The Guardian

The co-hosts are likely to put pragmatism above style under Javier Aguirre in a home atmosphere that can be both an inspiration and a burden This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network , a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the to…

Madrid’s third club thrive on underdog mentality and still play in the daring style of former coach Andoni Iraola “Rayo Vallecano is love, humility, toil,” says Óscar Trejo, the captain who handed in the armband in solidarity with workers at the club. The striker Sergio Camello calls them “the last team from another time, special for what they fight for and what they fight against”. And, Álvaro G…

Plus: biggest points deficit before a shock, worst-performing managers that helped win a title and keepers on corners Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “Which club has had the fewest sponsor logos adorn their shirts?” asks Bob Krag. “My guess is Arsenal, who have only had four (JVC, Dreamcast/Sega, O2 and Emirates). Even Barcelona, who eschewed shirt sponsorship for many years, …

Response to New York crowd behavior was criticized Rea: abuse was no worse than at ‘youth soccer game’ Don Rea Jr, who was cricitized for his response to verbal abuse directed at European players during last year’s Ryder Cup, is out as president of the PGA of America, effective immediately. Tuesday’s news came on the heels of the PGA of America’s board of directors suspending Rea for the remainde…

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2023: a series of financial scandals have rocked Italy’s most glamorous club. But is the trouble at Juventus symptomatic of a deeper rot in world football? By Tobias Jones. Read by Daniel Alexander Continue reading...

Two penalty shootout triumphs in the playoffs sent the Czechs to a first World Cup in 20 years and an experienced side look capable of progress This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the …

Gauff was filmed letting off steam in private area French Open champion begins defence with 6-4, 6-0 win Coco Gauff said she did not receive an apology or response from the Australian Open after she was broadcast letting off steam by breaking a racket in a private area after her quarter-final loss in January. “I mean, I didn’t get anything from my email that I know of,” Gauff said, smiling. “I kn…

Palace were demoted to Conference League by Uefa Wednesday night’s final in Leipzig is Glasner’s last game Oliver Glasner has urged Crystal Palace to win the Conference League final so they can take up the Europa League place denied them this season after they fell foul of Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules. Last year’s FA Cup winners were demoted to the Conference League after Uefa deemed John Te…

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves club after 14 years London City one of many clubs interested in midfielder Barcelona have announced the exit of their talismanic captain, Alèxia Putellas, after the expiration of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract at the end of the season. The 32-year-old, who was born in Mollet del Vallès, just north of Barcelona, spent 14 years at the Catalan club maki…

Squad same as one revealed in Guardian exclusive Spine of team from 2022 World Cup remains US opener is 12 June in Inglewood, California In pictures: player-by-player guide to the roster The United States’ 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup has been made official, with the team’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, making the announcement in a live television event from Pier 17 in Manhattan on…

While the event’s movers and shakers are rich and smart, they don’t come across as caring deeply about sport I woke up in Las Vegas on Monday to an avalanche of messages from people across elite sport asking about the Enhanced Games. Some wanted to know what it was really like. Most, though, wanted to dance on its grave. So much for the organisers’ promises that we would witness multiple world re…

‘Not the version of Phil Foden we saw two years ago’ Chief executive says game being damaged by demands Phil Foden and Cole Palmer missed out on this summer’s World Cup because they have been overworked, according to the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association. Maheta Molango was speaking as new data showed that seven of the 10 players involved in the most games across Europe…

Who was the best player, and why is it not Harry Kane? Which loanee is already a superstar? And who bottled it? A hearty pat on the back to Hoffenheim, the unexpected and unfancied top-four gatecrashers who ultimately couldn’t quite hold on. This season has been all about Bayern, though, and not just in the normal they-always-win-it way. To call them the most beloved Bayern team in a generation w…

Justices refuse to intervene, clearing way for open trial League had wanted case handled through arbitration Former Dolphins coach sued NFL, three teams in 2022 The US supreme court on Tuesday refused to intervene in a discrimination lawsuit led by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores against the NFL, allowing the case to proceed toward trial. The justices rebuffed an appeal from the lea…

Home hopeful is youngest man to win in Paris since 1991 Medvedev loses in five sets; Norrie out injured The real surprise here was that it took so long to come. Moïse Kouamé had expertly handled his nerves and high expectations to begin his first French Open main draw match on the front foot, he had demonstrated his enormous promise by playing so well, and he had paired his form with total self-a…