Football Archives

November 17, 2025 9:38 AM

Portugal qualify for World Cup with 9-1 thrashing of Armenia

Portugal qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a 9-1 hammering of Armenia that included hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. The reigning Nations League champions were forced to wait to book an automatic spot after losing 2...

November 16, 2025 3:17 PM

FIFA says it has stepped up efforts against online abuse

FIFA said on Sunday it had stepped up efforts to tackle online abuse directed at players and officials, reporting a surge in harmful content and referring more offenders to police. Marking the International Day for Tolerance, FIFA said its Social Me...

November 14, 2025 6:29 PM

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Oscar diagnosed with fainting condition, remains hospitalised

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar remains in hospital in stable condition after being diagnosed with a fainting issue called vasovagal syncope, his club Sao Paulo said on Thursday. Vasovagal syncope is a common form of fainting caused by a sudden drop...

November 14, 2025 11:09 AM

Mbappe helps France secure World Cup spot on Paris attacks anniversary

France's expertise in qualifying was in full display again as they booked a spot for their eighth consecutive World Cup after a Kylian Mbappe double helped to secure a 4-0 home victory against Ukraine on Thursday. Les Bleus, who are unbeaten in a Eu...

November 14, 2025 10:59 AM

Cristiano Ronaldo sees red as Ireland stun Portugal to keep hopes alive

Ireland stunned Portugal 2-0 on Thursday to keep their narrow path to next year's World Cup open and make the Nations League winners wait to book an automatic spot on a night where their captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off. Ireland, who have not ...

November 6, 2025 12:28 PM

FIFA launches annual Peace Prize with first to be awarded at World Cup draw

FIFA announced a new annual award called the FIFA Peace Prize which will be given to its first winner during the 2026 World Cup finals draw in Washington D.C. next month, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday. Dubbed the "FIFA Peace Prize ...

November 6, 2025 12:24 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will retire ‘soon’ to spend more time with family

Cristiano Ronaldo said he will retire "soon" and while he admits it will be difficult to bring his glittering career to an end the 40-year-old has been planning for his post-football life for some time. The Al Nassr striker is the all-time leading g...

November 5, 2025 4:43 PM

David Beckham knighted for services to sport and charity

David Beckham, one of Britain's most celebrated soccer players, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, recognising his decades-long contribution to sport and charitable causes. The 50-year-old former England soccer captain receiv...

October 23, 2025 11:00 AM

Youthful Chelsea thump hapless Ajax 5-1 in Champions League

A youthful Chelsea hammered Ajax Amsterdam 5-1 in an eventful Champions League game on Wednesday that included three goals from teenagers, three penalties and a red card, under pouring rain at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca put out a si...

September 24, 2025 8:08 PM

Afghan women’s refugee team to make tournament debut in UAE

The Afghan women's refugee team will take the field for the first time in an international tournament when they compete in a four-team friendly competition in the United Arab Emirates next month, world governing body FIFA said on Wednesday. The team...