News of football

All eyes on Messi – but don’t forget the supporting cast

Today 08:48 Argentina can hurt opponents from anywhere on the pitch. There are plenty of candidates to become Messi’s latest World Cup partner-in-crime.

by Dan Edwards

Dominant Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener

Yesterday 19:04 Dozens of protesters clash with police outside Estadio Azteca; Mexico see off South Africa in bad-tempered opener that saw three red cards.

Trump says will attend World Cup matches as kick off nears

10-06-2026 14:47 World Cup kick off dogged by off-field distractions ranging from sky-high ticket prices to an immigration crackdown that has seen fans, team officials and a top Somali referee barred from entering the United States.

Messi plushies see roaring trade as China firms get World Cup 2026 boost

10-06-2026 11:42 Sellers in China are betting on the country's lucrative fan market for a big World Cup boost.

Argentina stroll to pre-World Cup win over Honduras

07-06-2026 11:19 Argentina cruise to 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas; Marseille central defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury.

It’s a small World (Cup)

06-06-2026 06:06 FIFA has 211 member football associations, of whom only 80 have ever participated in a World Cup tournament in almost a century while for the highest level of winners, you would have to knock the zero off that figure – just eight countries, all of whom are past or present members of the European Union or Mercosur.

by Michael Soltys

Defending champs Argentina look to make history at 2026 World Cup

03-06-2026 17:11 Title-holders hope to put AFA turmoil aside and overcome injury concerns at World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico.

Lionel Scaloni: Argentina among ‘10 or 12’ teams challenging for World Cup title

03-06-2026 16:18 National team coach lists 10 and 12 sides he thinks will be a threat at the 2026 World Cup.

Nineteen players from Argentina's top flight heading to World Cup 2026

02-06-2026 09:32 FIFA will pay Liga Profesional clubs US$11,000 a day for each player called up for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico; River Plate will receive the most of the domestic clubs, supplying seven of the 19 footballers from Argentina's top flight for tournament.

Otamendi becomes latest world champion to sign for River Plate

31-05-2026 09:18 "As a River supporter, it's a dream come true," says commanding centre-back as he completes his move back to Argentina.

Messi in, Mastantuono out – Argentina confirms 26-man squad for World Cup 2026

28-05-2026 20:10 Few surprises as Lionel Scaloni publishes his squad list for tournament in US, Canada and Mexico; River wonderkid Mastantuono out and no place for Buendía or Dybala; Youngers Nico Paz and Valentín Barco make the cut, along with Palmeiras striker ‘Flaco’ López.

Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono left out of Argentina’s World Cup 2026 squad

28-05-2026 17:28 First big name culled by Lionel Scaloni as he whittles down squad list for Argentina’s defence of World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico; Coach plays down Messi injury fears.

Belgrano stun River Plate to win historic first league title

25-05-2026 05:59 Belgrano came from behind to beat River Plate, clinching the Apertura title and securing the first top-flight crown in the club’s 121-year history.

Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo in billionaire football ranks after US deals

22-05-2026 14:24 Lionel Messi's net worth has surpassed the US$1 billion-mark, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Messi in as Scaloni names 55-man longlist for World Cup squad

11-05-2026 13:06 Argentina skipper leads a preliminary 55-man shortlist as Argentina prepare to defend their title at World Cup 2026.

Poll shows women’s football growing in popularity and reach in Argentina

10-05-2026 11:46 New study reveals 30% of Argentines play football at least once a month, with one in four females taking to the pitch in past 12 months. The women’s game is developing, but growth has yet to translate into improved professionalism and sponsorship opportunities.

by Enrique Garabetyan

Simeone, Atlético Madrid at crossroads after Champions League knock-out

06-05-2026 09:26 Champions League elimination renews speculation over the future of Atlético Madrid's Argentine coach.

Maradona sisters, lawyer face trial over handling of star's brand

28-04-2026 21:08 Late star’s lawyer and two of Maradona’s sisters – Rita and Claudia – will stand trial for the “fraudulent administration” of his brand and trademark.

Boca edge River with Paredes penalty in Superclásico at Monumental

20-04-2026 06:54 Paredes converts stoppage-time penalty in first half as Boca strengthen knockout push in tense Superclásico at Monumental.

As big guns misfire, the Lepra just keep marching on

17-04-2026 11:21 There is a new king in town, and it is none other than unassuming Independiente Rivadavia.

by Dan Edwards