… The charismatic 60-year-old Canadian, who like Infantino can take credit for the successful hosting of the World Cup, numbers legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti among his close friends inside the sport. …
… FIGC also sounded out Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.Guardiola left City at the end of last season after a glittering decade in charge in which he won six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four in succession, as well as three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Cha …
Italy sounded out Ancelotti before Guardiola about coach role By Reuters July 24, 2026 11:01 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Brazil's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti gestures during a press conference at …
Vinicius apologizes to Brazilians for World Cup 'frustration' By AFP July 12, 2026 01:10 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Brazil's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks to forward Vinicius Junior during …
New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insisted his team's star players—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham—could fit together, acknowledging that his predecessors struggled to balance attack and defence with the trio, though he noted the tactical challenge of accommodating all three.
New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insisted his team's star players—Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham—could fit together, acknowledging that his predecessors struggled to balance attack and defence with the trio, though he noted the tactical challenge of accommodating all three.
José Mourinho begins his second spell at Real Madrid, tasked with restoring the intensity of his 2010–2013 reign and deposing Barcelona as Spain's leading club. The Portuguese coach takes charge after Real Madrid went two seasons without a major trophy, with recent managerial instability leaving the club unable to balance its attacking stars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino withdrew his plan to raise private investment for a new commercial subsidiary to run World Cup operations after global backlash. UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC released an open letter criticizing his leadership style, despite calls for unity.
French football icon Zinedine Zidane was appointed head coach of the France national team on Tuesday, tasked with delivering the 2030 World Cup as coach, just as he won it as a player in 1998.
French football icon Zinedine Zidane has been appointed coach of France with the goal of winning the 2030 World Cup, mirroring his success as a player when he helped France win the 1998 World Cup at home. AFP Sport reviews key moments from Zidane's illustrious playing career, including his international debut at age 22 when he scored twice against the Czech Republic and his pivotal role in France's 1998 World Cup victory.
The Italian Football Federation has reached an agreement with former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo to become the national team's coach on a four-year deal, according to Italian daily La Repubblica. The 47-year-old, currently in charge of Dubai United, is replacing Pep Guardiola, who rejected the approach.
Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini said on Thursday that the Italian Football Federation approached Carlo Ancelotti about the national team coaching job before discussing the role with Pep Guardiola. Italy has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April after the team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Brazil's Vinicius Junior apologized to fans on Friday for the "enormous frustration" caused by their World Cup elimination by Norway in a Round of 16 loss, vowing to fight to restore the team's standing.
Six of eight quarter-finalists are European nations—France, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, and Switzerland—alongside Argentina and Morocco. Despite the 48-team format increasing non-European representation, Europe's dominance at the business end reflects the continent's concentration of wealth and top talent in major leagues.
Despite the World Cup expanding to 48 teams to give underrepresented continents more opportunity, the quarter-final line-up remains dominated by Europe, with France, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, and Switzerland joined only by Argentina and Morocco.
Brazil superstar Neymar indicated his international career was over after the five-time World Cup winners were eliminated in the last 16 by Norway, 2-1, with Neymar scoring a penalty in injury time. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time top scorer, said "I tried and I tried. Now it's over. It began here and it ends here," after the match at MetLife Stadium.
Brazil superstar Neymar indicated his international career was over after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the World Cup last 16, with Neymar scoring a late penalty consolation goal. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time top scorer, said "I tried and I tried. Now it's over. It began here and it ends here."
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the team's 2-1 last-16 World Cup loss to Norway at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey should serve as "fuel" for the future, describing it as "the start of a new cycle" and insisting he will not step down despite the disappointing exit.
Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in a World Cup last-16 match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Erling Haaland scoring two late goals. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said the defeat should serve as "fuel" for the future and called the tournament "the start of a new cycle."
England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16 despite playing with 10 men after a red card, while Norway stunned Brazil. The day was also marked by a FIFA decision to reprieve United States star Folarin Balogun following intervention from Donald Trump, which triggered uproar.
England defeated Mexico 3-2 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals despite playing with 10 men from the 54th minute, while Norway upset Brazil. A FIFA decision to reprieve United States star Folarin Balogun following an intervention from Donald Trump sparked controversy.
England play Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday in a World Cup round-of-16 match; the encounter marks England's return to the venue 40 years after their 1986 game against Argentina. Norway and Brazil also compete for quarter-final places.
England plays Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday in a round-of-16 World Cup match, while Norway and Brazil compete in another quarter-final elimination game. England advanced to the last 16 after a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his defenders need no guidance on containing Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie with Norway, as Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos have faced the Manchester City striker multiple times in European club competition.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his defenders need no guidance on containing Erling Haaland ahead of Sunday's World Cup last-16 match with Norway, noting that Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos have faced the Manchester City striker multiple times in domestic and European competition.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is dissatisfied with his minimal playing time at the 2026 World Cup but has handled it professionally and remains a positive influence. The 34-year-old forward has appeared in only one substitute appearance, playing the final 14 minutes of Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland in the group stage.
Norway will face Brazil in the World Cup last 16, with striker Erling Haaland having scored five goals at the tournament, including a late winner against Ivory Coast that secured Norway's first World Cup knockout victory. Norway has never lost to Brazil in four previous meetings, with two wins and two draws.
Brazil forward Endrick said his ability to play as a number nine, right wing, or false nine could be an asset if Carlo Ancelotti includes him against Norway in their World Cup last-16 match, with the Real Madrid attacker a leading candidate to replace injured Lucas Paqueta.
Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta will miss Sunday's World Cup last-16 game against Norway due to a hamstring injury sustained during Brazil's 2-1 win over Japan on Monday. He is not expected to play again in the tournament unless Brazil reaches the final on July 19.
Brazil face Japan in the last 32 of the World Cup, with Germany playing Paraguay and Morocco facing the Netherlands also in knockout action. Brazil, seeking their first World Cup title in 24 years, topped their group with Vinicius Junior scoring four goals.
Captain Stephen Eustaquio scored in the 92nd minute as co-host Canada defeated South Africa 1–0 on Sunday to reach the last 16 of the World Cup in North America, with both teams making their first-ever appearance beyond the group stage.
Brazil face Japan in the last 32 on Monday as they seek a sixth World Cup title, 24 years after their last win. Germany play Paraguay and Morocco take on the Netherlands, with Brazil favored to progress despite Japan's dangerous form and a 3-2 friendly loss to the Brazilians last October.
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 95th minute to send Brazil past Japan 2-1 on Monday and into the World Cup knockout stage. Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Japan will face five-time champion Brazil in a 2026 World Cup round of 32 match in Houston on Monday. Despite Brazil being favoured, Japan striker Takumi Minamino said the team can pull off a surprise by playing with an underdog mentality, citing their 3-2 friendly victory over Brazil in October.
Japan advanced to the last 32 of the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Sweden and will face Brazil in Houston on Monday. Defender Yukinari Sugawara said the team needs to "give 120 percent" and prepare "with everything we've got" to compete against Brazil, who boasts Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior and is coached by Carlo Ancelotti.