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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.

Overview of the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental and European playoff draws, formats, and the six remaining berths for the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
World Cup 2026 playoffs

Six Final Passes on the Line: The Global and European Playoff Showdown for World Cup 2026

FIFA will conduct the draws for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental and European playoffs in Zurich. Six teams will earn the remaining World Cup berths, with six teams competing in the global playoff and 16 in the European playoff. The event outlines dates, venues, and the exact format that will determine who travels to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. The piece lists the qualified teams and explains how the draws and paths will unfold, plus a nod to where and when fans can watch.

Barcelona returns to Camp Nou after renovations ahead of a Champions League clash
La Liga

Barcelona rewrites winter plans: Morocco friendly scrapped, Camp Nou comeback on the horizon

Barcelona abandons its planned December friendly in Morocco to meet La Liga and players’ union regulations. The club will finish the year with Villarreal at Camp Nou, marking the first official home match since renovations. The Miami showdown against Villarreal has been canceled, with a renewed focus on upcoming La Liga and European fixtures. Fans get a sense of a fresh chapter as Camp Nou finally reopens, while the calendar conspires with logistics and deadlines.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford
Premier League

Patience as Strategy: Ratcliffe’s Backing Quietly Reshapes Manchester United’s Season

Ruben Amorim credits Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support for stabilizing Manchester United this season. Ratcliffe argues Amorim should be judged over a three-year horizon, not months, underscoring a long-term project. The team has shown a modest revival since a late-September setback, giving Amorim space to implement his plans. Amorim emphasizes a clear path and patience as fan confidence grows. The upcoming anniversary of his first game marks a milestone in a season defined by resilience.

Achraf Hakimi crowned African Player of the Year at CAF Awards in Morocco
African Footballer of the Year

Morocco’s Black Lions Crown Hakimi: A Historic CAF Award Night Sparks Roars of Joy

In Rabat’s Mohammed VI Hall, Achraf Hakimi was crowned Africa’s Best Player, in a ceremony packed with Moroccan legends. The night underscored Morocco’s rich football heritage and the nation’s bid to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on home soil. The event saw generations of Moroccan stars attend to celebrate Hakimi’s achievement and to boost his spirits after a recent ankle injury. It was a celebration of pride, history, and a touch of showmanship that capped a remarkable chapter for Moroccan football.

Spain and Argentina Finalissima 2026 Doha host discussions
Finalissima 2026

Finalissima 2026: Spain vs Argentina Sparks an Arab-flavored Global Showdown

Finalissima 2026 promises a Europe-South America face-off with an added Arab-world dimension. The concept, revived in 2021 by UEFA and CONMEBOL, pairs the Euro champion against the Copa America winner every four years. Argentina claimed the inaugural revived edition in 2021, and the 2026 edition is set to feature Spain as Europe’s representative. Doha is being floated as a host city, while discussions hint at additional matches involving Qatar and Saudi Arabia to boost the event’s profile.

Shikabala at the CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco
CAF Awards

Shikabala Reflects on Africa’s Football Boom: Morocco, Milestones, and a Bright Continent

Shikabala attended the CAF Awards in Rabat, presenting Africa’s Best Player award to Weston Maiili of Pyramids. He praised Moroccan football’s rapid development and shared admiration for Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi. The piece highlights Pyramids’ extraordinary season, Africa’s top honors, and the evolving landscape of continental football. A light-hearted nod to the night’s stars concludes with a wink at Morocco’s rise and Africa’s bright future.

CAF Awards 2025 Rabat: Pyramids FC crowned Africa’s Best Club, Mayele and Bono win top honours
CAF Awards

Africa’s Best Club Crowned: Pyramids FC Triumphs at CAF Awards, Mayele and Bono Steal the Show

Pyramids FC were crowned Africa’s best club at the CAF Awards in Rabat. They claimed the CAF Champions League title for the first time, defeating Sundowns in the final. West African-Moroccan showings highlighted the night, with Fiston Mayele and Yassine Bounou taking top individual honours, while other categories honored players from across the continent. The ceremony celebrated a historic season for the club and African football alike.

Mohamed Sabry tribute at Zamalek vs ZESCO United
CAF Confederation Cup

Farewell on the Field: CAF Approves Tribute to Zamalek Legend Mohamed Sabry

Zamalek receives CAF approval to honor late Mohamed Sabry during their CAF Confederation Cup match against ZESCO United. The tributes include a minute of silence, a display of Sabry in a Zamalek jersey, and players wearing Sabry themed warmups with armbands. Sabry, a member of Zamalek's golden generation, left a legacy of trophies and loyalty. The club also discusses staff changes as it eyes the new campaign. The tribute serves as a bridge between memory and ongoing ambition for the White Knights.

Saudi Arabia Algeria 2025 friendly FIFA ranking photo
World Cup 2026

World Cup Countdown in the Mist: Saudi Arabia Drops in FIFA Rankings Ahead of 2026

FIFA released the November 2025 rankings, showing Saudi Arabia falling to 60th in the world. The drop also places the team in the third pot for the 2026 World Cup draw in the United States. Asia’s view sees Saudi Arabia slip to seventh in the continent, with several Arab nations ahead. The Arab Cup in Qatar is framed as a pivotal opportunity to regain confidence and refine tactics before the World Cup.

Joao Cancelo in action for Al Hilal during the Saudi Pro League
Saudi Pro League

Cancelo Rumors Swirl, but Al Hilal Says No Official Departure Yet

Persistent rumors claim Joao Cancelo wants to leave Al Hilal in the winter window, but the club reports no formal departure request. Al Hilal recently reinforced its desire for Cancelo to stay, despite talk of a European return. The Portuguese star joined from Manchester City for €30 million and has contributed goals and assists across competitions. Cancelo has spoken about Europe and Benfica, while acknowledging the Saudi Pro League’s growing stature. This piece reviews the latest developments and potential paths forward.

Zamalek fans fill Cairo Stadium for CAF Confederation Cup opener
CAF Confederation Cup

46,200 Fans Set to Flood Cairo as Zamalek Host ZESCO United in CAF Confederation Cup Opener

Security authorities approve attendance of 46,200 fans for Zamalek's CAF Confederation Cup group-stage opener against ZESCO United at Cairo International Stadium. Zamalek, in Group D, will host the Zambian side on Sunday evening. The club announced staff changes, including the exit of fitness coach Mario Tomljanovic and performance analyst Mohamed Alaa, with other reforms planned. Adam Kaid returns to training as Zamalek braces for the African campaign.

Saleh Al-Omari reveals all-time Saudi XI lineup
Saudi Pro League

Saudi Legend X Ittihad Snub? Saleh Al-Omari Unveils an All-Time Saudi XI That Sparks Debate

Saleh Al-Omari, the former Ittihad star now with Al-Khaleej, stirred controversy by revealing his all-time Saudi XI, notably excluding his former club. The five-man lineup features three players from Al-Hilal and two from Al-Ahli, prompting strong reactions from fans of other clubs. The piece also traces Al-Omari’s career across several Saudi teams and his current status with Al-Khaleej. The story mixes sport, loyalty debates, and a look at a veteran striker’s journey, ending with light humor about the ongoing debate.

Lewandowski stop-scoring request Barcelona 2022-23 La Liga
La Liga

Barcelona's Shocking Late-Season Request: Lewandowski Told to Stop Scoring?

Barcelona allegedly asked Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring in the final stretch of the 2022-23 season to avoid triggering a Bayern Munich bonus. The 37-year-old had joined Barça in 2022 from Bayern, with his contract running through the season. Amid financial pressures, the club reportedly preferred a younger striker, adding intrigue to a straightforward title race. The case centers on a 2.5 million euro incentive Bayern would receive if Lewandowski hit 25 league goals.

Pogba returns to Monaco after a 26-month absence, aiming to spark a Ligue 1 and European resurgence.
Ligue 1

Pogba Returns to the Pitch After 26 Months: Monaco’s Bold Comeback Bet

Franco-Italian star Paul Pogba is set to return for Monaco after a 26-month absence. French newspaper Lequipe reports the midfielder will feature against Rennes, marking a high-stakes comeback. Pogba, 32, has endured injuries, suspensions, and legal battles, but his experience could be a catalyst for Monaco’s push in Ligue 1 and Europe. Monaco’s coach emphasizes judging Pogba by his current form, not past glories, while fans hope for a leadership boost in the second half of the season.

Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund after the 450k euro fine for illegal weapons possession
Bundesliga

Adeyemi Breaks Silence on 450k Fine Over Weapons Possession; Can Returns as Dortmund Shape Bundesliga Hopes

Karim Adeyemi addresses a hefty fine for illegal weapon possession and Dortmund's measured handling of the case. The club stresses seriousness and trust while Adeyemi explains the online mystery box episode and his remorse. Emre Can returns from a six-month injury layoff, boosting Dortmund as they chase Bundesliga and Champions League spots. Dortmund sit third in the league and look ahead to Stuttgart and Villarreal fixtures.

Militao injury forces Real Madrid to reshuffle defense ahead of Manchester City clash
La Liga

Militao's Setback: Real Madrid Gears Up to Defend Without a Key Pillar

Real Madrid suffer a setback as Éder Militao is diagnosed with a right adductor tear. The injury sidelines him for about two weeks, impacting plans for a pivotal Champions League tie with Manchester City. The issue surfaced during Brazil's friendly against Tunisia, with medical tests confirming a Grade II tear in Valdebebas. The club must navigate several important fixtures without their defensive anchor, while Raúl Asensio and others brace for bigger roles. Recovery and depth will define Madrid's performance in the coming weeks.