FOOTBALL

England Held by Ghana in Goalless Draw

England and Ghana.
In their World Cup Group L match in Boston.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana, missing the chance to move closer to securing top spot. Thomas Tuchel’s side controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances for most of the match.

Bukayo Saka, Nico O’Reilly and Harry Kane went closest late on, but Ghana survived the pressure. The result leaves Group L open heading into the final round, with England still seeking attacking rhythm.

Phelan Named Permanent Everton Women Boss

Scott Phelan and Everton Women.
After Phelan’s interim spell last season.

Scott Phelan has been appointed permanent head coach of Everton Women. The 38-year-old took over temporarily in February and guided the team to an eighth-place Women’s Super League finish.

Phelan won three straight WSL games early in his interim spell after Everton had been near the bottom. He says he wants the club to push back toward the top end of the table.

Hart Questions Trionda Ball After Keeper Errors

Joe Hart and World Cup goalkeepers.
During the 2026 World Cup.

Joe Hart has questioned the adidas Trionda ball after noticing repeated long-range goals where goalkeepers struggled with flight and timing. He said shots hit without spin at shoulder height have caused unusual problems during the tournament.

Hart compared the issue to past World Cup ball controversies and said elite keepers appear to be misjudging the ball’s movement. No active tournament goalkeeper has publicly joined the criticism so far.

FIFA Stadium Sponsor Cover-Ups Draw Scrutiny

FIFA and World Cup host stadiums.
During the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA’s clean-stadium rules have forced host venues to cover or remove regular sponsor branding, creating awkward temporary signage at several North American stadiums. Naming-rights brands have been hidden in line with tournament sponsorship requirements.

The rules have added cost and visual confusion for host cities already handling expensive preparations. Some venues used tarps or temporary signs, while brands such as Levi’s turned the cover-up into playful publicity.

Norway Reach Knockouts as Haaland Leads Viking Row

Norway and Erling Haaland.
After Norway’s 3-2 World Cup win over Senegal.

Norway booked their place in the knockout stage after beating Senegal 3-2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. The players celebrated with supporters by joining the viral Viking Row routine inside MetLife Stadium.

Haaland now has four goals in two World Cup games and continues to drive Norway’s historic run. Their final group match against France will decide top spot, although Haaland played down talk of title contention.

Pulisic Returns to Full USMNT Training

Christian Pulisic and the United States.
Before the USMNT’s final World Cup group match against Turkey.

Christian Pulisic has returned to full training after recovering from a left calf injury. The forward had aggravated the problem against Paraguay and did not feature in the United States’ win over Australia.

Pulisic’s return boosts a USMNT side already through as group winners. Cristian Roldan is now day-to-day with a muscle strain, while Tyler Adams may be rested to avoid suspension risk.

Arsenal Agree Monga Fee With Leicester

Arsenal, Leicester City and Jeremy Monga.
During the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have agreed a fee of around £10m for Leicester teenager Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old winger attracted interest from several major clubs but is now set to choose north London for the next stage of his career.

Arsenal moved quickly to avoid a tribunal and beat rivals including Manchester United, Newcastle, Roma and RB Leipzig. Monga made Premier League history at 15 and later became the Championship’s youngest scorer.

Mbappe Brace Sends France Through After Storm Delay

Kylian Mbappe and France.
In France’s World Cup match against Iraq.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France beat Iraq 3-0 and secured a place in the knockout stage. The match in Philadelphia was delayed for more than two hours because of thunder and lightning.

Mbappe moved level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, while Ousmane Dembele added France’s third. The result sets up a final group match against Norway to decide first place.

United Pull Youth Sides From Two Cup Competitions

Manchester United.
For the 2026-27 season.

Manchester United have decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or National League Cup next season. The club cited their return to the UEFA Youth League and a smaller professional development group as reasons for reducing the youth fixture load.

United will still compete in the Youth League and Premier League Under-21 International Cup. The decision changes the pathway for academy players, who previously used those competitions to face senior or semi-professional opposition.

Arsenal Make Rogers Top Target in £100m Chase

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Morgan Rogers.
During the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have made Morgan Rogers their leading attacking target, with Aston Villa expected to demand up to £100m. The England international is reportedly open to joining the Premier League champions despite signing a long contract.

Rogers’ versatility across midfield and attack appeals to Mikel Arteta as Arsenal plan another title defence. Villa’s valuation remains a major hurdle, while Chelsea and other European clubs are also monitoring the situation.