International Football

Coached by former France international Willy Sagnol, Georgia made history last month by qualifying for their first major tournament

The Israel Football Association (IFA) has signed a new agreement with CONMEBOL which they “very much hope” will enable the Israel national team to take part in future editions of the Copa America. CONMEBOL is the confederation responsible for the organisation and governance of South American football’s major tournaments, including the Copa America and the Copa Libertadores, which pits the continent’s best clubs against each other. The IFA announced on Thursday they were “proud to join the magnificent CONMEBOL family”, whose members include reigning World Cup...

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico has received medical clearance to return to football 11 months on from his life-threatening accident. The 30-year-old completed tests with PSG doctors on Saturday and has been declared ready to train and play competitively again. He is not expected to wear protective headgear upon his return to competitive action as doctors have not recommended so. Rico has undergone satisfactory tests in Seville, at the French Football Federation (FFF) and finally at PSG in which his cardiovascular system, his neurological capacity and his cervical vertebrae were...

USWNT handled uncertain interim period by winning two trophies. Its resolve could provide a springboard for Emma Hayes ahead of the Olympics

As we await the arrival of Emma Hayes, our writers take another look at projecting the U.S.'s Olympic squad

Aston Villa and England striker Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football. The 32-year-old was part of the England squad that won the European Championship in 2022 and reached the 2023 World Cup final in consecutive summers. Daly won 84 senior caps for the Lionesses and scored 16 goals in an international career spanning eight years. Her final appearance for her country came from the bench during Tuesday’s 2-0 Euro 2025 qualifier win over the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. “I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time...

The Lionesses defender passed another milestone against Ireland, but she no longer offers security on the right

Our takeaways from the SheBelieves Cup final

FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed MLS owners at the league’s Board of Governors meeting this week, becoming the first FIFA president to attend a board meeting since MLS’s founding in 1996. “I was very happy for the first time that the FIFA president comes to an MLS meeting of this nature,” Infantino said. “We have great events coming up here in North America with the new Club World Cup next year, the World Cup in ‘26, so a lot of promotion for soccer, or football as we call it.” The MLS Board of Governors consists of a representative from ownership of each of...

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Former Wimbledon manager and Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Kinnear has died at the age of 77. Kinnear played for Tottenham and Brighton and Hove Albion during an 11-year career as a player, making a combined 212 league appearances. He also won 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team. Kinnear went on to manage Luton Town, Wimbledon, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United — where he also held the position of director of football. His passing was confirmed in a statement by Newcastle that read: “Newcastle United is saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Kinnear at the age of 77.

The USMNT have climbed up to 11th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, while England have dropped to fourth. Following their CONCACAF Nations League victories over Jamaica and Mexico in March, Gregg Berhalter’s U.S. side have moved up two places to 11th, just behind Croatia who complete the top 10. Gareth Southgate’s England, though, have failed to secure a victory in their last three games, drawing with Belgium and losing to Brazil during the March international break, having drawn with North Macedonia in their final European Championship qualifier in November. How to...

The Korbin Albert situation falls into territory that is far from clear for U.S. Soccer

South African defender Luke Fleurs has died after being shot during a “hijacking incident” in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The 24-year-old, who played for South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs, was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. “We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs,” Kaizer Chiefs said on Thursday morning. “The club’s management, players, and the technical team are all profoundly upset by this devastating turn of events. “We convey our heartfelt...

Trabzonspor have been ordered to play six matches behind closed doors by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) as a result of the violence that broke out after their Super Lig loss to Fenerbahce last month. An investigation was launched by Turkish authorities after Trabzonspor fans entered the pitch and sparked a brawl following their side’s 3-2 defeat. Fans stormed onto the field at Papara Park, Trabzon, attacking both Fenerbahce players and security personnel. 13 people have since been arrested. Fenerbahce players Jayden Oosterwolde and Irfan Can Egribayat received one-game bans for...