William Saliba will miss an extended period after suffering a back injury at the World Cup with France. The 25-year-old required specialist review and will undergo a managed recovery programme rather than surgery.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Football analyst Kojo Addae-Mensah says coach Carlos Queiroz exceeded expectations at the World Cup by guiding Ghana to the knockout round and drawing with England, but warns that his defensive tactical philosophy will not change and Ghanaians should accept formations like 5-4-1 if they want to retain him.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Anthony Taylor, 47, has retired from refereeing after 20 years and 831 matches, with his final game Spain's 1-0 World Cup win over Portugal on 6 July. Taylor officiated 432 Premier League matches and 163 international games across two decades.
22 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has claimed his team represented their nation "in the best possible way" during the World Cup, despite being sent off in their 1-0 final loss to Spain after extra time in New Jersey. Members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players celebrating their victory, prompting FIFA's disciplinary committee to appoint a prosecutor to assess the incidents.
22 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Bournemouth have rejected a £64m offer from Chelsea for midfielder Alex Scott and told the Blues no further approaches would be welcomed, insisting they intend to keep the 22-year-old star player despite his rejection of a new contract offer.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Chelsea are interested in signing England defender John Stones on a free transfer after he departed Manchester City, joining Inter Milan in considering the 32-year-old. The west London club are also in talks to sign Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix while looking to sell central defenders including Trevoh Chalobah.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Emi Martinez says he is considering whether it is "time to step aside" from international football after Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain. The 33-year-old has won 67 caps and was a 2022 World Cup winner and two-time Yashin Trophy recipient.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →