Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

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.

'The World Cup is amazing. It is the biggest tournament and, as a spectator, I always enjoy watching it'

Guardiola welcomes World Cup every two years proposal

Pep Guardiola believes a World Cup every two years could be good for the game and would welcome a fair debate over the issue.

Soccer • 10 Sep 21

Arsene Wenger has been tasked with trying to shorten the gap between World Cups

European Leagues 'firmly opposed' to biennial World Cup

The Premier League has joined the rest of Europe's top competitions in announcing its firm opposition to FIFA plans for a World Cup every two years.

Soccer • 09 Sep 21

Wales still targeting automatic qualification - Bale

Gareth Bale insisted Wales have plenty to play for in World Cup qualifying after being held at home by Estonia.

Soccer • 09 Sep 21

A biennial World Cup could see the tournament held in the same year as the Olympics

IOC cool on FIFA's hopes for two-year World Cup cycle

FIFA's proposals for a shift to a biennial World Cup, which could see the tournament held in the same year as the Olympics, have been given a cold response from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach.

Soccer • 08 Sep 21

Ireland are still seeking a first competitive win under manager Stephen Kenny

Win now vital to justify Kenny approach - Elliott

Former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Elliott feels a win must come in the closing World Cup qualifiers to justify Stephen Kenny's approach as manager of the team.

Soccer • 08 Sep 21

Scotland manager Steve Clarke (right) with Ryan Christie

Scotland will get better, promises Clarke

Steve Clarke believes Scotland's hard-fought 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Austria on Tuesday was another indication of his side's improvement.

Soccer • 08 Sep 21

RTÉ Soccer Podcast: Pressure grows on Kenny and Ireland

Adrian Eames is joined by Stephen Elliott and Gary Rogers to discuss Ireland's recent World Cup qualifying games with Portugal and Azerbaijan and they look ahead to the clash with Serbia.

Soccer • 05 Sep 21

Bale hits hat-trick as Wales grab win in final seconds

Gareth Bale ended his two-year Wales scoring drought as his hat-trick secured a thrilling 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Belarus in Kazan.

Soccer • 05 Sep 21

Adam Idah reacts after a missed opportunity

We deserved to win, says frustrated Idah

Republic of Ireland frontman Adam Idah admitted to being disappointed by his side's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw at home to Azerbaijan, insisting it was a game they should have won.

Soccer • 04 Sep 21

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Azerbaijan recap

Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland snatched a late draw against Azerbaijan for the first point of their World Cup qualifying campaign, but it was another disappointing evening for Irish soccer. Here how it happened.

Soccer • 04 Sep 21

Bruno Fernandes is one of many attacking threats Ireland will have to deal with

Portugal in another galaxy when it comes to star power

The Portugal side that could start against the Republic of Ireland has well over ten times more in transfer fees accumulated.

Soccer • 31 Aug 21

Cristiano Ronaldo talks with Fernando Santos during Portugal's 2-2 draw with France at Euro 2020

Portugal in 'state of flux' before Ireland's visit

Portugoal.net editor Tom Kundert speaks to RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo about how the Selecao will be approaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Wednesday two months on from their early exit from Euro 2020.

Soccer • 31 Aug 21

Australia and New Zealand want the competition postponed until next year

Australia and New Zealand pull out of World Cup

Holders Australia and New Zealand have withdrawn from this year's Rugby League World Cup in England, saying it is "simply too unsafe" to travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rugby • 22 Jul 21

The former England boss believes the current can build on the experience of the last two tournaments

McClaren: England now contenders for every tournament

England coach Gareth Southgate has given fans hope for the future after their run to the Euro 2020 final and they will be contenders for every tournament they play in, former national team manager Steve McClaren said.

Soccer • 13 Jul 21

Amanaki Mafi of Japan is tackled by James Ryan and Billy Burns

Ryan happy to gain a measure of revenge over Japan

James Ryan admitted that memories of Ireland's 2019 World Cup defeat to Japan served as motivation for him and his team-mates as they battled to a 39-31 victory over the Brave Blossoms in Dublin.

Rugby • 03 Jul 21

South Africa flanker and captain Siya Kolisi goes on the charge against Georgia

Ring-rusty Springboks warm up for Lions with easy win

South Africa took time to shrug off the rust as they returned after a 20-month absence to beat Georgia 40-9 at Loftus Versfeld on Friday in their first test since winning the 2019 World Cup.

Rugby • 02 Jul 21

Qatar to allow only fully vaccinated fans at World Cup

Qatar will only allow people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend next year's FIFA World Cup and is in talks to secure one million doses in case global immunisation efforts lag, the country's prime minister said.

Soccer • 21 Jun 21

Leah Paul was named Ireland's player of the series against Scotland

Ireland complete 3-1 series victory over Scotland

Outstanding performances from Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul paved the way for Ireland to complete a 3-1 series win over Scotland at Stormont today.

Cricket • 27 May 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

Ian Baraclough issues his troops instructions from the sideline

Baraclough bemoans draw after dominant display

Ian Baraclough was left to wonder what more his Northern Ireland players could have done as their World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria ended in a frustrating goalless draw.

Soccer • 01 Apr 21

Cristiano Ronaldo will keep the Portugal captain's armband

Portugal manager plays down Ronaldo outburst

Cristiano Ronaldo is in no danger of losing the Portugal captaincy over his outburst at the end of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Serbia, coach Fernando Santos said.

Soccer • 30 Mar 21

"Players need to realise that they have a voice and they can change a lot of stuff"

Henry wants soccer to focus on Qatar human rights

Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has called on football's "big guns" to address the controversy over Qatar's human rights record.

Soccer • 30 Mar 21

Stephen Kenny highlighted the issues in Qatar ahead of next year's World Cup

Human rights issues in Qatar unacceptable - Kenny

The human rights violations that are happening in Qatar in the building of World Cup stadiums cannot be swept under the carpet, according to Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

Soccer • 29 Mar 21

Kenny more suited to an academy role, says Hand

Former Republic of Ireland player and manager Eoin Hand believes that Stephen Kenny might be better suited to heading up a new Irish youth academy than managing the senior national team.

Soccer • 29 Mar 21