Virgil van Dijk applauds the Dutch fans in Helsinki after the Netherlands' qualifying win over FinlandThe Netherlands' captain Virgil van Dijk said the World Cup qualifier against Finland was a "tough game" after a long season.The Netherlands beat Finland 2-0 in a worry-free first World Cup qualifying match in Helsinki. Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries decided the game within the first thirty min

Austria's Marcel Sabitzer celebrates scoring against RomaniaAustria captain Marcel Sabitzer led by example as Austria beat Romania 2-1 at the Ernst Happel Stadion to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in style.Romania came into the match in the Austrian capital of Vienna in fine form after winning seven of their last eight games (L1), and it didn’t take Mircea Lucescu&#821

Ronaldo talks up chance to play with longtime rival MessiCristiano Ronaldo has dropped a major hint that he could one day team up with long-time rival Lionel Messi before they both retire from football. The Portuguese superstar suggested that a future partnership with the Argentine icon isn’t entirely out of the question, sparking excitement among fans at the prospect of the two legends fina

Arsenal open formal Sesko fee talks with RB LeipzigArsenal have opened talks with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko.Gunners chief Andrea Berta is pushing to settle on a fee with RBL for the Slovenia international striker.Sky Sports says formal talks kicked off on Friday between the two clubs.Interestingly, Sesko is with the Slovenia squad this week, though missed the clash against Luxembourg. It's bee

Spalletti casts doubt on Italy job after Norway setbackItaly coach Luciano Spalletti has cast doubt on his position after their World Cup qualifier defeat to Norway.Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland struck for Norway before halftime as they eventually won 3-0 on Friday night.Spalletti told Sky Italia: “We need a bit more enthusiasm, as individuals. We need to add something m

O'Neill: Northern Ireland showed character against DenmarkNorthern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill expressed pride in his team's character despite a 2-1 defeat to Denmark in their friendly encounter.He commended his players for their resilience and attitude, highlighting the positive aspects of their performance against a strong Danish side.0"We showed a lot of character, we stayed in the game at

Newcastle ready to try again for Brighton striker PedroNewcastle United are ready to try again for Brighton striker Joao Pedro.The Brazil international is set to leave Brighton this summer after falling out with manager Fabian Hurzeler towards the end of last season.Newcastle are keen, says the Telegraph, having close to signing Pedro when he was still with Watford.Brighton rate the young forward

Inter Milan sign Luis Henrique from MarseilleInter Milan have officially signed Brazilian forward Luis Henrique from Ligue 1 side Marseille, the Serie A club confirmed on Saturday.Although the contract details weren’t disclosed, Italian media report the 23-year-old signed a deal until 2030, worth €23 million plus €2 million in add-ons.0Henrique started his career at Botafogo befo

Jefferson Lerma and Peru's forward Luis Ramos fight for the ball Colombia’s winless run in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying (WCQ) extended to five matches with a 0-0 draw at home to Peru, putting their hopes of automatic qualification at risk.The hosts started stronger and forced Pedro Gallese into the first save of the game, as he easily caught Cucho Hern1ndez’s header. Jhon Duran, who h

Why Ronaldo doesn't see Yamal as Ballon d'Or contenderCristiano Ronaldo has downplayed Lamine Yamal's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or anytime soon, citing the youngster's age and Barcelona’s shortcomings in the UEFA Champions League.While acknowledging the teenager’s talent and rapid rise, the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend remarked that consistency at the highest level an