

  05-07-2026 22:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  📸 Norway, close to a howler after three minutes against BrazilNorway saw the referee disallow a Berg goal for offside in the match against Brazil.The move came after a counterattack in which the Norwegians completely tore through the Brazilian defense. There was fear in the yellow stands...The assistant referee correctly flagged the illegal position, although the play left a bittersweet feeling for the Scandinavians. It would have been the perfect start had the goal stood.Despite the dis
  
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• Incredible! Michael Edwards exploring the transfer of the summer for Liverpool

  05-07-2026 22:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Incredible! Michael Edwards exploring the transfer of the summer for LiverpoolMichael Edwards could be exploring the transfer of the summer for Liverpool. It has not been an easy start to the window for the Reds. They had been forced into a managerial change after Arne Slot's position became untenable and then they had missed out on their primary target after Yan Diomande decided he favoured a move to Paris Saint Germain.This compounded by the fact that a World Cup taking place has stalled the m
  
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• Fifa’s controversial Folarin Balogun decision ‘absolutely stinks’, says Gary Neville

  05-07-2026 22:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Gary Neville has criticised Fifa’s unprecedented decision to suspend USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban which would have forced him to miss their last-16 clash against Belgium, with the ITV pundit saying “it absolutely stinks”.Balogun was sent off during USA’s last-32 win overBosnia-Herzegovina, when he appeared to accidentally make contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic. On Sunday, Fifa’s disciplinary committee announced that it was applying article
  
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• Leeds United In The Race For €30m Centre-Back: Should Daniel Farke Push For Him?

  05-07-2026 22:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Leeds United In The Race For €30m Centre-Back: Should Daniel Farke Push For Him?The summer transfer window loves a saga. This one has moved from Turin straight to the gossip columns of West Yorkshire, with Italian outlet Tutto Juve via Sport Witness reporting that Juventus want a quick sale for Lloyd Kelly. They want him off the books. Fast.Farke must look elsewhere as Juventus slash Kelly’s price tagOriginally holding out for €35 million, the Italian giants have dropped the
  
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• Fiorentina scare as Arsenal join race for Boca Juniors sensation Aranda

  05-07-2026 21:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Fiorentina scare as Arsenal join race for Boca Juniors sensation ArandaFiorentina’s interest in Tomas Aranda could be complicated by the arrival of Premier League competition, with Arsenal now monitoring the Boca Juniors midfielder.The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in South American football, and in recent weeks Fiorentina took the first steps to explore the feasibility of bringing him to Fabio Grosso’s side.According to a report from El Transigente, via
  
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• Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban

  05-07-2026 21:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Belgium have declared themselves “astonished” after Folarin Balogun’s suspension was wiped by Fifa ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash.United States striker Balogun had his one-match ban “suspended” in an extraordinary development on Monday after being controversially sent off in his country’s round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.Fifa’s regulations provided no official avenue to hear an appeal of Balogun’s red card - something which was c
  
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