Stevens, who will start on 10 July, said his two decades in a range of roles across different clubs have equipped him to help unlock the club’s potential. He added that he believes in Swansea City’s project, sees significant potential, and is eager to bring everyone together to pursue future success. Swans chief executive Tom...

Of the 12 teams that finish third, eight will advance—two-thirds of them. In the old 32-team format, that’s roughly the same as the top five third-place finishers going through. Across the seven tournaments since 1998, the fifth-ranked third-place team always had at least three points: Colombia (1998), Portugal (2002), Poland (2006), Ivory Coast (2010 and...

Levein reflected on the 2010 match against the Czech Republic, when Scotland used a 4-6-0 and would have settled for a draw. The game lacked chances for both sides, yet a set piece cost them the result. His takeaway: you can prepare for a specific outcome, but football’s unpredictability means there are no guarantees. He...

Designing new football boots can start up to two years before launch, and during that time brands often lean on trend forecasters like WGSN to predict which colors, themes, and styles will be popular when the boots arrive in stores. There are also specific reasons pink has surged in football. Modern players are far more...

I’ve adored the World Cup ever since I watched Denmark at Mexico ’86 as a kid — my dad would tape the late games so my sister and I could catch them before school, just like plenty of kids still do 40 years on! I can still take it in like a supporter, but when...

Dive into our Who Am I? game. It’s simple: each day features a new footballer, and your mission is to identify them in as few guesses as possible. Every incorrect guess unlocks another clue. The fewer clues you need to get it right, the more points you’ll earn. A score of three is good; four...

The biggest ripple effect is that more teams can now clinch qualification—and even win their group—before matchday three. Previously, a side had to be four points clear after two games to lock up top spot, which was uncommon because it meant both of the other early fixtures had to end in draws. Under the new...

BBC Sport’s FIFA World Cup 3D Experience has been upgraded—every match played so far can now be revisited. Games broadcast live on the BBC can be followed in real time with the tool, and all completed fixtures are now available to replay—either as highlights or in full. This UK-first, exclusive to BBC Sport, gives you...

Two weeks after the Beckhams’ party, the squad flew to Germany, where hundreds of supporters welcomed them before they were taken to a secluded, castle-style five-star hotel in the Black Forest. Down in central Baden-Baden, the arrival of their partners created an even bigger buzz. Some were famous in their own right; others were everyday...

Salah is a megastar at Liverpool, but in Egypt he is revered even more. Every touch brings a roar from the home crowd, and with each appearance comes immense expectation. His goal on Sunday was his 68th in 118 caps, moving him within one of manager Hassan’s all-time national scoring record. Many will argue it...