NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FT World Cup 2018: Africa Has Arrived - Egypt
Will Mohamed Salah be able to inspire a knockout appearance for Egypt?
Spain coach and newly appointed Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui sacked
Lopetegui sacked by Spanish Federation after taking Real Madrid job days before Spain’s first World Cup 2018 match against Portugal.
FirstTouch World Cup 2018 Trailer
Check out our new World Cup 2018 Trailer on our homepage and let us know what you think!
Croatia Teaches Senegal a Lesson in Final World Cup Friendly
Luka Modric and Croatia will arrive in Russia full of confidence after a 2-1 victory against Sadio Mane and Senegal.
FT In Our Corner: The World's Game
Whether you call it soccer, futbol, football, or fussball, this wonderful sport unites all of us and has always served as a powerful uniting mechanism.
FT World Cup News: Racism Concerns Come to the Fore
Prince William has spoken out against any potential racial abuse England’s players may receive. What happens if your country does not have such an outspoken leader?
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane
A snub so big it deserves an honorary mention on our list; Leroy Sane will not be playing for Germany this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: #2 - Alexander Lacazette
Alexander Lacazette of Arsenal FC will not be representing France this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
FT Top World Cup Snubs: #1 - Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi has our vote for the 2018 World Cup’s most surprising snub. The Inter Milan forward will not be representing Argentina this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT World Cup Focus: Players vs The Mental Side of Football
Loris Karius of Liverpool breaks down in tears after defeat in the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool on May 26, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]
Keita Balde is a talented attacker and has a promising future for his club AS Monaco FC and the Senegal National Team.
FT World Cup Focus: Does Nigeria have three reasons to ‘Kelechi’ (Thank God)?
Leicester City FC Forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, Arsenal Kelechi Nwakali and the Nigerian fan, Kelechi Anyikude represent three factors that could prove crucial in Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World campaign and the future of Nigeria football as a whole.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #3 - Mario Götze
Mario Goetze of Germany controls the ball during the International friendly match between Germany and France at RheinEnergieStadion on November 14, 2017 in Cologne, Germany.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig]
Guinean player Naby Keita has been a standout player at RB Leipzig and will soon transfer his talents to Liverpool FC.
FT World Cup News: Super Eagles players to receive bonuses before Russia appearance
Nigerian players to get early bonuses as NFF seeks to avoid the scourge of recent years that resulted in poor performances at FIFA World Cup tournaments as a result of bonus disputes.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #4 - Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches of FC Bayern Munich, and recently on loan at Swansea City FC, will not be representing Portugal this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.