FOOTBALL

South Africa Rescue Draw Against Czechia

South Africa, Czechia, Teboho Mokoena, Michal Sadilek
18 June 2026

South Africa kept their World Cup hopes alive with a late 1-1 draw against Czechia after Teboho Mokoena converted an 83rd-minute penalty. Michal Sadilek had given Czechia an early lead before they retreated into a defensive shape.

The result leaves both teams on one point and still able to reach the knockout stage with final-group wins. South Africa struggled to create clear chances, but Czechia’s passive second-half approach was punished by the late handball decision.

Spurs Join Tonali Transfer Race

Tottenham Hotspur, Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Arsenal
17 June 2026

Tottenham have joined the race for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Manchester City and Arsenal also interested. Spurs have explored the financials of a possible deal, though no club has made a formal approach yet.

Roberto De Zerbi is a long-time admirer of Tonali and wants experience and physical strength in midfield. Newcastle are in a strong negotiating position, with Tonali contracted until 2030 and valued highly after recent midfielder deals.

Leipzig Sack Werner as Demichelis Deal Nears

RB Leipzig, Ole Werner, Martin Demichelis, Jurgen Klopp, Marcel Schafer
17 June 2026

RB Leipzig have sacked head coach Ole Werner after one season despite qualifying for the Champions League. The club are expected to appoint former Argentina defender Martin Demichelis as his replacement.

Leipzig said a new approach was needed after reviewing the season, with assistants Patrick Kohlmann and Tom Cichon also dismissed. Demichelis is reportedly close to joining from Mallorca, as Jurgen Klopp’s Red Bull network reshapes its coaching structure.

Sam Kerr Agrees Gotham FC Return

Sam Kerr, Gotham FC, Chelsea, NWSL, Australia
17 June 2026

Sam Kerr has agreed terms to return to Gotham FC and the NWSL after leaving Chelsea. The Australia forward is a free agent following six successful years in England.

Kerr previously starred for Gotham’s predecessor Sky Blue FC, winning the NWSL MVP and Golden Boot in 2017. Gotham can use allocation money to manage the deal, while Kerr returns after a long ACL recovery.

Mbappe Becomes France’s All-Time Top Scorer

Kylian Mbappe, France, Olivier Giroud, Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose
17 June 2026

Kylian Mbappe has become France’s all-time leading scorer after netting twice against Senegal in the World Cup. The Real Madrid forward moved to 58 international goals, passing Olivier Giroud’s national-team record.

Mbappe celebrated the milestone with a message of pride and gratitude to team-mates, staff and supporters. His brace also moved him to 14 World Cup goals, closing in on Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose’s tournament record.

Brest Manager Eric Roy Dies at 58

Eric Roy, Brest, Nice, Sunderland, Watford
17 June 2026

Brest manager Eric Roy has died aged 58 after fighting pancreatic cancer for three and a half years. The former Sunderland midfielder had led Brest to historic Champions League qualification during the 2024-25 season.

Brest confirmed the news with tributes from the club and Roy’s family, who praised his kindness and honesty. His death ends a respected career that included playing and coaching spells in France and a sporting director role at Watford.

United Rule Out Fresh Rashford Loan to Barcelona

Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Anthony Gordon, Crysencio Summerville
17 June 2026

Manchester United have no plans to negotiate a new loan deal with Barcelona for Marcus Rashford. Barcelona allowed their permanent option to expire after agreeing a deal for Anthony Gordon.

United now want a permanent sale and are inviting realistic proposals through intermediaries. Barcelona still interest Rashford, but Gordon’s arrival has reduced his value to them, complicating United’s summer plans for a left-wing rebuild.

Milan Target Hjulmand and Trincao Under Amorim

AC Milan, Ruben Amorim, Morten Hjulmand, Francisco Trincao, Sporting CP
17 June 2026

AC Milan are reportedly targeting Sporting CP duo Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao as Ruben Amorim shapes his new squad. The move could disrupt Manchester United and Manchester City interest in Hjulmand.

Amorim knows both players from his Sporting spell and wants them to support a high-intensity attacking system. Sporting are reportedly open to negotiating Hjulmand below his release clause, while Milan are preparing bids before pre-season.

DR Congo Hold Portugal as Wissa Makes History

DR Congo, Portugal, Yoane Wissa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Neves
17 June 2026

DR Congo earned their first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead, but Yoane Wissa equalised before half-time as Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score again.

Portugal dominated possession but created little, managing only one shot on target despite their attacking talent. DR Congo defended with discipline, threatened on counters and turned Wissa’s header into a historic result after more than five decades away from the tournament.

Rangers Appoint McInnes After Rohl Salzburg Exit

Rangers, Derek McInnes, Hearts, Danny Rohl, RB Salzburg
17 June 2026

Rangers have appointed Derek McInnes as manager on a three-year contract after agreeing compensation with Hearts. He replaces Danny Rohl, who has left Ibrox to become head coach of RB Salzburg.

McInnes arrives after leading Hearts to second place and beating Rangers into Champions League qualification. The move makes him Rangers’ third boss in a year, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh demanding a quick reset before pre-season.