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Zamalek facing a packed week with CAF Cup and domestic league games
CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek’s 7-Day Gauntlet: Continent clashes, Domestic Dilemmas, and a Handshake That Stirred a Storm

Zamalek faces a packed schedule as CAF Confederation Cup group-stage dates arrive. The club must juggle three matches in seven days, a long trip to South Africa, and a domestic league clash with Smouha. A separate Super Cup controversy involving Ahmed Zizo has prompted a formal complaint to the Egyptian federation. Officials are seeking a postponement to protect players’ readiness while navigating protocol and sportsmanship concerns.

France, Spain and Portugal eye 2026 World Cup qualification in Europe
World Cup qualification

France, Spain, and Portugal Edge Closer to 2026: What Europe Needs to Qualify

Europe's fight for the 2026 World Cup is heating up. England has already secured a finals spot, while France, Spain, and Portugal still chase qualification in the final rounds. The ninth round could reshape the lineup, with playoffs in March set to decide the last berths. This piece breaks down the leaders, the potential shocks, and what every continent is bringing to the table as the world awaits the finals in 2026.

Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad schedule changes November 2025
Saudi Pro League

Big Kickoff Shake-Up: Saudi Pro League Schedules Hilal and Ittihad Ahead of November Fixtures

The Saudi Pro League Clubs Association announced a schedule shift for Al Hilal and Al Ittihad as November international matches loom. The national team will play two friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria, part of Arab Cup 2025 preparations in Qatar. Hilal and Ittihad will see their kickoffs adjusted to accommodate these commitments. The move comes amid a season of high expectations and managerial pivots, with Istanbul? No, Sergio Conceicao guiding Ittihad after Laurent Blanc’s departure.

Barça response to Spanish FA over Lamine Yamal controversy
liga

Barça Pushes Back: The Lamine Yamal Saga and a Doctor’s Clear Bill of Health

Barça responds to the Spanish FA after details emerged about Lamine Yamal’s treatment during the international window. Spain’s upcoming qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey are noted, along with the federation’s surprise at the timing and method of the medical treatment. Barcelona insists on a responsible, player-centered approach and cites input from a Belgian specialist who deems the injury under control. The piece highlights ongoing tensions between club and federation, but ends on a cautious note about Yamal’s recovery and future impact.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo handshake controversy during Egyptian Super Cup in Abu Dhabi
Super Cup

Handshake Havoc: When a Podium Moment Turns into a Formal Football Fracas

A formal complaint from Zamalek to Egypt’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee follows a controversial moment at the Super Cup podium in Abu Dhabi involving Ahmed Sayed Zizo. Al Ahly clinched the trophy with a 2-0 victory, marking their 16th Super Cup win. The incident centered on Zizo bypassing a handshake with a Zamalek official, sparking questions about protocol and sportsmanship. The case rekindles debates about discipline in Egyptian football as transfers and rivalries add fuel to the fire.

Alcaraz edges Fritz in Turin at the Nitto ATP Finals, tightening his grip on the year-end No. 1 race.
ATP Finals

Alcaraz Finds a Late Spark to Edge Fritz at the Nitto ATP Finals, Closer to No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz fights back from a set down to beat Taylor Fritz in a thrilling Nitto ATP Finals clash in Turin. The win keeps him undefeated in his group and tightens the race for year-end world No. 1. Fritz pushed hard, including a marathon second set, but the Spaniard’s resilience carried him to a 2-1 victory. With one more group match to come, Alcaraz remains within reach of the season-long top spot. A key moment: a 14-minute second-set hold that swung the momentum in Turin.

Jeremy Doku shines as Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0
Premier League

Doku Delivers the Sensation: City’s Gentle Giant Steals the Spotlight vs Liverpool

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku earned the Premier League’s Player of the Week award after a standout display against Liverpool. City routed the Reds 3-0 at the Etihad, with Doku scoring and contributing to a performance that underscored City’s title credentials. Guardiola praised his natural talent, while the game produced notable stats, including Haaland’s missed penalty and several record-like figures. The win kept City within striking distance of the league leaders as the season unfolds. A touch of humor caps the piece as the season heats up.

Uruguayan coach Daniel Carreño set for Saudi Pro League return with Riyadh
Saudi Pro League

Return of a Tactical Maestro: Daniel Carreño Set for a Saudi Pro League Comeback with Riyadh

Saudi reports claim Uruguayan coach Daniel Carreño, the former Al-Nassr boss, has sealed a deal with Riyadh to return to the Saudi Pro League. The club search comes as Riyadh tries to climb the table after recent defeats. Carreño’s track record in Saudi football is highlighted as a potential game-changer, with formations and a practical, hard-working ethos at the core. The article reviews his past spells in the league and what he could bring to Riyadh this time around.

Marcus Leonardo stars for Al Hilal against Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal locks down Marcus Leonardo as a Saudi Pro League future star with a bold move

Al Hilal is taking decisive steps to secure Marcus Leonardo’s future after a standout season. The Brazilian forward, who joined from Benfica last summer, has become a pivotal scorer for the team. A contract extension through 2029 is being discussed, with Sao Paulo eyeing a January loan as part of potential negotiations. Leonardo’s current form—8 goals in 11 games this season—highlights why the club wants to keep him, even as external suitors watch closely.

Atalanta appoints Baladino as new coach; Lookman controversy sparks questions
Serie A

Atalanta's Fresh Playbook: Baladino Takes the Helm as New Coach

Atalanta appointed Rafael Baladino as their new head coach through 2027, following Ivan Juric's dismissal after a winless streak. The change comes amid a challenging spell in Serie A and a notable fallout involving Ademola Lookman. Baladino, 41, arrives with a track record from Monza and Fiorentina, and faces Napoli in his first game after the international break. The club also grapples with tensions within the squad that could affect their campaign in both domestic and European competition.

Argentina trio missing Angola friendly due to yellow fever vaccine issue, Messi leads new squad in Luanda
friendly

Atlético Madrid Stars Out, Argentina Ready: The Yellow Fever Hiccup in Angola

Argentina announces that Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Gio Simeone will miss the Angola friendly due to incomplete yellow fever vaccination procedures. The team, led by Messi and Scaloni, will proceed with a largely new-look squad. Angola hosts a celebratory match as part of its independence anniversary, while Messi receives city honors in Miami. The piece looks at the lineup changes, training plans, and recent milestones of Messi with Inter Miami.

Arsenal and Crystal Palace schedule adjustment photo during Premier League reshuffle

Breathing Room for Arsenal and Palace: Premier League Reorders Fixtures to Ease December Grind

The Premier League reshuffled several fixtures to prevent Arsenal and Crystal Palace from playing two matches within 72 hours, including a League Cup quarterfinal. With Arsenal in Europe and Palace also competing abroad, the congested schedule risked player fatigue. Two matches were moved from December 21 to December 20 to give teams a breather before cup ties. Arsenal underscored the importance of rest and cited FIFA guidelines, while experts noted the broader pressure UEFA expansions place on domestic calendars.

Endrick Real Madrid Lyon loan 2026 Ancelotti interview
mercato

When Patience Becomes a Strategy: Endrick's Real Madrid Future Under the Microscope

Brazilian striker Endrick faces a tense future at Real Madrid as he battles for minutes under Xabi Alonso with Brazil eyeing the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti downplays urgency, urging the youngster to regain form and discuss his path with family and the club. Lyon’s interest intensifies, allegedly targeting a January 2026 loan, while Madrid weighs a La Liga move to ease adaptation. The saga blends youth talent, strategic patience, and a winter loan that could redefine both clubs’ plans.

Getty Images photo of Al-Ittihad's coach Sergio Conceicao during a match
Saudi Pro League

Past Nightmares Haunt Al-Ittihad as Coaching Chaos Looms Over the Saudi Giant

Al-Ittihad Jeddah faces renewed upheaval as Laurent Blanc’s departure brushes against ongoing turmoil under Sergio Conceicao. The team struggles to defend their Saudi Pro League crown, with whispers of managerial replacements and concerns about squad cohesion. Historical missteps amplify current nerves, fueling questions about the club’s direction this season. This piece outlines the pressures, linked names, and what’s at stake for the team and its ambitions.

Morocco training camp Mohammed VI Complex Salé ahead of AFCON
AFCON 2025-2026

Morocco's CAN Countdown: Regragui Finishes the Puzzle with Mazraoui Ready to Step Up

Morocco concludes a crucial training camp at the Mohammed VI Complex near Salé before moving to Tangier for warm-up friendlies against Mozambique and Uganda. Coach Walid Regragui treats this as the last evaluation phase to finalize the CAN squad while juggling injuries and absences. Key figures Hakimi and Mazraoui are central to the plans, with Saiss making a timely return to bolster the defense. Fans are already buzzing as Tangier’s venue sells out and mobilization ramps up ahead of the tournament.