Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the player's representatives. The 25-year-old, who is currently away on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as a primary summer target for the Gunners as they look to exploit Roma's pressing financial situation.
England forward Bukayo Saka has admitted he is continuing to "gamble" on his fitness ahead of the Three Lions' 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas. The 24-year-old is desperate to feature for Thomas Tuchel’s side despite managing a nagging Achilles issue that has severely limited his playing time over the last three months.
World Cup official Shaun Evans has broken his silence after a controversial hand gesture during a live broadcast sparked a social media storm. The Australian referee was cleared of any wrongdoing by FIFA following a swift investigation into the incident which occurred during Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao.
Neymar has confirmed that he and partner Bruna Biancardi are expecting their third child together. The Brazil forward shared the news through a family gender reveal, where the couple discovered they are set to welcome another daughter, prompting a light-hearted joke from the Santos star amid his ongoing injury recovery.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has opened up on the "awkward" FaceTime call from Thomas Tuchel that ended his 2026 World Cup dreams. Despite suffering a contentious omission from the Three Lions squad, the veteran centre-back has firmly decided against retiring from international football as his country begins its campaign for global glory.
There are plenty of compelling reasons to suggest that England could win the 2026 World Cup. In Harry Kane, they have perhaps the best striker in world football at present. They also possess the best midfielder in the Premier League in Declan Rice, and an immensely shrewd tactician in Thomas Tuchel to help knit some of the most talented forward players in Europe together.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez have all successfully shaken off recent injury concerns to be available for the country's 2026 World Cup opener. Scaloni talked up the importance of "monumental" Inter Miami star Messi ahead of the Group J clash against Algeria.
Lamine Yamal was consoled by girlfriend Ines Garcia after Spain were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. The Barcelona star came off the bench but could not inspire a breakthrough as La Roja squandered a host of chances and dropped unexpected points in Group H.
Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand has sparked widespread debate, with many interpreting the gesture as a political statement. The midfielder's actions, combined with teammate Ramin Rezaeian's post-match comments, have intensified scrutiny amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Team Melli's opening fixture.
Lionel Scaloni’s record as Argentina manager is flawless. Three tournaments, three trophies won, with La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph sandwiched between successive Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. For a coach in his first managerial role, that is unprecedented.
In the lead-up to England's semi-final showdown with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, repeated references were made to the fact that Zlatko Dalic's ageing side had been taken to extra-time in their two previous matches. The feeling was among certain sections of the English press that fatigue might be a massive factor in the game at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has heavily criticised tournament organisers, labelling his squad the "most repressed team" at the World Cup after they were ordered to leave the United States "immediately" after their opening match. The logistical dispute erupted directly after Iran fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.
