Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring after the 2026 World Cup but decided to continue with Portugal. He aims to reach 1,000 career goals, needing 21 more, and wants to help a new generation of Portuguese players. He wil…
#World Cup
This week in World Cup · updated Sun Sep 20 2026
This week, World Cup governance dominated headlines as Uefa and Concacaf jointly urged Fifa to distribute $10 million from its reserves to each member association, following the abandonment of a private equity proposal. Simultaneously, Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt demanded full disclosure of documents related to the proposed sale of a World Cup stake and an explanation for the cancellation of a player's suspension. On the pitch, national team narratives shifted: Thomas Tuchel criticized England's passive approach in their semifinal loss to Argentina, while Gianluigi
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Ronaldo targets 1,000 career goals and more Portugal success
Heart transplant recipient Martyn Jackson wins Transplant World Cup with England
Martyn Jackson had a heart transplant in November 2024 after being diagnosed with myocarditis. He returned to football and scored for England in a 5-1 win over Spain in the Transplant Football World Cup final. The tourna…
Scotland bring back Kerr and Thomas for World Cup play-off squad
Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta has recalled Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas for the World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic. Kerr's versatility at right-back is praised, while Thomas returns after earning her 50t…
Saka says England still feel pain of World Cup semi-final defeat
Bukayo Saka says England players are still affected by their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. The team won the bronze medal match but missed the final. England now face Spain in the Nations League, and Saka also p…
Saka: England Must Move Past World Cup Heartbreak
Bukayo Saka says England still bears the emotional weight of their World Cup semifinal loss, but stresses the importance of moving forward. The winger, who struggled with an Achilles issue during the tournament, was an u…
Ireland players to hold talks over contentious Israel fixtures
Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea says the squad will meet on Friday to discuss how to approach their upcoming matches against Israel. The decision comes amid growing calls for a boycott and protests at the team h…
BBC to Broadcast Wales Nations League Matches: Viewing Guide
The BBC will provide coverage of Wales' upcoming Nations League fixtures. A guide explains how fans can watch the matches. The schedule and broadcast details are included.
FAW's Mooney downplays Infantino's reform proposal as limited in scope
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has questioned whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino's letter about an external review actually signals major reform. Mooney said the letter focuses on strategi…
Israel and Ireland set for contentious Nations League meetings at neutral venues
The Republic of Ireland will face Israel in two Nations League matches at neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia, with no tickets sold to Irish fans and reduced television coverage. The Football Association of Ireland vote…
Arabian Gulf Cup begins amid regional strife
The eight-nation Arabian Gulf Cup begins Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, with Yemen facing the UAE on Thursday. The tournament is set against a backdrop of regional conflict, including recent missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. …
Infantino signals willingness to discuss governance changes at FIFA
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the governing body's operations in a letter to member associations. He also suggested consultations on strengthening decision-making and transparency.…
Study finds World Cup viewers exposed to over 65,000 junk food adverts
A study by universities in Bristol and Oxford used AI to count advertisements for unhealthy food and drinks during the 2026 World Cup. The ads, shown on pitchside boards during live play, appeared 65,722 times across 104…
James: Wales Unfazed by Portugal's Star-Studded Squad
Jordan James says Wales will not be overawed by Portugal's world-class players in their Nations League opener. Wales are missing several key players but James believes they have a puncher's chance. He acknowledges Portug…
CAF president demands urgency from Afcon 2027 co-hosts as stadium deadlines loom
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has stressed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will not be postponed, urging Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to speed up infrastructure work. He inspected venues i…
Uefa and Concacaf call on Fifa to distribute $10m to each member association
Uefa and Concacaf have written to Fifa president Gianni Infantino urging the governing body to pay at least $10 million from its reserves to each of its 211 member associations over the 2027-30 cycle. The request follows…
Uefa rejects FAI request to separate Ireland and Israel in draws
The Football Association of Ireland says Uefa turned down its request to avoid pairing the Republic of Ireland and Israel in future competition draws. The two teams are set to meet in Nations League fixtures later this m…
FA Chair Urges Fifa to Disclose World Cup Investment Details
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has written to Fifa president Gianni Infantino demanding the release of all documents related to the proposed sale of a stake in the World Cup. She also requested a written explan…
Donnarumma Pledges to Reverse Italy's World Cup Struggles
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Manchester City goalkeeper, has expressed his commitment to improving Italy's fortunes on the international stage. Despite his successful club career, he has not yet appeared in a World Cup. He …
Tuchel criticizes England's passive approach in World Cup semifinal loss
Thomas Tuchel said England were 'waiting for death' during their World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina. He defended his substitutions amid criticism. The Three Lions were eliminated from the tournament.
Messi set for Argentina farewell against Benin
Argentina have named Lionel Messi in their squad for a friendly against Benin on 6 October, which will be his final international appearance. The 39-year-old retired from national duty in August after the World Cup final…
French federation seeks Fifa governance overhaul after withdrawing Infantino backing
The French Football Federation has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's presidency and called for reforms to Fifa's governance. The move follows Infantino's abandoned plan to sell stakes in competitions to privat…
Under-20 Women's World Cup players face club release conflicts
The women's under-20 World Cup in Poland is creating tension between clubs and national teams over player availability. FIFA rules require clubs to release players during international windows, but clubs and universities…