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Germany fires coach Flick after Japan thrashing

Hansi Flick was fired as Germany head coach on Sunday, the country’s football federation (DFB) announced, one day after a 4-1 loss to Japan deepened the gloom around the squad ahead of hosting next year’s European Championship. The DFB said director Rudi Völler would be one of three coaches taking joint charge of the next game, a friendly against France on Tuesday in Dortmund. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…

Maguire, Henderson spotlight England’s selection issues in underwhelming draw vs. Ukraine

WROCLAW, Poland — Gareth Southgate is expending hard-earned credit on retaining Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire, but Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine raises further questions over whether that loyalty is misplaced. England’s search for the requisite improvement to finally end a 58-year wait for a men’s trophy next summer has led to renewed scrutiny of Henderson and Maguire, who were fortunate to be included in the squad after the former…

Where all the Women’s World Cup stars play at the club level: From Aitana Bonmati to Sophia Smith

It’s been over three weeks since Spain claimed their maiden Women’s World Cup crown, and around the world, World Cup stars have already returned to their domestic duties. But from Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid) to Mary Earps (Manchester United), where can you find those who lit up the pitches across New Zealand and Australia? With club action resuming (or in some cases, kicking off) around the globe, here’s your ultimate…

Van Dijk gets additional ban for referee abuse

Virgil van Dijk has been hit with an additional suspension and £100,000 fine by the English Football Association for verbally abusing match officials after being sent off in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Newcastle last month. Van Dijk was sent off at St James’ Park for a foul on Alexander Isak which was deemed to have denied the Newcastle forward a clear goal scoring opportunity. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…

Spain teen Lamine Yamal breaks record on debut

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal became the youngest player and youngest goalscorer for Spain’s men’s senior team after finding the net on his debut in Friday’s 7-1 European Championship qualifying win against Georgia. At 16 years and 57 days old, he takes the record as Spain’s youngest player from Barcelona teammate Gavi, who was 17 years and 62 days old when he debuted for La Roja in 2021. – Stream on…

Why Brazil look shaky, and Messi & Co. better than ever

Onside/Offside is back! Each week, Luis Miguel Echegaray discusses the latest from the soccer world, including standout performances, games you might have missed and what to keep an eye on in the coming days. This week, LME previews the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers as world champions Argentina look favorites while a Brazil side in transition face issues to return to their formal glory. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more…

Is there a way for Sancho to turn things around at Man United?

“I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what,” Jadon Sancho said in the final line of his bombshell social media statement on Sunday night, but the truth is he’s now fighting to save his Manchester United career. After Erik ten Hag revealed in the immediate aftermath of United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal that Sancho wasn’t part of the squad at the Emirates because of poor performances in…

Neymar defends Brazil call amid coach questions

Brazil forward Neymar said he is not fully fit to play in the two opening rounds of World Cup qualifying due to the right ankle injury that has sidelined him since February. Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain for Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal but hasn’t yet played for his new club. He said in a press conference Thursday that the Saudi Pro League could be as good as France’s Ligue 1 —…

Spain Liga F players on strike to start season

Players competing in Liga F, the top-tier women’s football competition in Spain, will strike for the first two weeks of the new season after failing to reach an agreement with the league over a new minimum wage. Liga F has held talks throughout the week with the various players’ unions, led by the Spanish Players’ Assocation [AFE], but announced on Wednesday that a deal could not be brokered. – Stream…