Women’s rugby is about to make history. For the first time ever, a Women’s British & Irish Lions team will tour New Zealand, bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Leading that historic team will be Jo Yapp, a former England captain who has been chosen to guide the Lions into a brand-new chapter for the…
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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is under fresh scrutiny as a row over former England international Maggie Alphonsi has raised issues of sexism, diversity and leadership in rugby. What started as a social media comment quickly became one of the biggest stories in English rugby. The incident led to strong criticism from players, fans and rugby figures, while also restarting…
FIFA has a long-standing policy, rooted in the 1982 Falklands War, that stops English referees from officiating Argentina matches. Argentine officials are equally banned from taking charge of England games. At World Cup 2026, this rule could block Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor from the final if Argentina are involved. At a World Cup with 48 teams, 104 matches, and…
Michael Edwards has left his job as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football, ending his second spell at Liverpool on 10 July 2026. FSG had wanted to buy other clubs but never did, and that was a big reason Edwards decided to go. Sporting director Richard Hughes is also expected to leave, while new boss Andoni Iraola takes charge of…
Jordan Henderson broke his left forearm (not just his wrist) after slipping over an advertising hoarding during England’s 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July 2026. His dad Brian has spoken out about how bad the injury really is. Henderson is out of the tournament, needs surgery, and may well miss the start of…
Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at BC Place in Vancouver on 7 July 2026. It is their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. Gregor Kobel saved the crucial penalty and Ruben Vargas scored the winner. Switzerland will now play defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. Seventy-two years. That is how long Switzerland waited…
Egypt lost 3-2 to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 after leading 2-0. Striker Mostafa Ziko publicly said the tournament was “fixed,” while head coach Hossam Hassan claimed referee François Letexier was biased and said he would never watch the World Cup again. The Egyptian FA has since made an official complaint about the VAR decisions. It…
Portugal went out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, losing 1-0 to Spain with Mikel Merino scoring in the 91st minute. Roberto Martinez quit straight after the game. His choice to keep Ronaldo on for the full 90 minutes, rather than bringing on in-form striker Gonçalo Ramos, was heavily criticised. Portugal’s exit means an entire generation…
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 on 1 July 2026 at the Azteca in Mexico City, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win. Julián Quiñones scored in the 22nd minute, then Raúl Jiménez added a stunning second from outside the box. El Tri are through to the round of 16 for the first time since 2018, where England or…
France beat Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium on 30 June 2026. Kylian Mbappe scored twice (45′, 74′) and Bradley Barcola got the third (53′). Mbappe now has 18 World Cup goals in his career, just one behind Lionel Messi’s all-time record. Michael Olise has five assists at this tournament, one short of Pelé’s single-edition record. France play Paraguay in Philadelphia…