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.
Erling Haaland shone for Norway with a hat-trick against Israel in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, after a missed penalty retake. Opta confirms he’s now at 51 international goals, quickest to 50 in 46 appearances. He leads a sizzling season tally (21 goals in 12 games for City and Norway) and tightens the European Golden Boot race.
Europe kicks off the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in 2025 as the continent fights for a bigger share of slots. A total of 55 UEFA teams are split into 12 groups, with 16 direct qualifiers and a playoff route for four more. The tournament expands to 48 teams globally, with BeIN Sports and online platforms handling broadcast rights. This guide explains the format, the playoff pathway, and where to watch the fixtures.
Italy controlled much of the match in Tallinn, securing a 3-1 win to strengthen their position in the World Cup 2026 European qualifiers. Moise Kean opened the scoring, Retegui added a second, and Esposito sealed the result before Estonia replied late through Sappinen. Italy sit on 12 points, six behind leaders Norway. A brisk, tactical display with a few knocks and a dash of drama.
Spain claimed a 2-0 win over Georgia in Elche, tightening their grip on UEFA World Cup qualifying. Yeremi Pino opened the scoring in the 24th minute, followed by Mikel Oyarzabal’s strike in the 64th. Georgia defended stoutly but could not stop Spain’s relentless pressing and organization. The result leaves Spain at the top of Group 5 with nine points, while Georgia remain on three.
Portugal fought hard to beat Ireland 1-0 in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo missed a late penalty, but Ruben Neves struck in stoppage time to seal the win. The result keeps Portugal atop Group 6 with nine points, while Ireland sit on one. The match showcased Portugal's control and Ireland's grit, with a dramatic finale that lived up to the hype.
Seven rounds into the Premier League, individual stars are shaping the landscape with creativity, crosses, and decisive touches. Grealish’s resurgence leads the playmaking charts, while Kudus and Fernandes vie for the next big moment. Caicedo shines across both defensive and offensive metrics, and a new wave of long throws adds a fresh twist to English football. The numbers back up the eye test, with goalkeepers and attackers showing impressive form.
Merih Demiral opens up about his European journey, Ronaldo’s influence, and life in the Saudi Pro League. He shares insights from his time at Juventus, his admiration for defenders like Vidic and Chiellini, and his ambitions with Al-Ahli. The defender praises Saudi fans, discusses cultural parallels, and explains why the league’s challenge keeps him motivated. The interview also highlights his toughest opponents and his plan to play at a high level for years to come.
The UAE national team leads their AFC Asia qualifying group as the journey to the 2026 World Cup unfolds. This piece explains the Asian qualification structure, UAE's standing at each stage, and where to watch the matches. It also highlights key fixtures, broadcasters, and the path that could bring the White back to the global stage. A touch of humor keeps the gears turning as the campaign progresses.
Yassine Bono of Al Hilal faces a legendary knockout of Arab goalkeepers to determine the greatest Arab keeper. The exercise highlights Bono’s leadership, form, and ongoing contract talks. The piece also reflects on his impact at Al Hilal and the looming question of his future. The debate stirs fans across social media about who truly deserves the title of best Arab goalkeeper.
UAE defeated Oman 2-1 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, in a match that tightened their grip on direct World Cup qualification. Oman took an early lead through an own goal during a tense first half. Marcus Miloni leveled for the UAE before Kai Lucas sealed the win late in the game. With three points, UAE sit on top of the group and only need a draw against Qatar to secure direct qualification. Oman must regroup as they chase a playoff spot.
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s rising midfielder, leaves the Argentina squad due to a knee swelling. He heads back to London for assessment ahead of upcoming fixtures. Argentina beat Venezuela 1-0 in a Miami friendly, with Giovanni Lo Celso scoring. Chelsea resume their season with a Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest and a Champions League test against Ajax Amsterdam.
Jordi Alba lavishes praise on Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, recounting their Barcelona years and renewed Inter Miami bond. He confirms his retirement at the end of the MLS season, after a storied career that spanned Europe and the United States. The piece also notes his long-time partnership with Messi, his reflections on Barcelona, and his gratitude to clubs and fans. A veteran’s goodbye set against the backdrop of a shifting MLS era.
Egyptian football icon Hassan Shahatā is recovering after a health scare that required hospitalization. His son Kareem says his condition has improved significantly and he is expected to be discharged soon, with an exploratory endoscopy planned to monitor pancreatic inflammation and a possible following surgery. The news is accompanied by a flurry of visits from coaching figures and football leaders illustrating the enduring respect he commands. The piece also revisits Shahatā’s remarkable career as both a player and a three-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach, underscoring the football world’s ongoing support.
Spain host Georgia in a pivotal Euro 2026 qualifier, aiming to solidify their group lead. De la Fuente lines up an attack-focused XI, hoping to exploit Georgia’s vulnerabilities. Kvatskhelia’s return fuels Georgia’s hopes, while injuries test Spain’s depth. The match could push Spain closer to direct qualification.
Marcus Rashford signals his desire to stay at Barcelona beyond his loan from Manchester United. Barcelona holds a 26-million-pound buy option, while Deco and Flick push for a tactical revival centered around high-pressing and a possibly central role for Rashford. The plan hinges on recovering key attackers and testing new lineups against Girona and Olympiakos. If the move sticks, Barca could rekindle last season’s domestic success and push for more silverware. A loan-to-permanent shift would also shift the club’s transfer dynamics into a new gear.
Saudi Arabia hosts Iraq in Jeddah at Al-Inma Stadium as part of the AFC World Cup 2026 playoffs. The venue is seen as a lucky charm, with Saudi undefeated there in many matches. Key players like Saleh Abu Al-Shamat are fit while Abdul Rahman Al-Aboud misses out due to injury, and Hervé Renard aims for more success in his second spell. The clash boosts Saudi fans’ optimism as Indonesia’s victory fuels momentum ahead of the Iraq showdown.
Saudi Arabia opens the ticket window for the Coppa Italia in Riyadh, December 18-22. The schedule features Milan vs Napoli in the semis and Bologna vs Inter, leading to a final between the winners. Tickets start at 70 riyals and cap at 170, with the sixth Saudi edition already buzzing. This event underscores Saudi Arabia’s rising role as a global football host and a pillar of its Vision 2030 plan, mixing sport, tourism, and big-name clubs for a crowd-friendly spectacle.
Théo Hernández, the left-back who left Milan for Al Hilal, has quickly become a focal point in Saudi football. Despite early European skepticism about a move at 28, he has delivered strong performances and added a new dimension to Al Hilal's attack. His adaptation under a flexible, attacking system has boosted both club and national team expectations. The story underlines how the Saudi Pro League is increasingly a stage for proven stars to shine internationally.
Rumors suggest Messi, Suárez, and Neymar may reunite on the same team. The trio powered Barcelona from 2014 to 2017, delivering a historic treble in 2015. Messi and Suárez are currently with Inter Miami, while Neymar’s future remains open as his contract nears its end. Inter Miami is reportedly pursuing renewals and weighing Neymar’s potential arrival for next season.
Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib met with Danish coach Jess Thorup after his signing to discuss philosophy, boards, and plans for the coming seasons. The talks outlined a single point of contact, a clear transfer strategy, and a roadmap for the winter window. Thorup stressed a championship focus, while staff and committee members outlined coordination and resources. The trip to Africa’s stage and the UAE-hosted Super Cup add to a busy horizon for Ahly. The article closes with Thorup addressing fans and reaffirming the club’s quest for more trophies, with a couple of light touches to keep spirits high.
