Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

World Cup 2022: Qatar 0-2 Ecuador recap

Ecuador have beaten Qatar 2-0 in the opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after first-half goals from captain Enner Valencia.

World Cup 2022 • 20 Nov 22

Italy's Roberto Baggio shoots over the goal of Brazil's Claudio Taffarel in the 1994 World Cup final

Irish origins of World Cup penalty drama

The penalty has played a major part in the history of the World Cup - and a small village in Armagh is responsible for it all.

World Cup 2022 • 20 Nov 22

Diego Maradona illicitly beats Peter Shilton to the punch in the Estadio Azteca

'Hand of God' ball attracts £2m bid but fails to sell

The ball Diego Maradona used to score his infamous 'Hand of God' goal attracted a top bid of £2m (€2.28m) at auction, but failed to reach a reserve as negotiations with interested parties and the seller continue.

Soccer • 16 Nov 22

Maddison gets squad number as injury fears are eased

England have revealed their squad numbers for the World Cup in Qatar and seemingly ended any lingering doubts over James Maddison's fitness by giving him the number 25 shirt.

Soccer • 14 Nov 22

Mikel Arteta's side are five points clear at the top

Arteta hopes World Cup won't disrupt Arsenal title push

Manager Mikel Arteta said he is hoping the World Cup break does not impede Arsenal's momentum, after the north London club defeated Wolves 2-0 on Saturday to take a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Soccer • 13 Nov 22

The Black Ferns won their sixth Rugby World Cup title

Black Ferns edge out England to lift the World Cup

Winger Ayesha Leti-l'iga scored a try nine minutes from time to give New Zealand a 34-31 victory over England in a thriller of a World Cup final as the Black Ferns claimed a sixth world title at a packed Eden Park.

Rugby • 12 Nov 22

The World Cup runs from 20 November to 18 December

Qatar World Cup ambassador makes anti-gay comments

A Qatar World Cup ambassador has told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was "damage in the mind", as the Gulf state prepares to host the global tournament in less than two weeks.

Soccer • 08 Nov 22

The World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December

Three firemen die in Doha accident ahead of World Cup

Three Pakistani firemen have died in a training accident in Qatar weeks before the start of the World Cup, with the victims reportedly falling to their deaths after a train collapsed.

Soccer • 27 Oct 22

Ireland claimed another famous victory over England

Consistency key for Irish cricket - Heinrich Malan

Head coach Heinrich Malan believes consistency is now the next hurdle for Ireland after suggesting a key to their recent success has been understanding how to be "fearless".

Cricket • 27 Oct 22

The countdown to the Qatar World Cup is on

Australia players release statement criticising Qatar

Australia has become the first World Cup finals side to release a collective statement from players criticising host Qatar's human rights record.

Soccer • 27 Oct 22

Cesar Azpilicueta fears injury ahead of the World Cup

Azpilicueta concerned by pre-World Cup schedule

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta said the number of games being crammed into the schedule ahead of the World Cup next month is "crazy" and that player welfare is being jeopardised.

Soccer • 25 Oct 22

Phil Simmons to quit West Indies role

Phil Simmons is to step down from his role as West Indies head coach.

Cricket • 25 Oct 22

Ireland are in Pot 3 of tomorrow morning's draw

Ireland's World Cup draw: All you need to know

The Republic of Ireland will learn who they'll face at the 2023 World Cup when the draw is made in New Zealand tomorrow morning. Here's all you need to know.

Soccer • 21 Oct 22

Fan villages purpose-built for the World Cup, that consist largely of tents or mobile homes, pictured last month

€300 billion bill possible for Qatar as World Cup looms

The bill being paid by Qatar for the most expensive World Cup ever held is set to rise to fantasy levels in the one month left to the 20 November kick-off.

Soccer • 19 Oct 22

A distraught Diogo Jota was stretchered off against Manchester City

Liverpool's Jota and Chelsea's Kante to miss World Cup

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and Chelsea midfielder will miss the World Cup after suffering calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

Soccer • 19 Oct 22

Qatar World Cup and FIFA officials spoke to the media with one month until the start of the competition

FIFA continue attempts to fend off Qatar criticism

FIFA are continuing to attempt to overcome long-standing doubts about Qatar's rights record ahead of the World Cup as the global body said it is negotiating measures to help migrant workers who died or were injured.

Soccer • 18 Oct 22

Richarlison examines his calf after suffering an injury against Everton on Saturday

Conte: Richarlison will recover in time for World Cup

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has put to rest fears Richarlison could miss the World Cup by confirming the forward is expected to be fit to feature in the tournament next month.

Soccer • 17 Oct 22

Maradona beats Peter Shilton to the ball in question

Maradona 'hand of god' football set to fetch over €2.8m

The football that was at the feet - and hand - of Diego Maradona as he shocked the world with acts of both gamesmanship and breathtaking skill in Mexico 36 years ago has been put up for auction and is expected to sell for at least €2.8million.

Soccer • 13 Oct 22

Equal treatment played a part in victory - Mustaki

Chloe Mustaki paid tribute to the Republic of Ireland players who campaigned and fought for fair treatment from the FAI five years ago, after Vera Pauw's side secured their place in the 2023 World Cup.

Soccer • 13 Oct 22

Past and present, Áine O'Gorman, Diane Caldwell, and Louise Quinn celebrate with Olivia O'Toole

O'Gorman hails 'colossal' World Cup qualification

Áine O'Gorman reflects on the journey she and her team-mates have made in qualifying for a first major tournament.

Soccer • 12 Oct 22

The Republic of Ireland are off to Australia and New Zealand

Fallon: Success lies in the grassroots

RTE soccer analyst Lisa Fallon believes the credit for Ireland's qualification for a first Women's World Cup belongs to underage coaches as much as the international set-up.

Soccer • 12 Oct 22

Scotland v Rep of Ireland: All you need to know

Arguably the biggest night in the history of the Irish women's football awaits as Vera Pauw's side take on Scotland with a place in next year's World Cup at stake. Here's everything you need to know.

Soccer • 10 Oct 22

FIFA World Cup 2022

Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022

World Cup • 14 Oct 22

(l-r) Portuguese Football Federation President Fernando Santos, Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales and Ukraine Football Federation President Andriy Pavelko

Ukraine joins Spain and Portugal's 2030 World Cup bid

Ukraine has joined Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) hailing it as an act of European solidarity.

Soccer • 05 Oct 22

The Danes are preparing for a sixth World Cup finals apperarance

Simpler Danish kit to serve as protest against Qatar

The kit that Denmark will wear at the upcoming World Cup is to mirror that worn by the victorious Euro 92 squad, but is also intended to serve as a protest against Qatar and its human rights record from the Danish FA and kit manufacturer Hummel Sport.

Soccer • 28 Sep 22