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England's Harry Kane celebrates his second goal of the night against Italy during a Euro 2024 qualifier in London on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Oct 18, 2023

Harry Kane scores twice as England beats Italy to qualify for Euros

The goals took Kane's tally at Wembley to 24, one more than 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, making him England's all-time top scorer at the stadium.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi receives his 8th Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony in Paris on Monday.
SOCCER
Oct 31, 2023

Messi wins record eighth Ballon d'Or for best player in the world

Inter Miami's Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to its first World Cup title in 36 years last year.
Becoming the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup, just 27 days after its campaign was announced, caps a stunning year where the unheralded Saudi Pro League has snapped up some of soccer's top stars including Cristiano Ronaldo (center).
SOCCER
Nov 1, 2023

Bridging the Gulf: How the World Cup is key to Saudi revamp

While human rights controversies have not gone away, the kingdom is gaining a reputation for extravagant forays into sport.
Uruguay forward Luis Suarez celebrates a win after a World Cup match in 2018 in Sochi, Russia.
SOCCER
Nov 4, 2023

Luis Suarez reportedly set to join Inter Miami

Inter Miami are continuing with their Barcelona reunion plan, as Suarez is set to join Lionel Messi with the MLS club.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (right) after the Copa Libertadores final in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
SOCCER / Women's World cup
Nov 5, 2023

Brazil submits letter of intent to host 2027 Women's World Cup

Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands submitted a joint expression of interest in April, while the other joint bid includes the United States and Mexico.
Australia's soccer chief James Johnson believes his country can help FIFA turn its new Club World Cup into a global success.
SOCCER
Nov 14, 2023

Australia aims to follow U.S. in 'building' FIFA's Club World Cup

Australia last month opted not to bid for the 2034 World Cup after facing competition from Saudi Arabia.
South Korea's head coach Jurgen Klinsmann (center) speaks to his players during a training session at Mokdong Stadium on Nov. 13, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and Singapore.
SOCCER
Nov 14, 2023

Warning for Japan as Asian heavyweights begin World Cup qualifying

A record eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth are up for grabs for Asian Football Confederation sides at the expanded event in 2026.
Palestinian fans cheer during their team's World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Kuwait City on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Nov 22, 2023

Palestinians fly flags in emotional World Cup qualifier in Kuwait

Thousands of Palestinians turned out for the game against Australia, the territory's first in front of fans since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
A pyrotechnic display takes place at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022.
SOCCER
Nov 23, 2023

Qatar still reaping benefits of World Cup one year later

The World Cup has raised Qatar's profile in the Middle East.
The Columbus Crew are seeking their third MLS title and Los Angeles FC are aiming for back-to-back championships in Saturday's MLS Cup final.
SOCCER
Dec 8, 2023

Clash of styles between Columbus and LAFC awaits in MLS Cup

The days when MLS teams had largely the same sort of approach are gone with the increase in players and coaches from around the world.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during a match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in July.
SOCCER
Dec 16, 2023

Inter Miami adds Tokyo stop to Messi tour next February

The Argentine superstar will lead Inter Miami into a match against reigning champions Vissel Kobe at the 60,000-seat National Stadium on Feb. 7.
Kaoru Mitoma in action during the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022. Mitoma's availability for the Asian Cup, which begins Friday, is uncertain due to an injury.
SOCCER
Jan 11, 2024

Samurai Blue the favorites as Asian Cup kicks off

Samurai Blue manager Hajime Moriyasu's team has enjoyed a strong year since, losing only once in 12 matches and winning 4-1 in Germany in a friendly.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi controls the ball during practice at Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday.
SOCCER
Jan 16, 2024

Messi named FIFA player of 2023; Spain's Bonmati wins women's award

Messi, 36, voted the best player by national teams coaches, captains, journalists and fans, helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi celebrates after scoring against Syria during their Asian Cup match in Doha on Wednesday.
SOCCER
Feb 1, 2024

Iran promises to be 'more united' against Japan in Asian Cup quarterfinals

Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi said he saw Iran being dragged through extra time and penalties will make the team stronger for its match with Japan.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

New Jersey selected to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FIFA announced on Sunday.
Lionel Messi sits on the bench during Inter Milan's friendly against Hong Kong XI in Hong Kong on Sunday.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

Lionel Messi and David Beckham booed after Argentine star sits out Hong Kong friendly

The Hong Kong government said organizers owed fans an explanation after the match.
Japan's Hiroki Ito stands on the pitch with his teammates after their loss against Iran in the Asian Cup quarterfinals in Doha on Saturday.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024

Japan's Asian Cup exit raises questions ahead of World Cup qualifiers in North Korea

Former Japan star Keisuke Honda, who was part of the team that won the Asian Cup in 2011, said the country's soccer needed "innovative change."
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on Tuesday, a day before his team faces Vissel Kobe in a friendly match.
SOCCER
Feb 6, 2024

Messi says leg 'getting better' but could miss Japan match

Inter Miami are set to face Japanese champions Vissel Kobe at Tokyo's National Stadium on Wednesday.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi in action during a friendly against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday in Tokyo
SOCCER
Feb 7, 2024

Messi wows Tokyo fans days after Hong Kong no-show

Messi's appearance came days after his absence on the pitch in a recent Hong Kong friendly had angered fans there.
England's Jess Carter in action with Spain's Salma Paralluelo during the Women's World Cup final in Sydney in August 2023
SPORTS
Feb 8, 2024

Women's sports draw record viewership in U.K. in 2023, research shows

The FIFA Women's World Cup final, which England lost 1-0 to Spain, was 2023's most-watched women's sports event on TV with 38.4 million viewing hours.
The FIFA Series is designed to benefit national teams that do not have the opportunity to play teams from other confederations.
SOCCER
Feb 27, 2024

Biennial FIFA series of friendly games to launch in March

The series is designed to benefit national teams that do not have the opportunity to play teams from other confederations.
SOCCER
Feb 28, 2024

Japan beats North Korea to clinch Olympic spot

The two sides drew 0-0 in Saturday's first leg on neutral ground in Saudi Arabia.
SOCCER / J. League
Mar 9, 2024

J1 debutants Machida see off Kashima for first home win

Attacker Yu Hirakawa's 13th-minute winner gave the western Tokyo side all three points at Machida Gion Stadium.
Japan fans during the women's team's Olympic qualifier against North Korea in Tokyo last month.
SOCCER
Mar 20, 2024

Japan warns football fans not to go to North Korea for World Cup qualifier

Japan and North Korea play in Tokyo on Thursday as part of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, before the return fixture next week.
North Korean fans watch the World Cup qualifying match between Japan and North Korea on Thursday in Tokyo.
SOCCER
Mar 22, 2024

North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier called off over 'unforeseen circumstances'

North Korea appears to have decided not to stage the match in its capital over worries about infectious diseases in Japan.
Ukraine forward Artem Dovbyk (11) and midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrate after the team secured its berth in Euro 2024 with a win over Iceland, in Wroclaw, Poland, on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Mar 27, 2024

Mykhailo Mudryk sends war-torn Ukraine to Euro 2024

"I am very proud to be a Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom," captain Oleksandr Zinchenko said.
Saudi Arabia fans cheer on the national team during a World Cup qualifying match in Riyadh on March 21.
SOCCER / World cup
Mar 27, 2024

Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi Arabia sizes up 'huge challenge'

As the only bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA.
Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after the club ousted Barcelona from the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Apr 17, 2024

PSG exorcise old ghosts as Mbappe keeps Champions League dream alive

Another disappointing exit looked possible for the Qatar-owned club, which had gone out in the last 16 in five of the previous seven seasons.
Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist celebrates after scoring the club's sixth goal during their English Premier League football match against Everton on April 15.
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 25, 2024

Arsenal? Liverpool? Chelsea? Help me pick my 'football' team

This writer’s been in England for six years. It’s time he backed a club.
Japan's players pose for a picture after defeating Iraq in an Under-23 Asian Cup semifinal match in Doha on Monday.
SOCCER
Apr 30, 2024

Japan and Uzbekistan secure qualification for Olympic Games

Japan has maintained its record of qualifying for every Olympics since 1996.

Longform

Figure skater Akiko Suzuki was once told her ideal weight should be 47 kilograms, a number she now admits she “naively believed.” This led to her have a relationship with food that resulted in her suffering from anorexia.
The silent battle Japanese athletes fight with weight