Category: Sports

Chelsea have started club-to-club discussions with Rayo Vallecano in an effort to acquire left back Pep Chavarria.

The Blues are keen on finalizing a deal for the 28-year-old defender following the recent exit of Marc Cucurella. Cucurella completed a £52 million transfer to Real Madrid, leaving new manager Xabi Alonso with limited options on the left side of defense.

Football London quoted sources to say that the west London club has now begun negotiations with Rayo regarding a potential transfer for Chavarria, who has four years left on his contract with last season’s Conference League runners-up. 

Hato, who joined Chelsea last summer from Ajax for £37 million, took some time to adjust at Stamford Bridge, and his performance improvement in the latter half of his debut season impressed the club’s executives. 

The Netherlands international is expected to fill the gap left by Cucurella’s departure on the left side of defense, with Chavarria, should he be signed, providing an additional option in that position.

Chavarria made 44 appearances for Rayo across all competitions last season, contributing to the Spanish team’s run to the Conference League final and an eighth-place finish in La Liga. The Rayo defender is capable of playing both as a left back and a wing back.

Having already secured Marco Palestra from Atalanta (with club confirmation pending), Chelsea aims to make Chavarria the second signing of the Alonso era, excluding any pre-arranged deals made prior to Alonso’s appointment.

Transfer: Chelsea move for second Xabi Alonso signing with talks underway

Cote d’Ivoire legend, Didier Drogba, has slammed the Video Assistant Referee, VAR,  after his country was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. 

The Elephants were beaten 2-1 by Norway in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday night. 

Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the first half, before Amad Diallo levelled for the Ivorians.

But Erling Haaland tapped home the winner late in the game, to send Norway through. 

After the game, Drogba took to his X page, to question why Nicolas Pepe didn’t get a penalty for a foul in the area.

“Disgraceful that penalty not given for Nicolas Pépé… what is VAR even for?” Drogba wrote. 

Norway will now play Brazil in the last 16 of the tournament. 

2026 World Cup: Disgraceful – Drogba fumes as Norway eliminate Cote d’Ivoire

Spain winger, Lamine Yamal, has named three players who have impressed him at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament so far.

Speaking ahead of Spain’s Round of 32 fixture against Austria on Thursday, the Barcelona star named Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr, and Morocco’s Ismael Saibari as the players who have impressed him.

The three players have been impressive for their different countries at the World Cup.

Messi has scored six goals for Argentina, Vinicius has netted four goals for Brazil, while Saibari has three goals for Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with COPE, Yamal was asked to name the players who have impressed him at the World Cup.

The 18-year-old said, “Vinicius is really impressing me. Obviously Messi. Saibari plays football really well.”

Yamal has scored one goal for Spain at the World Cup and will hope to extend his tally against Austria.

World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal names three players who have impressed him

Ranchers Bees have added defender Ibrahim Inuwa to their ranks ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season, DAILY POST reports.

The Bees announced Inuwa’s signing on Tuesday.

Inuwa joined Ranchers Bees from four-time NPFL champions Kano Pillars.

“We are proud to announce the signing of Ibrahim Inuwa from Kano Pillars,” Ranchers Bees wrote on their X account.

“A new journey begins, and we’re excited to see him wear the black and yellow with pride.”

Inuwa managed only 10 appearances for Kano Pillars in the NPFL last season.

NPFL: Ranchers Bees wrap up Inuwa’s signing from Kano Pillars

At least five countries are through to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 stage.

This follows Norway’s Round of 32 win against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Norway booked their place in the World Cup Round of 16 after a 2-1 victory against the Ivory Coast.

Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland gave Norway a deserved victory against the Elephants as Amad Diallo’s goal was not enough for the West Africans.

Norway now joined Canada, Morocco, Paraguay and Brazil in the Round of 16 stage.

The World Cup Round of 16 stage will begin on Saturday as Canada will tackle Morocco.

More Round of 32 fixtures will be played later today and tomorrow.

World Cup 2026: 5 countries through to Round of 16

Former England footballer Wayne Rooney has expressed his concerns regarding Thomas Tuchel’s choice to include Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah in England’s World Cup squad, highlighting the defensive options as his primary concern for the tournament.

James was selected when Tuchel announced his 26-man squad last month and participated in every minute of England’s initial Group L matches against Croatia and Ghana.

However, James had to sit out the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Panama due to a hamstring injury, which adds to a series of injuries that the Chelsea captain has faced in recent years.

The 26-year-old right-back is also expected to miss the upcoming round of 32 match against DR Congo, raising concerns about his fitness for a potential return in the later stages of the tournament, should Tuchel’s team advance.

Before England’s campaign commenced, Tuchel also lost Tino Livramento to injury, leading to Chalobah’s call-up to replace the versatile Newcastle full-back.

Tottenham’s Djed Spence is anticipated to start on the right side of England’s defense tomorrow evening, in a back-four that may include Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly.

“Are you surprised that Reece James is injured? That was a concern with the squad he picked,” Rooney, the former England and Manchester United captain, remarked on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.

“You have Reece James, who is unreliable, John Stones, who is also unreliable, and Tino Livramento was injured prior to the tournament.

“The unexpected choice was Trevoh Chalobah being brought in when Livramento was ruled out. I believe having a balance with Luke Shaw or Lewis Hall is essential…

“The issue with the last match, whether he will do it tomorrow [against DR Congo], is that if Djed Spence is there, he must be played at right-back. I don’t think Jarell Quansah performed well.

“So the defence was a big worry for me, more so than Phil Foden and Cole Palmer not going. I think the defence, just in terms of reliability, was a concern.”

For Rooney, it was “impossible’ that James was ever going to be reliable for the entirety of England’s campaign.

“Reece James is a good player but we knew before the tournament that you cannot rely on him. He hasn’t been reliable for the last two years,” he added.

“It would be interesting to look at [James’ injury record] when Thomas Tuchel was at Chelsea.

“I think everyone knew that was the situation and with the John Stones situation.”

World Cup: ‘You can’t rely on them’ – Rooney questions Tuchel for calling up two Chelsea stars

Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has said that he mocked Japan’s Kento Shiogai with a “five-star” remark following the latter’s statements regarding his national team.

The Selecao have won the World Cup on five occasions — in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.

They have produced a remarkable array of legendary footballers, including icons such as Pele, Neymar, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, and Romario, among many others.

Despite their illustrious history, the South American powerhouses have struggled to perform at recent tournaments.

They failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals in four of the last five competitions (2006, 2010, 2018, and 2022). The only time they reached the semi-finals, in 2014, they suffered the humiliation of a 7-1 defeat to Germany.

Prior to the Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan, Shiogai asserted that the South American giants are no longer the formidable team they once were.

The 21-year-old, who made a single appearance off the bench for the Samurai Blue during the group stage, stated (via Sportskeeda, h/t @poptime on X): “Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but what about now? I haven’t heard much about them these days… I think only France and Argentina are strong.”

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team subsequently triumphed over Japan 2-1, with Cunha starting and playing for 66 minutes. During the match, he was seen displaying five fingers and making a “calm down” gesture.

After the match, the Manchester United player commented (via @FabrizioRomano on X): “I have nothing against Japan; they are a great team, but he made some remarks about Brazil that we cannot accept. It is about respect for us and our jersey.”

With stars like Cunha, Vinicius Jr, Bruno Guimaraes, and Marquinhos leading the way, Brazil aim to secure a sixth star on their jersey at the 2026 World Cup.

World Cup 2026: Why I mocked Japan’s Kento Shiogai after 2-1 win – Brazil star, Cunha

Brazilian star, Neymar took a swipe at Joachim Klement on social media at Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup.

Klement is a German economist renowned for his precise predictions, which successfully predicted the last three World Cup champions: Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022.

Initially, Klement stated that the purpose of his exercise was to demonstrate to economists that they are unable to accurately predict events about which they possess limited knowledge.

Prior to the commencement of the 2026 World Cup, Klement forecasted an unexpected victory for Japan over Brazil in the second round, while also asserting that the Netherlands would claim the championship in North America.

After the first half, it seemed as though Klement’s prediction might materialize, as the Samurai Blue maintained a 1-0 advantage. However, Brazil equalized through Casemiro before the hour mark. Although extra time appeared imminent, Gabriel Martinelli dashed Japan’s hopes with mere seconds remaining before the final whistle, propelling Brazil into the Round of 16.

Brazil’s triumph over Japan indicated that Klement’s prediction was incorrect. Neymar, who aspires to secure his first trophy with the Seleção, took the opportunity to remind everyone of the economist’s miscalculation.

On his official X account, the Santos forward stated, “Mr. Joachim Klement… please try harder at the next World Cup,” with a winking emoji.

Klement reiterated his prediction of Japan getting the better of Brazil in a recent interview with Fortune India. He stated that while Brazil hold a greater pedigree, their current crop of players are not at their best.

World Cup: Why Neymar took a dig at Joachim Klement after Brazil’s win over Japan

El-Kanemi Warriors technical adviser Kabiru Dogo has expressed his team’s readiness for the President Federation Cup final against Ikorodu City.

The Maiduguri club will face Ikorodu City in the final of the competition at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Saturday, 11 July, 2026.

Dogo’s side will be aiming to win their fourth title, while Ikorodu City will be making their maiden appearance in the final.

El-Kanemi started preparations for the crucial clash on Tuesday morning at the Police College Football Field in Maiduguri.

The gaffer is in buoyant mood ahead of the crucial fixture.

“We are going to Delta State with our heads held high. The cup is ours, In Sha Allah. We are going there with a mission, and by the grace of Allah, we will deliver. El-Kanemi Warriors will soon bounce back from the disappointment of relegation,” Dogo told the club’s media.

President Federation Cup: Dogo upbeat El-Kanemi Warriors will beat Ikorodu City in final

Former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, has expressed both criticism and commendation for Casemiro following Brazil’s narrow victory over Japan in a thrilling World Cup round of 32 match.

Brazil, considered one of the leading contenders in the tournament, seemed to be on the brink of an unexpected early exit on Monday night after Kaishū Sano’s well-earned goal put Japan in the lead during the first half.

Casemiro, who recently departed from Manchester United after a mixed four-year stint, had a poor first half, receiving an early yellow card and being partly responsible for Sano’s goal.

During halftime on ITV, Keane was questioned about the perceived vulnerabilities in Brazil’s midfield and did not hesitate to share his views, stating, “A major concern throughout the tournament, and it has cost them.

“They made an error earlier in the match with the midfielders losing their positions, and Casemiro was already on a yellow card, which certainly impacts his decision-making regarding how to approach the goalscorer.

“They surrendered possession carelessly, but there is still a long way to go. This is what frustrates me; you see Casemiro’s initial movement is to step forward.

“He should be retreating, safeguarding the goal, and slowing the attacking player down. He is an experienced player, but having that experience is futile if he does not apply it.

“Kudos to the attacking midfielder, who was very impressive, but Casemiro almost directed him past him. He needed to remain goal-side. Just keep retreating, slow him down, and ensure there are numbers around you.

“Well deserved, a superb strike. However, from the perspective of Brazil’s midfield, it was far from adequate. I would be surprised if he returns for the second half.”

World Cup: Roy Keane makes U-turn on Casemiro after Brazil’s win over Japan