Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Kevin De Bruyne has played 86 times for Belgium

'Not a bad idea' - De Bruyne open to biennial World Cup

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has thrown his weight behind Arsene Wenger's proposal to hold the World Cup every two years, suggesting it is "not a bad idea".

Soccer • 13 Nov 21

Infantino insists he is neutral on biennial World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says all sides must be "ready to compromise" in the heated debate over football's calendar and biennial World Cups.

Soccer • 20 Oct 21

FIFA says enthusiasm was greatest among younger fans in "developing markets" outside Europe for its plan

FIFA claims majority of fans support biennial World Cup

A majority of fans support the idea of a biennial World Cup, according to a survey commissioned by FIFA.

Soccer • 16 Sep 21

'As a traditionalist, it feels you could lose some of the allure of the World Cup because the scarcity of it makes it more important'

Southgate open-minded on biennial World Cup proposal

England manager Gareth Southgate said he is open-minded about FIFA's proposals to hold the World Cup every two years, though he thought the tournament may lose some of its appeal if it moves away from the current four-year cycle.

Soccer • 07 Sep 21

Aleksander Ceferin has 'grave concerns' over the future of the World Cup

UEFA have 'grave concerns' about biennial World Cup

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has admitted his "grave concerns" over plans to stage the World Cup every two years.

Soccer • 03 Sep 21

Martinez Losa: 'I want to achieve success on the pitch to inspire the next generation of female players in this country'

Scotland Women name Pedro Martinez Losa as head coach

Pedro Martinez Losa has achieved an ambition by being appointed Scotland Women's national team head coach.

Soccer • 21 Jul 21

Action from the Nations League match between Wales and Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium back in November.

'FIFA could hit the jackpot with an Irish/UK World Cup'

A British and Irish bid for the 2030 World Cup would create "significantly higher" commercial returns than one from South America at a time of financial uncertainty, a FIFA vice-presidential candidate has said.

Soccer • 17 Apr 21

Government backing moves 2030 World Cup bid step closer

Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers says Ireland "won't be found wanting" when it comes to playing its part in a potential joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup in conjunction with the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations.

FIFA World Cup • 02 Mar 21

Could Ireland ever play a World Cup match on home soil?

Hill believes Ireland could co-host World Cup 2030

The prospect of Ireland hosting World Cup matches in 2030 is a very credible one according to new FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill.

Soccer • 27 Feb 21

Idah and Ireland physio Danny Miller in Cardiff

Adam Idah set for 10-week absence

Norwich City have confirmed that Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah is set to be sidelined for 10 weeks with a knee ligament injury.

Soccer • 20 Nov 20

Qatar were awarded the hosting rights in 2010

Bribery claims unlikely to stop Qatar hosting World Cup

Allegations of bribery are highly unlikely to lead to Qatar being stripped of its right to host the 2022 World Cup, according to an anti-corruption expert.

Soccer • 08 Apr 20

Gianni Infantino: 'The health of persons is much more important than any football game'

FIFA refuse to rule out postponing matches due to virus

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has not ruled out postponing international matches as the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate.

Coronavirus • 28 Feb 20

Après Match's 2018 World Cup wrap-up

The Après Match team look back on the 2018 FIFA World Cup and wrap things up nicely. Just don't look into the eyes.

World Cup 2018 • 15 Jul 18

There were reports that the Argentina coach would be sacked following a defeat to Croatia.

Mascherano: Relationship with Sampaoli 'totally normal'

Argentina's Javier Mascherano claims the team's relationship with coach Jorge Sampaoli is "just like normal" despite rumours of a player revolt at the World Cup.

World Cup 2018 • 24 Jun 18

Ronnie Whelan believes England will do well in Russia England

'England have camaraderie Ireland used to have'

Damien Duff is hoping Leo Messi can lead to Argentina to World Cup glory, while Eamon Dunphy and Didi Hamann are backing Brazil to triumph at Russia 2018.

World Cup 2018 • 06 Jun 18

Blatter is banned from all football activity but still has a huge following on Twitter

Blatter appeals for VAR to be abandoned at World Cup

Disgraced former Fifa president Sepp Blatter took to Twitter appealing for "Guardians of Laws of the Game" to ensure the World Cup would not be used as an occasion to experiment with video replay technology.

Soccer • 01 Mar 18

Ireland went all out in their bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Talking Sport: Being a sporting host doesn't add up

Following the death of Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup dream, Mikey Stafford asks if hosting a major sporting event is ever truly worthwhile.

Rugby • 17 Nov 17

Peru's players celebrate their play-off win

Seedings for World Cup draw announced

Peru became the last of the 32 teams to qualify for World Cup Russia 2018 when they overcame New Zealand 2-0 in the second leg of their play-off on Wednesday night.

Soccer • 16 Nov 17

Lionel Messi's harsh words have landed him with a four match ban

Messi handed four game ban by FIFA

Lionel Messi has been hit with a four game international suspension, just hours before Argentina take on Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier.

Soccer • 28 Mar 17

The World Cup in Russia will take place from 14 June to 15 July 2018

World Cup 2018: Fans will need special identity cards

FIFA have stated that fans at next year's World Cup and this year's Confederations Cup in Russia will need special identity cards before they can watch matches.

Soccer • 02 Mar 17

Kerr critical of 'farcical' World Cup expansion

Money and politics are the main reasons for the FIFA World Cup being expanded from 32 to 48 teams, according to former Ireland manager Brian Kerr.

Soccer • 10 Jan 17

The Stade de France will host the opening fixture and final of Euro 2016

Feature: Euro 2016 stadium guide

Ed Leahy guides you through the 10 stadiums that will be hosting Euro 2016 action in France.

Euro 2016 • 07 Jun 16

The World Cup looks set to move from its traditional summer date

FIFA confusion around 2022 World Cup date

FIFA has insisted that no decision has been made yet regarding the timing of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar - despite a statement from general secretary Jerome Valcke claiming that the tournament will not be held in June or July.

World Cup • 09 Jan 14

FIFA World Cup