Latest Football (Soccer) News
Premier League Clubs Set for $600M Champions League Payday
Top Premier League teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham are earning massive UEFA Champions League prize money due to strong league-phase performances, outpacing rivals from Spain, Italy, and Germany. Even Newcastle outperformed several top clubs from those nations, while Spain's Athletic Club and Villarreal missed the knockout phase.
This financial edge stems from England's bonus qualification spots earned last season.
China Docks Points from 13 Clubs in Massive Soccer Corruption Crackdown
The Chinese Football Association penalized 13 clubs, including Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, with up to 10-point deductions and 1 million yuan fines for match-fixing, betting, and bribery. Lifetime bans were imposed on 73 former officials and players as teams prepare for the 2026 season.
The actions target systemic corruption in the Super League and lower divisions.
Lamine Yamal Propels Barcelona to Champions League Round of 16
Barcelona secured their spot in the Champions League last 16 thanks to Lamine Yamal's goal and assist in a key match. Yamal's performance highlighted Barcelona as one of only eight teams to directly qualify from the league phase.
They join Premier League heavyweights in advancing past the playoffs.
Champions League Play-Off Draw Scheduled for Today
The UEFA Champions League play-off draw occurs on January 30, 2026, determining pairings for 16 teams fighting for round of 16 spots. Notable playoff contenders include Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, Newcastle, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.
Direct round of 16 qualifiers feature five Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Crystal Dunn, USWNT World Cup and Olympic Winner, Announces Retirement
Crystal Dunn, with 160 caps for the US women's national team, retired after winning the 2019 World Cup, 2024 Olympics, and multiple NWSL titles. The versatile star excelled as midfielder, forward, and left back, becoming a role model as one of the first Black stars in the program.
She expressed peace and gratitude for her career journey.
Arsenal Leads Champions League with Perfect Record
Arsenal tops the Champions League standings with a perfect eight-win record in the league phase. Liverpool and Tottenham also qualified directly despite domestic struggles, with Liverpool winning four of their last five European games.
England's dominance secured extra spots and huge prize money.
2026 FIFA World Cup Full Schedule Released
The 2026 World Cup schedule across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the US starts June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa. Key early matches include South Korea vs. UEFA playoff winner and Morocco vs. Haiti.
Knockout rounds follow group stages, with playoffs determining some participants.
Benfica Qualifies Dramatically in Champions League Last Seconds
Benfica snatched a Champions League playoff spot with a 90+8 minute goal, edging out Marseille. This thrilling finish marked one of the league phase's most exciting moments.
Benfica joins other hopefuls like Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray in the playoffs.
No Defending Champ PSG or Italian Teams in Champions League Round of 16
Surprisingly, champions PSG, no Italian, or French teams directly qualified for the round of 16; Inter Milan ranked just 10th. Premier League claimed five of eight direct spots, underscoring England's European power.
Playoffs offer second chances for big names like Real Madrid.
New England Revolution Announces 2026 MLS Ticket Sales
Single-game tickets for New England Revolution's 2026 MLS season go on sale Friday, featuring matchups against Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders. Under new coach Marko Mitrović, the squad boasts stars like Carles Gil, Matt Turner, and young talents from the academy.
Home finale pits them against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on November 1.