Football
Growth
Carla Ward's two group campaigns have been like night and day
‘This group can get better and better,’ says Ireland boss.
time for action
This World Cup needs the magic of the Azteca to act as catalyst for its salvation
The 2026 edition gets underway when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in Group A.
Wednesday
10 Jun
Centre stage
Fifa president says fans should be happy to watch World Cup for free on TV - 'We could make $30bn'
Gianni Infantino delivers another self-serving address on eve of tournament getting underway.
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Jun 10
The Football Family
World Cup Voices Ep.1 - The Zulu prince and GAA in Mexico
David Sneyd and The 42 have officially arrived at the World Cup. In the first episode of this new series, David chats to South Africa fan Prince Bosu, as well as members of Mexican GAA club San Patricios.
24m
2026 world cup
David Alejandro Rojina Reyes: The untold story of Bray Wanderers’ unlikely Mexican man
Chris Shields, Eddie Gormley and Pat Devlin recall the defender’s brief stint at the Carlisle Grounds.
Looking Forward
'I don't think it's going to be a free hit' - O'Sullivan's focus turns to play-offs amid Cork calls
on the ground
Mexico City gripped by protests and blockades with World Cup about to get underway
In a city where it feels like the walls are closing in, Fifa president Gianni Infantino takes centre stage acting like a man without a care in the world.
Onwards
'We'll come back stronger and better': Ireland's play-off route to 2027 World Cup - and potential opponents
Tuesday
9 Jun
Carla Ward
'To be disappointed to get beat in this position shows a hell of a lot of how far we've come'
Nations League
Moving Ireland-Israel game to Hungary simply removes right to protest, activists argue
The football association is expected to announce its decision on Thursday.
Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats are tabling motions in the Dáil calling for the game to be called off.
The Stop the Game campaign has threatened a judicial review over the "collective failure" to stop the fixtures from going ahead.
Scenic Route
England defeat Ukraine but must go to play-offs as Netherlands take second in Ireland's group
Match Report
Ireland must settle for World Cup play-offs after more Malard magic in France
Les Bleues were reduced to 10 in the second half, but held on for automatic qualification.
match preview
Anything is possible as Ireland within touching distance of ultimate World Cup dream
Carla Ward’s side face France in Grenoble, with automatic qualification for Brazil 2027 on the line.
Getting closer
A love letter and a lament to football on the eve of the World Cup
For most of us, the game is a daily, weekly, ritual that blends into one so as to feel eternal.
Monday
8 Jun
