Football Articles | Mail Online

• Belgium's Folarin Balogun appeal REJECTED by FIFA, clearing path for USA star to play World Cup game after Trump's intervention6 July 2026, 5:41 pm
  The World Cup descended into farce on Sunday after it emerged Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the one-match ban handed to USA striker Balogun.
  
• OLIVER HOLT: Why England's breathtaking and heroic victory amid the screaming energy of the Azteca was the greatest game of football I have ever seen6 July 2026, 5:41 pm
  OLIVER HOLT: Until one enchanted evening in Mexico City, I would have told you that the best match I had ever seen was the 2022 World Cup final, the 3-3 draw between Argentina and France.
  
• Portugal vs Spain - World Cup last 16 LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo and Co face toughest test yet in clash between two of the favourites6 July 2026, 5:41 pm
  Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of the latest updates as Portugal take on Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup in Dallas.
  
• Unlucky England star Jordan Henderson OUT of the World Cup after breaking his left wrist in freak accident during Azteca celebrations - but he will stay with Thomas Tuchel's team6 July 2026, 5:35 pm
  The 36-year-old slipped as he jumped over an advertising board during the celebrations following England's 3-2 win at the Azteca Stadium.
  
• Donald Trump attacks 'suspect' World Cup referee who sent off USA star Folarin Balogun before getting his ban overturned6 July 2026, 5:34 pm
  Speaking at the White House, the President offered no apologies for his unprecedented move but insisted he did not demand Balogun's ban was overturned.
  
• US World Cup analyst Alexi Lalas taunts Belgium on Folarin Balogun red card appeal after Trump's intervention6 July 2026, 5:04 pm
  Controversial Fox Sports soccer pundit Alexi Lalas gloated over the divisive reinstatement of United States striker Folarin Balogun for the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
  
• Sky Bet pays out £11.6m on England victory, with one punter turning £20 into £19,000 with incredible nine-leg Build-A-Bet6 July 2026, 4:49 pm
  Sky Bet paid out almost £12 million to winning customers after England's incredible victory over Mexico at the World Cup.
  
• Dave Portnoy demands that anti-Trump fans be 'deported' if they oppose FIFA's shock decision to clear Folarin Balogun for World Cup clash6 July 2026, 4:48 pm
  Sources have since confirmed to the Daily Mail that the decision was questioned by President Trump, who called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Balogun's red card.
  
• Aston Villa duo - including England hero - to hold contract talks before the new Premier League season in huge boost to Unai Emery's side6 July 2026, 4:32 pm
  TOM COLLOMOSSE: Villa are currently walking a tightrope to stay within UEFA spending rules. European football chiefs have effectively ruled that Villa cannot add significant players to their squad.
  
• Arsenal transfer briefing: Latest on Bradley Barcola and Morgan Rogers deals including the fees PSG and Villa want, the West Ham man and World Cup gems on radar, truth about Odegaard agent's talks and the players heading for the exit door6 July 2026, 4:31 pm
  Daily Mail Sport brings you the latest from inside the Arsenal camp - both who might come in and who might be expendable.
  
• Thomas Tuchel is a heavyweight, Champions League-winning manager in a way Gareth Southgate was not - and here's how the England boss proved it in the Azteca cauldron6 July 2026, 4:31 pm
  IAN LADYMAN IN MEXICO CITY: When the Football Association were looking for somebody to replace Gareth Southgate, they decided they needed a proven winner.
  
• Everton secure £18m signing of Tyrique George - as Sandro Tonali completes his move to Tottenham: WINDOW WATCH6 July 2026, 4:21 pm
  The transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today's latest developments...
  
• The devil's bargain behind FIFA's shock decision to let Folarin Balogun play exposed... just watch the exact moment all hell breaks loose: GAVIN NEWSHAM6 July 2026, 4:13 pm
  Ever since he became president of FIFA 2016, Gianni Infantino has been at pains to say how politics shouldn't have any place in soccer, despite regularly turning up at the Oval Office.
  
• Now Donald Trump showers more praise on 'great player' Harry Kane and says: 'I played golf with him and I like him a lot'6 July 2026, 4:08 pm
  Just hours after the Three Lions' triumphant 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca, the US President gave his reaction while speaking to reporters at the Oval Office.
  
• Trump ally mocks angry World Cup fans over Folarin Balogun U-turn after he held secret talks with FIFA and sat with Gianni Infantino at last USA game6 July 2026, 4:05 pm
  On an unprecedented day at the World Cup, FIFA sparked chaos by announcing 24 hours before USA's last-16 clash with Belgium that Balogun's red card has been rescinded.