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Soccer

Association football, known simply as football or soccer, is the most popular and most widely played sport in the world.

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All Content on this topic

Serge Gnabry cuts a dejected figure in Slovakia

Serge Gnabry cuts a dejected figure in Slovakia

Germany suffer shock World Cup qualifying loss to Slovakia

Germany's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Slovakia.

Jens Castrop sits on the bench in a Borussia Mönchengladbach training jersey and looks right of camera

Jens Castrop sits on the bench in a Borussia Mönchengladbach training jersey and looks right of camera

Naturalized player signals new era for South Korean football

Jens Castrop may become the first South Korea player to have switched nationality, but may have to do national service.

Erik ten Hag looking exasperated on the touchline

Erik ten Hag looking exasperated on the touchline

Bundesliga: Leverkusen sack coach ten Hag after two games

Ex-Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after only 62 days in charge and one loss.

Kimmich celebrates a goal against Italy in Dortmund

Kimmich celebrates a goal against Italy in Dortmund

Germany's road to 2026 World Cup begins: What to know

Germany are looking to win all six of their games this year and book their World Cup spot.

Woltemade celebrates after scoring a goal against Spain

Woltemade celebrates after scoring a goal against Spain

Nick Woltemade: Who is Germany's new Premier League star?

The young Germany striker, who was of great interest to Bayern Munich this summer, has left Stuttgart for Newcastle.

Bayern Munuch players link arms over each others shoulders as the celebrate in a line

Bayern Munuch players link arms over each others shoulders as the celebrate in a line

Bayern Munich send message with Bundesliga at crossroads

A new broadcast rights deal with content creators threatens to pit the country's fan culture against a new type of fan.

Sabir Bougrine celebrates his goal during the 2025 CAF African Nations Championship match between Morocco and Zambia

Sabir Bougrine celebrates his goal during the 2025 CAF African Nations Championship match between Morocco and Zambia

AfricaLink News: August 22

Five bodies recovered in Kenya in suspected cult deaths +++ Niger kills Boko Haram leader +++ CHAN quarterfinals

Two girls playing soccer in Bangladesh

Two girls playing soccer in Bangladesh

Village football academy helps Bangladesh women rise

The Rangatungi Academy, founded by one man in a remote part of the country, has helped many young girls.

Harry Kane dribbling the ball for Bayern Munich

Harry Kane dribbling the ball for Bayern Munich

Bundesliga: What you need to know for 2025-26

A new Bundesliga season means new stars and teams. What hasn't changed is that Bayern Munich are the favorites.

Ido Shahar (right) of Maccabi Tel-Aviv challenges Marcelina Emerson of Hamrun Spartans for the ball

Ido Shahar (right) of Maccabi Tel-Aviv challenges Marcelina Emerson of Hamrun Spartans for the ball

Why are Israel's football clubs playing in Serbia?

With Israeli clubs not permitted to play European games in their country, Serbia has become a second home. But why?

Christopher Antwi-Adjei speaking to an official

Christopher Antwi-Adjei speaking to an official

The ongoing fight against racism in German football stadiums

Racism reared its head in the German Cup, despite the efforts of the DFB, clubs and fan groups to combat the problem.

Mohun Bagan (green and red) in action against Bengaluru (pink) earlier this year.

Mohun Bagan (green and red) in action against Bengaluru (pink) earlier this year.

India: Footballers' union urges solution to league crisis

Football in India is mired in chaos and uncertainty with the new season currently on hold due to a rights dispute.

Schalke's Christopher Antwi-Adjei in his white-and-blue shirt

Schalke's Christopher Antwi-Adjei in his white-and-blue shirt

German Football Association investigating cup game racism

Two German Cup matches were briefly stopped over the weekend over alleged racist abuse.

Visit Rwanda board at Munich's Allianz Arena

Visit Rwanda board at Munich's Allianz Arena

Bayern Munich and Rwanda: A strategic climbdown?

At first glance, Bayern cutting commercial ties with Rwanda appears a rare moment of football morality. Is that true?

Lara Schenk and Quinn making a run

Lara Schenk and Quinn making a run

European women's soccer leagues 'can learn from NSL'

She may not be as big a name as Thomas Müller, but German footballer Laura Schenk is also plying her trade in Canada.

DW Transtel | 2025 | Angriff auf den Amateurfußball - Die Gier der Wettindustrie

DW Transtel | 2025 | Angriff auf den Amateurfußball - Die Gier der Wettindustrie

Exploiting amateur soccer

Betting on amateur soccer is prohibited in Germany under the Interstate Gambling Treaty.

Galatasaray's new signings Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane at their unveiling ceremony at RAMS Park Stadium in Istanbul.

Galatasaray's new signings Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane at their unveiling ceremony at RAMS Park Stadium in Istanbul.

Is Turkey becoming football's next Saudi Arabia?

Turkey's top clubs have been paying record transfer fees. But what's behind this spending spree, and is it sustainable?

Florian Wirtz in a Germany shirt looks ahead on June 8, 2025

Florian Wirtz in a Germany shirt looks ahead on June 8, 2025

Florian Wirtz wins German men's Footballer of the Year award

Germany's Giulia Gwinn and Ann-Katrin Berger also both earned 145 votes each to share the women's award.

Bayern Munich play a match in front of advertising hoarding that read 'Visit Rwanda'

Bayern Munich play a match in front of advertising hoarding that read 'Visit Rwanda'

Bayern Munich end Rwanda sponsorship after pressure

Bayern has ended its commercial deal with the tourism arm of the Rwandan government after pressure from fans and media.

Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller

Germany legend Thomas Müller signs for Vancouver Whitecaps

Thomas Müller's move to Canada is an unorthodox move for one of the best unorthodox players in football history.

Lassana Diarra in action for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014

Lassana Diarra in action for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014

The lawsuit that could change football

A new lawsuit aimed at FIFA and football associations including Germany’s could make big changes to transfers and wages.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a tumble during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a tumble during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match

Messi exits Inter Miami match early with hamstring injury

The team's manager said he has "hamstring discomfort" but the extent of the injury is not yet known.

Son Heung-min looks at a ball during a game between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in April 2024

Son Heung-min looks at a ball during a game between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in April 2024

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son to leave club after a decade

After more than 450 games and 170 goals, Spurs captain Son Heung-min is looking for "a new environment" to push himself.

Erich Grau, a middle-aged man, standing in a field wearing a football jersey

Erich Grau, a middle-aged man, standing in a field wearing a football jersey

American football: Living with brain damage

Erich Grau, one of the pioneers of American football in Germany, suffers from chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Nigeria's midfielder Rinsola Babajide is all smiles as she celebrates her team's victory, raising a Nigerian national flag with both hands above her head.

Nigeria's midfielder Rinsola Babajide is all smiles as she celebrates her team's victory, raising a Nigerian national flag with both hands above her head.

Nigeria wins women's Africa Football Cup of Nations

The win confirms the Super Falcons as the most successful women's team in Africa.

Footballer Luis Diaz poses in a Bayern Munich shirt following his transfer from Liverpool

Footballer Luis Diaz poses in a Bayern Munich shirt following his transfer from Liverpool

Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich: What does the Colombian offer?

Bayern have splashed out on a football player from England's Premier League, this time Luis Diaz from Liverpool.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

Nigeria's Super Falcons snatch victory from Morocco

Nigeria won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for a dominating 10th time, despite stiff competition.

England's women's football team lift the Euro 2025 trophy on a podium on the pitch

England's women's football team lift the Euro 2025 trophy on a podium on the pitch

Euro 2025 final: England beat Spain to win again

England retained the women's European Championship trophy after beating Spain on penalties.

Emilia Szymczak and Poland's defender #05 Oliwia Wos celebrate their 3-2 win over Denmark

Emilia Szymczak and Poland's defender #05 Oliwia Wos celebrate their 3-2 win over Denmark

Why was Poland the only eastern European team at Euro 2025?

Only one team from eastern Europe made it to Euro 2025. Why is the region struggling to compete in women's football?

Aitana Bonmati celebrates her winning goal for Spain

Aitana Bonmati celebrates her winning goal for Spain

Euro 2025: Germany lose to Spain in semifinal

After 113 minutes, Aitana Bonmati scored the winner to knock Germany out and put Spain in the final.

Ann-Katrin Berger kneels and stretches her arms out as her Germany teammates run towards her

Ann-Katrin Berger kneels and stretches her arms out as her Germany teammates run towards her

Euro 2025: Germany beat France to reach semifinals

Germany play Spain in the semifinal after a dramatic win against France, where Ann-Katrin Berger made the difference.

England players posing for a team photo ahead of a match

England players posing for a team photo ahead of a match

Euro 2025: Is ethnic diversity an issue?

Women's football champions tolerance, yet many squads lack the ethnic diversity often found in the men's and club game.

Ada Hegerberg in action for Norway at Euro 2025

Ada Hegerberg in action for Norway at Euro 2025

Euro 2025: The debate over Norway captain Ada Hegerberg

In Norway, a debate is raging about whether Ada Hegerberg should start. The star is taking the criticism in her stride.

Zambia's Barbra Banda (left) in action against Morocco

Zambia's Barbra Banda (left) in action against Morocco

WAFCON is thrilling fans but faces familiar problems

A year later than planned, the stars of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations are dazzling spectators in Morocco.

Chancellor Merz (right) and Vice Chancellor Klingbeil in the Bundestag

Chancellor Merz (right) and Vice Chancellor Klingbeil in the Bundestag

Germany's Constitutional Court becomes political football

The Bundestag was supposed to elect new judges to Germany's highest court. But the vote had to be canceled.

Gianni Infantino pats Chelsea goalkeeper on the back as he prepares to receive a golden glove trophy from Donald Trump while shaking hands

Gianni Infantino pats Chelsea goalkeeper on the back as he prepares to receive a golden glove trophy from Donald Trump while shaking hands

Club World Cup final: A win for Chelsea, FIFA and Trump

Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain to secure the Club World Cup. But the presidents of FIFA and the USA also won.

Carlotta Wamser covers her face with her shirt after being sent off for Germany at Euro 2025

Carlotta Wamser covers her face with her shirt after being sent off for Germany at Euro 2025

Euro 2025: Germany progress but have big problems

A shambolic 4-1 loss to Sweden did not stop Germany from qualifying but it did further reveal some serious issues.

DR Congo react to losing on penalties to South Africa

DR Congo react to losing on penalties to South Africa

Prospects for peace and World Cup lift mood in DR Congo

Hope in the DR Congo is fueled by a recent peace deal and the prospect of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Lea Schüller raises her arms to celebrate a goal for Germany at Euro 2025

Lea Schüller raises her arms to celebrate a goal for Germany at Euro 2025

Euro 2025: Schüller strikes again as Germany beat Denmark

Lea Schüller underlined her increased importance as Germany beat Denmark 2-1 to all-but qualify for the knockouts.

A fan holds up a photo post as he stands outside a church where the wake for Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and Andre Silva is being held.

A fan holds up a photo post as he stands outside a church where the wake for Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and Andre Silva is being held.

Mourners gather for football star Diogo Jota's wake

Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 25, were laid to rest in their Portuguese hometown after a tragic car crash.

Giulia Gwinn holds her left knee while lying on the pitch as Ewa Pajor kneels over her

Giulia Gwinn holds her left knee while lying on the pitch as Ewa Pajor kneels over her

Women's Euro 2025: Germany win but Gwinn injury casts shadow

A stunning strike from Jule Brand helped Germany open with a 2-0 win but an injury to the captain soured the victory.

Thomas Partey in action for Ghana during the 2022 World Cup

Thomas Partey in action for Ghana during the 2022 World Cup

Football: Ghana star Partey charged with rape in UK

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape. The Ghana star denies any wrongdoing.

Three Wales players celebrate a goal wearing red kit

Three Wales players celebrate a goal wearing red kit

Euro 2025: Plucky newcomer Wales to battle football's giants

Two decades ago, the Welsh women's team was prevented from playing for financial reasons. Now they're on the big stage.

Diogo Jota during a match

Diogo Jota during a match

Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain

Fans in Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother Andre in Spain.

Diogo Jota playing for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025

Diogo Jota playing for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025

Liverpool striker Diogo Jota dies in car crash

The 28-year-old Portuguese international and his brother died near Zamora, in the northwest of Spain.

Lea Schüller runs with armos outstreched in celebration during a Germany match

Lea Schüller runs with armos outstreched in celebration during a Germany match

Euro 2025: How is Germany shaping up?

A shock group stage exit at World Cup 2023 and several retirements mean a new look Germany face their first big test.

The Women's Euro 2025 trophy

The Women's Euro 2025 trophy

Women's Euro 2025: Zero tolerance for discrimination

Organizers of Euro 2025 in Switzerland plan to step up efforts to uphold human rights during the tournament.

The official women's Euro 2025 ball

The official women's Euro 2025 ball

Euro 2025: 5 things to know about the football tournament

Sixteen of Europe's premier women's national teams will compete for continental supremacy starting July 2.

Banner readinf "trans lives matter" in front of capitol in Washington

Banner readinf "trans lives matter" in front of capitol in Washington

Trans women banned from English women's football

Playing football has always been part of Natalie Washington's life. Now, she's been forced to hang up her cleats.

A young Ethiopian man looks into the camera, a stern expression on his face

A young Ethiopian man looks into the camera, a stern expression on his face

Homeless World Cup: Finding a place, in football and life

Mikiale Tsegay has dedicated his life to becoming a professional footballer. But he is homeless in London.