Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a superb individual effort before an Alfonso Herrero own goal and a Kylian Mbappe strike gave Madrid a three-goal advantage inside the opening half-hour. Substitute Arda Guler completed the scoring in stoppage time.

The victory gave Jose Mourinho three consecutive league wins since beginning his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, following earlier victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad.

Madrid controlled possession from the opening minutes and nearly found an immediate breakthrough when Vinicius Junior picked out Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose half-volley narrowly missed the target.

Malaga remained organised through the opening stages, but their resistance was broken in spectacular fashion after 19 minutes.

Bellingham collected possession around 25 yards from goal, held off Angel Recio and drove into the penalty area before beating Rafita and firing across goal into the bottom corner.

VAR checked Malaga's complaints over an incident involving Recio in the build-up but allowed the goal to stand.

The England midfielder was at the heart of Madrid's attacking play throughout the first half.

Seven minutes after the opener, Los Blancos doubled their advantage following another dangerous attack.

Brahim Diaz carried the ball forward before finding Mbappe inside the area. The France international's effort was parried by Herrero, before Bellingham headed the rebound goalwards.

Carlos Puga attempted to clear but the ball struck Herrero and crossed the line, resulting in an own goal for the Malaga goalkeeper.

Alexander-Arnold received possession on the right and delivered an excellent first-time cross into the penalty area, where Mbappe arrived to sweep the ball beyond Herrero.

The goal made it 3-0 after only 30 minutes and effectively placed the contest beyond Malaga.

Malaga produced their best first-half opportunity in the 42nd minute when a short corner found Rafa Rodriguez unmarked inside the area, but his effort struck the base of the post.

Madrid nevertheless entered half-time three goals ahead, with Malaga yet to register a shot on target.

Mbappe forced another save from Herrero before Bellingham came close to scoring his second when he drove into the penalty area and smashed a left-footed effort against the outside of the post.

Alexander-Arnold also tested Herrero, while Madrid repeatedly threatened through their quick combinations involving Vinicius, Mbappe and Bellingham.

Malaga were briefly awarded a penalty in the 85th minute after the ball appeared to strike Yan Diomande's arm following a free-kick.

Referee Juan Martinez was advised to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor and quickly reversed his original decision, leaving Madrid's clean sheet intact.

Bellingham departed to a standing ovation in the 87th minute after another influential performance, with Guler replacing him for the closing stages.

Madrid launched another rapid counter-attack in the first minute of stoppage time after Dean Huijsen won possession.

Vinicius carried the ball towards the byline before cutting it back for Guler, who swept home from close range to complete the 4-0 victory.

The result also represented Madrid's second successive four-goal performance after their 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad five days earlier.

Bellingham was again one of Mourinho's outstanding performers, while Mbappe continued his prolific start after scoring a hat-trick against Sociedad in the previous round.

Madrid finish the weekend with three victories from their opening three LaLiga matches and sit at the top of the early standings, although Barcelona have an opportunity to move above them when they face Rayo Vallecano.

For Malaga, the defeat leaves them still searching for their first league victory since earning promotion, having opened the season with a defeat to Atletico Madrid and a draw against Deportivo La Coruna.

Leif Davis gave Ipswich a deserved first-half lead before Fernandes restored parity shortly before the interval. Jacob Greaves’ own goal then completed United’s comeback after the break, with Fernandes adding two more and Bryan Mbeumo scoring the fifth before Chuba Akpom grabbed a late consolation.

The result was an important response from Michael Carrick’s side after they had opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City.

Carrick made four changes for his first home league match of the season, bringing Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford into the starting side.

Rashford’s inclusion was particularly notable, marking his first Premier League start at Old Trafford since December 2024.

United began with plenty of possession, but Ipswich gradually exposed spaces in the hosts’ defence and produced the more dangerous opportunities as the first half developed.

The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute through an excellent move involving Abdul Fatawu and Davis.

Fatawu beat Luke Shaw down the right before reaching the byline and lifting a precise delivery towards the penalty spot. Davis timed his arrival perfectly and met it first time, sending his left-footed finish off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

Ipswich almost doubled their advantage only two minutes later.

Fatawu again delivered for Davis at the back post, but this time United goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced an important save to prevent the visitors from taking control of the match.

That missed opportunity proved costly.

United finally found their response five minutes before half-time after Marcelino Nunez lost his footing in midfield.

Matheus Cunha drove into the available space before releasing Fernandes, who moved towards the right side of the penalty area and smashed a powerful finish past Kjell Scherpen from a difficult angle to make it 1-1.

The goal sent the teams into the interval level despite Ipswich having created enough opportunities to cause United significantly more damage.

Carrick’s team returned for the second half with greater intensity.

Mbeumo somehow failed to put United ahead in the 53rd minute when Rashford’s delivery found him unmarked, only for his improvised effort to strike the underside of the crossbar and stay out.

Three minutes later, however, United completed the turnaround.

Harry Maguire moved forward after winning possession and attempted a low shot from outside the area. The effort was heading away from goal before taking a substantial deflection off Greaves and beating Scherpen for an own goal.

A VAR review followed after Ipswich appealed for a possible Maguire handball during the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.

Greaves’ difficult spell became worse almost immediately.

Mainoo carried the ball through midfield before releasing Cunha, and the Ipswich defender mistimed his challenge inside the penalty area.

Fernandes stepped up from the spot in the 61st minute and calmly sent Scherpen the wrong way to give United a 3-1 advantage.

The United captain was not finished.

Seven minutes later he completed his hat-trick.

Mainoo’s initial effort was blocked before Mbeumo also saw a shot stopped inside a crowded penalty area. The loose ball fell perfectly for Fernandes, who controlled it before sweeping a composed finish into the opposite corner.

His three goals arrived between the 40th and 68th minutes, completing a 28-minute hat-trick that transformed a difficult afternoon into a commanding United performance.

It was Fernandes’ second Premier League hat-trick, with both coming in Manchester United’s first home league match of a season. His previous one came against Leeds United in 2021/22.

Rashford was denied by Scherpen before eventually making way in the 80th minute, ending his first Premier League start in 21 months without a goal.

Mbeumo then added United’s fifth in the 82nd minute, fernandes turned provider with an excellent pass over the Ipswich defence, allowing Mbeumo to race through as Scherpen came off his line.

The Cameroon international delicately lifted the bouncing ball over the goalkeeper, with his effort striking the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.

The assist completed an outstanding afternoon for Fernandes, who finished with three goals and one assist.

Ipswich managed one final response in stoppage time after Martinez was caught in possession close to his own corner flag.

Julio Enciso stole the ball before unselfishly finding substitute Akpom inside the area, and the forward converted from close range to make the final score 5-2.

The late concession provided United with a reminder that defensive issues remain, but it did little to diminish an emphatic attacking performance.

The victory gives Carrick’s team their first three points of the new Premier League season after the disappointment of their opening-day defeat.

United will next face Everton on September 6, while Ipswich must recover quickly ahead of a difficult meeting with Liverpool on Friday.

Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer scored for Chelsea, while Malick Junior Yalcouye, a Joao Pedro own goal and Pascal Gross accounted for Brighton's three goals.

Chelsea required only four minutes to take the lead.

A mix-up between Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and Mats Wieffer left the ball loose inside the area after Joao Pedro had flicked on a corner. Lavia reacted quickest and poked home from close range for his first Chelsea goal.

The hosts doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later.

Morgan Rogers escaped his markers before driving a low delivery across the six-yard area, where Neto arrived to turn the ball beyond Verbruggen and make it 2-0.

It continued Rogers' productive start following his goal against Fulham in Chelsea's opening league match.

Chelsea's direct attacking approach continued to punish a Brighton side that enjoyed significantly more possession.

Joao Pedro should have scored midway through the half after Neto created an excellent opening, but the former Brighton striker made amends in the 32nd minute.

Jorrel Hato accelerated away during a quick Chelsea counter-attack before finding Joao Pedro, who controlled the pass and finished confidently past Verbruggen for the third goal.

Brighton refused to allow the contest to get away from them.

Three minutes later, Yalcouye scored on his first Premier League start. Emiliano Martinez initially rushed from his goal to deny Charalampos Kostoulas, but the rebound fell kindly for Yalcouye, who fired in off the post to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Brighton continued pushing after the restart and gave Chelsea another warning when Diego Gomez headed wide from a dangerous position.

The visitors eventually made it 3-2 in the 63rd minute.

Gross remained onside after a corner had initially been cleared and sent another ball into the area. Joao Pedro attempted to block the cross but instead diverted it beyond Martinez and into his own net.

Brighton's momentum suddenly left Chelsea under significant pressure, forcing Alonso into a series of substitutions.

Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong were introduced as the Blues attempted to regain control.

Chelsea then found the crucial fourth goal in the 74th minute through Palmer.

Joao Pedro supplied the pass and Palmer produced a superb individual effort, gliding away from Brighton's defenders before driving a powerful left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

The goal restored Chelsea's two-goal cushion and ultimately proved to be the winner.

There was concern for the hosts later when Caicedo, who had only been introduced shortly beforehand, went down and was unable to continue. The midfielder appeared emotional as he left the pitch and was replaced by Valentin Barco.

Brighton nevertheless continued attacking until the final moments and found another goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Chelsea failed to properly clear a set-piece and Gross produced an excellent header from inside the area to beat Martinez and make it 4-3.

There was no time for another Brighton comeback, however, and Chelsea held on to claim all three points.

The result gives Chelsea two wins from their opening two Premier League matches under Alonso after their 3-2 victory over Fulham.

It also means the Spaniard's Chelsea have scored seven goals across his first two league games in charge.

Brighton, meanwhile, became the first team in 50 years to score at least three goals in four consecutive league matches against Chelsea, but their attacking efforts were not enough to earn a point.

Chelsea now face a significantly tougher examination when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to meet reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

Brighton will attempt to recover when they host Leeds United at the Amex Stadium.

Forest twice took the lead through Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White, but Liverpool responded through Alexander Isak and Munoz to avoid defeat.

The visitors arrived at Anfield searching for a third successive victory at the stadium and caused Liverpool problems throughout an uncomfortable first half for the hosts.

Jeremy Jacquet produced an important last-ditch challenge to stop Igor Jesus before Ndoye headed another opportunity narrowly wide.

Forest’s pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 24th minute.

A long ball exposed Liverpool’s defence and allowed Jesus to threaten the home goal. Although the striker was eventually stopped, the loose ball reached Gibbs-White, who supplied Ndoye to finish into the far corner.

Liverpool struggled to establish control, with Iraola later admitting his team’s first-half display was below the required level.

“It’s quite clear the first half has been poor, we haven’t controlled the game,” Iraola said. “We improved a lot in the second half, much more intense, much quicker on the ball but not enough to win the game.”

Florian Wirtz thought he had brought Liverpool level before half-time, but the goal was ruled out after Jeremie Frimpong was judged offside during the build-up.

Forest could have doubled their advantage before the interval when Ndoye threatened again, only for Alisson to produce a crucial save.

Liverpool returned after the break with greater intensity and found their equaliser on the hour mark.

Cody Gakpo delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, leaving Isak with a straightforward finish to make it 1-1.

The goal appeared to shift momentum towards Liverpool, but Forest quickly punished another defensive lapse.

New signing Liam Delap caught the hosts off guard with a quickly taken throw-in that released Neco Williams. Alisson rushed from his goal and brought down the former Liverpool defender, giving Forest a penalty.

Gibbs-White remained composed from the spot and sent Alisson the wrong way to restore Forest’s lead.

Liverpool responded by making attacking changes as Iraola searched for another way back into the match.

Munoz remained on the field as Gakpo was withdrawn, and the decision proved decisive.

Wirtz produced an incisive through ball to release the Spanish midfielder, who drove his shot in off the crossbar to score his first Liverpool goal since arriving from Osasuna and make it 2-2.

The equaliser ensured Iraola avoided defeat on his Anfield debut and marked the second time in his opening two matches that Munoz had helped Liverpool salvage a late result.

Forest manager Oliver Glasner was pleased with his team’s performance but disappointed that they failed to convert it into three points.

“There are two emotions I think,” Glasner said. “Very proud of the performance and how we played, scoring two goals, but we all feel frustrated about the result because we have the feeling it could and should have been a win.”

The draw nevertheless leaves questions over Liverpool’s defensive stability.

Despite significant investment in the squad, Iraola’s side again looked vulnerable when Forest attacked quickly, with Milos Kerkez and Frimpong both substituted during the contest.

Wirtz showed moments of quality and eventually created the equaliser, while Isak got on the scoresheet, but Liverpool were again forced to recover from behind rather than control the match.

Iraola took over following the departure of Arne Slot, who had guided Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in 2024/25 before being dismissed after a fifth-place finish the following season.

Liverpool could soon add another attacking option, with French winger Bradley Barcola reportedly nearing a £106 million move from Paris Saint-Germain that could rise by a further £17 million.

His potential arrival could also affect Cody Gakpo’s future, with Tottenham and Manchester City reportedly interested in the Netherlands international.

Liverpool will next travel to Ipswich on Friday as Iraola searches for his first league victory in charge.

FKF confirmed the opening date in communication sent to participating clubs through its Leagues and Competitions Department, together with the revised Round One schedule.

The federation instructed clubs to begin preparations for the opening fixtures and said any subsequent adjustments to the programme would be communicated in sufficient time.

The confirmation follows a court decision in Murang’a clearing FKF to proceed with the league under the federation’s 2019 Rules and Regulations.

Newly promoted 3K FC will have the honour of opening the campaign when they host Mara Sugar at Moi Stadium in Embu at 3pm on Monday.

It will be a historic occasion for 3K FC as they make their first appearance in Kenya’s top division.

The other Monday fixture will see Mathare United welcome APS Bomet to Police Sacco Stadium, also at 3pm.

Action will continue on Tuesday, September 1, with three fixtures, including the start of defending champions Gor Mahia’s title defence.

Gor Mahia will face Murang’a Seal at Nyayo National Stadium from 4pm as they begin another campaign carrying the expectations that come with being champions.

Earlier in the day, Ulinzi Stars will host Tusker at the Ulinzi Sports Complex at 3pm in one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.

Tusker head into the season looking to challenge at the top end of the table, while Ulinzi will be hoping to make home advantage count in their first competitive league assignment.

Another newly promoted side, Migori Youth, will make their Premier League debut against Kenya Police at Green Stadium in Awendo at 3pm.

The fixture provides an immediate test for Migori Youth, who will be facing the 2024/25 champions in their first top-flight outing.

Three more matches are scheduled for Wednesday, September 2.

Nairobi United will face KCB at Police Sacco Stadium at 3pm, while Posta Rangers meet Shabana at Wang’uru Stadium at the same time.

AFC Leopards will then complete the scheduled opening round when they host Bandari at Ulinzi Sports Complex from 4pm.

The opening programme therefore spreads eight fixtures across three days as clubs begin what is expected to be another competitive battle at both ends of the FKF Premier League table.

Attention will be particularly focused on the promoted clubs.

Both 3K FC and Migori Youth have confirmed opening-round assignments, while uncertainty remains over Mombasa United because of ongoing court proceedings concerning their status.

The new campaign will also place immediate attention on several of Kenya’s traditional heavyweights.

Gor Mahia begin the season as defending champions, Tusker face an early challenge away to Ulinzi Stars, while AFC Leopards start their campaign against Bandari.

With the league start now confirmed, clubs can finally turn their attention fully towards competition after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the 2026/27 season.

Round One fixtures:

• Monday, August 31: 3K FC vs Mara Sugar — Moi Stadium, Embu, 3pm; Mathare United vs APS Bomet — Police Sacco Stadium, 3pm.
• Tuesday, September 1: Ulinzi Stars vs Tusker — Ulinzi Sports Complex, 3pm; Migori Youth vs Kenya Police — Green Stadium, Awendo, 3pm; Gor Mahia vs Murang’a Seal — Nyayo National Stadium, 4pm.
• Wednesday, September 2: Nairobi United vs KCB — Police Sacco Stadium, 3pm; Posta Rangers vs Shabana — Wang’uru Stadium, 3pm; AFC Leopards vs Bandari — Ulinzi Sports Complex, 4pm.

The development provides a pathway for the new campaign to begin after weeks of uncertainty surrounding a legal dispute over which regulations should govern promotion, relegation and the composition of the country’s top-flight league.

However, the decision could have significant consequences for the promotion and relegation arrangements involving Kariobangi Sharks and National Super League side Mombasa United.

Under the 2019 regulations, the bottom two clubs in the Premier League are automatically relegated, while the top two teams in the National Super League earn automatic promotion.

The team finishing 16th in the top flight is then required to contest a promotion-relegation playoff against the third-placed team from the NSL for the remaining Premier League place. The playoff provision is contained in the 2019 framework that had governed Kenyan football before FKF introduced revised regulations.

That arrangement differs significantly from the disputed 2025 regulations, which provided for the bottom three Premier League teams to be relegated automatically and the top three NSL clubs to gain direct promotion, eliminating the playoff.

The difference became particularly important at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Kariobangi Sharks finished 16th in the Premier League, with Bidco United and Sofapaka occupying the final two positions. Migori Youth and 3K FC secured the leading National Super League promotion places, while Mombasa United finished third.

Under the 2019 framework, Bidco United and Sofapaka would be relegated automatically, Migori Youth and 3K promoted automatically, while Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United would contest the final top-flight place.

Under the 2025 system adopted by FKF, all three Premier League clubs were considered relegated, allowing the top three NSL sides, including Mombasa United, to move directly into the top division.

That disagreement triggered a lengthy legal battle.

Earlier in June, the High Court issued conservatory orders preventing FKF from implementing the revised 2025 regulations in relation to the 2026/27 season. The court specifically restrained the federation from using those rules for promotion and relegation decisions, league composition, player registration and fixture planning while the dispute remained before the court.

There was another twist in August when the Sports Disputes Tribunal upheld FKF’s 2025 promotion and relegation regulations, finding that the changes had been properly ratified by the federation’s National Executive Committee.

That decision strengthened Mombasa United’s claim to automatic promotion, but it did not bring the wider dispute to an end because the separate High Court proceedings in Murang’a remained unresolved.

The latest High Court development therefore shifts attention back towards the 2019 regulations as FKF prepares to get the new season underway.

One of the biggest questions is whether the ruling will now require the return of the promotion-relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United, or whether further directions will be required before the final 18-team composition is confirmed.

FKF had previously maintained that no playoff would be staged, arguing that the three-up, three-down system had been communicated to clubs before the start of the previous campaign.

Kariobangi Sharks, however, argued that the 2019 rules remained applicable and pointed specifically to the provision requiring the third-lowest Premier League club to enter a playoff against an NSL opponent.

The dispute has therefore gone beyond the fate of individual clubs and raised wider questions over how football regulations are approved, communicated and implemented by the federation.

The 2019 rulebook states that FKF competitions and affiliated clubs are bound by the federation’s rules and gives the National Executive Committee responsibility for setting competition dates. It also provides for a closed-season interval of at least 60 days between the final match of one season and the beginning of the next.

For clubs and supporters, the immediate significance of the latest development is that the legal uncertainty is no longer expected to completely prevent the 2026/27 league season from proceeding.

Attention will now turn to FKF for confirmation of the league composition, fixtures and, crucially, whether Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United will be ordered to settle the final Premier League place through a promotion-relegation playoff.

The draw produced major storylines throughout the entire field, from clashes between European giants to historic opportunities for newcomers such as Sabah, Viking, AEK Athens and LASK. The original draw coverage confirmed that all clubs learned their league-phase opponents on Thursday, August 27.

The competition will again use the 36-team league format. Each club faces eight different opponents — two from each of the four seeding pots — with four matches at home and four away.

The top pot features Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, ensuring a series of heavyweight contests before the knockout stages even begin.

Real Madrid have been paired with Inter Milan and Arsenal among their leading fixtures, while Arsenal must also face Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund during a demanding campaign. Liverpool have Atletico Madrid and Inter among their opponents, while defending champions PSG meet Barcelona, Manchester City and Roma.

Barcelona's schedule brings another collection of major European nights. The Catalans face Manchester City, PSG, Aston Villa and Sporting, while their remaining opponents include Feyenoord, Galatasaray, Como and Sabah.

Atletico Madrid will come up against Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United, with PSV, Fenerbahce, Bodo/Glimt, Viking and Stuttgart completing their opposition.

Bayern have also been handed meetings with Arsenal, Atletico, Real Betis and Manchester United, alongside Bodo/Glimt, Lille, Slavia Prague and Viking.

Inter's route includes Liverpool, Real Madrid, Club Brugge and Borussia Dortmund before meetings with Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, Stuttgart and Slovan Bratislava.

Manchester City face PSG at home and Barcelona away, while Sporting, Porto, Napoli, RB Leipzig, AEK Athens and Lens complete their eight opponents. The Barcelona encounter also sets up City's reunion with Rodri, while the Napoli fixture brings Kevin De Bruyne up against his former club.

Pot Two is made up of Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Sporting, Aston Villa, Porto, Manchester United, Club Brugge, Real Betis and PSV.

Dortmund's schedule includes Inter, Arsenal, Real Betis and Aston Villa, along with Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, AEK Athens and Sabah.

Roma have been handed Real Madrid, PSG, Sporting and Manchester United among their opposition, with Lille, Fenerbahce, Slovan Bratislava and AEK completing their programme.

Sporting will face Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Roma before further meetings with Galatasaray, Shakhtar, LASK and Lens.

Aston Villa face an imposing route featuring PSG, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. Club Brugge, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Viking and Slavia Prague make up the remainder of Villa's draw.

Porto will welcome Manchester City and also meet Liverpool, PSV, Real Betis, Napoli, Feyenoord, Slavia Prague and LASK.

Manchester United have Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Sporting, RB Leipzig, Villarreal, Sabah and Como, giving them fixtures across Germany, Spain, Portugal, Azerbaijan and Italy.

Club Brugge's opposition includes Liverpool, Inter, Aston Villa, PSV, Bodo/Glimt, Napoli, Lens and Stuttgart, while Real Betis face Arsenal, Bayern, Porto, Dortmund, Feyenoord, Lille, Como and Slovan Bratislava.

PSV will meet Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Club Brugge and Porto as well as Shakhtar, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Viking.

Pot Three also contains considerable European pedigree, with Feyenoord, Lille, Bodo/Glimt, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Shakhtar Donetsk and Galatasaray forming the section.

Napoli's schedule includes Arsenal at home and Manchester City away, followed by Club Brugge, Porto, Bodo/Glimt, Villarreal, Viking and Sabah.

Feyenoord will face Inter and Barcelona before matches against Porto, Real Betis, Leipzig, Galatasaray, Como and Viking.

Lille have Bayern, Arsenal, Real Betis, Roma, Galatasaray, Bodo/Glimt, Slovan Bratislava and Stuttgart.

Bodo/Glimt's draw provides opportunities against Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, with Club Brugge, Lille, Napoli, LASK and Lens also on their schedule.

RB Leipzig will face Manchester City and Real Madrid as well as PSV, Manchester United, Shakhtar, Feyenoord, Lens and Como.

Villarreal have been given fixtures against PSG, Liverpool, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund before meetings with Napoli, Fenerbahce, Sabah and Slavia Prague.

Fenerbahce's return to the league phase brings encounters with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Aston Villa, Villarreal, Shakhtar, Slavia Prague and LASK.

Shakhtar Donetsk will meet Real Madrid and Inter alongside Sporting, PSV, Fenerbahce, Leipzig, AEK Athens and Slovan Bratislava.

Galatasaray's draw includes Barcelona and PSG, with Aston Villa, Sporting, Feyenoord, Lille, Stuttgart and AEK Athens completing an attractive programme.

Pot Four introduces several clubs who will relish the chance to test themselves against Europe's established powers.

Slavia Prague face Arsenal and Bayern Munich together with Aston Villa, Porto, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Lens and Sabah.

Slovan Bratislava will meet Inter, PSG, Real Betis, Roma, Shakhtar, Lille, Stuttgart and LASK.

Stuttgart's opposition includes Atletico Madrid, Inter, Club Brugge, PSV, Lille, Galatasaray, Viking and Slovan Bratislava.

AEK Athens have perhaps one of the most eye-catching schedules among the Pot Four sides. They will host Real Madrid and also face Manchester City, Roma, Dortmund, Galatasaray, Shakhtar, LASK and Como.

LASK have Liverpool and Real Madrid among their assignments, along with Porto, Sporting, Fenerbahce, Bodo/Glimt, Slovan Bratislava and AEK Athens.

Como will welcome PSG and Manchester United during their debut campaign while also facing Barcelona, Real Betis, Leipzig, Feyenoord, AEK Athens and Lens.

Lens have been handed Manchester City and Liverpool alongside Sporting, Club Brugge, Bodo/Glimt, Leipzig, Como and Slavia Prague.

Norwegian side Viking will test themselves against Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, PSV and Aston Villa, with Feyenoord, Napoli, Sabah and Stuttgart also awaiting them.

Sabah, meanwhile, are preparing for a remarkable first Champions League league-phase campaign.

The Azerbaijani club will face Barcelona, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Napoli, as well as Villarreal, Slavia Prague and Viking.

That collection of opponents makes Sabah one of the most intriguing stories of the draw, with a relatively new club now preparing to share the Champions League stage with some of Europe's most decorated teams.

Across the competition, the draw has delivered major ties including PSG against Barcelona, Manchester City against PSG, Real Madrid against Arsenal, Liverpool against Atletico Madrid, Inter against Real Madrid, Bayern against Arsenal and Barcelona against Manchester City.

It has also created less familiar contests that underline the appeal of the league-phase format, with Como, Sabah, AEK Athens, LASK, Viking, Slovan Bratislava and Bodo/Glimt all receiving opportunities to host or visit major European clubs.

UEFA has confirmed that the league phase begins from September 8-10. Further matchdays will take place through October, November and December before the final two rounds in January 2027, with the complete dates and kick-off times due to be confirmed no later than August 29.

The top eight clubs in the final 36-team standings will qualify directly for the round of 16, while those finishing from ninth to 24th will have to negotiate the knockout play-offs.

With every club now knowing the challenge ahead, attention turns from the draw to a league phase featuring traditional European powers, ambitious challengers and newcomers all competing on the same table for passage into the knockout rounds.

The Portugal international claimed the prestigious award after producing one of the most productive creative seasons in Premier League history.

Fernandes registered 21 league assists, breaking the previous Premier League record jointly associated with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The 31-year-old also scored nine goals as Manchester United recovered from a difficult start to the campaign to finish third under Michael Carrick and secure a return to the Champions League.

His PFA recognition adds to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he received in May.

Fernandes said receiving an award voted for by fellow professionals made the achievement particularly meaningful.

"It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment," Fernandes said.

Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw was named the women's PFA Player of the Year for the second time after another prolific season.

Shaw scored 21 goals as City won their first Women's Super League title in a decade.

Her performances also earned her a third consecutive Golden Boot, further underlining her consistency in front of goal.

Manchester City enjoyed further recognition when Nico O'Reilly was named the men's Young Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old played a major role in City's successful campaign, including scoring twice in the League Cup final victory over Arsenal.

O'Reilly was also part of the squad that lifted the FA Cup and later represented England at the World Cup.

"I'm very proud of the season I had," O'Reilly said. "I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."

O'Reilly was also selected in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo.

Premier League champions Arsenal supplied five players to the XI, with goalkeeper David Raya joined by Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

Fernandes also earned a place in the team following his record-breaking campaign, while Brentford striker Igor Thiago completed the selection.

The award completes a memorable individual season for Fernandes, whose goals and creativity proved crucial as United climbed the table and returned to European football's top competition.

The federation has filed an urgent application before the Murang’a court asking for interim orders that would lift or set aside earlier restrictions preventing the commencement of the new Kenya Premier League campaign and other FKF competitions.

The legal dispute stems from a case filed by Evans Nduta challenging FKF’s application of the promotion and relegation regulations used for the 2025/26 season.

On June 12, the court issued interim orders restraining FKF from beginning the 2026/27 season and other competitions while the matter remains before the court.

FKF now argues that the continued operation of those orders is affecting its ability to organise, prepare and proceed with the new campaign.

In its Certificate of Urgency, the federation is asking the court to treat the matter as urgent and consider the application ex parte in the first instance, including during the ongoing court vacation.

FKF is also seeking costs relating to the application and the wider petition.

The uncertainty has extended beyond the federation and clubs, with league title sponsor SportPesa also expressing concern over the continued delay.

In a letter dated August 13, 2026, Milestone Games Limited, trading as SportPesa, raised concerns with FKF about the lack of clarity surrounding the return of league football.

At the time the letter was written, the competition was nine days away from its originally planned start date, but there was still no confirmed pathway for the new season to begin.

SportPesa said the uncertainty was affecting its business operations and reducing the commercial value it expected to receive from its position as title sponsor.

The company also raised concerns about the wider reputation of Kenyan football as the country prepares for significant football activity ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The latest FKF application has not yet been determined, meaning the immediate future of the league remains tied to the ongoing court process.

Before dealing with the substantive dispute affecting the season, the court is expected to address a contempt-of-court application involving FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Dennis Gicheru and Frank Ogola.

That process could further influence the timeline before the court considers the federation’s attempt to have the restrictions lifted.

The continued delay leaves clubs facing uncertainty over scheduling, player preparation, contracts, training programmes and other logistical arrangements ahead of the campaign.

Players and supporters are similarly waiting for clarity over when competitive domestic football will resume, while sponsors are seeking certainty over the commercial calendar.

FKF’s latest application is therefore aimed at securing a legal route that would allow preparations for the 2026/27 season to move forward.

However, until the court issues further directions or changes the existing orders, there remains no confirmed date for the start of the new Kenya Premier League season and other affected FKF competitions.

The pledge was made at Baba Dogo Sports Extravaganza that was held on Sunday August 23 at the former Baba Dogo Grounds in Nairobi.

The club has since been renamed the Austin Odhiambo Sports Complex, after Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo.

The uncertainty over the land shouldn't deprive the community of access to the playing field, Mohammed told residents.

“This field is not moving forward! Mohammed said that the pitch would continue to be available for the Baba Dogo community.

His involvement with football development in Baba Dogo goes back to around 20 years ago, when he was also involved in the early days of the Super 8, the FKF president said.

He advised people to stay united in safeguarding the site and to ensure it provides support to young footballers and the wider community.

Now focus will shift to the proposed work on the ground, with Mohammed saying practical plans should be in place to start work as soon as possible.

They are now putting in place measures to get construction underway as early as possible, he said.

In response to a property dispute the future of the ground has been a topic of much publicity.

In 2025, President William Ruto stepped in on the appeal by Austin Odhiambo to safeguard the facility for local residents.

Ruto then promised to improve the pitch and rename it after the Harambee midfielder.

The use of the Austin Odhiambo Sports Complex name by Mohammed in Sunday's event further reinforced the trend of the facility being recognised by its new name.

The ground needs to be developed not only to address the immediate land issues but to create opportunities for the young people of Baba Dogo in the long-term," the FKF president said.

He connected the planned development with the need for communities to invest in sporting infrastructure that can benefit the future generations.

Mohammed said the children in the Baba Dogo area should experience safe sporting facilities where they can develop their talent and engage in football activities organised by the Clubs.

He also urged the community to continue to work for the benefit of the area, as he himself had been doing so for many years.

“Don't get tired fighting for our community, I am your own son right here in Baba Dogo, I have journeyed this way with you.”

For years the Baba Dogo ground has been an important space for clubs, youth teams and residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods to play.

Its future has thus been a major concern for the local football fraternity especially in light of the fear of losing public sporting grounds in Nairobi and the question of ownership.

Mohammed's latest pledge now puts a spotlight on implementation, and residents are hoping for more progress in the construction and upgrade of the promised Austin Odhiambo Sports Complex.

Barcelona Rising Starlets maintained their brilliant form in the girls' category as they beat Nanyuki Starlets 1-0, to claim the county title for the fifth time in the fifth edition of the tournament.

The tight finish was the result of a competitive match-up where Barcelona pushed hard to hold on to their winning streak, but also had a few chances.

The feat was made more special because the team had a big turnover in the team after the age requirement changes for the tournament head coach Emman Wafula Gullit said.

This will be the fifth time we have been able to win the county title. Although it wasn’t easy, we managed to pull through despite missing several chances,” Gullit said.

He said that a lot of the players in the current squad had never played at that level before as a competitive player.

This is a new team, and most of the players have never been around in a tournament before, he said.

The alteration in the age limit for the Chapa Dimba team meant he had to quickly form a team that could maintain Barcelona Rising Starlets' winning streak in the competition, Gullit replied.

The coach admitted that a tougher test will be given in the Central Regional Finals, but said he was confident his players will be ready for it.

The Laikipia Youth Soccer Academy also held their county title in the boys' final after a tight match with Ilpolei Giants.

They failed to score a goal during the 45 minutes of regulation, and thus forced the game into the penalty box.

They would go up 6-5 in the shootout to take down the champions and advance to the next round of the tournament, which eventually became LYSA.

The two teams from Laikipia now have great numbers of teams who have secured places in the Central Regional Finals.

For the girls, Barcelona Rising Starlets will be accompanied by Thriving Queens from Kiambu, Kerugoya Sportiff from Kirinyaga, St. Joseph Starlets from Murang'a and Karatina Home Queens from Nyeri.

LYSA, MASFO, Kirinyaga Secondary School, CDM Emmanuel FC and Giakairu FC are the regional field representatives for the boys.

The Central Regional Finals will take place on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 at Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.

The two Laikipia county winners got prizes of Ksh 75,000 and the chance to compete in the regional grades.

There were also awards for individual performers in the county finals.

The Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards were each worth KSh 10,000.

The tournament was complemented with a further incentive of fully-funded tertiary education scholarships as part of Safaricom's Citizens of the Future initiative for the tournament's MVPs.

With the recent win, Barcelona Rising Starlets have continued their impressive county level run and with LYSA's successful title defence, Laikipia will be represented by familiar champions when the competition takes to the next level.

The visitors scored through Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer and Fulham responded in an exciting West London derby with Joshua King and Gonzalo Garcia.

It was a start to which Chelsea could not have aspired.

Palmer was quick off the mark after 31 seconds to break away and chipped Joao Pedro over the Fulham defence. Brazilian remained stoic and raised his style over Bernd Leno to give the hosts a head start of 1-0.

It was the first ever goal of a season in the first home game of a Premier League season.

Fulham rallied back and steadily started to cause issues for Chelsea's defence.

They got their revenge in the 23rd minute when King came back up the field and joined Timothy Castagne before smashing a potent shot along the byline towards the goal.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saved himself from being made futsal against by the effort but his defense was still level at 1-1.

The hosts went on the attack again but four minutes before the end of the first half, Chelsea found the equalizing net.

Palmer was positioned forward with Maxence Lacroix and the defender was able to move forward and boot the ball back to Rogers.

The summer signing dominated deliveries before opening the floodgates on his competitive bowlers debut for Chelsea.

The second half began brightly for Alonso and they soon built up their lead.

Joao Pedro retained the possession of the ball very well and set up Palmer for the left of the box.

The England midfielder went through Leno's legs from a tight angle to make it 3-1 after picking up the ball and beating the goalkeeper from a close range.

Fulham wouldn't give up.

A long ball exposed Chelsea's defence five minutes later, forcing Sanchez to another tricky save. The goalkeeper went to his own end, and Garcia had the quickest head to parry the ball into his own half and head home on his Premier League debut to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The goal shifted the momentum of the game and Fulham desperately knocked for an equaliser.

King was particularly dangerous in the 73rd minute when he was able to go wide, but Antonee Robinson had a big chance five minutes later when he broke through the Chelsea defence and failed to control his lob attempt on target.

That was met with a number of changes from Chelsea as Alonso struggled to make the save in the final moments, with Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda and Estevao all getting a look as part of the changes.

Palmer was denied a chance to impress in the 60th minute, before leaving the field in the 83rd minute in the midst of two of Chelsea's three goals, both of which he had been directly involved in.

Chelsea had the opportunity to score their fourth in the 90th minute after Joao Pedro's shot on target was saved, but the goal was disallowed because of Quenda's offside position in the build-up.

Fulham pressed on to the very end but Chelsea defended their cause to keep all three points.

Rogers had a great competitive debut after his £117m switch and Lacroix had an assist too for the second goal at Chelsea.

Alonso's win was a welcome win after a miserable end to the previous season after he was handed the keys to the Chelsea machine.

Meanwhile, Fulham's attacking talent was evident in Alvaro Arbeloa's debut and ended up getting away with it when it mattered most, except that it was not enough against the efficient Chelsea.

The visitors made the breakthrough in the 14th minute following a corner.

Flavio Nazinho delivered an inviting cross into the six-yard area, where Dier attacked the ball and powered a header beyond the Le Havre goalkeeper to put Monaco ahead.

Monaco continued threatening shortly afterwards, with Paris Brunner and Aleksandr Golovin both testing Lionel Mpasi as the visitors searched for a second goal.

Le Havre responded and believed they had found an equaliser in the 26th minute.

Amir Richardson put the ball into the net, but the goal was eventually overturned following a VAR review after the attacker was judged to have been offside.

That decision allowed Monaco to take their one-goal advantage into the interval.

Le Havre increased their attacking pressure after the restart and forced Monaco to spend longer periods defending around their own penalty area.

Richardson tested Lukas Hradecky with an effort from outside the box in the 59th minute, but the Monaco goalkeeper got down to make the save.

Monaco also continued looking for opportunities to extend their advantage.

Golovin forced Mpasi into another save from outside the penalty area in the 73rd minute as the visitors attempted to put the contest beyond their hosts.

Le Havre refused to surrender and continued pushing forward during the closing stages.

Enzo Koffi forced Hradecky into a save in the 84th minute after being supplied by Josh Maja, while the hosts continued winning corners and putting Monaco’s defence under pressure.

Despite that late push, Monaco protected their slender advantage.

Kaito Mizuta had one of Le Havre’s final opportunities in stoppage time but sent his effort from outside the area narrowly over the target. The final whistle confirmed Monaco’s 1-0 victory.

Dier’s early goal ultimately separated the teams, while Monaco’s defensive organisation and Hradecky’s saves ensured they left Normandy with a clean sheet and all three points.

For Le Havre, the disallowed Richardson goal represented the biggest frustration of an afternoon in which they created enough pressure to threaten an equaliser but could not find a legal way past Monaco.

Alphadjo Cisse and Adrien Rabiot scored within two minutes of each other in the second half before Che Adams pulled one back for Torino deep into stoppage time.

Milan controlled much of the opening period but struggled to convert possession into clear chances.

Samuel Chukwueze and Cisse were lively in wide areas, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek came close after one flowing move but failed to make clean contact from close range.

The visitors went into the break with 75 percent possession and an expected-goals figure of 0.65, compared to Torino’s 0.04, but neither side had managed to find the net.

Amorim changed the game shortly before the hour mark by introducing Luka Modric and Rabiot.

The substitutions had an immediate impact.

Milan finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Yunus Musah helped move the ball forward before Rabiot delivered across the penalty area for Cisse.

The youngster guided an excellent half-volley beyond Diego Mascardi to score on his Serie A debut and give Milan a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Just two minutes later, Rabiot went from provider to scorer.

Modric moved the ball across the edge of the penalty area before Chukwueze delivered towards the far post, where Rabiot arrived to finish from close range and double Milan’s lead.

The quickfire goals completely changed the complexion of the match after Torino had spent much of the opening hour defending deep and limiting Milan’s opportunities.

Torino responded by making attacking changes, with Che Adams, Alieu Njie and Zakaria Aboukhlal among those introduced.

The hosts improved considerably late in the contest.

Njie forced Mike Maignan into an important save in the 74th minute after using his pace to break into the penalty area.

Aboukhlal then missed a huge opportunity in the 84th minute when Njie’s cross found him free at the far post, only for the substitute to send his effort wide from close range.

Torino eventually found their goal in the 93rd minute.

Gvidas Gineitis delivered a free-kick from the left and Adams produced a spectacular over-the-shoulder volley that curled into the top corner beyond Maignan.

The late strike created a tense finish, but Milan survived the remaining moments to secure all three points.

Rabiot proved decisive after entering from the bench, providing the assist for Cisse’s opener before scoring himself two minutes later.

The result also saw Amorim become the first foreign coach since Leonardo in 2009 to win his opening Serie A match in charge of Milan.

Cisse also enjoyed a memorable evening by scoring on his Serie A debut, while Chukwueze marked his return from a loan spell at Fulham with an assist.

Milan will next host Venezia as they look to make it two wins from two, while Torino travel to Sassuolo.

Gleison Bremer scored the decisive goal in the first half, heading home a Francisco Conceicao delivery as Luciano Spalletti’s side controlled much of the contest without managing to turn their superiority into a more comfortable scoreline.

Juventus made the stronger start and immediately pushed Frosinone deep into their own half.

Randal Kolo Muani had the first effort of the match before wasting a much better opportunity in the 20th minute. Bremer flicked on a corner towards the French striker, who was left unmarked inside the six-yard box but sent his effort over the crossbar.

The visitors did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough.

In the 22nd minute, Conceicao worked a short corner before curling an inviting delivery into the area. Bremer attacked the ball aggressively and powered his header into the net to put Juventus 1-0 ahead.

Juventus continued to threaten after taking the lead.

Pierre Kalulu came close to doubling the advantage shortly before half-time when his shot struck the post after taking a touch from goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani. Kenan Yildiz collected the rebound but was denied by another save.

Frosinone also enjoyed a rare opening when Gabriele Bracaglia forced Guglielmo Vicario into action before Giorgi Kvernadze hit the side netting.

The hosts improved after the restart and began committing more players forward, although Juventus remained the more dangerous side.

Conceicao continued to cause problems on the right and missed a good opportunity in the 52nd minute after Kolo Muani and Zeki Celik combined to create space for him inside the area.

Spalletti turned to his bench during the second half, introducing Andrea Cambiaso, Edon Zhegrova and Jeremie Boga before Teun Koopmeiners was also brought on.

Kolo Muani had another opportunity to put the contest beyond Frosinone in the 81st minute when Zhegrova drove a low ball across the six-yard box, but the striker was unable to stretch far enough to make contact.

That miss ensured the contest remained tense into stoppage time.

Frosinone came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the 93rd minute when Gabriele Calvani met Giacomo Calo’s corner with a header that crashed against the crossbar.

Juventus survived the late scare and managed the remaining moments professionally to protect their slender advantage.

The Bianconeri finished the match with an expected-goals total of 1.99 compared to Frosinone’s 0.45, highlighting their overall superiority despite an unconvincing attacking display.

The victory provides an important opening result for Spalletti after a summer of significant squad changes.

New goalkeeper Vicario and Celik were handed starts, while Kolo Muani returned to the club permanently following his previous loan spell.

Frosinone, meanwhile, were left without a point on their return to Serie A after earning promotion by finishing second in Serie B.

Juventus will next host Parma, while Frosinone travel to face Fiorentina.

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both scored twice, while summer signing Karim Adeyemi marked his competitive Barcelona debut with a goal as Hansi Flick’s side produced a ruthless attacking display.

The defending champions took the lead in the 14th minute after Raphinha was brought down inside the penalty area.

The Brazilian, wearing the captain’s armband, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty into the bottom-left corner to give Barcelona an early advantage.

Elche enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to respond, but struggled to create clear opportunities against the Barcelona defence.

The hosts were punished again in first-half stoppage time.

Lamine Yamal helped start a rapid counter-attack before Raphinha collected possession and released Adeyemi, who finished confidently to score his first goal in Barcelona colours and make it 2-0.

Barcelona therefore entered half-time with a comfortable two-goal advantage despite Elche having enjoyed more possession during the opening period.

Flick was forced into an earlier change when Gavi suffered an injury shortly before the interval and was replaced by Pedri.

The introduction of Pedri helped Barcelona gain greater control in midfield after the restart.

Elche came close to reducing the deficit in the 52nd minute when Tete Morente struck the post, but Barcelona soon took complete control.

Anthony Gordon was introduced for Yamal in the 65th minute and made an immediate impact on his competitive debut.

Just two minutes after entering the match, Gordon was released into space and found Raphinha, who swept his finish beyond Matias Dituro for Barcelona’s third goal.

Gordon then produced his second assist four minutes later.

Dani Olmo played the England winger through on goal and, rather than shoot, Gordon unselfishly squared the ball for Fermin to finish into an empty net and make it 4-0.

Fermin completed the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 79th minute.

After receiving Xavi Espart’s pass on the edge of the area, the midfielder turned brilliantly away from Federico Redondo before firing across the goalkeeper to score his second of the night.

Barcelona comfortably managed the closing stages and secured a clean sheet to complete an impressive opening performance.

Raphinha was central to the victory, contributing two goals and an assist, while Fermin’s second-half brace highlighted Barcelona’s depth in attacking areas.

Adeyemi’s debut goal and Gordon’s two assists also provided an encouraging first competitive appearance for two of Barcelona’s new summer arrivals.

The result gives Flick’s side a commanding start to their bid for a LaLiga three-peat.

Barcelona will next host Athletic Club, while Elche will look to respond when they travel to Racing Santander.

Sebastian Szymanski and Esteban Lepaul put Rennes in control during an impressive first half before substitute Ferran Torres scored twice to earn the defending champions a point.

Rennes made a fast start and opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Adrien Thomasson helped launch a counter-attack before finding Szymanski outside the penalty area, and the Poland international unleashed a powerful left-footed effort that struck the inside of the post before finding the net.

PSG responded by dominating possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Rennes defensive structure.

Desire Doue thought he had equalised in the 21st minute after lifting the ball over Brice Samba, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The visitors continued to push forward, yet Rennes remained dangerous whenever they broke at pace.

That threat produced a second goal in the 38th minute.

Przemyslaw Frankowski delivered a low cross from the right and Lepaul finished confidently into the bottom corner to double the hosts' advantage.

The goal came shortly after Ousmane Dembele had missed an opportunity at the opposite end.

Luis Enrique reacted immediately at the interval by introducing Ferran Torres for Dembele and Mika Godts for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The changes gave PSG fresh energy, although Rennes continued to defend deep and frustrate the champions.

Fabian Ruiz was introduced on the hour mark, and his arrival eventually proved decisive.

PSG finally reduced the deficit in the 71st minute.

Ruiz lifted an excellent pass behind the Rennes defence, and Torres controlled the ball before calmly finishing through Samba's legs to make it 2-1.

The goal increased the pressure on Rennes as PSG pushed strongly for an equaliser.

Eleven minutes later, the same combination struck again.

Ruiz delivered from the left and Torres met the cross with a well-directed header into the bottom corner to complete PSG's comeback and level the match at 2-2.

Rennes almost responded immediately and came close to regaining the lead in the 86th minute when Ludovic Blas attacked a dangerous cross, only for Willian Pacho to make a crucial goal-line block.

PSG continued to press during the closing minutes but could not find a winner.

Torres proved the decisive figure for PSG, scoring twice after being introduced at half-time, while Ruiz provided both assists.

The result prevented Rennes from turning an outstanding first-half performance into an opening-day victory, while PSG avoided beginning their title defence with defeat.

The Parisians are chasing a sixth consecutive Ligue 1 title after winning their 14th French championship last season.

Rennes will next host newly promoted Le Mans, while PSG travel to face Lille.

Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a first-half lead before Marc Guehi equalised in the 84th minute and Josko Gvardiol completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

The result handed Enzo Maresca a winning start in his first Premier League match as Manchester City manager.

City made a fast start and controlled possession from the opening minutes, but Bournemouth absorbed the pressure and gradually grew into the contest.

Rico Lewis forced Djordje Petrovic into an early save, while Erling Haaland wasted a major opportunity in the 13th minute after Nico O’Reilly delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area.

Bournemouth punished those misses in the 26th minute.

A direct attack eventually released Evanilson down the right, and the Brazilian delivered across the area for Tavernier, who arrived at the back post and finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the visitors the lead.

The goal exposed some uncertainty in City’s defensive structure and gave Bournemouth confidence on the counter-attack.

Justin Kluivert had an opportunity to double the advantage shortly before half-time but Donnarumma made an important save, while Tavernier also went close with another effort from distance.

City continued to create chances, with Haaland seeing a header saved by Petrovic, but Bournemouth reached the interval 1-0 ahead.

Despite City having 68 percent possession in the first half, Bournemouth registered more shots on target and carried a slightly higher expected-goals figure into the break.

Maresca turned to his bench in the second half as City struggled to find a breakthrough.

Matheus Nunes replaced Lewis before Rayan Cherki was introduced for O’Reilly in the 63rd minute.

Cherki’s arrival changed the rhythm of the contest.

Antoine Semenyo forced Petrovic into a save before Haaland missed another chance as City increased the pressure.

Bournemouth remained dangerous and nearly scored a second in the 79th minute when substitute Daniel Jebbison met Tavernier’s cross with a powerful header, only for Donnarumma to produce a crucial save.

That save proved significant.

City finally equalised in the 84th minute when Cherki delivered an excellent ball into the area and Guehi rose unmarked to head past Petrovic.

The goal transformed the atmosphere at the Etihad and City immediately pushed for a winner.

Cherki was again at the centre of the decisive moment in stoppage time.

The French midfielder found Gvardiol inside the Bournemouth penalty area, and the Croatian defender controlled the ball before finishing with his right foot.

The assistant initially raised the offside flag, but VAR reviewed the incident and awarded the goal, completing City’s late turnaround.

Bournemouth had led until six minutes from the end of normal time, but two late defensive lapses ultimately denied them what would have been their first Premier League victory at the Etihad.

Cherki’s introduction proved decisive, with the midfielder providing assists for both City goals after coming on in the second half.

The victory also allowed Maresca to begin the post-Pep Guardiola era with three points following City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Manchester City will next travel to Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth return home to face Everton.

Newcastle twice took the lead through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, but Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai responded for Liverpool as the two sides shared the points.

The hosts made a dream start in Matthias Jaissle’s first Premier League match in charge.

Newcastle opened the scoring after only five minutes when Will Osula drove through midfield and released Elanga on the right side of the penalty area. The winger kept his composure and finished beyond Alisson into the bottom corner.

The goal ended a long league scoring drought for Elanga and gave Newcastle an early platform against a Liverpool side beginning a new era under Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool gradually grew into the match and started to control possession, but Newcastle remained disciplined defensively.

Florian Wirtz forced Lukas Hornicek into a sharp save in the 17th minute, while the visitors continued to push forward without creating enough clear chances.

Liverpool found their equaliser in the 55th minute.

Ryan Gravenberch advanced through midfield before finding Gakpo with a low pass. The Dutch forward turned towards goal and drilled a right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.

The scores were level for barely two minutes.

Jaissle introduced Willock from the bench in the 56th minute, and the midfielder made an immediate impact.

Yoane Wissa led a Newcastle counter-attack before feeding Willock, who curled an excellent finish beyond Alisson and in off the post to restore the hosts’ advantage in the 57th minute.

Liverpool responded by making attacking changes, with Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz among those introduced as Iraola searched for another equaliser.

The visitors increased the pressure in the final stages and finished the match with far more attempts than Newcastle, although many of their efforts lacked precision.

Newcastle also remained dangerous on the counter, with Wissa forcing Alisson into an important save late in the contest.

The hosts appeared to be closing in on a memorable opening-day victory as the match entered stoppage time.

Liverpool’s final opportunity arrived in the 96th minute when Munoz burst into the penalty area and went down following contact from Lewis Hall.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot, handing Liverpool one final chance to save the match.

Szoboszlai stepped up in the 99th minute and made no mistake, powering his penalty into the top-left corner beyond Hornicek to make it 2-2 with virtually the final kick of the game.

The goal denied Newcastle what would have been their first Premier League victory over Liverpool since 2015.

The draw also ensured Iraola extended his personal Premier League unbeaten run to 19 matches, while Jaissle had to settle for a point after coming within seconds of beginning his Newcastle reign with a victory.

The contest also featured Alexander Isak’s first return to St James’ Park since his £125 million move from Newcastle to Liverpool, although the Swedish striker endured a quiet afternoon against his former club.

Newcastle will next face West Bromwich Albion in the EFL Cup, while Liverpool return to Anfield for a Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

The disturbances broke out after Tusker secured a 3-1 victory over the reigning FKF Premier League champions to lift the season-opening trophy.

FKF said the incidents endangered supporters, players, journalists, match officials, security personnel and members of the public, insisting that violence and intimidation have no place in Kenyan football.

“There is no place for violence, destruction of property, intimidation or any conduct that puts the safety of players, journalists, officials, fans, security personnel and the public at risk,” the federation said in a statement.

FKF also expressed concern about the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures during the disturbances.

While acknowledging the responsibility of security agencies to maintain public order, the federation said such measures must be used with restraint, professionalism and in accordance with the law.

The federation has promised to work with the relevant authorities and football stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify those responsible.

Available footage from the match, reports from officials and accounts from other stakeholders are expected to form part of the investigation.

FKF warned that anyone found to have violated federation regulations or Kenyan law should face appropriate action regardless of whether they are supporters, club officials, stewards or members of the security personnel.

The disturbances overshadowed a strong performance from Tusker, who secured another domestic trophy after winning the FKF Cup last season.

Gor Mahia began positively and threatened early through Ben Stanley Omondi, whose attempt was kept out by Tusker goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga.

Tusker gradually settled into the contest before taking the lead in the 34th minute. Servyl Akouala’s low free-kick reached Francis Oduor near the edge of the area, and the midfielder connected with a half-volley to put the Brewers ahead.

The Brewers struck again shortly afterwards when Alvin Mang’eni broke down the left and supplied Eugene Ikutwa, who finished to give Tusker a two-goal cushion.

Gor were handed a route back into the contest before half-time when a long throw caused problems inside the Tusker penalty area and Ikutwa turned the ball into his own net.

Gor coach Charles Akonnor made attacking changes after the interval as his side attempted to draw level, but Tusker restored their two-goal advantage.

Yakeen Muteheli delivered into the area and Ian Simiyu produced a clever headed finish to make it 3-1, putting the Brewers firmly in control.

Gor continued to push forward but found Tusker’s defence difficult to break down as Julien Mette’s side protected their advantage through the closing stages.

The victory gave Tusker the FKF Super Cup and further momentum ahead of the new league campaign, while Gor were left to regroup before beginning the defence of their Premier League title.

However, the scenes after the final whistle shifted attention away from the football and back towards concerns over crowd management and safety at major domestic matches.

FKF has urged supporters, clubs, security agencies and other stakeholders to exercise discipline and ensure stadiums remain safe environments for everyone attending Kenyan football matches.

The federation reiterated that protecting the integrity of the game and holding those responsible for misconduct accountable will be central to its response to the Nyayo Stadium incidents.

Nathaniel Brown made his debut for Bayern and scored first before Michael Olise hit the post soon before half-time. Fabio Silva restored Dortmund's morale in the second half but Vincent Kompany's side had the better of them.

With the win, Bayern got another piece of silverware after their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double last season and their 12th German Supercup.

Bayern dominated the early game, and slowly started to build up the pressure on Dortmund.

On the right, Olise was an important figure and was a major factor in the breakthrough in the 28th minute.

The France international controlled Joshua Kimmich's long pass and kept it up before passing it to Brown in the area. The debutant hit the ball with a measured low shot and the ball was on the Bayern target.

Brown was almost on target second time when Luis Diaz fed him past the far post.

With Dortmund trailing, the lanky Bensebaini produced a beautiful pass and curled a shot into the net in the 43rd minute, but the assistant referee ruled it offside. That decision was also affirmed by a VAR review.

Bayern would retaliate in the first-half stoppage-time.

Dortmund was thrown in and Olise took it down on the penalty area and hammered his past Gregor Kobel to make it 2-0.

But Niko Kovac found the solution as Dortmund looked to find their way back in when he introduced Giannis Konstantelias at the start of the second half.

The changes assisted the hosts to increase their performance.

Dortmund could now be spending more time in Bayern territory with a crucial save in the 53rd minute coming from Konstantinos Karetsas as Neuer was forced into a shot-saving effort from a Dortmund defender.

Kovac came up with additional attacking adjustments just after the 1 hour mark, with Fabian Silva, Maximilian Beier and Joey Veerman added to the lineup.

The pressure finally manifested itself in the 75th minute with a goal.

Silva was able to turn in a low cross after Daniel Svensson played a long pass to Konstatelias who drove in. Neuer was beaten by the substitute's deflected finish, bringing Dortmund to a 2-1 lead.

The otherwise relaxed night turned tense towards the end, as Bayern suddenly felt the pressure.

Olise tried to put the two-goal lead back by slotting a low strike into the hands of Kobel, who made a quick save.

The situation was difficult for Dortmund in the 90th minute when Bensebaini was sent off for a late challenge on Ismael Saibari.

Dortmund nevertheless had a huge chance to push for more action as they were down to a ten-man team.

In stoppage time, Waldemar Anton passed directly to Beier inside the area but the substitute took a direct kick from close range as Bayern managed to get away.

The final whistle put the scoring 2-1 in Bayern's favour and their 8th title for Kompany's side.

Olise put in a major contribution with a goal and an assist while Brown had a memorable debut in the competition with the first goal.

The Bundesliga is now back on after Bayern faced relegation, with the Bavarians facing Stuttgart and Dortmund opening their campaign against Hamburg.

Jude Bellingham gave Madrid an early advantage before Alex Calatrava equalised for Espanyol, setting up a tense second half in which the visitors were repeatedly frustrated before finding the decisive goal late on.

The match marked Mourinho’s first competitive league game since returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his previous spell at the club.

Madrid made the perfect start after only nine minutes.

Arda Guler delivered a precise free-kick into the area and Bellingham rose above the Espanyol defence to head beyond Marko Dmitrovic, scoring the first goal of Mourinho’s second spell in charge.

The visitors initially appeared in control, with Denzel Dumfries also forcing Dmitrovic into a sharp save after being released by Guler.

Espanyol gradually grew into the contest and began threatening Thibaut Courtois at the other end.

Their improvement was rewarded in the 30th minute.

Javi Hernandez found Calatrava making a well-timed run into the penalty area and the midfielder fired a left-footed finish past Courtois to make it 1-1.

Madrid attempted to respond immediately, with Kylian Mbappe testing Dmitrovic before Dumfries fired over from the resulting attack.

Espanyol then had a huge opportunity to take the lead shortly before half-time when Omar El Hilali produced an inviting cross into the area, but Roberto Fernandez failed to convert from close range.

The teams therefore went into the interval level at 1-1, with Espanyol having produced the better expected-goals figure during the opening half despite Madrid’s spells of control.

Madrid increased the pressure after the restart.

Bellingham came close to scoring his second from another Guler set piece in the 53rd minute, but Dmitrovic produced an excellent save to tip his header onto the crossbar.

Federico Valverde later went close as well, with his effort taking a slight deflection before clipping the outside of the post.

Mourinho responded by turning to his bench.

Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella were introduced for their Real Madrid debuts before Eduardo Camavinga, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Espi entered during the closing stages.

Bellingham was forced off after appearing to suffer an ankle problem, with Espi replacing him in the 80th minute as Mourinho searched for a winner.

That decision proved decisive.

With the game entering the 90th minute, Mbappe burst into the Espanyol penalty area. The ball eventually broke towards Espi, who shifted it onto his right foot, rounded the goalkeeper and finished into the unguarded net.

It was Espi’s first goal for Real Madrid and came just 10 minutes after being introduced.

Espanyol had little time to respond as Madrid protected their advantage through stoppage time to secure all three points.

The visitors finished the match with 2.92 expected goals compared to Espanyol’s 1.12, underlining the chances Mourinho’s team eventually created despite being pushed hard by the hosts.

The victory gives Mourinho a winning start to his second spell in Madrid and gets Los Blancos off the mark in a season in which they are attempting to reclaim the Spanish title after consecutive runners-up finishes.

Real Madrid will next face Real Sociedad as they continue catching up on fixtures following the split opening weekend.

First-half goals from centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy secured all three points for Hull as Michael Carrick's United failed to turn overwhelming possession into goals.

Hull entered the contest as underdogs, with the pre-match Opta prediction giving them only an 11 percent chance of victory, but the hosts produced a disciplined and aggressive performance to upset United.

The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Ajayi punished United from a set-piece situation to put Hull ahead.

It was the start of a difficult afternoon for the visitors, who enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to create clear opportunities against a compact Hull defence.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 38th minute, once again exploiting a set piece.

A dangerous delivery into the penalty area found Mendy, who beat the United defence to score on his Hull debut and make it 2-0.

Both goals came from Hull defenders and both originated from set pieces, giving the home side a deserved two-goal advantage at half-time.

United had opportunities to respond before the interval.

Luke Shaw's delivery created a chance for Bryan Mbeumo, whose bicycle kick was comfortably saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Bruno Fernandes also saw an effort blocked during first-half stoppage time.

Carrick attempted to change the contest at half-time by introducing Marcus Rashford for Patrick Dorgu.

It marked Rashford's first Premier League appearance in a Manchester United shirt since December 2024.

United continued to dominate the ball after the restart but Hull remained organised and repeatedly dealt with crosses and attacks around their penalty area.

Carrick later introduced Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko as United pushed more players forward in search of a way back into the contest.

Mbeumo came close in the 78th minute after Matheus Cunha released him through on goal, but Tzolakis produced an important save to preserve Hull's clean sheet.

Hull remained dangerous on the counter themselves, with substitute Cody Drameh sending a low effort narrowly wide as United committed more players forward.

Despite finishing the match with 70 percent possession and registering 21 goal attempts compared to Hull's eight, United could not find a breakthrough.

Hull's defensive organisation ensured that much of the visitors' attacking pressure produced little genuine danger.

The final whistle confirmed a memorable 2-0 victory for the Tigers and their first league win over Manchester United since 1974. The significance of that potential landmark had been noted late in the contest before Hull successfully protected their advantage.

The result provided Hull with a dream start to their Premier League campaign, while Carrick was left with an immediate setback and questions to address following United's ineffective attacking display.

Hull ended the afternoon second in the early Premier League standings, behind defending champions Arsenal on goal difference, while United dropped to 19th.

Amine Gouiri scored twice, including a second-half penalty, while Keyliane Abdallah and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg added late goals to complete a dominant victory.

The first half ended goalless despite Marseille creating several opportunities and gradually increasing the pressure on the visitors.

Angel Gomes went close early in the contest before forcing Strasbourg goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen into a save, while Igor Paixao also tested the goalkeeper from the left side of the penalty area.

Hojbjerg had two efforts from distance before the interval, while Amine Harit forced another save as Marseille continued to search for the breakthrough.

Strasbourg also had moments going forward, with Gessime Yassine testing Jeffrey de Lange and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw attempting to trouble the Marseille defence.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock immediately after the restart.

Just one minute into the second half, Angel Gomes found Gouiri inside the penalty area and the striker directed a left-footed finish into the bottom corner to put Marseille ahead.

Strasbourg's task became significantly more difficult in the 59th minute when Samir El Mourabet was sent off for violent conduct.

The midfielder's initial punishment was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review, leaving Strasbourg with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.

Marseille quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage.

Igor Paixao was fouled inside the area by Guela Doue, with VAR confirming the penalty before Gouiri stepped forward in the 68th minute.

The forward calmly converted his spot kick into the bottom-right corner to score his second goal of the night and give Marseille a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Strasbourg made several changes as they attempted to stay in the contest, but Marseille remained in control.

The hosts added a third goal in the 89th minute through substitute Keyliane Abdallah.

Abdallah, who had entered the match only minutes earlier, found space on the right side of the penalty area before sending a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

Marseille were not finished.

Deep into stoppage time, Hojbjerg collected possession outside the penalty area and struck a right-footed effort into the bottom-right corner to complete the 4-0 scoreline.

The result gave Marseille a perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season and provided an early indication of their attacking threat.

Gouiri was at the centre of the performance, scoring the opening two goals before Marseille took full advantage of Strasbourg's red card to make the victory more emphatic late on.

For Strasbourg, El Mourabet's dismissal proved costly as the visitors struggled to contain Marseille during the final half-hour.

Marseille will take confidence from both the result and the clean sheet as they begin their pursuit of a strong domestic campaign.

The two sides went into the interval goalless following a competitive opening half in which neither was able to turn promising moments into a breakthrough.

Betis threatened through Antony during the first half, with the Brazilian forcing Alex Remiro into a save from outside the penalty area after being released by Pablo Fornals.

The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute following a quick counter-attack.

Cucho Hernandez provided the final pass for Riquelme, who advanced from the left before directing a left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner to put Betis 1-0 ahead.

Real Sociedad responded strongly and came agonisingly close to equalising five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal helped create the opportunity for Luka Sucic, whose left-footed effort from inside the penalty area struck the right post.

The visitors continued searching for a way back into the contest as the match entered its closing stages.

Sucic later tested Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles from distance, while Orri Oskarsson also saw an effort saved as Sociedad increased the pressure.

Betis remained dangerous on the counter, however, with Fornals narrowly missing from outside the area following a break before the hosts introduced fresh legs to protect their advantage.

Antony remained a threat late in the game and forced another save from Remiro during stoppage time, but by then Betis’ priority was preserving their slender lead.

Real Sociedad won a late corner and pushed players forward in search of an equaliser, but Betis held firm through the closing minutes to complete the clean sheet and secure the 1-0 victory.

Riquelme’s goal ultimately separated the teams and gave Betis an important early-season result in LaLiga.

For Sociedad, the defeat was particularly frustrating after Sucic’s effort against the post came within inches of cancelling out the decisive strike.

FKF Football Development Director Francis Kimanzi confirmed the plans at KCB Ruaraka Grounds following the conclusion of a week-long CAF A refresher workshop.

The federation is, however, facing a major selection challenge after receiving more than 100 applications for a course limited to only 25 participants.

According to Kimanzi, CAF regulations restrict each CAF A class to 25 coaches because of the intensity and quality standards required during the six-and-a-half-month programme.

Three of those places will be reserved for foreign coaches under CAF’s cross-border development programme, leaving only 22 slots available for Kenyan applicants.

“The demand is very high,” Kimanzi said, noting that the previous CAF A course conducted in Kenya was held during the 2023-24 season and involved 25 coaches.

The latest programme comes as FKF prepares to strengthen implementation of CAF club licensing requirements for teams competing in the FKF Premier League.

Under the planned regulations, head coaches working in the country’s top flight will eventually be required to hold a valid CAF A coaching diploma.

Kimanzi confirmed that the policy has already been approved and ratified by the FKF National Executive Committee.

The federation will, however, introduce the requirements gradually rather than immediately sanction clubs whose coaches do not meet the new standard.

Kimanzi said FKF intends to provide clubs and coaches with a grace period and transition window that will be incorporated into competition regulations.

The approach is intended to give teams enough time to comply while ensuring the federation moves towards full implementation of the licensing framework.

Applicants seeking places in the September CAF A course must already hold a CAF B licence and have at least two to three years of active coaching experience.

The recently completed refresher programme was aimed at validating and renewing the qualifications of existing coaches working in the country’s leading competitions.

The programme included coaches from both the men’s and women’s top-flight leagues, with FKF stressing that its coach education initiatives remain open to both sections of the game.

The federation views improved coaching education as a key component of raising the overall quality of Kenyan football.

By increasing the number of properly licensed coaches and tightening technical requirements at club level, FKF hopes to improve player development, tactical standards and competitiveness from domestic football through to continental competition.

The September course will therefore form part of a wider effort to build a stronger pool of qualified Kenyan coaches while preparing clubs for stricter licensing requirements in the coming seasons.

The punishment was the heaviest sanction announced by world football’s governing body after disciplinary proceedings into incidents that followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Spain won the final through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal, but tensions escalated after the final whistle as players from both teams became involved in confrontations.

Paredes was at the centre of the incident after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before wrestling midfielder Gavi to the ground while still holding his substitute’s bib.

FIFA subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate what happened.

Argentina defender Nahuel Molina has also been handed a significant punishment, receiving a seven-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine.

Thiago Almada was suspended for one international match and fined $30,000.

Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his involvement.

Spain midfielder Gavi was also punished, receiving a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his role in the confrontation.

The sanctions extend beyond individual players and officials.

Argentina have been ordered to play their next two home matches with stadium capacity restricted to 50 percent, although one of those matches has been suspended as part of the ruling.

The Argentine Football Association has also been fined $321,000 for several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.

The charges included team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and the use of a sporting event for demonstrations considered to be of a non-sporting nature.

One of the incidents under investigation occurred following Argentina’s tense 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.

Several Argentina players displayed a banner carrying the message: “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The Falkland Islands remain the subject of a longstanding sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Argentina invaded the British overseas territory in 1982, triggering a 74-day conflict after Britain sent a naval task force to regain control of the islands.

The war resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine servicemen, 255 British servicemen and three islanders.

The Argentine Football Association has confirmed it intends to appeal the sanctions imposed by FIFA.

In a statement, the AFA said it would request the reasoning behind the decisions before presenting appeals to FIFA’s Appeals Committee.

The suspensions could have a significant impact on Argentina’s upcoming international fixtures, particularly with Paredes and Molina facing lengthy spells away from the national team.

Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were all on target as Mikel Arteta’s side made a confident start to their title defence.

Coventry, returning to the Premier League after an absence of more than 25 years, began brightly but soon discovered the level required against the defending champions.

Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 15th minute after Christos Tzolis pressured Milan van Ewijk into an error.

Riccardo Calafiori quickly collected the loose ball and found Havertz, who guided a first-time finish into the far corner to give the Gunners the lead.

The goal continued Havertz’s impressive scoring run, with the Germany international finding the net in a fourth successive start for the first time in his English career.

Arsenal needed only eight more minutes to double their advantage.

Tzolis was again heavily involved, receiving the ball on the left before delivering a low cross towards goal.

Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth managed to get a hand to the delivery but could only push it into the path of Saka, who calmly rolled the rebound into an empty net from close range.

The goal gave Arsenal complete control as Coventry struggled to create meaningful opportunities at the other end.

Arteta’s side went into half-time with a 2-0 lead after producing 1.29 expected goals compared to Coventry’s 0.04 during the opening period.

Any hopes of a second-half Coventry comeback were effectively ended four minutes after the restart.

Saka combined with Ben White down the right before the full-back pulled the ball back towards Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain’s effort was not struck cleanly, but it wrong-footed Rushworth and found its way into the net to make it 3-0.

Arsenal continued to dominate possession and looked capable of adding further goals.

Tzolis remained one of the hosts’ most dangerous players, testing Rushworth from distance and repeatedly finding space around the Coventry defence.

The summer signing received a warm reception when he was replaced by Eberechi Eze in the 76th minute following an impressive Premier League debut.

Arteta also introduced Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie as Arsenal managed their advantage during the closing stages.

Coventry produced their clearest opportunity in the 86th minute when Jack Rudoni met Victor Torp’s cross, but his header went straight into David Raya’s hands.

The visitors were unable to find a consolation as Arsenal completed the match with a clean sheet and all three points.

The final result represented a strong opening statement from the reigning champions, who had also beaten Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield before the start of the league campaign.

Arsenal will now prepare for their next Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, while Coventry turn their attention to an EFL Cup meeting with Plymouth Argyle before hosting Hull City in their first home league match of the season.

The 24-year-old right-back has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club and becomes the latest addition to Matthias Jaissle’s new-look squad at St James’ Park.

Dedic arrives with international and European experience after representing Bosnia-Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup, where he started three matches.

His move to Newcastle will also reunite him with Jaissle, who previously coached the defender during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

The pair were part of the Salzburg side that won the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023.

Dedic joined Salzburg in 2019 and initially developed through feeder club Liefering, where he first worked under Jaissle.

He later spent time on loan with Austrian side Wolfsberger before also featuring for French club Marseille.

The defender subsequently joined Benfica on a permanent transfer, continuing his development before Newcastle moved to bring him to the Premier League.

Dedic has also established himself at international level, earning 31 appearances for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

His ability to operate at right-back gives Jaissle another young defensive option as Newcastle reshape their squad following a summer of significant change.

The Magpies have lost several established first-team players during the transfer window.

Anthony Gordon has joined Barcelona, while Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes also left St James’ Park to join Arsenal.

The departures followed the exit of Eddie Howe, who stepped down after nearly five years in charge before Jaissle was appointed as his successor.

Newcastle have responded by targeting younger players capable of forming the core of their next team.

Defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba and Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure are among the club’s new recruits, while goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek has also joined.

Dedic now becomes another important piece of that rebuilding project as Newcastle prepare for the start of the Premier League season.

His previous relationship with Jaissle could help him settle quickly as the German coach implements his ideas at the club.

Newcastle will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday, with Dedic potentially in contention to make his first appearance for the Magpies.

The boys' championship was won by Vihiga Cranes, who just edged out Busia's Musokoto Secondary 1-0 in a thrilling final.

The turning point came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi came up with the solution to head home Luke Ramsey's corner and win the regional title for the Vihiga County people.

Vihiga Cranes kept the lead to deliver a sterling season and qualify for a national finals berth, as Musokoto was pushing for an equaliser.

Vihiga Cranes head coach Francis Muhambe applauded his players for their discipline in a challenging final.

The latest victory was special, but Muhambe said his side's goal is no longer just to win the Western Region as their ambitions now stretch to other levels.

He credited the opportunity that came to them, saying Vihiga Cranes were ultimately rewarded for the opportunity that came their way and it was a firm test from Musokoto.

The next challenge now comes with the nationals which is to be the continuation of the successful run secured by the Western Region champions.

The final was even closer for the girls as Lugari Progressive and Chakol Girls of Busia played a goalless draw in the 45 minutes of regular time.

Neither side could get a breakthrough so the title was drawn from the PK area.

Lugari Progressive had to show mental strength to come out from that shootout with a 5-4 record and the Western Region girls' title.

Coach Fred Serenge congratulated his team for their determination and focus during the game, and they have earned the right to win the regional championship.

Lugari Progressive and Vihiga Cranes won each Ksh250,000, in addition to smartphones and airtime for the win.

The two teams will also compete for the Western Region in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba national finals.

Runners-up schools, Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls each got Ksh150,000 and smartphones and airtime.

Oustanding individual performances were also noted in the regional competition with the recognition of a number of players.

Musokoto's Elvis Ogiro won the Most Valuable Player award in the boys' competition while Hanifa Mashasha from Chakol girls won the award in girls competition.

In the boys' category, Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto was awarded as the Best Goalkeeper while in the girls' category Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive was the recipient of the same award.

Hanifa Mashasha, Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir shared the top scorer in the girls' side of the contest.

The boys' competition saw Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes maintain their top-scorer status with the Musokoto players Rom Okitwi, Frankline Paul and Calvin Masai.

Award prizes of Ksh30,000 each were given to the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer.

The MVPs also won Ksh30, 000 and a fully-funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

The Western Region tournament has concluded and the Safaricom Chapa Dimba will be held in the Central Region.

The following regional finals will be held at Wang'uru Stadium, Kirinyaga County on August 29 and 30.

The Indomitable Lionesses concluded a remarkable campaign in Morocco after scoring thrice with Naomi Eto getting another as they brought an end to years of final heartbreak.

They have been runners up in the final three times in the past - losing to Nigeria in 2004, 2014 and 2016 - and have yet to build up their form.

Their recent campaign itself looked doubtful as they missed the tournament on the first try.

Meanwhile, Cameroon suffered both legs of a decisive loss to Algeria in their last qualifying draw, and had the chance again when the event was expanded to 16 teams.

The four teams with the worst records in the group stage of the qualification round were brought into the tournament, and Cameroon will be one of the winners from that.

They made the most of their second chance and eventually went all the way to the title.

After a very impressive debut performance in the tournament, Malawi were among the big surprises for the Final.

The Scorchers, who are now in the 153rd ranking, had defeated Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria, who were four-time champions, in their path to the final.

Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga had been instrumental in Malawi's offensive prowess as they combined to make nine goals in the tournament.

Malawi entered the game with some weight on their shoulders and tried to put Cameroon on the back foot from the start with the speed and power of the Chawinga sisters.

The Scorchers did get a promising start but couldn't convert it into a goal.

However, Cameroon slowly took charge of the game and managed to find the break in the deadlock in the 20th minute.

The cross was headed for the box and that rebound was brought back towards the box, and Ngah was the quickest to react to and head in.

The game went to Cameroon's control as Ngah scored his fourth of the tournament.

The Lionesses went on to double their lead 9 minutes later.

Eto found the ball with her back to goal and then swung around and produced a cool finish into the corner to make it 2-0.

Malawi had to regroup to clear the second goal only for Cameroon to pounce again before the break.

Three minutes into the first half stoppage time, Eto fed the ball home and Ngah was quick to head her second goal of the game.

The brace helped Cameroon to settle down for the interval with a 3-0 lead and Malawi were left with a difficult journey to the final.

Ngah then had her chance for a hat-trick early in the second half, but hit a long-range shot over Sikelo's head.

Malawi became more defensive in the second half, and averted Cameroon from going on the attack.

Temwa Chawinga did her best to cut the loss after a goal battle, but her effort was low and it bounced off.

The Africans of Cameroon also played well to keep their clean sheet until the very end.

It was a remarkable turns of events for the Indomitable Lionesses as they went from losing points in qualification to hoisting a continental trophy.

In Malawi, the loss was an end to a memorable first venture in the continent that made the Scorchers one of the rising women's football powers.

They managed to successfully qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil as well as beat some of the continent's veteran teams along the way.

Due to their gains in the semi-finals of the WAFCON, Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and Morocco were all automatic qualifiers for the World Cup.

South Africa and Ghana could also qualify for the tournament via the intercontinental play-offs.

But the night in Rabat was for Cameroon as they found themselves on a stage where they finally claimed Africa's crown with an Indomitable Lionesses side that had been waiting too long to become champions of Africa.

The Canaries side had a fantastic display against one of their premier league rivals with the introduction of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners only took 23 seconds to go ahead.

Myles Lewis-Skelly picked up the ball and was able to break through City's defence with a well-weighted pass in the direction of Calafiori, who was running into the penalty area and calmly slotting it over Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It was an ideal beginning to Arsenal's season, and a swift blow for Enzo Maresca in his first game in charge of Manchester City.

City tried to come back and started to create more chances, but whenever Arsenal were at attack, they were always a danger.

City produced one of their first significant attempts in the 20th minute with Phil Foden, but David Raya made a good save to his left with the ball low.

Havertz doubled Arsenal's lead in the 28th minute.

New signing Christos Tzolis had his shot returned across goal for Havertz to hit beyond Donnarumma from a cross towards the back post.

The assist was an impressive first time on the court for Tzolis, who would have another pivotal role after the break.

Before half-time Manchester City were looking to take the lead, and their attacking duo of Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku had shot their way through the defensive array to score, but Raya and his defence were enough to frustrate Maresca's side.

Odegaard also got within a whisker of scoring his third goal before half-time, but Josko Gvardiol swiped his shot wide.

Arsenal's more clinical style proved to be the better option in the first half, as they stormed 2-0 up into the locker room.

The Gunners started the second half much the same way as the first.

Tzolis took possession back on the left just three minutes into the second half, where he found Odegaard inside the box.

The Arsenal skipper was able to step past the City defence, bypass Donnarumma and finish past him to make it 3-0.

This was Tzolis' second assist of the game on his debut game for Arsenal.

Maresca came up with a few save attempts to try and save the game.

Some of the substitutions made included Haaland for Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Rico Lewis, Marc Guehi and Jack Grealish.

Arteta also found the easy times to add minutes to the ranks of Bukayo Saka, Piero Hincapie, Viktor Gyokeres, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.

After the changes, City made up ground, but Cherki got Raya's attention in the far post again with a long-range strike.

City also had one downer with Antoine Semenyo finding one of their best opportunities late in the game but Raya was quick for the plank.

It was a game in which Arsenal were just as threatening, and Saka made another exciting attacking start with Tzolis.

City failed to produce a response and Arsenal held on to their lead of three goals to make sure their big lead was maintained through the end.

The Premier League champions got their first trophy of the new season with the 3-0 win and the final whistle.

After a match in which Arsenal conceded 2.19 goals to City's 0.77 expected goals, it was a testament to the efficiency of Arteta's men both at attack and defence.

The new Arsenal players had an encouraging performance, which was especially pleasing for the youngsters.

Tzolis gave him two assists while Bruno Guimaraes made his first competitive appearance for the club as Arteta introduced his new-look squad.

The failure was the first taste of trouble for Maresca and he will have plenty to think about whilst the Premier League campaign is set to begin.

The Gunners will now focus on their bid to defend the title from their early challenge at one of the clubs they are likely to be taking on at the top of the table.

The Foxes are preparing to compete in the third tier of English football for only the second time in their history following a difficult period marked by successive relegations.

Leicester dropped out of the Premier League in 2025 before suffering another relegation from the Championship in 2026, leaving the 2016 English champions facing life in League One.

Their decline came only a few years after another major achievement, with Leicester winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 2021.

The club’s financial problems also contributed to their struggles last season after they were docked six points for breaching the English Football League’s profit and sustainability regulations.

The deduction further damaged Leicester’s survival hopes and eventually contributed to their relegation to League One.

King Power, which is controlled by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, has now reportedly commissioned a leading United States investment bank to explore the sale of the club.

Leicester’s assets are said to have been valued at more than £200 million as the owners begin searching for potential buyers.

King Power purchased Leicester for approximately £35 million in 2010 and oversaw an extraordinary period in the club’s history.

The most memorable achievement came in 2016 when Leicester stunned English football by winning the Premier League title against overwhelming odds.

That historic triumph was followed by continued appearances in European competition and the club’s maiden FA Cup success five years later.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha became Leicester chairman following the death of his father Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was killed in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium.

Aiyawatt has remained in charge during the club’s recent decline and accepted responsibility following their latest relegation.

He admitted that he should take some of the blame for Leicester’s situation while promising changes to the club’s structure.

The reported decision to consider a sale could now bring an end to more than 15 years of ownership by the Srivaddhanaprabha family.

Leicester will begin the new campaign under manager Russell Martin as they attempt to secure an immediate return to the Championship.

Their promotion challenge begins with an away fixture against Notts County on Saturday.

After 120 minutes of failed opportunities to penetrate the other team's defence, the Indomitable Lionesses stood steadfast in the shootout, with goalkeeper Cathy Bihina saving several times to become the hero of the night.

Bihina had already scored the match's highlight in the shoot out, but had saved Fatima Tagnaout's penalty in the 118th minute.

Maryam Nyadjou was called for the VAR review after being judged to have caught Sakina Ouzraoui in the face with her arm, which led to Moroccas winning the spot kick.

Tagnaout took her shot from the left foot knowing it would be a long shot to get into the final, but her effort was blocked by Bihina.

The save meant that the match went scoreless into the semi-final and penalties.

Cameroon were more settled from the spot, scoring three of their four shots with Marie Ngah and Rose Bella and teenage defender Nyadjou.

Morocco only scored one penalty, which was averted by Hanane Ait El Haj.

Bihina made three more crucial saves as Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Ouzraoui all missed.

Indomitable Lionesses goalkeeper Grace Mendoua was the only player to miss for her team as Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi saved her effort.

Later, Cameroon was granted a fourth penalty, which Nyadjou was able to convert for the 3-1 shootout win, putting an end to the home supporters' cries in Rabat.

Cameroon will enter into their fourth WAFCON final and their first since 2016.

It's another huge success in a stellar knockout journey, as Cameroon defeated 10-time champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-final.

In the semi-final Moroccan was looking to qualify for their third straight continental final and to finally win a title on their own soil for the first time in their history.

The Atlas Lionesses had lots of time on the ball for extended periods but failed to overcome a disciplined Cameroon defence.

Ait El Haj was able to inch nearer the goal in the 14th minute when his cross was redirected into the net by Sanaa Mssoudy.

Mssoudy again threatened after the break, but failed to break through as Morocco pressed for a chance.

As the game went on, Cameroon was ever more tightly contained but also more threatening, which was not the case for Morocco coach Jorge Vilda, who tinkered with his squad in an effort to breathe more life into their attack.

Imane Saoud then fired Bihina, with Mssoudy taking another shot wide from a late push in.

Cameroon also found opportunity; Michaela Abam was able to beat her man and fire over while another attempt was blocked in extra time.

Atiq headed over for Morocco as both sides kept pressing for a victor until the spectacular penalty in the final moments.

Tagnaout's miss cost her and the momentum she gave to Bihina carried over to the shootout.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was a key player in Cameroon's quarter-final win over Nigeria and was again effective at a crucial moment.

With the loss, Morocco has cut its chances of securing its first-ever WAFCON championship in front of their own home crowd.

Having finished on the losing end in 2022, the Atlas Lionesses also lost to the team they were eliminated from in the postponed 2024 edition and have now made it to the semi-finals.

A side that has never played in a tournament before will now take on tournament debutants Malawi in the final on Sunday after beating Algeria 3-1 in the other semi-final of the group stage.

The Indomitable Lionesses will look to become the first continental champions after the runner-up finish in three previous attempts.

Meanwhile, Malawi are looking to an extraordinary title win in their debut WAFCON tournament, making their final a sure thing of a new winner in the competition.

The European champions went ahead as soon as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored, followed by Brian Madjo (17) a few minutes before half-time putting Villa level.

In the second half, Desire Doue reverted the situation in favor of PSG and scored after a VAR challenge for offside to give his team the first trophy of their 2026-27 season.

PSG came into the game as champions of the Champions League and their attacking display was maintained in the 20th minute when Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock.

The Georgian striker picked up the ball on the left and flew in and scored a big finish which Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot could not handle.

It was an impressive performance from Villa, who produced a number of opportunities with Madjo, who was making his professional debut on one of European football's biggest stages.

He was within a few yards of the ball a couple of times before making his fortune on the break of the half-time.

In the inching challenge from Willian Pacho, Madjo held firm to make it 1-1, to become the youngest player to score in UEFA Super Cup history.

The match was level at the time of the break and the European champions had a new sense of confidence when his equaliser came in.

Villa lacked a number of key rotation players, such as Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez, who all came off the bench for the World Cup with long layoffs.

The voids opened up ways for younger players with Madjo and 19-year-old George Hemmings both delivering promising performances with top teams.

PSG got the points back in the 61st minute.

He ended up behind Aston Villa defence as Doue went on for the finishing touch, but was momentarily lost when VAR looked up an offside call.

The objective was eventually achieved, making the French champions 2-1 ahead.

Villa was not prepared to pass over the baton, and almost hit the first reply.

Hemmings was in a good position to score soon after the goal but goalkeeper Matvey Safonov dived to his right for the ball, making a good save to preserve PSG's lead.

Emery's side kept looking for an equaliser in the final moments, but PSG tried to take control of the contest and hold onto their slender lead by playing a possession-based game.

Villa advanced at the end and Emi Buendia had one fancy chance from a distance in stoppage time but his shot went astray.

PSG fought back to win yet another European title and a defense of the UEFA Super Cup.

It would follow a clear superlative trend for Luis Enrique in his career, and would demonstrate that PSG were still aiming to be the continent's leading side.

Aston Villa had been left with their tails between their legs but had grounds for consolation with a competitive display against the reigning European champions.

Madjo was also a notable specimen and the youngster looked fearless and calm on his maiden appearance for one of the continent's top teams.

PSG's win was a perfect opening for the new season with captain Marquinhos lifting the Super Cup in Salzburg.

The Chawinga sisters were in another memorable form for the tournament debutants as they claimed all three of Malawi's successes.

Tabitha Chawinga netted twice while her younger sister Temwa scored once as Malawi emerged from a dismal semi-final littered with two red cards, lots of chances missed and VAR's repeated interventions.

The outcome will see Malawi go through to Sunday's final to face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon.

However, for the first time in WAFCON's history, the Malawi side have managed to defeat a number of other great African teams such as Nigeria, Algeria and Ghana despite their low seed.

A difficult task was set for Algeria mid first half when defender Morgane Belkhiter was sent off for a VAR review for denying Tabitha Chawinga a goal.

Malawi took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to Tabitha's fantastic finish.

Asimenye Simwaka led the ball into the box and Chawinga danced to perfection with her back to the goal and then produced an acrobatic overhead left foot kick.

It bounced across the crossbar and rolled down and back over the line, the crossbar being the only thing that prevented it from going into the net and giving Malawi the lead.

It was doubled in the first half of stoppage time by Temwa.

The Kansas City Current striker broke her pace through the rounded Algeria goalkeeper, Chloe N'Gazi, and delicately dropped the ball into the empty net, 2-0.

But Malawi were the other side with 10 men on the pitch before half-time too.

After being shown a VAR review, Rose Kadzere was booked for a red card for catching VAR Marine Dafeur with a high challenge.

The game continued undecided when both sides began when playing with 10.

Temwa was denied a good chance to score for Malawi early on and Melissa Bethi had an opportunity to score for Algeria early on, but neither converted.

Algeria eventually got one back about an hour later via Ikram Adjabi.

Sheer penalty luck for Malawi as Adjabi was able to react and slot the shot across goal after the defending side had failed to get it.

It gave Algeria hope of a full recovery for a while but when there was an attack, Malawi was never far from the threat.

Tabitha would eventually settle the game with her second goal.

The 30-year-old sliced into the box with virtually no defence in front of him before adding to Malawi's two-goal lead from close range.

Algeria couldn't react as the Scorchers dominated the end of the game and won another historic win.

In total, the two Chawinga sisters have scored eight goals in the eight games they have played in Malawi.So far, the Chawinga sisters have netted eight goals: Temwa has five, while Tabitha has three goals at the tournament.

Their performances have played a key role in the campaign that has led to Malawi's qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Scorchers are the first new participants in this year's edition of WAFCON to reach the final, and are now one win away from claiming one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament's history.

Malawi, who will be entering the final with a level of confidence they have built up after beating some of the best teams in Africa, have all the reason to feel like they will be able to complete their extraordinary journey with the cup.

The 2018 World Cup winner sustained the injury while training at St George’s Park, the English national football centre, shortly after Monaco’s pre-season friendly victory over Liverpool.

The setback comes at a difficult time for the 33-year-old midfielder, who had only recently returned to full group training following a lengthy battle with right-knee problems.

Pogba has managed just one half of football for Monaco during pre-season, leaving doubts over whether he will be fit enough to feature when the new Ligue 1 campaign begins.

According to sources close to the situation, the latest injury indicates that the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder remains some distance from reaching the physical condition required for regular competitive football.

Pogba joined Monaco hoping to rebuild his career after a prolonged period away from the game.

He had previously been handed a four-year suspension following an anti-doping violation before eventually serving 18 months of the sanction.

His return to competitive football was further complicated by fitness problems last season.

Pogba made only six Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco, accumulating 115 minutes as the club carefully managed his return.

The midfielder had hoped that a full pre-season would provide an opportunity to regain fitness and compete for a regular place in the Monaco side.

However, the latest thigh problem represents another interruption to his recovery and could delay his return to competitive action.

Monaco will now assess the extent of the injury as they continue preparations for the new season.

For Pogba, the immediate priority will be recovering from the setback and rebuilding his fitness after another frustrating period on the sidelines.

Rose Kadzere scored the decisive goal in the second half as the tournament debutants continued a remarkable run that has already included victories over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt.

The result guarantees Malawi one of Africa’s four automatic qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Having topped Group C in their maiden WAFCON appearance, the Scorchers entered the quarter-final carrying confidence from an impressive group-stage campaign.

Ghana, seeking a return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, made the stronger start and opened the scoring after only seven minutes.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah produced a composed finish to give the Black Queens an early advantage and put them on course for a place in the semi-finals.

Malawi responded almost immediately.

Captain Temwa Chawinga struck in the 12th minute to restore parity, once again underlining her importance to the Scorchers during their historic campaign.

The equaliser changed the complexion of the match as both teams began creating opportunities in an increasingly open contest.

With a semi-final place and automatic World Cup qualification available to the winner, neither side was willing to surrender control.

Ghana thought they had restored their lead shortly after half-time when Doris Boaduwaa found the net.

However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review, keeping Malawi level and setting up a tense conclusion.

The Black Queens introduced Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo as they searched for another breakthrough, but Malawi’s defence remained disciplined.

The Scorchers continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, using their pace and movement to stretch the Ghana defence.

Their persistence eventually produced the decisive moment in the 79th minute.

Kadzere found space inside the penalty area and calmly finished beyond the Ghana goalkeeper to put Malawi 2-1 ahead.

Ghana pushed players forward during the closing stages in an attempt to force extra time, but Malawi held firm under pressure.

The final whistle sparked celebrations as the Scorchers confirmed both their place in the WAFCON semi-finals and an historic first appearance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Malawi’s achievement represents a remarkable breakthrough for a team competing at the continental tournament for the first time.

The Scorchers have exceeded expectations throughout the competition and have now defeated several of Africa’s established women’s football nations on their way to the last four.

For Ghana, the quarter-final defeat ended their hopes of securing automatic World Cup qualification through WAFCON.

The Black Queens, however, still have an opportunity to reach Brazil 2027 through the qualification play-offs.

Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire in the African play-off, with the winner progressing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

Malawi can now turn their attention to the WAFCON semi-finals knowing they have already achieved one of the biggest milestones in the country’s football history.

From tournament newcomers to World Cup qualifiers, the Scorchers’ extraordinary campaign continues.

The two sides were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes before substitute Daniel Muhoza produced the decisive moment in extra time to hand Rayon their second regional crown and first since 1998.

Gor entered the final seeking their fourth Kagame Cup title and their first since 1985, but a determined Rayon side, backed by a large home crowd, denied Charles Akonnor’s men at the final hurdle.

K’Ogalo started positively and created one of the first clear openings when Shariff Musa released Paul Okoth, whose first-time effort went narrowly wide.

Rayon gradually grew into the contest and began asking questions of the Gor Mahia defence.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was called into action to deny Elie Tatou, while Muderi Akbar headed narrowly over from an Issa Djiguiba corner.

Gor also threatened through Ebenezer Ocran, who raced onto Alpha Onyango’s pass before sending his effort just wide.

Rayon eventually found the breakthrough in the 28th minute.

Herman Junior Kameni reacted quickest inside the penalty area and converted a low delivery to put the Rwandan side 1-0 ahead.

The hosts continued to threaten after taking the lead, with Akbar firing narrowly over before Kameni was denied by another important save from Omondi.

Gor had opportunities of their own before the interval, including a header from captain Michael Kibwage that went just wide.

The Kenyan champions returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and were rewarded shortly after the restart.

Musa brought Gor level after controlling a long pass, beating his markers and producing a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Dandie Junior.

The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest as Gor increased the pressure in search of a second goal.

Substitute Ben Stanley added energy to K’Ogalo’s attack and was involved in several promising moves as Gor began creating chances around the Rayon penalty area.

Rayon, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack.

Kameni came close to restoring the hosts’ advantage when he met a cross with a powerful header, but Omondi produced an excellent one-handed save to keep the scores level.

Gor continued pushing forward, with Alpha Onyango and Enock Machaka both going close, but neither side could find the decisive goal before the end of normal time.

The match therefore moved into extra time with the score at 1-1.

Rayon delivered the decisive blow seven minutes into the additional period.

A ball into the Gor Mahia defensive area eventually fell to substitute Muhoza, who produced a spectacular acrobatic finish to beat Omondi and restore the hosts’ lead.

The strike sparked wild celebrations inside Amahoro Stadium as Rayon moved within touching distance of ending their long wait for regional glory.

Gor refused to surrender and pushed numbers forward in search of another equaliser.

Ebenezer Assiafuah, Daniel Sakari and Kibwage all threatened as K’Ogalo attempted to force the final into a penalty shootout.

Rayon were reduced to 10 men during the closing stages of extra time, but they defended their advantage and held on until the final whistle.

The victory ended Rayon Sports’ 28-year wait for a second CECAFA Kagame Cup title. Their previous success came in 1998 when they defeated Zanzibar’s Mlandege in the final.

For Gor Mahia, the defeat extended their wait for a fourth regional crown to 41 years.

K’Ogalo won three Kagame Cup titles in 1980, 1981 and 1985 but have been unable to add another since.

The defeat also represented another painful final for the Kenyan giants after they finished runners-up in the competition in 2015.

Despite falling short, Gor produced an encouraging tournament under Akonnor.

They opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over APR before losing 1-0 to Uganda’s Vipers SC and recovering to beat Garde Republicaine in their final group match.

Gor then survived a dramatic semi-final against Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman, advancing 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Rayon, meanwhile, completed an unbeaten campaign and walked away with the $30,000 winners’ prize.

Gor Mahia received $20,000 as runners-up, while Al-Hilal claimed third place and $10,000 after defeating South Sudan’s Jamus SC 2-1 in the playoff.

Although the final ended in disappointment, Gor Mahia leave Kigali with encouraging signs ahead of the 2026-27 season after several new players made an impact during the regional tournament.

It comes as good news for the Premier League outfit after a couple of days since Newcastle announced the move on Wednesday.The Premier League club said on Wednesday that Jaissle will take over from Newcastle's duties on the first day of the 2026-27 season.

The 38-year-old is coming into the park after a successful stint at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, where he was able to claim back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles. He was the first coach to have done so after leading the club in continental triumphs during 2025 and 2026.

Newcastle had an “incredible ambition, history”, and they had a “crazy amount of supporters”, so it was hard to pass up, Jaissle said.

The former Germany Under-21 international said he had seen how Newcastle have progressed and that the club has built up some good foundations for success.

After suffering from ongoing injury issues, Jaissle had his playing career cut short at the age of 25.

He started his senior management career in the second-tier Austrian team FC Liefering, taking them to 2nd place in which year he was appointed head coach of Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.

In his inaugural campaign at Salzburg, Jaissle was able to win the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup. The following year he continued to lead the team to the Champions League knockout round and took over the league championship.

He joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and spent his maiden season leading the team to third-place in the Saudi Pro League, and therefore to the AFC Champions League Elite.

Then in 2025 Al-Ahli won their first continental title thanks to Jaissle and then managed to defend the title in 2026. In his days in Jeddah, he was also the winner of the Saudi Super Cup.

Newcastle head coach David Hopkinson said he had been through a rigorous recruitment process to find the best candidate for the role, which led to Jaissle.

The club were impressed with his leadership, contributions to player development and love for high tempo, fast paced football.

Jaissle's side have been praised for their attacking fireworks, ability to turn the ball over swiftly and to try to win it up high on the field.

The Newcastle approach is similar to that of Howe, who steered Newcastle to its first major domestic trophy in 70 years and two Champions League berths.

Howe said he was stepping down after a challenging campaign as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League in his almost five years in charge.

The manager of Bournemouth in his last season, left the club with a disappointing record, but the former club leader has turned Newcastle into a competitive outfit, and produced the League Cup in 2025.

But the team is in turmoil with Newcastle aiming to return to European football and Jaissle will be expected to rebuild as he takes over from a team on a downward trend.

His first game will be a pre-season game on August 8 at Valencia's Mestalla stadium in the first away match of the season.

Newcastle will kick off their new Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on August 23.

He fully believes Newcastle's project and will take commitment, energy and determination with him as he starts off the biggest assignment in his managerial career, Jaissle said.

The Gunners are expected to pay £75 million for the Brazil international after submitting an improved second offer.

Newcastle rejected Arsenal’s opening bid on Monday, but further discussions have reportedly brought the clubs closer to completing the transfer.

Guimaraes is expected to undergo a medical later this week before finalising his move to the Emirates Stadium.

Personal terms are understood to have been agreed for some time, leaving the transfer fee and final contractual formalities as the main issues to resolve.

Arsenal reportedly hope to complete the deal within the next 48 hours.

The midfielder is currently with Newcastle’s squad at a training camp in La Manga, Spain, and is awaiting permission to leave to complete the move.

Newcastle are believed to be satisfied with the proposed fee, which would deliver a significant profit on the £38 million they paid Lyon to sign Guimaraes in 2022.

His departure would continue a major summer overhaul at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Alexander Isak also left Newcastle for Liverpool last year.

Arsenal identified Guimaraes as a leading target after deciding they needed another high-quality midfielder to compete with and provide support for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

Rice and Zubimendi carried a demanding workload last season, with both featuring regularly as Arsenal competed across several competitions.

Guimaraes’ Premier League experience, physical strength and ability to influence matches in possession would give Arsenal greater depth in central midfield.

The Brazilian has established himself as one of Newcastle’s most important players since arriving from Lyon and was reportedly open to leaving following a period of major change at the club.

Arsenal will now seek to complete the medical and remaining paperwork before officially confirming another significant addition to their squad.

After the two legs of the semi-final were tied at the end of regulation and both teams had to go through extra time, the Kenyan side were able to do so after they managed to keep their composure from the spot.

After a sustained attack from Gor Mahia, they scored the first goal in the 38th minute.

Al-Hilal's lead would only last five minutes, however, as they responded in the 43rd minute and put themselves in a level position before half-time.

The Sudanese giants managed to slip through the back of the Gor Mahia defence and had the chance to level the two teams at 1-1 after half-time.

The second half became a tense and tactical affair as both teams were able to make some useful attacking movements but could not convert them into the clinching goals.

Gor Mahia were well structured in their defense while Al-Hilal were still looking for space in the Kenyan champions' defense.

The game went into extra time when neither side could get going in the run-up to the end of normal time.

Substitute Leslay Otieno was getting close to even the score early in the extra time.

Otieno created a good opportunity and tried to hit the ball hard but it missed the crossbar.

The challenge was made harder for Gor Mahia in the 100th minute when Jackson Dwang was sent off for getting in the path of the ball.The challenge was made more difficult for Gor Mahia when Jackson Dwang got in the way of the ball and was shown a straight red card in the 100th minute.

With 10 players on the field, K'Ogalo had a chance to press Al-Hilal's attacks in the remaining minutes.

Gor Mahia, however, played the match with discipline and determination to thwart the Sudanese side from giving them another goal.

They kept a cool head in their heads and made it to the pen after keeping a cool head on their shoulders.

The shootout lasted a long time, though both sides showed great composure, and kept kicking the more the tension inside the stadium rose.

A vital Al-Hilal error finally gave the chance to the Gor Mahia side to win the game.

The Kenyan winners made it 8-7 on the night as they found the net from a penalty in the shoot-out to qualify for the final.

Gor Mahia will now be facing Rayon Sports in the championship decider from the Rwandan side.

The other semi-final was between Rayon and Jamus from South Sudan, who won 3-1 to qualify for the final.

On 23rd December 2025, the South Sudan international was provisionally suspended by ADAK for multiple whereabouts failures.

Now the Sports Disputes Tribunal has upheld the sanctions, Ouma is barred from football for the rest of 2026 and for 2027.

Selected athletes must provide truthful information on their location to make it possible for them to be tested out-of-competition as per anti-doping rules.

The suspension comes as a huge blow to Ouma who was voted Kenya Police FC's Midfielder of the Year for the 2025-26 campaign.

The club will also be missing one of their top midfielders in Kenya Police's absence, which will be a major setback for them as they head into the new season.

Ouma will be able to play football again only after he or she has served the entire suspension.

The window opened on June 21 and will close on August 21, 2026, giving clubs three more weeks to complete registrations, release players and finalise negotiations with their remaining targets.

Gor Mahia have been among the most active clubs after completing the signings of Daniel Sakari and David Okoth from Kenya Police, Paul Okoth from Ulinzi Stars and Lesley Otieno and Enock Machaka from Nairobi United.

The record Kenyan champions have also brought in Michael Onyango from Equity Bank, Hansel Ochieng from APS Bomet, former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi and Ghanaian defender Ebenezer Ocran.

Paul Okoth has already made an immediate impact by scoring Gor Mahia’s winning goal against Garde Republicaine in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

K’Ogalo’s recruitment has been accompanied by a major clear-out. Enock Morrison has moved to Sudanese side Al-Merrikh, while Mark Shaban has joined Posta Rangers on loan.

Philemon Otieno, Ernest Wendo, Gad Mathews, Fidel Origa, Levin Odhiambo, Geoffrey Ochieng, Chris Ochieng, Bryson Wangai and Elly Owande are also among the players reported to have left the club.

AFC Leopards have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Uganda international Taddeo Lwanga from Vipers SC.

Ingwe have also completed deals for former Mara Sugar defender Robinson Musungu, Eric Balecho and Sebastian Wekesa as they seek to build a squad capable of challenging for trophies.

The club are reportedly interested in Kariobangi Sharks captain Kevin Otiala, Gambian striker Musa Ceesay and Ugandan goalkeeper Tom Ikara.

Former defender Vincent Mahiga has also been linked with a return, while Kenya Police full-back Geoffrey Onyango had attracted interest before completing a move to Nairobi United.

Mfalme FC striker Arok Payai is another player who has been monitored by Leopards after scoring 25 goals last season.

Victor Omune and Ken Owino have left following the expiry of their contracts, while goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi joined Gor Mahia.

Rami Lasso Coulibaly, Christopher Koloti and Brian Wanyama are also among the players who have departed the Den.

Kenya Police have so far confirmed the arrival of Brian Mzee from Nairobi United.

The reigning domestic heavyweights are also reported to be considering a move to bring striker Elvis Rupia back to the club following his spell in Tanzania.

Kakamega Homeboyz defender Oliver Majaka and Murang’a Seal winger Victor Haki have been linked with Police, while Malian striker Kalifa Traore of Rwanda’s Gorilla FC is also understood to be a target.

Attacking midfielder Rial Beliew and Tusker goalkeeper Pavel Ndzila have also been mentioned among the club’s possible recruits.

Yves Koutiama’s proposed move to Tanzanian champions Young Africans is reported to have collapsed, potentially keeping the forward at Police.

David “Messi” Owino and Brian Musa have been linked with Nairobi United, although their moves are yet to be officially confirmed.

Police have already lost Abud Omar to Tusker, while defender David “Cheche” Ochieng has also left. Marvin Nabwire has moved to Zambian club Power Dynamos.

Newly promoted Nairobi United have made some of the biggest statements of the transfer window.

The Naibois have completed the signing of Congo international Harvy Ossete from Libyan side Al-Dhahra SC.

Ossete arrived in Nairobi after choosing a move to Kenya despite attracting interest from several clubs across the region.

The experienced defensive midfielder has earned more than 20 appearances for Congo and previously represented Diables Noirs and DR Congo giants St-Eloi Lupopo.

Nairobi United have also signed Kenyan international striker John Avire, strengthening their attack ahead of their first season in the top flight.

Left-back Geoffrey Onyango has joined from Kenya Police, while Wycliffe Omondi arrived from Shabana.

Kevin “Chumsy” Okumu and experienced goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo are also confirmed Nairobi United players.

The club remain linked with former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews, Sammy Okinda, David “Messi” Owino and Brian Musa.

Mark Kithome of 3K FC has reportedly agreed terms with Nairobi United, while versatile player Joseph Bate has also been linked with a move to the club.

Duncan Omala could leave after attracting interest from rival teams.

Nairobi United have already seen Daniel Bichiok join Shabana, Brian Mzee move to Kenya Police and Enock Machaka sign for Gor Mahia.

Majaliwa Charo has also left Nairobi United and completed a move to Murang’a Seal.

Shabana have continued rebuilding their squad after confirming several new arrivals.

Lazarazu Bixente has joined from Posta Rangers, while Sigmunn Maina Irungu has arrived from Swedish side AIK Framtid FK.

Daniel Bichiok has moved from Nairobi United, with Luis Ingavi and Pavelh Ndzila also included among the club’s new players.

Dennis Wanjala has joined Tore Bobe from Tusker following the expiry of his contract with the Brewers.

Shabana have also completed the signing of Equity FC striker Rashid Moyo as they seek to improve their attacking options.

Gilbert Abala is reportedly on his way out, while Brian Michira, Kevin Omundi and Ezekiel Omuri are attracting interest from other Premier League clubs.

Wycliffe Omondi has joined Nairobi United, Erick Otieno has moved to El Merreikh SC Bentiu in South Sudan and Steve Ochieng has signed for Tanzanian club Pamba Jiji.

Batshi Assis Mambote, Branson Nsubuga and Mark Oduor have also left Shabana.

Versatile player Victor Omondi has completed a transfer from Shabana to Bandari.

Kakamega Homeboyz are yet to announce a major group of new signings, although several players continue to be linked with the club.

Midfielder Clement Imbayi has reportedly attracted interest after his performances for Fortune Sacco, while former Posta Rangers goalkeeper Bixente Otieno is being monitored as a free agent.

Former AFC Leopards striker Christopher Koloti has also been linked with Abana Abeingo.

Oliver Majaka is reported to have left for Kenya Police, while Ibrahim Wanzala departed following the expiry of his contract.

Henry Omollo has moved to Zambian side Mufulira Wanderers.

KCB have reinforced their squad with the arrivals of Jimmy Owili from Mara Sugar, former Gor Mahia midfielder Fidel Origa and Frank Nduwimana.

The Bankers have also signed striker Batshi Assis Mambote from Shabana and added Geoffrey Ojunga to their squad.

KCB are reportedly leading the race for Mathare United player Brian Ouru and have also monitored Majaliwa Charo, Geoffrey Onyango and Christopher Koloti.

Charo has since joined Murang’a Seal, while Onyango completed his move to Nairobi United.

South African Premier Division side Marumo Gallants have expressed interest in signing versatile KCB forward Kelvin Etemesi.

The former Nairobi City Stars player could become one of the latest Kenyan footballers to secure a move abroad should negotiations progress.

Boniphas Munyasa, Boniface Omondi, Tedja Wanumbi, Yafeesi Mubiru, Fadhil Masoud Mwanyimvua, Francis Kahiro, Francis Kahata, December Kisaka, Clyde Senaji and Nashon Alembi have all been linked with departures from KCB.

Rodgers Oporia Angal has already left after reaching the end of his contract, while Alembi completed a move to Murang’a Seal.

Murang’a Seal have signed Nashon Alembi from KCB and Malvin Nderitu from Fortune Sacco.

The club have also completed the capture of Majaliwa Charo from Nairobi United.

Joe Waithira has moved to Jamus SC in South Sudan, while Erick Ongiri, Victor Haki, Francis Memusi and Robby Mangi are among those reported to have left Murang’a Seal.

Tusker have strengthened heavily following a disappointing previous campaign.

The Brewers signed Nigerian forward Victor Mbaoma from Remo Stars, while experienced defender Abud Omar joined from Kenya Police.

Warsama Hassan, Collins Ochieng, Abdoulie Joof, Telena Ochieng, Steve Omondi and Aboubacar Doumbia have also joined the Ruaraka-based club.

Tusker are reportedly close to completing a deal for Congolese goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga.

Christopher Koloti, AFC Leopards midfielder Musa Oundo, winger Hassan Beja and Migori Youth striker Syphas Otieno have also been linked with moves to the Brewers.

Charles Momanyi has left Tusker, while Dennis Wanjala completed his transfer to Shabana.

APS Bomet are looking to strengthen following their promotion to the Premier League.

The club have been linked with prolific Mfalme FC striker Arok Payai, who is also attracting interest from AFC Leopards, Bandari and 3K FC.

Defender Edward Masembe is another player being monitored, with Kakamega Homeboyz and Kenya Police also reportedly interested.

APS Bomet have lost Hansel Ochieng to Gor Mahia.

Mara Sugar are preparing for the new season after losing several members of their squad.

Robinson Musungu has joined AFC Leopards, while Jimmy Owili moved to KCB.

Kelvin Longbert, Samuel Guto, Byron Billy, Lameck Luhangala, Makame Mwalago, Tony Oloo and Timothy Ndayala are also among those reported to have left the club.

Bandari have accelerated their recruitment with the confirmed signings of three players from relegated FC Talanta.

Former Talanta captain Kevin Taiwo Owino has joined the Dockers, along with winger Alex Kipruto.

Taiwo previously represented Kibera Black Stars before establishing himself at Talanta.

Bandari have also completed the signing of Shabana utility player Victor Omondi.

The coastal club continue to be linked with Collins Maina and Mfalme FC striker Payai Arok as they look to improve their attacking department.

Eric Balecho has left Bandari for AFC Leopards, while Mohamed Barisa, Herit Mungai, James Omusinde, Boniface Mwangemi, Omar Somobwana, Alfred Tanui, Yusuf Ali, Jaffar Shariff, Alvin Ngoto, Mohammed “Messi” Katana and Ghalib Ali are also among the departures.

Ulinzi Stars are set to sign former Tusker forward Cliff Oruko as they seek a replacement for Paul Okoth.

Okoth left the Soldiers for Gor Mahia and has already begun producing important goals for his new club.

Mathare United have been linked with former AFC Leopards midfielder Victor Omune.

The Slum Boys are also monitoring former Bidco United left-back Thomas Wainaina following his club’s relegation.

Brian Ouru is expected to leave Mathare, with KCB believed to be leading the chase for his signature.

Posta Rangers are interested in striker Collins Maina as they work to strengthen their attack.

Goalkeeper Bixente Otieno has left the Mailmen following the expiry of his contract and is attracting interest from Kakamega Homeboyz.

Migori Youth could lose Syphas Otieno, who remains on Tusker’s radar.

The striker is among the young players being considered by the Brewers as they continue reshaping their attacking options.

Premier League newcomers 3K FC are also active in the market.

Former AFC Leopards captain Robinson Kamura is training with the club and is likely to sign ahead of the new season.

The experienced defender would provide leadership and top-flight experience to the promoted side.

3K FC are also targeting Mfalme striker Arok Payai, Kiminini FC midfielder Joseph Bwire and goalkeeper Issa Emuria following Bidco United’s relegation.

Fortune Sacco midfielder Clem Imbayi has also been linked with the club.

Mark Kithome, however, could leave 3K FC, with Nairobi United reportedly close to completing his signing.

With the deadline approaching, clubs are expected to intensify negotiations as coaches assess their squads and identify the final additions required for the 2026-27 campaign.

Several reported deals remain subject to contracts, medical examinations and official announcements, meaning the league’s transfer picture could change significantly before the window closes on August 21.

The Ukraine international was suspended following a low concentration of meldonium, which is banned in anti-doping rules.

Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport contending that he was wrongly ruled out and should be allowed to play right away.

Changes introduced to WADA procedures during the appeal process played an important role in the resolution of the case.

The concentration found in Mudryk's sample would not be measured under the rules in effect today and would not result in an anti-doping rule violation, the FA said.

“The FA said 'changes have been made' meaning that if Mr Mudryk had collected his sample in today's climate the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported, and no anti-doping rule violation would have been found.

“The case has been resolved after discussions were held with Mudryk and WADA,” added the governing body.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mudryk took the anti-doping violations that had been charged against him and was ineligible for the same amount of time.

Mr Mudryk, who is no longer deemed to be ineligible, is free to compete immediately, the FA said.

Mudryk's last competitive game was on Nov. 21, 2024.

The 25-year-old was signed by Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported £62million, but failed to break into the squad before getting the boot.

Now he will have a chance to get back to his Chelsea career and impress new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea embraced the decision and stated that the club will concentrate on reintegrating the winger into the club.

“Misha's first few months have been very tough on him as a player and as a human being and we're glad this is over and he can get back to football as soon as possible.”

Chelsea said that it did not know Mudryk knowingly or intentionally consumed a banned substance, and did not know how traces of meldonium got into his system.

The club congratulated the Ukrainian for his professional manner and fortitude throughout the case, especially during one of the toughest times of his career.

Chelsea will now see Mudryk back in the first team training block as he gets ready to return to competition.

Howe, 48, told Newcastle that he felt the time was right to leave their club on Friday, in a move confirmed by the Newcastle administration.

In a statement, Howe said he has now decided it is time for him to retire from his current position as head coach of Newcastle United.

In a club that has been a constant source of joy and inspiration for me, with nearly 5 years of giving my all to the organization, I feel it is best for me and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.

In 2021, Howe was appointed as the manager of Newcastle and led them to one of their best seasons in recent years.

In 2023 and 2025 he took the Magpies to the Champions League, and in the same year he took them to League Cup glory.

The victory marked Newcastle's first major home title in 70 years and gave Howe his first major home honour in seven years.

But his move came after a poor season for Newcastle, who finished in 12th place in the Premier League after 17 defeats in 38 games.

His last game in charge was when he was beaten 4-1 by Bristol City in a pre-season fixture on Wednesday.

Howe said it had been a very tough decision to leave Newcastle but said it was the right one for both the club and him.

In his heart, he knew that it was the right one. “When I come to the decision to make a choice, Newcastle is always at the forefront of my mind.”

Being the manager of Newcastle United has been a privilege of my lifetime.

Newcastle took his advice and in his time at St James' Park, gave Howe his thanks for his feedback.

The club has welcomed Eddie's decision and expressed its gratitude for his “extraordinary contribution”, Newcastle said.

Howe's back room staff, such as Howe's side-back, Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone will also depart the club.

Newcastle will also be making changes to their technical group with Head of performance Dan Hodges to go.

Matthias Jaissle, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli's coach, will likely replace Howe.

Both Newcastle and Al-Ahli are part of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

The change at the helm follows a period of much upheaval in Newcastle's squad.

It was last year that the club sold Swedish striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool, and then midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and winger Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

The departure of Howe could also be a catalyst for a new era in Newcastle, as Captain Bruno Guimaraes could be heading for the exit as well.

Infantino announced the decision on Saturday, four days after FIFA presented plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that would oversee competitions including the World Cup and Club World Cup.

“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” Infantino said in a statement.

“As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

FIFA had said the project could raise as much as $4.2 billion by selling a minority stake in the subsidiary, which was valued at about $20 billion.

Under the proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations could have received a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027.

Their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle would also have increased from $8 million to $20 million.

However, the prospect of private investors gaining influence over commercial rights connected to the World Cup triggered widespread condemnation.

UEFA warned that its national teams would not participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal remained active.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said. “No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

The Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF also opposed the plan, raising concerns about its potential effect on football governance and the independence of FIFA competitions.

Pressure on Infantino increased further when senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned on Friday.

Cordeiro described the proposal as a poor deal for FIFA’s member associations and warned that it could damage the long-term future of the sport.

CONMEBOL also requested further information about the project’s structure, governance and possible consequences.

Its intervention was significant because confederation president Alejandro Dominguez has been viewed as a close ally of Infantino.

Infantino said the project had been intended to strengthen FIFA’s member associations and would only have proceeded with majority support.

He acknowledged, however, that the debate had created divisions that were no longer consistent with the proposal’s original purpose.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” he said.

The AFC had earlier expressed alarm that discussions had reached the point where a possible World Cup boycott was being publicly considered.

Opposition also extended beyond football, with the European Union supporting UEFA’s position and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing Infantino as the wrong person to lead FIFA.

FIFA initially attempted to calm the controversy by insisting that it would continue consulting member associations and that nobody was selling football.

Infantino has now said his priority will be restoring unity and bringing football’s major stakeholders back together.

He also pledged to continue expanding the game and increasing support for countries that require greater financial assistance.

Sanaa Mssoudy scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute as the Atlas Lionesses finally broke down a disciplined Algerian defence in a tense Maghreb derby.

Both teams entered the contest with three points after winning their opening matches. Morocco had beaten Kenya 4-0, while Algeria began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Senegal.

The result moved Morocco to six points from two matches and left the tournament hosts in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Algeria, however, were left disappointed after frustrating Jorge Vilda’s side for long periods with a compact and organised defensive performance.

The opening half was closely contested, with both teams showing caution because of the importance of the fixture.

Morocco attempted to control possession and create space through midfield, but Algeria remained patient and denied the hosts clear scoring opportunities.

The physical nature of the contest resulted in several stoppages and bookings. Algeria’s Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou were shown yellow cards, while Morocco defender Hanane Ait El Haj was also cautioned.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time, leaving the derby finely balanced at the interval.

Morocco increased their attacking intensity after the restart as they searched for a breakthrough, but Algeria continued to defend with discipline and limited space through the centre.

Vilda introduced Ibtissam Jraidi before bringing on experienced captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 70th minute to increase Morocco’s attacking threat.

The substitutions helped the hosts apply greater pressure as the match entered its closing stages.

Algeria coach Farid Benstiti also refreshed his side, introducing Boutaleb, Khiril, Bekhaled and Alaouache in an attempt to maintain their defensive organisation and energy.

With the match appearing to be heading towards a goalless draw, Mssoudy delivered the decisive moment in the 84th minute.

Her late strike sparked celebrations among the home supporters and rewarded Morocco for their sustained second-half pressure.

The Atlas Lionesses managed the remaining minutes effectively, resisting Algeria’s attempts to find an equaliser and securing their second consecutive victory of the tournament.

Morocco now sit in a commanding position in Group A, while Algeria will turn their attention to their final group match as they seek to secure a place in the knockout stages.

Kenya were left with a tough road ahead after dropping their first Group A game to African hosts Morocco 4-0.

The Lionesses of Teranga got their first win of the tournament in the 34th minute with a shot from Ndeye Awa's cross barbed by Seynabou Mbengue.

Senegal were looking for a reply as they were defeated 2-0 by Algeria in their first match.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba made four changes to the team that started against Morocco.

Euphrasier Shilwatso replaced Vivian Nasaka Makhoha in defence, while Lorna Nyabuto was preferred to Martha Amunyolete in midfield.

Mercy Airo, replacing Eglay Mukhwana, played on the right wing, while forward Violet Nanjala, who was experienced, was given the chance to replace Valerie Nekesa.

It started well for Kenya as they made their opening attempt into the Senegal goal in the fourth minute when Nyabuto headed into the Senegal goalkeeper.

The next 3 minutes saw Terry Engesha given a golden opportunity from Fasila Adhiambo's delivery, but shot it wide.

The game went dead after nine minutes, before Senegal found a way to break the deadlock when Mbengue beat Awa on the ball, and placed the ball safely past Lilian Awuor.

The Kenyan side looked to an equaliser before half-time and Odemba responded by introducing Nekesa for Nanjala in the 39th minute.

Airo was later replaced by Marion Serenge in the 61st minute and Nyabuto was replaced by Irine Madalina in the 86th minute.

Kenya had good moments in the second half but could not capitalise on the chances they got.

Engesha found herself through on in the 72nd and 76th minutes but failed to beat Ndiaye on both attempts.

In the 80th minute, Senegal threatened to take the lead again but Awuor did a great job to deny them.

Senegal coach Mousse Niang Amar also made half-time changes with Anta Dembele and Ndeye Diakhate replacing Adama Sane and Bineta.

Harambee Starlets will now have to secure a win against Algeria in their final Group A match on August 3 to keep them in the game.

Kenya will also need good luck in other groups as they hope to advance in their second group stage performance at the continental championship.

The Kenyan champions got the winning goal in the fourth minute courtesy of Paul Okoth.

K'Ogalo held off the slimmers for the rest of the match, completing a job well done in defence to secure the three points required for promotion.

The win gave Gor Mahia a six-point lead to tie with Uganda's Vipers SC and Rwanda's APR FC.

Charles Akonnor's side, however, came out on top of the group by virtue of better goal difference.

Gor Mahia started their campaign with a stellar 5-0 win over APR, but lost their second game by a single goal to Vipers 1-0.

The defeat put their fate in doubt for the pivotal clash with Garde Republicaine.

Okoth's upfront shot helped to break the ice but Gor Mahia faced a spirited assault from the Djiboutian side all night.

Akonnor had demanded the “character and determination” of his players prior to the game and his side delivered when it was all on the line.

Gor Mahia will now play off either Rayon Sports Rwanda or Singida Big Stars of Tanzania in the semi-finals.

It was a Group C duel between Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC as neither club had more points than the other heading in to the final round of matches.

K'Ogalo will move to the knockout stage having collected two wins and two clean sheets in their two victories.

The plan, unveiled earlier this week, would give investors influence over future World Cup broadcasting and commercial rights. It is being backed by Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner.

Under the proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations could receive more than $80 million between now and 2037. The associations have until September 19 to vote on the deal.

However, UEFA has strongly rejected the proposal and threatened to boycott FIFA competitions while it remains under consideration.

UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

UEFA argued that the commercial rights attached to the World Cup should not be transferred to private investors.

Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will,” the statement added.

The European body also criticised FIFA’s handling of the discussions, saying member associations and other key stakeholders had not been adequately consulted.

UEFA described the process as “a profound failure of leadership” and called for the proposal to be withdrawn.

Opposition has also spread to Asia, with Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa warning that the plan could undermine continental football.

Sheikh Salman reportedly told AFC member associations that such a major change could not succeed without the support of all six continental confederations.

The mounting resistance places FIFA under increasing pressure ahead of the September vote, with questions growing over the long-term control of World Cup broadcasting and commercial assets.

The defeat was the Brewers' second successive loss in Group C following their 2-0 opening defeat to Sudanese giants Al-Hilal, leaving them with no points and facing an uphill task to qualify for the semi-finals.

Head coach Julien Mette made six changes to the starting line-up in a bid to revive Tusker's campaign. Brandon Obiero, Abud Omar, Chrispine Erambo, Fabian Adikiny, Stephen Etyang and Victor Mbaoma retained their places, while Servyl Akouala Amuor, Aboubacar Doumbia, John Otieno, Abdoulie Joof, December Kisakah and Steve Omondi were handed starting roles.

The changes saw Eugene Ikutwa, Thomas Teka, Warsama Hassan, Collins Ochieng', Ian Simiyu and Yakeen Muteheli begin the match on the bench.

Backed by a vocal home crowd, Rayon Sports controlled large spells of the contest and eventually found the decisive goal to claim all three points. Despite showing greater organisation than they did against Al-Hilal, Tusker struggled to create clear scoring opportunities and could not break down a disciplined Rayon Sports defence.

The Brewers have now conceded three goals without scoring in their opening two matches, highlighting their attacking struggles at the regional tournament.

The latest defeat leaves Tusker's qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Mette's side must now beat Zanzibar's KVZ SC in their final Group C fixture while hoping other results go their way to stand any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Tusker travelled to Rwanda seeking to reclaim the CECAFA Kagame Cup title they have won a record five times, but consecutive defeats have left the Kenyan representatives staring at an early exit.

After two rounds of matches, Al-Hilal Omdurman and Rayon Sports share top spot in Group C with six points each. Tusker remain without a point and carry a goal difference of minus three, while Tanzania's Simba SC currently hold the advantage in the race for the best third-placed qualification spot with a superior goal difference.

Before the team departed for the tournament, club chairman Charles Gacheru said the competition would serve as an important preparation platform ahead of the new season and the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The tournament will help us prepare for both the league and the CAF Confederation Cup because it features some of the best teams in the region. CECAFA is giving us an opportunity to play high-intensity matches that we would otherwise not have within this short period," Gacheru said.

These highly competitive games will help us understand where we are as a team and whether we are ready for the new season.

While Tusker's hopes of making a deep run in the regional competition have faded after back-to-back defeats, the Brewers will be determined to finish their campaign on a positive note when they face KVZ SC in their final group match.

Sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspired the remarkable victory, with Temwa scoring twice and Tabitha adding another as the tournament debutants stunned the record African champions at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.

The result was a major shock given the contrast between the two teams. Nigeria entered the tournament as the highest-ranked side among the 16 participants, while Malawi were the lowest-ranked and were making their first appearance at the continental finals.

Nigeria have featured at every edition of WAFCON and have won the competition 10 times, including the previous tournament after defeating hosts Morocco in the final.

Malawi, however, refused to be intimidated and matched the defending champions throughout a goalless first half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga raced beyond the Nigerian defence, took the ball past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and finished from a tight angle.

Malawi doubled their advantage six minutes later through Tabitha Chawinga, who beat Nnadozie to the ball before calmly guiding it into the empty net.

Nigeria were handed hope when nine minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of the second half.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute after Malawi were penalised for handball.

The Super Falcons’ celebrations were short-lived, however, as Temwa restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion moments later.

The Kansas City Current forward broke clear and lifted a composed finish over the advancing Nnadozie to score her second goal of the match.

Nigeria found the net again deep into stoppage time when Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo got a hand to Uchenna Kanu’s shot but could not stop the ball from crossing the line.

The final whistle followed shortly after the restart, confirming a famous victory for Malawi and denying Nigeria the opportunity to complete a late comeback.

The result left Malawi second in Group C with three points, level with Zambia but behind their southern African neighbours on goal difference.

Zambia moved to the top of the group after Barbra Banda scored four goals in a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt earlier on Tuesday.

Malawi will face Egypt in their next group match on Saturday, while Nigeria will take on Zambia. Victories for Malawi and Zambia would secure both teams places in the quarter-finals.

Zambia's captain Barbra Banda was superb as her side dominated the Egyptian defence, scoring four goals for the Copper Queens in the game.

Racheal Nachula and Ireen Lungu scored the other goals to put Zambia at the top of the group with three points.

This allowed Zambia to move at the Egyptians and make attacking life difficult for them, but they failed to get a handle on the flank movement, nor did they find sufficient opportunities to cause the opposition hassle.

Egypt finish Group Three with no points after losing, while Zambia scored a first for a group that also features defending champion Nigeria and Malawi.

Egypt will look to bounce back when it meets Malawi on Saturday, and finish their group-stage runs off against Nigeria on Wednesday.

It was also the Egyptian team that garnered interest in the game, due to the seven stars above the national badge on their jerseys.

Egypt's women haven't won any of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations but the stars denote the seven African Cup of Nations titles that the men's team has won.

The men's competition is more successful in Egypt as they won in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The seven stars on the national team's identity of the Egyptian Football Association do not represent the titles that the team on the badge has won, but the overall achievements of Egyptian football.

Egypt's ladies still have their first big continental prize to chase and will have to step up in their final group stage games to maintain their optimism.

Substitute Gusto Mulongo scored the decisive goal in the closing moments of the Group A contest, securing a second consecutive victory for Vipers and moving the Ugandan side to the top of the standings with six points.

Both teams had won their opening matches and entered the fixture knowing another victory would significantly strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor made nine changes to the team that defeated APR FC in the opening game. Goalkeeper Humphrey Kastasi was handed his competitive debut as K'Ogalo sought to build on their winning start.

The Kenyan champions created the first clear opportunity after 10 minutes when Paul Ochuoga released Hansel Ochieng into space. The former AFC Leopards winger, however, lifted his effort over the crossbar.

Vipers responded shortly afterwards through Farouk Miya, whose powerful attempt from outside the penalty area narrowly missed the target.

The Ugandan champions continued to threaten and came close again in the 20th minute when Rodgers Torach delivered a dangerous cross towards Paul Mboowa, but the striker directed his header just over the bar.

Gor Mahia then produced one of their best openings of the first half. Lawrence Juma played a defence-splitting pass into the path of Ebenezer Adukwaw, but the Ghanaian attacker fired over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Vipers nearly opened the scoring 10 minutes before the break when Miya controlled Milton Karisa's pass and drove into the penalty area. Kastasi reacted quickly, rushing off his line to make an important one-on-one save.

Ben Stanley also tried his luck from distance after reacting first to a loose ball outside the box, but his effort flashed narrowly wide.

Yunus Sentamu had the final opportunity of the first half after combining with Nicholas Ogwang, although his low strike from range went wide as the teams headed into the break level at 0-0.

The match remained evenly balanced after the restart, with both sides continuing to push for the opening goal.

Gor Mahia went close in the 55th minute when Frank Odhiambo rose to meet Stanley's delivery, but the defender could not direct his powerful header on target.

Akonnor introduced Sharif Musa, Lesley Otieno and Paul Okoth shortly after the hour mark, replacing George Amonno, Ochieng and Adukwaw as Gor Mahia looked for more energy in attack.

Musa almost made an immediate difference after beating several defenders and curling an effort narrowly beyond the far post.

Vipers responded through Karim Watambala, who met a cross from Mulongo with a first-time attempt that drifted just wide.

Lesley Otieno also threatened for Gor Mahia after creating space outside the penalty area, but his powerful strike missed the target as the match appeared headed for a goalless draw.

Vipers eventually found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time.

Ashraf Mandela delivered a low cross into the Gor Mahia penalty area, where Mulongo timed his run well and calmly finished from close range to secure all three points.

The defeat leaves Gor Mahia on three points after two matches, while Vipers are in control of Group A with a perfect six points.

K'Ogalo will now turn their attention to their final group match against Djibouti's FC Garde Republicaine. A victory could still take the Kenyan champions into the semi-finals, depending on the results of the remaining group fixtures.

The North Africans were solid and offer a studied and professional display as they made some oddball moves over the course of the game in a way that kept Senegal's attack at bay in an organised, clinical manner.

Only minutes before half-time, Marine Dafeur picked up the ball on a penalty kick and nailed her shot to put herself one step ahead.

Senegal had a bit more possession and suffered a lot of problems from finding clear-cut shots in front of a tight Algerian defence. Algeria's two shots on target were comfortably dealt with as they were able to keep their shape in the game and their discipline, which was what they did expect.

The Algerians were back with a vengeance and for the second half were looking to keep their pressure for as long as possible, even if they failed to always threaten the Senegalese defence as they always did, they did threaten it at times with as much vigour as it warranted.

Incisive midfielder Melissa Bethi went on to be rewarded with the award for TotalEnergies Woman of the Match for her performance, which included bringing Algeria's second goal, and was achieved by naming her.

The game was tied at half-time, but then Lina Boussaha played a first-class pass to Bethi for a decisive finish at the end, to swing the balance in her favour.

In the dying moments, Senegal sought a consolation goal but Algeria were composed to patiently maintain their clean sheet to sure up all three points.

With the win Algeria have an early head start over all the rest of Group A, ahead of their next encounter with the tournament host Morocco.

Senegal would be hoping to bounce back against the Harambee Starlets in their second group match.

Morocco took control of the Group A encounter early and opened the scoring through Sakina Ouzraoui Diki in the 19th minute. The forward found space inside the Kenyan penalty area before producing a clinical finish to put the hosts ahead.

Kenya attempted to settle into the contest, but Morocco continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage nine minutes later.

Maryame Atiq converted from a corner in the 28th minute as the Harambee Starlets struggled to deal with the hosts’ threat from set pieces.

Ibtissam Jraidi added Morocco’s third goal in the 32nd minute, leaving Kenya with a difficult task before the half-time break.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba responded by introducing Euphrasier Shilwatso, Shirleen Opisa and Mercy Airo at the beginning of the second half as Kenya looked to regain control.

However, Morocco struck again two minutes after the restart. Jraidi scored her second goal of the match in the 47th minute to complete the scoring and put the result beyond Kenya.

The Starlets continued fighting and attempted to limit further damage as Morocco controlled possession and managed their commanding advantage.

Odemba later introduced Airin Madalina as Kenya searched for greater energy, but the Moroccan defence remained organised and denied the visitors a consolation goal.

The result leaves Kenya needing a strong response in their second Group A match against Senegal. The Starlets will have to improve defensively while showing greater composure in possession as they continue their campaign.

Morocco, meanwhile, collected all three points after an impressive attacking display in front of their home supporters.

Kamaradini Mamudu opened the scoring in the 29th minute before substitute Salim Adams completed the victory deep into stoppage time, handing Al Hilal all three points in the Group C encounter.

The contest began at a lively pace, with Al Hilal enjoying more of the ball while Tusker remained compact and looked for opportunities to attack on the counter.

Al Hilal created the first clear opening when Mamudu delivered a cross into the penalty area for Yasir Mozamil, whose header narrowly missed the target.

The Sudanese side continued to press and eventually made the breakthrough through Mamudu, whose effort found its way past the Tusker defence to give Al Hilal the lead.

Tusker responded by pushing higher up the pitch and came close to drawing level through captain Abud Omar. His curling free kick beat the defensive wall but drifted narrowly wide of the post before the half-time whistle.

The Brewers returned for the second half with greater urgency and began committing more players forward as they searched for an equaliser.

Omar remained Tusker’s main threat from set pieces, forcing Al Hilal goalkeeper Soufiane Farid into several important saves as the Kenyan side increased the pressure.

Tusker continued to create opportunities during the closing stages and nearly found a way back into the match from a late corner, but the Al Hilal goalkeeper produced another strong save to protect his team’s narrow advantage.

With Tusker pushing numbers forward, Al Hilal exploited the space left behind and sealed the result in added time. Akire Taiwo advanced down the right before delivering a cutback for Adams, who finished from close range to make it 2-0.

The defeat leaves Tusker needing a positive result when they face Rwandan side Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday.

For the dressing room Brewers will conclude their group-stage campaign against Zanzibar’s KVZ SC at the same venue on Saturday, August 1, as they continue their push for a place in the knockout rounds.

Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam Amedome has been appointed for the group stage match between Morocco and Kenya at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.

CAF officially named him on their Twitter page before the closely watched match in Rabat.

CAA said "The Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam Amedome is saddled with tonight's TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON arbitration match between Morocco and Kenya in Rabat.

Experienced Match Official

Amedome is considered one of the continent's top female referees, and has lots of experience for the game.

She has been a match umpire in various major football championships across Africa, such as the last editions of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA tournaments, and more. She is regarded as one of the most respected match officials in Africa.

It is an important match for both the teams.

The Group A fixture is expected to play a key role in shaping the standings as the tournament progresses.

Tournament hosts Morocco hope to make home ground count and bolster their goals of tagging it up in the knockout phase while Harambee Starlets will be hoping to do something good to improve their chances of advancing from the group stage.

Kenya return to the continent for their second stint of this year and will be looking to stamp their very presence on the tournament after scoring no goals in 13 matches in the previous edition.

Nigeria Continue Title Hunt

For Nigeria's Super Falcons their race to capture the 11th Africa Cup of Nations Championship for women is alive outside the arena of the competition.

The 10-time continental champions were favourite favourites before the tournament and they will be again on the radar as African title contenders.

The match will start at 11pm East Africa Time, just after Algeria's encounter with Senegal in the other group game at 8pm.

The Kenyan team reached Morocco on 23rd of the month and they have gone through final preparations at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, in the country.

Head coach Beldine Odemba thinks the depth her team has found in her squad is key to their survival when they face one of the tournament favourites in front of their home supporters.

“These young players represent valuable experience for our team,” says Peter Rutman. Others have already played at this World Cup and know the rigors of playing at the highest level," Odemba said.

Being in our first start of the tournament as host stands the test that we'll face and we are prepared to face it, we want to start the tournament good.”

Kenya are playing underdogs in the tournament. The latest FIFA Women's World Rankings shows the Starlets in 124th place – ahead of only Morocco (64th), Algeria (74th) and Senegal (81st).

It will be Kenya's second continental campaign after their first in 2016 in Cameroon. They failed to reach the quarterfinals after losing to Ghana and Mali and to eventual champions Nigeria as well.

Meanwhile, Morocco – which found itself in the final at the last edition on their home turf with a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria – finished second in their group. As the Atlas Lionesses prepare to defend for their continental title, they will be up against the race for the first time.

The hosts will be led by coach Jorge Vilda, who has led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. He has the confidence that when he is playing at home he will inspire his players the opposite way, and not pressurise them.

Play at home, in front of our fans and family is an advantage; play without pressure.” Rather, we now are excited and motivated to present our football; Vilda said.

Even with her being the current CAF Women's Player of the Year, Morocco's captain Ghislaine Chebbak said the team would still be focused on team success.

My aim is just to do my utmost, all for my team. Winning awards individually is appreciated but winning trophies together is what's important,” Chebbak said.

Morocco have had some amazing preparation leading up to this tournament; beating Cape Verde, Malawi and Tanzania in friendly meetings.

Their team includes some players in the top European leagues, especially France, Spain & England alongside tight pack of Moroccans from AS FAR.

Both sides have played each other once before last year at home to Morocco with Moroccans coming out victorious with a 5-1 friendly won in the North African country. Fasilah Adhiambo found the net to give Kenya the only goal in that game.

Kenya went up against The Gambia in the final qualifying round, beating them 4-1 on aggregate and qualifying themselves for the finals.

The Starlets had already trailed Tunisia 1-0 over the two games until they knocked them out before The Gambia 3-1 in the first game at Nyayo National Stadium before securing the decisive 1-0 result in Senegal. It was in the return leg of their duel in which the lads from Mungalima Adam Jereko found the net.

Odemba's side thumped Lesotho 5-0 in the play-off in June to take third overall in the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia. They were level 1-1 in the semi-final against Zambia but lost on regulation 1-4 on penalties.

In April, Kenya also came second in the 2026 FIFA Series in Kenya, however, they went down 2-0 in the final against Australia.

The WAFCON tournament will also see who will represent Africa for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil in 2027. The two "play-offs" teams will be determined from two additional teams, with all four semi-finalists qualifying to the inter-confederation "play-offs".

The 40-year-old will be heading to Chile in the near coming days to finalise the process of the move, revealed Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa.

Vozinha is scheduled to soon become a Colo Colo player. He will reach Chile in the following days for medical examinations and then he will be presented here at the Monumental Stadium," said Mosa ahead of a League match on Friday evening.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Hampers was a major reason for the island's stellar campaign to this championship given the number of important saves he made in a group stage affair with Spain which went scoreless.

He was also significant in the knockout stages where Cape Verde took Argentina to extra time before going down against the eventual finalists by a score of 3-2.

Portuguese second tier team Chaves' Josimar Jose Evora Dias is heading to Colo Colo.

He has had an interesting career, and has signed his first professional contract at 26 years of age. Since then, he has enjoyed playing in Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova, Angola and Portugal.

The goalkeeper "yesterday" impressed Colo Colo enough to go so far as to make the deal, said Mosa.

That's why we're signing him, he's in a great form,” he said.

Vozinha has also become extremely popular in front of the home fans since the World Cup in Cape Verde.

Case reports that the amount of fans on his Instagram page jumped almost 500,000 to nearly 30 million upon receiving support from Brazilian influencer Casemiro.

He will play for another domestic hero, on a Colo Colo side. Chilean 34-time champions have a wide lead in the table at half-time of this year's season.

Man City have revealed that defender Abdukodir Khusanov has extended his deal at the Premier League outfit to a new five-year contract.

The 22-year-old centre-back has joined City from French club Lens in January 2025 and the club has already adapted him to their plans in anticipation of long-term future plans given his impressive debut campaign in England.

But Khusanov had several strong seasons last season and helped City to win the FA Cup and the League Cup as well as finish runners-up in the Premier League.

Defender Ready for New Challenge

After signing his new deal, Khusanov aired his excitement at continuing his resurgence with the English champions and showed his eagerness to please his new manager, Enzo Maresca.

There is so much to celebrate today and I am so happy with my family! I’m very pleased they let me stay at City," Khusanov said.

Since I first arrived in Manchester, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it; to be honest, I'm growing and learning a lot as a player.

Now, I have a new challenge – I want to impress Enzo Maresca and his team, and be part of his team the more often the better. I am determined to do that.

International Experience keeps on expanding.

Khusanov has firmly positioned himself as one of the leading figures in the world media.

The defender has made 30 international appearances for his nation and appeared in 3 of the Group K games for Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup.

He has cemented his reputation as one of Asia's most promising young defenders after consistently making the grade in both his club and country.

City Back Young Defenders' Development (Community Coordinator will back and support the player's development).

Khusanov "has come a long way since joining from Lens" and has the traits to be one of the finest central defenders in the world, according to Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana.

We've been really pleased and impressed by Abdukodir's development since he arrived in England," Viana said.

He is beginning to become a brilliant young man and outstanding defender; but we also know that it is a work in progress.

His physical and technical skills are all-world class – he has everything in place to become a world-class centre-back.

At just 22, his best years are all in front of him and his potential to get even better is clear for all to see."

The contract renewal was the second one.The second contract renewal was done.

Phil Foden is Manchester City's first player to sign a new long-term deal, as Khusanov follows his example.

The new contracts underline City's resolve to hold onto a few important players ahead of the start of a new era with Maresca.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that their appeal from the highly controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football to remove them from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Senegal is protesting, is to be heard on October 8.

The case will be heard behind closed doors in CAS headquarters in the Swiss city of Lausanne against the ruling of CAF overturning Senegal's final, De Leonibus said.The case will be heard behind closed doors in the CAS headquarters in the Swiss city of Lausanne to challenge the ruling of the CAF overturning the result of Senegal's AFCON final, De Leonibus said.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is calling for CAF's verdict to be overturned on March 25 and Senegal to be officially declared champions of Africa for 2025.

Attention-producing Raging Debate

The disagreement is because the AFCON was played in RABAT on January 18.

A Pape Gueye goal in extra-time gave Senegal a 1-0 lead. But it all went out of hand at the end of normal time as Morocco earned a penalty in a goalless draw.

Some Senegal players walked down from the pitch and other fans tried entering the playing area in protest to this action. The match was held up for nearly 20 minutes while the situation was disrupted then it was resumed.

CAF Reversed the Result

It was in March that CAF decided that Senegal had defaulted and that Morocco would secure the AFCON crown with a 3-0 win.

CAS is appealing against both CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the statement said.

The governing body agreed that Senegal wanted to appeal the disciplinary decision to CAF and the decision of the final match, as the team wanted to reverse this action.

May continue the hearing and await a verdict.

The October 8th proceedings will be dedicated to Senegal's request to be declared the winners of the AFCON 2025, CAS said.

But the arbitrating body said that it wouldn't declare the verdict on the hearing day.

Rather, the panel will engage in deliberation following its review of the evidence and make a written decision at a later time.

The possibility of the outcome of this appeal will decide what will happen to Morocco's title of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 or whether Senegal's original title is reaffirmed.

Otamendi's last outing for Argentina was when he came off the bench against Spain in extra time of the World Cup final (1-0 loss) on Sunday.

The centre-back showed his emotions in an emotional Instagram message and posted that it has been the biggest honour in his football journey to play for his country.

There are some of the hardest words in my career to write today,” Otamendi wrote.

I left the Argentina national team behind, but I am very proud to be an Argentina player.

Titles will pass and the love of these colours will endure a lifetime.

Decorated international career

In 2009, Otamendi made his senior Argentina debut and clocked up 139 appearances for the land of the long-suffering diminutive, with 8 goals.

He played four World Cups and was among the most successful teams of Argentina's history.

The defender has also been a World Cup 2022 favorite to the home side and has appeared in Copa America 2021 and 2024.

Wearing the national team shirt had been an ideal childhood dream for Otamendi and still stands as the biggest honour in his career, he said.

Ever since his days in his youth, he has been dreaming of wearing the Argentina national team jersey, he claimed.

It was mine to defend, with pride, with the knowledge of my responsibilities knowing its meaning for millions of Argentines.”

https://x.com/AlbicelesteTalk/status/2080409754795675890

In the last appearance, the loss was suffered.

Having come out from World Cup finals defeat was hard on Otamendi but he was pleased with the performance of the squad, he admitted.

My last game would be a World Cup Final,” he wrote, “for the rest of my life I will never forget this moment.”

This wasn't the outcome we'd have preferred, but I'm walking out with my head held high, knowing that this team did their best up to the very last second.

The defender, who is a member of the senior elite national team squad, also expressed gratitude to those who supported him and stated that he would depart international football leaving no regrets of having done the best job for his country.

I never bit back one pound of effort and I never doubted, and I never doubted that this shirt was the highest honour that I could simply ever have in my life,” he said.

Thank you Argentina, Ed, thanks for giving me the opportunity to finally realize my dream of becoming a world champion.”

Otamendi joins River Plate

Recently transferred from Europe, Otamendi was added to River Plate's ranks.

He has played for Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica and enjoyed a number of great victories abroad.

Although Argentina lost the World Cup final, Otamendi feels the national team is headed up a good path now.

He pushed his players who are still in the team to keep the faith and not lose their confidence due to the last loss.

Otamendi wrote that winners cherish defeat and strive to overcome it with "hands up and hearts high" and saying "fight and don't let a defeat deceive you".

I believe in you, Brian, I believe that tomorrow is yours.

Kibwage's corner in the 34th minute put K'Ogalo on the move to make it 1-0 to the Kenyan champions.

Patrick Essombe doubled the lead, just a minute later. With APR's central defenders unable to mark him, the forward fired a low shot from the edge of the box.

New recruits have left their imprint

Gor Mahia was again in control following the interval, when new signing Paul Okoth also scored, in the 73rd minute.

After cutting through the opposition with a left foot, Okoth was well placed to tap in after a low cross from the left.

With Charles Akkonor's side now in control, six minutes later Lesley Otieno scored his second goal to make it 4-0.

Ebenezer Assifuah finished the job in the 85th minute. Ghanaian forward who recently signed a new contract with Gor Mahia, came off the bench and struck the fifth goal.

Gor Mahia lead Group A

The convincing win propelled Gor Mahia to the top of the table in Group A ahead of Uganda's Vipers on goal difference.

Burundi had earlier lost the first game of the tournament to the Viperes, 3-0.

Faruk Miya returned to the Ugandan side to tally the second goal of the game.

Now Gor Mahia will try to develop on their impressive start in the regional title race.

The Spanish giants confirmed the move on Thursday and the 24-year-old agreed to a five-year deal running from the 1st June 2018 until the 30th June 2031.

Barcelona sent out a statement saying that “the transfer of Adeyemi to Barcelona will be effective from 1 July, with the transfer notice remaining in force till the end of June 2031”.

Newcastle United's international Anthony Gordon is the second signing of the transfer window for Adeyemi, having joined from the British League champions last season.The England international has joined on Tuesday as the second player to arrive on a transfer from Newcastle United this season, following Adeyemi who signed from the British League champions last season.

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2080270647343616104

Barcelona add pace to attack

Germany international will be able to play in a centre-forward or on either wing, which will give Hansi Flick some attacking freedom.

Adeyemi is the one who is known to possess pace and arrives at a time when Barcelona are looking to relook their attacking line after the departure of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.

The club also saw a drop in attacking quality when Marcus Rashford's loan move was terminated from Manchester United and Flick is now looking for other options.

Barcelona are also said to have been interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who they have been the leading bidder on this summer's transfer market.

Adeyemi meets up with Flick again.

Flick had previously given his senior Germany debut to Adeyemi in 2021 and will now be clubbing the forward.

Adeyemi signed for Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 and has netted 36 goals in 146 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side in his four seasons with them.

Barcelona are set to defend their national title and his speed and ability to cover the front line with versatility are expected to provide them with another dimension.

The German Football Association (DFB) called a press conference for Friday at 11am local time at the organization's headquarters in Frankfurt, but it didn't specify the topic of the announcement.

Klopp has been holding talks with the federation over succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, who was dismissed after Germany's elimination from this summer's World Cup.

But the deal still needs to be formally approved by the DFB's governing bodies before it can be officially announced, reports the AFP's sports subsidiary SID.

The contract will be in effect until 2030.

This is believed to be a contract that will run until 2030, the next World Cup.

Since 2025 the former Borussia Dortmund- and Liverpool-head coach has held the role of Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer. His job is to manage clubs in the football network of his company – such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, or New York Red Bulls.

Red Bull is ready to leave Klopp, but not at the expense of the DFB, media reports in Germany have said.

Rather, the company will be getting approximately €1 million ($1.1 million) to its Wings for Life foundation for spinal cord injury research.

Germany is looking to resurgence in World Cup.Germany wants to rise to the world cup level.

Germany sacked Nagelsmann after losing to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 16 in the World Cup.

The loss was a bad blow for the four-time World Cup winners, who have struggled at international events since their 2014 trophy in the World Cup.

Germany will not advance past the group stage in either 2018 or 2022, and have only clinched one knockout game in five major tournaments.

Germany's win came in Euro 2024, where the hosts of the tournament made it to the quarter-finals.

Klopp would thus be tasked with rebuilding his reputation and getting the team back into the latter stages of big championships.

Successful club career

Klopp started coaching at Mainz where he played for over 10 years.

He eventually had a good period at Borussia Dortmund which included domestic trophies and taking them to the Champions League final.

Klopp's tenure at Liverpool has left him with a good legacy, as he helped the club win the Premier League in 2020, which capped off their 30-year title drought.

He also took Liverpool to a Champions League victory and won their sixth European Cup.

In 2024, Klopp announced his resignation as Liverpool's manager, stating that he was tired after spending almost nine years at Anfield.

Tzolis is Arsenal's third permanent transfer window sign for the season after Leonardo is transferred to Besiktas and will be a target to replace in attack as Tossar will depart.

His arrival follows Arsenal missing out on England midfielder Morgan Rogers by the skin of his teeth 48 hours ago.

The £117 million ($157 million) he was reportedly sold to Chelsea for is the highest price ever paid for a British player. Later, the midfielder dubbed Chelsea the “biggest club in London”.

In Belgium, he has established a very impressive record.

Tzolis is joining Arsenal from Club Brugge where he netted 43 goals in 108 appearances.

The 24-year-old also looked in action last season as Belgium's Gunners were beaten 3-0 in the Champions League.

He has joined Brugge on a permanent basis in 2024 and contributed to its Belgian league title triumph last season.

Tzolis first professional club was PAOK Thessaloniki where he aiding the Greek team's success in the Greek Cup in May 2021 before joining Norwich City.

He joined Norwich on a loan but he got his first taste of Premier League football when he joined FC Twente in the Netherlands and Fortuna Duesseldorf in Germany on loan.

Berta supports Tzolis for the post.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said the Greece international was a "basketball player" and could fill several different roles.

Berta said on the official website that “Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player”, which is most likely an understatement.

He has great technical ability, is an outstanding finisher from either foot, and is very good in tight spaces.”

“Christos has been excellent in terms of goals and assists in the past three seasons.”

Arsenal think Tzolis could be a player they will enjoy watching, Berta added, "and he can make an important contribution to the side".

The winger has now made 34 appearances for Greece and is set to make a significant impact in the Arsenal attack for the upcoming season.

The players mentioned are the ones that have been linked to Arsenal as potential targets.The players listed are those that are seen as potential targets for Arsenal.

Three neighbouring African countries are bidding to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations jointly as the trio of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso bids to host Africa's biggest football tournament under a single regional bid.

Malian Football Federation sources said they had met the Confederation of African Football (Cafa) president Patrice Motsepe in New York on Saturday to discuss the proposed bid.

The meeting came at a critical juncture during the formal bid, the federation said, adding that the purpose of the meeting was to “present their case, in the context of a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations”.

The three countries are part of the Alliance of Sahel States, and are currently under military-led governments after a series of coups in the region.

The preparations for formal bids begin. Formal bid preparation begins for federations.

Malian federation said the negotiations with CAF will enable the three associations to advance with the conditions outlined in the governing body's criteria for granting the tournament.

Officials from the three countries will be further working on a comprehensive proposal for tournament infrastructure, such as stadium, transport, accommodation, security, and more.

The federation stated the partners are planning to come up with a “robust, credible bid” around a new vision for African football.

Previous AFCON Hosting Experience

The continental tournament was held in the past in Burkina Faso and Mali.

The 1998 edition was hosted by Burkina Faso and the 2002 edition was hosted by Mali. Niger has never been the host to the senior Africa Cup of Nations.

Currently, Mali has five stadiums approved by CAF and Burkina Faso has its primary stadium in Ouagadougou approved in 2025.

There is a significant amount of infrastructure work left in the way of Niger. The General Seyni Kountche Stadium was not allowed to host international football matches since 2022 and is in the process of being improved to meet CAF standards.

Security and Infrastructure are among the Major Tests category.

This combined bid will be subject to a rigorous evaluation as the three nations tackle serious security issues related to activities of armed groups in the Sahel region.

CAF will also be studying the capacity of the proposed hosts to host the expanded tournament successfully in terms of adequate venues, training facilities, transport network, Hotels and operational capacity.

The Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the next Africa Cup of Nations from June 19th to July 17th, 2027.

Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro has signed with Inter Miami as a free agent, and has agreed to terms through the end of the 2027 MLS campaign. It also contains an extension clause for him to extend his contract to June 2029.

This transfer is contingent upon the midfielder getting his P-1 Visa and LA Galaxy giving Inter Miami the Discover Priority rights. The Galaxy stated that the deal was reached, but would not disclose any specifics until Major League Soccer conducts its investigation, adding the information would be kept confidential.

Casemiro arrives in South Florida after bringing an end to his three-year spell at Manchester United.

https://x.com/InterMiamiCF/status/2079977308467745212

Casemiro is a promising talent who is setting himself up to be a success in Miami.

Inter Miami's vision and desire to build for the future was what made it a decision, 34-year-old said.

The biggest drive for me is winning and becoming better, and I believe that's the case for everyone," Casemiro said.

The Club that presented the project to me and the effort that everyone put into getting me here is valuable to me.

I am so lucky and I'm looking forward to going and being able to give back what the Club has given me, not just during matchday, but every day when I am in training.

Position: Midfield Addition, Player: Beckham and Mas, Goal: Welcome Midfield Addition.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said it was another "statement of their ambition" when Casemiro was signed.

The Latin American's winning mentality, leadership and success at the highest level fit the bill perfectly as Inter Miami continue to assemble a team that can compete with the world's top clubs, he said.

The experienced midfielder was also greeted by co-owner David Beckham, who admitted that he had watched Casemiro all his life and was impressed by him.

I'm so happy that he's choosing Miami as his next home, he's a winner with so much he's accomplished in the game, with Real Madrid and Manchester United, he was just an incredible career I am happy that he's done that," Beckham said.

Glittering Club Career

By leaving Europe, Casemiro has emerged as one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

He went through Real Madrid's academy, then joined the club in 2013 and was a pivotal part of one of Real Madrid's greatest seasons. In eight seasons with the Spanish giants he scored 31 goals and assisted 29 others in 336 appearances and won 18 major trophies.

He has won a number of trophies at Real Madrid, such as:

1. Five UEFA Champions League trophies
2. Three LaLiga championships
3. One Copa del Rey
4. Three Spanish Super Cups
5. Three FIFA Club World Cups
6. Three European Football Super Cups

Casemiro joined Manchester United in 2022, making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and adding 14 assists to the club's tally. He was involved in Old Trafford's FA Cup and EFL Cup success and left the club by mutual consent.

Brazil Mainstay

Casemiro has played in 91 matches for Brazil and was a member of the team that won the Copa America in 2019.

He is a three-time FIFA World Cup starter for the Selecao, having scored once in the Round of 32 and assisted once in the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup.

Star-Studded Miami Squad

Casemiro adds to an Inter Miami team that already includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon as the MLS club continues to build their squad around successful international players.

He arrives as another testament to Inter Miami's plans to go toe-to-toe with clubs in the country for the home title and become one of the top North American football clubs.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced the 26-player Harambee Starlets squad that will represent Kenya at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Head coach Beldine Odemba will lead the team into the continental championship, with the squad featuring three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and five forwards.

The announcement marks another important milestone in Kenya's preparations as the Harambee Starlets aim to make a strong impression on Africa's biggest women's football tournament.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department includes:

• Annedy Kundu
• Lilian Awuor
• Vivian Shiyonzo

Defenders

Odemba has selected the following defenders:

• Elizabeth Ochaka
• Vivian Nasaka
• Leah Andiema
• Mary Nthambi
• Norah Ann
• Euphrasier Shilwatso
• Enez Mango
• Ruth Ingosi

Midfielders

Kenya's midfield options are:

• Mwanalima Adam
• Martha Amunyolete
• Airin Madalina
• Mercy Airo
• Fasila Adhiambo
• Lorna Nyairinda
• Tereza Engesha
• Shaline Mnabengele

Forwards

Leading Kenya's attack are:

• Violet Nanjala
• Valarie Nekesa
• Shirleen Opisa
• Eglay Mukhwana
• Marion Serenge

Eyes on Morocco

With the squad now confirmed, the Harambee Starlets will shift their focus to final preparations ahead of WAFCON 2026. Kenya will be hoping the blend of experienced players and emerging talent can help the team compete strongly against the continent's top sides.

The tournament in Morocco offers another opportunity for the Starlets to showcase the continued growth of women's football in Kenya on the African stage.

Spain are world champions for the second time after beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Ferran Torres delivered the decisive moment in the 106th minute, firing into the roof of the net after Nico Williams kept Pedro Porro’s cross alive at the back post.

It was a fitting reward for Spain, who dominated large parts of the final but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Emiliano Martinez in the Argentina goal.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the match from the early stages, moving the ball with purpose and pressing Argentina into long spells without rhythm. La Roja had the better chances, more possession and the clearer attacking ideas, but they had to wait until extra time to finally break through.

Argentina, chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, spent much of the match on the back foot. Lionel Messi, in what could be his final appearance at the tournament, struggled to influence the game as Spain’s midfield and defence closed the spaces around him.

Spain nearly made an early statement when Lamine Yamal threatened inside the opening minutes, but Lisandro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez combined to keep the teenager out.

The first half remained goalless, but Spain were the more composed side. Argentina failed to register a shot before the break, while Spain kept probing through Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina suffered a setback before half-time when Lisandro Martinez, who had already been booked, was forced off through injury and replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.

Lionel Scaloni turned to his bench at the interval, bringing on Leandro Paredes for Nicolas Gonzalez as Argentina tried to add control and aggression in midfield.

The change gave Argentina more bite, but Spain continued to carry the greater threat. De la Fuente responded by introducing Pedri and Torres, before later adding Williams and Mikel Merino as La Roja pushed for the goal their dominance deserved.

Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina alive with a string of excellent saves. He denied Oyarzabal, Torres, Yamal, Pedri, Williams and Aymeric Laporte as Spain increased the pressure in the second half.

Argentina’s task became even harder in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence after a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.

Spain almost took advantage immediately, but Martinez pushed away Yamal’s free-kick to force extra time.

With Argentina down to 10 men, Spain looked the only likely winners. Williams thought he had scored early in extra time, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul by Merino on Otamendi in the build-up.

Merino then came close himself, glancing a Williams delivery narrowly wide as Argentina continued to survive under heavy pressure.

The breakthrough finally came just seconds into the second half of extra time.

Porro delivered from the right, Williams showed excellent awareness to guide the ball back into the danger area, and Torres smashed a left-footed finish high past Martinez to put Spain ahead.

Argentina tried to respond late, throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Messi almost caused panic with a dangerous delivery, while Giuliano Simeone wasted a huge chance in added time when he fired over from close range.

Merino also produced a brave late block to deny Messi, putting his body on the line to protect Spain’s lead.

Argentina’s frustration boiled over in the final moments as Paredes was shown a red card, leaving the defending champions to finish the final with nine men.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among Spain’s players and supporters. Sixteen years after their first World Cup triumph in South Africa, La Roja returned to the summit of world football.

Spain’s victory also completed a remarkable run under De la Fuente, with the European champions now adding the World Cup to their recent success.

For Argentina, it was a painful end to a proud title defence. Scaloni’s side battled until the end, but they were second best for long spells and could not find the late magic that had carried them through earlier rounds.

Messi leaves the tournament with another final appearance, but this time there was no perfect ending.

Spain were patient, disciplined and deserved winners. Torres will take the headlines, Williams changed the game from the bench, Yamal carried constant danger, and the defence kept Argentina quiet on the biggest stage.

After 120 minutes of pressure, frustration and resilience, Spain found the one moment they needed.

La Roja are world champions again.

Spain returned to the summit of world football after a disciplined, patient and dominant performance against defending champions Argentina.

Sixteen years after winning their first World Cup in South Africa, La Roja lifted the trophy again, this time under Luis de la Fuente, whose side showed maturity, tactical control and resilience on the biggest stage.

The final was not a high-scoring spectacle, but it was a match Spain largely controlled. They dictated possession, pressed aggressively when they lost the ball and prevented Argentina from building sustained attacks.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in what may have been his final World Cup appearance, struggled to produce any meaningful threat for most of the game. The defending champions were forced to defend deep and rely heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who produced several outstanding saves to keep them alive.

Torres Delivers The Decisive Moment

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute, just seconds after the second half of extra time had begun.

Spain worked the ball down the right side through Pedro Porro, whose cross reached the back post. Nico Williams showed excellent awareness and control to keep the move alive, knocking the ball into the path of Ferran Torres.

Torres made no mistake.

The Barcelona forward rifled a left-footed strike into the roof of the net, giving Emiliano Martinez no chance and sending Spain’s supporters into celebration.

It was a goal that rewarded Spain’s persistence. De la Fuente’s side had pushed for the opener throughout the second half and extra time, and Torres’ finish finally broke Argentina’s resistance.

Argentina’s Red Card Changed The Final

Argentina had already been under pressure before Enzo Fernandez was sent off, but the red card in the 90+3rd minute shifted the final firmly in Spain’s favour.

Fernandez, already booked for dissent earlier in the second half, lunged into a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi and was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The sending-off left Argentina with 10 men for extra time and made an already difficult task even harder.

Spain immediately increased the pressure. Lamine Yamal forced a strong late save from Martinez with a free-kick before the match moved into extra time, and once the additional 30 minutes began, La Roja looked the only likely winner.

Argentina battled bravely, but the red card forced them deeper and removed any real control they had in midfield.

Emiliano Martinez Keeps Argentina Alive

If Argentina stayed in the final for as long as they did, it was largely because of Emiliano Martinez.

The goalkeeper produced a remarkable performance, making several important saves to deny Spain across normal time and extra time. He stopped efforts from Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Aymeric Laporte, Pedri and Nico Williams.

By the end of normal time, Martinez had made 10 saves, the most recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final since 1966.

His performance delayed Spain’s celebrations, but even he could not stop Torres’ extra-time winner.

Spain’s Tactical Control

Spain’s victory was built on control.

Rodri dictated the tempo in midfield, constantly receiving under pressure, winning duels and moving the ball into dangerous areas. Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo helped Spain dominate central zones, while Yamal and Porro created repeated danger down the right flank.

Argentina struggled to escape Spain’s press. When they tried to build from deep, Spain closed them quickly. When they went long, they often surrendered possession.

The numbers reflected that control. Spain produced 20 shots and an expected goals total of 1.94, while Argentina managed only two attempts and 0.17 xG.

For long periods, Argentina had no answer to Spain’s structure, movement and pressing.

Messi’s World Cup Dream Ends In Heartbreak

For Lionel Messi, the final carried huge emotional weight.

At 39, the Argentina captain was playing what could be his final World Cup match. He had helped guide Argentina to the final with decisive contributions throughout the knockout stage, including the semi-final comeback against England.

But Spain denied him space and rhythm.

Messi had limited touches in dangerous areas and struggled to influence the game as he had done in earlier rounds. He still tried to create late chances, including deliveries from set-pieces in extra time, but Argentina could not find the equaliser.

If this was Messi’s last World Cup appearance, it ended not with another trophy, but with a painful defeat to a Spain side that controlled the occasion.

Key Turning Points

1. Spain’s Early Control
Spain started with confidence and quickly settled into their rhythm. Yamal almost created the opening goal inside the first five minutes, setting the tone for La Roja’s dominance.

2. Argentina’s First-Half Struggles
Argentina failed to register a first-half shot. Spain’s pressing and midfield control left the defending champions chasing the game without creating clear chances.

3. Emiliano Martinez’s Saves
Martinez kept Argentina alive with a series of saves, especially in the final stages of normal time when Spain pushed hard for a winner.

4. Enzo Fernandez Red Card
The 90+3rd-minute dismissal changed the shape of the final. Argentina entered extra time with 10 men and were forced into survival mode.

5. Torres’ Extra-Time Winner
Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal settled the final and secured Spain’s second World Cup title.

Tournament Awards

Golden Ball: Rodri
Silver Ball: Lionel Messi
Bronze Ball: Kylian Mbappe

Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappe
Silver Boot: Lionel Messi
Bronze Boot: Jude Bellingham

Golden Glove: Unai Simon
Young Player Award: Pau Cubarsi
Fair Play Trophy: Netherlands

What The Result Means For Spain

Spain’s victory confirms them as the dominant international team of this era.

De la Fuente has built a side with balance, depth and identity. Spain no longer depend only on possession for possession’s sake. They now combine technical control with pressing, defensive organisation and attacking depth from the bench.

The final also underlined the strength of Spain’s new generation. Yamal, Cubarsi, Williams and Pedri all played important roles, while experienced leaders such as Rodri, Simon and Laporte gave the team stability.

Winning the World Cup after already conquering Europe marks a complete triumph for De la Fuente’s project.

What The Result Means For Argentina

Argentina’s title defence ended with disappointment, but they still leave the tournament after another deep run.

Scaloni’s side showed resilience throughout the knockout stage, including late wins over Switzerland and England. However, against Spain, they looked tired, limited and unable to create enough chances.

Their attempt to retain the World Cup fell short, and the defeat may also signal the end of an era, especially if Messi does not return for another tournament.

Argentina remain one of football’s great national teams, but this final belonged to Spain.

Conclusion

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina was a victory built on patience, control and belief.

It took 106 minutes for the breakthrough to arrive, but La Roja had looked the better team throughout. Ferran Torres provided the finish, Nico Williams supplied the crucial assist, Rodri controlled the midfield, and Spain’s defence shut down one of the most experienced attacks in the tournament.

Argentina fought until the end, but they were second best for long stretches and could not overcome the setback of Enzo Fernandez’s red card.

Spain are world champions again, and this triumph confirms the rise of a new golden generation.

https://x.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2078963624266133887

The France captain scored twice at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, taking his tournament tally to 10 goals and his overall World Cup record to 22. That moved him ahead of Lionel Messi as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

Mbappe also became only the fourth player to score 10 or more goals in a single men’s World Cup. He joins Sandor Kocsis, Just Fontaine and Gerd Muller on one of football’s most exclusive lists.

Kocsis scored 11 goals for Hungary in 1954, Fontaine hit a record 13 for France in 1958, while Muller scored 10 for West Germany in 1970.

Mbappe’s latest milestone came in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. England beat France 6-4 in the highest-scoring third-place match in World Cup history, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick for the Three Lions.

England raced into a commanding lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Saka before France launched a second-half fightback. Mbappe scored twice to drag Les Bleus back into the contest, while Bradley Barcola also found the net.

But England held their nerve. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham scored late to seal third place for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

France left without a medal, but Mbappe’s individual achievement ensured the night still carried historic meaning for Les Bleus.

The Real Madrid forward has now scored at three World Cups. He netted four times as France won the title in Russia in 2018, added eight goals in Qatar in 2022 and then delivered 10 more in North America.

At just 27, Mbappe has already built one of the greatest World Cup records in football history.

His 2026 performance also placed him top of the Golden Boot standings ahead of the final between Argentina and Spain. With Messi still involved in the tournament, the race remains a major talking point, but Mbappe’s 10-goal return has set a high mark.

After the match, Mbappe admitted that records matter but insisted his main focus remains winning trophies.

“Records are special, but winning trophies is what matters most,” he said.

Supporters reacted quickly to his achievement, with many praising his consistency on the biggest stage. France may have fallen short as a team, but Mbappe again showed why he is one of the defining players of his generation.

For France, the tournament ended with mixed emotions. Their semi-final defeat to Spain denied them a place in another final, and England then blocked their route to bronze.

For Mbappe, however, the campaign strengthened his legacy. He leaves the 2026 World Cup as the tournament’s leading scorer, the competition’s all-time top marksman and one of only four players to hit double figures at a single edition.

The trophy escaped him this time, but history did not.

Bukayo Saka was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick as the Three Lions responded to their painful semi-final defeat to Argentina with a fearless attacking performance against Les Bleus.

The Arsenal winger became only the second England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match after Sir Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final. Pele, in 1958, was the only other player to score a World Cup treble against France.

England’s victory secured their highest finish at the men’s World Cup since winning the tournament in 1966. It was also their best performance on foreign soil and came in the highest-scoring third-place match the competition has ever seen.

Thomas Tuchel made seven changes from the side that lost to Argentina, leaving Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench while handing starts to Saka, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze.

The response was immediate.

Declan Rice, captaining England, opened the scoring in the third minute after intercepting a loose pass from Desire Doue near halfway. The midfielder drove forward and fired a powerful strike past Mike Maignan from the edge of the box.

Rice then helped create England’s second, delivering a near-post corner that Ezri Konsa flicked in with his head to put the Three Lions firmly in control.

France looked open, unsettled and unusually passive. England took full advantage, with Saka scoring twice before the break.

His first came after a sharp counter-attack. Saka was initially denied by Maignan, but England kept the move alive and Rashford teed him up to finish from close range.

The winger added his second in first-half stoppage time, running onto a clever through-ball from Eze before finishing with a precise left-footed strike from a tight angle.

France trailed 4-0 at half-time, the first time they had been four goals down at the interval of any match since April 1930.

Didier Deschamps, taking charge of France for the final time, clearly demanded a reaction at the break. Les Bleus returned with far more urgency and quickly turned the match into a contest.

Kylian Mbappe pulled one back three minutes after the restart with a first-time finish. Bradley Barcola then made it 4-2 six minutes later, beating Dean Henderson at the near post.

France had momentum, and England suddenly looked vulnerable.

Mbappe struck again after a slick team move, scoring his 10th goal of the tournament. The goal moved him ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and made him the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

France pushed hard for an equaliser and created enough chances to complete the comeback. Henderson, however, produced important saves to deny Rayan Cherki, Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, while Michael Olise missed clear opportunities.

England needed calm, and Saka provided it.

In the 87th minute, Djed Spence was fouled by Malo Gusto inside the area. Saka stepped up and converted from the penalty spot to complete his hat-trick and restore England’s two-goal cushion.

Even then, the drama was not finished.

Dembele curled home in the sixth minute of stoppage time to make it 5-4 and give France brief hope of another twist.

But Bellingham, introduced from the bench, ended the contest with the final kick. Collecting the ball near halfway, he drove through the France defence, beat Maxence Lacroix and finished calmly to seal England’s 6-4 win.

The goal completed a superb personal tournament for Bellingham, who finished with seven goals, the most by any England men’s player at a single World Cup.

For England, the victory will bring mixed emotions. Bronze is a major achievement, but the attacking freedom shown against France will raise questions about the approach in the semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Tuchel was heavily criticised for defensive substitutions in that match after England had taken the lead. Against France, his side played with energy, width and ambition, especially in a thrilling first half.

Saka’s performance will also invite debate. After fitness concerns earlier in the tournament, he delivered one of the great England knockout displays and showed why many supporters felt he should have featured more heavily against Argentina.

For France, the defeat marked a dramatic and painful end to Deschamps’ long reign.

The 2018 World Cup-winning coach leaves after 187 matches in charge, including a record-extending 27 games at World Cup finals. His final match was unforgettable, but not for the reasons he would have wanted.

France had never conceded six goals in a World Cup match before. It was also the first time in 66 years that they had conceded six in any match.

Mbappe still ended the tournament with individual history, but France’s poor first half left them with too much to repair.

This was a third-place playoff in name, but it carried the drama of a final. Ten goals, 38 shots, a Saka hat-trick, Mbappe history and a Bellingham finale made it one of the most extraordinary matches of the World Cup.

England leave with bronze, belief and questions about what might have been.

The defending champions beat England 2-1 in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, scoring twice late to reach the World Cup final. But attention quickly shifted from the result to the scenes that followed the final whistle.

During the celebrations, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were seen holding up a banner that read: “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.”

It was not immediately clear where the banner came from, though reports suggested it had earlier been displayed in the stands.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes defended the message when asked about it after the match.

And they will always be Argentine,” Paredes said.

We were aware of what this match meant for the country. We tried to represent our nation and all those who lived through that sad moment in our history, so that they could identify with us and we could convey a positive image.”

The incident has placed Argentina under scrutiny because FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct prohibits banners, flags, clothing and other materials considered political, offensive or discriminatory.

FIFA has now confirmed that its independent disciplinary committee is reviewing the matter before deciding whether further action is required.

As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA disciplinary code,” FIFA said in a statement.

The United Kingdom has called on FIFA to act, with UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle describing the players’ behaviour as inappropriate.

Kyle told the BBC that politics and football should remain separate, adding that the matter now rests with FIFA.

The Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, have long been a source of diplomatic tension between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

The dispute led to war in 1982, when Argentina’s then-military government invaded the islands. Britain responded by sending a military task force and later reasserted control after a conflict that lasted just over two months and claimed more than 900 lives.

The islands remain under British control, and residents voted overwhelmingly in a 2013 referendum to remain British. Argentina, however, continues to claim sovereignty over the territory.

The banner controversy adds a political edge to an already emotional fixture between two countries with a long and complicated World Cup history.

On the pitch, England had looked on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after taking the lead in the 55th minute. But Argentina responded late, with Lionel Messi assisting both goals as the holders completed another dramatic comeback.

The 39-year-old captain now has the chance to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.

Spain await in the final after beating France 2-0 in the other semi-final.

For Argentina, the focus should have been fully on another final appearance. Instead, they must now wait to see whether FIFA takes disciplinary action over a celebration that has reopened one of football’s most sensitive political fault lines.

The initiative, dubbed Wallcover K'Ogalo Edition, was unveiled by club sponsors Kansai Plascon Kenya as part of Gor Mahia’s wider push towards long-term financial sustainability.

Through the campaign, Kansai Plascon Kenya will dedicate a percentage of proceeds from every sale of the limited-edition Plascon Trade Wall Cover Emulsion – K'Ogalo Edition to support Gor Mahia’s participation in the CAF Champions League.

Gor Mahia reclaimed the FKF Premier League title last season and will represent Kenya in the CAF Champions League, with the preliminary round expected to kick off in September.

The initiative gives supporters a direct role in the club’s continental journey. Every fan who purchases the special K'Ogalo Edition product will contribute towards the team’s preparations and participation on the African stage.

The campaign also marks a fresh approach to sports sponsorship in Kenya, moving beyond traditional branding and shirt partnerships by creating a product that connects fans, business and football ambition.

The limited-edition package has been designed to celebrate Gor Mahia’s 2025–2026 league-winning season. It carries the club’s iconic identity, championship-inspired graphics and visual elements linked to one of Kenya’s most decorated football institutions.

Speaking during the unveiling, Kansai Plascon Kenya Managing Director Enami Kota said the partnership with Gor Mahia was built on more than sponsorship.

“Our partnership with Gor Mahia has always been about more than sponsorship. It is about investing in a legacy that inspires millions of Kenyans,” Kota said.

“This initiative allows supporters to celebrate the club’s achievements while directly contributing towards its future as the team prepares to fly the Kenyan flag in the CAF Championship. We believe corporate partnerships should create meaningful impact beyond branding.”

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier welcomed the initiative, saying it reflects the kind of collaboration modern football needs.

“This partnership reflects what modern football requires — long-term collaboration built on shared ambition. Kansai Plascon has stood with us as partners, and this latest initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting the club beyond the football pitch,” Rachier said.

“Every supporter who purchases the K'Ogalo Edition becomes part of our journey as we prepare to compete on the continental stage.”

The campaign is anchored on the theme “Champions on the Pitch. Champions in Every Home.” It celebrates Gor Mahia’s success, while also highlighting the role of partnerships, community pride and football’s ability to unite supporters across the country.

For Gor Mahia, the timing is important. The club is seeking to turn domestic dominance into stronger continental performances, an ambition that has long remained a major target for K'Ogalo and their supporters.

Before their CAF Champions League campaign begins, Gor Mahia are in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 2026 CECAFA Club Championship, which runs from July 24 to August 7.

K'Ogalo have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts APR FC of Rwanda, Uganda’s Vipers SC and Garde Républicaine of Djibouti.

The Wallcover K'Ogalo Edition now gives fans another way to rally behind the team as Gor Mahia prepare for a demanding regional and continental schedule.

England looked on course for their first World Cup final in 60 years after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead early in the second half. But Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions refused to fade, striking twice in the closing stages through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

The result sends Argentina into Sunday’s final against Spain, while England must now regroup for a third-place playoff against France.

It was a painful night for Thomas Tuchel’s side. England had defended with discipline for long periods and appeared to have Argentina under control after taking the lead, but they gradually dropped deeper and invited pressure from a team that has made late drama a habit at this tournament.

The first half was tense, physical and short on clear chances. Both teams pressed hard, but neither side found enough quality in the final third. England had moments through Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers, while Argentina tried to bring Lionel Messi into the match whenever they could.

After the break, the game finally opened up.

England struck in the 55th minute. Harry Kane dropped deep before the ball eventually found Rogers, who delivered a brilliant cross into the area. Gordon timed his run well, escaped Nahuel Molina and finished past Emiliano Martinez to give the Three Lions a precious lead.

For a while, England looked ready to protect that advantage. Djed Spence made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Argentina, and Jordan Pickford produced an important save as the pressure started to build.

But Tuchel’s changes shifted the rhythm of the match. England moved into a more defensive shape and lost their outlet going forward. Argentina sensed the change and began to push higher, with Messi finding more time to deliver dangerous balls into the box.

Alexis Mac Allister came close when his header struck the post, a warning that England failed to fully control.

Argentina’s equaliser came in the 85th minute. Messi was again involved, and Fernandez found space outside the box before curling a superb right-footed strike into the bottom corner. Pickford had moments earlier tipped a Fernandez effort over the bar, but this time he could not keep the midfielder out.

England still had time to recover, but Argentina had momentum.

In the 92nd minute, Messi delivered the decisive moment. The captain collected the ball and clipped a precise cross into the area, where substitute Lautaro Martinez rose to head beyond Pickford and complete the turnaround.

It was another reminder of Argentina’s champion mentality. They had been behind, under pressure and facing elimination, but once again found a way through.

England threw on Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford in stoppage time, but Argentina managed the final minutes with experience and calm. Emiliano Martinez claimed one late ball into the box, and the final whistle confirmed England’s World Cup dream was over.

The numbers reflected Argentina’s growing control. They finished with 15 attempts and an expected goals total of 1.84, while England managed only five shots and 0.53 xG.

For England, this will feel like an opportunity lost. Gordon’s goal had put them in a strong position, but they could not maintain control when Argentina increased the pressure.

For Argentina, the dream of defending their World Cup crown remains alive. Messi did not score, but he shaped the match when it mattered most, providing the quality that helped turn defeat into victory.

A final against Spain now awaits. England, meanwhile, must lift themselves for one more match against France as they fight to end the tournament with third place.

Didier Deschamps’ side had arrived with hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, but Spain were sharper, calmer and far more balanced when it mattered most.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before Pedro Porro added the second after the break to send La Roja into the final.

For France, it was a night of frustration. Their attack, so dangerous for much of the tournament, failed to find rhythm against a Spain side that defended with discipline and controlled key moments with maturity.

The first blow arrived in the 22nd minute. Lucas Digne caught Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area as he tried to clear, and the referee pointed to the spot. Oyarzabal stepped up and finished confidently, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way in spirit even though the goalkeeper dived in the right direction.

France had time to respond, but the goal unsettled them.

Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola all struggled to impose themselves. Spain’s defence closed spaces quickly, while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz helped slow the tempo whenever France looked ready to break.

The situation became worse for Les Bleus when William Saliba was forced off with a back problem in the first half. His withdrawal disrupted France’s defensive structure and forced Deschamps into an early change.

At half-time, France were only one goal down, but their attacking numbers told the story. They had offered little in the final third and had not tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon enough.

Deschamps tried to change the mood after the break, introducing fresh legs from the bench. But Spain remained composed and soon found the second goal that left France with a mountain to climb.

Porro made it 2-0 in the 58th minute after a clever exchange with Dani Olmo. The right-back timed his run well and guided his finish past Maignan, giving Spain full control of the tie.

France pushed forward late, but much of their play lacked conviction. Mbappe had one effort blocked, Dembele’s delivery was poor from promising positions, and the team looked increasingly short of ideas.

Spain almost added more on the counter, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams continuing to stretch France in the closing stages.

The final minutes summed up the night. Spain kept the ball confidently, moved it with patience and made France chase shadows. Les Bleus, usually so composed in major tournament knockout matches, looked beaten before the final whistle.

For Deschamps, this defeat will hurt. France had beaten Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco on their way to the semi-final, and many expected them to go all the way. Instead, their campaign ended with one of their most underwhelming performances of the tournament.

Spain deserved their place in the final. They were not spectacular for every minute, but they were organised, clinical and brave enough to play their football under pressure.

The final whistle confirmed Spain’s place in the World Cup final and left France to reflect on a flat semi-final display.

For France, the dream of lifting the trophy is over, but their campaign is not finished. They still have a chance to end the tournament with pride by winning the third-place playoff.

Deschamps will now have to lift his players quickly. Whether they face Argentina or England, France will need a stronger performance to close their World Cup journey on a positive note.

This was not the ending France wanted, but there is still one more assignment ahead.

Mildred Cheche’s side had arrived for the return leg with a 2-0 advantage from the first meeting in South Africa, but they were forced to show character after an early scare in Nairobi.

South Africa stunned the home crowd after just five minutes when Katleho Malebana found the net to cut Kenya’s aggregate lead to 2-1. The visitors sensed a route back into the tie and pushed hard during a tense opening spell.

Kenya struggled to settle in the first half as South Africa defended with discipline and pressed with purpose. The Junior Starlets went into the break trailing 1-0 on the day, though they still held a narrow aggregate lead.

The response after half-time was decisive.

Kenya returned with more urgency, pressing higher, moving the ball quicker and forcing South Africa deeper into their own half. Their patience was rewarded in the 71st minute when Gaudencia Maloba timed her run well before finishing calmly to level the match.

The goal restored Kenya’s two-goal aggregate cushion and shifted the momentum firmly back to the hosts.

Cheche then turned to her bench, and Elizabeth Opiyo made an immediate impact. The substitute brought pace, direct running and fresh energy to Kenya’s attack, stretching a South African defence that was beginning to tire.

Opiyo later won a penalty after bursting into the box and drawing a foul. Brenda Awuor stepped up and converted with composure to give Kenya a 2-1 lead on the night and extend the aggregate advantage to 4-1.

There was still time for Opiyo to produce the moment of the match. Picking up possession inside Kenya’s own half, she drove forward on a brilliant solo run, beating several South African players before finishing coolly to seal the win.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory on the day and a 5-1 aggregate triumph, sparking celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.

The result sends Kenya to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and confirms the Junior Starlets’ growing place in the country’s football story.

After making history with their first World Cup appearance in 2024, Kenya have now shown that their rise in youth women’s football is not a one-time achievement.

This qualification is another major step for the programme and another sign of the progress being made by a new generation of Kenyan players.

Thiaw and his entire coaching staff have been relieved of their duties after the Lions of Teranga were knocked out by Belgium in the Round of 32.

In a statement, the federation said the decision was reached after a meeting of its executive committee.

Following a meeting of the executive committee, it was decided to initiate proceedings to relieve national team coach Pape Thiaw, as well as the entire coaching staff, of their duties,” the federation said.

FSF president Abdoulaye Fall is expected to address the matter in a press conference on Monday, where he will explain the reasons behind the decision and discuss the future of the national team.

Thiaw, a former Senegal international, took charge of the national side in 2024. His time in charge included a major high point in January, when Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final.

However, that success was later overshadowed after Senegal were stripped of the title as punishment for walking off the pitch during a chaotic final against Morocco.

At the World Cup, Senegal struggled to find consistency. They lost group-stage matches against France and Norway before beating Iraq 5-0 to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Their campaign then ended in painful fashion against Belgium. Senegal had led 2-0 until the 86th minute, only to concede late and eventually lose 3-2 after extra time.

That collapse proved costly for Thiaw, who has now paid the price for a tournament that fell below expectations.

Senegal will now begin the search for a new coach as they look to rebuild after a difficult World Cup campaign.

The federation’s next decision will be important for a squad that still has quality, experience and the ambition to remain among Africa’s strongest national teams.

The scoreline looked comfortable in the end, but it did not tell the full story. Switzerland pushed the defending champions deep into extra time, played with discipline for long spells and had strong reason to feel frustrated after a controversial second-half red card changed the rhythm of the match.

Julian Alvarez, quiet for much of the tournament, delivered the decisive moment in the 112th minute. Cutting inside from the left, the striker struck a superb right-footed effort into the top corner, leaving Gregor Kobel with no chance.

It was his first goal of this World Cup and the kind of finish Argentina badly needed on a night when Lionel Messi was contained for long periods.

Argentina had started sharply enough, taking the lead in the 10th minute from a set-piece. Messi delivered the corner, and Alexis Mac Allister rose between Swiss defenders to power a header past Kobel.

Switzerland had controlled much of the early possession, but Argentina punished them with the efficiency of a champion side. After the opener, Lionel Scaloni’s team slowed the pace, protected their shape and allowed Switzerland to have the ball in safer areas.

The Swiss did not panic. Murat Yakin’s side grew into the second half and began asking more serious questions of Argentina’s defence.

Their equaliser arrived in the 66th minute after a quick and well-worked move. Dan Ndoye started the attack, exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez and then finished the left-back’s cross to make it 1-1.

At that stage, the momentum was with Switzerland. Argentina looked uncomfortable, and Emiliano Martinez had already been forced into important saves as the Swiss pushed higher.

Then came the moment that shifted the contest. Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo, but after a VAR review, the decision was changed. Paredes’ booking was withdrawn, and Embolo was instead shown a second yellow card for simulation.

The decision left Switzerland down to 10 men and sparked clear anger from their players and bench. It also changed their approach. From then on, the Swiss dropped deeper, protected the penalty area and tried to carry the match towards penalties.

Argentina pushed but struggled to find the final pass. Messi went close with a curling effort late in normal time, while Thiago Almada almost found the breakthrough in extra time with a fierce strike from outside the box.

Switzerland defended bravely, but Alvarez finally broke their resistance. His goal was a reminder of the quality that made him so important to Argentina in 2022, and it rewarded Scaloni’s decision to keep faith with him.

With Switzerland forced to chase the game, Argentina added a third on the counter. Almada’s effort was not cleanly struck, but the rebound fell to Lautaro Martinez, who finished to seal the win.

Messi did not score for the first time at this tournament, ending his run of goals in nine straight World Cup matches. Still, he contributed the assist for Mac Allister’s opener and remained central to Argentina’s attacking rhythm.

For Switzerland, the defeat was painful. They had matched Argentina for long periods and were still alive until Alvarez’s late strike. After losing on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, this was another harsh ending for a team that has become difficult to beat on the biggest stage.

Argentina move on, but not without questions. They have now survived several difficult knockout matches, relying on late goals, individual quality and emotional resilience.

Their next test is England in Atlanta on Wednesday. It is a fixture rich in history, and after another dramatic escape, Argentina will know they must be sharper if they are to return to the World Cup final.

England were made to suffer in punishing heat at the Hard Rock Stadium, where Norway pushed Thomas Tuchel’s side to the edge in their first ever World Cup quarter-final.

Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway a surprise lead in the first half, but Bellingham dragged England back into the match before the break with a composed left-footed finish.

The midfielder then settled the tie in extra time, reacting quickest after Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland spilled Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort. Bellingham swept in the rebound for his sixth goal of the tournament and sent England into the last four.

England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday as they continue their push to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.

Norway started with confidence and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. Jordan Pickford had to save low from Martin Odegaard, while Alexander Sorloth wasted a promising opening when he chose to shoot instead of finding Erling Haaland.

Schjelderup punished England soon after, giving Norway a lead that reflected their sharper start. Tuchel’s side looked unsettled, short of rhythm and uncomfortable in the Miami heat.

Bellingham changed that with one moment of quality.

After receiving Anthony Gordon’s pass, he drove into the box at speed and finished calmly with his weaker left foot. It was a goal that arrived just when England needed direction, and it shifted the mood before half-time.

England almost went ahead before the interval when Bellingham turned creator for Harry Kane. The captain lifted the ball over Nyland, but the flag went up for offside.

Tuchel made changes at the break, introducing Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze for Noni Madueke and Declan Rice. Rice had been unwell earlier in the week, but the reshuffle also left England lighter in midfield.

Norway sensed that and enjoyed strong spells in the second half. They thought they had gone back in front when Torbjorn Heggem turned in at the back post, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul by Haaland on Elliott Anderson before the corner was taken.

It was a major escape for England. Norway came close again when Kristoffer Ajer hit the crossbar after another dangerous set-piece, with Tuchel’s defence struggling to clear its lines.

The conditions began to take their toll late on. Both teams slowed, challenges became heavier and the game lost some of its early sharpness, but neither side could find a winner in normal time.

Extra time brought the decisive mistake.

Nyland had been excellent in Norway’s famous win over Brazil, but this time he could not hold Rogers’ shot. Bellingham was alert, balanced and ruthless, turning the loose ball into the goal that ended Norway’s historic run.

England were awarded a penalty moments later, but VAR overturned the decision after ruling that Djed Spence had initiated the contact inside the box.

Norway had little left after that. Haaland, whose run of scoring in 14 straight competitive matches for his country came to an end, was taken off at half-time in extra time after giving everything in draining conditions.

For Norway, the defeat hurts, but their campaign remains historic. They reached their first World Cup quarter-final, knocked out Brazil and gave England a serious test.

For England, the performance was far from perfect, but the result matters most. After coming from behind against DR Congo and now Norway, Tuchel’s side are finding ways to survive difficult knockout matches.

Once again, Bellingham was the difference. England needed someone to take control of the moment, and he did.

The cause of Adams’ death has not been confirmed.

In a statement issued on July 11, South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie described Adams as one of the country’s most promising young footballers.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents,” McKenzie said, noting that Adams had grown from a promising academy player into a full Bafana Bafana international.

Adams, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured in all three of South Africa’s group matches at the World Cup. His campaign included the 1-1 draw against Czech Republic, a match he played just one day after the death of his grandmother.

He also made important contributions in South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea, a result that helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage for the first time.

South Africa’s run eventually ended in the Round of 32, where they were beaten by Canada.

The South African Football Players Union said it was devastated by Adams’ death, describing him as a young man whose life and career still had so much promise.

As tributes continue, McKenzie has asked supporters and the wider public to allow the family to grieve without rumours or unconfirmed claims.

For South African football, Adams’ passing is a painful loss. He had already earned his place on the international stage and, at club level, was part of one of the country’s biggest teams.

His death leaves Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and the wider football community mourning a player whose journey still seemed to have many chapters ahead.

According to AFP, the Portuguese Football Federation has reached a full agreement with the 71-year-old coach to replace Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.

Jesus is expected to be officially unveiled on Friday during a press conference at the federation’s headquarters near Lisbon. The briefing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. GMT.

The appointment comes just five days after Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in frustration. The Selecao had entered the tournament with a strong squad and high expectations, but their attack failed to deliver against Spain in a narrow knockout defeat.

Jesus is set to sign a four-year contract, keeping him in charge until the 2030 FIFA World Cup. That tournament will carry extra importance for Portugal, who will co-host it alongside Spain and Morocco.

The veteran coach brings vast experience to the role. In Portugal, he has managed some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Benfica and Sporting CP.

His coaching career has also taken him abroad, with spells at Flamengo in Brazil, Fenerbahce in Turkey, and Saudi Arabian clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

Jesus now takes over a national team that remains rich in talent but is searching for direction after another painful major tournament exit.

Martinez had been in charge since 2023 and guided Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. However, the World Cup defeat to Spain placed fresh scrutiny on his leadership, especially after Portugal struggled to get the best out of their attacking players.

For Jesus, the task is clear. He must rebuild confidence, sharpen Portugal’s identity and prepare the team for a cycle that ends with a home World Cup in 2030.

Portugal still have the quality to compete at the highest level. The challenge now is turning that quality into a side capable of delivering when the pressure is at its highest.

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored within six second-half minutes to end Morocco’s run and keep France on course for another appearance in the final.

Morocco arrived with real belief after another strong tournament, but they struggled to trouble a France side that controlled the match for long spells. Didier Deschamps’ team were patient, disciplined and sharper in the moments that mattered.

France had a chance to go ahead in the first half when Mbappe won a penalty after being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui. The forward had to wait through a lengthy VAR check before taking the kick, and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly to make the save.

The miss briefly lifted Morocco, but they could not build on it. France continued to dominate the ball and kept Morocco pinned back for much of the contest.

The breakthrough came in the 60th minute. Mbappe collected possession near the edge of the area and curled a fine right-footed shot beyond Bounou to score his eighth goal of the tournament.

It was the kind of finish that has made him France’s most reliable weapon on the biggest stage. Deschamps later said he never doubted Mbappe’s confidence, even after the penalty miss.

Six minutes later, France made the game safe. Dembele drove forward from midfield before guiding a low finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 and leave Morocco with a mountain to climb.

The African champions tried to respond late on, but France goalkeeper Mike Maignan had little to do until the 83rd minute, when he pushed away Azzedine Ounahi’s free-kick. It was Morocco’s first shot on target, a sign of how well France had managed the match.

Mbappe was taken off in the 77th minute and later said he had a minor ankle issue, though he insisted it was not serious.

For Morocco, the defeat ends another proud World Cup campaign. They had been tipped to test France properly, but they lacked the attacking edge needed to trouble one of the tournament favourites.

France, meanwhile, continue to look like a team built for knockout football. They were not spectacular for every minute, but they were organised, ruthless and calm when the pressure arrived.

Deschamps praised his players for reaching another semi-final, noting that such consistency may look normal from the outside but still requires serious work.

France will now face either Spain or Belgium in Arlington, Texas, next Tuesday for a place in the final.

With Mbappe leading the scoring race and Dembele finding form at the right time, Les Bleus remain one of the strongest sides left in the competition.

For much of the match, the holders looked close to elimination. Egypt were brave, sharp on the break and ruthless when chances came. They had a two-goal lead, a goalkeeper in inspired form and a crowd beginning to sense that Lionel Messi’s World Cup story might be ending in painful fashion.

Instead, Argentina found something late.

Cristian Romero started the comeback with a header, Messi levelled with a powerful half-volley, and Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround in stoppage time with a superb header from Lautaro Martinez’s cross.

It was a dramatic escape for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who had also been pushed hard by Cape Verde in the previous round. Argentina are through, but this was another reminder that their title defence is being tested in ways few expected.

Egypt struck first after a slow start from Argentina. Marwan Attia delivered a deep cross to the back post, where Yasser Ibrahim powered home to give the Pharaohs a deserved lead.

Argentina were handed a quick route back into the game when Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down by Haissem Hassan inside the box. Messi stepped up, but his penalty was poor by his standards, and Mostafa Shobeir dived to his left to save.

It was another difficult World Cup penalty moment for Messi, who has now missed four of his eight non-shootout spot-kicks at the tournament. He had also failed to score from the spot earlier in this edition against Austria.

Shobeir’s save gave Egypt even more belief. The Al Ahly goalkeeper then produced a string of outstanding stops, denying Alexis Mac Allister from close range before making a brilliant save to keep out Julian Alvarez’s low effort.

Egypt thought they had doubled their lead around the hour mark after a flowing counter-attack. Mohamed Salah released Mostafa Ziko, who lifted the ball over Emiliano Martinez with great composure. The celebrations, however, were cut short after VAR ruled out the goal for a foul on Lisandro Martinez at the start of the move.

The decision angered Egypt, but they did not lose focus.

Moments later, they struck again. Salah once more led the break before finding Hassan, whose cross was finished by Ziko to make it 2-0. At that point, Argentina looked shaken. Messi’s head dropped during the second-half drinks break, and the defending champions appeared short of ideas.

Then the match turned.

Romero gave Argentina life with a header that Shobeir got a hand to but could not keep out. The goal changed the energy of the game and lifted the Argentine supporters, who had been growing increasingly anxious.

Messi almost created the equaliser soon after with a brilliant run before setting up Lautaro Martinez, whose header drifted just wide.

The captain’s redemption arrived seven minutes from time. Gonzalo Montiel pulled the ball back to Messi, who met it cleanly on the half-volley. Shobeir again got a touch, but this time the power was too much. The ball crashed in off the bar for Messi’s 21st World Cup goal and his eighth of this tournament.

It was also his ninth consecutive World Cup match with a goal, moving him back ahead in the Golden Boot race.

Argentina were not finished. With Egypt trying to hold on for extra time, Lautaro delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Fernandez attacked it with conviction. His header flew past Shobeir to complete a comeback that had looked almost impossible only minutes earlier.

Egypt were furious after the winner, and a member of their coaching staff was shown a red card during the protests. Their anger was understandable after a night full of controversial moments, but their players also left with pride after pushing the champions to the edge.

For Argentina, relief poured out at the final whistle. Messi was in tears as he embraced his teammates, fully aware of how close his final World Cup campaign had come to ending.

Scaloni’s team will now face either Colombia or Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Argentina remain alive. Egypt leave heartbroken. Messi’s dream continues, but only after one of the most dramatic escapes of the tournament.

The Round of 16 tie never fully caught fire, despite the weight of the rivalry and the quality on both sides. For long spells, Spain controlled the ball without cutting Portugal open, while Roberto Martinez’s team stayed compact but offered too little in attack.

Then came the decisive moment in stoppage time.

Mikel Merino, introduced from the bench, timed his run between Portugal’s centre-backs and finished low past Diogo Costa in the 91st minute. It was a rare clean attacking move in a match that had struggled for rhythm, and it was enough to send the European champions into the last eight.

Spain had more of the ball and created the better openings, finishing with 15 shots and six on target. Portugal had 10 attempts but only two on target, a fair reflection of a forward line that never truly found its spark.

Ronaldo, captaining Portugal at 41, had said before the match that this would be his final World Cup. If this was his last appearance on that stage, it ended quietly. He received little service, struggled to influence the game and cut a frustrated figure as Spain kept control of the key areas.

Portugal did push late after falling behind. Bernardo Silva came close with a header in added time, but his effort drifted over the top of the net. It was the closest Portugal came to forcing extra time.

Spain, while not at their fluent best, showed the value of patience and defensive discipline. Luis de la Fuente’s side have still not conceded at this World Cup, and that record gave them the platform to stay calm even when the match seemed to be heading for another 30 minutes.

Rodri again played an important role in midfield, helping Spain manage possession and stop Portugal from building sustained pressure. Lamine Yamal had bright moments, though Portugal largely kept him from producing a decisive final action.

For Portugal, the exit will raise fresh questions about Martinez. His side had enough individual talent to go deeper, but their attacking display against Spain was flat. Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix all struggled to give Ronaldo meaningful support.

Spain did not need to be spectacular. They needed one moment of quality, and Merino supplied it.

The result sends Spain into a quarter-final against either the United States or Belgium. For Portugal, the defeat marks another painful end to a major tournament and possibly the closing chapter of Ronaldo’s international World Cup story.

One of football’s greatest players leaves the competition without the one prize that always escaped him.

Balogun had been set to miss the United States’ last-16 match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA later suspended the one-match ban for one year, clearing the striker to play.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he felt the decision deserved another look because he did not believe Balogun had committed a foul.

“I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump told reporters. He added that he did not instruct FIFA to overturn the punishment.

Trump described the incident as two players running at speed and colliding, arguing that it should not have resulted in a sending-off. He also said he had not initially realised that a straight red card would automatically rule Balogun out of the next match.

Under FIFA rules, a straight red card normally carries an automatic one-match suspension. Such bans cannot be appealed by the player’s team, which made FIFA’s decision to suspend the punishment particularly contentious.

Balogun had been dismissed after a video review for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during the USA’s 2-0 victory. The United States Soccer Federation had not challenged the sanction, and Balogun had reportedly accepted the punishment before FIFA’s disciplinary committee intervened.

Trump’s comments came after reports in the United States said senior administration figures had lobbied around the case. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called for the red card to be rescinded.

FIFA has not offered a detailed public explanation for the decision, saying only that the ban would be suspended for a year. Balogun will serve the suspension only if he commits a similar offence during that period.

The ruling angered Belgian football officials, who said they were astonished by the decision and were reviewing possible options. Belgium are due to face the United States with Balogun now available for selection.

The striker has been one of the USA’s most important players at the tournament, scoring three goals so far. His absence would have been a major blow to the co-hosts heading into one of their biggest World Cup matches in years.

Trump welcomed the outcome, saying both teams would now have full squads. He also repeated his view that the original decision was unfair, while criticising the referee who issued the red card.

The episode has raised wider questions about political influence, FIFA’s disciplinary process and consistency in applying tournament rules.

For the United States, the immediate sporting benefit is clear. Balogun can play against Belgium. For FIFA, however, the decision has created a debate that is unlikely to end with the final whistle.

Jude Bellingham set the tone early, scoring twice inside 98 seconds to put England 2-0 up after 38 minutes. Mexico hit back through Julian Quinones just before the break to make it 2-1 at half-time.

The contest turned again seven minutes into the second half when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, leaving the visitors to play the rest of the match with ten men.

Despite the setback, England extended their lead through a Harry Kane penalty to make it 3-1. Mexico were far from finished, though, and won a contentious penalty of their own after another VAR intervention from Australian referee Alireza Faghani. Raul Jimenez converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

What followed was a prolonged spell of Mexican pressure as England's ten men, increasingly tired, dug in to protect their lead. They held on to secure a famous win and a place in the last eight.

Captain Harry Kane described the difficulty of the occasion afterwards. "It was a crazy game. We had the occasion, everything against us, but we found a way," he said.

Bellingham, named man of the match for his decisive double, called it the best night of his England career. "In big pressure moments in years gone by watching as a fan, as a kid, England probably would have crumbled but we stuck together until the last second," he added.

The result sends England into a quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami next Saturday, with the Three Lions needing to manage the suspension of Quansah for that fixture.

The scoreline was identical to that match in France 28 years ago, and the sense of déjà vu extended to the storyline: Norway absorbing pressure, riding a bit of luck, and pouncing through Haaland when it mattered most.

A penalty saved, a penalty scored

The game swung on two spot-kicks at opposite ends of the match. In the 14th minute, Bruno Guimarães stepped up after Kristoffer Ajer was penalized for a foul on Matheus Cunha — a decision reversed by VAR review — but the Newcastle midfielder stuttered in his run-up and saw his effort saved by Ørjan Nyland, diving to his left.

It was one of several outstanding stops from the Norwegian goalkeeper, who also denied Vinícius Júnior and Bruno Guimarães again in the first half as Brazil began to find their rhythm despite having just 35 percent of the possession.

Neymar, introduced from the bench in the 67th minute in what may prove his final World Cup appearance, eventually got Brazil on the board in stoppage time, converting a penalty awarded after Leo Østigard was penalized for an elbow on Casemiro. By then, though, the contest had already been decided.

Haaland does what Haaland does

Norway broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half, with Haaland rising above his old Arsenal teammate Gabriel to head home a cross from substitute Andreas Schjelderup. The goal was his sixth of the tournament and made him the first player since Christian Vieri in 1998 to score in each of his first four World Cup appearances.

He doubled the lead in the 90th minute, taking a touch to set himself after another Schjelderup assist before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner. It was his seventh goal of the tournament, pulling him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot race, and it turned a tense contest into a Norwegian celebration.

The 25-year-old striker has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive internationals, a run stretching back well before the tournament began.

Brazil's underwhelming numbers

For all their pressure late on, Brazil's underlying numbers flattered a disjointed performance. Their expected-goals total of 2.73 owed almost entirely to the two penalties, while Norway's dominance of possession — 70 percent in the first quarter-hour alone — produced a modest 0.84 xG of their own. It was, by any measure, a scrappy and cagey affair rather than an classic.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had arrived in New Jersey looking to win four straight World Cup matches for the first time since 2002-06, and had progressed from nine of their last ten last-16 ties. Their exit means a wait that will stretch to at least 28 years since they last lifted the trophy, and it continues a troubling pattern: Brazil have now lost six of their last seven World Cup knockout matches against European opposition, a run dating back to their 2002 final win over Germany.

What's next

Norway, managed by Ståle Solbakken, will face the winner of Mexico's last-16 tie against England in the quarter-finals — a stage the Nordic nation has never previously reached, with two round-of-16 exits to Italy previously the extent of their World Cup ambitions.

For Brazil, the inquest begins immediately. Ancelotti will face pointed questions about a side that struggled to convert possession into genuine chances, while Neymar's late, emotional appearance — capped by a yellow card and a goal that arrived too late to matter — may be remembered as a farewell rather than a rescue act.

The contest, played at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, July 4, saw Kenya deliver a composed and disciplined away performance against a South African side that created chances but failed to take them.

Faith Boke opened the scoring for Kenya in the 23rd minute, giving the Junior Starlets a vital early advantage and settling the team into the contest.

South Africa were handed a golden opportunity to respond from the penalty spot, but Kenya goalkeeper Mitchell Okoyo produced a crucial save to keep her side in front.

It was one of the defining moments of the match and gave the Junior Starlets even more belief.

Kenya then made the result more comfortable in the 70th minute when Brenda Achieng found the net to make it 2-0. Her goal gave the visitors full control of the tie ahead of the return leg in Nairobi.

The victory leaves the Junior Starlets in a strong position as they chase a second straight appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco later this year.

Head coach Mildred Cheche praised her players for showing maturity, focus and courage away from home. She said winning the first leg on foreign soil was an important step, especially considering the pressure that comes with a final qualifying round.

Cheche noted that the players stuck to the plan and remained calm in key moments. She was particularly pleased with how Kenya handled possession and made use of the chances that came their way.

For midfielder Lindey Weey, the performance was built on unity and sacrifice. She said the players were determined to fight for the team, the country, the badge and their families.

South Africa coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo admitted her side was disappointed with the result. She felt her team created enough chances to get something from the match but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal.

Khumalo said South Africa improved after the break and tried to stabilise the midfield, but Kenya’s efficiency made the difference. While the hosts had opportunities, they failed to convert, while the Junior Starlets punished them when it mattered.

Kenya will now return home with a two-goal advantage and a major opportunity to finish the job in front of their supporters.

The second leg will be played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, July 12, where the Junior Starlets will be aiming to protect their lead and seal qualification for the World Cup for the second tournament in a row.

After a brave and clinical display in Pretoria, Kenya now stand just one assured display away from another historic moment in women’s football.

Just days after their Round of 32 exit against Paraguay and Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, the German Football Association is understood to have reached an agreement with Jurgen Klopp to become the new head coach of the national team.

The DFB had made Klopp their leading target from the start of the search, seeing him as the strongest candidate to give the side direction again to a team that has kept falling short in recent major tournaments.

That former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager is still expected to finalise a few details with the Red Bull group, but reports in Germany indicate that the main terms of the agreement are already in place.

Klopp has long been linked with the Germany job and has previously spoken about the possibility of leading his country one day. a job many always felt would come for one of the most respected coaches in modern football.

At 59, Klopp now takes on a demanding job.

Germany remain one of football’s heavyweights, but recent tournament performances have left questions about the team’s structure, mentality and planning.

His immediate task will be to rebuild confidence in the squad and reconnect the national team with supporters who have grown frustrated by repeated disappointments on the big stage.

Klopp is expected to bring a recognisable identity back to the team. His work at Dortmund and Liverpool showed his ability to build competitive sides with strong character, intensity and unity.

Germany will hope he brings the same edge to the national team as preparations begin for UEFA EURO 2028.

For Klopp, the job offers a chance to shape a new generation of German talent and lead his country into a major tournament with fresh ambition.

After a painful World Cup exit, Germany needed a statement.

In Klopp, they may finally have made one for the national team a fresh start.

Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland are among the headline names in the latest round of transfer speculation, while clubs across England and Spain continue to explore ambitious deals before the new season.

Bayern Munich have reportedly made an approach for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, whose future in Spain remains uncertain. The Brazilian’s contract runs until 2027, and reports suggest Madrid could consider a sale if they feel there is a serious risk of losing him for free later.

There are also claims that Real Madrid may even be willing to offer Vinicius part of any transfer fee to encourage him to consider a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. Such a deal would be one of the biggest moves of the window if it develops further.

Real Madrid are also being linked with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who is described as one of their dream targets. Former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is said to have encouraged the club to raise funds by selling Federico Valverde, though that would be a major decision given the Uruguayan’s importance to the team.

In England, Manchester City could face a serious test over Haaland’s future. The Norwegian striker is reportedly unsure about the club’s direction under new manager Enzo Maresca and may consider leaving the Etihad Stadium.

City have already entered a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure, and any uncertainty around Haaland would immediately attract attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

Chelsea are also active in the rumour mill, with reports claiming new manager Xabi Alonso has convinced Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to consider a move to Stamford Bridge. Manchester United are also said to be interested, but Chelsea appear to be pushing strongly for the France international.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has also been linked with a surprise move to Galatasaray. However, those claims have already been dismissed by other reports as completely false, meaning that story should be treated with caution for now.

The Gunners are also looking at midfield reinforcements. Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi remains on their radar, but Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to agree to a deal that would see him loaned back to the French club for another season. Manchester City are said to be more open to that arrangement.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are not expected to entertain offers for Virgil van Dijk despite recent speculation about his future. The Dutch defender is still viewed as an important part of the squad.

The Reds are also being linked with Almeria midfielder Sergio Arribas, who impressed in Spain’s second tier last season with 25 goals and seven assists.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, several clubs are monitoring midfield and defensive options. Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United have reportedly contacted Bournemouth over Alex Scott, but the Cherries are not interested in selling.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have also explored a possible deal for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, while Fulham are ready to rival Chelsea and United for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.

Tottenham are being linked with more defensive targets as Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad. Atalanta wing-back Raoul Bellanova and Juventus defender Bremer are both names reportedly under consideration.

Aston Villa and Leeds United have also received encouragement over Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with Juventus currently unwilling to meet the asking price.

In Spain, Barcelona could face interest from Al Hilal in midfielder Marc Casado, while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are both monitoring Tottenham defender Cristian Romero. The Argentine centre-back is reportedly keen on a move, though Spurs would prefer to keep him.

Real Madrid are also said to be interested in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with his reported price tag viewed as reasonable by those inside the Bernabeu.

As always, transfer rumours can change quickly. Some talks may become serious, while others may fade within days. But with Vinicius, Haaland, Tchouameni, Olise and Odegaard all being mentioned, the market is already producing enough drama to keep clubs and supporters alert.

Kylian Mbappe made the difference in the 70th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after Diego Gomez was judged to have fouled Desire Doue inside the box following a VAR review.

It was not a fluent performance from France, but Didier Deschamps’ side found a way through a stubborn Paraguay defence that frustrated them for long spells.

Paraguay came into the match full of belief after their shock penalty win over Germany in the previous round. Gustavo Alfaro’s side again set up to defend deep, deny space and force France into wide areas.

For much of the first half, that plan worked. France dominated possession and pinned Paraguay back, but they struggled to create clear openings. The match reached half-time without a single shot on target from either side, underlining how tight and cagey the contest had become.

France sent cross after cross into the box, but Paraguay’s back line stood strong. Gustavo Gomez, Juan Jose Caceres and Junior Alonso helped keep Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele quiet for long spells, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill dealt confidently with the pressure around him.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with France controlling the ball but finding few clean routes to goal. Manu Kone forced Gill into an excellent save from distance, while Mbappe began to find more pockets of space as Paraguay tired.

The breakthrough finally arrived after Doue’s quick footwork forced Gomez into a late challenge inside the area. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev initially allowed play to continue, but after being sent to the monitor, he awarded France the penalty.

Mbappe stepped up with pressure on his shoulders and sent Gill the wrong way, placing his penalty into the bottom corner. It was another huge World Cup moment for the France captain, who continues to deliver when his country needs him most.

The goal was Mbappe’s seventh of the tournament and strengthened his place among the leading scorers at the competition. It also continued his impressive record in World Cup knockout football.

Paraguay tried to respond late on, but they lacked the attacking quality to seriously trouble Mike Maignan. Their best moments came from set-pieces and hopeful deliveries, but France managed the closing stages with experience.

Mbappe nearly added a second in stoppage time, only for Gill to produce two brilliant saves to keep Paraguay alive. The French captain should have finished the match earlier, but France had already done enough.

Paraguay leave the tournament with pride after eliminating Germany and pushing another European heavyweight to the limit. However, their lack of attacking threat proved costly, as they managed very little going forward.

For France, the win was more about control and patience than style. They were made to work hard in the Philadelphia heat, but their quality eventually told.

Deschamps will know his side must improve in the final third, especially with tougher tests ahead. But in knockout football, survival matters most, and France once again showed they know how to handle pressure.

Les Bleus will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals in Boston. After Morocco’s win over Canada, the meeting promises to be one of the standout ties of the tournament.

The Atlas Lions produced a clinical second-half performance to end Canada’s impressive run and continue their own mission of breaking new ground on the world stage.

Canada had started strongly and created the better chances in the first half. Jesse Marsch’s side pressed with energy, forced Morocco into mistakes and looked dangerous from set-pieces.

Yassine Bounou was called into action early, making an important save from Tani Oluwaseyi before also dealing with pressure from Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio’s deliveries.

Morocco struggled to find rhythm in a flat opening half. They had more possession, but Canada carried the greater attacking threat and looked the more likely team to score before the break.

The match also became physical, with several yellow cards shown in the first half as both teams fought for control. Morocco suffered an early blow when Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.

The second half, however, belonged to Morocco.

Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute after a clever free-kick routine. Achraf Hakimi rolled the ball across the edge of the box, and Ounahi drilled a composed finish into the bottom corner to give the Atlas Lions the lead.

The goal changed the match completely. Canada, who had failed to take advantage of their first-half dominance, were forced to chase the game, leaving more space for Morocco to exploit on the counter.

Canada tried to respond, but their final ball lacked quality. Tajon Buchanan tested Bounou with a long-range effort, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin struggled to find clear chances against a disciplined Moroccan defence.

Morocco punished Canada again in the 82nd minute. Brahim Diaz drove forward into space and found Ounahi, who calmly swept a first-time finish into the top corner for his second goal of the match.

That strike effectively ended Canada’s hopes. Marsch’s team pushed bodies forward late on, even sending goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau up for set-pieces, but Morocco remained composed.

The Atlas Lions added a third deep in stoppage time through Rahimi. Diaz once again created the chance, waiting for the right moment before releasing the substitute, who finished low into the bottom corner.

Brahim Diaz’s assist was another major moment, as he set a new African record with four assists at a single World Cup.

The final scoreline looked comfortable, but the match was tighter than the numbers suggested. Canada had their moments, especially in the first half, but Morocco were ruthless when chances arrived.

For Canada, the defeat ends a historic campaign. As co-hosts, they won their first World Cup knockout match against South Africa and showed real progress, but Morocco’s experience and efficiency proved too much.

For Morocco, the journey continues. After reaching the semi-finals in 2022, they are now into a second straight World Cup quarter-final and will face either Paraguay or France next.

With Ounahi in inspired form, Hakimi providing leadership, Bounou delivering key saves and Diaz creating decisive moments, Morocco look like a team capable of going deep once again.

Artan, who was denied entry to the United States where he was expected to officiate at the tournament, was received on Friday afternoon during a meet-and-greet event at BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

The event attracted several leaders, including Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdulillah.

Speaking during the visit, Artan said the support he has received from Kenyans has been overwhelming and has made him feel at home. He noted that his connection with Kenyan football has grown over the years through his work with local match officials.

Artan said he has worked closely with Kenyan assistant referees for the past three to four years, adding that the relationship has helped him build a strong bond with the country and its football community.

The 2025 Confederation of African Football men’s referee of the year also reflected on his journey, saying his rise in football officiating was not easy. He encouraged young people and upcoming sports professionals not to allow setbacks to end their dreams.

Artan said his career did not begin with strong support, but his refusal to give up helped him keep moving forward. He urged young people to focus on finding solutions, even when challenges appear bigger than opportunities.

His message of resilience was strongly echoed by FKF President Hussein Mohammed, who praised the referee for staying strong despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup assignment in the United States.

Mohammed said the Nairobi reception was not only about celebrating Artan, but also about standing against prejudice and discrimination in football. He noted that football should be a sport that brings people together instead of dividing them.

The FKF boss added that what may appear to be a setback can sometimes become a bigger platform. He said Artan’s story has now reached a global audience and offers an important lesson on courage, dignity and perseverance.

Mohammed further urged players, referees and young people in sport to learn from Artan’s example by remaining focused during difficult moments.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also addressed the issue, describing Artan’s recent travel challenge as temporary turbulence. He expressed confidence that the Somali referee will bounce back strongly and represent Africa on an even bigger stage.

Duale said he believes Artan will be present at the next FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, adding that his success would make Somalia, Kenya and the wider African continent proud.

Despite the World Cup disappointment, Artan has already received another major appointment after being invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.

The appointment underlines his growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading referees and gives him another opportunity to showcase his quality at the highest level.

For Artan, the Nairobi welcome was more than just a public reception. It was a reminder that football remains a powerful force for unity, support and hope, even in moments of personal disappointment.

The defending champions were expected to control the Round of 32 tie comfortably, but Cape Verde produced one of the bravest performances of the tournament and came close to delivering one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a moment of pure class. Lisandro Martinez picked him out with a fine long pass, and the Argentina captain controlled the ball brilliantly before lifting his finish past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.

The goal looked set to settle Argentina’s nerves, but Cape Verde refused to fade. The Blue Sharks stayed organised, defended with courage and grew into the contest after the break.

Their reward came in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte finished smartly from Ryan Mendes’ cutback. The angle looked tight, but Duarte squeezed his effort beyond Lisandro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez to bring Cape Verde level and stun the Argentina supporters.

Argentina searched for a response, with Messi forcing saves and Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes also testing Vozinha. The Cape Verde goalkeeper stood tall, making key stops to keep his country’s dream alive and send the match into extra time.

Argentina struck almost immediately after the restart. In the 92nd minute, Lisandro Martinez controlled the ball inside the box after a corner and hammered a left-footed shot into the top corner to restore the champions’ lead.

But Cape Verde still had another answer. Sidny Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament in the 103rd minute, cutting inside from the left before curling a superb strike into the top corner. It was a breathtaking goal that once again brought Cape Verde level and left Argentina badly shaken.

The tournament first-timers were now dreaming of penalties, but Argentina found the decisive moment in the 111th minute. Messi delivered a corner, Cristian Romero guided a header goalwards, and the ball took a touch off Diney Borges before finding the far corner.

The goal was recorded as an own goal, but it was enough to break Cape Verde hearts and send Argentina into the next round.

Cape Verde still had chances to force another equaliser. Emiliano Martinez had to make important late saves, including a brave stop at the feet of Gilson Benchimol and another from Sidny Cabral’s free-kick.

Despite the defeat, Cape Verde leave the tournament with pride. On their first World Cup appearance, they reached the knockout stage, stood toe to toe with the world champions and nearly produced a result that would have shaken football history.

For Argentina, the win brings relief more than comfort. Messi delivered again, Lisandro Martinez played a major role at both ends, and the champions found a way through, but the performance showed they are far from untouchable.

Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Egypt in the last 16. After surviving Cape Verde’s fearless challenge, Argentina know they must improve if they are to continue defending their crown.

The Pharaohs, Africa’s most successful football nation, finally secured their first World Cup knockout victory after holding their nerve in a dramatic shoot-out.

Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty, sending Egypt into the last 16 and ending Australia’s hopes after another painful knockout near miss.

Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour in the 13th minute. After Australia failed to clear a free-kick situation, Karim Hafez delivered a fine cross to the back post, where Ashour rose well to head home.

Australia had started brightly and almost went ahead when Cristian Volpato struck the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort. But Egypt settled quickly and used their experience to take control of the first half.

Mohamed Salah, who had recovered from a hamstring concern to start, was involved in Egypt’s attacking play, though he did not look fully sharp throughout the contest.

Egypt had chances to extend their lead, with Omar Marmoush missing a big opportunity early in the second half. That miss proved costly as Australia found a way back into the game in the 55th minute.

Mohamed Hany, who had already endured difficult moments at the tournament, scored an own goal when he glanced Aiden O’Neill’s dangerous free-kick into his own net.

The equaliser gave Australia belief, but they still struggled to create clear chances. Egypt finished stronger in normal time, with Patrick Beach producing a brilliant late save to deny Rami Rabia and keep the Socceroos alive.

Extra time brought more tension than quality. Salah missed a good chance to win the game for Egypt, while Australia spent long spells defending deep and trying to survive until penalties.

Australia coach Tony Popovic made a late goalkeeper change, bringing on captain Mat Ryan for Beach just before the shoot-out. But the switch did not deliver the result the Socceroos wanted.

Harry Souttar missed Australia’s opening penalty, sending his effort over the bar. Egypt took advantage, with Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia and Salah all converting.

Salah showed great composure with a Panenka-style penalty down the middle, giving Egypt control of the shoot-out. Australia stayed alive through Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil, but teenager Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar with their fourth kick.

That gave Abdelmaguid the chance to win it, and he made no mistake, placing his penalty confidently into the net to spark huge Egyptian celebrations.

For Australia, it was another painful end to a World Cup knockout tie. They showed fight and discipline but lacked enough quality in the final third and paid the price in the shoot-out.

For Egypt, this was a landmark moment. After years of frustration on the World Cup stage, they finally delivered a knockout victory and gave their supporters a night to remember.

The Pharaohs will now face either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde in the last 16. After surviving a tense test against Australia, Egypt will believe their World Cup journey still has more to offer.

Youri Tielemans completed the turnaround with a stunning 125th-minute penalty, sending Belgium into the last 16 after a match that looked almost lost with only a few minutes of normal time remaining.

Senegal had been in full control for long spells and appeared to be heading for a famous knockout victory. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half before Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead early in the second period with a superb finish.

The Lions of Teranga were brave, organised and dangerous in transition. They struck the woodwork twice and made Belgium look slow, flat and short of ideas for most of the contest.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia responded by introducing Romelu Lukaku at half-time, but even that change did not immediately shift the momentum. Senegal’s second goal left Belgium facing elimination and needing something special to stay alive.

That response finally arrived in the closing stages. Lukaku gave Belgium hope when he turned in Thomas Meunier’s low cross at the near post, reducing the deficit and changing the mood inside the stadium.

Moments later, Tielemans rose to meet Leandro Trossard’s delivery and headed Belgium level, completing a stunning late rescue act and forcing the match into extra time.

Senegal still had chances to win it. Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr remained a threat, while Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into important moments to keep his side alive.

With penalties looking likely, the match took one final twist. Lamine Camara slid in on Tielemans as the ball flashed across the box, and after a VAR review, the referee awarded Belgium a penalty.

Lukaku initially looked ready to take it, but he handed the ball to Tielemans. The Belgium captain accepted the responsibility and fired a powerful penalty into the top corner to complete one of the great World Cup knockout comebacks.

It was a cruel ending for Senegal, who had done enough for most of the match to believe they deserved a place in the next round. Their players were left devastated after losing control of a game they had led until the final minutes of normal time.

For Belgium, the victory was a major escape. They showed character and belief, but their performance also raised questions. For more than 80 minutes, they were second best, struggling to match Senegal’s energy and intensity.

The impact of the bench proved decisive. Lukaku brought presence and finishing quality, while Belgium’s late pressure forced Senegal into mistakes at the worst possible time.

Tielemans finished the night as the hero, scoring twice and leading his side through one of the wildest matches of the tournament.

Belgium now move into the last 16, where they will face the United States. After surviving this scare, they will know improvement is needed, but their World Cup dream remains alive.

Senegal exit with heartbreak, but also with pride. They pushed a European heavyweight to the limit and were only minutes away from another famous African World Cup story.