Richard Amofa

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Richard Amofa

The Athletic FC is The Athletic's daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) newsletter. Sign up to receive it directly to your inbox. Hello. The World Cup is the greatest show on Earth - and if FIFA has its way, the draw for 2026 will be a close second. On the way:FIFA + Vegas = LoveWhat is FIFA planning? The simple act of picking balls from a hat to determine who plays who at a tournament is usually quite a big deal. Bigger when it's the World Cup.

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Richard Amofa

Sunderland needed inspiration. A goal down to Preston North End with four minutes to go last month, they were ambling to a home defeat that would dent their push for a spot in the Championship's end-of-season promotion play-offs. Romaine Mundle had other ideas. It was as though time stood still: a small feint, four touches, a sway of the hips and a shift of the ball preceded a sumptuous shot which curled and dipped into the top corner.

Mar 1, 2025 | nytimes.com | Richard Amofa

Plymouth Argyle, it seems, are on a mission to keep the 'magic' of the FA Cup alive this season. After knocking Brentford out in the third round, the Championship club shocked the world by beating the runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in their next outing. Their reward: a trip to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Feb 17, 2025 | nytimes.com | Richard Amofa

Happy Monday! Remember not to swear, kids, or your mouths will get washed out with soap - and you'll get sent off. Bellingham's dismissal - what happened? Real Madrid were enjoying a fairly comfortable Saturday afternoon away at Osasuna when controversy reared its head. Five minutes before half-time, Jude Bellingham gave away a fairly standard foul. It seemed inconsequential. The resulting free kick amounted to nothing. But Bellingham continued to chew the ear of referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.

Feb 10, 2025 | nytimes.com | Richard Amofa

The English county of Devon is in the spotlight, with two of the best three teams in the country making the long journey south-west in the FA Cup fourth round. For some, rugby union is more synonymous with the area than football - the Exeter Chiefs won the Premiership in 2017 and 2020 - but dig beneath the surface and look beyond the stunning coastline, popular tourist hotspots and cream teas and you will find an area that has forged its own footballing culture.