6 h. ago ‘An impossibility made possible’: how tiny Curaçao made World Cup history

Caribbean island team are the smallest to reach tournament after appointing wily coach and drawing on diasporaThe delay in Dick Advocaat becoming Curaçao’s head coach might have been ominous but instead was the foundation for glory. Frustrated by the national federation’s financial problems, he deferred starting until January 2024, when the issues were resolved and players paid, paving the way for a historic World Cup qualifying campaign.Curaçao will be the smallest nation – by land area and population – to play at the 2026 World Cup after their 0-0 draw in Jamaica on Wednesday. The Caribbean island has a population of 156,000, sinking the previous record holders Iceland, which has about 400,000 inhabitants. Last month Cape Verde were confirmed as surprise tournament debutants but the African nation is almost 10 times bigger by area than the former Dutch colony, indicating the level of achievement by Advocaat and his squad. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Lionel Messi given shock Barcelona transfer hope in new twist

Lionel Messi has suggested that he's open to rejoining Barcelona and despite current president Joan Laporta pouring cold water on the idea, his possible replacement has a different stance

Events

9 h. ago When was Scotland last in the World Cup? Every tournament Scotland has played after 2026 qualification win

Here is every World Cup Scotland has played at, after the team has officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Politics

29 h. ago Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz commit to play 2026 Laver Cup in London

Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz commit to play 2026 Laver Cup in London  Tennis.com

Politics

54 h. ago Nigeria left to blame ‘voodoo’ after dramatic playoff defeat by DR Congo

DR Congo won a tense penalty shootout 4-3, leading Éric Chelle, the Nigeria manager, to allege ‘maraboutage’Thirty-one years ago Nigeria burst on to the global stage in a golden summer at the 1994 World Cup in the US, impressing with a do-or-die attitude that helped them top their group and come within two minutes of reaching the quarter-finals by beating Italy. But the Super Eagles will not be returning to North American soil for next summer’s tournament – and they are not blaming their shooting boots.After a fraught and dramatic continental playoff final on Sunday, where Nigeria were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties, the Super Eagles manager, Éric Chelle, said that his team had been defeated by “voodoo”. Continue reading...

Events

59 h. ago World Cup 2026: When is the World Cup playoff draw? Confirmed fixtures, dates and who Scotland could play

Scotland will enter the World Cup playoffs if they fail to beat Denmark on Tuesday.

Politics

3 d. ago Nigeria vs DR Congo live: Elia equalises for Leopards in play

The winner of the CAF play-off final will keep their World Cup hopes alive and go through to the intercontinental play-offs next March

Politics

3 d. ago Nigeria vs DR Congo live: Super Eagles take early lead in play

The winner of the CAF play-off final will keep their World Cup hopes alive and go through to the intercontinental play-offs next March

Politics

3 d. ago Nigeria vs DR Congo live: Super Eagles bid to keep World Cup 2026 hopes alive in play

The winner of the CAF play-off final will keep their World Cup hopes alive and go through to the intercontinental play-offs next March

Politics

3 d. ago Hungary vs Ireland live: Parrott grabs stunning winner to send Irish into World Cup play

Hungary 2-3 Ireland: Parrott completed his hat-trick and Ireland’s comeback in the 95th minute to send the visitors into the play-offs

Politics

3 d. ago Hungary vs Ireland live: Visitors chase equaliser in crucial World Cup qualifier as Portugal extend lead

After stunning Portugal earlier this week the Republic of Ireland head to Hungary in a must-win clash

Politics

3 d. ago Hungary vs Ireland live: Visitors equalise in crucial World Cup qualifier as Portugal level

After stunning Portugal earlier this week the Republic of Ireland head to Hungary in a must-win clash

Politics

3 d. ago Hungary vs Ireland live: Visitors aim to back up shock win over Portugal in crucial World Cup qualifier

After stunning Portugal earlier this week the Republic of Ireland head to Hungary in a must-win clash

Events

3 d. ago Foo Fighters fans can still buy UK tour tickets for 2026 using these websites

Foo Fighters are playing just two shows in the UK in 2026.

Sport

4 d. ago Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana praised despite receiving huge blow

Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a blow for Man Utd players Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo.

Politics

4 d. ago World Cup 2026 qualifying roundup: Northern Ireland in playoffs despite loss

Slovakia win 1-0 and battle with Germany for top spotNetherlands nearly there after draw in PolandTomas Bobcek’s stoppage-time goal ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of making it out of World Cup qualifying Group A but they came away from a 1-0 defeat by Slovakia assured of a playoff place regardless.Debutant Bobcek had been on the pitch for onlyseven minutes when he fired in from Laszlo Benes’ corner in the first of eight minutes added on, and the goal stood despite Northern Ireland appeals for a foul after Dan Ballard had gone down in the buildup. Slovakia had already seen second-half strikes from Lukas Haraslin and David Strelec chalked off but this time it stood to spark wild celebrations as the home bench emptied. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Nigeria v Gabon live: Osimhen brace gives Super Eagles place in World Cup 2026 play

Nigeria 4-1 Gabon: Osimhen scored either side of Chidera Ejuke to seal an extra-time win for the Super Eagles in Rabat

Politics

6 d. ago Nigeria v Gabon live: Ejuke puts Super Eagles ahead in extra

After a poor qualifying campaign, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup hang by a thread

Politics

7 d. ago Barcelona president drops verdict on potential Lionel Messi return after surprise Nou Camp visit

Lionel Messi visited the Nou Camp on Sunday amid rumours he could return to play for Barcelona in the future

Politics

7 d. ago Lionel Messi hopes destroyed by Barcelona president with brutal two

Lionel Messi made a secret trip to see the newly renovated Camp Nou over the weekend and speculation has been simmering about a return to Barcelona in the January transfer window

Politics