The revamped Club World Cup starting on Saturday brings together some of the most celebrated teams and players in global football. And Auckland City.

Carlo Ancelotti wanted to congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo on winning the Nations League title and took the opportunity to praise his professionalism after so many years at the highest level.

American World Cup host city officials assured Monday that overseas fans would be welcome at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico despite "uncertainty" amid ongoing concerns over visas, border controls and social unrest.

The announcement of Luciano Spalletti's departure opens the Italy bench wide open. However, the Italian Football Federation has a clear favourite to take over as coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Real Madrid new coach Xabi Alonso began his time in charge of the 'Merengues' on Monday with a very intense session. He spent 11 hours at Valdebebas training complex between various meetings and training with the squad.

River Plate arrive at the Club World Cup with the illusion of competing against the best European teams. With Inter Milan, runners-up in the Old Continent, as the big favourites in the group, River Plate have a nice challenge ahead of them. It is a mixture of natural talent and veteran experience.

Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium's blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils' 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Moldova, Luciano Spalletti's last game as Italy coach.

The heads of state who have felt the lash of US President Donald Trump's tongue in the Oval Office could do worse than seek advice from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, who seems to have got their relationship down to a fine art.

Esperance Tunis head into the Club World Cup as one of those sides flying under the radar, with little to lose and plenty to fight for in a tough group. Although they did not win the CAF Champions League, they qualified through their coefficient ranking.

The 2026 World Cup in North America will be the first to feature 48 teams but an expanded tournament does not necessarily mean a wider field of genuine contenders to succeed Lionel Messi's Argentina as champions.

Thomas Tuchel says his England players are fully aware they under-performed in their 1-0 victory over minnows Andorra on Saturday and that he has no need to "sugarcoat" criticism.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is the man Tottenham have targeted to replace Ange Postecoglou, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Manchester City have reached a full agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri until the summer of 2030, with the total fee close to €40 million.