Soccer
This month
December 2025
2026 vision
'The country is starting to believe that these young players can achieve greatness and get us to the World Cup'
Ireland assistant coach Paddy McCarthy feels qualification for the “promised land” is in sight with play-off preparation under way.
Waiting Game
Man Utd still unsure if Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui will be available for Bournemouth clash
AnalysisSoccer
Regret and recrimination yet reason to be optimistic for League of Ireland clubs in Europe
column
The proof that America has conquered football - Welcome to the Rip-Off World Cup
Here is another event separating us all according to the great hierarchy of wealth, telling many of us that, actually, this World Cup just isn’t for you.
Boost
Evan Ferguson stars as Roma beat Celtic
Meanwhile, it was a night to forget for Liam Scales, as the Irish international scored an own goal.
Uefa conference league
Crystal Palace a class above with first-half blitz to beat Shelbourne 3-0
Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino strike for the Premier League side as Reds’ exit is confirmed.
end of the line
Breidablik call an end to Shamrock Rovers’ European adventure
Graham Burke’s opener quickly cancelled out.
Explainer
Hoping to go to the World Cup? Here's how to try to get tickets
Fifa’s latest ticket sales window opens today and runs until 13 January.
Analysistalking point
Liverpool-bound? Xabi Alonso's days at Real Madrid look numbered
The manager has been left on the brink of an exit following tonight’s defeat at home to Man City.
Shels v Palace
'It's not words the lads will ever hear me speak about - fear in football... it's an absolute privilege'
Joey O’Brien knows his Shelbourne side need to beat Crystal Palace to have any chance of progressing in the Europa Conference League.
Treatment Table
Mikel Arteta denies overtraining Arsenal players as Max Dowman joins lengthy injury list
