France

France coach Deschamps backing Dembele for Ballon d'Or

Didier Deschamps expects the Paris St Germain players to be ready after their Champions League success when France take on Spain in the Nations League semifinals, with the manager also backing Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d'Or.

‘Darkak’ secures two international film festival nods

Independent Bangladeshi filmmaker Zayed Siddiki’s short film “Darkak” has officially been selected for competition at two prestigious international film festivals in France and Canada.

Injured Thuram out of France squad against Croatia

Thuram, capped 29 times with two goals scored, was the only one of Didier Deschamps' 24 players called up for this week's games to miss Monday's open training session at Clairefontaine, outside Paris.

Mbappe to return to France squad in March, Deschamps says

Captain Kylian Mbappe will return to the French national team in March for their Nations League quarter-final matches against Croatia, head coach Didier Deschamps said on Friday.

Top 5 destinations for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at iconic global destinations: Sydney offers fireworks and cruises, Paris enchants with festivities by the Eiffel Tower, Bangkok dazzles with countdowns, Goa celebrates with beach parties, and Reykjavik features northern lights and Nordic traditions.

France hijab bans in sports 'discriminatory': UN experts

United Nations rights experts on Monday slammed decisions in France barring women and girls who wear the Muslim headscarf from sports competitions as "discriminatory", demanding they be reversed.

Seeking thrills? These 7 Halloween destinations will haunt your dreams!

If you are ready to spice up your spooky seasons, here is a guide to some of the best Halloween experiences around the world. No matter your Halloween style, each destination mentioned offers a unique way to celebrate the spooky season, combining tradition, thrill, and festivity. Pick your adventure and be prepared for a Halloween like no other!

Henry proud of 'magical' France side despite defeat in Olympic final

France coach Thierry Henry described his team's Olympic performance as "magical" despite their agonising extra-time defeat against Spain in the men's football final on Friday.

FIFA says opening probe into Argentina players' racist chants

FIFA said on Wednesday it was opening an investigation into racist chants by Argentina players after they won the Copa America.

December 19, 2022
December 19, 2022

France coach Deschamps rues 'cruel' World Cup final defeat

France coach Didier Deschamps said the way his team lost Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina was "cruel" after they came from behind twice over the course of the game only to succumb in a penalty shoot-out.

December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022

Is Cristiano supporting Messi in the World Cup final?

Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer at the World Cup, although that doesn't mean he no longer has an interest in who takes the new world throne, which will be decided between France and Argentina.

December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022

Martinez says Kylian Mbappe 'doesn't know enough about football'

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez criticised Kylian Mbappe over old comments the France striker made about the quality of South American football.

December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022

Injured Pogba sends message to his France team mates before World Cup final

France midfielder Paul Pogba sent his team-mates a video message ahead of Sunday's showdown with Argentina.

December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022

'Greatest-ever' Messi powering underdogs Argentina: Martinez

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says the South Americans are happy to be underdogs as they prepare to face defending champions France in the World Cup final on Sunday.

December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022

France battle to stop spread of virus on eve of World Cup final

Didier Deschamps said Saturday that France were taking "as many precautions as possible" to stop the spread of a virus that is threatening preparations for their World Cup final showdown with Argentina.

December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022

Mbappe’s star power looms large in home city Bondy

As French soccer star Kylian Mbappe gears up for the World Cup final on Sunday in Qatar, the striker's presence is also felt strongly in Bondy, the unassuming satellite city of Paris where he grew up.

December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022

Argentina's 'spider' man Alvarez, the pride of his village

Julian Alvarez has been a revelation for Argentina at the World Cup but back in his tiny home village the player nicknamed "Spider" is celebrated for his humility and hailed as a "hero" and "ambassador".

December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022

Deschamps clears the air over Benzema situation

Despite rumours swirling around that Karim Benzema might make a late return to join the France squad following his recovery from injury, coach Didier Deschamps, speaking in his last pre-match press conference at this World Cup, made it clear he wasn’t focusing on anyone he has at his disposal at the moment.

December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022

After heart illness, referee Marciniak all smiles ahead of World Cup final

Szymon Marciniak will be the first referee from Poland to officiate a World Cup final when France take on Argentina on Sunday, a dream come true for the Pole who was forced to step away from his duties a year ago due to a heart illness.