THE FOOTBALL BRIEFING

Football news & analysis

Asian football

The AFC has confirmed the opening pairing. Here are the tournament’s key dates, host cities and the difference between friendlies and finals.

October 26, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

European football

England–Croatia, Italy–France and Spain–England headline the final league-phase window. Here is a practical guide to the dates and stakes.

October 26, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

World football

A 48-team youth World Cup is coming to Qatar. The key dates, Morocco’s Group H opponents and a practical way to follow the games.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

Asian football

Seven places, five matchdays and a busy November: how to follow Asia’s U17 qualifying groups without confusing them with the Qatar World Cup.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

Australia and New Zealand football

New Zealand’s derby and Adelaide’s Original Rivalry headline a selected calendar of upcoming A-League Men matches, with December dates to follow.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

North American football

A practical calendar for the MLS postseason, with the best-of-three format explained and the distinction between series wins and aggregate goals.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

South American football

Two semifinal shootouts have set up Palmeiras against Estudiantes at the Centenario. The date is confirmed, while kick-off remains to be announced.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

World football

Three December matches, two Qatar stadiums and one unresolved route to PSG. A clear guide to the Intercontinental Cup’s concluding programme.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

European football

Getafe–Brighton, Hearts–Monaco and a six-match league phase: a practical guide to the Conference League’s two November evenings.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT

Champions League

Two goals, an assist and an influential pressing moment made Nico Paz central to Como’s Champions League victory.

October 24, 2026 · ABDELLAH BALRHOUAT