West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned on December 16, 2025, after widespread chaos and mismanagement marred Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has temporarily assumed the sports portfolio, and an inquiry into the incident is underway.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly considering a massive €10 billion offer to acquire Spanish football club Barcelona. The potential bid, aligning with Saudi Arabia's sports investment strategy, faces significant hurdles due to Barcelona's unique member-owned 'socio' governance model and its recent financial recovery.
Women's World Cup champion Spain has solidified its position as the world's top team, widening its points lead over the second-placed United States in the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings, updated on December 11, 2025. Spain now holds 2094.891 points.
Deportes Concepción achieved a historic promotion to Chile's Primera División after 17 years, defeating Cobreloa 3-2 in a thrilling Liguilla de Ascenso final. Nelson Sepúlveda's injury-time goal sealed the 4-3 aggregate victory in Calama, marking a significant milestone for 'El León de Collao' after years of institutional challenges.
Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti has described the Seleção's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C as 'difficult' after the draw placed them alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. The draw, held in Washington, D.C., sets the stage for Brazil's campaign against a semi-finalist from the last World Cup, a returning European side, and a Caribbean nation making its second appearance.
Defending champions Argentina have learned their opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and first-time participant Jordan. The draw, held in Washington, D.C., marks the beginning of the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Charlotte, North Carolina, will welcome the United States Men's National Team for a friendly match on May 31, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium. This 'Allstate Continental Clásico' will serve as a crucial preparatory fixture for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the opponent yet to be announced. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
A massive celebration for Flamengo's fourth Copa Libertadores title in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, November 30, 2025, devolved into clashes between fans and military police. The confrontations involved tear gas, rubber bullets, and objects thrown by supporters, resulting in reported injuries.
Wrexham AFC has been awarded nearly £18 million in non-repayable grants from the Welsh government, channeled through the local council. The funding, intended for the redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground and the wider Wrexham Gateway project, has sparked debate given the club's high-profile Hollywood ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Liechtenstein national football team suffered a significant 7-0 defeat against Belgium in their final World Cup qualification match on November 18, 2025. The match, held at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, saw Belgium secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, with Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere each scoring twice.
Inter Miami CF, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, secured their first-ever MLS Eastern Conference Championship with a dominant 5-1 victory over New York City FC. The win, featuring a Tadeo Allende hat-trick and a crucial Messi assist, propels Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final, marking a significant milestone for the club.
Portugal's U17 national football team defeated Austria 1-0 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final in Doha on November 27, 2025, securing their first-ever title. Austria earned the vice-world champion title after a historic run to their first World Cup final.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized Real Madrid during an event in Andorra la Vella on Friday, November 28, 2025. He accused their rivals of 'Barcelonitis' and attempting to influence referees, responding to recent comments by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez regarding the 'Negreira Case' and alleged historical referee favoritism.
The Football Association of Ireland, alongside the FAs of England, Scotland, and Wales, has officially submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2035. The 'All Together' bid proposes 22 stadiums across 16 cities, aiming to be the largest single-sport event ever in the UK and foster a lasting legacy for women's football. FIFA's decision is expected in April 2026.
FIFA has officially announced the draw pots for the expanded 2026 World Cup, setting the stage for the group stage draw on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The tournament will feature 48 teams across 12 groups, with host nations and top-ranked teams, including Brazil, headlining Pot 1.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, scored a breathtaking bicycle kick in the 96th minute for Al Nassr, securing a 4-1 win against Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. This stunning goal contributed to Al Nassr's perfect start to the season.
Inter Miami CF has reached the MLS Eastern Conference Final for the first time in club history, set to face New York City FC on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Chase Stadium. The winner will advance to the 2025 MLS Cup final.
Boca Juniors defeated Talleres de Córdoba 2-0 at La Bombonera on November 23, 2025, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Argentine Primera División Clausura tournament. Miguel Ángel Merentiel scored both goals, with Agustín Marchesín saving a crucial penalty for Boca.
Italy's U-17 national football team secured a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinals on November 21, 2025, in Qatar. Thomas Campaniello scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, sending Italy to the semifinals for the first time in 38 years.
Suriname has secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament, set to take place in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, from March 23 to 31, 2026. They will join Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, and New Caledonia in vying for two remaining World Cup berths. Suriname will face Bolivia in a semi-final match.
