Latest Football (Soccer) News
FIFA Receives Over 500 Million Ticket Requests for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada from fans in all 211 member nations. The lottery window closed Tuesday, with notifications starting February 5; top demand for Colombia vs Portugal and the final.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed it as a global statement despite pricing criticisms.
Donyell Malen Joins Roma from Aston Villa on Loan with Obligation to Buy
AS Roma signed Dutch forward Donyell Malen, 26, from Aston Villa for an initial loan with obligation to buy after he scored 4 Premier League goals this season. Malen faced competition at Villa and joins Roma, fifth in Serie A under Gian Piero Gasperini, alongside Leon Bailey.
He previously played for PSV and Dortmund with 49 Netherlands caps.
Manchester City Signs Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £65m-£83m
Manchester City completed the biggest January 2026 transfer by signing Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo for £65m-£83m, ending Bournemouth's European hopes. The 25-year-old impressed before Bournemouth's winless streak; he'll compete with Foden and Doku at City.
Multiple sources rank it as the window's top deal.
Conor Gallagher Transfers to Tottenham Hotspur from Atletico Madrid
Tottenham signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, boosting his England World Cup chances per GOAL's high transfer grade. The move is part of Spurs' January activity including loan recalls.
Gallagher's versatility strengthens Tottenham's midfield.
Brennan Johnson Moves from Tottenham to Crystal Palace for £35m
Tottenham sold leading scorer Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m despite his Europa League final role and 4 goals this season. Palace gains a key attacker staying in London; Spurs shift lineup with Kudus.
The deal puzzles some given Johnson's form.
Facundo Buonanotte Loaned from Brighton/Chelsea to Leeds United
Facundo Buonanotte joined Leeds on loan from Brighton after Chelsea spell, making 8 Blues appearances including a Carabao Cup goal. End of Chelsea loan; Leeds bolsters attack.
Argentina international returns to Championship-chasing side.
West Ham Signs Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe Amid Outgoings
West Ham added Lazio's Taty Castellanos and Gil Vicente's Pablo Felipe while loaning Niclas Fullkrug to AC Milan. Further outs include Luis Guilherme to Sporting Lisbon.
Moves aim to refresh attack in busy window.
João Cancelo Returns to Barcelona on Loan from Al-Hilal
Barcelona re-signed João Cancelo on loan from Al-Hilal, covering part of his salary after injuries in Saudi. Cancelo thrived previously at Barca; Al-Hilal recoups after €25m investment.
Graded A for Cancelo, D for Al-Hilal.
Giacomo Raspadori Transferred from Atletico Madrid to Atalanta for €22m
Atalanta signed Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid for €22m in a key La Liga-Serie A deal. Part of Atletico's winter reshuffle losing Gallagher too.
Strengthens Atalanta's squad mid-season.
Thomas Tuchel: England Needs 'Social Skills' Beyond Talent for 2026 World Cup
New England coach Thomas Tuchel stated talent alone won't suffice for 2026 World Cup success; social skills are essential. Comes amid transfers boosting players like Gallagher for national team spots.
Highlights team dynamics focus.
Burnley’s Hannes Delcroix Joins FC Lugano on Free Transfer
Burnley defender Hannes Delcroix moved to FC Lugano on a free transfer as part of Premier League outs. Burnley also loaned Luca Koleosho to Paris FC.
Active window for relegated side reshaping squad.
Pascal Gross Returns to Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton welcomed back Pascal Gross in January 2026 transfer window completions. Among early month deals alongside Semenyo and Gallagher moves.
Bolsters midfield experience.