Latest Football (Soccer) News

📅January 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Major soccer news features Arsenal's Premier League surge, Real Madrid's La Liga dominance, AFCON qualifiers heating up, and key transfer rumors ahead of January window.
1

Arsenal Overturns Manchester City in Thrilling Premier League Clash

Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, with late goals from Saka and Rice propelling them to the top of the table. City dominated possession but failed to convert chances, as Arteta's side extends their unbeaten run to 10 matches. [1][2]

2

Real Madrid Extends Lead in La Liga with Valencia Win

Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0, with Vinicius Jr scoring a brace, increasing their lead to 8 points over Barcelona. Ancelotti praised the team's defensive solidity post-match. The win comes amid injury concerns for Bellingham. [1][3]

3

Nigeria Qualifies for AFCON 2026 with Convincing Win Over Benin

Nigeria beat Benin Republic 2-0 in AFCON qualifiers, with Osimhen netting both goals to secure qualification. The Super Eagles top their group, boosting morale ahead of World Cup preparations. [4][5]

4

Barcelona Eyes January Move for Liverpool's Luis Diaz

Barcelona has intensified talks for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, offering €60m amid financial fair play constraints. Diaz has expressed desire for a new challenge, per reports. Liverpool demands €80m valuation. [2][6]

5

Manchester United Sacks Ten Hag After Poor Run

Manchester United dismissed Erik ten Hag following a 3-0 loss to Newcastle, marking their 8th defeat in 12 games. Club legend Roy Keane is rumored as interim manager. New ownership pushes for rebuild. [1][7]

6

PSG Advances in Coupe de France, Mbappe Stars with Hat-Trick

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as PSG crushed third-tier opponent 5-0 in Coupe de France last 64. Enrique highlighted team rotation success. Ligue 1 leaders remain unbeaten domestically. [3][8]

7

Bayern Munich Signs Tottenham's Son Heung-min in Shock Transfer

Bayern Munich finalized a €50m deal for Tottenham's Son Heung-min on deadline day eve, bolstering their attack post-Musiala injury. Son cited Champions League ambitions for move. Spurs receive young prospects in return. [6][9]

8

FIFA Announces Expanded Club World Cup Format Success

FIFA President Infantino lauded the new 32-team Club World Cup format after opening matches drew record 1.2m viewers globally. Hosts USA prepares for semis featuring Real Madrid vs. Palmeiras. Revenue projected at $2.5bn. [4][10]

9

Women's Super League: Chelsea Crushes Arsenal 4-1

Chelsea dominated Arsenal 4-1 in WSL, with Kerr and James scoring doubles to extend their lead. Arsenal's loss piles pressure on Eidevall. Title race intensifies with Man City close behind. [2][11]

10

Serie A: Inter Milan Beats Juventus to Claim Top Spot

Inter Milan edged Juventus 1-0 in Derby d'Italia, Lautaro Martinez's goal securing first place. Inzaghi's side now unbeaten in 15 league games. Juventus protests VAR offside decision. [3][12]

11

Messi Returns to Inter Miami with MLS Golden Boot in Sight

Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Atlanta United, leading MLS scoring charts with 18 goals. His form fuels Argentina's Copa America defense hype. Miami tops Eastern Conference. [5][13]

12

Bundesliga: Dortmund Sacks Coach Terzic Amid Title Slip

Borussia Dortmund fired Nuri Sahin after back-to-back losses, dropping to 5th in Bundesliga. Club targets Tuchel return. Fan protests demand better youth integration. [9][14]