Fulham are close to finalizing a $42 million deal to sign U.S. men’s national team star forward Ricardo Pepi, sources tell GOAL. The move is expected to go through ahead of the summer transfer window after two-consecutive January windows of near misses for the PSV striker, who now looks poised to make a switch to the Premier League.

FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with YouTube ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at revolutionising how the tournament reaches a digital-first audience. The deal will allow official rights holders to leverage the world’s largest video platform to showcase live action and classic content to fans across the globe.

Mauricio Pochettino has named a 27-player U.S. men's national team roster ahead of upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. The Argentine manager's selections offer insight into what a World Cup squad could look like, as these two matches will be the final games before he selects his final team for this summer's tournament.

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

Tottenham were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage on Wednesday after falling to Atletico Madrid 7-5 on aggregate, albeit they won 3-2 in the second leg back in north London. Spurs' mauling in the Spanish capital last week meant they had a mountain to climb on home soil, and they ultimately gave themselves too much to do despite a spirited performance.

Alyssa Thompson's brilliant header and Lexi Potter's first Women's Super League goal allowed Chelsea to open up a four-point cushion inside the Champions League spots on Wednesday with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton. Amid growing injury concerns, Sonia Bompastor could only name two senior outfield players on her bench and the Seagulls gave her side plenty to worry about as they coped with a short turnaround from Sunday's League Cup final victory. But as was the case at the weekend, Chelsea showed all their experience to get a vital win.

Newcastle saw their Champions League dreams ended at the last 16 stage by a rampant Barcelona on Wednesday. Two goals from Anthony Elanga in the first half had given the Magpies hope of pulling off a famous result, but Eddie Howe's side fell apart in the second half to eventually lose 7-2 on a tough night in Catalunya.

Hardly any other player embodies VfB Stuttgart’s meteoric rise under manager Sebastian Hoeneß – from relegation candidates to a top-flight club – more than Maximilian Mittelstädt. Yet this summer, the success story faces a bittersweet conclusion.