Joshua Kimmich scored twice as Germany won 4-0 against a 10-man Luxembourg in their World Cup qua...

Joshua Kimmich scored twice as Germany won 4-0 against a 10-man Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifier in Sinsheim on Friday.Germany showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them so far in their World Cup qualifying campaign, losing away in Slovakia for the first time and edging past Northern Ireland at home.Germany captain Kimmich converted a first-half penalty and tapped in from close range just after the break. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>David Raum's first-half free kick and a Serge Gnabry goal early in the second half secured the Germans an important victory. Germany sit top of Group A after Northern Ireland's 2-0 home win over Slovakia on Friday and will travel to Belfast on Monday. Germany's poor showing in Bratislava in September, where they lost Slovakia for the first time in their history, raised fears their improvement at Euro 2024 was a mere blip amid a difficult decade for the four-time World Cup winners.Germany were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 and were knocked out at the last 16 at Euro 2020. But they impressed at Euro 2024, losing to eventual champions Spain in the quarter finals in extra-time.Nursing injuries to forwards Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, along with goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen, coach Julian Nagelsmann named a strong XI, putting captain Kimmich back into defence from his preferred position of midfield.Newcastle new boy Nick Woltemade looked to have scored his first Germany goal with four minutes played, deflecting in off a Gnabry cross, but the strike was struck off for a narrow offside. Raum put the hosts in front on the 12-minute mark, piloting an expert free-kick over the wall. On the ropes, Luxembourg's task got harder with 20 minutes played when Dirk Carlson saw red and gave away a penalty for handballing in the box, which Kimmich calmly converted. Germany spurned a handfull of chances at the end the first half but extended their lead early in the second, Gnabry blasting in from the edge of the box. Kimmich scored two minutes later, tapping in from close range after a Raum corner. Besides securing crucial points in their bid to top the group and qualify directly for the World Cup, Germany kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

10 October 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Sinsheim: Soccer: World Cup Qualification Europe, Germany - Luxembourg, Group Phase, Group A, Matchday 3, PreZero Arena, Joshua Kimmich (Germany) celebrates the 4:0 goal next to David Raum (l). Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa

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Germany soars to much-needed qualification win over Luxembourg

France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup with Kylian Mbappe, A...

France moved three points closer to qualification for next year's World Cup with Kylian Mbappe, Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin all on target in a comfortable 3-0 Group D win over Azerbaijan at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. The win keeps them top of the group with a maximum nine points from their three games, five points clear of second-placed Ukraine who won 5-3 in Iceland. Didier Deschamps' side will book their passage to the Americas if they win in Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike handed his first start, France had plenty of firepower up front but created little of note in a dull first 45 minutes until Mbappe struck on the stroke of half-time. The France captain collected the ball on the edge of the area, stepped past one tackle before firing his shot low through another defender and just wide of goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev. It is the 10th successive game for club and country where Mbappe has inked his name on the scoresheet.Four minutes after the break Ekitike almost doubled the lead but his fierce shot from the right side of the area came rattling back off the far post. France continued to threaten the Azerbaijan goal with Mbappe going close again, sending one shot across goal just wide and blasting another over the bar. In the 68th minute, Sahruddin Magomedaliyev was forced into a finger tip save to nudge a drive from Khephren Thuram, also making his first start for France, over the crossbar. The resulting corner went long to the far side of the penalty box where Mbappe carefully flicked it back in for Rabiot to head low into the corner. With six minutes remaining Thauvin, who had replaced Mbappe just a minute before, collected the ball in the area with his back to goal. He quickly spun and volleyed to leave Magomedaliyev grasping at air and France enjoying the points.

France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring France's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D European qualification football match between France and Azerbaidjan at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, on October 10, 2025.

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Mbappe on target as France sees off Azerbaijan

Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup...

Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in African 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while minnows Benin built a two-point lead in the 'group of death'.Aubameyang kept Gabon in contention for a first appearance at the global showpiece as his goals gave Gabon a 4-3 victory over the Gambia, and they trail Group F leaders Ivory Coast by one point.Group C leaders Benin won 1-0 in Rwanda to go two points clear of South Africa, who could only draw 0-0 with Zimbabwe.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nigeria moved within three points of Benin, who they host on Tuesday, by defeating Lesotho 2-1. Losses eliminated Rwanda and Lesotho, turning the group into a three-team contest for first place.Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have already won groups to claim four of the nine places reserved for Africa. There could be a 10th representative after inter-continental play-offs next March.The final matchday, from Sunday to Tuesday, will decide the other five places, with Senegal, Benin, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast and Ghana the current table toppers.Benin won thanks to an 80th-minute goal from Aiyegun Tosin to retain first place in a group that Nigeria and South Africa were expected to dominate.Mohau Nkota and Lyle Foster hit the woodwork in a disappointing performance by South Africa, who sorely missed injured striker Iqraam Rayners.Both teams finished with 10 men after Zimbabwe striker Knowledge Musona and South Africa defender Mbekezile Mbokazi were sent off in the second half having been shown two yellow cards.Captain William Troost-Ekong, from a penalty, and substitute Akor Adams scored in the second half for Nigeria before Hlompho Kalake halved the deficit.Both Zimbabwe and Lesotho were handicapped, playing in South Africa as they do not have FIFA-approved stadiums.Africa Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast triumphed 7-0 away to the Seychelles, having won the first match between them 9-0 in Abidjan two years ago.Seven different players scored, starting with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare on seven minutes and finishing with substitute Franck Kessie in the final minute of regular time.Seychelles, who are 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifiers.Gabon remained one point behind the Ivory Coast in Group F with a dramatic victory over the Gambia in Nairobi.The Gabonese led twice, then trailed before Marseille striker Aubameyang scored two more goals. He was yellow-carded twice in the closing stages, leading to his dismissal on 86 minutes.Ivory Coast have 23 points and Gabon 22 ahead of the final round next week, when both teams will enjoy home advantage. The Ivorians play Kenya and the Gabonese face Burundi.Senegal maintained a two-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B after the contenders had contrasting away victories.Seeking a third straight appearance at the World Cup, Senegal hammered South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, where Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr netted twice.Veteran two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane was also among the goals as Senegal turned a 1-0 half-time lead into a decisive victory.A solitary goal, scored by veteran striker Cedric Bakambu after seven minutes, earned DR Congo a tense 1-0 win in Togo.Senegal have 21 points and DR Congo 19 ahead of their final fixtures. The Senegalese host Mauritania while the Congolese will be at home to Sudan.Sudan drew 0-0 with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam, a result that eliminated them from the race for a World Cup place.

TOPSHOT - Gabon's #9 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers group F football match between Kenya and Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on March 23, 2025.

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Gabon's Aubameyang gets 4 goals and red card; Benin leads 'group of death'

Spain forward Dani Olmo has been ruled out of the European champions' upcoming World Cup qualifie...

Spain forward Dani Olmo has been ruled out of the European champions' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Friday.The Barcelona forward trained on Friday in a bid to be passed fit for Saturday's match with Georgia, but after some tests he was diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left leg.The RFEF said that he would return to Barcelona when the rest of Luis de la Fuente's squad travels to Elche to continue their qualification bid.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Spain can secure a place at next year's finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada with back-to-back wins in this international window, if other results in Group E go their way.La Roja are expected to be title contenders for a second World Cup crown, but De la Fuente wants his players to focus on the job at hand."I'm not worried about anything. First, let's qualify. And then we'll think about it (winning the World Cup)," he said."We have to take the drama out of defeats and results. Being a champion is very difficult."Spain lead their qualifying group by three points from Georgia and Turkey, after opening their campaign with crushing 6-0 and 3-0 away wins over the Turks and Bulgaria respectively last month.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 05, 2025 in Seville, Spain.

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Barcelona's Olmo ruled out of Spain's World Cup qualifiers

Cody Gakpo inspired the Netherlands to a 4-0 win in Malta during Thursday's World Cup qualifiers....

Cody Gakpo inspired the Netherlands to a 4-0 win in Malta during Thursday's World Cup qualifiers.Liverpool's Gakpo converted two spot-kicks either side of the break and set up Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands' third goal, with Memphis Depay also netting late on.A fourth win in five matches for Ronald Koeman's side leaves them top of Group G on 13 points, three clear of second-placed Poland.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Finland sit third - also on 10 points, albeit having played one match more than the Dutch and Polish - after a 2-1 win at home to Lithuania.

Netherlands' forward #11 Cody Gakpo celebrates after succesfully converting a penalty to score the Netherlands's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G qualification football between Malta and Netherlands at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, on October 9, 2025.

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Netherlands stays above Poland, Finland after thumping Malta

Scotland roared back to beat Greece 3-1 on Thursday to boost their hopes of direct qualification ...

Scotland roared back to beat Greece 3-1 on Thursday to boost their hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.The Greeks took the lead in Glasgow early in the second period through Kostas Tsimikas, before Scotland hit back through Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and Lyndon Dykes to secure a second win from three Group C qualifying matches for Steve Clarke's side.Scotland are looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Massive win. We're not naive enough to know we weren't at our best tonight. The reaction to going 1-0 down was brilliant," said Christie."Two massive games -- that's one ticked off and now onto Sunday (when Scotland take on Belarus)."Tsimikas, on loan at Roma from Premier League champions Liverpool, gave Greece a deserved lead on 62 minutes as he stroked home a breaking ball from the edge of the six-yard box.But Hampden Park roared two minutes later as Christie bundled in from close range to level for the hosts -- the goal finally validated after a lengthy VAR check for offside.A deflected Che Adams effort in the 75th minute bobbled narrowly wide as the home side woke up.The decisive goal came five minutes later as Ferguson opened his account for Scotland, blasting in after the Greeks failed to clear an Andy Robertson free-kick. Angus Gunn made a fine save to keep Scotland ahead in injury time, before Dykes pounced on a goalkeeping error at the other end to seal the win.Denmark top Group C, though are level on seven points with Scotland and four ahead of Greece, courtesy of a handsome 6-0 win in Belarus. Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine vein of form as he netted twice for the Danes.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 09: Scotland's Lyndon Dykes celebrates John McGinn with as he scores to make it 3-1 during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match between Scotland and Greece at Hampden Park, on October 09, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Scotland keeps World Cup dream alive with Greece comeback

Bukayo Saka's stunning strike and a first international goal for Morgan Rogers inspired England i...

Bukayo Saka's stunning strike and a first international goal for Morgan Rogers inspired England in a comprehensive 3-0 win over out-classed Wales in Thursday's friendly.Thomas Tuchel's side delivered their second successive dominant display to maintain the feelgood factor after their 5-0 rout of Serbia in a World Cup qualifier last month.Rogers put England ahead early in the first half at Wembley and the midfielder's Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins increased their advantage soon afterwards.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With England carving open the hapless Welsh defence at will, Arsenal winger Saka scored the goal of the night with a superb long-range rocket.It was exactly the kind of swaggering performance that former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Tuchel had promised when he replaced Gareth Southgate.The German struggled through a spluttering start to his reign, but England are finally starting to hit their stride.England's place at next year's World Cup is already all but confirmed after five successive wins in Group K. They could book their spot with a victory in Latvia on Tuesday, depending on other results over the next few days.The Three Lions need to travel for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with genuine belief they can win a major trophy for the first time since 1966.When listless England were beaten by Senegal in a friendly in June, few would have thought that was likely.To his credit, Tuchel has managed to revitalise his team since their first ever loss to an African country.While far sterner tests lie in wait at the World Cup, they appear to be heading in the right direction after a sixth win from seven games under Tuchel.He will be encouraged that England beat Wales so easily without injured captain Harry Kane, while Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all left out of the squad.<h3>Rampant England</h3>Wales, who face a vital qualifier against Belgium on Monday, are in the hunt to reach the World Cup after losing just twice in 12 games since boss Craig Bellamy took charge.But they had only beaten England once at Wembley in 1977, prompting Bellamy to insist they weren't coming to the national stadium as "tourists".Bellamy's defiance fell on deaf ears as England took the lead after just three minutes.With the Wales defence flat-footed inside the own penalty area, Marc Guehi alertly pounced on the loose ball before it could roll out of play.Guehi quickly guided his pass into the six-yard box and Rogers applied the finishing touch.England had scored in 17 consecutive matches for the first time in 34 years and Watkins added to the blitz in the 11th minute.Wales were guilty of more sloppy defending as Rogers was granted time and space to loop his cross towards Watkins, who poked home from close-range for his sixth international goal.Tuchel's team were monopolising over 80 percent of the possession and it was no surprise when they struck again in the 20th minute.Saka did it all on his own, cutting in from the right flank and curling a sublime finish past Wales keeper Karl Darlow into the top corner from 25 yards.It was the first time that England had scored three goals in the first 20 minutes since 1987 against Yugoslavia.England were rampant and Watkins should have scored his second before half-time, but he crashed into the post after failing to convert and had to limp off injured.That was the signal for England to take their foot off the gas in a low-key second half, with preserving fitness for the trip to Latvia clearly Tuchel's top priority."It was difficult to keep everything going in the second half, but we did excellent and deserved to win. A step in the right direction," Tuchel said post-match.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 9: England's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the International Friendly match between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2025 in London, England.

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Saka's gem headlines England's confident friendly win over Wales

Algeria secured a 3-0 victory over Somalia and qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as Wo...

Algeria secured a 3-0 victory over Somalia and qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura netted two goals.Riyad Mahrez, who assisted Amoura both times, also scored to bolster the win at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran and make Algeria the fourth African qualifiers after Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.Algeria led Group G with 22 points from nine matches, four ahead of their closest pursuers Uganda with just one match remaining -- booking their fifth appearance at the global showpiece next year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Amoura volleyed a Mahrez cross into the net on six minutes, then the former Manchester City winger slammed a loose ball into the net midway through the opening half to put Algeria firmly in control against Somalia.Mahrez turned creator again on 57 minutes, setting up Amoura to stretch the lead to three goals.The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winners are coached by Vladimir Petkovic, who inherited the team from Djamel Belmadi following his sacking last year.Belmadi had led Algeria to win the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, earning him the title "minister of happiness" during a time of mass protests in the North African country.But after missing out on the 2022 World Cup and suffering group-stage eliminations at the 2022 and 2024 AFCON editions, Belmadi's tenure came to an end.Petkovic coached Switzerland to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.Currently ranked 38th in the world, Algeria first appeared at the World Cup in Spain 1982, when they famously beat West Germany 2–1 but were controversially eliminated in the group stage.Their most recent participation dates back to Brazil 2014, when they reached the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated by Germany 2–1 after extra time.

Algerian player Mohamed El Amine Amoura celebrates his goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Algeria and Mozambique in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, on March 25, 2025 .

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Algeria qualifies for World Cup as Amoura maintains hot streak

UEFA on Thursday denied ongoing talks with Super League promoter A22 Sports Management but it adm...

UEFA on Thursday denied ongoing talks with Super League promoter A22 Sports Management but it admitted it had met the body, after the promoter told AFP it was "negotiating" with UEFA to create a new Champions League format."What A22 and the Super League clubs have done is to propose an agreement to UEFA that essentially consists of providing a free broadcasting platform and making very slight changes to the current competition format," said an A22 spokesperson.In this version, a far cry from the initial semi-closed competition project that nearly tore apart European football in 2021, the 36 teams currently qualified for the Champions League would be divided into two groups of 18 clubs, with the highest-ranked teams then competing in the round of 32.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>UEFA acknowledged several "public meetings" between its general secretary Theodore Theodoridis and A22 co-founder Anas Laghrari but said they "produced no official results". "There are no plans to change the UEFA Champions League format," UEFA said, having introduced a new format which came into effect from the 2024-25 season.The developments come after Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who has long been at the forefront of the Super League project, expressed his desire for "an agreement with UEFA" to "pacify" European football.Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi, the chair of the rebranded European Football Clubs (EFC, formerly European Club Association) welcomed Laporta's shift at the EFC meeting in Rome.For Al-Khelaifi, Barca's rapprochement with the EFC and UEFA does not mean the end of the Super League project, because "it was already dead before"."We don't need other competitions, we already have the best competitions," the Qatari added.

VILARREAL, SPAIN - OCTOBER 01: General view during the UEFA Champions League, semifinals, football match played between Villarreal CF and Juventus de Turin at the Ceramica Stadium on October 1, 2025, in Castellon, Spain.

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UEFA denies negotiations with European Super League promoter

The French players' union (UNFP) on Thursday backed footballer Adrien Rabiot for speaking out abo...

The French players' union (UNFP) on Thursday backed footballer Adrien Rabiot for speaking out about his concerns at UEFA's decision to allow AC Milan to play a league fixture in Australia. AC Milan midfielder Rabiot branded the decision by European football's governing body to allow a 'home' match against Como to be played in Perth on February 8 as "totally crazy".Milan's San Siro stadium is out of commission on that date because it is hosting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on February 6.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rabiot's criticism incurred the wrath of the CEO of Serie A Luigi De Siervo, who on Wednesday told the player to count his money and be quiet about the decision."Rabiot forgets, like all players earning millions of euros, that they are paid to do something, and that is play football," said De Siervo."He should have more respect for the money he earns and offer more support to his employer, Milan, who accepted and pushed for this match being played abroad."However, the UNFP backed Rabiot for voicing his concerns which they said are "shared by the vast majority of players".Not all footballers "are able to access the media and express themselves in this way," the UNFP continued. "However, they should know that as the primary players in the game, they have the right, and even the duty, to make their voices heard."Freedom of expression for footballers is a fundamental principle that the UNFP will always defend, like FIFPRO, the world players' union," it added.UEFA this week said it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of Milan's home match with Como in Perth, as well as a Spanish La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, Florida, on December 20.European supporters' groups branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible", and Rabiot made clear his feelings."It's totally crazy. There are financial agreements in order for the championship to have a certain visibility. All of this is beyond us (the players)," he said in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro."It's crazy to travel so far to play a match between two Italian teams in Australia."

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2025/10/05: Adrien Rabiot of Ac Milan looks on during the Serie A football match between Juventus Fc and Ac Milan. The match end in a tie 0-0.

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French players' union supports Rabiot in overseas Serie A match row

Monaco sacked their Austrian coach Adi Hutter on Thursday and are set to replace him with Belgian...

Monaco sacked their Austrian coach Adi Hutter on Thursday and are set to replace him with Belgian Sebastien Pocognoli, sources told AFP.The 55-year-old Hutter's assistants Christian Peintinger and Klaus Schmidt will also leave the club.The trio, who were hired just over two years ago, told players about their departure after training on Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Monaco are fifth in Ligue 1 after winning four and drawing one of their first seven matches, sitting just three points off leaders Paris Saint-Germain.They lost their opening Champions League match against Club Brugge but then held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw last week.Sources claim that Monaco tried unsuccessfully to reach an agreement with German coach Edin Terzic, 42, who was previously in charge of Borussia Dortmund.Instead, they are said to be turning to Union Saint-Gilloise's Pocognoli, 38, a former Belgian international who last season -- his only one as a first team head coach -- led his club to a first league title in 90 years.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 1: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise Head Coach Sébastien Pocognoli applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 1, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.

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Report: 5th-placed Monaco replacing Hutter with Pocognoli

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was among the goals as Ghana trounced the Central African...

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was among the goals as Ghana trounced the Central African Republic 5-0 in Meknes, and need one point from their final Group I match at home to Comoros to qualify.Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, captain Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana were the other scorers for the Black Stars, who led 1-0 at half-time.Ghana have 22 points and a vastly superior goal difference than Madagascar, who are three points behind. Mali, seeded to win the group, are out of contention with 15 points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cape Verde came from two goals behind in Tripoli to draw 3-3 with Libya and edge closer to a first World Cup appearance.The island nation of about 550,000 inhabitants off the coast of Senegal will clinch first place in Group D if they defeat Eswatini in Praia on Monday.Known as the Blue Sharks, the Cape Verdeans are two points ahead of Cameroon, who beat Mauritius 2-0 in Saint-Pierre with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo scoring.Cape Verde have 20 points after nine rounds, two more than Cameroon, whose eight World Cup appearances in an African record.Roberto Lopes, a defender with Republic of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, conceded a first-minute own goal as Cape Verde made a disastrous start.Telmo Arcanjo levelled for the islanders before goals either side of half-time from Ezoo el Mariamy and Mahmoud al Shalwi gave the Mediterranean Knights a 3-1 lead.Sidny Cabral reduced the deficit and Willy Semedo equalised on 82 minutes to set up a tense finish as Cape Verde sought a fourth goal and qualification.A match-winner did not materialise, but they will be expected to beat Eswatini, who remained winless in the group after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw with Angola in Lobamba.Cameroon had to secure maximum points in Mauritius to keep alive their hopes of overtaking Cape Verde, but needed 92 minutes to ensure success.Dynamo Moscow midfielder Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu put the Indomitable Lions ahead on 57 minutes and Mbeumo struck in added time with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign.Cameroon complete their schedule at home to Angola in Yaounde and must win to have any hope of automatic qualification.Should Cape Verde come first, Cameroon would hope to finish among the four best-ranked runners-up and qualify for play-offs in November.The winners of the African mini-tournament, comprising single-match semi-finals and a final, advance to six-nation inter-continental play-offs next March with two World Cup places up for grabs.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Jordan Ayew of Ghana during the Unity Cup Semi Final match between Nigeria and Ghana at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Brentford, England.

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Ghana, Cape Verde close in on World Cup qualification

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca on Wednes...

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca on Wednesday and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The 33-year-old has now netted nine times in a marathon qualifying campaign that began two years ago, and victory for Egypt gave them an unassailable five-point lead over Burkina Faso in Group A.Twice African Footballer of the Year, Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League a record-equalling 20th time last season, and captured the Golden Boot award with 29 goals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the Egypt captain has lost his spark with Liverpool this season, scoring just three goals in nine matches in all competitions.After Ibrahim Adel put Egypt ahead on eight minutes against opponents 158 places lower in the world rankings, Salah netted six minutes later and again on 84 minutes.While Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, they have been less successful in the World Cup, qualifying just four times in 15 attempts -- in 1934, 1990, 2018 and now 2026.

Egypt's forward #20 Ibrahim Adel celebrates with forward #10 Mohamed Salah after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifier football match between Djibouti and Egypt at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on October 8, 2025.

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Salah scores twice as Egypt qualifies for 2026 World Cup

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir was indicted for sexual assault allegations "involving carnal knowled...

Spanish footballer Rafa Mir was indicted for sexual assault allegations "involving carnal knowledge and the use of violence" on Wednesday, Spanish judicial sources confirmed to AFP.The 28-year-old, currently on loan at Elche from Sevilla, allegedly committed the offence on September 1, 2024, at his house in the town of Betera, in the province of Valencia.Another player currently outside professional football, Pablo Jara, is also accused of sexual assault against a second victim "without carnal knowledge" at Mir's house on the same night.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The judge summoned both men to make statements on October 13, with Mir to appear via telecommunication."The investigating magistrate understands that the evidence gathered during the instruction of the case points to indications, not mere suspicions, that (Mir) sexually assaulted one of the two girls on two occasions," a judicial source told AFP.Mir came through Valencia's youth academy and signed for Premier League team Wolves in 2018, before Sevilla bought him in 2021.The striker was loaned back to Valencia in July 2024, after which the alleged sexual assault happened.Mir was arrested in September 2024 and suspended by Valencia for two matches.

ELCHE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Rafa Mir of Elche CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Elche CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on September 21, 2025 in Elche, Spain.

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Rafa Mir indicted over sexual assault investigation

The CEO of Serie A on Wednesday slammed Adrien Rabiot's criticism of UEFA's decision to allow AC ...

The CEO of Serie A on Wednesday slammed Adrien Rabiot's criticism of UEFA's decision to allow AC Milan to play a league fixture in Australia.In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Rabiot, who plays his club football for Milan, called the decision by European football's governing body to allow a 'home' match against Como to be played in Perth "totally crazy".Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a league meeting in Rome, Serie A boss Luigi De Siervo told Rabiot to count his money and be quiet about the decision, which gives Milan and Serie A the green light to play the February 8 fixture abroad.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milan's San Siro stadium is out of commission around that time because it is hosting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics on February 6."Rabiot forgets, like all players earning millions of euros, that they are paid to do something, and that is play football," said De Siervo."He should have more respect for the money he earns and offer more support to his employer, Milan, who accepted and pushed for this match being played abroad."UEFA said on Monday that it had "reluctantly" approved the staging of Milan's home match with Como in Perth and a Spanish La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, Florida.European supporters' groups branded the moves "absurd, unaffordable, and environmentally irresponsible", and Rabiot made clear his feelings."It's totally crazy. There are financial agreements in order for the championship to have a certain visibility. All of this is beyond us (the players)," he said."It's crazy to travel so far to play a match between two Italian teams in Australia."

France's midfielder #14 Adrien Rabiot arrives for a training session at the team's training grounds in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on October 6, 2025, as part of preparations for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D European qualification football matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

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Serie A CEO blasts Rabiot's criticism of Milan match in Australia

England captain Harry Kane could miss Thursday's friendly against Wales after the Bayern Munich s...

England captain Harry Kane could miss Thursday's friendly against Wales after the Bayern Munich striker was unable to train on Wednesday.Kane joined up with England despite suffering an ankle issue in Bayern's win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.Speaking after the Frankfurt game, Kane said: "I am recovering at the moment -- I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team. I will be there on Monday."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the 32-year-old, who is England's record scorer with 74 goals, sat out Wednesday's session, along with uncapped Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah.The Football Association said the pair were "following their own respective routines indoors" as the remaining 22 players trained at St George's Park.Kane had scored against Frankfurt to reach 18 goals in just 10 matches for Bayern this season.Ollie Watkins, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon will be among the contenders to replace Kane if he is unable to face Wales.Thomas Tuchel's side welcome Wales at a sold-out Wembley before attention turns to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Latvia.England sit top of Group K, seven points clear of second-placed Albania, as they look to clinch their place at next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The Three Lions have won all five of their qualifiers, with three games remaining.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Harry Kane of England looks on during an England Training Session at St Georges Park on October 06, 2025 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.

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Kane trains separately from England squad ahead of Wales friendly

Kylian Mbappe's brother Ethan haunted his former club Paris Saint-Germain as he came off the benc...

Kylian Mbappe's brother Ethan haunted his former club Paris Saint-Germain as he came off the bench to grab a late leveller for Lille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.The 1-1 draw at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy was, however, enough for injury-plagued PSG to go one point clear at the top of the French league.A much-changed PSG side made the trip north and substitute Nuno Mendes's sublime second-half free-kick looked to have secured all three points for the reigning champions until 18-year-old Mbappe had the last laugh.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The first big chance of a stodgy first half fell to the feet of Thomas Meunier just after the half-hour but the former PSG defender was unable to punish his old side as Lucas Hernandez blocked his goalbound effort.A first half short on goalscoring opportunities culminated in Bradley Barcola passing up a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock for PSG as he raced through on goal from distance but got his finish all wrong.The hosts started the second period the brighter with 39-year-old Olivier Giroud launching himself at an ambitious overhead kick before Nabil Bentaleb fired into Lucas Chevalier's gloves.Lee Kang-in and Barcola riposted for PSG as the encounter started to become less cagey.Luis Enrique made a slew of changes on the hour and was rewarded six minutes later as usual first-choice left-back Mendes whipped a fantastic free-kick into the top corner from 30 yards.Mbappe then entered the field of play under the watchful eye of his older brother Kylian, who was up in the stands, with eight minutes remaining.Achraf Hakimi, also off the bench, could have put the match beyond Lille in the 83rd minute but fired wide when well-positioned.But the headlines went to Mbappe, who two minutes later cut inside on his left foot and fired a shot through the legs of Lucas Beraldo which flashed beyond the unsighted Chevalier.Lille trail PSG by five points in seventh spot.

Lille's French midfielder #08 Ethan Mbappe celebrates after scoring Lille's first goal during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on October 5, 2025.

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Ethan Mbappe returns to haunt PSG as Lille force draw with leaders

Rasmus Hojlund struck again for Napoli with the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory over struggl...

Rasmus Hojlund struck again for Napoli with the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory over struggling Genoa, a strike which alongside AC Milan drawing 0-0 at Juventus lifted the Serie A champions into top spot.Fresh from his midweek double against Sporting Lisbon, Hojlund was on hand to score on the rebound with 15 minutes remaining as Napoli came from behind to claim three points in Naples.The 22-year-old pounced after Andre-Frank Anguissa's powerful shot was pushed out by Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali, taking his club tally to four goals since moving to Napoli from Manchester United.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Napoli have 15 points from their six league matches and lead Roma, 2-1 winners at Fiorentina, on goal difference."It's my job and the team's job to win as many games as possible so it's just important to keep working hard, recovering and focussing on the next match," Hojlund told DAZN.Coach Antonio Conte had been considering taking off Hojlund before the Denmark striker netted the winner, due to his midweek exertions in the Champions League."I think he asked me if I was tired and if I could keep playing and I just said that I had good energy and I was still fresh, and I said 'yeah, just let me play'," added Hojlund.But Antonio Conte's team had to do it the hard way, with Anguissa bundling in the leveller in the 57th minute after teenager Jeff Ekhator had given Genoa a half-time lead with just his second Serie A goal.<h3>Pulisic howler</h3>Napoli will stay top through the international break thanks to Christian Pulisic blasting a penalty over the bar as Milan were held by fifth-placed Juve in Sunday's drab headline clash.Pulisic wasted a golden opportunity to put Milan ahead in Turin after Santiago Gimenez was clumsily brought down by Lloyd Kelly seven minutes after half-time.The USA forward had his head in his hands following his awful effort which ended Milan's winning run at five games and allowed Napoli to reclaim first place.Substitute Rafael Leao fluffed an opportunity to snatch the points in stoppage time after being put through by Luka Modric, and Milan drop down to third, two points from the leading pair. Earlier, Matias Soule and Bryan Cristante struck in the first half in Florence as Roma claimed a third straight win in Italy's top flight, which came after going behind to a Moise Kean rocket in the 14th minute.Kean almost added to his first goal of the season when he smashed another powerful effort off the post in the 38th minute, not long after Cristante had headed Roma into the lead.Roberto Piccoli was also unlucky not to level with a volley, which rattled the crossbar in the 74th minute, but Fiorentina remain winless on three points and one place above the relegation zone.For Roma, it was a fine end to the week following a frustrating Europa League defeat to Lille in which Gian Piero Gasperini's team wasted three chances to equalise late on from the penalty spot.

Rasmus Hojlund of S.S.C. Napoli celebrates after scoring the goal to make it 2-1 during the 6th day of the Serie A Championship between S.S.C. Napoli and Genoa C.F.C. at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy, on October 5, 2025.

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Napoli at Serie A summit after Hojlund sinks Genoa

An excellent solo effort from Bilal El Khannouss lifted Stuttgart to a 1-0 home victory over Heid...

An excellent solo effort from Bilal El Khannouss lifted Stuttgart to a 1-0 home victory over Heidenheim and into fourth place in the Bundesliga on Sunday.After their third straight league win, Stuttgart are now six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich and two points back from second-placed Borussia Dortmund.Smarting after a disappointing Europa League loss to Basel on Thursday, Stuttgart struggled to create chances against a Heidenheim side, whose defeat saw them slump to the bottom of the table.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In teeming rain, Leicester City loanee El Khannouss collected the ball just outside the area in the 65th minute, cut inside two Heidenheim defenders and curled a perfectly-placed low shot in off the far post.Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic looked to have added a second in stoppage time with a clever chip, but his effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.Later in the day, Borussia Monchengladbach climbed off the bottom of the table thanks to a scoreless draw with Freiburg.But the draw saw Gladbach set a new unwanted club record winless run in the league of 13 matches.Elsewhere, promoted Hamburg thumped struggling Mainz 4-0, with French forward Rayan Philippe nabbing a goal in each half. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Jean-Luc Dompe also scored as 1983 European champions Hamburg recorded their biggest top-flight victory since 2013.In their first season back in the top flight since relegation in 2018, the six-time German champions climbed to ninth with the victory.

Stuttgart, Germany - October 5: Bilal El Khannouss of VfB Stuttgart celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at MHPArena Stuttgart on October 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.

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El Khannouss fires Stuttgart into Bundesliga top 4

Erling Haaland extended his blistering start to the season as the Manchester City striker sealed ...

Erling Haaland extended his blistering start to the season as the Manchester City striker sealed a 1-0 win at Brentford on Sunday.Haaland netted early in the first half in west London to give City a third win in their last four Premier League games.The peerless 25-year-old already has 12 goals in nine appearances in all competitions this season, plus six in two matches for Norway, with Tottenham the only team to stop him scoring in the current campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>City survived a second-half dip to move into fifth place in the Premier League."He has been so important this season for us I would say. We need more goals from the other ones but the chances were there," City boss Pep Guardiola said.Guardiola's side are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions since losing at Brighton in August.City still trail leaders Arsenal by three points but they go into the international break with renewed impetus after a slow start to the season.The only concern for Guardiola was the sight of Rodri being forced off with a first-half injury after appearing to damage his hamstring.The Spain midfielder has struggled to finish games since coming back at the Club World Cup in the summer following anterior cruciate ligament surgery.Rodri, who won the prestigious Ballon d'Or after his brilliant form in 2024, only managed to play for an hour against Monaco after sitting out City's two previous fixtures."Hopefully, it will not be huge," Guardiola said of Rodri's latest injury.Haaland had been in typically clinical form in the 2-2 draw at Monaco on Wednesday, Guardiola's men twice squandered the lead as they conceded a last-gasp equaliser.They wouldn't repeat their Champions League mistakes as they secured Guardiola's 250th Premier League victory.It has taken Guardiola just 349 matches to reach the milestone, while the next fastest pair, Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, both took more than 400."It's an honour to be alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, I will invite them to a good dinner," Guardiola said."It's a pleasure to be part of that in Premier League history. Really pleased. Now let's go for 250 more!"Guardiola surprisingly left Belgian winger Jeremy Doku on the bench despite his impressive start to the season.<h3>Haaland breaks duck</h3>Despite Doku's absence, City were in complete command in the first half.Josko Gvardiol wasted an early chance when he headed straight at Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from Phil Foden's corner.Haaland was chasing his first Premier League goal at the Gtech Community Stadium -- one of only two arenas, along with Anfield, he had failed to score at in the top flight.And the Norway striker took just nine minutes to end his wait for a goal on Brentford soil.Gvardiol's long pass caught Brentford defenders Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins flat-footed as Haaland raced clear to blast a fierce finish past Kelleher.Even by his standards Haaland is exceptionally prolific in London, having scored a remarkable 21 league goals in 22 games in the English capital.Rodri's unconvincing return from the serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season suffered a major setback when he limped off in the 22nd minute.City tried to shrug off the departure of their influential star as Oscar Bobb set up Foden, but the forward couldn't keep his effort on target.Brentford finally carved out an incisive attack immediately after the interval.Igor Thiago left City's defenders trailing in his wake, but the Brazilian fluffed his lines as Gianluigi Donnarumma raced out to save.City had lost their grip and Brentford threatened again when Kevin Schade's cross was headed over by Michael Kayode.Kayode's long throws were troubling the City defence, but the visitors held firm to wrap up a valuable victory.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. Picture date: Sunday October 5, 2025.

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Haaland extends hot streak as Man City hold on to win at Brentford

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Agence France-Presse