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Football’s chief police officer has praised the behaviour of England fans at the World Cup — and hopes those watching the matches from the UK start to follow their example. Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, the UK’s football policing lead, said the conduct of England fans attending Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Norway in Miami was once again “exemplary.” “The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with…

Barcelona‘s “substantial offer” to sign Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez still stands but only for a limited time, Barça president Joan Laporta has warned. The Spanish champions are keen to sign the Argentina international but so far have been unsuccessful in their pursuit. Speaking to reporters after landing in Dallas, Texas, where Spain will take on France in Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal, Laporta did not reveal the offer amount but…

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted the club “need more” players but are “working hard” behind the scenes to bolster his squad in this transfer window. Speaking at his first news conference since being appointed as Liverpool boss last month, the 44-year-old acknowledged there will be an element of transition this summer as the club seek to replace the experience of departing players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima…

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, sources have told ESPN. United are set to trigger a £35 million ($47m) release clause in the Belgian midfielder’s contract. Villa are keen to keep the 29-year-old, but sources have told ESPN that he’s indicated he would like the opportunity to move to Old Trafford. Tielemans has spent three years at Villa Park and was a key…

Spain defender Pau Cubarsí has called for tolerance after the nation’s former Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, claimed that France “don’t have any French players.” Rajoy’s comments, which he made in a column for Spanish newspaper El Debate, came ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal between the two nations. Asked about the column by Catalan radio station RAC1, Cubarsí disputed the notion. “If they play for the French national team then…

Gianni Infantino has confirmed FIFA will discuss expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament, saying every nation should have the chance to dream of playing at football’s biggest event. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is the first to feature 48 teams, having expanded from 32, and a further increase could be on the cards. “This is certainly an issue…

It’s a World Cup semifinal lineup for the ages. Four previous champions and the four top teams in the world, a first since FIFA introduced its rankings in 1992. Five of the six top scorers, one GOAT and one of the bitterest rivalries in soccer. Argentina, Spain, France and England went into the tournament as the top four in FIFA’s rankings and are two wins away from being crowned champions…

Harry Kane has urged England to find the “missing piece” and get over the line in the quest for World Cup glory, but accepts Thomas Tuchel’s demand for improvements. Kane’s side booked a semifinal date with Argentina on Wednesday with a hard-fought extra-time win over Norway in Saturday’s quarterfinal. The meeting with Lionel Messi and Co. will be England’s second semifinal in three World Cups, following their run to the…

FIFA and global players’ union FIFPRO are in discussions over establishing protocols to avoid games being played in excessive heat, sources have told ESPN, amid concerns over the conditions during the World Cup and last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. England‘s quarterfinal win against Norway in Miami on Saturday kicked off with temperatures inside the Hard Rock Stadium measuring 91°F (33°C) with a “feels like” temperature…

Thomas Tuchel has said there is “nowhere else in the whole wide world” he would rather be than leading England into a World Cup semifinal against reigning champions Argentina. After finding a way to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo and co-hosts Mexico, Jude Bellingham’s brace proved enough to edge past Norway as Saturday’s tense quarterfinal victory went to extra time. England’s reward for the 2-1 victory in the heat…