Football News - Page 26

Former Barcelona star Dani Alves' rape conviction overturned by Spanish court

Alves was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail in February last year for raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.

Diego Maradona died 'in agony', says forensic expert who conducted late football legend's autopsy

Maradona died on November 25, 2020 at age 60, while recovering at home from brain surgery for a blood clot. He had battled cocaine and alcohol addiction for decades. His seven-person medical team is on trial for what prosecutors have called the "horror theater" of the final days of his life.

Explained: How many teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? And how does the qualification system work?

With a little over a year left for the 23rd FIFA World Cup, which is set to be bigger than ever with the tournament expanding to 48 teams from 32, we take a look at the teams that have already made it to the Finals as well as a detailed look at the qualification process.

Son Heung-min criticism forces South Korean authorities to review football pitches nationwide

South Korean authorities will inspect elite football pitches nationwide after Son Heung-min blamed poor playing surfaces for affecting their World Cup campaign.

With FIFA announcing $1 billion prize fund for expanded Club World Cup, here's how much the winning team will earn

The FIFA Club World Cup is set to witness the biggest event in its 25-year history with 32 teams taking part in the tournament that runs from 14 June to 13 July in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the prize fund that has been allocated for the tournament by the Zurich-based global governing body for the sport.

Messi with his World Cup-winning Argentina team to visit India in October to play exhibition match

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team will visit India for an exhibition match in Kerala in October 2025, marking their return after 14 years.

Diego Maradona's ex-bodyguard arrested for allegedly lying in late star's negligence trial

A former bodyguard of Diego Maradona, Julio Cesar Coria, was arrested for allegedly lying in court during the trial of Maradona’s medical team, who are accused of negligence in his 2020 death. Prosecutors claim Coria withheld key information.

Premier League champions Manchester City to setup football academy in Kolkata

This would be the English club's first football academy in the country, and would be known as Man City Football School, officials said. It would provide opportunities to youngsters not only from West Bengal but across India to nurture their talents, they said.

Explained: Why Lionel Messi did not feature in Argentina's 4-1 thrashing of Brazil in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Defending champions Argentina celebrated qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Lionel Scaloni's men ended up outplaying the five-time world champions despite the absence of superstar Lionel Messi.

Haaland stars in Norway's 4-2 victory over Israel in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers; Wales collect last-gasp draw

Manchester City star Erling Haaland was among four Norwegians scoring in their Group B clash against Israel in Hungary. Wales, meanwhile, handed North Macedonia an added-time present but managed to hold their opponents to a stalemate with a last-gasp equaliser.

India vs Bangladesh, Asian Cup Qualifier: Marquez laments 'reality of Indian football' after goalless draw in Shillong

Manolo Marquez said he was "angry and disappointed" by the Indian football team's lacklustre display against Bangladesh, a team ranked 59 places below them in the FIFA rankings, during their AFC Asian Cup qualifying match at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

India vs Bangladesh, Asian Cup Qualifier: Manolo's harsh words are India's feelings, but words will not be enough

Manolo Marquez questioned the level of Indian football after their goalless draw against lower-ranked Bangladesh. And the coach was not wrong in making that controversial statement. Indian football — its players, national team, and federation — seems to be stuck in a rut.

Netizens blast India after goalless draw against Bangladesh in crucial AFC Asian Cup game: 'Embarrassing performance'

India's goalless draw against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers sparked outrage among fans, with many calling it an "embarrassing performance." Read how social media reacted and what's next for the Blue Tigers.

India vs Bangladesh Highlights: India squander multiple chances as match ends in goalless draw

Bangladesh vs India Highlights: The match ends in a 0-0 draw with both teams unable to find the back of the net despite creating chances. India maintained their unbeaten record against Bangladesh on home soil but couldn't secure a win. Both teams will receive a point each. Follow our live blog for latest score and updates on IND vs BAN match

Jadon Sancho: Why Chelsea may sign Man Utd winger permanently

Chelsea are reportedly willing to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent move despite the Manchester United winger losing form over the last few months. Sancho has scored just two goals in all competitions for Chelsea and none since December.

India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: When and where to watch, match date, time, venue and more

Indian football team takes on Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier on Tuesday (25 March). Here's all you need to know about the match including live streaming details, match date, time, venue and the head-to-head record.

Geopolitical undercurrents and Hamza Choudhury's inclusion shape Bangladesh's clash against Indian football team

Bangladesh have not beaten India in football since 2003, but there’s a sense of growing restlessness. Their pre-match press conference carried geopolitical undertones, suggesting that their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers clash against India is more than just a game for them.

Nations League: Defending champions Spain, France set for a semi-final showdown after winning on penalties

Former winners France battled back from a two-goal deficit to hold Croatia to a 2-2 draw before beating them 5-4 in the penalty shootout. Reigning champions Spain won the tie-breaker against Netherlands by a similar margin after the two sides played out a 3-3 draw.

Haaland stars in Norway's 5-0 thrashing of Moldova as Wales begin 2026 World Cup Qualifying on winning note

Norway are desperate to make the most of an exciting generation of players as they seek to qualify for a first major tournament since Euro 2000, and a first World Cup since 1998. Wales, meanwhile, are chasing a second straight appearance at the World Cup finals.

Mexico's Club Leon gets ejected from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup; here's why

The decision to remove them from the Club World Cup is a costly one for Leon, who along with other clubs from the CONCACAF region were due to receive a $9 million fee from FIFA for participation in the group stage.

Bangladesh captain's bold remark when asked to compare Sunil Chhetri to Hamza Choudhury: 'Let's be honest...'

Ahead of Bangladesh vs India in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Jamal Bhuyan made a bold statement comparing Sunil Chhetri to Hamza Choudhury. Read what he said.

Vinicius Junior scores last-gasp screamer as Brazil beat Colombia in World Cup qualifiers; watch video

Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant goal from outside the box and nine minutes into added time as Brazil beat Colombia in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

CONCACAF Nations League: Panama shock USA to reach final, will face either Canada or Mexico

Panama pulled off a stunning upset in the CONCACAF Nations League, defeating the USA to secure a spot in the final. The dramatic victory denied the Americans a chance to defend their title, as Panama now awaits either Canada or Mexico in the championship clash.

Chelsea ready to pay 'penalty' to avoid triggering Jadon Sancho's buyout clause with Man Utd: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly looking to pay a penalty fee to avoid triggering Jadon Sancho’s £25 million buyout clause from Manchester United, following the winger’s struggles in recent months. Meanwhile, the Blues have secured deals for Sporting Lisbon duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo.

India beat Maldives as Chhetri scores on return: Three major talking points from 3-0 win in Shillong

Indian football team brought an end to their winless run with a victory against Maldives on Wednesday. They next face the Bangladesh challenge. We take a look at three major takeaways for India from the Maldives victory.

India vs Maldives Football Highlights: Chhetri in scoresheet as India win 3-0 against Maldives

India vs Maldives Football Match Highlights (India National Football Team vs Maldives National Football Team): India defeated Maldives 3-0 in their international friendly on Wednesday. Sunil Chhetri scored the final goal of the match as India registered their first win under head coach Manolo Marquez. Follow our live blog for the latest score and updates.

India finally win after 489 days as Sunil Chhetri scores 95th international goal on return

Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and Sunil Chhetri find the net as India secure a convincing 3-0 win against Maldives in Shillong ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Chhetri scored his 95th international goal as India ended a 489-day winless streak.

Liverpool target three new players as Arne Slot prepares to splash €300m in transfer market: Report

Liverpool are set for a major squad overhaul under new manager Arne Slot, who is reportedly ready to spend €300 million in the transfer market. The Reds are eyeing three key signings to strengthen their squad including a former Manchester City player.

Indian football team hit by major injury blow ahead of Maldives clash

The Indian football team suffered a major setback ahead of their match against Maldives in Shillong, as a star forward has been ruled out due to injury. This adds more pressure on Sunil Chhetri.

Chhetri's return against Maldives confirmed by India coach; Manolo explains why 40-year striker is back with Blue Tigers

Indian football team head coach Manolo Marquez has confirmed Sunil Chhetri will play at least a few minutes against Maldives on Wednesday. He also explained the 40-year-old striker’s recall to the national team.