Latest Football (Soccer) News
Premier League's Quietest Boxing Day Ever
The Premier League has scheduled only one game on Boxing Day 2025 due to the increasingly congested global football calendar, including expanded European competitions and the new FIFA Club World Cup. Traditionally a day packed with matches drawing huge crowds, this year's Matchweek 18 spreads over three days to ease player workload.
Arsenal are named 'Christmas champions,' but the sparse schedule has drawn criticism from fans and the Football Supporters' Association.
Only One Premier League Match: Man Utd vs Newcastle at 8 PM
Manchester United faces Newcastle United as the sole Premier League fixture on Boxing Day, kicking off at 8 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET). The league attributes this to external calendar pressures, acknowledging the impact on English football tradition.
Fans can turn to 36 EFL games or 12 National League matches for alternatives.
FIFA Men's World Rankings: Spain Tops December 2025 List
Spain holds the #1 spot in the latest FIFA men's rankings for December 2025, followed by Argentina, France, England, and Brazil. Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia round out the top 10.
The update highlights biggest movers and full country rankings as of late December.
Argentina Drops to #2 Behind Spain in FIFA Rankings
Argentina slips to second place in the FIFA rankings update, overtaken by Spain at the top. Reigning champions face new challengers in the year-end standings amid international performances.
Other top teams include France at #3 and England at #4.
England Ranks #4 in Latest FIFA World Rankings
England secures fourth position in the December 2025 FIFA men's rankings, behind Spain, Argentina, and France. Brazil and Portugal follow closely in fifth and sixth.
The rankings reflect recent international results and movements.
Brazil Holds #5 in FIFA December Rankings
Brazil maintains fifth place in the FIFA men's world rankings released for December 2025. The top 10 also features Portugal (#6), Netherlands (#7), Belgium (#8), Germany (#9), and Croatia (#10).
Updates note key climbers like Italy and Colombia.
MLS Forward Justin Rennicks Joins New Mexico United
Former MLS and international forward Justin Rennicks has signed with New Mexico United in the USL Championship. The move bolsters the team's attack ahead of upcoming matches.
Announcement made on December 25, 2025.
Historical Boxing Day Crowds Dwindle in Premier League Tradition Shift
Boxing Day traditionally saw peak attendances as fans escaped holidays for matches, but 2025 marks a sharp decline with minimal top-flight action. Coaches like Frank Lampard previously criticized the congested schedule for harming quality.
The change prioritizes player recovery amid global demands.
Premier League Blames Global Calendar for Reduced Boxing Day Games
The Premier League cites the expanded European club competitions and FIFA Club World Cup for spreading fixtures over three days. A statement acknowledged the hit to tradition while confirming the decision.
EFL and lower leagues offer 48 games total on the day.
Arsenal Crowned 'Christmas Champions' Amid Sparse Schedule
Arsenal earns the title of 'Christmas champions' in the lead-up to the quietest Boxing Day. Despite top position, the fixture list's changes may undermine seasonal momentum.
Transfer window previews highlight needs for Europe's big clubs.
EFL Delivers 36 Games on Boxing Day 2025
With Premier League limited to one match, the EFL schedules 36 games including Wrexham vs. Sheffield United and Coventry vs. Swansea. These provide fans with ample English football action.
National League adds 12 more fixtures.
FIFA Rankings: USA Climbs to #13 Globally
The United States rises to 13th in the December 2025 FIFA men's rankings, joined by Mexico (#14) and Uruguay (#15). Strong showings place North American teams prominently.
Switzerland, Japan, and others follow in the top 20.