Veteran midfielder Xhaka to lead Switzerland at World Cup
- 20-May-2026
Veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka will take part in his seventh successive major international tournament after he was named in Switzerland’s World Cup squad on Wednesday.
How are the World Cup favourites shaping up?
- 20-May-2026
With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now barely three weeks away, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals (world ranking in brackets): France (1) Les Bleus have won the World Cup twice and lost two finals on penalties in the last seven editions. […]
Maddison ’embarrassed’ by Spurs’ survival struggles
- 20-May-2026
James Maddison accepts it is “a little bit embarrassing” for Tottenham Hotspur to be involved in a final-day battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Iran ‘very confident’ about World Cup protocols: federation vice-president
- 20-May-2026
The Iranian football federation vice-president said Tuesday he was “very confident” in FIFA’s protocols as the team prepare to play at the World Cup in the United States.
Guardiola swerves Man City exit talk as title hopes ended
- 20-May-2026
Pep Guardiola said he would speak to Manchester City’s hierarchy over his future after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended his team’s hopes of winning the Premier League.
Ronaldo, 41, leads Portugal into his sixth World Cup
- 19-May-2026
Veteran Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his country into the 2026 World Cup this summer after coach Roberto Martinez named the 41-year-old in his squad on Tuesday.
Netherlands coach Koeman admits growing injury concern over Timber
- 19-May-2026
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said he was concerned defender Jurrien Timber could miss the World Cup but is hopeful top scorer Memphis Depay will be fit for next month’s tournament.
Freiburg chasing glory in debut European final
- 19-May-2026
Freiburg have never won a trophy nor qualified for the Champions League, but could achieve both with victory against Aston Villa in the Europa League final in Istanbul on Wednesday. The match at Besiktas Park is the Black Forest side’s second major final – after losing the 2022 German Cup final to Leipzig on penalties […]
Arsenal on the brink of Premier League title after nervy Burnley win
- 19-May-2026
Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top.
‘We’re here solely to play football,’ insists North Korean coach
- 19-May-2026
The coach of the first North Korean sports team to visit the South in eight years batted away questions Tuesday about the prospect of South Koreans cheering his side, saying: “We are here solely to play football.”