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World Cup Qualification UEFA

World Cup Qualification UEFA news

GFX Luis de la Fuente Lamine Yamal

'It's for Yamal's benefit' - Spain directors explains shock exit

Aitor Karanka, sporting director of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), assured that there were no tensions between the organisation and Barcelona following Lamine Yamal's shock exit from the Spain squad on Tuesday. Karanka quashed any speculation suggesting further bad blood between the two entities, claiming that the communication with the Catalans is "fantastic."

Spain v England: Final - UEFA EURO 2024

'Never seen anything like it!' - Spain boss confused after Yamal's exit

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was bemused following the release of Lamine Yamal from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, stating that he had "never seen anything like it." Yamal was released from the Spain squad after he underwent invasive radiofrequency procedure to treat his pubic discomfort, with the Barcelona star set to be out for the next seven to 10 days.

England Men Press Conference

England call up two new players to November squad

Thomas Tuchel has called up two new players to the November England squad after seeing Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope withdraw with injuries. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also a major doubt for the World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Albania, though he has reported to the camp. Gordon did not travel to Brentford for Newcastle's last Premier League game, while Pope had to be substituted in the second half.

Harry Kane England 2024

'Wrap him in cotton wool!' - England get Kane World Cup warning

England have been told to wrap Harry Kane in “cotton wool” from January in order to avoid any injuries that would deliver a World Cup nightmare. Former Three Lions striker Fraizer Campbell, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, admits that Thomas Tuchel would struggle to mount a serious challenge for global glory if his talismanic captain were to be unavailable.

Lamine Yamal Spain Turkey 2025

'Surprise & dismay' for Spanish FA as Yamal withdraws from squad

The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) has expressed its “surprise and dismay” at seeing Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal undergo an “invasive procedure” that has led to his withdrawal from the latest La Roja squad. Yamal, who suffered an injury while on international duty in September, had been drafted back into Luis de la Fuente’s ranks for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey.

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Leroy Sane

Nagelsmann issues 'countless chances' warning to Sane

Julian Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to Leroy Sane, cautioning the Galatasaray winger that he no longer has "countless opportunities" to prove himself for the German national team. The Germany coach, while acknowledging Sane's improved performances in Turkey, made it clear that he expects more from the 29-year-old and that his recent call-up was partly due to a lack of alternatives.

VfB Stuttgart v Real Club Celta - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Nagelsmann explains 'surprise' Stiller snub

Julian Nagelsmann has explained why he left Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller out of his latest Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. The national team coach says he discussed the issue with the Bundesliga club after coach Sebastian Hoeness expressed his surprise by the decision.

FBL-WC-2026-EUR-QUALIFIERS-FRA-PRESSER

Deschamps confirms Saudi Pro League contact

Didier Deschamps has confirmed he has received approaches from the Saudi Pro League regarding a coaching role after his tenure with the France national team concludes with the 2026 World Cup. The Bleus boss also categorically denied reports linking him with a return to Juventus or taking over the Brazil national team, reiterating his commitment to his pre-determined departure from the French setup.

توماس توخيل

England set for triple injury blow ahead of Serbia & Albania clashes

England are expected to be handed a triple injury blow ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is likely to miss out after seeing a blow to his foot leave him on crutches, while Newcastle duo Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope are also poised to be ruled out of Thomas Tuchel’s plans with the Three Lions.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo 'still starving' for success, says former coach

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former head coach has offered insight into the legendary forward’s mentality and shared why he believes the Portuguese captain could fire his national team to glory in next summer’s World Cup. Hugo Oliveira added that Ronaldo is still desperate to add to his ceaseless goal tally, and his hunger could well see him surpass his 1,000 career goals target.

FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-GIRONA

Staggering stat reveals awful extent of abuse aimed at Yamal

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was targeted with 60 per cent of all racist attacks online in Spain, according to a staggering new study of the 2024-25 season. The Blaugrana forward reportedly received twice as much online abuse as Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, in a new publication which highlights the awful extent of the vitriol directed at La Liga's top players.

England v Latvia - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

Tuchel's assistant explains how England can win World Cup

Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach Anthony Barry has explained why he believes England can and will win the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. Barry praised the character of the Three Lions squad and claimed that this England side had both the talent and mental fortitude to lift the trophy for the first time since 1966.

Crystal Palace FC v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

'Can't even walk!' - Guehi set to withdraw from England squad

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has revealed that captain Marc Guehi will likely withdraw from the England squad ahead of November's international window. The centre-back suffered bruising of the bone in his foot in the Eagles' 3-1 victory against AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League on Thursday and is currently having to walk with crutches.

Latvia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Arteta sends message to Lewis-Skelly after being cut from England squad

Mikel Arteta has urged calm and perspective after Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. The 19-year-old left-back has struggled for regular minutes this season, and while his omission has sparked debate among fans, Arteta insists the setback could “happen for the right reason” as he backed the teenager to bounce back stronger.

FBL-WC-2026-EUR-QUALIFIER-POR-HUN

Portugal boss calls on Dalot to replace injured 'irreplaceable' star

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez faces a major selection dilemma as Portugal heads into decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers without injured star Nuno Mendes, a player the coach calls "the best in the world". With the Paris Saint-Germain full-back sidelined, Martinez admits there’s “no natural replacement” and turns to Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo to fill the void.

FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga

Germany return 'very likely' for Neuer

Former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that Manuel Neuer could come out of retirement and return to the national team if he continues his current form for Bayern Munich. With current first choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggling at Barcelona, the national team hero suggested Neuer is the natural choice to fill in should his compatriot fail to find a new club in January.

Phil Foden Jude Bellignham

Tuchel promises 'central roles' for Bellingham & Foden

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden will play "central roles" for England after recalling the star duo for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The pair's return follows a month of scrutiny over their absence from previous squads, with Tuchel praising their "immense" club form and insisting both will be key figures in his evolving England setup.

Jude Bellingham England 2025

England squad: Bellingham & Foden return alongside Scott

Jude Bellingham has been recalled by England for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The Real Madrid superstar was left out of Thomas Tuchel's selection in October, amid questions of his character, but has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for November internationals. Phil Foden has also been selected, while there is a shock first call-up for Alex Scott.

France v Israel - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2

Kante 'still at his best' as Deschamps explains France return

Didier Deschamps has recalled N’Golo Kante to the France squad for the first time in a year, hailing the veteran midfielder as “still at his best.” The 34-year-old Al-Ittihad star has impressed with his consistency in Saudi Arabia and will feature in Les Bleus’ crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan this month.

FBL-FRA-UNFP-AWARDS

Deschamps won't 'add fuel to the fire' after Dembele injury amid PSG feud

France national team head coach Didier Deschamps refrained from sparking further controversy while addressing the recent injury suffered by Paris Saint-Germain forward and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Deschamps claimed that he is "especially sad" to see Dembele's fitness struggles drag on, but added that he won't "add fuel to the fire" amid Les Blues' ongoing feud with PSG.

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Tchouameni ruled out for Madrid and France due to muscle injury

Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out of action for Real Madrid and France after he was diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg, Los Blancos announced in a statement on Thursday. The news will come as a huge setback for both Tchouameni's club and country, as he had become indispensable under both Xabi Alonso and Didier Deschamps.

Jude Bellingham England 2025

Bellingham decision: Tuchel makes huge England selection call

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly decided to draft Jude Bellingham back into his England squad for the November internationals. The Real Madrid superstar was surprisingly left out of the Three Lions’ ranks in October after recovering from shoulder surgery and returning to action at club level. The expectation is that he will figure in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Eusebio, Portugal's World Cup qualifying kit and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo & Co to wear Eusebio-inspired 'Black Panther' Portugal kit

PUMA have unveiled a special edition 'Black Panther' Portugal kit celebrating the legendary Eusebio ahead of their latest set of World Cup qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates will don the black and gold shirt for their upcoming clash with Armenia later this month on a date that will mark the 60th anniversary of Eusebio's 1965 Ballon d'Or triumph.

Frequently asked questions

Al-Hilal are the most successful Saudi Pro League side ever, having won an astonishing 19 league titles. Their first-ever league title came at the end of the 1976-77 campaign. Currently, they are also the defending champions, having gone all the way in the 2023-24 season.

Currently, there are 18 teams in the Saudi Pro League. In the first season ever, which took place in 1976-77, there were just eight teams. The number increased to 10 in the following season. Ahead of the 1981-82, Saudi Premier League and Saudi First Division merged to form one single league for the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification process. However, from the 1984-85 season, the number teams reverted to 12.

Legendary Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the record for most appearances in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Deayea played for Al-Taee and Al-Hilal and managed 406 appearances inthe league.

Majed Abdullah, also known as the Arabian Pele, is the league's all-time leading topscorer with 189 goals in 194 league games, all of them coming with Al-Nassr in a 21-year span. He is Al-Nassr's record goalscorer, with 259 goals in just 266 games.

Former Syrian midfielder Jehad Al-Hussain has registered the most assists in Saudi Pro League history, setting up 50 goals for his teammates in 208 games.

Former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is the oldest player to ever feature in Saudi Pro League. El Hadary was 45 years and 81 days old when he featured for Al-Taawoun in April 2018.

Teenage sensation Talal Haji, who plays for Al-Ittihad, is the youngest player to ever play in Saudi Pro League. Haji achieved this feat at the age of 16 years and five days when he came on as a substitute for Romarinho in Al-Ittihad's 2-1 win over Al-Fateh in September 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Yassine Bounou, Nacho, Aymeric Laporte, and Fabinho are among the most famous players to have played in the Saudi Pro League.

Steven Gerrard, Laurent Blanc, and Stefano Pioli are some of Saudi Pro League's most prominent managers in history.

The King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, which is home to Al-Shabab and Al-Riyadh, is the biggest stadium in Saudi Pro League. It has a capacity of 68,752.

Neymar is the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history, costing a whopping £77.6 million when Al-Hilal bought him from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.