Bilbao re-sign defender Laporte after FIFA approval
Athletic Bilbao have signed Aymeric Laporte from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr after FIFA approved the transfer of the Spanish defender, the LaLiga club said
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FIFA receives 1.5 million World Cup ticket applications in 24 hours
More than 1.5 million ticket applications from fans in 210 countries have been received by FIFA within 24 hours of the presale draw for the 2026 World Cup being launched, the governing body of world soccer said on Thursday.
Promoted Hamburg brace for tough return to Bayern Munich
MUNICH: Once a Bundesliga highlight, Bayern Munich’s first home game against promoted Hamburg SV in seven years lacks the top billing of the past but still holds promise for lots of goals — at least for the home side. Long before the six-time German champions were relegated to the second division for the first time in their history in 2018, Hamburg had become Bayern’s punching bag in Munich, conceding a total of 50 goals in their last eight trips to Allianz Arena. The wave of exhilaration that accompanied Hamburg’s return to the top division has subsided after two Bundesliga games, with the former European champions drawing one and losing the other. They have yet to score or create a single scoring chance in either of the two matches so far, according to Bundesliga statistics. Losing the Hamburg derby to visitors St. Pauli just before the international break dampened spirits further but despite their rough return to the Bundesliga, coach Merlin Polzin said his team were looking forward to Saturday. “We’re incredibly excited about this match,” he added.
Veteran Mexico goalkeeper Ochoa joins Cyprus’ Limassol
MEXICO CITY: Veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa on Thursday signed for Cypriot club AEL Limassol in a bid to prove his fitness to go to a sixth World Cup next year. The 40-year-old played for AVS in the Portuguese topflight last season, helping the club avoid relegation.
Mexico City's Azteca stadium box holders get automatic World Cup access
MEXICO CITY :Box and suite holders at Mexico City's Azteca stadium, also known as Estadio Banorte, will have free access to 2026 World Cup matches after they reached an agreement with FIFA, the stadium's owners said.
UEFA ExCo puts brakes on planned Barcelona game in Miami - ESPN
The UEFA Executive Committee on Thursday delayed making a decision on the request from the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) to clear a Villarreal-Barcelona LaLiga match for Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
FIFA U-turn allows Athletic Bilbao to sign Laporte
BILBAO: Athletic Bilbao will sign Aymeric Laporte after world football governing body FIFA changed their stance on Thursday. The Basque side tried to bring in the Spanish defender from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on Sept. 1 but the move was not completed before the transfer deadline. FIFA last week rejected a request from the Spanish football federation (RFEF) to make an exception for Laporte’s move, but Athletic said the RFEF request has now been granted after they sought to overturn the decision.
World Cup ticket draw off to frustrating start, but plenty of time left in pre-sale
It was clear would-be ticket-buyers were going to need a big dose of luck to be successful in FIFA's 2026 World Cup lottery. Day 1 of the Visa pre-sale showed plenty of patience was needed as well.