Talk Fuse

Topic: Football

Football covers the professional and grassroots game across the UK and around the world, from domestic leagues and cup competitions to international tournaments, transfers and the people who run the sport.

It matters because football reaches far beyond the pitch: it shapes local communities, national identity, business and public debate. Coverage follows results and performance alongside the decisions, finances and governance that affect the game’s future.

Hossam Hassan and the blurring of lines between football and politics in Egypt

July 3, 2026

Egypt face Australia in a historic World Cup game on Friday and the manager has been keen to highlight president Al-Sisi’s role in the achievementAfter Egypt’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand at the World Cup, the national team coach, Hossam Hassan, issued a statement of gratitude to the country’s president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.Al-Sisi had sent…
Portugal Edge Croatia in World Cup Drama as VAR Call Seals Ronaldo’s Last-16 Passage

July 3, 2026

Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto to advance to the World Cup last 16, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo converting from the penalty spot and substitute Gonçalo Ramos notching a crucial 94th-minute head
Football star found NOT guilty of manslaughter after his teammate was found shot dead inside his home

July 3, 2026

Peter Clabron was only 18 when he was arrested for shooting and killing Jeremiah Aviles at a Mesa home in May 2023. Three years later he has been allowed to walk free after a jury issued their verdict.
VAR denies Croatia’s game-tying goal as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to Round of 16

July 3, 2026

Gonçalo Ramos' 94th-minute header put Portugal ahead before a controversial VAR offside call denied Croatia a late equalizer, sending Portugal to the Round of 16 against Spain.
Portugal through to last 16 after dramatic victory over Croatia

July 3, 2026

Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos after a chaotic second-half in Toronto to set up a last 16 tie with Iberian rivals Spain.
Melting hot! When Ireland played Mexico in 43C heat at 1994 World Cup

July 3, 2026

As the mercury rises at this year’s World Cup, we asked former Republic of Ireland footballers Jason McAteer and John Aldridge about the infamous match in Orlando that was played in 43 degree heat“Some of the boys were melting,” says Jason McAteer as he recalls one of the most notorious matches in World Cup history.…
Ange Postecoglou is exactly what Japan need after fifth-straight World Cup knockout loss | John Duerden

July 3, 2026

The Samurai Blue’s toughest opponents are themselves. The Australian coach would help them kick down the door to football’s global eliteAs Japan’s players burst into tears after losing to Brazil in the 96th minute of their last-32 match to make it five losses in five World Cup knockout games, a pundit on British television neatly…
Late VAR drama as Croatia denied equaliser

July 3, 2026

Josko Gvardiol’s stoppage-time goal is ruled out for offside after a VAR review, denying Croatia an equaliser against Portugal in their World Cup knockout match in Toronto.
Ramos sends Portugal into last 16 as VAR drama caps wild finish against Croatia

July 3, 2026

Rafael Leão dropped to his knees. His cross had just been flicked into the net by Gonçalo Ramos to take Portugal to the last 16 of the World Cup. Leão’s expression was not one of delight, but relief.Billed as the last dance for two footballing icons, it was Luka Modrić who, at the age of…
‘Football fan’ extremist, 19, who bought a gun and looked to target Old Trafford and Manchester Arena is jailed

July 3, 2026

Muhammad Billal, 19, from Nelson, Lancashire purchased the gun on a secret online forum and researched shooting ranges and crowded places before attempting to join the Islamic State.