Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Did Robbie Brady's goal in Helsinki get the ball rolling for Heimir Hallgrimsson's Ireland?

Can Ireland qualify for the World Cup?

Ed Leahy takes a look at Ireland's chances of making it to the World Cup ahead of the 2025 qualifying campaign.

FIFA president Giovanni Infantino and President of the Saudi Federation Yasser Al-Meshal

Saudi World Cup latest blot on stained FIFA copybook

Around the time of the 2026 World Cup bidding process, with FIFA's reputation in shreds following major scandals, there were green shoots that the organisation could change.

Soccer • 07 Dec 24

Amnesty have been putting pressure on member associations like the Dutch FA to not back Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid

FIFA score Saudi WC bid highly despite Amnesty fears

Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 men's World Cup has been deemed 'medium risk' for human rights in FIFA's evaluation report, amid warnings migrant workers will die in preparing the country to stage the tournament.

Soccer • 30 Nov 24

Models displaying stadia that are projected to be used at 2034 World Cup

FIFA urged to halt Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup vote

FIFA has been urged to halt a vote to hand Saudi Arabia hosting rights to the 2034 men's World Cup by human rights groups, amid fears many migrant workers will die unless there is credible reform.

Soccer • 11 Nov 24

Canada's fans can start preparing for back-to-back World Cup appearances

FIFA confirms three hosts qualify for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has confirmed that USA, Mexico and Canada, will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup; the three countries won the right to host the World Cup in a united North American bid.

Soccer • 15 Feb 23

FIFA to reexamine four-team groups for 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the World Cup will extend to 48 teams in 2026 but revealed that the original plan of having 16 groups of three nations is now back on the table for change.

Soccer • 16 Dec 22

Ben White left the camp due to 'personal reasons'

Southgate says White departure should remain private

Gareth Southgate said it is important that Ben White's departure from the World Cup for personal reasons is "respected" after a report emerged of an alleged bust-up with England assistant Steve Holland.

Soccer • 09 Dec 22

Hassan Al-Thawadi is at the forefront of the Qatari World Cup

Qatar World Cup boss estimates up to 500 migrant deaths

Between 400 and 500 migrants have died as a result of development linked to the Qatar World Cup, the tournament's chief has claimed.

Soccer • 29 Nov 22

Casemiro scored Brazil's winner against Switzerland

Neymar: Casemiro best in the world

Brazil boss Tite and injured superstar Neymar hailed Casemiro as the "best midfielder in the world" after seeing him fire his country through to the World Cup knockout stage.

Soccer • 28 Nov 22

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Dragan Stojkovic

World Cup digest: No Serb comment on nationalist flag

Serbia boss Dragan Stojkovic and keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic have refused to comment on the flag controversy which has prompted FIFA to launch disciplinary proceedings.

Soccer • 27 Nov 22

Harry Kane had to go off with an injury against Iran

Kane expected to be fit for US stress test

Harry Kane trained on Wednesday and England are optimistic the striker will be fit for Friday's World Cup clash against the United States.

Soccer • 23 Nov 22

Thiago Silva and Marquinhos enjoy training before their World Cup opener against Serbia

Silva hopes Brazil get the best out of mercurial Neymar

Captain Thiago Silva knows Brazil face "fierce competition" in Qatar but feels the squad are relaxed as they prepare to kick off their bid for World Cup glory with their opening Group G game against Serbia.

Soccer • 23 Nov 22

Robert Lewandowski scored 13 goals in qualifying

Lewandowski chases elusive first World Cup goal

Wojciech Szczesny is backing team-mate Robert Lewandowski to make a huge impact at Qatar 2022.

Soccer • 21 Nov 22

Harry Kane in action during England's opening goal

World Cup digest: Kane to have scan on ankle

England captain Harry Kane is set to have a scan on his right ankle before Friday's World Cup match against the United States.

Soccer • 22 Nov 22

'Sadio is world class, he is my friend and I will miss him,' said Van Dijk

World Cup digest: Van Dijk laments Mane's absence

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk says the World Cup will be poorer without his former clubmate Sadio Mane, even though the Dutch now face a weaker Senegal side in their Group A opener on Monday.

World Cup 2022 • 18 Nov 22

The Ukraine FA has cited the Iranian government's treatment of its own people and its belief that the regime in Tehran is supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine FA urges FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

The Ukrainian Association of Football has called for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup in Qatar.

Soccer • 31 Oct 22

Chelsea confirm full-back Reece James to miss World Cup

England and Chelsea defender Reece James looks set to miss next month's World Cup due to a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for eight weeks.

Soccer • 16 Oct 22

Qatar has proved a controversial choice as World Cup host venue

Calls for FIFA to compensate Qatar migrant workers

FIFA has been asked to respond to calls for a compensation scheme for World Cup migrant workers in Qatar by the end of the month.

Soccer • 14 Oct 22

A view of the Lusail Stadium in Doha - venue for 2022 World Cup final

Qatar World Cup readiness - accommodation issues remain

We look at some of the key areas regarding Qatar's preparedness for staging the biggest sporting event on earth.

Soccer • 25 Sep 22

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with host Ana Jurka during Thursday's announcement

FIFA announces 16 host cities for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has announced the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Soccer • 16 Jun 22

Robert Lewandowski backed the Polish FA's decision to refuse to play Russia

Poland refuse to play World Cup play-off against Russia

Poland and Sweden said they would not play their soccer World Cup qualifiers against Russia in March, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Soccer • 26 Feb 22

Gianni Infantino is still pushing for a biennial World Cup

Biennial World Cup 'gives hope to Africans' - Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino controversially suggested on Wednesday that changes to football's calendar might make Africans less likely to migrate to Europe and risk death in the Mediterranean Sea.

Soccer • 27 Jan 22

"If I was going to a vote tomorrow probably the majority would vote in favour of World Cups every two years."

FIFA boss believes majority support biennial World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes a majority of countries would be in favour of biennial World Cups if he called a snap vote.

Soccer • 20 Dec 21

Could this iconic trophy be up for grabs every two years?

Biennial World Cup would raise extra €4billion - FIFA

International football leaders were told by FIFA on Monday that a switch to a biennial World Cup would create an extra €4billion in revenues for the world body.