OTB Football

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings news from the World Cup, Ireland and the League of Ireland.
FAI confirms Ireland’s Nations League matches against Israel will be played at a neutral venue behind closed doors following UEFA approval.
Growing pressure from pro-Palestine groups and recent protests influenced debate around hosting Israel in Dublin.
Damien Duff returns to frontline coaching after being appointed Brentford assistant manager under Keith Andrews.
Duff reunites with Andrews after their previous spell together in Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland coaching setup.
Brentford move marks Duff’s first role since stepping down as Shelbourne manager last year.
Reflection on Duff’s remarkable managerial journey, culminating in Shelbourne’s first league title in 18 years.
South Korea come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup match.
Mexico make a winning start on home soil with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.
Opening World Cup fixtures feature red cards, standout goals and an impressive tournament launch ceremony.
Newsround contributors debate their earliest World Cup memories and the tournaments that defined generations.
Dion Fanning revisits Euro 2016’s “Battle of Marseille” and the chaos surrounding England and Russia supporters.
Discussion on whether Ireland could have prospered in Group A had they qualified for the World Cup.
League of Ireland action returns with leaders Shamrock Rovers travelling to champions Shelbourne in a major Friday night clash.
Cape Verde international Pico Lopes speaks about representing both Ireland and Cape Verde ahead of a high-profile friendly against Spain.
Legendary commentator George Hamilton shares insights into the power of silence and timing during sport’s biggest moments.
World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst
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Shane Hannon, Enda Coll and Dara Smith-Naughton are on hand to bring you all the headlines from across the sporting world as the World Cup has started, it began last night with Mexico comfortably beating South Africa 2-0 in a game that featured 3 red cards. In the early hours of the morning, South Korea narrowly beat Czechia 2-1 while we were all asleep. The lads go through all the different talking points following the opening to the greatest show on earth.
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Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
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Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

On today's World Cup Daily, Phil Egan brings you all you need to know ahead of the tournament getting underway this evening.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 finally gets underway as Mexico host South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
A look back at the famous 2010 World Cup opener between the same nations, featuring Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable goal.
Preview of Group A’s second fixture as South Korea face Czechia in Guadalajara.
Fallout after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urges fans and critics to “chill and relax” amid growing controversy surrounding the World Cup.
Infantino responds to criticism over visa issues, tournament logistics and the ongoing debate around ticket prices.
Tournament organisers face legal scrutiny in the United States over World Cup ticketing practices.
Mexican broadcaster Antonio Rosique explains the mood in Mexico City and why hosting a successful World Cup means so much to the Mexican people.
Donald Trump says the United States is working to ensure “the right people” are entering the country during the tournament.
Insights from Off The Ball’s Inside The Odds team as they assess Scotland’s chances ahead of a difficult group featuring Brazil and Morocco.
Former US goalkeeper Brad Friedel reflects on his World Cup experiences and memories of facing hosts South Korea in 2002.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk outlines the Dutch ambition to finally win a first World Cup title.
England complete their preparations with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica despite a weather-related delay in Orlando.
Thomas Tuchel and Declan Rice react after England’s final warm-up match before their World Cup campaign begins.
Transfer and managerial news: Manchester City reportedly bid £106 million for Elliot Anderson, Kieran McKenna steps away from Ipswich, Wolves part company with Rob Edwards, and the Green Scene team discusses reasons for optimism about the future of Irish football.
World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Adrian Barry, Enda Coll & Dara Smith-Naughton fly through this morning’s papers - where Adrian decides to pose the question: are we sleeping on England?

The lads also dive into yet another slightly bizarre Gianni Infantino press conference…

Off The Ball Breakfast with Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.

SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Legendary commentator George Hamilton is in studio alongside Enda Coll & Phil Egan for this week’s edition of You Had To Be There.

The picks on this occasion are heavily focused on The World Cup Ahead of kick-off tonight!

Off The Ball Breakfast with Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.

SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball