South Africa are set to leave the country for Morocco to take part in the biennial continental competition that will run from December 21 to January 18. A total of 24 teams will be competing for the crown, where the Belgian's men are aiming at going all the way for the first time since 1996 when they hosted it.
Santos' contract talks with Neymar are reportedly at an 'advanced' stage but rivals Flamengo could potentially hijack that deal. The 33-year-old is set to be out of contract at his boyhood club despite helping them maintain their status in the Brazilian top flight this season. As his current terms tick down, it seems Santos and Flamengo are in a battle to secure the forward's services for the 2026 campaign.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was forced off during the 2-0 win over Brighton after suffering an ankle injury, prompting concerns over his availability during the hectic Christmas schedule. The Hungary international has been one of the Reds' leading performers in an otherwise disappointing Premier League title defence so far and there are doubts over his availability for Saturday's trip to Tottenham.
Brazil superstar Neymar donned a balaclava as he jetted off on a wintery New York holiday with partner Bruna Biancardi amid his uncertain future at Santos. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.
The competition is approaching the final stages, with teams soon narrowed down to the last four - here is how to watch the draw, plus everything else you need to know.
Georgina Rodriguez has opened up on her engagement to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo after nearly nine years together. The 31-year-old announced the news on Instagram back in August, posting a picture of a large diamond ring alongside the caption: "Yes I do. In this and in all my lives." The couple met in a Gucci shop in Madrid where Rodriguez was working while Ronaldo was playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo's son showed off finishing prowess as he scored the only goal for Al-Nassr Under-16s in a draw with Al-Ittihad on Tuesday. Cristiano Jr's football career continues to progress in the Middle East after he followed in his legendary father's footsteps and joined the Saudi giants' youth system in 2023.
The 32-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a highly credible spell with the Sea Robbers, where he played a pivotal role in helping Orlando Pirates lift three MTN8 Cups. He also tasted success in domestic cup football, contributing to the club’s Nedbank Cup triumph. Beyond the local scene, Makaringe had the privilege of showcasing his talents on the continental stage, featuring in the CAF Champions League and testing himself against some of Africa’s top clubs. Known for his creativity, vision, and knack for key moments, he established himself as a respected and influential figure during his time at Mayfair.
GOAL's Front Three are going back for a new lesson, this time for Football School. Their strict teacher, Juwon (aka Mr Janos), puts his pupils' ball knowledge to the test. But who will come top of the class and who will fail? 🤔
United Kingdom prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned Roman Abramovich "the clock is ticking" for the former Chelsea owner to donate £2.5 billion ($3.35bn) of the sale of the Blues to Ukraine. The Russian oligarch pledged to give the proceeds of the transaction to the people of Ukraine back in 2022, having been forced to sell the club after being sanctioned following Vladimir Putin's invasion earlier that year.
Diehard Manchester United fan firastalksfootball has locked horns with supporters from five rival teams to discuss some burning football topics. From stating that the Red Devils are England's greatest club, to Wayne Rooney being the best player ever to grace the Premier League, and Sir Alex Ferguson topping the pile when it comes to all-time managers in the English top-flight. Will he win over the doubters? 🤔
Andreas Christensen faces a decisive period in his career as he enters the final six months of his Barcelona contract. With no renewal on the table and his future hanging in the balance, the Danish defender has attracted interest from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, leaving him with a stark choice: fight for his place in Catalonia or pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Former Wolves starlet Ethan McLeod has tragically died in a car crash at the age of just 21. The youngster was travelling back from a National League North game with current side Macclesfield Town at Bedford Town when his car collided with a barrier on the M11 motorway. Macclesfield have confirmed McLeod's passing and offered their condolences to his family and friends.
Bruno Fernandes has shed light on his relationship with "very serious" Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who has converted him into a holding midfielder since replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm. Five goals and seven assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season underline Fernandes' enduring influence, helped by the building of "boundaries" between him and Amorim.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has set a date for his return to training after completing a spiritual pilgrimage to Israel. The Uruguayan international, who was granted indefinite leave to cope with significant mental health struggles following a traumatic period on the pitch, has informed the club he intends to report back for duty on December 29 with an eye on the Catalan derby.
Manchester United and Roma are locked in a tense standoff over the transfer of Joshua Zirkzee, with the two clubs seemingly miles apart in their valuation of the struggling Dutch striker. While the player is reportedly keen on a return to Serie A, negotiations have hit a wall over the structure of the deal, forcing Roma sporting director Frederic Massara to line up a list of alternatives.
The 27-year-old produced a series of impressive displays in the Premier Soccer League during his time with Masandawana, from which he is now beginning to show at Spanish second-tier side Cultural Leonesa. Despite a slow start with his new club, he has attracted growing interest in recent weeks after finally finding his scoring touch and winning over the club's supporters.
Manchester City have offered an update on the club's 115 FFP charges amid talk a verdict could be returned imminently. The Cityzens are still yet to discover if they will face sanctions after being slapped with the charges for allegedly breaching financial rules during a nine year period between 2009 and 2018. A hearing concluded over a year ago but a verdict is still yet to be announced.
The attacker, who has also been linked with Kaizer Chiefs, has seen a rapid rise in the Premier Soccer League. With the short transfer window approaching, he is set to be linked with more clubs, but Bucs have been told to sign him since he has a profile that fits their needs. The Pirates' linked star has also been tipped as a future prized asset for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
Cristiano Ronaldo's "incredible leadership" has been lauded by his Al-Nassr teammate Mohamed Simakan after their "impossible" link-up in Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old may be approaching the closing chapters of a glittering career, but his influence inside the dressing room remains as powerful as ever. That impact has now been underlined by Simakan, who has spoken openly about the transformational effect of sharing a pitch with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane admits he has Robert Lewandowski's sensational Bundesliga scoring record in his sights after a prolific start to the 2025-26 campaign with the Bundesliga giants. Lewandowski famously netted an incredible 41 league goals for Bayern back in 2021 to write his name into the history books but Kane, who already has 18 this season, is hoping he can break that record.
Stefan de Vrij’s time at Inter appears to be reaching its conclusion, with reports from Italy suggesting the Dutch defender is ready to pack his bags. Nottingham Forest have emerged as a surprise Premier League suitor, while Benfica and Bologna are also monitoring the situation closely.
Fabio Silva’s nightmare stint at Borussia Dortmund appears destined for a premature conclusion, with the Portuguese forward reportedly in advanced negotiations to return to La Liga this January. Just months after his €27 million summer switch, the former Wolves record signing has admitted defeat in his battle for Bundesliga minutes, sparking a scramble for his signature that includes Real Betis and a host of Italian heavyweights.
Harry Kane has expressed his delight after welcoming Bayern Munich's "best player" Jamal Musiala back into the first team fold after a six-month injury layoff. The 21-year-old Germany international has been sidelined since July, when a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle cut short his Club World Cup campaign during Bayern’s quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shared his thoughts on whether the Portugal national team is better off without veteran talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary forward turned 40 back in February but is aiming to play a key role for his team at World Cup 2026. There have been suggestions that Portugal may be stronger without their ageing superstar, who only scored once in five games at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.