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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.

Barça eyes Lopez return and bold lineup vs Girona amid injury crisis
La Liga

Emergency Return Plan: Barca Weighs Unconventional Lopez Start Against Girona

Barcelona faces a scheduling storm as Dani Olmo’s injury forces an emergency plan. Frenín Lopez is close to medical clearance, with coach Hans Flick reportedly considering starting him in the Girona clash. The move aims to seize control amid a packed slate including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Clasico against Real Madrid. Lopez’s extra recovery time during the international break has boosted his readiness, while several teammates remain sidelined.

Germany edge Northern Ireland 1-0 in Belfast to stay atop Euro 2026 qualifying; Nagelsmann stresses the win's importance despite a hard-fought display.
Euro 2026 Qualifiers

Germany edge Northern Ireland in Belfast: a gritty 1-0 to keep Euro 2026 dreams alive

Germany secured a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast, a hard-fought result that preserves their lead in Euro 2026 qualifying. The goal came from a well-worked set-piece, and despite an imperfect display, the three points keep Germany ahead in Group A. Nagelsmann acknowledged the performance wasn’t pretty but emphasized the importance of the victory. The result sets up a tense November for the group before the November-December run to the World Cup, with qualification still very much in reach.

France face a setback without Mbappe as Iceland hold them to a 2-2 draw in World Cup European Qualifiers. Ukraine stays alive in the standings.
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Mbappe Absence Tests France as Iceland Stuns with a 2-2 World Cup Qualifier Draw

France, missing Mbappe, shake off three straight wins but are held by Iceland in a 2-2 draw. The result leaves France at the top on 10 points, while Iceland sit third with four. Viktor Palsson opened the scoring for Iceland, Nkunku and Mateta answered for France, before Kristian Helinson equalised late. Ukraine’s 2-1 win over Azerbaijan keeps direct qualification hopes alive, shaping a tense group going into November.

Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 at Windsor Park in Belfast during the World Cup qualifiers
World Cup Qualifiers

Germany Assert Top Spot in Belfast: A 1-0 Win That Keeps the World Cup Dream Alive

Germany stretched their lead at the top of the European World Cup qualifying group with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast. Nick Volltimade struck the decisive goal in the 31st minute, giving Die Mannschaft a valuable away victory. The hosts pressed after the break but could not find an equalizer, leaving Germany with nine points, Slovakia close behind, and Northern Ireland in need of a late burst. The result sets up a tense November window as the group race heads toward its climax, with direct qualification on the line for the group winner and playoffs for the runner-up.

Al Nassr vs Diriyah friendly in Saudi Pro League context
Saudi Pro League

Diriyah Dares Al Nassr: A Friendly Surprise That Breaks a Perfect Run

Diriyah handed Al Nassr a 2-1 friendly defeat, snapping a long winning streak for Jorge Jesus’s side. The match served as a tune-up during the international break, ahead of a busy October schedule in which Al Nassr will chase domestic and Asian glory. Despite a flawless start to the season, the defeat underlined that pre-season form is not always transferable to regular competition. Jesus’s tactical philosophy remains under the spotlight as October tests arrive. Expect a fascinating mix of lineup decisions and strategic adjustments as the squad prepares for key fixtures.

Marcus Rashford Barcelona 2025 loan
transfer

Rashford's Fresh Start: Finding the Right Climate to Reignite the Spark

Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, finds mental and on-field clarity in a stable setup that sparks his best form. He reflects on past instability at United and why a supportive environment matters. Barcelona, under coach Hans Flick, has given him space to thrive and a path toward potential permanence. This piece notes his rising influence, renewed joy for the game, and what could come next.

Tunisia celebrate 2026 World Cup qualification after beating Namibia
World Cup Qualifiers

Tunisia seals a golden finish to World Cup 2026 qualifiers with Namibia victory

Tunisia wrapped up their Africa qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Namibia, finishing atop Group 8. Ali Abdi opened the scoring from a penalty, Hannibal Mejbri doubled the lead with a superb free-kick, and Ferjani Sassi added a third as the game closed. The result kept Tunisia undefeated in qualifying, extending a record of ten straight clean sheets and lifting them to 28 points. Coach Sami Trabelsi reaches a historic milestone as Tunisia eyes a seventh World Cup finals appearance, while Mejbri marks his first international goal for the side.

Balotelli at Festivale dello Sport in Trento, recalling Barcelona near-miss and praising Yamal
transfert

Balotelli's Barcelona Near-Miss: Why the Club Almost Got Him and Why Yamal Wowed Him

Balotelli, now 35, reflects on a career marked by hype and upheaval. He recounts Barcelona's near-matal transfer when he was a teenager and explains how Inter Milan became the path that shaped his fame. The Italian star praises Lamine Yamal, calling him extraordinary and a glimpse of future greatness. His candid tale doubles as a reminder that talent must be paired with discipline to endure the sport's harsh gaze.

Rafa Benítez, Real Madrid, time moved too fast during Madrid tenure
La Liga

The Clock That Never Stopped: Benítez’s Madrid Moment That Wasn’t

Rafa Benítez reflects on his brief Real Madrid spell, lasting seven months in 2015-2016. He led the team in 25 games with a solid but short-lived run, insisting he was on the right track. He recalls high points, injuries, and a pivotal January where the calendar moved faster than his plans. The piece also recalls a lighthearted Torres anecdote and how Benítez envisions his unfinished Madrid project continuing to influence football.

Neymar and Ancelotti discuss Brazil's beautiful game ahead of Japan friendly.
Friendlies

Neymar on the Brink: Ancelotti's Blueprint for Brazil's Beautiful Game

Carlo Ancelotti states Neymar remains in his Brazil plans but must regain full fitness to rejoin the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Neymar has been out of the national team for two years due to injuries, and his return to Santos marks a pathway back to top form. Ancelotti praises Neymar's talent while stressing balance and teamwork as Brazil sharpens its style. The piece reviews Neymar's club stints at Santos, Al Hilal, and his international career, setting the stage for a potential World Cup 2026 comeback.

Saudi Arabia seeks direct World Cup 2026 qualification against Iraq in Jeddah, led by Feras Al-Brikan, at Enmaa Stadium, with a stadium history of delivering pivotal moments.
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Desert Thunder: Can Saudi Arabia Write a World Cup Dream at Enmaa Stadium?

Saudi Arabia returns home for a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier against Iraq in Jeddah. Feras Al-Brikan is the focal point as he chases a history-making goal on Enmaa’s turf. A win or at least a draw would seal direct qualification from Asia’s group, following their tense 3-2 win over Indonesia. Expect a raucous atmosphere in a stadium famed for delivering dramatic chapters in this rivalry.

Tuchel previews England vs Latvia in a World Cup qualifier, confirming Kane’s fitness and outlining Latvia’s defensive challenge.
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe

Tuchel backs Kane call as Latvia test looms: England’s World Cup dream hinges on a sharp, disciplined performance

England head coach Thomas Tuchel defended Kane’s rest in the friendly and confirmed his captain is fully fit for the Latvia qualifier. Ollie Watkins left the squad with an injury, but Tuchel praised the squad’s mental and tactical growth. Latvia are expected to defend stoutly, demanding England to maintain intensity and smart game-management. A win could accelerate England’s World Cup path, but nothing is guaranteed in football’s unpredictable drama.

Cape Verde secures historic World Cup berth after beating Eswatini
World Cup Qualifiers

Cape Verde Makes History by Reaching the World Cup for the First Time

Cape Verde secured their first World Cup appearance by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in Praia on the final matchday of Africa's qualifying groups for the 2026 tournament. They topped Group D with 23 points, four clear of Cameroon. Ghana and Egypt also advanced on the closing day, while the Africa qualifiers outline a new format for 2026. The tale of Africa’s road to Qatar just got a new page and a splash of confetti.

France training camp without Mbappe ahead of Iceland qualifier
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

France’s Seven-Change Makeover: Deschamps Juggles the Blues as Mbappe Is Missed October Camp

Didier Deschamps unveils a major squad reshuffle for October as Kylian Mbappe is left out with an ankle issue. France names a heavily refreshed starting XI for the Iceland match, marking seven changes and a rare on-pitch shake-up. Mbappe’s absence comes after his contribution against Azerbaijan, with Florian Thauvin stepping in to make an impact. France sit atop World Cup qualifying Group 4 with nine points and look to press their advantage in the remaining fixtures.

Iraq preparing for a decisive World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah
World Cup Qualifiers – Asia

Arnold’s Double Boost: Iraq Eyes Fresh Tactics in a Crucial Saudi Clash

Iraq prepares for a high-stakes AFC World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, under the watchful eye of coach Graham Arnold. The camp has focused intensely on tactics and fitness as the two teams battle for a direct World Cup spot. Arnold is weighing several lineup tweaks, with Ayman Hussein fully fit and Zidan Iqbal tipped to start. Tickets are being distributed for free to Iraqi fans in Saudi Arabia, adding an extra layer of drama to the encounter.

Martin Odegaard Arsenal knee injury November 2025
Premier League

Arsenal's Quiet Crisis: Odegaard's Knee Keeps Him Out Until November, Testing a Team You Thought Was Bulletproof

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal captain and key playmaker, is ruled out until the November international window due to a knee ligament issue. The Norwegian midfielder has been one of Arsenal's focal points, but injuries have repeatedly disrupted his and the team’s rhythm. With upcoming league and European fixtures, Arteta must navigate a growing injury crisis and preserve momentum. The piece also contextualizes a broader trend of recurring injuries at Arsenal and their impact on silverware ambitions.