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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.

Saudi coach Hervé Renard ahead of World Cup playoff against Iraq
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Saudi Stars Shuffle: Renard Reworks Attack as Obaid Gets Shelved for Iraq Clash

Saudi football updates ahead of the Asia playoff. Abdulrahman Al-Obaid is out due to a jaw injury, prompting Renard to reshuffle the forward line. Saleh Abu Al-Shamat returns to boost the attack, while Firas Al-Breikan and new club form add urgency. The article tracks Al-Obaid's good club output and Abu Al-Shamat's rising international profile, with a mix of statistics and hopeful news for the upcoming Iraq fixture.

Anthony Taylor interview: Mourinho, abuse, and the VAR debate in football
Premier League

Referee in the Spotlight: Taylor, Mourinho, and the Never-Ending VAR Debate

English referee Anthony Taylor opens up about the pressures on officials, the culture of perfection in football, and how abuse has affected his family. He recalls the 2023 Europa League final fallout with Jose Mourinho and the shocking airport abuse that followed. The interview also digs into VAR's impact, mental health support for referees, and the ongoing quest for balance between scrutiny and fair play. A candid look at how officiating lives intersect with fame, fandom, and football’s future.

Graham Arnold Iraq coach ahead of Iraq vs Indonesia press conference
World Cup Qualifiers

Arnold’s Clear Message: Hussein Ready or Not for Iraq’s Indonesia Showdown

Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraq national team, expresses strong optimism ahead of the crucial AFC qualifier against Indonesia. He emphasizes total focus, disciplined preparation, and that all players are ready at 100% to deliver a performance worthy of Iraqi football. The decision on Ayman Hussein’s inclusion hinges on the final training session, with officials weighing fitness carefully. The match carries high stakes, as the winner directly enters the 2026 World Cup, while the loser faces a subsequent playoff pathway.

Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia AFC Asian Qualifiers crowd and Kluivert critique
Asian qualifiers

Kluivert Calls Out Saudi Organization, Unveils Strategy for Iraq Showdown

Indonesia’s coach Patrick Kluivert criticized the organization surrounding the opening Asian playoff match for the 2026 World Cup, despite strong fan support. Indonesia fell 3-2 to Saudi Arabia and now eye Iraq in the next fixture. He hinted at a new strategic approach for the Iraq game, promising more details later. Saudi Arabia strengthened its World Cup hopes, while Saleh Abu Al-Shamat returned to fitness and impressed internationally.

Lucas Vazquez interview Real Madrid 2025
transfers

Vazquez credits Zidane as the turning point of his career while Negreira’s shadow looms over Madrid’s locker room

Lucas Vazquez opens up about leaving Real Madrid for Bayer Leverkusen and what it means for his career. He singles out Zidane as the most influential figure in his journey, while acknowledging the Negreira case cast a cloud over Madrid’s dressing room. He explains why he stayed at the top level rather than moving to the Saudi leagues and how he’s adapting to the Bundesliga. The interview blends nostalgia with a resolve to compete at the highest level, amid the occasional jab at refereeing from his Spanish era.

Argentina Scaloni press conference in Miami ahead of Venezuela friendly
Friendlies

Scaloni’s Calm Blueprint: Messi, a Young Star at Real Madrid, and Argentina’s 2026 Roadmap

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni outlined key talking points ahead of the Argentina vs Venezuela friendly in Miami. He praised Franco Mastantonu’s growth at Real Madrid and clarified how the national team plans to pace his development. He also discussed Messi’s return to training, Martinez’s readiness, and the squad-building strategy for the 2026 World Cup, while paying tribute to the late Miguel Angel Russo. The press conference framed a balanced approach that blends experienced players with young talents, all served with a healthy dose of pragmatism.

Barcelona financial report 2024-25 losses and Barça Productions
LaLiga

Barcelona’s Balance Sheet Bombshell: Millions Hidden in the Budget Shake the Club

Barcelona releases its 2024-25 financial report alongside the 2025-26 budget, igniting controversy in economic and football circles in Catalonia. The debate centers on the revaluation of Barça Studios, now Barça Productions, which the club says added 90 million euros of losses to the 2023-24 figure. Critics argue the accounting approach is questionable, while the club insists audits confirm accuracy. The piece also examines debt, the Barça Licensing & Merchandising project, and the broader outlook for the Espai Barça plan.

Messi and Ronaldo jersey exchange moments in football history
jersey-swap

Jersey Swaps: From Chance Encounters to Mutual Respect

Football's jersey swaps are more than quirky rituals; they symbolize mutual respect between rivals. The tradition began in a 1931 France-England clash and has grown into a beloved custom across the sport. This piece explores why shirts are exchanged, what they represent, and notable moments involving Messi, Ronaldo, and others. It ends by noting that, even among fierce competitors, the gesture remains a heartwarming facet of the beautiful game.

Sabalenka reaches Wuhan Open semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Rybakina, setting up a clash with Pegula for a spot in the final.
WuhanOpen

Sabalenka Storms to Wuhan Open Semifinals: A Straight-Set Showdown with Rybakina

Aryna Sabalenka, world No.1, defeated Elina Rybakina in straight sets to reach the Wuhan Open semifinals. The Belarusian played near flawless tennis, sealing a 6-3, 6-3 victory in about an hour and 25 minutes. Her Wuhan Open record now stands at 20-0, and she is two wins away from a fourth title at the event. In the other semifinal, Jessica Pegula battled past Katarina Siniakova in three sets to set up a high-stakes clash with Sabalenka.

France vs Azerbaijan World Cup Qualifiers: Mbappe with new partner Ekitike ready to lead the attack
World Cup Qualifiers - Europe

France's Fresh Strike Partner for Mbappe Surfaces in World Cup Qualifiers

Didier Deschamps has settled on the likely starting XI for France's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, with Mbappe set to link up with Hugo Ekitike up front. France leads their European group, and a win could seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Lequipe has teased a possible lineup featuring Malo Gusto at right-back and a new strike duo for Mbappe. The article also traces Mbappe's journey from Monaco to Real Madrid and his current role as France's captain.

Ceferin questions Dembele Ballon d'Or claim; Mendes shines for PSG in 2025
Ballon d'Or 2025

Ceferin Doubts Dembele’s Ballon d’Or, PSG Stars Spark a Global Debate

UEFA president Alexander Čeferin indirectly questions Ousmane Dembélé’s claim to the Ballon d’Or 2025, stoking a debate around the prize. The piece traces Nuno Mendes’ standout defensive form and PSG’s creeping influence on the Ballon d’Or shortlist. It also revisits PSG’s recent triumphs and the numbers behind Mendes’ PSG and Portugal careers. A dash of humor closes the discussion on awards, egos, and football’s running cabinets.

Kylian Mbappé shows support for Lamine Yamal photo
La Liga

When Generations Collide: Mbappé Backs Yamal's Breakthrough

Kylian Mbappé publicly backed Lamine Yamal, signaling support for the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy amid intense spotlight. Mbappé emphasized treating Yamal as a young human first and a footballer second. The two stars faced off multiple times last season, with Yamal shining for Barcelona in key Clasico clashes. The piece also traces Mbappé's storied career and Yamal's rapid ascent from La Masia to European prominence. A light-hearted closer reminds readers that football, like good humor, ages well with time.

Egyptian Super Cup action in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Egyptian Super Cup

Egyptian Super Cup Takes Its Show on the Road to the UAE: A History of Cairo Battles and Abu Dhabi Finals

A storied rivalry trophy keeps traveling from city to city. Since 2015, the Egyptian Super Cup has largely benched in the UAE, with Cairo’s battles lighting the fuse early on. The 2025 edition is set to light up two venues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, featuring Al Ahly, Zamalek, Pyramids, and Ceramica Cleopatra. The cup’s long arc weaves through many Cairo classics before returning to the Emirates for a contemporary finale.

Morocco U-20s celebrate World Cup quarterfinals win over South Korea in Chile
FIFA U-20 World Cup

Morocco’s Young Lions Clinch a World Cup QF Berth with a 2-1 Triumph Over Korea

Morocco’s U-20s defeated South Korea 2-1 in Chile to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals. Yasser Zabiri scored in the 12th minute, with a second goal in the 57th coming via an own goal by Shime. Korea pulled one back from a late penalty, but Morocco held on to set a clash with the United States in the next round. Africa’s hopes remain alive as Morocco keeps the continent’s best run going in this tournament.

Oman and UAE clash in Doha as Asia’s 2026 World Cup playoff heats up, with key injuries, star players, and a veteran referee guiding the action.
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

World Cup Hopes on the Line: UAE and Oman Brace for a Do-or-Die Playoff in Doha

Oman and the United Arab Emirates are putting final touches on their World Cup playoff preparations in Doha, with a decisive leg looming. The UAE, coached by Cosmin Olaroiu, have assembled a 27-man squad, including 14 naturalized players, aiming for a strong start. Oman, guided by Carlos Queiroz, face a setback with a key injury streak, losing Jamil Al-Yahmadi for many months. The match, part of Asia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying, carries high stakes as access to a global playoff spot hangs in the balance.

Jonathan David Juventus Milan clash Getty Images
Serie A

The Turin Enigma: Can Jonathan David Spark Juventus Again?

Jonathan David, Juventus’s new striker, is finding it tough to adapt in a new league and system. A string of near-misses and a subdued start have fans questioning his fit under the current setup. The gap between Lille’s prolific attack and Juventus’ offense is clear, magnified by competition from Dusan Vlahovic. This piece traces his early struggles, the tactical hurdles, and the potential still simmering beneath the surface.

England vs Wales Wembley 3-0 2025 friendly Kane injury
friendly

England Crush Wales at Wembley Without Kane: A Three-Goal Blitz and Kane’s Injury Update

England dominated their neighbors in a comfortable 3-0 friendly win at Wembley. Goals came early from Rodgers, Watkins, and Saka, with Wales pushed back throughout. Kane’s injury kept him out, Rashford came on later, and Tuchel shuffled the squad in the second half. England lead their World Cup qualifiers group, while Kane’s injury updates sparked praise from Tuchel and curiosity about the road ahead.

Netherlands 4-0 Malta and Finland 2-1 Lithuania highlights from World Cup Qualifiers 2026
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Netherlands Extend World Cup Qualifiers Lead as Finland Keeps Pace with a Vital Win

The Netherlands strengthened their World Cup qualifying lead with a convincing 4-0 win at Malta, while Finland claimed a crucial 2-1 victory at home over Lithuania. Other European qualifiers produced notable results, including Croatia and the Czech Republic drawing in Prague and Denmark and Austria delivering big wins in their groups. The round sets up an exciting late stage as teams jostle for top spots and playoff berths ahead of the 2026 finals.