Soccer | DD News

April 27, 2026 3:39 PM

FIFA set to increase 2026 World Cup prize money

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, soccer's global governing body said on Sunday. The proposal must be approved at Tuesday's FIFA Council meeting being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver. In December, FIFA said prize money for this year's World Cup would be 50% higher than for the previous edition at $655 million after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tourname...

April 23, 2026 4:41 PM

Italy underwhelmed by Trump envoy’s suggestion they should replace Iran at World Cup

The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year's World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel. Donald Trump's U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the U.S. president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, t...

April 23, 2026 2:49 PM

Floundering Chelsea sack Rosenior amid worst scoring drought in 114 years

Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday following a catastrophic run of form that has left the London club's Champions League hopes hanging by a thread while they also endured their worst goalscoring drought in over a century. Rosenior lasted less than four months in the role after his January appointment following Enzo Maresca's departure, becoming the latest casualty of Chelsea's turbulent season after seven defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions. Rosenior's di...

April 23, 2026 9:51 AM

Soccer-Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports

A top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter. "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy re...

April 23, 2026 9:38 AM

Soccer-Yamal limps off after sealing Barcelona win over Celta

Barcelona moved closer to retaining their LaLiga title with a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to Lamine Yamal, who scored the first-half spot kick that settled the match. With six games remaining, Barcelona lead the standings on 82 points, nine clear of Real Madrid on 73. The result keeps the champions firmly in control of the title race, though concern now surrounds Yamal with a Clasico looming in two weeks and the World Cup less than 50 days...

April 15, 2026 2:38 PM

Dembele double at Liverpool fires PSG into Champions League semis

Ousmane Dembele struck twice to confirm Paris St Germain's place in the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday, sealing a 4-0 aggregate win in their quarter-final tie at a rain-soaked Anfield. The holders soaked up sustained second-half pressure from Liverpool, who were roared on by a raucous home crowd, but built on the advantage they established in the first leg in Paris last week to book their fifth semi-final berth in seven seasons. Dembele scored at Anfi...

April 15, 2026 2:38 PM

Atletico survive Barca scare to reach first Champions League semi in nine years

Atletico Madrid reached their first Champions League semi-final in nine years on Tuesday, squeezing past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate despite a nerve-racking 2-1 home defeat that had the Metropolitano crowd holding its breath until the final whistle. Diego Simeone's side thought they had done much of the heavy lifting with a 2-0 win at the Camp Nou in the first leg but that cushion was wiped out by an early Barca blitz as the visitors struck twice in the first half to level the tie. Lamine Yamal...

April 12, 2026 7:22 PM

Bayern break Bundesliga goals record with 5-0 win over St. Pauli

FC Bayern defeated St. Pauli 5-0 to extend their lead in the Bundesliga to 12 points. The victory also saw Bayern break the Bundesliga’s single-season scoring record, taking their tally to 105 goals this campaign. Jamal Musiala handed Bayern an early lead, while Leon Goretzka, Michael Olise, Nicolas Jackson and Raphael Guerreiro scored after the break. Bayern started with Manuel Neuer in goal, and Konrad Laimer, Minjae Kim, Hiroki Ito and Tom Bischof forming the back four. Joshua Kimmich and...

April 4, 2026 2:36 PM

One killed, dozens hurt as Peru stadium event goes awry

At least one person was killed and several injured on Friday ahead of a derby match at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in the Peruvian capital, said club Alianza Lima, a day before it faces off against Universitario. The club offered condolences and solidarity for the casualties, which media said included 60 injured during a "flag‑waving event" at the stadium, popularly known as Matute. "We are fully and transparently collaborating with the competent authorities," the club added in its stat...

April 1, 2026 1:27 PM

Italy miss out on World Cup for third straight time after shootout loss to Bosnia

Italy's agonising World Cup exile continues after they fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw. Four-time champions Italy had lost out at the playoff stage to miss the last two World Cups, and their last qualification in 2014 coincided with Bosnia's only previous appearance. Since lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy have won one game at the finals. Bosnia will play in Group B at the World Cup, joining co-hosts Canada,...