Chelsea eased into the FA Cup fifth round as Pedro Neto’s hat-trick inspired a 4-0 win at Hull on Liam Rosenior’s return to the club that sacked him two years ago. Rosenior’s side took the lead through Neto’s superb strike from 20 yards in the 40th minute, before the Portugal forward netted again, this time directly from a corner in the 51st minute, as the Hull goalkeeper was caught flat-footed. Estevao Willian scored Chelsea’s third (59th min) with a composed finish from 12 yards, before Neto completed his treble in the 71st minute by caressing a low finish into the net from Liam Delap’s lay-off. Liam Rosenior Rosenior has made an impressive start at Chelsea since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca in January, winning eight out of his first 11 matches in all competitions. He made seven changes here, with Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro among those to miss out, but Chelsea were still too strong for the Championship side. “Pedro Neto has been outstanding, he works so hard and has so much quality. For me, he’s a world-class player. He’s a world-class winger and what I love about him, as talented as he is, which he showed today, what he sacrifices for the team at times is [amazing],” Rosenior said. “The most pleasing aspect was the mentality. It was a really strong performance in terms of the mental application you need to be successful. Everyone worked really hard for each other,” he added. 100%Chelsea’s progress rate in nine FA Cup ties against Hull City; they’ve never been knocked out by them EightNo. of wins for Chelsea in their last 11 matches across all competitions This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 February,2026 10:19 AM IST | Hull | AFPTottenham Hotspur has named Igor Tudor as their new head coach, the club said on Saturday. The former Juventus coach has joined Spurs until the end of the season after Thomas Frank was removed, with the club just sitting five points above the relegation zone in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) season. Hotspur has won only two games in the ongoing 17 Premier League games. Tottenham's official website stated "his mandate is straightforward -- bring organisation, intensity and competitive edge to the squad at a decisive stage of the campaign." "It is an honour to join this club at an important moment. I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear. To bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match," Tudor said, according to ESPN. "There is strong quality in this playing squad, and my job is to organise it, energise it and improve our results quickly," he added. Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said, "Igor brings clarity, intensity and experience of stepping into challenging moments and producing impact. Our objective is straightforward -- to stabilise performances, maximise the quality within the squad and compete strongly in the Premier League and Champions League." Tudor, 47, has previously been in charge at Lazio, Marseille and Galatasaray but has never spent more than two years at a single club. His attention now shifts to keeping the Spurs' fortunes and keeping the club out of a relegation battle in the Premier League. Tudor's first game in charge will be the north London derby against arch-rivals and league leaders Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 February,2026 10:17 AM IST | London | ANIBarcelona were crushed at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium as Diego Simeone’s side ran riot with a 4-0 win in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday. The result left Barcelona boss Hansi Flick fuming, particularly with the first-half display, wherein Atletico Madrid scored all four of their goals via Eric Garcia (own-goal; 7th min), Antoine Griezmann (14) Ademola Lookman (33), and Julian Alvarez (45+2). “We didn’t play well in the first-half as a team, we didn’t play like a team. In the first 45 minutes, we were handed a big lesson,” said the German coach. Nevertheless, Flick held out hope of a miraculous comeback at home on March 3. “We have one game more and we will fight [to win] that,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 February,2026 09:35 AM IST | Madrid | AgenciesAscend International School (BKC) defeated Bombay International School (Babulnath) 2–0 to clinch the boys Under-10 Division II title in the Dream Sports Mumbai School Sports Association inter-school football final at Azad Maidan on Wednesday. Despite controlling most of the proceedings, Ascend were unable to break the deadlock in the first half. Their midfield dictated the tempo with some crisp passing and sustained possession, while the defence remained compact. However, a combination of resolute defending and missed chances ensured the teams went into the interval goalless. Ascend raised the intensity after the break and were soon rewarded for their persistence. In the 22nd minute, Nivaan Virani got the breakthrough, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner after a well-worked move. The insurance goal arrived in the 28th minute when Aushim Sagar found space inside the box and finished smartly into the top left corner.
13 February,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rufus VedanayagamLiverpool boss Arne Slot praised Mohamed Salah after the “unbelievable” Egyptian equalled Liverpool’s record for assists in the English Premier League by setting up Virgil van Dijk’s winner in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland. Salah’s latest assist — a perfectly weighted corner that Van Dijk headed (61st min) — took his tally to 92, level with Anfield icon Steven Gerrard. Arne Slot “He has so many records for this club, but to have this one combined with such a great player. Both were unbelievable players for this club. Unfortunately for Steven, I expect Mo to go above him,” said Slot. Liverpool’s second win in their last eight league games ended Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in the top flight this season. This victory lifted Slot’s sixth-placed team to within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea and three points of fourth-placed Man United. NineNo. of seasons taken by Salah to notch up 92 assists 306No. of EPL appearances for Salah at Liverpool 17No. of seasons taken by Gerrard to notch up 92 assists 504No. of EPL appearances for Gerrard at Liverpool This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 February,2026 08:25 AM IST | Sunderland | AFPThe countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially begun. With just four months remaining, anticipation is reaching fever pitch as Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to co-host what promises to be the biggest and most inclusive edition in the tournament’s history. For the first time ever, 48 teams will compete for football’s most prestigious prize, expanding the global stage and giving more nations the opportunity to chase World Cup glory. The tournament, that is set to kicked off on June 12, 2026, will feature 104 matches across 16 cities spread over three countries. Six teams yet to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 So far, 42 teams have secured their place, while six final spots are still up for grabs. Nations across every confederation continue their qualification campaigns, with dreams alive and hopes soaring. From traditional powerhouses to emerging football nations, the expanded format has already ensured greater global representation. Excitement is building steadily as fans eagerly await the final lineup. Group Stage Overview Group A Mexico South Africa Korea Republic DEN/MKD/CZE/IRL Group B Canada Qatar Switzerland ITA/NIR/WAL/BIH Group C Brazil Morocco Haiti Scotland Group D USA Paraguay Australia TUR/ROU/SVK/KOS Group E Germany Curacao Côte d'Ivoire Ecuador Group F Netherlands Japan Tunisia UKR/SWE/POL/ALB Group G Belgium Egypt IR Iran New Zealand Group H Spain Cabo Verde Saudi Arabia Uruguay Group I BOL/SUR/IRQ France Senegal Norway Group J Argentina Algeria Austria Jordan Group K NCL/JAM/COD Portugal Uzbekistan Colombia Group L England Croatia Ghana Panama Opening Fixtures The tournament will begin with a high-energy clash in Group A, as co-host Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match. The second fixture will see Korea Republic face the winner of DEN/MKD/CZE/IRL, setting the tone for what promises to be an action-packed start to the competition. Trophy Tour: Bringing the world together Adding to the excitement, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has already begun its global journey. The tour kicked off on January 3, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the start of a worldwide celebration. The iconic FIFA World Cup Original Trophy will visit 30 FIFA Member Associations, covering 75 stops across more than 150 days. The initiative offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness football’s most coveted prize up close a powerful reminder of the unity and passion the sport inspires across continents. With expanded participation, multiple host nations, and a festival-like atmosphere expected across North America, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be historic in every sense. The wait is almost over. The world is ready. Football is coming home not to one nation, but to an entire continent.
12 February,2026 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentInter Miami's Lionel Messi has a strained left hamstring, an injury that could call into some doubt his availability for the reigning MLS Cup champions' regular-season opener at LAFC on Feb. 21. The team announced the injury on Wednesday. Messi, MLS' back-to-back reigning MVP, scored a goal in a preseason game in Ecuador last weekend but was subbed out about 12 minutes into the second half - presumably because of the hamstring issue. "His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days," Inter Miami said in a statement. The injury also means that what was supposed to be Inter Miami's preseason finale will now be played about a week after its MLS opener. Inter Miami will face Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle at Bayamon, Puerto Rico on Feb. 26, with an open practice scheduled as part of that trip as well. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 12:48 PM IST | Fort Lauderdale (USA) | APHarry Kane scored again as Bayern Munich advanced to the semifinals of the German Cup for the first time in six years with a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig. Bayern outplayed Leipzig 6-0 and 5-1 in the Bundesliga this season but only got the breakthrough midway through the second half this time, with Kane and Luis Diaz scoring just three minutes apart. Kane scored his sixth in the cup, coolly converting from the penalty spot by sending goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt the wrong way in the 64th. Diaz capitalized on a through pass by Michael Olise to double the advantage, beating Vandevoordt one on one. Bayern is a 20 time cup champion but hasn't won the trophy since the 2019-20 season and had not been back to the semis since then. Defending champion Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen and Freiburg already advanced to the semifinals. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 12:47 PM IST | Munich | APMichael Carrick admitted he was frustrated by his Manchester United side’s lack of cutting edge in their 1-1 draw at West Ham (in 18th place) on Tuesday. The Red Devils were well below their best for long periods, and trailed to Tomas Soucek’s 50th minute strike. United needed Benjamin Sesko’s equaliser deep into stoppage-time to avoid the first defeat of Carrick’s five-match reign as interim boss. Although United retained fourth place in the English Premier League thanks to Sesko’s dramatic leveller, Carrick conceded there was a lack of cohesive play in the final third from his team. A dejected Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes after the loss to West Ham on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images “I think we were a little disappointed and we were definitely not at our best. I’m a little frustrated at that,” he said. “It is a tough place to come and we didn’t have that sharpness to find the answers. [But] great spirit again and we will take the point and move on. It didn’t come easy and we found a way, so we will take some positives from it,” added the English manager. He also reserved special praise for striker Sesko, who scored his fifth goal in the last six games after a woeful start to the season, following his move from RB Leipzig. “Fantastic finish. He has done it again. It is important. It is a great finish. Delighted for him. Another big goal and a good step,” Carrick said. NineNo. of shots taken by Man Utd vs West Ham; their second lowest in an EPL game in ’25-26 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 February,2026 09:52 AM IST | Manchester | AFPTottenham Hotspur have sacked coach Thomas Frank after less than eight months in charge following a 1-2 loss at home to Newcastle on Tuesday, which left them a mere five points above the English Premier League relegation zone. Spurs are 16th in the table and without a win in their past eight EPL ties — their worst run since October 2008. Spurs have won just two of their past 17 league games and collected only 12 points in that time. The club’s statement on Wednesday said: “The club has taken the decision to make a change in the head coach position and Frank will leave today. We have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.” TwoNo. of EPL wins for Spurs in their last 17 matches This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 February,2026 08:17 AM IST | London | AFPManchester Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he attempted to turn into a professional boxer following his retirement from football in 2015. Ferdinand, 47, a centre-back, who also played 81 games for England, told Men’s Health magazine recently: “I trained for six months. Sparring at the gym in Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield. I’d drive for five hours in the car on a Monday to train. I was serious, but they didn’t give me a license. Someone died the weekend that my license went in. I could have been fighting Anthony Joshua [two-time unified heavyweight champion] for a hundred mil! I can’t wait around. It was either now or never,” said Ferdinand, who won six English Premier League titles.
12 February,2026 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
