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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.

Haaland Italy World Cup playoff Capello interview
World Cup Playoffs

Capello Eyes Haaland’s Shadow: Italy’s World Cup Playoff Quest Goes On

Veteran coach Fabio Capello weighs in on Italy’s looming World Cup playoff, comparing Erling Haaland’s impact to Gigi Riva. He discusses Italy’s tricky campaign, the shift to Gattuso, and why the mental edge may prove decisive. The playoff draw could pit Italy against North Macedonia, Romania, Sweden, or Ireland/Northern Ireland. Capello stresses belief, recovery of form, and the challenge of facing a fearsome opponent in a one-off semi-final. The road to Qatar 2026 remains tense, but Italy is determined to rebound with confidence.

World Cup 2026 intercontinental playoff draw sets Iraq’s route and rivals in a Mexico-hosted knockout to decide two final berths.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

World Cup 2026 Playoff Draw Sets Iraq’s Path to the Global Finals

The intercontinental playoff draw for the 2026 World Cup was held in Zurich, revealing two high-stakes paths. New Caledonia and Jamaica battle in Path 1, with the winner facing DR Congo. Bolivia and Suriname meet in Path 2, with the winner facing Iraq. The two path winners will join the six seeded teams in the World Cup race, in a mini-tournament hosted by Mexico in March 2026. Expect drama, tension, and perhaps a few surprises as qualification hinges on a single knockout round.

Manchester United duo Amass and Vitik eye first-team breakthrough on Championship loan
transfers

Rising United Duo Eye First-Team Breakthrough

Two Manchester United youngsters, Harry Amass and Radik Vitik, are undergoing a serious internal check as they chase a pathway to the first team next season. Amass is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Vitik at Bristol City, both excelling in the Championship. United believes success in the Championship can translate to opportunities in the senior squad and are adjusting contracts to protect potential profits. Patience and strategic planning, including buy-back clauses, shape the club’s long-term approach.

Trippier open to England return under Tuchel as left-back plans take shape
Premier League

England’s Trippier Might Unretire to Help Tuchel Fix Left-Back Crisis Ahead of World Cup 2026

Kieran Trippier has signalled he could return to England duty after telling Thomas Tuchel he can help solve the left-back problem. The 35-year-old Newcastle United veteran retired afterEuro 2024 but is open to a comeback if summoned. Tuchel appears ready to experiment with different profiles for the left flank, leveraging a wider pool of players. The situation adds a fresh twist to England’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Alexander-Arnold’s future also in play.

UAE Pro League Round Eight historic games preview

Round Eight Sparks: Historic Encounters Set UAE Pro League Alight

Three matches on Friday light up the ADNOC Pro League’s round eight, with a clash between Dibba Al-Fujairah and Al Wahda, and more high-stakes fixtures across the league. Al Wahda sits in second with strong form, while Dibba eyes a spark to climb from the bottom. The weekend also features Sharjah vs. Bani Yas and Khorfakkan vs. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, plus a Thursday opener between Khorfakkan and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. Historic head-to-heads underline the narratives, alongside sharp shooting and defensive records that shape the weekend’s expectations. Expect goals, surprises, and a few moments where the scoreboard may need sunglasses.

Al-Sadd Mancini Qatar 2025 photo
Qatar Stars League

Mancini's Qatar Era Begins: Al-Sadd Face a Manageable Test

Roberto Mancini begins his tenure at Al-Sadd with a reachable test against Al-Sailiya, aiming to stabilize domestic form and push for progress in Asia. The club hired the Italian coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal to right the ship after a rough spell under Felix Sanchez. Al-Sadd has shown some spark lately with big domestic wins under interim coach Sergio Allegri, lifting them to sixth. The league landscape remains tight with Gharafa leading, while other title contenders chase, as the AFC Champions League looms.

Neymar apologizes after a controversial penalty for Santos vs Mirassol in Brasileirão 2025
Brasileirão

Neymar's Latest Slip-Up at Santos: A Public Apology Sparks Fresh Brazilian Drama

Neymar Jr. apologizes after inadvertently causing a new trouble for Santos in a Brasileirão match against Mirassol. The game ended in a 1-1 draw as Mirassol leveled at the 60-minute mark, keeping Santos precariously placed near the relegation zone with four rounds to go. Neymar posted a thoughtful message on Instagram, praising his teammates and fans while accepting responsibility for the disputed penalty. His future with Santos remains uncertain as contract talks loom with the season nearing its end.

Historic World Cup qualification for Curaçao makes it the smallest nation to reach the finals, led by Dutch coach Dick Advocaat in a milestone for Caribbean football.
World Cup Qualification

Tiny Island, Big Dream: Curaçao Clinches Historic World Cup Spot for 2026

Curaçao, a small Caribbean island with Dutch roots, has qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals for the first time in its history. The achievement makes it the smallest nation to reach the finals. The road to this milestone reveals a Dutch-dominated squad and a veteran coach guiding a rising football nation. Celebrations echoed in the Netherlands, where fans and royalty acknowledged the milestone. The team now faces a challenging journey to the finals while inspiring a nation and a few joke-worthy headlines.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona recovery training
LaLiga

Barça's Bold Comeback Blueprint: Lamine Yamal Back in Action Soon

Barcelona outlines a careful recovery plan for young star Lamine Yamal to overcome a groin-related injury. The program blends sonic-wave therapy, rest, and targeted rehab with two club physiotherapists. The aim is a 7–10 day return to training, with a possible few minutes against Athletic Bilbao as a test before a crucial Champions League clash. Medical staff stress a full, unrushed recovery monitored by Belgian doctor Ernst Schilders.

Alba retirement talk with Messi greatness and Yamal spotlight
retirement

Alba on Yamal’s Spark and Messi’s Unmatched Legend: Retirement Beckons for a Barcelona Icon

Jordi Alba reveals plans to retire at season’s end and hints at a possible administrative role at Barcelona. He praises Messi as the greatest ever while weighing a future beyond playing. The interview touches on his close Barcelona circle, his new Lorca Hospital project with Tiago Alcantara, and a possible path in football management. A candid look at a storied career, with a touch of humor about what lies ahead.

Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi speaking at media briefing during a busy season in Saudi football.
Saudi Pro League

Inzaghi’s Hidden Mark: Al Hilal’s Coach Hasn’t Shown All He Can Yet

Mohammed Al-Daee argues that Simone Inzaghi has yet to unleash his full potential at Al Hilal. The Italian coach guided the team to the Club World Cup quarterfinals and has the squad undefeated this season, but there are signs of room for improvement. As Al Hilal competes across league, cup, and ACL, patience and chemistry are key for a deeper surge. An upcoming pace-setter match against Al Fateh could test this evolving chemistry, while transfer rumors swirl around Sultan Mendesh. The story blends on-pitch momentum with off-field deals.

Juventus eye midfield reinforcements in January window
mercato

Spalletti’s January midfield hunt: Locatelli’s successor in sight as Yildiz’s future hangs in the balance

Juventus are actively lining up a midfielder for the January window to slot into Locatelli’s missing role. La Gazzetta dello Sport identifies a top priority, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg named as a leading candidate, though a move may be complicated. Other targets include Rodrigo Mendes of Elche, who has a release clause of €20 million. Concurrently, Kenan Yildiz’s contract renewal remains a talking point, as Chiellini stresses calm negotiations amid a broader club restructuring under Spalletti.

Sérgio Conceição coaching Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Conceição’s New Mission in Saudi Football: Ittihad’s Balance Check as Nasser Hunts Ninth Win

Sérgio Conceição starts a revamped stint at Al-Ittihad to restore balance after a tricky start, with a long break ahead. Ronaldo returns to lead Al-Nassr as they chase a ninth win against Al-Khaleej, while rivals like Al-Hilal push for consistency. The piece also notes concerns about competitiveness in Saudi football raised by former federation president Ahmed Eid. The article blends tactical updates with the personalities shaping the league’s buzz.

Italy v Norway World Cup 2026 playoff qualifier
World Cup Playoffs

Italy's World Cup 2026 Playoff Hunt: A Curse, a Draw, and a New Coach in the Spotlight

Italy discovers the path to the World Cup 2026 playoff semi-finals, with potential opponents drawn from a quartet of teams. The group stage has ended and 12 qualifiers advanced directly, while Italy sits in Pot 1 for the playoff draw. A one-off semi-final in March 2026 could be hosted by Italy if they win, followed by a final later in the month. The narrative is peppered with historic setbacks and a coaching change that reshaped the team’s trajectory, adding humor to the tension.

Real Madrid Barcelona Clasico Courtois Yamal quotes Getty Images
La Liga

Courtois Responds to Yamal, Clasico Sparks and a Locker Room Flame

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois addressed Lamine Yamal’s remarks ahead of a Clasico, acknowledging the tension between Real Madrid and Barcelona. He praised Yamal as a future star while noting the media frenzy the comments triggered. Courtois shared insights into Madrid’s locker room mood after last season’s defeats and stressed that pressure can push players to say things they don’t mean. The piece also covers injuries to Courtois and Valverde and outlines Madrid’s upcoming schedule.

Endrick loan to Lyon Real Madrid Brazil star
transfers

Endrick’s Clock Tower Moment: Diaz’s Call, a Possible Lyon Loan, and a Brazilian Dream on Hold

Mariano Diaz publicly counsels Endrick on the value of being a regular starter as the young Brazilian’s minutes dwindle at Real Madrid. With Alonsó’s setup, Endrick faces a tough path behind Mbappé and Gonzalo Garcia, prompting talk of a winter loan to Lyon. The piece traces Endrick’s rise from Palmeiras prodigy to Real Madrid’s high-stakes project, and what a loan could mean for his World Cup 2026 ambitions. Diaz’s candid reflections frame a broader debate about development, exposure, and patience in modern football.