France coach Didier Deschamps looked forward to a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland after his side were drawn on Friday in the same group as Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
“It will be a great duel,” Deschamps told reporters in Washington, where France and Norway came out alongside Senegal in a tough-looking Group I.

“Both teams have lots of other big names, but of course Kylian and Haaland are two players recognized around the world and they will be two of the contenders to be the top scorer.”

Mbappe has scored 30 goals in 24 games for Real Madrid and France since the beginning of this season, while Haaland has netted 33 in 24 appearances for Manchester City and Norway.

Haaland’s goals helped Norway top their qualifying group ahead of Italy as they secured a first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1998.



Ads by
France will be looking to win a third World Cup to make up for losing the 2022 final on penalties to Argentina in Qatar.

Group I will be completed by the winner of one of the intercontinental play-offs to take place in March, from either Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.

A meeting with Senegal brings back memories of 2002, when France went to the tournament in Japan and South Korea as holders but lost to the west African nation in their opening match and ended up being eliminated in the group stage.

“Every World Cup has its own story and we need to make sure this one is as beautiful as possible,” added Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament to bring an end to a 14-year reign at the helm of Les Bleus.

If France top their section, they will play one of the best third-placed teams from the group stage in the round of 32. But then it is likely that Germany would stand in their way in the last 16.

“Of course, as France we have a status and there is a lot of expectation around us, but we need to show respect and humility from the beginning,” added Deschamps.

“Before thinking about what is at the top of the mountain, we will need to work our way up gradually and the first steps are difficult.”

The global brand of Brazilian football icon Pelé has been acquired by the family of another of the country’s biggest stars, Neymar Jr, following a purchase by NR Sports, the company owned by Neymar Santos Sr.

Neymar Sr announced the acquisition on Tuesday at the Pelé Museum in Santos, the coastal city that became synonymous with the late football legend’s career.

“We are proud to reach this milestone,” he said, noting that Pelé’s name remains “a very strong brand” with immense global value.
“We want to enhance its identity and bring it into the present.”

Although confidentiality agreements prevented disclosure of the full terms, Brazilian media reported that the deal was worth around USD 18 million. The rights were previously held by U.S.-based company Sport 10.

Pelé widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history won three World Cups for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, he died in December 2022, but his legacy continues to command worldwide reverence.

His daughter, Flavia, attended the ceremony marking the transfer of the brand rights. “There are no words to describe the emotion of bringing back a brand that is the soul, humanity, and love. It’s priceless… as his daughter, I feel honoured and happy,” she told AFP.

NR Sports described the acquisition as the “repatriation” of “one of the greatest symbols in the history of global sport”, adding that the move represents a major step toward preserving and expanding Pelé’s legacy for future generations.

Iconic footballer Pele’s brand came under the ownership of another prominent Brazilian athlete, Neymar Santos Jr., after the company owned by his father said Tuesday it had bought the rights to use it.
Neymar Santos Sr., owner of NR Sports, announced the news at the Pele Museum in Santos, the coastal Brazilian city made famous by the legendary late player.

“We are proud to reach this milestone,” Santos Sr. said, adding that “I think it’s a very strong brand. We want to enhance its identity and bring it into the present.”

The terms of the purchase were not disclosed due to confidentiality agreements with the previous owner, US-based Sport 10, but Brazilian media reports said the deal was worth $18 million.
Widely considered to be the best soccer player of all time, Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, helped lead his home country of Brazil to three World Cup victories in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Though the Brazilian legend died in December 2022, his daughter Flavia was at the ceremony for his brand’s new owners.

“There are no words to describe the emotion of bringing back a brand that is the soul, humanity, love. It’s priceless…as his daughter, I feel honored and happy,” she told AFP.

In a statement, NR Sports called the acquisition a “repatriation” of “one of the greatest symbols in the history of the global sport.”

“It represents a decisive step towards the preservation, expansion, and enrichment of the legacy of the King of Football.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the long-running debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, firmly rejecting claims that Lionel Messi sits above him.

The rivalry between the two icons has divided football fans for over a decade.

Now in the twilight of their careers, Ronaldo is chasing silverware with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while Messi seeks success in Major League Soccer at Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham.

In a preview of his upcoming interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was asked: “They say Messi is better than you, what do you think?”

The Portuguese star responded confidently, “Messi better than me? I don’t agree with that opinion. I don’t want to be humble.”

Ronaldo was also asked about past comments by former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney, who has previously stated that he preferred Messi over his ex-colleague.

Ronaldo brushed off Rooney’s stance, saying, “It doesn’t bother me at all.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had criticised Rooney in a previous interview with Morgan in November 2022 a dramatic exchange that ultimately contributed to Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United.

The new interview is expected to further stoke discussion around football’s most heated debate: Ronaldo or Messi who is the true GOAT?

Former French international Wissam Ben Yedder will stand trial for alleged rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault, the prosecutor’s office in Nice told AFP on Monday.

The 35-year-old’s brother Sabri will also stand trial for rape and sexual assault. Both were indicted in 2023 following accusations, which they deny, made by two young women they met at a party.

The investigating judge followed the prosecution’s recommendation that the brothers be tried for rape and sexual assault, adding the charge of attempted rape for Wissam Ben Yedder.

His lawyer, Sophia Kerbaa, announced later on Monday that she will appeal against the decision.

Ben Yedder “has vehemently contested the charges against him since the beginning of these proceedings,” she said.

For several months the 19-times capped former international, who now plays in Turkey, has been making more headlines in the courts than on the field.

In early September, he was fined €90,000 ($105,000) by the Nice criminal court for psychological abuse of his wife, from whom he is currently separated and in the process of divorcing.

He was also given a six-month suspended sentence by a Spanish court in 2023 for tax fraud during his 2016-19 spell at Sevilla.

In November 2024, he received a suspended two-year jail sentence for sexually assaulting a woman two months earlier.

The former Monaco player had been without a club since his contract with the principality side expired in June 2024, but in April he went to Iran to try and revive his career with Sepahan SC.

That move was short-lived and in early September, Ben Yedder signed with Turkish second division side Sakaryaspor.

The 2025 Federation of International Football Association’s FIFPro men’s world 11 has been unveiled.

Paris Saint-Germain forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé, has been named in the FIFA FIFPro Men’s World XI, alongside Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

The FIFA FIFPro is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers, with over 26,000 professional footballers who have cast their votes.

See the full list below

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/Italy)

Defenders

Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco)

Nuno Mendes (PSG/Portugal)

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands)

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)

Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)

Pedri (Barcelona/Spain)

Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)

Forwards

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France)

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/France)

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged mismanagement of funds released by FIFA to Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) for stadium development and youth sports, describing it as a reflection of the deeper malaise of corruption in the country.

Obi, in a statement on Sunday, expressed dismay over FIFA’s recent revelation that funds earmarked for the development of football infrastructure and youth talent in Nigeria were misused. He said the incident underscored the broader pattern of financial recklessness that continues to cripple national progress.

“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State governor recalled that during his administration, officials from the Sports Federation informed his government that Awka had been selected as one of six locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium, to be fully funded by FIFA.

According to him, land was immediately allocated for the project, but nothing was heard thereafter. “Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves,” Obi explained.

He lamented that despite Nigeria reportedly receiving about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013 for sports development, there was “little or nothing to show for it,” citing the much-criticized $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State as “a national embarrassment.”

Obi faulted those who accuse reform-minded leaders of “demarketing” Nigeria when they speak out against corruption, insisting that the real image-damagers are those who plunder public funds meant for national development.

“The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through mismanagement and theft of public funds resources that should have been used to provide schools, healthcare, employment, and nurture youth talents,” he said.

He further described the ongoing decline of Nigeria’s sporting sector as a direct result of corruption, stressing that the nation’s youths — its greatest assets have been denied opportunities for growth and empowerment.

“Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them ‘Yahoo boys,’ when in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real ‘Yahoo’ of our nation,” he said.

Obi called for a renewed national commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparent leadership across all sectors.

“This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability. A New Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.

Marc Marquez has had successful surgery on his right shoulder following the world champion’s crash at the Indonesia MotoGP, his team Ducati said on Monday.

The Spaniard, who secured his seventh top-class title in Japan last month, suffered a fracture and injured ligaments in a crash in Lombok the following week.

“Marc Marquez has undergone a successful operation at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, Spain,” said Ducati.

“The same medical team who had examined him seven days earlier found that the coracoid fracture and ligament damage were not showing sufficient signs of stabilisation after a week of being immobilised.

“Given the risk of residual instability, it was decided to go ahead with surgical stabilisation and repair the acromioclavicular ligaments.”

The Italian team added that Marc Marquez “will continue his recovery process, and his progress will determine the timing of his return to racing competition”.

Marquez had originally been ruled out of this month’s Australia and Malaysia MotoGPs, with the Portugal and Valencia races completing the season in November.

The 32-year-old has a long history of injuries, including breaking his right arm at the start of the 2020 season, an injury that almost forced him to retire.

Test rider Michele Pirro will replace Marquez at the Australian MotoGP this weekend.

Kylian Mbappe will miss Monday’s qualifier in Iceland where France could book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after taking another knock to his sore right ankle, the French team confirmed.

Already suffering from a “small niggle” in his right ankle from playing for Real Madrid, Mbappe took two knocks during Friday’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan in Paris, where he opened the scoring but was substituted before the end of the match.

The France captain’s absence adds to the long list of forwards unavailable for October’s World Cup qualifiers, which includes Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marcus Thuram and Bradley Barcola.

Mbappe “will not be able to play Monday against Iceland,” a French Football Federation (FFF) statement read.

Ads by

After returning to the Clairefontaine training ground on Friday night, “the French team captain spoke with (coach) Didier Deschamps,” who “acknowledged his absence”.

Mbappe “has been released to his club (Real Madrid) and will not be replaced,” the FFF added.

The French superstar had already been rested for training with Les Bleus during the week with the same issue.

Mbappe scored on the stroke of half-time and was then struck by a tackle from Rustam Ahmedzade. He took another knock to the same ankle late in the game, and was replaced by Florian Thauvin.

“He has a sore ankle and he took a knock there. He preferred to come off; the pain was quite significant,” Deschamps said after the French victory.

Adrien Rabiot and the substitute Thauvin were also on the scoresheet as Deschamps’s men remain unbeaten after three games and top of Group D.

Les Bleus will book their passage to the United States, Canada and Mexico next year if they win in Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan.

Togolese international footballer Samuel Asamoah broke his neck after colliding with a pitch-side advertising board during a domestic fixture in China, his club said, fearing he may be left paralysed.

Video footage shows the 31-year-old being shoved by an opponent during a match on Sunday in China’s second-tier League One as they jostle for the ball, ploughing head-first into an LED advertising panel.

The midfielder’s club, Guangxi Pingguo, said Asamoah suffered fractures in his neck and nerve damage, and subsequently underwent surgery.

“He is at risk of high-level paraplegia and will miss all remaining games this season. His career may also be seriously affected,” the club said on Monday.

On Wednesday the club said that Asamoah was recovering from surgery and was in a stable condition.

Ads by

“Guangxi Pingguo FC sincerely thanks all fans and all walks of life for their concern and support for Samuel Asamoah,” the team said.

“His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations.”

Asamoah spent most of his career in Belgium before moving to China last year.

He has played six times for Togo, according to football statistics website transfermarkt.com.

Citing Chinese football authorities, state-backed outlet The Paper said the advertising display was positioned three metres from the field in line with international standards.

The opposition player, Chongqing Tonglianglong midfielder Zhang Zhixiong, was given a yellow card following the incident.

A 19-year-old Scottish footballer, Niall Geany, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in jail for raping a woman who had invited him into her home to charge his phone after a night out.

Geany, a right back from Kirkliston near Edinburgh, had shared a taxi with the woman before finding himself stranded near her home on March 3, 2024.

She let him in out of kindness, but he soon made unwanted advances despite knowing she had a boyfriend.

The victim “expressed no romance” towards him and repeatedly said “No,” the court heard. Geany later admitted in a police interview that she told him to “Stop,” but he continued and r@ped her, leaving her injured.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Alistair Watson said: “She allowed you in her home and she placed trust in you that night. You clearly committed the crime of rape,” as quoted by Daily Mail UK.

The judge noted the “massive impact” on the victim, calling the attack “forcible and violent.”

Judge Watson, however, cited Geany’s youth, “high intelligence,” and “low risk of reoffending” in imposing a shorter sentence, saying he believed the former Spartans FC player could be “rehabilitated and go on to lead a pro-social life.”

Geany will serve part of his term in a young offenders’ institution before being transferred to prison.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register and given a lifelong non-harassment order barring contact with the victim.

Football is usually associated with massive arenas in bustling cities but not all stadiums follow tradition. Around the world, some grounds are celebrated not just for the matches they host, but for their unusual locations, dramatic settings, or unconventional designs.

Here are seven of the strangest and most fascinating football stadiums you’ll ever come across:

1. Estádio Municipal de Braga (Portugal)

Built directly into a granite cliff face, this stadium is a marvel of modern architecture. One side opens up to a sweeping view of the city of Braga, while the other is bordered by a towering rock wall. Its dramatic design has earned it recognition as one of the most unique stadiums in Europe.

2. The Float @ Marina Bay (Singapore)

Known as the world’s largest floating football stadium, this venue sits on a platform atop Singapore’s Marina Bay waters. It is a striking example of architectural ingenuity and doubles as a multi-purpose venue for concerts and national celebrations.

3. Hásteinsvöllur Stadium (Iceland)

Located in the Westman Islands, this stadium is set against a breathtaking backdrop of volcanic terrain and the sea. Small but picturesque, it provides one of the most scenic footballing experiences in the world.

4. Rheinpark Stadion (Liechtenstein)

Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River in Vaduz, this stadium offers fans a view of the medieval Vaduz Castle perched on a nearby hill. The combination of football and history makes Rheinpark Stadion a true gem.

5. Estadio Hernando Siles (Bolivia)

Sitting at a staggering 3,600 meters (11,932 feet) above sea level in La Paz, this stadium is notorious for its challenging conditions. Visiting teams often struggle with the thin air, giving the home side a natural advantage.

6. Gospin Dolac (Croatia)

This Croatian stadium is carved into the side of a natural rock formation, creating a dramatic, almost ancient atmosphere. With cliffs surrounding the pitch, it’s one of the most visually striking football venues in the world.

7. Henningsvær Stadion (Norway)

Located on a tiny island in the Lofoten archipelago, this small ground is surrounded by mountains and open sea. Remote and isolated, Henningsvær Stadium is less about capacity and more about its stunning, surreal environment.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night brought recognition to some of the biggest names in world football, with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres and Spain coach Luis Enrique among the headline winners.

Gyökeres, who has enjoyed a stellar year leading Arsenal’s attack, was crowned the Gerd Müller Trophy winner, an award given to the year’s best striker.

His prolific form in front of goal proved decisive in securing the accolade ahead of other top forwards across Europe.

Spain manager Luis Enrique added another feather to his managerial cap by being named Best Coach of the Year. Enrique collected the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, while Sarina Wiegmann, England women’s national team coach, was honoured with the women’s equivalent.

In the goalkeeper category, Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Manchester City) took home the Men’s Yashin Trophy, while Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea) claimed the Women’s Yashin Trophy.

Ads by

For the best young players, Barcelona talents shone brightest. Lamine Yamal (Spain) won the Men’s Kopa Trophy, while his club teammate Vicky López (Spain) clinched the Women’s Kopa Trophy.

The Club of the Year awards went to PSG in the men’s category and Arsenal Women on the women’s side, reflecting their dominance across domestic and European competitions.

The glittering ceremony once again highlighted the global spread of talent, with Arsenal, Barcelona, PSG, and the Spanish national team standing out as some of the night’s biggest winners.

Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or at an awards ceremony in Paris on Monday, the third consecutive year she has taken the prize.

Bonmati edged out Mariona Caldentey, her teammate in the Spain side beaten on penalties by England in the Women’s Euro 2025 final in July.

The 27-year-old midfielder also lost the Women’s Champions League final with her club last season, at the hands of Caldentey’s Arsenal.

Bonmati was named player of the tournament at the Euros, despite not starting either of Spain’s first two matches as she recovered from a bout of viral meningitis.

Alessia Russo, one of the nominees from the triumphant England European Championship team, came in third place.

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual prize in both men’s and women’s football, and Bonmati’s run of three in a row follows back-to-back victories for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas.

Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and USA star Megan Rapinoe are the only other players to have won the Women’s Ballon d’Or since it was introduced in 2018.

Gianluigi Donnarumma admitted to AFP on Monday he would have preferred to stay at Paris Saint-Germain before a shock switch to Manchester City this month.

Donnarumma, winner of the best goalkeeper award at the Ballon d’Or award ceremony on Monday for his key role in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season, replied “yes” when asked if he would have liked to stay with the club.

“When you have shared a lot with people and spent a lot of time and made friends, it’s difficult (to leave),” he admitted.

Donnarumma, 26, was allowed to leave after PSG signed French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier this summer.

The Italian goalkeeper signed a five-year deal with Pep Guardiola’s City after moving in a £26 million ($35 million) deal.

He said City were “an extraordinary club with extraordinary players and they welcomed me like a family, and that is very important for me”.

Donnarumma won the Yashin award for the second time on Monday and thanked his former PSG teammates for their part in his brilliant season.

“This is wonderful, congratulations to the whole team, without them I wouldn’t be here, it was the whole team,” he said.

He also won the award in 2021 after Italy won the European Championship.