Germany were sensationally dumped out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday evening after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough. Julian Nagelsmann's side had 75 percent possession and three times as many shots as their South American opponents (21-7), while they also thought they'd won a bad-tampered round-of-32 tie when Jonathan Tah headed home Nathaniel Brown's corner in extra-time.
Julian Nagelsmann has thrown his support behind Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz after their disappointing display in Germany's defeat to Ecuador. The head coach insists the creative duo will keep his faith ahead of Monday's last-32 clash and believes both players are close to rediscovering their best form.
Germany made an early statement at the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 7-1 winners over tournament debutants Curacao. A brace from Kai Havertz and goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav ensured a relatively straightforward introduction to Group E for Die Mannschaft, though they were given something of a shock when Curacao found the net midway through the first half.
During Liverpool's historically poor run of results last autumn, Florian Wirtz's form became the subject of much debate. Gary Lineker was among those that felt that the No.10 might benefit from being taken out of Arne Slot’s starting line-up, and thus the spotlight. "Don’t think he isn’t suffering at the moment with this," the former England international said on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.
We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
Liverpool have a new manager. Just over a year after Arne Slot led the Reds to a record-equalling 20th English championship, the Dutchman has been replaced in the dugout by Andoni Iraola. The change of coach has already lifted spirits around Anfield after a disastrous Premier League title defence that featured 12 defeats, while Liverpool were also hammered at home by Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, humiliated by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and swept aside by Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight of the Champions League.
Speculation has reached fever pitch regarding a potential blockbuster move that would see Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz reunite with his former mentor Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. Despite a challenging debut season at Anfield following a record-breaking move from the Bundesliga, the Germany international remains a top-tier talent linked with the Premier League's biggest projects.
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz has defended his decision to endorse Mohamed Salah’s controversial social media post, which was widely interpreted as a swipe at manager Arne Slot. The Germany international dismissed suggestions of an internal squad rebellion, insisting the departing forward was merely offering an honest assessment after a turbulent season.
Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has defended record signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz after difficult first seasons at Anfield. The departing left-back insists both players will become major successes despite criticism surrounding their huge transfer fees.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Arne Slot has provided a significant fitness update ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League encounter away at Aston Villa on Friday night. While talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is prepared to make his return following a two-match injury absence, the Reds may be forced to navigate the fixture without influential playmaker Florian Wirtz due to a sudden illness.
Florian Wirtz was absent from Liverpool's squad to face Chelsea after falling ill ahead of the match. Manager Arne Slot confirmed the Germany international was suffering from a stomach infection that prevented him from training and taking part at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a significant triple injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, confirming that Alexander Isak is set to return to the matchday squad. The Reds boss also moved to ease concerns surrounding Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz after both players were notable absentees from training earlier this week.
Arne Slot believes Florian Wirtz is already an elite performer but insists Liverpool supporters may need patience before seeing the playmaker at his absolute peak. The Reds boss expects the German to reach his best level in his mid-twenties.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.
Arne Slot declared that the "future was bright" for Liverpool after Tuesday's Champions League elimination but there was no lifting the doom and gloom around Anfield. The hosts hadn't just lost yet another game to Paris Saint-Germain - they'd also lost Hugo Ekitike to injury. Indeed, what little hope Liverpool had of overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit effectively ended the moment their only fit and in-form forward hit the deck with nobody near him.