Wales news

Football fans across the United Kingdom have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup after the government confirmed a significant relaxation of licensing laws. Pubs in England and Wales will be permitted to extend their operating hours for knockout matches. This legislative victory ensures supporters can stay at their locals into the early hours as the tournament unfolds across North America.

England have been handed a brutal draw on their return to the top table of Nations League football. The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia, and Czechia in what could be seen as a Group of Death for Thomas Tuchel's men, who will first attempt to win the World Cup this summer.

Laura Woods has branded fellow sports presenter Richard Keys a "t***" for his apparent tribute to Leeds United and Wales legend Terry Yorath. The 75-year-old's death was announced on Thursday, with his daughter, Gabby Logan, rushing to his side the night before as she left her Match of the Day duties mid-show. Keys and Logan have feuded in the past, and now Woods has slammed the former for his questionable eulogy.

Gabby Logan was forced to vacate her Match of the Day presenting post mid-show on January 7, with it being announced that her father Terry Yorath has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Logan had fronted the latest broadcast of the BBC’s Premier League highlights package, but was replaced by Mark Chapman following a family emergency.

Wrexham made it back-to-back Championship victories with a 2-1 win over Preston North End on Monday, but Phil Parkinson's side will be sweating on the fitness of talisman Kieffer Moore after the striker limped off with a suspected injury at the SToK Cae Ras. Goals in either half from Nathan Broadhead and Oliver Rathbone saw the Red Dragons build on their eight-goal thriller against Sheffield United by inflicting the Lilywhites' first defeat since late November.

Liverpool icon Ian Rush has revealed he thought he was going to die after collapsing at home. The legendary Reds and Wales forward was rushed to Countess of Chester hospital on December 11 after contracting 'superflu'. Rush, who is now an ambassador for the Merseyside club, suffered from breathing difficulties and spent the first two days in intensive care.

Ryan Giggs has named Gareth Bale as his country's greatest-ever player despite his impressive trophy haul for Manchester United. Giggs won 13 Premier League titles during a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford, which included four FA Cup triumphs and two Champions League successes. Even so, the Welshman believes that Bale is the best player to have ever played for Wales.

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has, after enduring a missing dog ordeal in Mexico, aired his surprise at seeing Liga MX side Pumas rip up his contract. The Wales international played just six games for the Central American outfit after stepping out of his comfort zone in Europe. He returned to the UK after seeing his beloved pet go missing in October.

Wrexham have received around £18 million ($24m) in funding for their stadium redevelopment project, despite the personal wealth boasted by the club’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. The iconic Racecourse Ground is undergoing a serious facelift, with it revealed that said project is being paid for by tax-paying members of the public.

So far, 42 teams have qualified for next year’s World Cup. Six more will join them, and four of those will come from Europe, but which ones?