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Not affiliated with FIFA. “World Cup” is used descriptively. No official emblems, logos, mascots or trophies are used. Predictions are free, for entertainment and bragging rights only — no entry fees, stakes, cash or prizes.

© 2026 Kickoff XI. Made for football.

News — World Cup 2026

The Kickoff desk

News & Analysis

712 stories published

Guides, explainers and analysis for the first 48-team World Cup. Every story is human-reviewed, sourced and bylined.

Human-reviewed
Sourced & bylined
Updated through kickoff

Premier League’s summer spending spree reveals the cost of

With the Premier League’s summer window still open and the World Cup on the horizon, clubs are splashing cash to close gaps at the top. But is the spending sustainable—or just a short-term fix?

Kickoff EditorialJuly 31, 20261 min read

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Bruno Guimarães Nears Arsenal Move as Newcastle Manager Departs

Arsenal are reportedly close to completing a significant deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães, with the midfielder eager to join the Premier League champions. The transfer saga has taken a new turn with the unexpected departure of Newcastle's head coach, Eddie Howe.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 30, 2026

Arsenal Eyeing Vinícius Júnior Amid Contract Stalemate

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a sensational move for Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior if contract negotiations fail to reach an agreement.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 29, 2026

Vinícius Júnior Saga Continues: Arsenal's Interest Remains High

Arsenal are reportedly pushing hard to sign Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, but the player's contract situation with the Spanish giants remains a significant hurdle. Real Madrid have presented a new offer, while Arsenal are prepared to make a record-breaking bid.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 28, 2026

Man Utd Confirm Margetson Signing Amidst Busy Transfer Window

Manchester United have officially announced the signing of young goalkeeper Kit Margetson, marking their fourth acquisition of the summer. The club continues to be linked with several midfield targets as the transfer window intensifies.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 27, 2026

Maxence Lacroix Undergoes Chelsea Medical Amid £52m Transfer

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix for a reported £52 million. The French international is undergoing his medical as Xabi Alonso looks to bolster the Blues' backline.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 24, 2026

Lucas Digne Completes PSG Return in Major Summer Transfer

Paris Saint-Germain have officially sealed the return of French international left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 21, 2026

Jadon Sancho Eyes Dortmund Return in Summer 2026

Jadon Sancho reportedly gives 'approval in principle' for a permanent move back to Borussia Dortmund in summer 2026, seeking to revive his career.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 19, 2026

Inter Intensify Spence Pursuit After Double Transfer Blow

Inter Milan are reportedly making Tottenham's Djed Spence their top right-back target, with Spurs demanding €30-40m, following two failed transfer attempts to bolster their defence.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 19, 2026

Ederson Commits to Atalanta, Ending Manchester United Transfer

Brazilian midfielder Ederson has signed a new long-term contract with Atalanta, definitively ending speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano confirms.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 17, 2026

Juventus Snatch Zeki Celik in Shock Roma Hijack

Juventus have secured the signing of Turkish international Zeki Celik on a free transfer, dramatically hijacking a deal Roma believed was done, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the move.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 16, 2026

Arsenal Secure Christos Tzolis in €40m Deal, Ornstein Confirms

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Club Brugge for Greek winger Christos Tzolis, with David Ornstein confirming a €40 million deal as the Gunners bolster their attacking options.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 16, 2026

Arsenal Prioritise Julian Alvarez Amidst Gyokeres Swap Deal

Arsenal reportedly identify Julian Alvarez as their top summer transfer target, exploring a potential swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres. Atletico Madrid seeks a substantial fee for the Argentine striker.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 16, 2026

Man Utd Secure Tielemans & Santos, But Winger Chase Hits Snag

Manchester United confirm midfield signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville faces competition from AS Roma.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 15, 2026

Romano Confirms Tielemans 'Here We Go' as United Finalise

Manchester United are on the brink of completing their second major midfield signing of the summer, with Youri Tielemans set for a medical today.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 14, 2026

Arsenal Agree Terms with Bruno Guimarães; Trossard Nears

Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while Leandro Trossard is on the verge of joining Besiktas for €20 million.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 13, 2026

Tielemans to Manchester United: Red Devils Secure Midfield

Manchester United have decisively moved to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, activating his £35m release clause following a rapid midfield overhaul this summer.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 13, 2026

Jadon Sancho Departs Manchester United on Free Transfer

Jadon Sancho's turbulent five-year spell at Manchester United has officially come to an end, with the club confirming his departure as a free agent.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 12, 2026

Ederson Saga Continues: Man Utd Deal Not Off, Say Club Sources

Manchester United's £38m move for Ederson is in fresh doubt after conflicting reports emerged, with club sources denying the deal is off despite medical concerns.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 12, 2026

Man Utd on Verge of €103m Triple Signing: Santos, Ederson

Manchester United are reportedly close to securing their first three signings of the summer transfer window, with Andrey Santos, Ederson, and Karl Darlow all nearing moves to Old Trafford.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 12, 2026

AC Milan Bolster Defence with Official Mario Gila Signing

AC Milan have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish central defender Mario Gila from Lazio in a €30m deal, strengthening their backline for the upcoming Serie A season and beyond.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 11, 2026

Inter Milan Secure Anan Khalaili in Landmark €30m Deal

Inter Milan have officially secured the signing of Israeli wing-back Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for a fee potentially rising to €30m, a significant move confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio, marking a new chapter for the Serie A champions.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 10, 2026

Arsenal Close In On Bruno Guimarães Amid Transfer Frenzy

Arsenal reportedly agree personal terms with Bruno Guimarães as Manchester United finalise Andrey Santos deal and Liverpool appoint new coach.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 10, 2026

Ethan Nwaneri Signs New Five-Year Deal with Arsenal

Arsenal secures future of young star Ethan Nwaneri with a new five-year contract, committing him to the club until 2030.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 8, 2026

Man Utd Midfield Overhaul: Tchouameni Deal Nears, Fernandes

Manchester United are reportedly close to securing Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid for £70 million, while Mateus Fernandes' future remains undecided amid strong interest from Tottenham.

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

AC Milan’s Calvelli gamble: can the new CEO turn the Rossoneri

Massimo Calvelli’s appointment as AC Milan CEO arrives with the club chasing Pulisic and under pressure to revive a fading European giant. What does it mean for the club’s next transfer cycle?

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

Real Madrid’s midfield gamble: Camavinga’s exit fuels frenzy

Madrid’s block on new signings until a midfielder departs has reshaped the transfer market, with Tchouameni and Camavinga now central to the club’s summer plans.

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

Real Madrid Issues Rare Official Denial Over Michael Olise

Real Madrid has taken the unusual step of issuing an official statement denying any contact with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, effectively quelling persistent transfer speculation.

Kickoff EditorialJune 22, 2026

Liverpool Secure Victor Muñoz for €40m, Yan Diomande Pursuit

Liverpool have completed their first signing under Andoni Iraola, bringing in Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz for €40 million, while continuing their pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.

Kickoff EditorialJune 20, 2026

Bernardo Silva Completes Shock Free Transfer to Real Madrid

Portuguese maestro Bernardo Silva has officially joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, ending his glittering nine-year spell at Manchester City and becoming a key piece in José Mourinho's new era at the Bernabéu.

Kickoff EditorialJune 18, 2026

Manchester United Lead Race for Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United are leading the race to sign West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, despite interest from Arsenal

Kickoff EditorialJune 15, 2026

Latest

1Ancelotti Signals End of an Era for Brazil as Neymar Retires
2Bruno Guimarães Nears Arsenal Move as Newcastle Manager Departs
3Manchester City Leads Opposition to Premier League's £1.5bn EFL
4Manchester City Confirm Rodri Undergoes Minor Back Surgery
5Post-World Cup 2026: 17 Managers Depart, FIFA Investigates

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