Maradona’s Hand of God ball sells for $3.355 million
The Adidas Azteca linked to both of Diego Maradona’s goals against England in 1986 sold for $3.355 million at Heritage Auctions.
World Cup
Erling Haaland’s teenage rap song reached No. 1 in Norway
A teenage Erling Haaland rap video returned as an official Kygo remix after Norway beat Brazil, then topped Norway’s Topplista singles chart.
Malawi qualifies for its first Women’s World Cup after beating Ghana
Malawi beat Ghana 2-1 at WAFCON 2026 to reach its first FIFA Women’s World Cup. The result completed a rise visible across regional competition, youth pathways and two generations of scorers.
Trump backs Infantino as FIFA’s internal revolt deepens
Donald Trump has backed Gianni Infantino as UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf deepen their challenge to FIFA’s leadership. The institutional rupture is documented, but reported rival-competition talks remain preliminary and unconfirmed.
Ayyoub Bouaddi reportedly agrees Manchester City terms as Lille talks continue
Ayyoub Bouaddi has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City, but talks with Lille over a fee and transfer structure remain ongoing.
Mauricio Pochettino agrees USMNT extension through 2030
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to remain USMNT head coach through 2030, with an expanded role after the United States’ 2026 World Cup run.
Erling Haaland meets Michael Jordan as Jordan Brand expands in football
Haaland’s photograph with Michael Jordan arrives after his seven-goal World Cup and as Jordan Brand expands through Brazil and football.
FIFA puts a 64-team World Cup on a four-week clock
The expansion hasn’t been approved. FIFA has opened an accelerated study that could reshape the 2030 tournament and its commercial future.
Franco Baresi, the defender who organized AC Milan’s rise, dies at 66
Across 719 matches and 15 seasons as captain, Baresi guided Milan from Serie B to the top of Europe and returned from knee surgery to captain Italy in Pasadena.
What Mexico City’s 500-pitch World Cup claim actually covers
Mexico City says it built or rehabilitated 500 community football facilities for the World Cup, but the public record does not yet provide one reconciled inventory.