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Robert Smith Does Not Have World Cup Halftime Show Fever
The Cure’s Robert Smith has criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the men’s World Cup final, calling it an example of “bread and circuses”. He said his objection was not to the performers or curator Chris Martin, but to turning football’s biggest match into a major entertainment spectacle, and to…
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JJ Watt goes after MLS squad after social post leaves out wife, a local soccer legend: ‘Worth a mention’
J.J. Watt criticised Real Salt Lake after a social media post appeared to celebrate him while omitting his wife, former professional footballer Kealia Ohai Watt. He argued that her local sporting record made her “worth a mention”, highlighting how prominent women athletes can be overlooked even when linked to better-known male figures. Kealia Ohai Watt…
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Sex offender who scammed footballers into sending him naked photos spared prison
A registered sex offender has avoided a prison sentence after admitting to blackmailing several Premier League footballers by tricking them into sending him explicit photographs. The case highlights the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to online extortion and raises questions about how sentencing guidelines are applied to offenders who target well-known victims. The court heard details…
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The Guardian view on England’s World Cup disappointment: a tale of the not wholly unexpected | Editorial
England’s men’s football team were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup at the semi-final stage after Argentina fought back from behind to win with a stoppage-time goal, echoing familiar patterns of past tournament exits. The Guardian’s editorial reflects on the disappointment as part of a recurring narrative for English football, noting that criticism of…
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‘It’s a sad part of our history…and it hurts’: Argentinian player defends Falkland Island’s banner saying World Cup semi-final win against England ‘wasn’t just a football match’
An Argentine footballer has defended team-mates who displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands (‘Malvinas’) during celebrations after their World Cup semi-final victory over England, saying the gesture reflected a painful part of national history rather than simple football rivalry. The incident has prompted FIFA to say it will “decide further steps”, leaving the Argentine…
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Oliver Glasner says Marinakis’ ambition convinced him to take Nottingham Forest job
Oliver Glasner has explained that talks with Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, held over a seafood platter in Athens, persuaded him to become the club’s fifth head coach in under a year. The Austrian, who left Crystal Palace after a successful two-year spell that included FA Cup and Conference League triumphs, has signed a three-year…
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Bellingham could be bigger than Beckham: England star’s brand on track to become one of most valuable in world sport as he cashes in on multi-million pound sponsorship deals after World Cup
Jude Bellingham’s commercial profile is surging following the World Cup, with brand experts suggesting he could eventually surpass David Beckham’s status as football’s most marketable star. The England midfielder has been signing a string of lucrative sponsorship deals, positioning him as one of the most valuable personal brands in world sport, with earnings potential extending…
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World Cup reader Q&A: Nick Ames answers your questions now – live
Guardian football correspondent Nick Ames hosted a live reader Q&A on 16 July 2026, the day after England’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, with the final now set for Sunday in New Jersey between Spain and Argentina. Readers submitted questions on England’s exit and the wider tournament, and Ames responded in real time,…
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Nearly one in five World Cup matches reached heat levels players’ union warns against
A Guardian analysis has found that nearly one in five matches at this year’s World Cup were played in heat and humidity levels that the football players’ union Fifpro has warned should trigger delays or postponements, highlighting mounting concerns about the safety of major sporting events as the climate crisis intensifies. Experts say the tournament…