Ghana are the first African side to qualify for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup The Black Starlets are two-time U-17 world champions Three more tickets are up for grabs at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations African heavyweights Ghana are the first African nation to reach the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 after easing ... Read More »

Former Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt announces retirement The 36-year-old appeared in three FIFA World Cup™ tournaments Kuyt scored 24 goals in 104 appearances for the Oranje Former Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt has announced his retirement from professional football after an illustrious 19-year career that included spells in England and Turkey. The 36-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday ... Read More »

Henry scores golden goal to ensure France defend title on home soil Tournament overshadowed by tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foe Both teams display solidarity and humanity in final The stakes France entered the competition as defending champions after beating Japan 1-0 in the 2001 final. However, their success did not prove a good omen for the FIFA ... Read More »

“This competition gave me my breakthrough for the senior national team.” This is just one of the many reasons why the FIFA Confederations Cup holds such a special place in Ronaldinho’s heart. It is worth pointing out, however, that his fondest memories relate not to this first taste of the Confederations Cup, at Mexico 1999, but rather to the last ... Read More »

Genki Haraguchi has scored four goals in Round 3 of Russia 2018 Asia qualifying Haraguchi says his move to Germany has been “fundamental” to his development Japan are in first place in Group B, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia When thinking of Japan’s football past and contemporary history, players like Hidetoshi Nakata, Kazuyoshi Miura, Yasuhito Endo, ... Read More »

Wilter Ayovi one of eight Independiente del Valle graduates called up to Ecuador’s U-20 side The 20-year-old has scored three times in the Ecuadorian league Exudes confidence ahead of the U-20 World Cup: “We’re going to be world champions” Ecuador are currently finalising their preparations in Quito ahead of travelling to Korea Republic to participate at ... Read More »

Pele, then 17, photographed with the Trophy he won for the first time in 1958 The Brazil legend would triumph again in 1962 and 1970, setting a tournament record Father’s tears following 1950 Final loss led to an unlikely promise being fulfilled Pele was just nine years old when Brazil lost the 1950 FIFA World Cup™ Final ... Read More »

New women’s football production announces Edinburgh Festival run ‘Offside’ blends inspirational figures from women’s game with present day Features 1920s pioneer Lily Parr and Britain’s first record black female player Over 130 years of women’s football is set to unfold on stage during the prestigious Edinburgh Festival this August, it has been announced, in the shape of ... Read More »

United Arab Emirates bring in ex-Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza Tactician into the role a month after parting company with South American side UAE four points adrift of play-off spot in the race for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ United Arab Emirates have appointed Argentinian Edgardo Bauza as the new coach of their national side as they pursue ... Read More »

Fiorentina Women’s FC win maiden Serie A Femminile title in Italy Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tavagnacco secured the Scudetto for La Viola with a game to spare They are the first women’s side in Italy to be part of a men’s Serie A club in ACF Fiorentina There were scenes of jubilation at the Stadio Artemio Franchi ... Read More »