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Latest football news

Find here all the latest live football news: results from Ligue 1, La Liga, Premier League, and the biggest European and international competitions. Follow the latest transfers, match summaries, standings, and upcoming fixtures. Don’t miss any of today’s football news on Aballou, your site dedicated to football enthusiasts.

Italy Moldova 2-1 match Gattuso Mancini Espozito Kishinev
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Gattuso Fires Back at Critics as Italy Edges Moldova 2-1 in a Drama-Filled Qualifier

Italy edged Moldova 2-1 in a hard-fought World Cup qualifier, with late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Espozito sealing the win. Gennaro Gattuso defended his players, condemning insulting chants from sections of the crowd. Norway’s earlier 4-1 victory over Estonia complicates Group Nine, keeping Italy in contention but likely necessitating playoffs. The coach lauded his squad’s grit, while the star forwards reflected on a rapid rise and a big night in Kishinev.

France celebrates World Cup 2026 qualification after Ukraine win
World Cup Qualifiers

France clinches 2026 World Cup berth as Deschamps dodges the hard question

France sealed a 2026 World Cup berth with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, led by Mbappé’s brace. The victory puts them atop Group 4 with 13 points, ahead of Iceland on goal difference and Ukraine. Deschamps suggested he won’t reveal his future plans until after the 2026 World Cup, while hinting at resting players in the final qualifier. The journey to Paris ends with a look toward the next campaign and a touch of humor in a press conference easily dodged.

England celebrate 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley
World Cup Qualifiers

England Extend Win Streak as Serbia's World Cup Playoff Hopes Dim at Wembley

England defeated Serbia 2-0 at Wembley to extend their European World Cup qualifying run to seven straight wins. Bukayo Saka scored early and Eberechi Eze finished late to seal the victory. England sit on 21 points from seven games, while Serbia miss out on the European playoff, four points behind Albania. The performance showcased England’s depth and tactical discipline as the countdown to Qatar 2026 continues.

France seal 2026 World Cup qualification with a 4-0 win over Ukraine in Paris, led by Mbappe’s brace and solid team performance.
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Mbappe Lights Up Paris as France Seal 2026 World Cup Bit by Bit in a 4-0 Victory Over Ukraine

France secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Ukraine in Paris. The hosts dominated possession and chances, breaking through in the second half. Mbappe starred, scoring twice and setting up another, while Ekitike and Olise added goals to seal the victory. With the win, Didier Deschamps’ side strengthened their lead at the top of the group and kept their perfect run alive.

Portugal Ireland Ronaldo red card World Cup Qualifiers
World Cup Qualifiers

Ronaldo’s Red Card Shakes Portugal: A Rare Blip in a Legendary Career

Portugal failed to beat Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as Ronaldo’s rare red card changed the course of the match. He started the game but couldn’t spark a comeback, and a controversial elbow off the ball led to a VAR review and his marching orders. It marked Ronaldo’s first red card in international play in his 226th appearance. The incident highlights his unusually disciplined international record, contrasting with a club career that has flirted with more red cards. The story also reflects on Ronaldo’s longevity and the broader context of discipline in modern football.

Iraq UAE World Cup qualifying playoff Hamadi injury Basra
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Arnold confirms Hamadi's injury and fires up Iraqi fans for Basra showdown

Australian coach Graham Arnold confirms Ali Hamadi's injury after a 1-1 draw with UAE in the first leg of the AFC World Cup qualifiers playoff. Iraq took the lead through Hamadi, UAE equalized via Luan Pereira. The return leg will be played in Basra to decide who advances to the global playoff. The match featured injuries to several Iraqi players, adding extra drama to the Basra appointment. Both sides head into a high-stakes rematch with a place in the global playoff on the line.

Banner controversy during the Jeddah derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Banner Backlash: Compliance Probes Jeddah Derby Over Insulting Banner

During the Jeddah derby in the Saudi Pro League, the Compliance Committee addressed Al-Ittihad over an insulting banner directed at Al-Ahli. Al-Ahli edged the derby 1-0 with a goal from Riyad Mahrez. Club responses claimed responsibility was not theirs and that stadium oversight was not part of their duties. The article also covers contract renewal talks for Benzema and Pereira, injuries to key players, and league scheduling changes approved to accommodate top clubs.

Nassr doubles down on fitness as key trio undergo tests ahead of a pivotal Gulf clash in Riyadh.
Saudi Pro League

Nassr’s fitness sprint: a star trio tests their mettle before the Gulf showdown

Al Nassr rushes players back during the international break for a pivotal Saudi Pro League match against Al-Khaleej in Riyadh. Ayman Yahya, Saad Al-Nasser, and Saad Haqwi have finished treatments and will be assessed after field tests. Jorge Jesus plans tailored training for each, while Kingsley Coman nears a comeback and transfer chatter swirls around the goalkeeper position. The league leaders aim to extend their unbeaten run and keep the title dream alive.

Inter Milan surge with Chivu era; Europe shines while January moves loom
Serie A

Chivu's Bold Play: Inter's Rise, and a Final Dance Dream with Italy

Inter Milan, under new coach Cristian Chivu, navigates a rough start to climb atop Serie A and dominate the Champions League group stage. Rumors swirl around Luis Henrique’s loan options while Francesco Acerbi’s future remains unsettled. The team blends tactical discipline with explosive European results, yet domestic questions linger as January approaches. This piece dives into the balance of ambition and reality, with a light sprinkle of humor to keep the drama from getting too heavy.

UAE vs Iraq 1-1 World Cup qualifier images Abu Dhabi Basra
World Cup Qualifiers

Late Equalizer Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive: UAE and Iraq Split Points in Abu Dhabi

The UAE and Iraq played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup playoff, keeping the tie alive. Ali Al-Zubaydi scored early for Iraq, and Luan Pereira equalized for the UAE in the 18th minute. The return leg in Basra will decide who advances. The match showcased cautious buildup, timely defending, and a dash of late drama as both sides chase a spot in the World Cup.

Napoli faces a long-term setback as Anguissa's hamstring injury sidelines him for months, testing Conte’s rotation and the club’s title bid.
Serie A

Napoli’s New Woes: Anguissa Out, Conte’s Plans Tested by a Fresh Injury

Napoli confirms a serious hamstring injury for André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, sidelining the midfielder for months. Initial optimism gave way to a grimmer update from the club. Anguissa has been a key player this season, and his absence compounds Napoli’s mounting challenges ahead of crucial fixtures, including a clash with Atalanta and a demanding Champions League run. The article traces Anguissa’s form and Napoli’s fluctuating campaign, with a touch of light humor to ease the tension.

Al Ahly winter transfer discussions after Super Cup; Zizou controversy and Bank Al Ahli links
transfers

Al Ahly Eyes a Strategic Winter Refresh as Transfer Sparks Fly Around Zizou and the Bank Duo

Al Ahly is lining up a careful winter transfer plan after their Super Cup victory. A Danish coach is set to return to Cairo to lead training while the club’s football chief coordinates the winter window. Rumors link Osama Faisal and Mahmoud El Gazaar from Bank Al Ahli to the Reds, but no official moves have been made yet. Talks with Petrojet’s Hamid Hamdan are monitored, and Al Ahly has filed a complaint over alleged fan misconduct toward Ahmed Zizou, sparking a broader debate on protocol. Decisions will unfold as the team consults the coach and the federation weighs in on the controversy.

Ivory Coast coach Emers Fay discusses scouting Saudi Arabia ahead of Friday friendly in Jeddah
Football

Ivory Coast’s Spy Game: Fay Reveals the Tactics Behind the Saudi Friendly

Ivory Coast head coach Emers Fay previews Friday’s friendly against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, stressing the tactical side of African football beyond physical power. He explains how his team analyzed the Saudis and highlights key players and conditions for the match. Renard’s cautious, rotation-minded approach is outlined as both teams chase major tournaments. The piece also notes potential Ivory Coast players making a move to the Saudi league and the broader context of AFCON and the 2026 World Cup qualification.

Saudi Arabia football Saleh Abu Al-Shamat interview during training camp
Football friendlies

Saudi Stars Sound Off: Green Falcons Aim Higher as Friendly Invincibility Is Tested

Saudi star Saleh Abu Al-Shamat spoke to reporters in Jeddah about the team’s aims for the coming period. The squad is in camp preparing for a warm-up run of friendlies against Ivory Coast and Algeria, ahead of the Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar. Morad Hosawi also shared his eagerness to serve the national team and contribute with a winning mindset. The publication lists the squad, highlights the camp environment, and sets the scene for a pivotal phase in Saudi football.