News of sport

All eyes on Messi – but don’t forget the supporting cast

Yesterday 08:48 Argentina can hurt opponents from anywhere on the pitch. There are plenty of candidates to become Messi’s latest World Cup partner-in-crime.

by Dan Edwards

Dominant Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener

11-06-2026 19:04 Dozens of protesters clash with police outside Estadio Azteca; Mexico see off South Africa in bad-tempered opener that saw three red cards.

Albiceleste set up camp in Kansas, buoyed by Messi's return

10-06-2026 23:21 Boost for Albiceleste as Lionel Messi nears full fitness, but Julián Álvarez is in a race against time to be fit for Argentina's World Cup opener.

Trump says will attend World Cup matches as kick off nears

10-06-2026 14:47 World Cup kick off dogged by off-field distractions ranging from sky-high ticket prices to an immigration crackdown that has seen fans, team officials and a top Somali referee barred from entering the United States.

Argentina stroll to pre-World Cup win over Honduras

07-06-2026 11:19 Argentina cruise to 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas; Marseille central defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup with a calf injury.

It’s a small World (Cup)

06-06-2026 06:06 FIFA has 211 member football associations, of whom only 80 have ever participated in a World Cup tournament in almost a century while for the highest level of winners, you would have to knock the zero off that figure – just eight countries, all of whom are past or present members of the European Union or Mercosur.

by Michael Soltys

Defending champs Argentina look to make history at 2026 World Cup

03-06-2026 17:11 Title-holders hope to put AFA turmoil aside and overcome injury concerns at World Cup in United States, Canada and Mexico.

Lionel Scaloni: Argentina among ‘10 or 12’ teams challenging for World Cup title

03-06-2026 16:18 National team coach lists 10 and 12 sides he thinks will be a threat at the 2026 World Cup.

Nineteen players from Argentina's top flight heading to World Cup 2026

02-06-2026 09:32 FIFA will pay Liga Profesional clubs US$11,000 a day for each player called up for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico; River Plate will receive the most of the domestic clubs, supplying seven of the 19 footballers from Argentina's top flight for tournament.

Otamendi becomes latest world champion to sign for River Plate

31-05-2026 09:18 "As a River supporter, it's a dream come true," says commanding centre-back as he completes his move back to Argentina.

Messi in, Mastantuono out – Argentina confirms 26-man squad for World Cup 2026

28-05-2026 20:10 Few surprises as Lionel Scaloni publishes his squad list for tournament in US, Canada and Mexico; River wonderkid Mastantuono out and no place for Buendía or Dybala; Youngers Nico Paz and Valentín Barco make the cut, along with Palmeiras striker ‘Flaco’ López.

Real Madrid star Franco Mastantuono left out of Argentina’s World Cup 2026 squad

28-05-2026 17:28 First big name culled by Lionel Scaloni as he whittles down squad list for Argentina’s defence of World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico; Coach plays down Messi injury fears.

Belgrano stun River Plate to win historic first league title

25-05-2026 05:59 Belgrano came from behind to beat River Plate, clinching the Apertura title and securing the first top-flight crown in the club’s 121-year history.

Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo in billionaire football ranks after US deals

22-05-2026 14:24 Lionel Messi's net worth has surpassed the US$1 billion-mark, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Messi in as Scaloni names 55-man longlist for World Cup squad

11-05-2026 13:06 Argentina skipper leads a preliminary 55-man shortlist as Argentina prepare to defend their title at World Cup 2026.

Poll shows women’s football growing in popularity and reach in Argentina

10-05-2026 11:46 New study reveals 30% of Argentines play football at least once a month, with one in four females taking to the pitch in past 12 months. The women’s game is developing, but growth has yet to translate into improved professionalism and sponsorship opportunities.

by Enrique Garabetyan

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

Simeone, Atlético Madrid at crossroads after Champions League knock-out

06-05-2026 09:26 Champions League elimination renews speculation over the future of Atlético Madrid's Argentine coach.

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.