Manager’s early seasons were far from plain sailing but insiders credit club’s owners for staying the courseIt didn’t start well for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. On a crisp December night in 2019 at about 1am in a Manchester suburb, Vinai Venkatesham stepped out of Arteta’s home. The Arsenal managing director looked around, satisfied with his meeting. Arteta had just outlined a “hugely impressive” five-year plan to rebuild a club reeling from Arsène Wenger’s departure and Unai Emery’s failed succession. Venkatesham stepped into his car and was driven away with his colleague Huss Fahmy.The club were about to take a huge gamble, but one with which they were increasingly comfortable. For many Arsenal executives, Arteta had won the interview round in 2018 when Wenger left. Yet it seemed too much to ask a 36-year-old rookie to manage a seismic transition and Emery had pedigree and experience; Arteta had charisma and a strong playing record. Continue reading...
Saints are appealing against expulsion and deductionWindass: story ‘one of the maddest I’ve seen’The Wrexham forward Josh Windass has called for the Championship playoffs to be started again, with his team involved, after Southampton’s expulsion on Tuesday. Saints were removed from the post-season competition by an independent commission after admitting to three spying offences, including against Middlesbrough, their playoff semi-final opponents.Southampton have confirmed they will appeal against the sanctions imposed, with a league arbitration panel being convened on Thursday. The panel could uphold the original decision or reinstate Saints, who also had four points docked for next season. Continue reading...
Where do you start with Liverpool? "They are very poor in possession and very poor out of possession," said Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports pre-match. Bar the spark of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and Virgil van Dijk from set-pieces, Liverpool struggled attackingly.
Verdict: Roma win Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: Olympusbet In a showdown between two of Europe’s most fierce rivals, Roma and Lazio will meet at their shared home of the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday lunchtime. Roma Starting with Roma, while the Wolves might have endured a stuttering start when opening up 2026, Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-flying […] The post Prediction: Roma vs Lazio – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 40 days away, one of the tournament’s most discussed questions has now received a clear answer from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 40 days away, one of the tournament’s most discussed questions has now received a clear answer from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Speaking during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino addressed growing speculation surrounding Iran’s place in the competition and its scheduled matches on American soil. With the tournament set to span three countries, the logistical complexity has become part of the narrative. Every national team must navigate travel, scheduling, and coordination across borders, making this edition unlike any before. Within that context, clarity from FIFA has been crucial as the countdown continues. This year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to redefine the global game. The competition will feature an expanded 48-team format, bringing more nations into the spotlight and increasing the number of matches across North America. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament demands unprecedented coordination. Teams, officials, and fans will move between venues across all three countries, creating a unique World Cup experience that stretches beyond a single host nation. Detailed view of the 2026 World Cup trophy What did Infantino say about Iran? Infantino used his address to remove uncertainty and confirm that Iran will officially participate in the 2026 World Cup and play its matches in the United States as scheduled. His remarks signaled FIFA’s determination to keep the competition on its planned course while ensuring that all qualified national team members remain part of the event. “Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “And the reason for that is very simple: we have to unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility.” The statement effectively removed any lingering uncertainty. It reinforced FIFA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tournament structure, regardless of external pressures. The governing body had previously rejected requests to alter match locations. The schedule remains unchanged, ensuring that every qualified national team competes under the same framework established for the tournament. Iran’s Group Stage schedule takes shape Iran has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, setting up a competitive path in the early stages of the tournament. Its campaign is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles, where it will face New Zealand before taking on Belgium at the same venue. The group stage will conclude in Seattle against Egypt, offering a mix of styles and challenges for the national team. FIFA World Cup 2026 groups. The expanded 48-team format means more matches, more host venues, and a longer competition than previous editions. FIFA believes the 2026 event can set new records for attendance, global reach, and commercial success.
