Paris (AFP) – French World Cup star Thomas Lemar looks set to quit Monaco and join Atletico Madrid, the two clubs revealed on Tuesday. "Atletico de Madrid and AS Monaco have achieved a preliminary agreement over the transfer of Thomas Lemar to our club," for the definitive transfer," the Spanish club said of the 22-year […]

Novi Sad (Serbia) (AFP) – Looking for a new haircut to celebrate the World Cup in style? A hairdresser is clipping 'portraits' of stars Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo onto the back of heads in soccer-made Serbia. Mario Hvala gives his creativity free rein as he shaves and snips away on a headshot "hair tattoo" […]

Grozny (Russia) (AFP) – Mohamed Salah, a star attraction ahead of football's 2018 World Cup in Russia, has made headlines for a smiling photo with Ramzan Kadyrov, strongman of Chechnya where his Egypt team have set up camp. "Mo Salah was woken from his sleep so a man accused of 'torture and extrajudicial killings' could […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – If this year's Champions League is anything to go by, the upcoming World Cup could be one of the most goal-gluttonous yet, with a host of strikers hoping to capitalise on leaky defences in Russia. The current trend for swarming attacks, led by speedy forwards and daring full-backs, will have the […]

Repino (Russia) (AFP) – Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford will have an injury assessed on Wednesday, said England manager Gareth Southgate as his side touched down in Russia for the World Cup on Tuesday. Rashford shone with a stunning opening goal in England's final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica last week, but England are hopeful […]

London (AFP) – Promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have made their first foray into the transfer market, signing Mexico striker Raul Jimenez on loan from Benfica on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Premier League new boy is Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo's first signing of the close season, albeit on a 12-month loan. "Wolves have secured the signing of […]

Moscow (AFP) – Germany landed in Moscow on Tuesday to attempt to successfully defend their World Cup title and hoping to leave the political controversy surrounding Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan behind them. The intent is clear — Germany want to become the first team for 56 years to retain the World Cup. "We want […]

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid on Tuesday announced the appointment of Spain's Julen Lopetegui as their coach from next season, stunning the national team ahead of the start of the World Cup. "Real Madrid announce that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of the first team during the next three seasons," the Champions League winners […]

Moscow (AFP) – Argentina's Nestor Pitana will referee the opening World Cup match on Thursday when hosts Russia play Saudi Arabia, FIFA has announced. The 42-year-old, who officiated during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, will be in charge for the Group A match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. The Argentine will be assisted by compatriots […]

London (AFP) – Huddersfield signed Egypt winger Ramadan Sobhi from Stoke in a deal worth a reported £5.7 million ($7.6 million) on Tuesday. Sobhi agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club and will join up with his new team-mates after Egypt's World Cup campaign. The 21-year-old made 41 appearances for Stoke after joining […]

Moscow (AFP) – Reigning champions Germany arrived in Russia on Tuesday to join the World Cup party as Real Madrid announced Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will replace Zinedine Zidane after the tournament. Gareth Southgate's inexperienced England team also touched down as excitement mounts ahead of Thursday's opening fixture in Moscow between the host nation and […]

Repino (Russia) (AFP) – England landed in Russia on Tuesday hoping a talented young World Cup squad spearheaded by captain Harry Kane can shake off the disappointments of recent tournaments. After flying into Saint Petersburg, Gareth Southgate’s squad headed to their base camp in the seaside town of Repino, 45 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of […]

Rabat (AFP) – Morocco are the clear underdogs as they go up against a joint United States, Canada and Mexico bid to host the 2026 World Cup. Ahead of Wednesday's FIFA vote in Moscow, AFP assesses the Moroccan candidacy as they attempt to become the second African nation to host football's showpiece event after South […]

Madrid (AFP) – Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will replace Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid coach after the 2018 World Cup, the Spanish giants said Tuesday. "Real Madrid announce that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of the first team during the next three seasons. Julen Lopetegui will join the club after Spain's participation in the […]

Madrid (AFP) – Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will replace Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid coach after the 2018 World Cup, the Spanish giants said Tuesday. "Real Madrid announce that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of the first team during the next three seasons. Julen Lopetegui will join the club after Spain's participation in the […]