Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced.

The dramatic development comes only days after the former AC Milan figures agreed to spearhead a major overhaul of Italian football, with Maldini appointed technical director and Leonardo brought in as his adviser.

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has taken shape following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, with Bayern Munich and England striker Kane

Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has been named the winner of the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his stunning strike against Argentina in the Round of 32 was voted the competition’s best goal.

Cup-holders Nigeria aim to kick off their defence of the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in an emphatic manner when they lock horns with debuting ‘Scorchers’ of Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.

A total of 175 visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have applied for asylum, with citizens of Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and several other countries among those seeking to remain in the country after the tournament.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women’s Super League have agreed to the trial, subject to approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Nigeria have won their fifth gold medal at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Onome Didih setting new Commonwealth Games records in all three categories to claim the women’s 53kg weightlifting title.

Chelsea have opened talks with Brighton over a potential move for experienced striker Danny Welbeck as the Blues look to add more experience to their squad under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Ronaldo remains the most recent player to win the Ballon d’Or without lifting a team trophy, making it 11 editions since the last occurrence.

UEFA has confirmed that the draw for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League league phase will take place on Thursday, August 27, at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, setting the stage for another season of Europe’s premier club competition.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria begin their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title when they face debutants Malawi in their opening Group C fixture on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco.

“They say we’re arrogant, but that says more about them than about us. We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced.”

Former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who was favoured for the national coaching post, expressed his bitterness on Monday over the debate which has led to him no longer being a candidate.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote in a post shared on his Instagram account and FIFA’s official channels.