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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.

Sergio Conceicao comments on Benzema’s role for Al Ittihad ahead of Riyadh match
Saudi Pro League

Conceicao Declares Benzema a Complete System as Al Ittihad Prepares for Riyadh Clash

Sergio Conceicao spoke ahead of Al Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League clash with Riyadh, praising Karim Benzema as a transformative asset for the club and Saudi football. He highlighted Benzema’s peak performance and top condition, ready to play when needed. The coach outlined three big tests ahead: the league, the King’s Cup, and the AFC Champions League. He also defended the role of foreign players and stressed that football is a collective effort, with the team needing balance and focus.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold with federation chief Adnan Darjal awaiting the World Cup playoff push
World Cup playoff

Iraq Confirms Arnold's Contract Extension as World Cup Playoff Door Opens

Adnan Darjal clears the air on Graham Arnold's contract, confirming renewal tied to World Cup qualification. Iraq advances to the global playoff in March, alongside five other nations, after beating UAE. Arnold, 62, has steered the team through eight matches with strong results and eyes a 2026 World Cup return. Political dynamics within the federation loom, with leadership elections upcoming, but football remains the guiding light for the squad.

Saudi Arabia vs Algeria friendly analysis 2025
friendlies

Fixing the Route: What Saudi Arabia Must Do After the Algeria Setback

Saudi Arabia faced a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in a November friendly, triggering questions about balance and identity. The analysis highlights gaps in tactical identity, coaching decisions, physical readiness, and midfield strength. It outlines a road map: settle on a clear style, sharpen coaching decisions, and boost fitness and coordination. The coming months will test whether the team can translate plans into consistent performances against tougher rivals.

Arsenal injury update on Gabriel after Brazil friendly vs Senegal.
Premier League

Gabriel's Injury Tests Arsenal's Backline Ahead of a Heavy Week

Arsenal face a pivotal week that could shape their season, as Gabriel suffers an adductor injury. The club heads into three high-stakes fixtures: the North London Derby, a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, and a trip to Chelsea. Arteta must choose among several replacement options for the backline while Odegaard contends with a return from injury. Early reports hint at a lengthy layoff, underscoring defensive concerns even as attacking options look to rise to the challenge.

Toni Kroos comments on Vinicius Junior's behavior affecting Real Madrid
La Liga

Kroos: Vinicius' theatrics threaten Real Madrid's rhythm

Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos warns that Vinicius Junior's on-field theatrics could hurt the team’s rhythm. He notes the Brazilian's provocations and clashes with opponents and fans, suggesting they distract referees and teammates. Kroos recalls urging Vinicius to calm down to protect collective performance. The remarks follow a Clasico incident and a subsequent public apology. Kroos’s own illustrious career at Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and with Germany adds weight to his assessment.

Renan Lodi vs Al Hilal contract dispute—image search hint
transfer

High-Stakes Pass/Fail: Al Hilal vs. Renan Lodi in a Legal Tug-of-War

A Saudi club dispute centers on unilateral contract termination between Renan Lodi and Al Hilal. Legal expert Ahmed Al-Sheikhi weighs the odds, highlighting precedents that both support players and clubs. The case could hinge on FIFA and CAS interpretations and the club’s readiness to defend its rights. Lodi’s claims include substantial compensation tied to his remaining contract and World Cup bonuses. The narrative shifts from a transfer saga to a courtroom drama with a potential ruling in weeks.

Palestine captain Mussab Al-Tabat at the Arab Cup 2025
Arab Cup

Palestine Steps Up: A Captain’s vow to carry Arab unity through the Arab Cup

Palestine’s captain Mussab Al-Tabat frames the Arab Cup as more than a tournament, a platform to project Palestinian voices to the world. He stresses Palestine’s unique role among Arab teams as a representative of its people and the broader Arab community. The team eyeing a clash against Libya in the qualifiers, with Qatar 2025 in sight, hopes to unite fans across the region. Qatar hosts the event, featuring iconic venues and a grand promotional push across the Gulf.

Scotland celebrate dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark to secure World Cup qualification at Hampden Park
World Cup Qualifiers

Miracle at Hampden: Scotland Clinches World Cup Spot in a Dramatic 4-2 Win Over Denmark

Scotland stunned Denmark with a 4-2 victory at Hampden Park to secure a World Cup berth, the nation's first since 1998. The match delivered breathtaking goals, emotional tributes, and candid reflections from players about the night's significance. Captain Andy Robertson revealed that thoughts of his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota fueled his performance. The drama peaked with Tierney and McLean’s late strikes and a historic night for Scottish football.

Victor Font campaign for Barcelona presidency with the Nosaltres group, leadership plan
Barcelona presidency

Font's Bold Bet: A plural leadership plan to reboot Barcelona

Victor Font, a likely Barça president candidate, unveils Nosaltres as a broad coalition to unite supporters across divides. He advocates a real alternative to the current management: a plural, professional leadership rather than a single-ego approach. If he wins, his first move would be to reach out to Lionel Messi to discuss his role and potential return. Font underlines that Barcelona belongs to everyone and should be steered by a diverse team of experts across football, economics, and society.

UAE faces calls for Cosmin Olăroiu’s departure after failing to reach the 2026 World Cup playoffs; key quotes from former players highlight the need for a long-term plan.
World Cup Qualifiers

Dreams Crushed, UAE Calls for a Coach Change: Cosmin Olaroiu Under Fire

The UAE failed to reach the World Cup playoff, triggering calls for coach Cosmin Olăroiu to step down. After a 2-3 aggregate loss to Iraq, pressure mounted from former players and pundits. Cosmin had taken charge in 2025, but direct qualification eluded the team in both the group and playoff stages. Reactions from former UAE stars underscore the sense that strategic overhaul is needed to salvage the program’s future.

Barcelona Camp Nou return approval photo
Champions League

UEFA Grants Barça a Historic Return to Camp Nou for Champions League Nights

UEFA approved Barcelona to host Champions League matches at Camp Nou again, despite standard rules about venue changes in the group stage. The decision underscores an exceptional move tied to the ongoing renovation rather than any sporting advantage. Inspectors will visit Camp Nou to assess readiness, and a December 9 match against Eintracht Frankfurt will be held there. The article also revisits Camp Nou’s storied history and the Espai Barça modernization project that keeps the arena at the center of Barça’s identity.

Overview of World Cup 2026 qualification: 42 teams already qualified; six playoff spots remain across Europe, CONCACAF, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the intercontinental playoff.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

World Cup 2026 Map: 42 Spots Locked In and 6 Playoff Bouts to Decide the Rest

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, is expanding to 48 teams. Forty-two teams have already secured their places, leaving six playoff slots to be decided through a global playoff phase. The article lays out how each confederation will determine their representatives, and when the big draw in Washington will settle the final lineup. It also previews the European path, the intercontinental playoff fight, and the schedule for March matchups. Expect drama, dates, and a lot of flags waving.

Voting opens for Globe Soccer Awards 2025 in Dubai; PSG headlines nominations as legends join the jury and fans cast the decisive votes.
Globe Soccer Awards

Who Will Crown Globe Soccer 2025? Dembele, Vinicius, and Ronaldo Lead the Pack

Voting is open for Globe Soccer Awards 2025, with Dubai hosting the ceremony on December 28. PSG dominates the shortlist across several categories, while legends join the jury to pick the winners. The awards feature around 15 categories, including public-vote categories, and the process unfolds in two rounds. The event also highlights fierce markets between clubs from Europe and the Middle East, and a notable Saudi-Barcelona-Arab rivalry adds spice to the mix.

Belgium beat France 2-0 in Davis Cup quarterfinal in Bologna
Davis Cup

Belgium Stuns France to Reach the Davis Cup Semifinals in Bologna

Belgium reached the Davis Cup semifinals in Bologna after a 2-0 win over France, powered by Colynion and Bergs. Colynion defeated Moutet (2-6, 7-5, 7-5) and Bergs beat Rinderknech (6-3, 7-6) to seal the tie. The result extends a 121-year France-Belgium rivalry in this competition and marks their first quarterfinal win since 2019. The event also features notable injuries and upcoming semis involving Italy or Austria, with Spain in the mix.

Morocco vs Uganda AFCON Tangier press conference Regragui
AFCON

Morocco's CAN Promise: Regragui Stakes Morocco's Byte-Size Trophy on Home Soil

Morocco cruised to a 4-0 friendly victory over Uganda in Tangier, marking their 18th consecutive win. Head coach Walid Regragui spoke with renewed optimism, insisting the CAN trophy will stay in Morocco as the team eyes AFCON 2025. He highlighted Morocco's global rise, expressed pride in the squad's depth, and defended Diaz while praising returning captain Saïss. The match energized fans and underscored the pivotal role of backing from the stands as the tournament approaches.