Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed Mikel as outstanding after the quarter-final victory. He said Mikel has a wide range of qualities and would have shone for any team at this World Cup. For Spain, he embodies their philosophy and approach. De la Fuente called it a pleasure to have him—among others, but especially...

When Clarke was appointed in May 2019, Scotland’s priority was clear: end the men’s long absence from a major finals since 1998. He delivered that goal more than once. Now his successor’s brief is to build on three qualifications by finally reaching the knockout stages. That will be no small feat. Clarke united the squad...

Kelly remembered the shock of seeing his beloved Hull City line up against George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law — a trio he compared to today’s Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappé — as he told the BBC’s Sporting Witness. Former Hull player Frankie Banks called it a huge occasion: Manchester United were European champions just...

A hectic six-day stretch settled the 2026 World Cup last-32 matchups. How closely were you following? There are 10 questions to tackle. Good luck! Want more quizzes? Visit our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages, and turn on notifications to get the latest quizzes delivered straight to your device.

Arsenal are poised to finalise the free transfer of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United. BBC Sport first reported Arsenal’s interest on 30 June, and an agreement has now been reached. Meslier and his representatives visited the club’s Hertfordshire training base on Tuesday to complete paperwork and undergo a medical. The 26-year-old, no longer first...

Belgian football consultant and podcaster Scott Coyne says Hearts have pulled off something of a coup by appointing Vrancken. He believes Vrancken had opportunities in France and Germany but chose Hearts for the chance of Champions League football and the appeal of Edinburgh. Coyne feels last season’s success gives Vrancken a blueprint to build on...

Arsenal have completed the signing of Switzerland midfielder Geraldine Reuteler following her departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 27-year-old has agreed a four-year contract, bringing an end to eight years in the Frauen-Bundesliga. Reuteler made 184 appearances for Frankfurt in all competitions, recording 54 goals and 44 assists. She will wear the number 14 shirt and...

Despite England’s last-32 win over DR Congo, former Three Lions striker Wayne Rooney warned of “major concerns” — so how can manager Thomas Tuchel address them? Captain Harry Kane rescued the result with a late brace in Wednesday’s comeback, setting up a last-16 tie with Mexico. Questions linger across the pitch, with the right-back role...

Schlotterbeck played the full match in Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener, a 7-1 rout of Curacao, and scored their second goal. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said Schlotterbeck will be a big loss on the field, praising his defensive quality and superb build-up play. He added that, although the tournament could have been Schlotterbeck’s, the player...

England forward Freya Godfrey has committed to London City Lionesses on a new three-year deal. The 21-year-old was a standout in the club’s inaugural Women’s Super League season, earning multiple England senior call-ups in 2025-26. Godfrey initially arrived on loan from Arsenal in January 2025 and made the move permanent last summer. She was voted...