The United States have pulled out of the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar just eight days before the tournament kicks off, with US Soccer citing safety fears for players and staff. The governing body pointed to a State Department travel advisory warning of a risk of armed conflict, and the late withdrawal could now leave the federation facing a fine from FIFA.
Football icons Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger have thrown their weight behind the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival ahead of Saturday's kick-off in Azerbaijan. The newly created international tournament brings more than 3,000 young players, coaches and officials to Baku for six days of meaningful competition across roughly 1,000 matches.
The next generation of global superstars is heading to Qatar! From the shock absence of defending champions Portugal to the return of heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup groups, dates, and venues.
Chelsea’s ownership group has reportedly beaten Manchester United and Manchester City in the chase for Mohamed Zongo, one of Africa’s most exciting young footballers, with the Burkina Faso midfielder set to join Strasbourg in 2027 when he turns 18. The deal, agreed with Sporting Football des Cascades Tenakourou, marks the latest step in Chelsea’s long-term recruitment project, which has increasingly focused on identifying global talent years before they reach senior breakout status.
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