West Ham co-owner David Sullivan banned from having contact with club's women and youth teams since 2023
The 77-year-old is the club's majority shareholder and has owned a stake in the London team since 2010.
Football
10th June 2026
The 2026 World Cup will define careers. These are the 26 players to watch
Who will be the star of the 2026 World Cup?. Sometimes, that star turn comes from a player who has already established himself as one of the best in the world. Sometimes, it comes from someone you've never heard of before.
The World Cup visa mess has its roots in Gianni Infantino's cosiness to President Trump
FIFA's president has stood back while journalists and even a referee have been denied entry to the U.S. The situation is a mess.
2026 World Cup: We had AI pick the winner of every game. Here's who won it all
The 2026 World Cup gets underway this week, as the world's most popular sporting event takes center stage in North America over the course of the next month.
When does the FIFA World Cup start and who are the favourites?
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest single-sport event on the planet and has delivered numerous historical moments, from Diego Maradona's "hand of God" in 1986 to Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi.
Iran's soccer federation says the country's allocation of 2026 World Cup tickets has been revoked
Iran said Tuesday that its allotment of World Cup tickets for its three group stage games had been pulled off the market.
Real Madrid's £130m Alvarez bid rejected
Real Madrid make an offer of 150m euros (£130m) for striker Julian Alvarez, but city rivals Atletico Madrid turn it down.
Atlético Madrid reject £129m bid from Real Madrid for Julián Alvarez
Real Madrid have revealed they have had a €150m (£129.4m) bid for Julián Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atlético Madrid.
David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used sexualised images of underage girls as ‘bait for predatory men’
Former victims’ commissioner says publication ‘deliberately came as close as possible to breaking the law’. David Sullivan’s Sport newspapers used sexualised images of underage girls as “bait for predatory men”, the former victims’ commissioner has said.
Why ‘podcast wars’ will be real broadcast battleground at this World Cup
This summer’s hottest rivalry no longer belongs to the BBC and ITV, but football’s online and streaming presence. For the first time since the BBC and ITV began sharing World Cup coverage in 1966 their local rivalry will not be the main broadcasting battleground this summer.
Does referee case show Fifa has lost control of its own World Cup?
With referee Omar Artan denied entry to the United States and worries over staff and supporters being turned back, what does this tell us about the World Cup?.
Sullivan banned from contact with West Ham women's and youth teams since 2023
The decision followed a safeguarding investigation opened by the the Football Association.
USMNT's 5 biggest questions entering the 2026 World Cup: Expectations, lineup decisions and defensive concerns
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The U.S. soccer team's twisting pathway to hosting Paraguay in its World Cup opener Friday at SoFi Stadium began eight years ago at an expo center in Moscow.
Union for SoFi Stadium workers reaches agreement with operators after previously authorizing strike
The high-stake negotiations by the union have earned a 40 per cent increase in pay for attendants at concessions stands.
Omar Artan was about to realise a dream. History shows he might never get this chance again
The Somali official was denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup — his colleagues around the world feel his pain right now.
Meet the England fan who collected beer from every World Cup nation
BBC Sport meets England fan Gus Hully who has collected one beer from each of the 48 nations competing at the World Cup.
Scotland's Kelly extends 'special' Rangers stay
Scotland goalkeeper Liam Kelly signs a two-year contract to remain with Rangers as he prepares for the start of the World Cup.
'Gridlock alert days' and a race for tickets as US prepares to host World Cup
Is the US ready to handle the pressure of co-hosting what many see as the biggest global sporting event?.
Wolves re-sign striker Jimenez from Fulham
Wolves re-sign striker Raul Jimenez from Premier League Fulham on a free transfer.
Player given five-year ban for elbow assault
Thomas Taylor attacked Daniel Brookwell during a fifth-tier Welsh league match between Porthmadog FC and Trearddur Bay on 17 January.
Meet the philosopher-in-training who will be at the VAR monitor this World Cup
Joe Dickerson is one of North America’s best referees, but he’ll be off the field in a high-pressure position when the World Cup begins. • Predict the winner | Daily podcast | Download our app Joe Dickerson never set out to be a referee.
2026 World Cup: 5 best bets for the opening group stage matches, including fading Brazil
The 2026 World Cup is finally upon us, meaning I can stop making futures bets and focus on the first set of group games. For more big-picture storylines and pre-tournament plays, check out everything else I've written so far at Yahoo Sports.
2026 World Cup: Best bets for the opening group stage matches, plus strategy tips for Yahoo's Soccer Pick 'Em game
The 2026 World Cup is finally upon us, meaning I can stop making futures bets and focus on the first set of group games. For more big-picture storylines and pre-tournament plays, check out everything else I've written so far at Yahoo Sports.
Crystal Palace close in on agreement to appoint Lens head coach Pierre Sage
Palace have been searching for a successor to Oliver Glasner, who is leaving the south London club this summer.
Risk of death to oldest man at World Cup - Scotland's walking miracle Gordon
How Craig Gordon's career has been a series of comebacks and the 43-year-old's World Cup inclusion for Scotland seemed an impossible dream only a few months ago.
Ngumoha to leave England squad having made mark
Rio Ngumoha will leave the US this week after impressing with England's World Cup squad but will return to the country for Liverpool's pre-season tour next month.
Dad Gregg once said he wasn’t USMNT material. Sebastian Berhalter reached the World Cup anyway
The son of the former U.S. coach earned his place at the 2026 World Cup, driven by doubt — even some at home — and backed by work ethic.
Colombia World Cup 2026 team guide
Luis Díaz is the leading light of an extremely well-supported team still built around the 2014 golden boot winner James Rodríguez.
2026 World Cup: Odds for all 48 teams to win the title
The 2026 World Cup arrives this week, and the odds are available for all 48 teams to win the world's biggest sporting event. The United States is the +138 favorite in Group D, where they will face Türkiye (+175 to win the group), Paraguay (+400) and Australia (+800).
What now for West Ham after Sullivan allegations?
West Ham is a club in turmoil after co-chair David Sullivan stood down ahead of allegations about his private life, which he denies.
Crystal Palace poised to appoint Pierre Sage as head coach on two-year deal
Crystal Palace are poised to appoint Pierre Sage as Oliver Glasner’s successor after holding productive talks with the Frenchman.
From World Cup Willie to Tip and Tap: a nostalgic nod to the era of lovably quirky mascots
This year’s World Cup serves up yet more soulless, corporate animal slop to leave fans pining for the days of unique talismans.
9th June 2026
World Cup 2026 visa chaos: from referee Omar Artan to Iranian officials – who is affected?
Fifa has found its tournament squarely caught up in the second Trump administration’s aggressive border restrictions. For successive men’s World Cup tournaments Fifa has managed to bulldoze its way through costly immigration and entry requirements.
I have right papers and visa - barred referee Artan
Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding the "right papers" and "right visa".
The World Cup dilemma dividing Iranians: Root for Iran — or against it?
Shortly before Iran's opening match at the 2022 World Cup, Mehran Hashemi decided he could no longer stomach rooting for his country's national team.
World Cup Q&A: ‘Are you allowed to be scared of the prospect of losing to Haiti? Of course you are!’
Ewan Murray is in North Carolina to report on Scotland’s first World Cup since France 98. He answered your questions on Steve Clarke’s selections, his outsider tip and what Scotland-Haiti’s equivalent of the ‘Frey Bentos trophy’ would be KTwoDJF asks: I know that there is technically a path to it, but what are the chances USA will be knocked out of the tournament by Iran ? I have the USA being knocked out by Belgium.
Inside Nike’s bet on soccer kits as fashion language
Listen to this story Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player… Soccer kits have moved beyond their sole function as match-day uniforms.
2026 World Cup: Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan denied entry into United States, won't officiate event
FIFA is making changes to its 2026 World Cup referee roster after Somalian official Omar Adbulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States ahead of the event.
'Never know whose life you're changing': USMNT World Cup team can make 1994-like mark
Former U.S. forward Charlie Davies says the 1994 World Cup and USMNT inspired his career.
2 days to the World Cup: Brazil still stands alone with the most appearances and titles
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament's return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world's biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year's global event.
Platini begins legal proceedings against Fifa
Former Uefa president Michel Platini initiaites civil and legal proceedings against Fifa and current president Gianni Infantino over corruption allegations from 2015.
Milestone Matilda celebrates in style as Aussie attack fires for revenge win over Mexico
Caitlin Foord has celebrated her 150th Matildas appearance in style, scoring in Australia’s 3-1 win over Mexico on Tuesday night.
‘We are knocking on the door’: Africa’s 10 contenders target World Cup glory
Morocco’s semi-final appearance in Qatar has raised the possibility of an African team reaching the final, but who are best poised to do so?. With a record 10 African teams at the first 48-nation World Cup finals tournament, the big question, after Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance in Qatar, is whether any of them can go a step further.
World Cup 2026 quiz: 26 questions to kick off the tournament
How much do you know about the players, managers and host cities in US, Canada and Mexico?. Continue reading...
Football regulator could force David Sullivan to sell West Ham stake
Former pornographer, who owns 38.8% of club, has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour The football regulator could force David Sullivan to sell his stake in West Ham United after the former pornography billionaire was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour against women over several decades.
Palmer and Joao Pedro feature in Madonna video
Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro make a surprise appearance in a promotional film for Madonna's new album.
Fifa working to resolve revoked Iran tickets
Fifa has said it is working to "maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches" after the country's World Cup group-stage ticket allocation was revoked just days before the tournament.
A (total) beginner’s guide to the World Cup: how does it work and the players to look out for
The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events It is! Every four years the best men’s teams on the planet gather to see who will be crowned world champions.
New Jersey to offer 770 free World Cup tickets for games at MetLife Stadium
The tickets will be made available to youth soccer clubs, children and families living with serious illness, frontline nurses and others.
‘It was madness in Baghdad’: René Meulensteen on coaching Iraq and helping Ronaldo
Iraq’s No 2 discusses his recipe for a World Cup shock, the players’ singing and his time assisting Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Iraq’s journey to their first World Cup finals tournament in 40 years involved sacrifices unmatched by any other side.
A 'broken' system, nascent culture: Why the U.S. has never had a world-class men’s soccer star
The USMNT has featured very talented players over the years, but none occupying the rarefied air of the true global elite. Why not?.
The flag Iranians are not allowed to wave at the World Cup
Iran football fans living in Los Angeles explain why they want to wave Iran's pre-1979 Islamic revolution flag and dismiss the one that is on their team's shirt.
Out-of-contract XIs: players in their 20s versus players in their 30s – who wins?
There are young stars and golden oldies available on a free transfer this summer.
Crespo on Messi, returning to England and life as a manager
Goals, passion and intensity define Hernan Crespo as a player. They are the qualities he wants his teams to show as a coach.
World Cup odds: How Spain, France, England and other favourites measure up against expectations
Spain are just ahead of France in the odds to win the World Cup. What other contenders can challenge the European powers?.
How a fiery friendly against Paraguay helped forge the USMNT's World Cup identity
A moment at the end of a seemingly innocuous match in November could wind up playing a big role in the USMNT's World Cup opener.
Untold stories of Jesse Marsch: 'He would never back down. He's not scared of anyone'
What is Canada's coach really like? The Athletic spoke to his college friends, his old team-mates and his former players to find out.
2026 FIFA World Cup standings for every group
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is almost here. This page — one of dozens comprising The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker project — is your destination for current group standings and the live table of third-place teams.
2026 FIFA World Cup bracket projection
Live estimates of where qualifying teams will end up in the World Cup Round of 32 bracket.
The $25.8m Kansas City 'World Cup jail' that isn't ready for the World Cup
The anticipated influx of World Cup fans was often cited as motivation for a temporary jail facility in Kansas City.
Infantino’s Yearslong Effort to Woo Trump for the World Cup
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has unabashedly courted the president’s favor. Soccer officials privately ask, who really benefits?.
2026 FIFA World Cup: Each team’s chances of reaching the Round of 32
Here you’ll find detailed estimates for how likely all 48 teams are to make the Round of 32 — by winning the group, getting second place or securing a third-place berth — or to advance deeper into the tournament.
Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament
Iran's football federation says the 8 per cent quota of tickets allocated to Iran for the FIFA World Cup has been revoked, meaning "there is no possibility to distribute tickets to fans".
FIFA 2026 World Cup schedule with Australian times and dates
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, with the opening game of Mexico vs South Africa kicking off at 5am AEST on June 12.
Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game
Play BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game to be in with the chance of winning a signed football.
Why France's Olise is moving into Ballon d'Or picture
After a first international hat-trick against Northern Ireland, former France striker Louis Saha believes Michael Olise can move into Ballon d'Or contention.
Foord scores in game 150 as Matildas beat Mexico
The Matildas earned a 3-1 victory in a frenetic contest against a game Mexican side, as Caitlin Foord scored in her milestone match.
'Diogo will be with you' - Jota's widow writes to Robertson
Diogo Jota's widow urges Scotland captain Andrew Robertson to carry his former Liverpool team-mate "in your heart" when he plays at the World Cup.
‘I didn’t think I’d be playing at 40’: Edin Dzeko on defying age to lead his country at the World Cup
After helping to shock Italy in the playoffs, the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain is out to upset co-hosts Canada in their opening match on Friday.
Portugal World Cup 2026 team guide
A last World Cup – surely – for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Portugal are in great shape for a long run in the competition. This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified.
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
This is the latest across the game's biggest clubs in the 2026 summer transfer window.
'Mazadona', 'Einstein', 'The Ant' - 20 new players to watch at the 2026 World Cup
BBC Sport TV and radio commentators pick the players they think could be the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup.
Tottenham remain keen on Hearts' Wilson - gossip
Hearts forward remains in thoughts of Tottenham as Hibs attacker is due back for pre-season.
Football regulator contacts West Ham over 'serious allegations' against Sullivan
Multiple women accuse the billionaire of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, in some cases when they were in their late teens.
David Sullivan, the football club owner accused of being a sexual predator
Who is David Sullivan, the porn billionaire facing accusations by seven women of sexual misconduct stretching back decades?.
Scotland's fateful 1978 World Cup campaign still resonates
There's a mesmeric quality to this story of '78, a legend of how a man and a country lost the run of itself, writes Tom English.
Two brothers, two nations, one World Cup & how grief bound them
In July 2022, brothers Harry and John Souttar lost their hero, but as both prepare to represent different nations at the World Cup, his influence lives on.
Why super-sized and politicised World Cup comes at a cost
Whatever one's perspective, it seems certain that away from the on-field spectacle, this super-sized World Cup could be among the most contentious ever.
The story behind Diana Ross' iconic 1994 World Cup penalty: 'It was just the most absurd thing''
Forget the soccer, the music star was responsible for one of the enduring images of the first World Cup on American soil.
Passion consumes Argentina fans: 'Nothing else in my life affects me the way the team does'
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
Tickets, travel, politics, the USMNT and more: 100 things to know about the 2026 World Cup
From tickets to the trophy, presidents to prize money and everything in between, this is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know.
Inside England's World Cup preparations: Tuchel's holiday advice, palm-cooling and golf with Koepka
England have had bad experiences in Miami before but they are hoping this camp is far more successful than the 2014 equivalent.
Thomas Partey, the World Cup vice-captain standing trial for rape
The midfielder, 32, will stand trial in the UK on seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault. He denies all charges.
Allez les Bleus is a fan chant that mirrors the rise of French football: 'For me it's like breathing'
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
'1, 2, 3, viva l’Algerie' was a plea for independence. It lives on as Algeria's rallying cry
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
'Alt for Norge' was a symbol of resistance and unity. It has taken on a new life for Norway fans
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
'I am from Austria' - the red-suit-wearing fans inspired by a very un-football anthem
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
In Jordan, the social hierarchy collapses when it comes to watching the Chivalrous Ones
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
In Senegal, the national team is 'the drug of the people'. They will bring joy and noise to this World Cup
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
Football has succeeded in uniting Iraq fans when all else has failed
As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture.
‘Anything less...’: USA fans reveal high hopes; ‘unstoppable’ Aussie’s admission — World Cup Daily
A Socceroo young gun has revealed the reason behind a surprise World Cup decision, while the United States of America’s fans made their expectations known at an open training session.
‘Absolute torture’: Inside brutal camp that made ‘06 Socceroos... and how nobody was spared — 2006 Rewind Part 1
As Tony Popovic puts the current Socceroos squad through their final World Cup preparations this week, he could be forgiven for casting his mind back 20 years.
USMNT lifted by big training crowd, must maximize World Cup's historic home advantage
An open training session in Irvine, Calif., created a spirited atmosphere with the USMNT's World Cup opener against Paraguay just days away.
Jordan World Cup 2026 team guide
Jamal Sellami’s first-time qualifiers come up against Lionel Messi and Argentina in a challenging Group J. This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified.
World Cup Predictions, Sofía Vergara, Eloy Room's Messi Story & USMNT History with Leander Schaerlaeckens
. Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show by making their biggest predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese blocks out criticism ahead of World Cup opener
The USMNT has a proud goalkeeping history, but Freese doesn't have the same reputation as some past greats.
O'Neill praises 'fantastic' departing Deschamps
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill praises outgoing French boss Didier Deschamps as a "fantastic national team manager".
France legend Michel Platini launches civil and criminal cases against FIFA and Gianni Infantino
Platini was the favourite to replace Sepp Blatter as FIFA boss in 2015 but Infantino landed the role.
