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Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, says the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his illustrious career. The Portuguese superstar plans to retire from football in the next one to two years while continuing at Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, says the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his illustrious career. The Portuguese superstar plans to retire from football in the next one to two years while continuing at Al Nassr.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday said next year's World Cup would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers.
The 40-year-old forward, with more than 950 club and international goals, also said he would retire from football in "one or two years".
"Definitely, yes," he told a Saudi forum by video link, when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. "I'm gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment."
Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire "soon".
"Let's be honest, when I mean soon, it's probably one or two years I'll still be at the game," he said.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to lifting the trophy on debut in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals.
Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but can secure their spot if they beat Ireland on Thursday.
Last month, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history when he netted twice against Hungary to reach 41 goals, overtaking retired Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz's 39.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is also the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 strikes.
During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored last week, Ronaldo opened up further about the realities of his looming retirement.
"It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I'm an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes," he said.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United for a second time in late 2022, a move that heralded a influx of late-career stars to the oil-rich kingdom.
Ronaldo initially signed for 200 million euros a year, according to a source close to Al Nassr at the time, and inked a two-year contract extension in June.
Last month, he was named by Bloomberg as the sport's first billionaire, and topped the Forbes list of highest-paid footballers for the sixth time in a decade.
With on-and off-field earnings of an estimated $280 million, Ronaldo will earn more than double that of second-placed rival Lionel Messi during the upcoming season, according to Forbes.
Saudi Arabia, which is spending big on sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification plan, was named as host of the 2034 World Cup last December.

PSG’s Ousmane Dembele lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or after his Champions League heroics, while Spain’s Aitana Bonmati secured the women’s prize for the third straight year.

Dembele beats Yamal to Ballon d'Or as Bonmati retains women's award

PSG&rsquo;s Ousmane Dembele lifted the 2025 Ballon d&rsquo;Or after his Champions League heroics, while Spain&rsquo;s Aitana Bonmati secured the women&rsquo;s prize for the third straight year.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d'Or on Monday as a reward for his starring role in the club's Champions League triumph last season, while Spain's Aitana Bonmati claimed the women's prize for the third year in a row.
Dembele, 28, edged out Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to succeed Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who took the trophy in 2024, as the winner of the most prestigious individual prize in football -- an award that for many years had been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona forward Dembele, who was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018, scored 35 goals in all competitions as PSG claimed a French league and cup double as well as winning the Champions League.
With Dembele converted into a centre-forward following Kylian Mbappe's departure for Real Madrid, PSG went on to hammer Inter Milan 5-0 in the final in Munich to win the European Cup for the first time in their history.
"I really don't have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG," an emotional Dembele said on the stage at the Theatre du Chatelet in central Paris.
He added that his boss Luis Enrique -- who won the award for club coach of the year -- had been "like a father" to him.
"It is an individual trophy but it was really the collective that won it," insisted Dembele, who was one of nine members of the triumphant PSG team from last season to be nominated for the prize.
"The Ballon d'Or has not really been an objective for me in my career but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League."
The 18-year-old Yamal, who was a teammate of Dembele's at Barcelona when he first broke through in 2023, did earlier win the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21 -- the second year running he has taken that award.
Dembele was at the ceremony to pick up his prize while his PSG teammates were losing 1-0 in a Ligue 1 game in Marseille at the same time -- that match had been scheduled for Sunday but was put back 24 hours due to bad weather in the south of France.
 - Three in a row -
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Bonmati won the women's prize by edging out her international teammate Mariona Caldentey, with whom she played in the Spain side who were beaten on penalties by England in the Women's Euro 2025 final.
Bonmati, 27, also lost the Women's Champions League final with her club last season, at the hands of Caldentey's Arsenal.
Bonmati was named player of the tournament at the Euros, despite not starting either of Spain's first two matches as she recovered from a bout of viral meningitis.
"I am very proud," said Bonmati, who credited her teammates for their role in her personal triumph.
"I think I am here for the third consecutive time because of the teams I play in, so all of this is because of them."
Alessia Russo, one of the nominees from the triumphant England European Championship team and also of Arsenal, came third.
Bonmati's run of three in a row follows back-to-back victories for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas.
Norway's Ada Hegerberg and USA star Megan Rapinoe are the only other players to have won the Women's Ballon d'Or since it was introduced in 2018.
The Ballon d'Or is voted for by a panel of journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings for the men, and from the top 50 for the women.
Vicky Lopez, the 19-year-old forward who is a teammate of Bonmati's with Barcelona and Spain, was named best young women's player.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who excelled in the PSG team that swept all aside last season before moving to Manchester City, claimed the Yashin trophy for best goalkeeper.
England's Euro winner Hannah Hampton claimed the best women's goalkeeper award, while her international manager Sarina Wiegman was named best women's coach.

Mbappé, Ronaldo and Kane led France, Portugal and England to key wins in World Cup qualifying; Haaland netted five in Norway’s 11-1 rout.

European Giants Edge Closer to 2026 World Cup Qualification

Mbapp&eacute;, Ronaldo and Kane led France, Portugal and England to key wins in World Cup qualifying; Haaland netted five in Norway&rsquo;s 11-1 rout.

Kylian Mbapp&eacute; got France out of trouble, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal do the same with a record-equaling goal, and England finally got its Thomas Tuchel era into gear.
Three of Europe's soccer powerhouses took big steps closer to the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, all while Erling Haaland scored five goals in an 11-1 win with fresh stitches in his face.
England's statement win&nbsp;
Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi all scored their first goals for England, which beat Serbia 5-0 for a win which could be a turning point in Tuchel's tenure.
Despite Tuchel's recent talk of being prepared to win ugly with long passing, this win was more about managing the game and shutting down Serbia, which had made England fight hard for a 1-0 win at Euro 2024. Harry Kane was crucial, finding space to score the opening goal with a header from Declan Rice's corner.
The captain cemented England's advantage late on with smart movement to get in behind the defense on a move that ended with a red card for Nikola Milenkovic, who denied a clear scoring chance by Kane. Guehi scored England's fourth from the resulting free kick.
&ldquo;The energy has been higher and the level has been higher,&rdquo; Kane told BBC radio. &ldquo;Serbia are a good team, and we made them look average tonight.&rdquo; England is seven points clear at the top of Group K from Albania, which beat Latvia 1-0. A win and two draws in its last three group games would be enough for Tuchel's team to qualify for the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford didn't have to make a save as Serbia didn't manage a shot on target. England had 12.
&ldquo;We were very strong,&rdquo; Tuchel said. &ldquo;I think it was teamwork in its purest form. We helped each other out, we had the right intensity in the right moments."
France clings on&nbsp;
France held on with 10 men to beat Iceland 2-1 after coming from behind thanks to a goal and assist from Mbapp&eacute;.
Iceland took a surprise lead when Michael Olise gave away the ball in his own penalty area and Andri Gudjohnsen pounced on it to score. Mbapp&eacute; finally got France into the game when he converted a penalty just before halftime after being shoved by Mikael Anderson.
Mbapp&eacute; led a break for the second goal and set up Bradley Barcola to score in the 62nd but France's task got harder when Aur&eacute;lien Tchouam&eacute;ni was sent off soon after for a reckless lunging tackle.
France leads Group D after winning its first two games, with Iceland second. Oleksandr Zinchenko conceded a penalty for handball as third-place Ukraine's chances of qualifying plunged in a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan, which had fired ex-Portugal coach Fernando Santos following its 5-0 loss to Iceland last week.
Cancelo gets Portugal over the line&nbsp;
Joao Cancelo scored the winning goal in the 86th to give Portugal a 3-2 victory over Hungary, its second win to start the qualifying campaign, after two goals from Barnabas Varga had given Hungary hope of an upset.
Ronaldo scored an earlier penalty to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. It was his 39th goal in World Cup qualifying, tying the record set by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz, and raised his overall international goals total to 141.
Also in Group F, Ireland's hopes of a first World Cup appearance since 2002 took a heavy blow with a 2-1 loss to Armenia.
Stitched-up Haaland scores in 11-1 win&nbsp;
Playing with stitches in his face following an accident with a bus door, Erling Haaland scored five goals, including a first-half hat trick, as Norway demolished Moldova 11-1 to extend its lead over Italy at the top of Group I to six points. Norway has played one more game.
Austria on track&nbsp;
Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer scored to lift Austria to a 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina which brings it closer to a first World Cup qualification since 1998. Austria is level with Bosnia-Herzegovina on 12 points in Group H but has an extra game to play. Cyprus and Romania drew 2-2.

FIFA and AFC have given AIFF a deadline of October 30 to ratify a new constitution, warning of suspension that could bar Indian football teams from international competitions.

Indian Football Faces FIFA Suspension Amid AIFF Governance Crisis

FIFA and AFC have given AIFF a deadline of October 30 to ratify a new constitution, warning of suspension that could bar Indian football teams from international competitions.

Indian football is staring at an international ban with world governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation issuing a stern ultimatum to the embattled AIFF that it must adopt and ratify a new constitution by October 30 or risk suspension.
In a hard-hitting two-page letter on Tuesday, addressed to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the two international bodies expressed "profound concern" at the federation's failure to finalise its constitution despite the matter being pending in the Supreme Court since 2017. The top court is scheduled to take up the matter on Thursday.
A suspension would mean national teams and clubs being barred from all international competitions, besides throwing into uncertainty, India's ambitious bid for the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
FIFA and AFC have directed the Chaubey-led AIFF to secure a "definitive order" from the Supreme Court approving the revised constitution, align it with the mandatory statutes of FIFA and AFC, and ratify it at the next General Body meeting before the October 30 deadline.
"Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision... including the possibility of suspension," the letter mentions without any ambiguity.
The missive is jointly signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary (Member Associations) Vahid Kardany.
This is not the first time Indian football has faced such embarrassment.
In August 2022, FIFA had suspended India for "third-party interference" after a Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) temporarily ran the AIFF.
That ban, imposed when the nation was celebrating its 75th year of independence, was lifted within two weeks after the CoA was dissolved and elections were held when Chaubey defeated football icon Bhaichun Bhutia in a lopsided result.
The world bodies expressed concern at the "continued failure to finalise and implement the revised Constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), a matter that has remained under consideration since proceedings before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in 2017." "Despite repeated assurances, the absence of a clear and compliant governance framework has now created an untenable vacuum and legal uncertainties at the heart of Indian football," it stated.
Calling it a "prolonged impasse" that has "precipitated a governance and operational crisis," the letter said: "Clubs and players remain uncertain regarding the domestic competition calendar." "Commercial partnerships beyond December 2025 remain unconfirmed; and essential functions relating to development, competitions, and marketing are increasingly compromised.
Lambasting the lack of financial stability and its "profoundly negative impact on India's football ecosystem", the two bodies said they are worried about the impact on footballers employed by clubs participating in the Indian Super League.
"We have received concerning reports from FIFPRO of the unilateral termination of players' employment contracts by various clubs, as a direct consequence of the current impasse, affecting the players&rsquo; livelihoods and careers," the letter stated.
Accordingly, the AIFF has been directed to take three immediate steps by the deadline.
"Secure a definitive order from the Supreme Court of India approving the revised AIFF Constitution. Ensure full alignment of the AIFF Constitution with the mandatory provisions of the FIFA and AFC Statutes and regulations.
"Obtain formal ratification of the AIFF Constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting." Failure to adhere to this obligation may result in sanctions outlined in the FIFA and AFC Statutes, "including the possibility of suspension".
"A suspension of the AIFF would result in the loss of all of its rights as a FIFA and AFC member, as defined in the FIFA and AFC Statutes," it added.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter relating to the Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and its commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited on Thursday.
The agreement expired on December 8 last year.
The FSDL last month put the upcoming season "on hold" citing uncertainty over MRA renewal.
That decision forced at least three clubs to suspend operations or delay salaries, and prompted all 11 ISL clubs to warn of an "existential crisis." On August 22, the Supreme Court permitted AIFF and FSDL to hold talks to work out interim measures so that the season can start on time.
Chaubey said the federation would "endeavour to arrive at mutually agreeable measures" with FSDL in good faith, while clubs pressed for an early judgment as it had paralysed the entire football calendar, threatening the survival of players, staff, among others.

Khalid Jamil becomes the head coach of the Indian men's football team, marking the first Indian at the helm since 2012. He will guide the team for two years with possibilities of extending his term based on performance.

Khalid Jamil Appointed Indian Football Team Head Coach

Khalid Jamil is appointed as the head coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term. With his robust background in Indian football, including a historic I-League win with Aizawl FC, Jamil is set to lead the team into upcoming international challenges.

Khalid Jamil is the new coach of the Indian football team for two years, marking the first Indian appointment since 2012. He aims to prepare the team for upcoming international challenges with his extensive coaching experience.

&nbsp;
New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI): Khalid Jamil has officially taken charge of the Indian senior men's football team, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday. He will lead the team for a two-year term with the option to extend for an additional year based on performance.
Khalid Jamil's appointment follows his departure from his role at Indian Super League (ISL) club, Jamshedpur FC. He is set to commence his tenure with a training camp starting August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
His first competitive challenge with the "Blue Tigers" will be the CAFA Nations Cup. In Group B, India will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. In the October FIFA International Window, India will face critical AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14.
Jamil expressed his sentiments by saying, "I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I've grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately. These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore."
Jamil takes over from Manolo Marquez, following his contract's termination by the AIFF the previous month. Notably, Jamil becomes the first Indian since Savio Medeira in 2012 to lead the men's national team.
With a robust background in Indian football, Jamil has extensive coaching experience in the ISL and I-League with teams such as Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC, and Mumbai FC. His crowning achievement was leading Aizawl FC to an unbelievable I-League title in the 2016-17 season.
The 48-year-old's recent tenure with Jamshedpur FC was marked by notable performances, including reaching the finals of the 2025 Super Cup and semi-finals in the 2024-25 ISL play-offs and the 2024 Super Cup.
As a former India international, Jamil earned 15 caps. He debuted in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, where India prevailed as champions and was part of the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2001 Merdeka Tournament.
In his club career, Jamil tasted success with Mahindra United, winning the National Football League, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields. He also played for Air India and Mumbai FC.
In the Santosh Trophy, he represented Maharashtra, clinching the title in 1999.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
&nbsp;

Chelsea have signed 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for £37 million on a seven-year deal, marking their eighth summer signing.

Chelsea Signs Jorrel Hato from Ajax for £37M

Chelsea have signed 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax for &pound;37 million on a seven-year deal, marking their eighth summer signing.

Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million).
The 19-year-old Hato, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
He becomes the Blues' eighth signing of the summer transfer window.
&ldquo;I'm very excited,&rdquo; Hato, who can operate in central defense or at left back, told the Premier League club's website.
&ldquo;I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I'm very happy.&rdquo; Hato joined Ajax's academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later.
He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie team, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023.
Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace.

Khalid Jamil, former Aizawl FC coach, becomes the first Indian head coach of the national men’s football team in over 13 years. He was chosen by AIFF, succeeding Manolo Marquez and will lead the team at CAFA Nations Cup starting August 29.

Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of India's National Men’s Football

Khalid Jamil, celebrated for his leadership with Aizawl FC, is the first Indian coach in over 13 years for the national men’s football team. He will lead India in the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, following his appointment by AIFF.

Khalid Jamil, the new head coach of India's national men&rsquo;s football team, replaces Manolo Marquez. Jamil, previously with Jamshedpur FC, will begin his role at the CAFA Nations Cup starting August 29, marking a return for Indian coaches after 13 years.

Khalid Jamil, celebrated for leading the underdog Aizawl Football Club to an unexpected I-League victory in 2017, has been appointed as the head coach of India's national men&rsquo;s football team. This makes him the first Indian to hold this prestigious position in over 13 years.
The 48-year-old Jamil, a former international player with experience at Indian Super League&rsquo;s Jamshedpur FC, was chosen by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee from a list of three candidates. The other two candidates for the position were Stephen Constantine, a past head coach of India, and Stefan Tarkovic, known for managing Slovakia's national team.
The AIFF&rsquo;s Technical Committee, chaired by iconic striker IM Vijayan, had shortlisted these three candidates for the executive committee&rsquo;s ultimate decision. Jamil will be succeeding Manolo Marquez of Spain, who ended his tenure with the AIFF last month following a series of unsatisfactory performances by the team.
Savio Medeira was the last Indian to be appointed as the head coach of the national men&rsquo;s team, holding that role from 2011 to 2012. Jamil&rsquo;s first test in his new capacity will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting on August 29.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
&nbsp;

England defended their UEFA Women’s Euro title by defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot kick in a tense final.

England Triumphs at Euro 2025 with Dramatic Win Over Spain

England defended their UEFA Women&rsquo;s Euro title by defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot kick in a tense final.

More drama, another penalty shootout and never giving up.
England successfully defended its Women's European Championship title on Sunday in its own special way, thriving in high tension yet again to take down world champion Spain in a shootout in the final.
Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give England a 3-1 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.
&ldquo;I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,&rdquo; said Kelly, whose goals decided a second straight Women's Euros final, and also the semifinal five days earlier.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved spot kicks from Mariona Caldentey and Spain superstar Aitana Bonmat&iacute;, before substitute Salma Paralluelo dragged her shot wide of goal.
The defending champion won the only way it knew how at this thrilling Euro 2025.
&ldquo;It was the most chaotic tournament we played,&rdquo; said England coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three straight Women's Euros titles.
Super subs England had fallen behind in the first half, fought back in the second and relied on its superb substitutes &mdash; including Kelly &ndash; just as it did against Italy and beating Sweden on penalties previously in the knockout rounds.
&ldquo;I actually can't believe it myself,&rdquo; Wiegman said. &ldquo;How can this happen? But it happens. We're just going to party tonight.&rdquo; England leveled the score in the 57th on Alessia Russo's header from a cross by Kelly after Caldentey had given Spain the lead in the 25th finishing Ona Batlle's cross.
Spain trailed for only four minutes in the entire tournament &mdash; and not for one second against England &mdash; yet could not seal its first European title against the team it beat in the World Cup final two years ago.
&ldquo;I think this team deserved more. At least not living with this bitter feeling,&rdquo; Spain coach Montse Tom&eacute; said in translated comments.
Kelly had scored an extra-time winning goal for England at Wembley three years ago to beat Germany 2-1.
Spain's missed chance In extra time Spain had good possession in the England penalty area so many times yet did not force a decisive goal.
&ldquo;It was cruel,&rdquo; Bonmat&iacute; told Spanish broadcaster La 1, after being named best player of the tournament. &ldquo;We played better, created more scoring chances, but in soccer sometimes that's not enough.&rdquo; Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll saved spot kicks from England captain Leah Williamson and the first by Beth Mead.
It was appropriate in England's memorable tournament that Mead's penalty had to be retaken under a new soccer rule that allows a second chance when a player scores by slipping and touching the ball twice. It did not matter after Hampton's saves.
Classic Arsenal goals Arsenal attackers like scoring with perfectly placed headers from inviting crosses sent to the ideal spot.
Spain took the lead Sunday with a very English goal &ndash; a full back's cross from the byline finding the head of an Arsenal player to score, on a rain-slicked field on an overcast, cloudy day.
The strong Spanish flavor leading to Caldentey's opener was in the neat passing to find Athenea del Castillo in the penalty area and her vision to see Ona Batlle's direct run into space.
Caldentey was in the Arsenal team that won the Women's Champions League final in May beating a Barcelona side with six starters who also lined up for Spain on Sunday. Spain used three more Barcelona players as substitutes.
The Arsenal forward line in that final, Russo and Kelly, combined to tie the Euro 2025 final. Kelly's right-foot cross from the left was floated toward the head of Russo who guided the ball back toward the top corner of the Spain net.
Wiegman's hat trick England coach Wiegman has still never before been eliminated from a Women's Euros tournament. Despite how close she came three times this month, she acknowledged after the final whistle Sunday.
The top female national-team coach of her generation has a Euros hat trick after leading England to victory in 2022 and her native Netherlands to the 2017 title.
Both those titles were won as the host nation team and no England senior team, men or women, had previously won a world or continental title abroad.
Wiegman also extended the run of title-winning women coaches to eight Women's Euros editions across 28 years. Women were outnumbered by male coaches each time.
Royal appointment There was royalty from both nations in the VIP box at St-Jakob Park including heirs to each throne.
Prince William, the first son of Britain's King Charles, was with his daughter Princess Charlotte. He is president of the English Football Association.
Also present were Princess Leonor of Spain and her younger sister, Infanta Sof&iacute;a. At the 2023 World Cup final Sofia was at the game with her mother Queen Letizia in Sydney, Australia.
After the game King Charles congratulated the Lionesses team on their &ldquo;sporting skill and awesome teamwork.&rdquo; &ldquo;For this," the king wrote, "you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Iran’s football federation is in talks with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Iran 'negotiating' with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico: embassy

Iran&rsquo;s football federation is in talks with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Iran's football federation is "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's football federation said.
Iran's participation at this summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month.
"When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said on Monday in remarks posted on the X account of Iran's embassy in Mexico.
"We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico."
While world football's governing body confirmed to AFP it has been in contact with the Iranian FA, FIFA did not suggest such a rescheduling was on the cards.
"FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026," the spokesperson told AFP.
"FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.
The team's base camp for the tournament is currently slated to be located in Tucson, Arizona.
Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, on Monday denounced "the US government's lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support" for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup, in a statement published on the embassy's website.
He added he had also "suggested to FIFA that Iran's matches be moved from the United States to Mexico."
Trump triggered uproar last week after stating that while Iran's football team would be "welcome" in the United States, they should not travel to the tournament "for their own life and safety".
Trump's comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had given assurances the US leader had promised him the Iranian team would be welcome.
Iran hit back at Trump's comments saying "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup".
Iran were the second Asian team after Japan to qualify for the World Cup, securing their place almost a year ago as they topped their qualifying group.
But Iran's place at the tournament was thrown into question after the United States and Israel launched a massive offensive against the Islamic Republic, which responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American targets across the Middle East.
Should Iran not take part in the World Cup, it is not yet clear which country might replace them.

Football

Real Madrid have mutually parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso after less than eight months, replacing him with former player Alvaro Arbeloa, who will lead the team starting with Copa del Rey clash against Albacete.

Arbeloa Replaces Alonso as Real Madrid Manager

Real Madrid have mutually parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso after less than eight months, replacing him with former player Alvaro Arbeloa, who will lead the team starting with Copa del Rey clash against Albacete.

Real Madrid said on Monday coach Xabi Alonso has left the Spanish giants by mutual consent, to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
After losing the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday the club decided to part ways with the Basque coach, in charge for less than eight months, and immediately appointed former Madrid player Arbeloa who was coaching the reserve side.
"Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end," said Los Blancos in a statement.
In a separate statement Madrid then announced Arbeloa would take Alonso's place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old's contract.
"Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid's academy since 2020," said Los Blancos.
Arbeloa's first match at the helm is a Copa del Rey last-16 visit to face second-tier Albacete on Wednesday.
The Spaniard played 238 times for Madrid between 2009-2016, winning two Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.
Arbeloa also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, as well as the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for club and country.
Alonso joined in June, replacing veteran Carlo Ancelotti, but Madrid struggled to find consistency under the Basque coach and are second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.
Los Blancos were outplayed in a 3-2 defeat in Saudi Arabia on Sunday by Hansi Flick's side, the 44-year-old's last at the helm.
"It's been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you," French superstar Kylian Mbappe wrote on Instagram.
"I will remember you as a manager who ahd clear ideas, and knows many things about football. Best of luck for (your) next chapter."
 - No 'rock'n'roll' - Alonso was close to the sack towards the end of 2025 but a run of five consecutive wins kept him in his position, until the Super Cup defeat.
Alonso had signed a three-season deal at the Bernabeu after leaving German side Bayer Leverkusen, with whom he won the Bundesliga in 2024.
Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in July in the Club World Cup semi-finals, which was an early setback for the coach.
A 5-2 drubbing by Atletico Madrid in September was another blow for Alonso, although it was the team's only league defeat until December.
Despite a Clasico win over Barcelona in October, it appeared president Florentino Perez had not fully warmed to Alonso, who had intended to bring a modern coaching approach to the team.
While Ancelotti, who led Madrid to three Champions League wins across two spells in charge, was hailed for his man-management, Alonso was appointed for his tactical nous.
Early on during his time in charge Alonso said the "rock'n'roll" was about to begin, but it never came, with few entertaining attacking displays, despite the superb output of Mbappe, La Liga's top scorer.
Madrid struggled through a run of poor form amid an injury crisis, losing at home against Celta Vigo, and away at Liverpool in Europe, as well as drawing several domestic games.
In that period many of the tactical ideas Alonso had tried to implement, including high pressing, faded away, amid reports some star players had fallen out with him.
Brazilian wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes dropped out of form, going several months without finding the net.
Spanish media also said Alonso would be ousted if they failed to beat Manchester City in the Champions League in December.
Madrid lost against Pep Guardiola's side but the performance enough of an improvement that Alonso was given more time to try and save his job.
However, the defeat by Barca in Jeddah was the final straw for Madrid, who agreed a deal with Alonso for him to depart.

Lionel Messi thanked India for its warm hospitality during his three-day tour and expressed hope for a bright future for football in the country, visiting Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Lionel Messi's Memorable India Tour: Football Hopes & Promises

Lionel Messi thanked India for its warm hospitality during his three-day tour and expressed hope for a bright future for football in the country, visiting Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Lionel Messi hoped that football has a "bright future" in India and expressed gratitude for the "generous hospitality" that he received during a whirlwind three-day tour, which had thousands of fans jostling to catch a glimpse of the Argentine star in four different cities.
Messi, after extending his stay by a day to visit the Anant Ambani-founded Vantara wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre in Jamnagar, left for his base in Miami on Wednesday.
Taking to Instagram, the 38-year-old posted a one-minute highlights clip of the tour, featuring his interactions with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, and several young footballers.
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"What amazing visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Thank you for the warm reception, generous hospitality, and all the feelings of love with which you surrounded me throughout my tour. I hope that football has a bright future in India," he wrote underneath the video.
His good wishes come at a time when Indian football finds itself at its lowest ebb. The domestic season has been brought to a halt for the want of a commercial partner, and the national team's fortunes have been in a free-fall following a string of poor results. An ongoing court case over administrative issues has further deepened policy paralysis.
The superstar striker, who is among the most recognisable and adored sportspersons in the world, did not play any competitive football during the trip. He was accompanied by Uruguay great and close friend Luis Suarez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo de Paul.
Messi made stadium appearances for ticketed events in all four cities, starting with Kolkata, where things turned ugly after politicians and officials surrounded him, denying fans who had paid thousands for a seat a clear view of the icon. Agitated by this, the gathered spectators indulged in vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium, prompting Messi to be whisked away sooner than originally planned.
However, his visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi passed off smoothly as he charmed fans by posing for pictures, showcasing some of his warm-up routines, and playing briefly with young players.
"...we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India," he said after the final leg of the tour in Delhi.

FIFA has reduced World Cup ticket prices for loyal fans, offering $60 seats for all games, including the final, following criticism over high prices and limited access for supporters.

FIFA Cuts World Cup Ticket Prices, Faces Global Criticism

FIFA has reduced World Cup ticket prices for loyal fans, offering $60 seats for all games, including the final, following criticism over high prices and limited access for supporters.

FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams' most loyal fans following a global backlash, with some fans now able to get $60 seats for the final instead of paying $4,185.
It was a rare climbdown by the soccer body and its president Gianni Infantino after facing waves of criticism for World Cup strategies, including top-dollar prices and closer political alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA said Tuesday that $60 tickets will be made available for every game at the tournament in North America, going to the national federations whose teams are playing. Those federations decide how to distribute them to loyal fans who have attended previous games at home and on the road.
The number of $60 tickets for each game is likely to be from 400 to 750 per team, in what FIFA is now calling a &ldquo;Supporter Entry Tier&rdquo; price category. FIFA is using 16 host cities, including 11 NFL stadiums in the United States, plus two in Canada and three in Mexico.
FIFA did not specify exactly why it so dramatically changed strategy, but said the lower prices are &ldquo;designed to further support traveling fans following their national teams across the tournament.&rdquo; However, the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) group, which represents grassroots fan groups, said the limited price cut was &ldquo;an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This shows that FIFA's ticketing policy is not set in stone, was decided in a rush, and without proper consultation,&rdquo; the group said in a statement.
The World Cup in North America will be the first edition that features 48 teams &mdash; up from 32 &mdash; and is expected to earn FIFA at least $10 billion in revenue while being the most expensive ever for fans.
Despite the outcry over prices, FIFA says it has already received more than 20 million ticket requests in its latest sales phase.
The FSE group said that even with Tuesday's announcement, &ldquo;the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before.&rdquo;
Initial pledge for cheap tickets
Fans worldwide reacted with shock and anger last week on seeing FIFA's ticketing plans that gave participating teams no tickets in the lowest-priced category. Their standard allocation is 8% of stadium capacity per team.
The cheapest prices ranged from $140 to $265 for group-stage games that did not involve co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The $265 games involve Lionel Messi's Argentina, Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo, and well-supported teams like Brazil and England.
FIFA had set those prices despite the co-hosts having pledged eight years ago &mdash; when they were bidding for the tournament &mdash; that hundreds of thousands of $21 tickets would be made available for games before the knockout rounds.
The hospitality program in modern NFL venues, now managed in-house instead of outsourced to an agency, is expected to earn FIFA billions of dollars rather than hundreds of millions.
European criticism
Criticism from fans, especially in Europe, had been increasing for several months over plans for &ldquo;dynamic pricing&rdquo; plus extra fees on a FIFA-run resale platform &mdash; both features common in the U.S. entertainment industry but not to soccer fans worldwide.
Fan anger intensified last week when it became clear loyal supporters would have no access to the cheapest category tickets, and fans who wanted to reserve a ticket for all of their team's potential games &mdash; through the final &mdash; would not get refunded until after the tournament.
In another climbdown Tuesday, FIFA said it would waive its administrative fees when refunds are made after the July 19 final.
Fans with disabilities Even before the FIFA statement, the supporter group FSE called Tuesday for a re-think on World Cup policy for fans with disabilities.
It said FIFA's resale platform was offering disability access seats at multiple times face value with no assurances those tickets actually would be sold to people with a disability. Those fans also can no longer get free tickets for companions as they could at the last World Cup in Qatar.
In Qatar, Infantino started an eve-of-tournament speech with a tirade at perceived critics of the host nation, FIFA, and himself that included the line &ldquo;today I feel disabled.&rdquo;
&ldquo;True inclusion requires action,&rdquo; FSE said Tuesday, reminding Infantino of that speech. &ldquo;It's time for FIFA to move away from populistic statements and respect its own commitments.&rdquo;

Argentine football star Lionel Messi arrives in Delhi for the last leg of his G.O.A.T India tour following a delayed Mumbai flight. He will attend a meet-and-greet, ticketed event, and photoshoot before returning to Miami.

Lionel Messi Wraps Up G.O.A.T India Tour With Delayed Arrival in Delhi

Argentine football star Lionel Messi arrives in Delhi for the last leg of his G.O.A.T India tour following a delayed Mumbai flight. He will attend a meet-and-greet, ticketed event, and photoshoot before returning to Miami.

Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Delhi on Monday for the final leg of his G.O.A.T India Tour after his flight from Mumbai was delayed considerably due to inclement weather.&nbsp;
Messi, who was in Mumbai for the second day of his three-day whirlwind trip to India, was to land in the national capital around 10:45am but his charter flight was held up due to foggy conditions. He landed at the Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport around 2:30pm, and straightaway proceeded to the Leela Palace Hotel where he will have a Meet and Greet session for around an hour with a select group of people.&nbsp;
His final set of engagements includes an appearance at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium for a ticketed event and a photo-shoot programme at Purana Qila before leaving for the airport for the return to Miami, his current base.&nbsp;
The World Cup winner regaled fans in Mumbai last evening, posing alongside cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and a bevy of Bollywood stars and politicians.&nbsp;
Before Mumbai, he also made similar appearances in Hyderabad and Kolkata. The Kolkata leg was marred by chaotic scenes at the venue as frustrated fans ripped apart seats and stormed the Salt Lake Stadium pitch after failing to catch a glimpse of the superstar, who was surrounded by politicians and officials.&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a crucial qualifier in Dublin.

Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Possible World Cup Opening Match Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Portugal&rsquo;s opening match at the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O&rsquo;Shea during a crucial qualifier in Dublin.

Cristiano Ronaldo is at serious risk of being banned for the first game of the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualifies as expected.
The soccer superstar was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea in the second half of a qualifying game Thursday that Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin.
Ronaldo will serve a mandatory one-game ban imposed for any red card when Portugal hosts Armenia on Sunday knowing a win will secure a place at the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA disciplinary rules require its judges to impose a ban of &ldquo;at least two matches for serious foul play.&rdquo; The ban should be &ldquo;at least three matches for violent conduct&rdquo; or &ldquo;at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.&rdquo; A FIFA ban would apply to competitive games and could not be served in pre-tournament exhibitions.
Ronaldo spun round and swung his right elbow into O'Shea's back as they waited for the ball to be crossed around the hour mark at Aviva Stadium with Ireland holding a surprise 2-0 lead.
The referee issued a yellow card but minutes later upgraded it to red after a video review at the pitchside monitor.
Ronaldo curled his lips in a wry look as he walked off the field being jeered and mocked by Ireland fans. He stopped and looked at the fans, clapped his hands toward them and raised two thumbs up in an apparent sarcastic gesture.
Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February, is aiming to play at a record sixth World Cup tournament. The tournament draw is made Dec. 5 in Washington DC when Portugal, if it qualifies, will learn its schedule of three opponents in the group stage.
Ireland forward Troy Parrott had scored twice in the first half Thursday to revive Irish hopes of qualification likely through the playoffs ahead of facing second-place Hungary on Sunday.
Portugal tops Group F with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary. Ireland is third with seven points.

Kylian Mbappé’s brace sent France to the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, while Cristiano Ronaldo received his first international red card in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland, delaying their qualification.

France qualifies for 2026 World Cup; Ronaldo sent off as Portugal loses to Ireland

Kylian Mbapp&eacute;&rsquo;s brace sent France to the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, while Cristiano Ronaldo received his first international red card in Portugal&rsquo;s 2-0 loss to Ireland, delaying their qualification.

Kylian Mbapp&eacute; and France are going to the 2026 World Cup. And Cristiano Ronaldo might be banned from Portugal's first game there if his team finally wins its European qualifying group.
Two goals from star striker Mbapp&eacute; helped two-time champion France qualify with a 4-0 home win against Ukraine on Thursday. But Ronaldo was ejected for the first time in his international career, and Portugal will have to wait until Sunday to secure a qualifying spot for the seventh straight time after it was stunned 2-0 by Ireland in Dublin.
Midfielder Michael Olise and substitute forward Hugo Ekitik&eacute; added the other goals in a dominant second half from France, the World Cup runner-up in 2022.
Mbapp&eacute; sent the penalty straight down the middle to break the deadlock in the 55th minute before Olise turned inside the penalty area to curl home the second goal in the 76th at Parc des Princes in western Paris.
Mbapp&eacute; poked in France's third goal from close range in the 83rd following a goal-mouth scramble. He moved onto 55 goals &mdash; just two behind Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer.
&ldquo;The French national team will always be better with him in it,&rdquo; coach Didier Deschamps said about Mbapp&eacute;. &ldquo;He makes things easier for us. He performed his role perfectly this evening, as both a player and the captain of the national team.&rdquo;
Mbapp&eacute; went close to a hat trick moments later but blazed over after going clean through.
France has won Group D with 13 points. Ukraine and Iceland are tied on seven points and will play for second place when they meet on Sunday.
Ronaldo's 1st international red card
Portugal will host last-place Armenia in the final qualifying game on Sunday, when Hungary hosts Ireland at the same time.
Portugal tops Group F with 10 points, two ahead of Hungary. Ireland is third with seven points.
Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O'Shea on the hour. The referee issued a yellow card but minutes later upgraded it to red after a video review.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said he thought the ejection was &ldquo;a bit harsh,&rdquo; pointing out that Ronaldo "has never been sent off before in 226 games.&rdquo;
Ronaldo will serve a mandatory one-game ban imposed for any red card when Portugal plays Armenia. FIFA disciplinary rules require judges to impose a ban of &ldquo;at least two matches for serious foul play.&rdquo;
Troy Parrott put the hosts ahead with a close-range header following a corner in the 17th minute against the run of play, with Portugal dominant. Parrott added his second in the final minute before the break, beating Diogo Costa with a low shot from inside the area. Haaland's double
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway moved closer to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 by beating Estonia 4-1 in Oslo.
The win virtually secures a spot for the high-scoring Norwegians in next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Italy had to rely on late goals from Gianluca Mancini and substitute Francesco Pio Esposito to win 2-0 at Moldova and is second in Group I, trailing leader Norway by three points.
Italy will likely have to settle for the playoffs, where the four-time World Cup champion was eliminated in the past two editions. It hosts Norway on Sunday and would have to win by a nine-goal margin to directly qualify because of Norway's vastly superior goal difference.
Haaland has scored 14 of Norway's European-best 33 goals in seven group-stage games. The Manchester City striker was born two years after Norway last reached the World Cup.
&nbsp; Still perfect England Already-qualified England continued to cruise.
It beat Serbia 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to keep a perfect record in Group K and is yet to concede a goal.
Bukayo Saka fired England ahead on a rebound with a left-foot volley in the 28th minute after an initial shot by Nico O'Reilly was blocked. Substitute forward Eberechi Eze added the second in the 90th off a pass from another substitute, Phil Foden.
Albania beat Andorra 1-0 in the same group to secure the runner-up spot.

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