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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.

France-Iceland 2025 World Cup Qualifiers photo
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Slippery Fields and Slow Whistles: France’s 2-2 Draw in Iceland Sparks Deschamps’ Critique

France battles to a 2-2 draw in Iceland, letting a 2-1 lead slip away. Deschamps publicly criticizes both his players and the refereeing, highlighting defensive lapses and a lack of initiative. Nkunku and Mateta turn the tide, but Iceland’s late equalizer ruins the flawless start. France sits atop their World Cup 2026 qualifying group, yet faces pressure ahead of pivotal fixtures. The article also revisits France’s World Cup history and the upcoming schedule.

Saudi Arabia vs Iraq in Asia World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Jeddah — high-stakes clash with heated exchanges and a feature-length history.
World Cup Qualifiers - Asia

When Words Duel: Saudi Arabia vs Iraq – A World Cup Qualifier That Could Decide the Gulf’s Fate

Saudi Arabia and Iraq clash in the final Asian playoff for the 2026 World Cup in Jeddah. A draw or win could send the Greens to their seventh World Cup, while Iraq must win to stay in direct contention. Pre-match jawing and media barbs have heated the atmosphere and raised expectations for a dramatic showdown. The match backs a long, storied rivalry and promises high stakes, skill, and a dash of theatre.

Ter Stegen Barcelona injury January return photo
Transfer

Barça's Goalkeeper Gamble: Ter Stegen's January Comeback Sparks a High-Stakes Future

Barcelona waits on German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s return from back issues, with a January comeback anticipated but a still-unclear role. A second back surgery in July and his decision to publicize only a short layoff stirred tension with the club and a brief captaincy dispute. The matter was resolved after a joint statement and access to the medical report, but the path forward remains contested as a rising junior eyeing the starting spot presses his case. The January milestone could shape Barca’s goalkeeping for years, especially with Germany’s national team watching and Nagelsmann urging a move for regular action. Expect drama, discussion, and a dash of suspense as Barca weighs loyalty against practicality.

Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al-Dosari in a World Cup Qualifiers Asia match image
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Crossroads of Glory: Can Dosari Break the Messi Spell and Lead Saudi to the World Cup?

Saudi Arabia stands 90 minutes from fresh World Cup qualification as captain Salem Al-Dosari faces mounting expectations. The piece traces his Argentina heroics, the weight of public scrutiny, and how coaching and tactical shifts affect his role for both club and country. It also probes whether Dosari can adapt to new responsibilities under changing leadership at his club, amid a pivotal Asia qualifying clash against Iraq. A mix of nostalgia, critique, and cautious optimism frames the journey toward a potential historic qualification.

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.