World Cup News

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! While a church bell clanged intermittently and bits of tumbleweed blew across the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, the Allianz Arena hosted a ding-dong battle that pretty much had it all on Wednesday night. For the second evening in eight days, it was left to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to pull out all the stops and provide the box-office entertainment as Arsenal once again Arsenaled their way past Sporting in a bore draw to earn their place in Bigger Cup semi-finals. More or less picking up where they’d left off at the end of the first leg, Bayern and Madrid served up a gourmand feast of slapstick goalkeeping, a see-sawing scoreline, much better goalkeeping, near-misses, goals of an at times absurdly high quality, several red cards and no end of post-match salty Spanish tears and recriminations. While Madrid have little or no chance of pipping Barça to this season’s La Liga title, they certainly thrashed them in the ungracious Bigger Cup exit stakes. The image of Fermín López getting the boot from Juan Musso (yesterday’s Football Daily) clearly shows technique learned from English players. Admittedly, López’s head appeared to be at a dangerous level and one might expect an element of risk from crouching like that. As a life-long Hearts fan, I haven’t forgotten the approximation of a tackle attempted by English full-back Jason Talbot, then ‘playing’ for Livingston, on poor young winger Sam Nicholson in 2015. This was one incident in a match which, I believe, carries the accepted term ‘feisty’ (ie five goals, eight yellow cards and one red). And no, this wasn’t the red” – Ken Muir. Re: your almost-spot-on analysis of Southampton’s chances of automatic promotion (yesterday’s News, Bits and Bobs, full email edition), what you and – to be fair – every other publication I’ve read about this in, have omitted to mention is that Ipswich’s game in hand is away to Saints during the week before the last games of the season. Rather pertinent, I’d say” – Stuart Ainsworth. This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.

Despite already being a historic figure for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni could be set for a move after the 2026 World Cup. After their UEFA Champions League elimination, Real Madrid have reportedly decided to look for a new head coach, with the Argentine emerging as a clear candidate. Lionel Scaloni has managed to turn Argentina into one of the best national sides in the world. Not only did he lead them to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also built a highly competitive roster blending experience and youth. Despite this, his future with the national team remains unclear, as he has yet to renew his contract. Furthermore, he is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to become Real Madrid head coach in a post-2026 World Cup move. According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo, Los Blancos have decided to move on from Álvaro Arbeloa, as they believe he failed to get the most out of the current squad. As a result, they have chosen to rule out young, inexperienced candidates, instead focusing on those with world-class experience. In this context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a clear candidate to take over the role after the 2026 World Cup. With a contract with Argentina running through the end of 2026, Scaloni may not face a difficult exit from the national team. After ending a 36-year drought without winning a World Cup title, he has become one of the best coaches in the world, building a roster with a good balance between experience and youth. However, he may not decide on his future until after the tournament, leaving Real Madrid without a clear answer for several months. While Lionel Scaloni managed to lead Argentina to a World Cup title, he has never had experience as a head coach at club level. His closest role came as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla FC. Far from being a simple challenge, he could face the demanding day-to-day environment at Real Madrid, defined by sky-high expectations and little tolerance for trophyless seasons. With this in mind, Los Blancos are keeping four other alternatives on their shortlist. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Not only Scaloni: Real Madrid reportedly chase four coaches After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid made the risky decision to back Xabi Alonso, who had impressed at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he did not arrive with extensive experience managing star players, something that ultimately cost him his position. Nor has Álvaro Arbeloa proven to be the solution, as he failed to change the team’s reality. As a result, they are reportedly not only adding Lionel Scaloni, but also considering four other experienced candidates. Alongside Lionel Scaloni, Los Blancos have decided to add Didier Deschamps, who is set to leave France after the 2026 World Cup. While Jürgen Klopp is another clear favorite, he is not expected to leave the Red Bull GmbH group, but he will once again be tempted. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino emerges as a surprise candidate, as president Florentino Pérez reportedly holds him in high regard, according to El Mundo. While the incident between Vinícius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni cast doubt over his candidacy, José Mourinho is also considered among the options to coach Real Madrid, according to El Mundo. As one of the managers most beloved by the fanbase, the Portuguese could be key to getting this promising team back on track, having consistently shown his ability to manage big egos and leading los Blancos into a new era.

With fans in the stands, we take a look at every attendance in English and European football including biggest in midweek. It was a busy few days of football with supporters up and down the country going through the turnstiles to watch their sides all in action. We saw the most highly anticipated clashes, local […] The post Every Attendance in Midweek – 16th April 2026 appeared first on Fan Banter.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has said that he is not concerned about his future at the club beyond the summer. He is expected to be in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of the season, yet with it looking likely that Real Madrid will finish the season without silverware, the expectation is […] The post Alvaro Arbeloa addresses Real Madrid future – ‘I’m not worried about it at all’ appeared first on Football España.

The legendary Real Madrid defender issued a warning about the future of the club where he played for 16 seasons. Leer

The Argentina international was suspended by the club for two games after comments in which he fuelled speculation that he would leave the club in the summer

The semi-finals are set after a dazzling meeting between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. But there was plenty more to talk about in the last eight Bayern Munich’s thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which gave them a 6-4 victory on aggregate and set up a semi-final meeting with PSG, was a stone-cold classic. If either of the semis is as good as Real and Bayern’s quarter-final, this season will have been blessed. Arda Güler showed off his brilliance on Wednesday, first with his presence of mind after Manuel Neuer’s mistake led to the opening goal and again from a free-kick in the 29th minute. Güler’s goals gave Madrid hope, but Harry Kane made another difficult finish look routine before Luis Díaz and Michael Olise’s late goals settled the tie. Bayern’s wing wizards were crucial in defeating the 15-time champions. This game had it all. That includes controversy, with a post-match scuffle set off by Madrid players enraged by Eduardo Camavinga’s dismissal for two quickfire yellow cards. Neuer, the hero of the first leg, had his blushes saved by his Bayern teammates, though one save from Kylian Mbappé was him at his best, combining reflexes with brute strength. Fine margins decided a battle of the giants.

Real Madrid will be on the hunt for a midfielder this summer. Los Blancos have been struggling to adapt the absence of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the middle of the pitch, and while initially there was hope that Fede Valverde or Eduardo Camavinga could become the long-term partner for Aurelien Tchouameni in that […] The post Liverpool willing to do business for midfielder liked by Real Madrid appeared first on Football España.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt and Jonathan Liew to discuss Wednesday’s Champions League action Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast and Stitcher, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email. On today’s pod: a Champions League classic in Munich. Bayern beat Real Madrid 4-3 on the night, 6-4 on aggregate, in a game that had just about everything. The panel try to unpack it, from Manuel Neuer’s early mistake to Arda Güler’s brilliance, Harry Kane reaching 50 goals for the season and the chaos that followed. But the big talking point: was that Eduardo Camavinga second yellow a turning point? And why do Real Madrid always seem to end up furious with the referee?

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt and Jonathan Liew to discuss Wednesday’s Champions League action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed to file a new complaint to UEFA about their referees, describing them as ‘intolerable’ after his side’s Champions League exit. The Catalan giants were knocked out in the quarter-final by La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, losing 3-2 on aggregate after a mouth-watering second leg clash at the Riyadh Air […]

Bayern Munich secured their UEFA Champions League semi-final place after an all-time classic against 15-time winners Real Madrid. Here are three things we learnt. Bayern’s defence could be exposed by…

BAY vs RMA: Follow the highlights of the Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal second leg match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, which will be played in Munich.

A Champions League knockout classic, that Real Madrid for once lost out in! Elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’re staring at a second successive trophyless season for the first time in 16 years. So just how broken are Real Madrid? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh from helping Bayern Munich reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Harry Kane was full of praise for his teammate, Michael Olise. The England captain lifted the lid on what he is really like behind the scenes, as well as his pursuit of greatness.

Jimbo sits down with Duncan Alexander, Mark Carey and JJ Bull to discuss a bonkers night of Champions League football in Munich, and a not-so-bonkers evening in North London. Both Arsenal and Bayern are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The Bavarians playing out a 4-3 thriller with Real Madrid, winning the tie 6-4 on aggregate to set up a semi-final against PSG. Will that tie be the real final? It’s not a thrill-fest for Arsenal, but a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP means they’re through 1-0 on aggregate. Get ready for Arteta v Simeone! The Gunners will play Atletico Madrid in two weeks. Next for them is Manchester City in the Premier League. Will Pep Guardiola’s side be licking their lips at this one? Will Roberto De Zerbi get his first Spurs win against his old club Brighton? Plus, there’s the small matter of Chelsea v Man Utd AND the first ever Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson between Everton and Liverpool. Produced by Charlie Jones and Xavi Bird. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Run through of results (3 mins) • PART 2: Bayern 4-3 Real Madrid (9 mins) • PART 3: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting (32 mins) • PART 4a: Premier League fixtures (46 mins) • PART 4b: Man City v Arsenal (48 mins) • PART 4c: Everton v Liverpool & Chelsea v Man Utd (55 mins) • PART 5: Relegation battle (59 mins) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Il presidente del Real Madrid è sceso negli spogliatoi dopo l'eliminazione dalla Champions League, ma non presenterà alcun reclamo alla UEFA per l'arbitraggio di Vincic

Real Madrid were level in their Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich before they lost Camavinga. They then lost their heads

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has dismissed the idea of a move to Real Madrid this summer. The former Real Sociedad star was heavily linked to Los Blancos in the second half of last season, but had agreed a move to the Emirates. While Zubimendi completed a €70m move to Arsenal, Real Madrid did not bring […] The post Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi on Real Madrid move: “I think the moment has passed” appeared first on Football España.

MICHAEL OLISE left fans in stitches after producing what’s been dubbed by Jamie Carragher the "best-worst interview ever”. Olise was stood alongside Harry Kane following Bayern Munich’s dramatic win over Real Madrid. The French winger, known for his painfully awkward media appearances, barely said a word, even when his icon Thierry Henry tried to get...

Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic is not happy with Real Madrid counterpart Antonio Rudiger, calling his behaviour ‘unacceptable’ after a heated encounter during their Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Croatian defender was involved in a coming together with Rudiger, after claiming a foul. In the first half, Stanisic went down in the build-up to […] The post ‘Let’s see if he’s man enough to admit what he said’ – Josip Stanisic slams Real Madrid defender appeared first on Football España.

ANTONIO RUDIGER has been called out to explain his “unacceptable” behaviour in Bayern Munich’s thrilling win over Real Madrid. Harry Kane scored as Bayern won 4-3 on the night, and 6-4 on aggregate, to dump out Real and set up a Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The flash point involving ex-Chelsea star Rudiger...

The Villans have entered the packed race for a "powerful" former Real Madrid defender.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham says the decision to send off team-mate Eduardo Camavinga during their 4-3 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich was "a joke".

The fallout from any Real Madrid exit from the Champions League is messy, but their loss to Bayern Munich all but certainly ended their season without trophies too. As well as fuming at the referee, Vinicius Junior was not happy with one of his Real Madrid colleagues during the game. President Florentino Perez reportedly spoke […] The post VIDEO: Vinicius Junior tells Real Madrid teammate to ‘shut your mouth’ during Bayern Munich loss appeared first on Football España.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the Europa League and the international game. Bayern Munich edge a seven-goal thriller to knock out Real Madrid and book their Champions League semi-final spot. Goals galore at the Allianz Arena, with Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and more all making headlines. Harry Kane celebrates a milestone season and looks ahead to his first-ever Champions League semi-final. Late drama as Eduardo Camavinga sees red before Bayern seal it in stoppage time. Arsenal grind out a scoreless draw with Sporting to reach back-to-back Champions League semi-finals. Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal’s mentality and hits back at criticism of their season. Debate on Off The Ball Breakfast about whether the Premier League faces an “existential crisis”. Liverpool suffer a major blow as Hugo Ekitike ruptures his Achilles and misses the World Cup. Discussion around Mohamed Salah’s form and whether physical decline is a factor. Europa League quarter-final build-up with Aston Villa holding a strong lead over Bologna. Nottingham Forest boosted by Chris Wood’s return ahead of their clash with Porto. Conference League focus as Crystal Palace aim to finish the job against Fiorentina. Irish interest across Europe, with Troy Parrott, Andrew Omobamidele and others chasing comebacks. And how does it feel to be Irish? Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

If Real Madrid’s players were furious last night following their elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League, President Florentino Perez was not a shoulder to cry on afterwards. Perez was disappointed after a result that for many, including him, seems to have ended Los Blancos’ season. Jude Bellingham called the decision […] The post President Florentino Perez fumes at Real Madrid players in dressing room: ‘Intolerable’ appeared first on Football España.

REAL MADRID are 'very likely' to sack boss Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the season, according to reports. Wednesday night's Champions League exit has left Real staring down the barrel of a second consecutive trophyless campaign. They were shocked by second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey in Arbeloa's first game and sit a...

Arsenal qualified for the Champions League semi‑final after carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and they will now face Bayern Munich, who beat Real Madrid in dramatic fashion

VINICIUS JUNIOR told Jude Bellingham "shut your mouth" in a heated exchange before Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League. Los Blancos were beaten home and away by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and lost 6-4 on aggregate. Tensions ran high during Wednesday night's second leg at the Allianz Arena, where a rollercoaster clash...

By Martin Graham The knockout rounds of Europe’s premier competition once again delivered high drama, with seven goals, two dismissals, and the exit of its most decorated club. The tie burst into life almost instantly when Real Madrid struck after just 35 seconds, prompting Steven Gerrard to suggest viewers were in for a remarkable […]

FOOTBALL fans were treated to a true spectacle as they watched Bayern Munich and Real Madrid play out one of the games of the season. The two European titans faced one another in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with Ballon d'Or hopefuls Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe leading the way as they...

Kane was once again on the scoresheet as Bayern Munich booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals

Digital Engagement Tools for Football Fans There are more than fifty-five million football fans in the United Kingdom, a number that is higher than all of the rest of the top ten sports combined. There are over two million people who play football in the UK. Football clubs have realised that fan engagement goes much […] The post Top Platforms for UK Football Fans to Stay Engaged Online appeared first on Fan Banter.

Welcome to another episode of the Arsecast – the Arsenal podcast. In this episode I’m joined by Tim Stillman to look back on Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at home to Sporting, a result which sees us qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second year in a row. We chat about some of […] The post Episode 872 – Arsenal give us a semi appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

Vincent Kompany likens Bayern’s UEFA Champions League Quarter Final win over Real Madrid to Burnley doing the double over Blackburn. His side will take on holders Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals after seeing off Real Madrid in a thrilling 4-3 win (6-4 on aggregate). But will talking to the media after the game, he couldn’t […] The post Vincent Kompany likens Bayern’s win over Real Madrid to Burnley doing the double over Blackburn appeared first on Fan Banter.

L'ex portiere della Juventus ricorda alcuni momenti chiave della sua lunga carriera

Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio was meant to jokingly headbutt a table on live...

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to intensify their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Enzo Fernández. According to The Independent, the Blues have identified the 22-year-old England midfielder as a leading candidate to strengthen their midfield options, particularly if Fernández departs amid ongoing links to Real Madrid. DOWNLOAD […] The post Chelsea would have to pay £50 million to sign Enzo Fernandez replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tensions flared late in the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Germany, with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior at the centre of the drama

He spoke shortly after the Gunners' progression into the semi-finals.

Arriva l'ultima conferma sul gravissimo infortunio dell'attaccante, che non sarà a disposizione della Francia.

Un'operazione difficile, ma tutt'altro che impossibile. Secondo quanto scrive Repubblica l'Inter in estate farà un tentativo per Nico Paz, gioiellino del Como, che in questa stagione ha segnato 11 goal, contribuendo alla grande stagione della squadra allenata di Fabregas. Un'idea che può diventare una trattativa solo se ci sarà un'apertura da parte del Real Madrid, che controlla il suo cartellino e che a fine stagione eserciterà il diritto di riacquisto. Ma la sua permanenza a Madrid è tutt'altro che scontata. IL COSTO DELLA RECOMPRA Nico Paz si è trasferito al Como nell'estate 2024 a titolo definitivo per 6 milioni di euro, firmando un contratto quinquennale fino al 2028. Al contempo però il Real Madrid si è assicurato il 50% sulla futura rivendita del giocatore, più la possibilità di riacquistarlo a cifre definite per tre sessioni di mercato estive: 8 milioni nel 2025, 9 milioni nel 2026 e 10 nel 2027. Non è da escludere che i blancos possano pagarlo di più per riportato a casa, aggiungendo alla cifra già decisa dai contratti, ovvero 9 milioni di euro, una sorta di "premio di valorizzazione". Il Como infatti la scorsa estate poteva guadagnarci di più dalla cessione del talento argentino ma ha respinto una ricca proposta del Tottenham da 65 milioni di euro più 10 di bonus. IL REAL MADRID VENDE NICO PAZ? Il Real Madrid resta una possibilità per Nico Paz, che a giugno volerà negli Stati Uniti per giocare il Mondiale con l'Argentina, ma a oggi è un'incognita. Dopo una stagione fallimentare da zero titoli, con Xabi Alonso e Arbeloa in panchina, in estate ci sarà una rivoluzione. Servirà fare cassa per finanziare i nuovi acquisti e il nome di Nico Paz potrebbe finire sulla lista dei partenti. Toccherà al nuovo allenatore esprimere una preferenza: là davanti di certo c'è tanta scelta, da Rodrygo a Vinicius, da Mastantuono ad Arda Guler, da Brahim Diaz a Endrick, di rientro da Lione. Qualcuno è di troppo. Secondo Repubblica l'Inter vorrebbe usare i soldi dalla cessione di Bastoni al Barcellona per Nico Paz, valutato dal Real Madrid almeno 50 milioni di euro. Il gancio è il vicepresidente Javier Zanetti, amico del padre Pablo, già suo compagno in nazionale argentina. Il feeling tra Nico Paz e il mondo Inter è reale: la dimostrazione sta nella foto postata su Instagram da Paula de la Fuente, moglie di Zanetti, dopo la cena del trequartista argentino, assieme al padre e un'altra leggenda nerazzurra come Diego Milito, al ristorante milanese Botinero del vice-presidente e bandiera nerazzurra. Tra Inter e Real Madrid c'è il Como, che in caso di qualificazione alla prossima Champions League farà un tentativo per trattenerlo ancora una stagione in riva al lago.

Real Madrid are ready to step up their hunt to appoint a new manager after their UCL exit, while a row between Vini Junior and Bellingham has provoked a strong reaction from one of the club's most decorated former stars

Real Madrid were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in a game in which emotions among those in white threatened to boil over.

Siparietto curioso negli studi Sky nel post-partita della Champions League.

The Spanish giants crashed out of the Champions League with a 6-4 aggregate defeat to Bayern in Bavaria, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham having a bust-up late in the ...