Filipina-Spanish Alexia Blanco Llacuno is thrilled to be called up and represent the Philippine women’s national football team in future competitions. The 23-year-old’s talent was on full display during the Filipinas’ identification camp led by head coach Mark Torcaso in Orange County,...
Coca-Cola Philippines continues its commitment in harnessing local football talents through various initiatives in the grassroots level following its all-out support to the Filipinas during the FIFA Women’s World Cup last July. The beverage giant organized a football exhibition on Saturday, Dec....
PARIS (AFP) -- Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were named as finalists for the FIFA best players of the year awards by world football's governing body on Thursday, Dec. 14. Argentina's Lionel Messi (below) and Aitana Bonmati of Spain (AFP) Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or...
PARIS (AFP) -- FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Tuesday, Dec. 12, called the attack on a Turkish football referee by the president of top-flight club Ankaragucu "totally unacceptable." FIFA chief Gianni Infantino (AFP) The Turkish football federation suspended all leagues indefinitely after...
LONDON (AFP) -- Disgraced former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales behaved inappropriately towards England players after the Women's World Cup final, according to Football Association chairwoman Debbie Hewitt. Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales (AFP) World...
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) -- Lionel Messi is not ruling out another bid for World Cup glory with Argentina in 2026 despite acknowledging that time is working against him. Argentina's Lionel Messi (AFP) Messi, who recently won his eighth Ballon d'Or, raised the World Cup almost a year ago after starring...
MADRID (AFP) -- The judge leading an investigation into former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final trophy ceremony has pushed back the footballer's hearing to January. Jenni Hermoso (AFP) Rubiales eventually resigned over the issue --...
LAUSANNE (AFP) -- FIFA on Friday, Nov. 24, confirmed disciplinary proceedings have been opened into the football federations of Brazil and Argentina after a brawl delayed the start of a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. Tuesday's match in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium, which world champions...
MADRID (AFP) -- Jenni Hermoso was summoned on Wednesday, Nov. 22, by the judge investigating the events surrounding the then Spanish federation chief Luis Rubiales kissing her at the Women's World Cup final trophy ceremony. Spain's Jenni Hermoso (AFP) Rubiales eventually resigned over the issue --...
NEW YORK (AFP) -- A set of six jerseys that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup run will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced on Monday, Nov. 20, estimating their value at more than $10 million. This undated photo courtesy of Sotheby's shows Lionel Messi's set of...
TOKYO (AFP) -- Japan suffered a blow on the eve of World Cup qualifying as Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma ruled out with injury, the football association said on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Brighton's Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma (AFP) The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for his country...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- "Matilda" was picked as Australia's word of the year on Wednesday, Nov. 15, after the national football team's historic run to the semifinals of their home Women's World Cup. Australia's Matildas (AFP) Nicknamed the "Matildas", the team were front- and back-page news in Australia in...
