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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.

Cape Verde national team in World Cup 2026 qualification push
WorldCupQualifiers

Cape Verde's Final Push: A Tight Plan to a Historic World Cup

Cape Verde sits one win away from a historic 2026 World Cup berth, underscoring a rapid rise in recent years. With a population around 600,000, they would become the second-smallest nation to reach the finals if they win their remaining Africa qualifiers. They face Libya away and Eswatini at home to top Group 4 and edge out Cameroon. A diaspora-driven talent push and remarkable late-blooming form have fueled this unlikely surge.

Leandro Trossard press conference Arsenal staying put
Premier League

Trossard Sets the Record Straight: Arsenal Isn’t Going Anywhere This Season

Leandro Trossard confirms he has never considered leaving Arsenal as the new season begins. He reflects on his 2023 move from Brighton, his 132 appearances, 30 goals, and 25 assists, and his return to form after an early-season injury. In Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers, he stresses his comfort at Arsenal and his commitment to the club. The piece also explores Arsenal’s ambitious stadium expansion plans and potential temporary use of Wembley.

Arsenal Raya contract extension and Emirates stadium expansion
Premier League

Arsenal Elevates Raya and Dreams Bigger: A New Era for Emirates and Beyond

Arsenal rewards goalkeeper David Raya with a higher-grade contract to cement his status as a starter. The club also confirms William Saliba's long-term deal and outlines ambitious plans to expand Emirates Stadium, possibly temporarily relocating to Wembley. Legal hurdles loom, but the strategy signals a revenue-driven push. Raya's form, Saliba's rise, and a stadium rethink set the stage for a transformative period at Arsenal.

UAE 27-man World Cup playoff squad ready for Doha
World Cup Playoff

27-Player UAE Squad Named for World Cup Playoff Showdown in Doha

The United Arab Emirates have announced a 27-man squad under Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu for the upcoming World Cup playoff fixtures against Oman and Qatar, to be held in Doha. The team assembled for a Dubai camp and then fine-tuned in Austria ahead of the matches at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. The squad blends domestic stars with a few foreign-born players, aiming to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup in North America. Recent friendlies and tactical adjustments have built momentum, even as injuries and squad shuffles shape the final lineup.

Jordi Alba retirement announcement Inter Miami Barcelona Getty Images
MLS

Retirement Curtain: Jordi Alba Ends a Storied Football Odyssey

Jordi Alba, the Spanish left-back, has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the MLS season. The 36-year-old, who starred for Barcelona and now plays for Inter Miami, shared the news in a personal video. He reflects on a trophy-filled career and thanks teammates, coaches, and fans. Alba follows a path similar to Busquets, signaling a new chapter after Barça and a career in the United States. The announcement underscores a remarkable journey that also touched the Spain national team.

Dubai Duty Free Open 2026: tickets, dates, top players and stadium upgrades—the ultimate lead-in to a star-studded tennis season in Dubai.
tennis

Dubai's Open Tennis Fever: 20 World-Ranked Stars Gear Up for 2026 Dubai Duty Free Open

Dubai Duty Free Open reveals its 2026 edition with a special early-bird offer. Tickets go on sale midweek, with 20% off for the first three days and access to the world’s top 20 players for just 52 dirhams per day. The tournament runs from February 15 to 28, 2026 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, featuring a WTA 1000 women’s event followed by an ATP 500 men’s event. The venue will expand with a new 2,000-seat arena, and the central court capacity is planned to grow by 50% by 2027. A storied chapter in Dubai’s tennis history continues, promising star-power, spectacle, and sun-soaked adrenaline.

Steven Gerrard on Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid interview image
transfers

Liverpool Legend Speaks: Gerrard Says Arnold’s Real Madrid Move Was A Gamble, And England’s Golden Generation Paid The Price

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard comments frankly on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. He reflects on his own Liverpool exit, laments England’s ‘golden generation’ clashes, and questions the sacrifices players make for big opportunities. The interview delves into loyalty, risk, and the emotional costs of chasing dreams in football. A candid peek into club love, rivalries, and what it means to be a Liverpool icon.

Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia Asia World Cup Qualifiers playoff 2025
World Cup Qualifiers

Flooded Seats, Green Ambitions: Saudi Arabia Opens World Cup Qualifiers with Indonesia Sold Out

Saudi Arabia's national team kicks off its World Cup 2026 playoff campaign against Indonesia in a sold-out Jeddah match. The Green seek a strong start before meeting Iraq on October 14, with the winner earning a direct path to the finals. Tickets are completely sold out, underscoring the nation’s hunger for a seventh World Cup appearance. Renard leads a balanced squad as the team eyes a historic qualification.

World Cup 2026 qualifiers October update: who’s in, who’s needed, and who could seal it
World Cup 2026

October Showdowns: Who Will Snap Into World Cup 2026? A Fresh Look at the Continental Battles

As qualification heats up for the 2026 World Cup, October becomes a pivotal month for many continents. Eighteen teams have already booked their tickets, while a mix of African, European, Asian, and American nations chase the remaining berths. The expanded format means more nations can dream big, but the road remains fraught with tough group dynamics and playoff chokepoints. This piece outlines who has already qualified, who could seal in October, and the key continental storylines to watch.

Saudi Arabia Indonesia World Cup playoff 2025 Asia
World Cup Qualifiers

Money, Momentum, and World Cup Dreams: Saudi vs Indonesia in the Asian Playoff Showdown

The Asian playoff for the 2026 World Cup pits Saudi Arabia against Indonesia in a high-stakes duel. The Saudis arrive with a rich history in qualifying, while Indonesia seeks a shock turn in a new era of European-based talent. The group winner goes straight to the World Cup finals, with the runner-up chasing a global playoff. Expect a clash where numbers, form, and nerves collide in a race to 2026.

Barcelona Girona Montjuïc clash during Camp Nou renovation
La Liga

Barça Chooses Montjuïc for Girona Clash as Camp Nou Renovation Looms

Barcelona plans to host their La Liga clash with Girona at Montjuïc due to ongoing Camp Nou renovations. The decision comes after the international break, in La Liga round 9, with Camp Nou not yet cleared for play. Barca has rotated home venues this season, including Montjuïc and Johan Cruyff, and a Champions League match against Olympiakos is also slated for Montjuïc. The renovation is a €1.5 billion project aiming to raise capacity to about 105,000 and modernize fan facilities.

Djokovic battles humidity and injury to reach Shanghai Masters quarterfinals
Shanghai Masters

Djokovic Fights Sweat and Slump to Shine: Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals Claimed

Novak Djokovic overcomes an ankle issue and brutal humidity to reach the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals for the 11th time. He endured medical timeouts, vomited off-court at times, and still beat Jaume Munar in a grueling three-set match. The Serbian star now eyes a record 41st Masters 1000 title. In the same session, Zizou Bergs also advanced to his first Masters quarterfinal, while Holger Rune survived a tense test against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Arsenal Wembley expansion Emirates stadium plans
stadium expansion

Arsenal's Wembley Blueprint: A Bold, Billion-Pound Makeover for the Emirates

Arsenal is reportedly weighing a temporary move to Wembley as it unveils a massive expansion plan for the Emirates Stadium, aiming to push capacity beyond 70,000. The project would reshape seating, possibly raise the roof, and broaden commercial opportunities, though it faces planning and regulatory hurdles. With price tags around 500 million pounds, the club hopes to turn its stadium into a modern, multi-use venue. If approved, Wembley could host matches during construction, a nod to a historic chapter for the Gunners.

Oman and Qatar clash in World Cup Qualifiers Asia 2026 preview at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
World Cup Qualifiers Asia

Oman vs Qatar: A World Cup Dream on the Line as Queiroz and Lopetegui Rally Their Sides

Oman hosts Qatar in the opening round of Asia's World Cup Qualifiers for 2026, a match loaded with history and pressure. Coach Carlos Queiroz says his team isn’t taking anything for granted and that both sides have a real shot. Lopetegui’s Qatar stresses resilience and home support as they chase a dream shared by their fans. The clash at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium kicks off a tense group stage with UAE also in the mix, setting the tone for a pivotal qualification campaign.

Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia World Cup 2026 playoff image
World Cup Qualifiers

Fans as the sharpest weapon: Hazazi backs Saudi green in Asia playoff for World Cup 2026

Naif Hazazi expresses strong optimism about Saudi Arabia’s chances to beat Indonesia and Iraq in the Asia playoff for the 2026 World Cup. The piece highlights fan energy, the “HUNT” tifio, and Renard’s trusted squad. It also recaps Indonesia’s preparations and the head-to-head context. The story closes with a look at Saudi’s World Cup qualifying path and the group dynamics in Asia.

Amin El Karma coaching Olympique Safi in Botola Pro
Moroccan League

Coaching Chaos in Morocco: Amin El Karma Falls as the Botola Pro Sizzles with Firings

Morocco’s Botola Pro continues its alarming trend of managerial sackings in the early weeks of the season. Amin El Karma, the beloved former Olympique Safi coach, is the latest casualty, ending a tenure built on a historic cup win. Internal tensions, late payments, and a lack of a sporting director are highlighted as core issues fueling the firings. The Moroccan Coaches Association has pushed for reforms to allow a second stint in the same season to ease financial strains. This piece explores the underlying dynamics behind the departures and what lies ahead for clubs.

Morocco’s coach Regragui brings injured stars into the camp to reinforce unity as a new tactical approach emerges for AFCON and World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
World Cup Qualifiers

Morocco’s Family First Rally: Injured Star Trio Return to Camp as New Tactics Take Shape

Walid Regragui, Morocco’s coach, surprises by insisting three injured key players join the current training camp ahead of Bahrain and Congo friendlies and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nayef Aguerd, Sofyan Amrabat, and Azzedine Ounahi are involved, underscoring a strong emphasis on squad unity. The plan includes rehab protocols, video analyses, and a shift to a possession-based, high-press system. European clubs reportedly concur but keep players out of matches during the camp. The camp also features momentary recognitions for Hakimi and Bono, plus a challenging personal note for Nayef Aguerd—with humor tucked in as the pace of preparations quickens.