News of football

Algeria, Austria and Jordan – a look at Argentina’s Group J opponents

Yesterday 16:06 Albiceleste will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan at the group stage of the 2026 World Cup; Defending champions are the clear favourites to progress in top spot.

Boca Juniors confirm departure of head coach Claudio Úbeda

02-06-2026 22:54 Xeneize will renew head coach's contract when it ends on June 30.

Argentina eye World Cup double ahead of Group J opener

29-05-2026 09:50 The Albiceleste arrive at the World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title. But since winning the title in Qatar four years ago, they have not played a single European side.

Can Messi deliver again for Argentina at his final World Cup?

29-05-2026 00:37 It will be a record sixth World Cup for Lionel Messi, and the decision to delay his retirement is a relief for an entire nation.

Scaloni eases fears over Messi injury ahead of World Cup

26-05-2026 22:04 Argentina coach says initial signs are “not so bad” after captain suffers hamstring issue, though several key Albiceleste players remain fitness doubts ahead of the tournament in North America.

'Tired' Messi exits MLS game in injury scare ahead of World Cup

25-05-2026 08:30 Lionel Messi at the centre of an injury scare just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

‘He knew it all’: the Rosario roots of Lionel Messi

15-05-2026 10:16 Former coaches, teachers and childhood friends remember the shy boy from Newell’s who became Argentina’s greatest football icon.

Belgrano dare to dream as Liga Profesional play-offs deliver unexpected

14-05-2026 17:29 With Estudiantes gone, a new champion will emerge. The final four are a mixed group of familiar faces and surprise packages, but perhaps the most compelling story in this title race belongs to Belgrano.

by Dan Edwards

Messi says ‘other favourites are arriving in better shape’ for World Cup

08-05-2026 17:43 Argentina skipper says title defence is possible but singles out France and Spain as stronger contenders ahead of 2026 tournament.

Apertura play-offs arrive – and anything could happen

07-05-2026 13:35 One thing we learned last year is that the knockout phase has no respect for what clubs did earlier…

by Dan Edwards

Paredes penalty ensures Superclásico seniority for Boca

23-04-2026 19:10 While there are few frills in this current Boca team, they are tough to break down. Leandro Paredes proved up to the challenge as Xeneize secure victory in Núñez and bragging rights over River.

by Dan Edwards

Fifty days out, who is guaranteed to make Argentina’s World Cup squad?

22-04-2026 12:24 Coach Lionel Scaloni has the majority of his squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico decided – a look at the problematic positions and how many spots are up for grabs.

Maradona's birthplace repurposed as soup kitchen for hungry

14-04-2026 17:30 Diego Maradona's childhood home has become a soup kitchen and support centre for residents of Villa Fiorito, who receive clothes or a hot meal in the same courtyard where the late footballer grew up.

New trial into Diego Maradona's death begins in San Isidro

14-04-2026 13:01 New trial into legendary footballer’s death gets underway in San Isidro with seven in dock; Re-run of trial after first collapsed 10 months ago amid scandal.

Albiceleste win with ease – and learn little – in final pre-World Cup home friendlies

01-04-2026 12:08 After another set of meaningless matches – this time against Mauritania and Zambia – we are none the wiser over Argentina's chances of defending the title when they head up north in June.

by Dan Edwards

Messi on target as Argentina put five past Zambia in World Cup send-off

01-04-2026 10:36 Much improved performance from the world champions, but tougher tests lie ahead when the nation’s title defence gets underway in June.

Tagliafico: Albiceleste must avoid ‘complacency’ at World Cup

25-03-2026 13:29 National team left-back says Argentina must guard against “complacency” as the defending champions prepare to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football and memory: the dictatorship’s shadow on the game

22-03-2026 00:10 Fifty years after the 1976 coup, the sport continues a long struggle to uncover the fate of the disappeared.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina's 'Finalissima' clash with Spain cancelled, confirms UEFA

15-03-2026 18:38 The 'Finalissima' clash between Euro 2024 winners Spain and world champions Argentina set to take place on March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled.

Boca unveils 80,000-capacity La Bombonera expansion plan

14-03-2026 10:14 Riquelme says he has an initial permit from Ferrosur, the company responsible for the railway line that runs just metres from the Xeneize’s stadium, to embark upon the project.