The lights hadn't faded yet. In the stands, there were thousands of faces, a wave of flags, flashes of cameras, screams, and the colors of celebration -- everything was there. But in the midst of all that brilliance, one man suddenly seemed utterly alone.

Paris St Germain head coach Luis Enrique has lavished praise on Arsenal ahead of this month's Champions League final, dubbing them the best team in the world without the ball.

Canada is expected to spend just over C$1 billion ($727 million) to host the World Cup this summer, according to a report from the federal budget watchdog published on Wednesday.

Unai Emery not only cemented his status as undisputed king of the Europa League with Wednesday's astonishing fifth win as a manager - but also sealed Aston Villa's resurgence as a major force in football.

The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team have cancelled a planned pre-World Cup training camp at home after the country was hit by an Ebola outbreak, a team official told AFP Wednesday.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn invited Prince William to join his side's Europa League victory party after the royal watched their 3-0 win in Wednesday's final against Freiburg.

Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia scored stunning goals as Aston Villa outclassed Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday to end a 30-year wait for silverware and earn their coach Unai Emery a record-extending fifth win in the competition.

The top league will comprise 36 countries - determined by the restructured 2028/29 UEFA Nations League - and be divided into three groups of 12 teams.

The true beauty of the World Cup lies in its unpredictability, where the astonishing rise of an underdog leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of football romantics.

Dorielton Gomes produced a brilliant hattrick as Bashundhara Kings came from behind to beat Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-2 in an entertaining Federation Cup final at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka said that Arsenal's critics were "not laughing at us anymore" as the club celebrated their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka will take part in his seventh successive major international tournament after he was named in Switzerland's World Cup squad on Wednesday.

Bashundhara Kings will look to complete a domestic treble when they face Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Federation Cup final at the Bashundhara Kings Arena today.

Czech media reported that the coach was convicted in May 2025 and initially received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban for filming FC Slovacko's players in changing rooms, the youngest of whom was 17.

Some will say it has been a long time coming, others will scoff at Arsenal's style, but after three successive runner-up finishes, the club's faith in Arteta has been rewarded.

Gordon made the roster despite being sidelined since January by a shoulder injury, while Curtis earned his spot after scoring five times in 14 appearances with Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers.

For Arteta, and for the club, the long and winding road to the title has come to an unforgettable end.

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has insisted he is not the "king" of the Europa League despite bidding to win the competition for a fifth time when his side face Freiburg in Wednesday's final in Istanbul.

Veteran Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his country into the 2026 World Cup this summer after coach Roberto Martinez named the 41-year-old in his squad on Tuesday.