Deschamps recognises the flaws but goes easy on his reshaped French team
June 6 – French manager Didier Deschamps has praised his young side following their 5-4 defeat against Spain in the last four of the Nations League.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Trump’s travel ban creates FIFA dilemma as players face US immigration risks
June 6 – US President Donald Trump who loves nothing more that issuing executive orders has implemented another travel ban, though fine print includes a potential exemption for players, staff, and families associated with clubs participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, or 2028 Olympics.
A marriage made in monetary heaven but an outcome that is potentially hellish. PIF buys deeper into CWC
June 6 – Saudi Arabian money is underpinning FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup. With DAZN spending close to $1 billion on Club World Cup broadcast rights shortly after a $1 billion investment in the company by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), PIF has now splashed its cash again, this time becoming the main sponsor of the tournament that is currently looking a little unloved.
Jordan and Uzbekistan secure maiden World Cup final places, South Korea make it 11 in a row
June 6 – Three more Asian nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup with Jordan and Uzbekistan securing slots in the finals for the first time in their history.
South Korea also made sure of their place to make it an 11th successive qualification.
Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil to play its Campeón de Campeonas finale in the US
June 6 – For the first time Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil will host its season ending Campeón de Campeonas between the winners of the Liga MX Femenil champions of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments outside of Mexico in the US on July 16.
Volkswagen drives into Women’s Euro 2025 as Official Global Partner
June 6 – German automaker Volkswagen has been announced as an Official Global Partner for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, taking place across Switzerland from July 2-27.
Qatar Airways lands Club World Cup 2025 airline partnership
June 6 – Qatar Airways has been named the Official Airline Partner of the Club World Cup 2025, giving the airline prime visibility throughout the first edition of the 32-team tournament.
On yer bike Sir Dave, time to shift gears at Man United
June 6 – There’s never a dull day at Old Trafford—on or off the pitch—as the grand old club lurches from crisis to absurdity to seismic change. News now is that Sir Dave Brailsford is scaling back his role.
Atlético Madrid boldly go where no football club has gone before
June 6 – Space: the final frontier. And apparently, the next logical destination for Atlético Madrid’s membership drive given their lack of silverware this season.
Lidl Croatia agrees multi-year sponsorship of Croatian men’s team
June 6 – The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has agreed a sponsorship with Lidl Croatia who become the main sponsor of the men’s national team in a “multi-year” deal.
PGMOL name Puma as new official kit partner
June 6 – England’s match officials will be decked out in Puma kit following a multi-year deal agreed between the sportswear giant and the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL).
Nations League: Imperious Spain outclass France in 9-goal thriller
By Samindra Kunti, Stuttgart
June 5 – With a brace from teenage star Lamine Yamal, Spain outclassed France in a thrilling 5-4 victory to reach the final of the Nations League, retaining the chance to defend their title.
It’s as if Spain have never left centre stage. After a trophy-laden 2024 summer, La Roja returned to a competitive tournament with more barnstorming football and once again Yamal, who burst on to the world stage last year,
Ronaldo tap-in sends Portugal into Nations League finals
By Samindra Kunti in Munich
June 4 – With a second-half strike, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to a 2-1 victory against hosts Germany and a spot in the final of the Nations League.
Midea expands AFC global sponsorship to national team comps in multi-year deal
June 5 – Home appliances giant Midea has expanded its Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sponsorship to becoming a Global Supporter of the AFC’s national team competitions in a multi-year deal.
Yamal is world’s MVP at €402.3m, Haaland and Bellingham are next highest ranked
June 4 – Barcelona progidy Lamine Yamal, 18 years-old in July, is the most valuable player in world football, worth a full €162 million than second highest value Erling Haaland and €170 million more than Jude Bellingham.