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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.

Sérgio Conceição new coach of Al-Ittihad in Jeddah
Transfer

New Chapter, Fresh Tactics: Conceição Takes the Helm at Al-Ittihad

Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição was appointed head coach of Al-Ittihad in a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Laurent Blanc after a run of poor results. He lands in Jeddah with a reputation built on Porto’s success and a brief Milan spell. The club quickly details the plan: a six-man coaching staff and a start date in the Saudi Pro League. His message on Instagram signals a bold, collaborative project as the Tigers aim higher this season.

Lamine Yamal training ahead of Clasico at Santiago Bernabéu
La Liga

Countdown to Clasico: Barcelona's Clever Comeback Plan with Yamal and Rafinha

Barcelona gears up for the Clasico with a staged comeback plan for Lamine Yamal. After a groin setback, the 18-year-old aims to feature against Real Madrid through controlled minutes in Girona and Olympiakos matches. FC Barcelona also expects Fermín López and Rafinha to be fully fit for the Bernabéu showdown. The team hopes this plan preserves momentum from last season's clashes while keeping risks in check.

Conceição and Pereira reunited at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia
transfer

Reunion in Saudi Arabia: Conceição and Pereira reunite at Al-Ittihad after Porto fallout

Sérgio Conceição takes charge of Al-Ittihad, reuniting with captain Danilo Pereira for a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League. Their Porto-era partnership is remembered for leadership and success, but also for a high-profile 2024 quarrel at a hotel that almost ended their rapport. The club announced a two-and-a-half-year deal through 2028 to replace Laurant Blanc after a string of poor results. This piece revisits their joint history and what their reunion could mean for Al-Ittihad’s ambitions.

FIFA hints at a winter-run World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia, with a cautious nod to January 2035 to dodge Ramadan, following Qatar 2022 as a precedent.
World Cup 2034

Winter World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia Targets the Calendar, Not Just the Desert Sky

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino hints at a 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia with a winter window, signaling a potential January 2035 kickoff to avoid Ramadan. The Athletic quotes him urging calendar flexibility as the sport expands beyond traditional hosts. The Qatar 2022 model is cited as evidence that winter scheduling can work, though it disrupts European leagues. Saudi’s bid is framed as a testament to organizational strength, while Saudi fans and players push toward 2026 qualification under Hervé Renard, with key contributions from Firas Al-Breikan and a notable red card for Mohammed Kanno.

Inter Milan left-back Federico Dimarco contract extension photo
Mercato

Inter Milan bets on Dimarco: left-back's breakout triggers contract talks

Inter Milan are pressing to extend Federico Dimarco's contract after a standout start to the season. The Italian international, turning 28 next month, has overcome last season's rough patch and shown elite creativity on the flank. The club weighs a new deal potentially stretching to 2029 or beyond, signaling a shift to secure a home-grown asset. Dimarco's form is also driving discussions about his role in both Serie A and Europe.

Saudi Arabia Indonesia World Cup Qualifier playoff photo Getty Images
World Cup Qualifiers

Referee Spotlight: Kuwait Praises Officials After Saudi Arabia's 3-2 Win Over Indonesia

Saudi Arabia edged Indonesia 3-2 in the Asian World Cup Qualifier playoff. The Kuwait Football Association publicly praised the officiating team for their performance, with calls reviewed via VAR influencing the outcome. The match featured controversial penalties and a stoppage-time red card to Mohammed Kanno, affecting Saudi's next game against Iraq. Reactions poured in from pundits and former players, while coaches chose measured commentary.

France push for World Cup 2026 glory as Saliba returns and leads a prepared defense toward qualification.
World Cup Qualifiers Europe

Saliba Sets France on a Revenge Quest for World Cup 2026

William Saliba returns to the French defense with renewed zeal, insisting France fears no opponent as they chase World Cup 2026 glory. He emphasizes France’s strength and experience to reclaim the trophy, even against heavyweights like Argentina and Spain. France sit top of their qualifying group, aiming to seal progress with confidence. Deschamps’s mix of veterans and rising stars renews belief that a third World Cup can be deservedly theirs.

Tarik Saktioui Morocco reserve team plan after Egypt friendly 2025
Arab Cup 2025

Three Moroccan Stars Spark a Fresh Blueprint as Saktioui Plans After Egypt Friendly

Kooora reports that Tarik Saktioui will reshuffle the Moroccan reserve squad to align with the ambitions of three top clubs. The plan leans on a larger contribution from Renaissance Berkane, AS FAR, and Wydad Casablanca to prep for Africa’s big clashes this month. Seven players from AS FAR, five from Berkane, and two from Wydad are in the mix for the reserve squad. The teams hope to secure their stars back quickly from the friendly with Egypt as they chase CAF competitions and the Arab Cup later this year.

Infantino advocates calendar flexibility for the World Cup, weighing global timing against club and player considerations.
Football Calendar

Infantino Pushes Flexible World Cup Dates, Takes Aim at Barca and Milan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino calls for a more flexible World Cup calendar to keep football truly global. He argues for open-minded scheduling and discusses the potential impact on events like the Club World Cup, while addressing concerns raised by Barcelona, Milan and UEFA. The piece also covers hosting plans for 2030 and 2034, and the ongoing qualifiers for 2026. The discussion hints at a sport-wide recalibration of when and where football is played to balance global participation with player safety and club interests.

Joao Cancelo nears return for Al Hilal after an eight-week rehabilitation, with key AFC Champions League Elite and Saudi Pro League fixtures ahead.
Saudi Pro League

Cancelo’s Comeback Countdown: Al Hilal’s Star Returns After Long Injury Layoff

Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo is nearing the end of his rehab, working to shake off a muscle injury. He has started touching the ball again as part of a final phase, with a potential return against Al Sadd on October 21 in the AFC Champions League Elite. Al Hilal had previously announced an eight-week recovery plan that kept him out of domestic duties. If he passes medical and fitness tests, he could rejoin his teammates in a critical October stretch.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard knee injury update
Premier League

Odegaard’s Knee Clash Bots Arsenal: A Brewing Midfield Crisis

Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard faces a potential lengthy lay-off after a knee injury confirmed by MRI. The left MCL tear casts a shadow over a pivotal run of fixtures, prompting Arteta to reshape the midfield with Declan Rice and others stepping up. While Arsenal chase points, the Norwegian’s absence tests the squad’s depth as talks of timelines swing between hopeful and cautious. Expect updates as medical assessments continue and the team weighs plans for Europe and the Premier League.

Iraq Cup Round of 32 draw reveals exciting fixtures as teams prepare for a knockout run across Iraqi venues.
Iraq Cup

Round of 32 Knockouts Ignite the Iraq Cup with High-Stakes Fixtures

The Iraq Cup’s Round of 32 draw took place in Baghdad with senior officials in attendance, outlining the knockout format and match dates. The fixture list promises high-stakes clashes across familiar Iraqi venues. The ceremony underscored the tournament’s prestige and the federation’s drive for better organization and wider TV coverage. Expect drama, surprises, and plenty of football fever as teams chase a historic cup.

Kylian Mbappe attending Lille vs PSG with his father in stands
Ligue 1

Mbappe's Family Night at Lille: Behind the Scenes of a Lille-PSG Moment

Kylian Mbappe attended Lille vs PSG, revealing behind-the-scenes of Ethan Mbappe's Lille goal. The event came a day after Mbappe helped Real Madrid to a win, and it sparked a moment of family pride amid transfer rumors. Mbappe offered reflections on his France duties and his career arc, including his PSG exit and Real Madrid chapter. The article blends personal moments with a career overview and what’s at stake for France in World Cup qualifying.

Pep Guardiola and Carles Blanchart discussing a coaching break
coaching

Break Time for Pep: A Former Ally Urges Guardiola to Pause and Recharge

Carles Blanchart, Guardiola’s longtime associate, urges the Spaniard to step back from coaching and take a long rest before a new project. He argues coaching projects should last five to six years at most to keep energy fresh. City’s recent season is used to illustrate the toll of an intense schedule. The piece also reflects on Guardiola’s hunger for innovation and the mental fatigue that can accompany relentless success.

Diego Simeone coaching Atletico Madrid with Manchester United potential on the horizon
Premier League

Chaos at the Helm: Keane Pushes Simeone as Manchester United’s Bold Wake-Up Call

Roy Keane publicly endorses Diego Simeone as the ideal replacement for a beleaguered Manchester United boss. He argues Simeone’s confrontational style could deliver a much-needed spark at Old Trafford. The piece outlines Amorim’s challenging tenure, mixed signals from ownership, and the broader debate about United’s future. It also highlights Simeone’s loyalty to Atlético Madrid and the risks of chasing a high-tension rebuild. A dash of humor caps the discussion, underscoring the circus around managerial speculation.

Deschamps warns France players ahead of World Cup 2026 qualifiers
World Cup Qualifiers

Didier Deschamps' Wake-Up Call: France's World Cup 2026 Hopes Hang on October Tests

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps warned players not to underestimate their Euro qualifiers rivals for the 2026 World Cup. France lead Group D with six points, Iceland second on three, and Azerbaijan and Ukraine tied on one. October fixtures against Azerbaijan and Iceland could seal qualification for France. Deschamps stressed humility, consistency, and focus, while Mbappe’s fitness remains a watchpoint.

Manchester United sale rumors Turki Al-Sheikh buyout
buyout

When Rumors Roar: Manchester United and the Saudi Spark That Could Reshape Old Trafford

Rumors of a potential sale to a new investor surface after a cryptic post from Turki Al-Sheikh. Manchester United publicly deny any formal takeover talks, even as the drag-along clause in a past deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looms. The story blends financial results, cost-cutting moves, and talk of a Saudi-friendly pre-season fixture that could monetize the club’s global profile. As the club grapples with on-pitch struggles, all eyes stay on whether a new owner will emerge, or if the Glazer family will exercise a binding clause. A light chuckle remains: in football, every rumor is a transfer of attention as much as a transfer of ownership.