World Cup News

Saudi Arabia, one of Spain’s rivals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have decided to part ways with head coach Herve Renard. Despite the short time remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some national teams are still making abrupt structural changes in an effort to arrive in peak condition. Saudi Arabia have dismissed Herve Renard, a move that will impact Spain’s preparations. “Saudi Arabia sack head coach Herve Renard with immediate effect before World Cup,” reported Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday via his official X account. According to reports, the decision stems from the national team’s disappointing recent results, which raised concerns ahead of the tournament. This development not only forces a logical shift in Saudi Arabia’s own planning—now requiring a rapid adjustment under a new manager with just two months before competition begins in North America—but also triggers a strategic rethink for at least three other national teams. Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde were drawn alongside Saudi Arabia in Group H of the World Cup, and their respective managers have spent months preparing to face those opponents based on the playing styles each side had developed. That preparation may now need to be revised. 🚨 OFFICIAL: Saudi Arabia sack head coach Hervé Renard with immediate effect before World Cup! 👋🏼🇸🇦 Renard had returned for a second spell as Saudi coach at the end of 2024. pic.twitter.com/yhwU0OMAkS — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 17, 2026 Now, with such a sudden managerial change and virtually no time for formal testing before the tournament begins, Saudi Arabia become something of an unknown for the rest of the group. They will open their campaign on June 15 against Uruguay in Miami, face Spain six days later, and close out the group stage against Cape Verde on June 26. Renard unable to replicate previous success with Saudi Arabia Herve Renard had been serving as Saudi Arabia’s head coach since 2024, marking his second spell in charge of the national team. His previous tenure, from 2019 to 2023, brought global recognition after Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over Argentina in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, his return did not produce similar results. Both performances and outcomes were underwhelming, and the March international break proved crucial in the Saudi federation’s decision to move on. During that window, the team faced Egypt and Serbia, suffering defeats in both matches: a 4-0 loss to the Africans and a 2-1 defeat to the Europeans. Renard’s likely replacement With the World Cup fast approaching, Saudi Arabia are under pressure to appoint a replacement quickly—and that process already appears to be underway. “Expectation is Georgios Donis leads Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup on a one-year contract,” Ben Jacobs reported on X, in a claim echoed by other outlets such as Diario AS. Expectation is Georgios Donis leads Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup on a one-year contract. Donis set to join from Al-Khaleej and also be in charge for the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup and 2027 Asian Cup as part of a proposed one-year contract.🇸🇦 https://t.co/x3jxt9y19n — Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) April 17, 2026 Georgios Donis is a 56-year-old Greek manager with extensive experience in Saudi Arabian soccer. He has coached five clubs in the country, with his most recent role at Al-Khaleej, where his team currently sits 11th in the Saudi Pro League standings. This will be Donis’ first experience at the international level.

Around the world, here are the channels you can watch Newcastle United v Bournemouth Live TV. The global TV listings are featured below for local (to you) coverage on Saturday... You can click here to read the full article.

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has expressed hope that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will select Ghana’s best players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Croatia, and England, setting up an exciting but challenging path for the four-time African champions.Speaking to VamosNetwork, Paintsil emphasized his commitment to representing Ghana, saying his focus is always on making his country proud.“I always need to respect the national team call-up. I’m playing for the people of Ghana, not for an individual person,” Paintsil said. “I’m doing it for Ghanaians to know my worth and that I can deliver whenever I get the chance.”The 26-year-old also voiced optimism that Queiroz — who previously managed Colombia, Iran, and Egypt — will make fair and merit-based selections for the tournament.“We are just hoping and praying that the new coach will do the needful — to take the best players to the World Cup, to perform, and to make Ghanaians proud,” he added.Queiroz took over the Black Stars earlier this week following the dismissal...

As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer. With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents. As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt. Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit. Keeping the focus on soccer Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances. He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event. Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Iran’s road ahead for the tournament Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses. The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah believes Ghana’s decision to appoint Carlos Queiroz could mark a decisive shift in the Black Stars’ direction, particularly in restoring structure and discipline ahead of the World Cup.Otto Addo was dismissed after a difficult run of four consecutive defeats in international friendlies, leaving the federation to act swiftly with just months remaining before the expanded 48-team tournament.The former Portugal and Egypt coach has been handed a short-term four-month contract to stabilise the team and guide them through the global showpiece.Chibsah expressed optimism about the impact the 73-year-old could have on the squad’s mentality and organisation, while also stressing the demands that come with managing Ghana at this level.“He will bring a bit of discipline to the team, which for me was lacking a lot. We would see [discipline] and also [Ghana would] definitely get an identity,” Chibsah told Joy News.“The challenge for Carlos now would be how adaptable he can be taking on Ghana.”“Iran, Oman, Qatar [recent jobs of Queiroz] are not Ghana. Ghana, we expect more.”Ghana head into the World Cup with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Group L...

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will soon arrive in the country for his official unveiling.GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum disclosed that the experienced Portuguese tactician is expected in the coming days, where he will formally present his vision for the senior national team.Queiroz, who has previously managed Egypt, Colombia and Oman, has been handed a short-term deal to lead Ghana into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.The 73-year-old takes over from Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties in March following back-to-back friendly defeats to Austria and Germany.Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum outlined plans for the coach’s introduction, stressing that the unveiling will offer the public and media an opportunity to hear directly from Queiroz.“In the next few days, Carlos Queiroz will arrive in Ghana to be properly unveiled, where he will personally tell us his plans and his expectations, and his ambitions for the team," he said.“We have only made his statement to us public, but he will be unveiled and made available to the press to answer questions, and then we will make progress from there,”...

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has posed a pointed question to African football administrators, arguing that if domestic leagues offered decent salaries and proper structures, players would have little reason to flee to foreign competitions.Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Nwabali made it clear that the continuous migration of talent from West Africa to Europe, South Africa, and Morocco is a direct consequence of poor conditions at home."In West Africa, our leagues are not as good. We want to go to Europe, we want to come to South Africa, we want to go to Morocco," he said.But his most telling remark came when he turned the question back on league organisers:"If your league is nice, you're getting paid, you're getting sponsors, what are you leaving for?"Nwabali explained that only a handful of clubs can offer competitive wages, leaving most players with limited financial security during their short careers. He contrasted that with the more professional setups in Southern and North Africa, where better stadiums, stronger sponsorship, and consistent organisation make domestic football attractive and sustainable."The league, the pay is a little bit nice for a certain level of your team," he added, implying...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong support for the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, describing the decision as a step in the right direction.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was named Ghana’s new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo. Queiroz has signed a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana have qualified for the global tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.Speaking on the appointment, Norgbey praised Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline, expressing confidence that the veteran coach will command respect from the players.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating,” Norgbey said.He also commended the Ghana Football Association for making what he believes is a beneficial choice for the national team.“For once, the GFA has taken...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence in newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, highlighting the Portuguese tactician’s tactical discipline as a key asset that will drive the team forward at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Queiroz was named Ghana’s head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, signing a four-month contract with an option to extend. He will lead the Black Stars in Group L against England, Panama, and Croatia."He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team," Norgbey said."I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating."The veteran Portuguese manager, who has previously coached Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, faces the immediate challenge of preparing Ghana for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana’s campaign begins on June 17 against Panama in Toronto.

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence that the vast experience and international pedigree of newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will naturally compel players to adhere to his instructions on and off the pitch.Norgbey believes the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician’s résumé—which includes managing Real Madrid, leading Iran to two World Cups, and taking Egypt to the global stage—carries a weight that few coaches in African football can match. That authority, he argued, will translate into discipline and compliance from the Black Stars squad.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with an international rating," Norgbey said.Queiroz, who has taken four different nations to the FIFA World Cup, was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend. He replaces Otto Addo following Ghana’s poor run of friendly results and failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Norgbey argued that the timing of the appointment, though close to the tournament, is less of...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has praised the Ghana Football Association for appointing Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.Norgbey described the decision as a positive move that will benefit the national team, highlighting Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline as key assets.“For once, the GFA has taken a decision that will inure to the benefit of the Black Stars, and I’m happy for the choice that they have made,” Norgbey said.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He replaces Otto Addo, who was dismissed following a string of poor friendly results.Queiroz, who has previously managed Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, will lead Ghana in Group L against England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Toronto.Norgbey expressed confidence that the players will respect Queiroz due to his international standing and believes his tactical discipline will propel the team forward.

Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is confident Ghana will enjoy a successful campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.According to his agent, Tadeo Martins, this is one of the key reasons why the veteran agreed to take charge as head coach of the Black Stars."Firstly, because he believes in the ambition of the Ghanaian national team to achieve outstanding results in the World Cup, and secondly, because he wants to participate in the tournament for the fifth time in his career,” Martins told Kooora in an interview as quoted by Africasoccer.In the interview, the agent clarified the speculation that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has tasked Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a requirement for a contract extension. According to Martins, the report is false."This is completely unfounded... This is a ridiculous rumour, and I don't know why anyone would write such a thing,” Carlos Queiroz's agent said.The Ghana FA announced the appointment of the former Egypt coach as head coach of the Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He replaces Otto Addo, who was sacked by the Ghana FA after four consecutive...

Il 30 aprile si avvicina, la FIFA si pronuncerà sulla questione Iran: vediamo cosa succederà e perché gli Azzurri sperano ancora.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has offered an explanation for why Carlos Queiroz was appointed as the new head coach of the Black Stars. The 72-year-old has been confirmed as the new head coach for the senior national team on a short-term deal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The former Egypt head coach has replaced Otto Addo, who was sacked after Black Stars' inconsistent performances ahead of the Mundial despite guiding the team to qualify for the Mundial slated for this summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.Reportedly, Pitso Mosimane, Kwesi Appiah, Paulo Bento, among other coaches, were all linked to the coach.Speaking to Asempa FM, the Communications Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum, explained why the former Real Madrid head coach was appointed."Carlos Queiroz provided a detailed analysis of his observations of the Black Stars, from their AFCON qualification failure to World Cup qualification," he said."He showed strong knowledge of the team’s player profiles and outlined how he intends to guide the Black Stars’ progress from the group stage at the World Cup," Asante Twum added.Queiroz will meet the Black Stars squad next month during their international friendly against Mexico, before concluding...

Communications Director of Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has hinted that the FA will review the performance of Carlos Queiroz after the 2026 World Cup. The veteran Portuguese trainer has been appointed on a short-term basis, replacing Otto Addo, who was sacked after the back-to-back defeats against Austria and Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly game.With the former Egypt and Iran head coach set to lead the Black Stars to the Mundial, Asante Twum has revealed that his performance will be reviewed after the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico."Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars until the end of the World Cup. After that, the FA will review how things turn out and decide whether to keep him or part ways," he told Asempa FM.Asante Twum also hinted that the 72-year-old has already started working."Carlos Queiroz has already begun work on the Black Stars and is expected in Ghana in the coming days," Asante Twum added.Queiroz will meet the Black Stars squad next month during their international friendly against Mexico, before concluding preparations with a final tune-up match against Wales on June 2.Ghana, preparing for its fifth World Cup appearance,...

Ghana have appointed Carlos Queiroz as manager for their 2026 World Cup campaign. The Black Stars will face England, Panama and Croatia in group L at this summer’s tournament. Queiroz has bee…

The Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He [...] The post Carlos Queiroz appointed Black Stars head coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup first appeared on Sahara Football.

EGYPT star Mohamed El-Shenawy has been slapped with a heavy ban and a fine after striking a referee during a league match. El-Shenawy, 37, was on the bench during Tuesday's Egyptian Premier League match between his Al Ahly side and Ceramica Cleopatra, which ended 1-1. The goalkeeper was left furious after his team was denied a...

Laura Woods and Liverpool icons Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman were left a little red-faced by Mohamed Salah on Wednesday night. The Reds fell to a 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg …

Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish FA after "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chants during a friendly between Spain and Egypt last month.

FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] after Islamophobic chants were heard during their friendly with Egypt last week.

The chants of 'Muslim he who does not jump' against Egypt will be investigated by FIFA in disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish FA Leer

Barcelona star Yamal spoke out against the "intolerable" Islamophobic chanting heard during his side’s friendly with Egypt

Salah critical of head coach in December after being left out Slot: ‘The only one who can talk about it is Mo himself’ Arne Slot has no regrets over his treatment of Mohamed Salah and claimed it was entirely the forward’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. The Liverpool head coach declined to divulge why or when Salah decided to leave the club as he faced the media on Friday for the first time since the Egypt international’s announcement. Slot believes it should be left to Salah to explain the reasons for exiting 12 months before his contract is due to expire.

Igor Thiago was booed before scoring his first international goal for Brazil on Tuesday. The striker’s own fans jeered him as he stepped up to take a penalty in their victory over Croatia. Th…

The Liverpool winger had to withdraw from international duty with Egypt after missing the Reds' defeat to Brighton last time out

Yamal and Co drew 0-0 with the African nation in a friendly on Tuesday night, with the 18-year-old starting the game but finding it hard to break down the away side's defence.

Police investigate chants heard at Barcelona friendly Spain’s coach and justice minister condemn behaviour Lamine Yamal has criticised chants by Spain fans during a friendly against Egypt in Barcelona that police are investigating for Islamophobia and xenophobia. Spain supporters chanted “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim”, prompting Yamal to respond on Instagram. He wrote that the chanting “was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable. To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”

An anti-Muslim chant was heard several times during Spain's goalless draw with Egypt in Catalonia on Tuesday.

Mohamed Salah has been tipped for a move to Serie A to play for former club Roma but only if he’s willing to take a significant pay cut. The Egyptian star recently revealed his departure from…

Football Predictions and Results For Feb 24 2026 Footiehound See our major predictions for the day and final results in the table below LEAGUE GAME TIP RESULT FEB 24 TIPS UCL Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge 1 4-1 Egypt Ceramica Cleopatra vs El Ismaily 1 1-1… The post Football Predictions and Results For Feb 24 2026 appeared first on Footiehound. Written By Ken Anucha

The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts Morocco But what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan has the latest from the Netherlands as Troy Parrott nets a hat-trick against Ajax. Parrott condemns Ajax to their worst defeat in 99 years, Arsenal take the advantage in the EFL Cup. Liam Rosenior takes the blame for Chelsea goalkeeping mishaps. Could Kelleher end up at Chelsea? AFCON final decided, as Mane pays tribute to Salah. Shelbourne spend big on Odhran Casey. Armstrong Oko-Flex is on the move in Bulgaria. Real Madrid suffer defeat under Alvaro Arbeloa in their first game. And should Johnny Kenny stay at Celtic? Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

Chloe is here for another Redmen Bitesize Podcast as she rounds up the latest LFC news from the past 24 hours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimbo’s joined by Daniel Storey, Adrian Clarke and Tom Williams after an historic FA Cup 3rd round weekend. Macclesfield, 117 places below holders Crystal Palace in the football pyramid, are victorious 2-1 at Moss Rose on Saturday. All hail John Rooney and the Silkmen. Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham also knock out Premier League opposition as Forest fall on penalties on Friday night. Could they meet again next season? Daniel was there to see Man City hit 10 goals against Exeter on Saturday. Elsewhere, there’s more misery for Spurs against Villa, while Liam Rosenior is victorious in his first game in charge of Chelsea, a 5-1 win at Championship Charlton. And Maher Mezahi joins us to preview a mouthwatering set of AFCON semi-finals as Nigeria take on Morocco and Senegal face Egypt. Produced by Charlie Jones RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace (06.00) • PART 2a: Wrexham knock out Forest on penalties (19.00) • PART 2b: Man City 10-1 Exeter (29.00) • PART 2c: Man United 1-2 Brighton (34.00) • PART 2d: Newcastle progress after thriller with Bournemouth (39.00) • PART 2e: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa (43.00) • PART 3: Carabao Cup semi-final preview (48.00) • PART 4: AFCON semi-final preview with Maher Mezahi (55.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimbo is joined in the Athletic studios by Charlie Eccleshare and Tom Williams to discuss Arsenal Liverpool, plus Jay Harris joins from Morocco to preview the AFCON quarter finals. Arsenal and Liverpool finished goalless at the Emirates as the Gunners failed to capitalise on Man City dropping points on Wednesday. Last season's champions frustrated this year's title hopefuls with the two teams generating one of the lowest XG games of the season (1.02) in the driving North London rain. Jay Harris drops in from Morocco to preview the 4 mouthwatering AFCON quarter finals with Mali v Senegal, the hosts Morocco v Cameroon, Nigeria v Algeria and Ivory Coast v Egypt. Plus 'On This Day' Julio Baptista scored 4 & Rafa Benitez's 'Facts'. Produced by Charlie Jones and Jesse Howard. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: Jimbo and Charlie clear up their 90’s music fact from yesterdays pod (00.40) • PART 1b: Arsenal v Liverpool (3.00) • PART 2a: On This Day - Baptista scores 4 (16.20) • PART 2b: On This Day - Rafa’s facts (19.20) • PART 3a: AFCON quarter final previews (25.15) • PART 3b: Trophee Des Champions in Kuwait (36.25) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan has the latest from Manchester United's manager search as the hunt goes on for Ruben Amorim's successor, whilst Chelsea get their man. Is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about to return to Old Trafford? What went on behind the scenes at Carrington in the final days? Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Xavi, Zinedine Zidane or Gareth Southgate next? Liam Rosenior gets a hefty contract to take the Chelsea job. Martin O'Neill in to steady the Chelsea ship. Wilfried Nancy's departure. Pep Guardiola's defensive crisis causes them to go for more defenders. Mohammed Salah's Egypt roll on. Evan Ferguson's Roma take on Lecce. And is Bosun Lawal the man to take the place of Josh Cullen in the Irish midfield in March against Czechia. Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

Stephen Donovan 2026 promises to be a thrilling year of football with the 2026 FIFA World Cup the headline act. Stephen Donovan picks out 20...

Excitement is building for the start of Africa Cup of Nations this weekend. The tournament kicks off this Sunday, 21st December and runs until the final on Sunday, 18th January. So will hosts and favourites Morocco deliver? Can reigning champions Ivory Coast defend their crown? Will 'fired up' Salah give Egypt the edge? And who are the key players to keep an eye on? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Jay Harris and Simon Hughes to tell you everything you need to know ahead of AFCON 2025. Plus, former Ghana manager Chris Hughton drops in to give the lowdown on what it’s actually like to manage at AFCON. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Chris Hughton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Illife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way. Now he heads off to AFCON with Egypt. So will Salah be back in favour at Anfield when - and if - he returns? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, David Ornstein and Ahmed Walid Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe analyze an action-packed Matchweek 16 in the Premier League 01:17 - Hugo Ekitike’s brace seals a 2-0 win for Liverpool over Brighton, with Mo Salah providing an assist off the bench ahead of his departure to AFCON with Egypt 17:05 - Despair to ecstasy for Arsenal in stoppage-time as the Gunners reply to Wolves’ 90th minute equalizer with seconds left to play 26:40 - Manchester City secure a 3-0 victory over Brighton, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden on the scoresheet, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive 34:22 - Aston Villa edge West Ham 3-2, with Morgan Rogers scoring the decisive goal as they quietly stay in the Premier League title race 39:27 - Chelsea defeat Everton 2-0 with goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, but Enzo Maresca’s cryptic post-match comments about a lack of support for him and his players steal the spotlight 46:24 - A roundup of other results: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle, Nottingham Forest 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford 1-1 Leeds United, Burnley 2-3 Fulham Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ste is here with today's Bitesize podcast discussing Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause, Salah's Egypt talks and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ste is here with the latest Bitesize podcast, discussing Ibou Konate's injury, Mo Salah being rested by Egypt and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe is here for another Redmen Bitesize as she rounds up the latest LFC news during the International Break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the Football History podcast hosted by Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper. In this second episode of a two-part special, we explore the life of Mohamed Salah - from winning his third PFA player of the year award, to the pressures and the complex political landscape he navigates in Egypt . We delve into Salah's impact in the UK, his challenging relationship with International football, from rural Egypt to the global stage, Mohamed Salah's journey is as thrilling as it is complex. Join us for an in-depth look at one of the most intriguing figures in modern football. 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Mohamed Salah's Political and Cultural Significance 03:01 The Complexities of Expressing Political Views 05:02 Historical Context: Egypt's Political Landscape 14:19 The Arab Spring and Its Aftermath 24:06 Mohamed Salah's Relationship with the Egyptian National Team 27:40 High Stakes in World Cup Play-offs 28:35 Egypt's Football Legacy and Recent Struggles 29:55 The 2018 World Cup Disappointment 31:56 Controversies and Criticisms 37:59 Political Pressures and Social Media 44:46 Salah's Impact in the UK 49:24 The Ballon d'Or and Future Prospects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson are joined by Ed Aarons from The Guardian to discuss the incredible journey of Mohamed Salah. With the PFA Footballer of the Year awards tonight, Salah's early life and career beginnings are explored in depth. Ed shares his research from travels to Salah's hometown in Egypt, providing unique insights into the challenges Salah faced, including the long commute for training and the support from his family. The episode covers Salah’s initial struggles, his move to Basel, and his eventual breakout that caught the attention of major clubs. Join us to learn how Salah's dedication and hard work paved the way for his renowned career. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: Mohamed Salah 00:38 Guest Introduction: Ed Aarons 00:54 Journey to Egypt: Tracing Salah's Roots 01:54 Experiences in Salah's Hometown 03:22 Salah's Early Life and Football Beginnings 12:39 Challenges and Dedication in Salah's Youth 18:40 Salah's Transition to Professional Football 21:29 Cultural and Personal Insights on Salah 22:11 Salah's Early Professional Struggles 23:53 The Turning Point: Mastering the Art of Finishing 25:09 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs 26:33 International Recognition and Olympic Success 30:10 The Tragic Event That Changed Everything 31:31 The Move to Basel: Trials and Triumphs 39:00 Challenges at Chelsea and the Path to Greatness 44:26 Liverpool's Perfect Fit: Salah's Rise to Stardom 46:25 National Team Challenges and Rivalries 49:57 Legacy and Comparisons: The Greatest African Player? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BBC Sport visits Egypt to discover what Mohamed Salah means to the people of the football-mad country, and how a small boy from humble beginnings became a national icon.

Egypt vs Nigeria: Time and where to watch Flying Eagles U-20 AFCON bronze medal match against Young Pharaohs Pulse Sports Nigeria

Ste is here with today's Bitesize podcast discussing reports in Egypt which claim that Mo Salah is close to agreeing a contract extension at Liverpool, Newcastle's reported interest in Jarell Quansah and Liverpool's interest in Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.