Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has tempered expectations after the United Statesâ impressive 3-0 victory over Italy in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Lalas acknowledged the achievement but emphasized that American youth teams have reached similar stages before. The U.S. secured their fifth straight trip the quarterfinals.
Football fans from across the world have been showing their emotion after Ruben Neves' late winner for Portugal against Ireland. Neves' header in the 91st minute was not only his first for his country, but it also marked the first goal the Selecao had scored at home since the death of Diogo Jota, Nevesâ best-friend and team-mate with Portugal and Wolves, in July.
Manchester United are lining up a shock move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as they gear up for a midfield reshuffle. United had looked to bolster in the middle of the park over the summer but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba. However, they have since turned their attention to Wharton, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro both on the Old Traffford chopping block.
Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas praised midfielder Diego Luna for his substitute appearance against Ecuador in a 1-1 draw on Friday, highlighting the Real Salt Lake starâs unique flair and presence in midfield. Lalas noted that Luna offers a different look than No. 10 Malik Tillman, bringing a commanding touch to the U.S. attack.
Steven Gerrard has made his decision on returning to management with Rangers after the Scottish giants approached the Liverpool legend to replace sacked head coach Russell Martin. Martin had to step down from his role earlier this month and his disastrous reign came to a close after just 17 games.
Chelsea are holding their breath after key midfielder Enzo Fernandez withdrew from international duty with a knee problem. Fernandez joined up with the Argentina squad earlier this week having played the full 90 in Saturday's 2-1 win over Liverpool. The Blues star, who played 78 minutes of Argentina's 1-0 win over Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, has since returned to London.
Ruben Neves rose highest to nod in a late winner for Portugal to beat a resilient Irish defence 1-0 in Lisbon. The Portuguese midfielder was the hero for the hosts who had looked as if they would never beat the superb Caoimhin Kelleher in the Irish goal, particularly after their captain Cristiano Ronaldo had his penalty saved by the Brentford shot-stopper.
Spain maintained their 100% 2026 World Cup qualifying record as they eased to a 2-0 win over Georgia on Saturday night. Goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal either side of half time was enough to La Roja to make it three wins from three as they maintain their unstoppable march towards the World Cup. Spain dominated from the outset and many had expected the Euro 2024 winners to put up a big score.
Marcus Rashford has lined up a permanent move to Barcelona next summer after a prolific start to his life in Barcelona. After being put in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' this summer, Manchester United outcast Rashford was sent out on a loan move to Barcelona. The Catalan giants have the option to make the transfer permanent next year for a fee of ÂŁ26million ($34m).
As Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes are on the brink of collapse, we look at key moments that led to the near-certain failure to qualify despite a campaign that seemed destined to end with the team competing in North America next year.
Nottingham Forest are considering replacing Ange Postecoglou with Sean Dyche, should they decide to part ways with the Australian coach after just a handful of games in charge. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss has failed to impress and win over the hearts of the Forest faithful and, with patience running low, could be moved on in favour of the former Everton and Burnley manager.
Heung-Min Son has delivered advice to Bayern Munich striker and former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane on what he'd tell his younger self when going through a setback. Kane posted the video on his official Instagram account to promote World Mental Health Day and encouraged others to talk about the tough times to help overcome the stigma surrounding mental health.
Amakhosi and the Urban Warriors found themselves at loggerheads over the two players who wanted to leave following the latter's relegation. After a prolonged legal showdown, the players won, but what about the Chiefs-Spurs relationship?
Real Madrid have earmarked Erling Haaland as Vincius Junior's replacement as the Spanish giants make the Manchester City star a priority target if the Brazilian leaves the club and moves to Saudi Arabia. Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League for almost two years now. The winger has yet to agree to sign a new Los Blancos contract, with only two years left in his existing deal.
Premier League champions Liverpool have been dealt a blow after centre-back Ibrahima Konate was sent home from the France camp during the international break. Konate was called up by Les Bleus despite being forced off in the 56th minute of the Reds' 2-1 loss at Chelsea last weekend. The Liverpool star made the bench against Azerbaijan but won't travel to Iceland next week.
Former Chelsea star Diego Costa reignited his feud with former Liverpool enemy Martin Skrtel during a charity match between the Blues and the Reds. Costa, who was infamous for his flaring tempers during matches, has not changed and it was evident in his antics during the game, which was deemed to be a friendly encounter for a noble cause. Costa spent three years at Stamford Bridge between 2014 and 2017.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has defended Florian Wirtz and blamed his slow start to life at Liverpool on the creator's new team-mates. The Reds won the race to sign Wirtz over the summer, beating off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to land the youngster. And Nagelsmann believes those around Wirtz at club level are to blame for his early-season struggles.
Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has officially been appointed as the new manager of struggling Luton Town. The 33-year-old takes the reins at Kenilworth Road following the sacking of Matt Bloomfield, with the Hatters opting to hand the rookie coach his first permanent senior managerial role in a bold and eye-catching move. Wilshere has only held an interim job with a senior side so far.
Erling Haaland saved his blushes by scoring for Norway moments after having a penalty saved twice by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. The goal machine failed to convert from the spot initially, but Peretz was judged to have come off of his line and Haaland was allowed to retake. The striker fluffed his lines again and was made to look a fool, although that did not last long.
Tottenham star Mikey Moore returned to form with a stunning hat-trick in England Under-19s' thumping 4-1 win over Belgium on Saturday. Moore scored his maiden hat-trick for England in the U19 age group as Will Antwi's side marched towards a comprehensive victory in the first of the two international friendlies they are scheduled to play during the October break.
The Sea Robbers' winning run was facing a real threat, but a late goal ensured they kept it and collected three more points as the season picks up speed. The victory saw them widen the gap with second-placed Richards Bay.
Kyle Walker has admitted that he never should have left Manchester City to go on loan to AC Milan last season, criticising his own decision as âselfishâ. The English defender made the six-month switch to the Italian giants in January and, looking back, believes it was the wrong move to make at the time, given City had been uncharacteristically struggling under Pep Guardiola.
England defender Jarell Quansah has been forced to pull out of the England squad ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia after picking up an injury. The ex-Liverpool centre-back will now head back to his club Bayer Leverkusen, while manager Thomas Tuchel has decided not to name Quansah's replacement for their final game in the ongoing international break.
Bruno Fernandes has claimed he always wanted to remain at Manchester United over the summer, despite being the target of a number of bids from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The Red Devils' skipper also dismissed the suggestion that he opted to remain at the club so he would remain in his best shape for the World Cup, insisting both he and the club wanted him to stay in Manchester.
The Bucs star was automatically ruled out for the game against Amavubi after receiving his marching orders late against Zimbabwe. His booking was a double setback for Bafana, who were desperate to win and collect crucial qualifying points.
Bundesliga club Hamburger SV chief has dismissed concerns that Tottenham Hotspur could call back their wonderkid Luka Vuskovic from his loan spell in January. Vukosvic, who formally signed for Spurs in the summer, was sent out on a season-long loan to Germany so that the 18-year-old can further grow with more game time under his belt in the Bundesliga.
The Warriors were determined to stop Hugo Broos' men from getting maximum points in the recent meeting. The COSAFA rivals met in Durban, but it was the visitors who came with hopes of getting maximum points to keep alive their hope of competing with the best in the world. The hosts had already been eliminated and stood no chance of making it to the summit.
Inter Miami are considering an audacious swoop for Santos' Neymar as they weigh up the merits of reuniting the famous former Barcelona attacking trident. The winger still has a couple months remaining on his deal at his boyhood club in Brazil, but may be looking to move on. The MLS could prove an interesting proposition given next summer's World Cup will be held in the US.
Rangers star Max Aarons has set his sights on an England call-up despite his domestic struggles as the 2026 World Cup looms. The 25-year-old right-back insists that representing the Three Lions is still the biggest ambition of his career, and heâs determined not to let his early issues in Glasgow derail that vision.