Lists

Starting in 2027, Major League Soccer will transition from its current calendar-year schedule to a summer-to-spring format, aligning with top international leagues. The move has caused much discussion, but United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind the move, saying it's a great step forward for the game in America.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis lashed out at FIFA and UEFA over the number of players picking up injuries on international duty as he called for extra transfer windows and compensation for clubs. The debate of releasing players for international duties has intensified in recent years with many arguing that clubs are being unfairly impacted by the number of games players are being forced to endure.

The uncle of controversial former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales has spoken for the first time after pelting his nephew with eggs at the launch of his new book 'Killing Rubiales', claiming he feels brilliant, like he’s just returned from a relaxing holiday. It has also been bizarrely claimed Rubiales’ uncle wanted to throw breadsticks at him, too.

Samuel Umtiti slammed Barcelona as he opened up about his 'rift' with the Catalan club and his 'bouts of depression' during long injury spells in Spain. The French defender, who joined Lille in 2023 after seeing his Blaugrana contract mutually terminated, retired from professional football this summer at the age of just 31 after years of knee problems.

England's hopes of landing the World Cup could hang on a unique tactic borrowed from another international team, in a completely different sport. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has massive decisions to make regarding who makes the starting XI and who he keeps on the bench, but could copy the “Pom Squad” system favoured by England's rugby team for when he makes his substitutions.

Leroy Sane earned praise from Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann after starring in the four-time world champions' hard-fought 2-0 win over Luxembourg in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Friday. Nagelsmann had earlier issued a public warning to former Bayern Munich and Manchester City winger that he could lose his place in the national if he did not perform consistently.

Manuel Neuer's behaviour on and off the pitch has shown he's a true leader after former Southampton and Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg revealed the Germany legend's impressive conduct during his time at Bayern Munich. Hojbjerg, now playing for Ligue 1 side Marseille, made only a handful of appearances during his four years with the Bavarian giants, but the club’s iconic goalkeeper made a huge impact on him.

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen lashed out at being constantly asked about his fitness as the Denmark international claimed that he has been fit all season. After spending the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to serious concerns, Christensen has managed to accumulate just 342 minutes on the in the 10 matches he has played for the Catalan giants this season.

Wayne Rooney scored a sackful of brilliant goals during his illustrious career and he's proven he hasn't lost any of his world-class talent, despite turning 40 a few weeks ago, after scoring a thrilling overhead kick on popular TV show A League of Their Own. Rooney famously scored an iconic bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011 and has rolled back the years during filming of the sports-based comedy panel gameshow.

Arsenal star Leandro Trossard's former coach can hardly believe his "evolution" as he often "sulked" at Genk. With Gabriel Martinelli sidelined by a groin problem, the Belgian has seized the left flank with such conviction that his spot now feels untouchable. Inside the club, the coaching staff routinely describes him as a level-headed individual, who can block outside criticism and work by keeping his head down.

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has accused Sir Jim Ratcliffe of "destroying" the club during his minority ownership reign. INEOS chief Ratcliffe bought a 27.7 per cent stake in the Red Devils in February 2024 and was given complete control of their football operations by the Glazer family. While many fans welcomed this news, Cantona thinks things have gone from bad to worse.

England boss Thomas Tuchel says he would consider singing God Save the King at next year's World Cup but joked he is not sure he has earned that right yet. The German was announced as Gareth Southgate's successor just over a year ago, sparking much consternation in certain quarters. But after an upturn in form, Tuchel believes that if the positive results keep coming, he may be singing the English anthem soon.

Germany survived an unsettling evening in Luxembourg as a Nick Woltemade brace proved decisive in a match that will raise far more questions than it answers for Julian Nagelsmann. A 2-0 win was ultimately enough to keep Germany on track in their qualifying campaign for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, but the performance itself was scattered, lethargic and lacking cohesion.

Newcastle are ready to put up a fight with Real Madrid as the Magpies eye AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit. The 19-year-old is already being viewed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the Netherlands in recent years and has attracted attention from many of Europe’s elite. However, Newcastle believe they can push themselves into contention for his signature.

Thomas Tuchel may have dropped a hint over which England players will be going to next year's World Cup after five players were put forward to feature in a new kit photoshoot. In March, the Football Association will reveal their new outfit for next year's tournament in North America. Now, a quintet of big names have taken part in the studio session, which could indicate they will be involved in the showpiece competition.

Even with a shorthanded squad, the urgency in the U.S. camp hasn’t dipped as players fight for places on next year’s World Cup roster.

Pep Guardiola has been backed to see out the remainder of his Manchester City contract despite talk of him leaving the club next summer. The former Barcelona boss signed a new deal until 2027 at the end of last year but new reports claim he may leave the Etihad early. Now, an ex-City star has poured cold water on such speculation, while outlining why Guardiola is a better tactician than Arsenal's Mikel Arteta.

Chelsea have reportedly snapped up an Ecuadorian teenager from Independiente del Valle, who will join the Stamford Bridge club in 2028. The Blues remain committed to building one of football’s most expansive youth recruitment and getting a deal done for Ecuadorian teenager Deinner Ordonez is another step in that direction.

The United States saw their FIFA U17 World Cup run end in the Round of 32 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. Jude Terry’s early strike had the Americans in control for much of the match, but Abdellah Ouazane’s 90th-minute equalizer forced the shootout that ultimately sealed their exit.

Gary Lineker is reportedly in talks with Netflix to feature in its US coverage of the 2027 Women's World Cup. The former Match of the Day host left the BBC's flagship football show in May after a string of controversies. Now, the former England international could return to sports broadcasting in 2027, with fellow Rest is Football podcast hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards potentially also being involved.

Danny Welbeck has been backed to mentor Benjamin Sesko as the forward is sensationally linked with a return to Manchester United. The striker might be approaching his 35th birthday, but he has been backed to retrace his steps to the Old Trafford dressing room, where he will find a struggling 22-year-old Slovenian desperate to find his feet in the English top-flight.

Lionel Messi bagged a goal and an assist as Argentina earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory away to Angola. The 2022 World Cup winner is coming towards the end of his illustrious career but the veteran's quality was plain to see as he played an instrumental role in this friendly win on Friday. Both he and Lautaro Martinez scored and turned provider as the Albiceleste marched on once more.

Liverpool are keen to strengthen their backline and are scouting two defenders with the same name as Arne Slot considers them as Marc Guehi alternatives. The Reds' pursuit of the England international collapsed in the dying moments of the summer transfer window, and several questions were raised regarding their transfer strategy after they missed out on their primary centre-back target.

Mic'd Up: The former MLS and USMNT forward lauded MLS for its decision to switch to a Fall-Spring calendar and insisted there are playoff upsets ahead in the semifinals.

Kenya were initially set to face Madagascar and Comoros, but that was later changed, and Equatorial Guinea and Senegal were lined up as their opponents during the international break. After the defeat, the South African legend is expected to receive more criticism, especially after dropping the team's captain, Michael Olunga. Kenya will now dust themselves off before their next game against Senegal on Tuesday.

Christian Pulisic has voiced strong support for USMNT teammate Gio Reyna, acknowledging the challenges the young midfielder has faced while expressing confidence in his future. Speaking ahead of the November international window, the AC Milan star offered insight into their relationship and Reyna’s potential impact on the national team.

Former Chelsea star Oscar is reportedly considering retirement after being hospitalised with a heart issue. The 34-year-old is said to have fallen ill during a bicycle test at current side São Paulo and since then, he has been diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, where the blood pressure drops too low, causing people to faint. Now, reports suggest the Brazilian is weighing up whether or not to end his career.

Tottenham might have to look elsewhere as Al-Ahli's director made it clear that Ivan Toney is not for sale in January. Toney’s headline-grabbing switch from Brentford to the Saudi Pro League in 2024 was worth around £40 million. It was billed as a fresh chapter at a moment when the striker seemed primed to dominate English football. Twelve months on, speculation of a possible return have been growing louder, but that might lose steam after Rui Pedro Braz shut down winter exit talks.

Costa Rica’s World Cup hopes have taken a severe hit. A 1–0 loss to Haiti has left Miguel Herrera’s side on the brink in the CONCACAF qualifiers, with their direct path now hanging by a thread. Pressure around Herrera grew louder after the match as Los Ticos have a difficult path to next year's tournament.