Panos Kostopoulos

Author

Panos Kostopoulos Football Writer

Born in Greece, formed in the north west of England and settled in Madrid. Watching football since the early 90s and writing about it for the last 15 years. Addicted to the Premier League, with a soft spot for LaLiga. Previously published by MARCA, These Football Times and Gazzetta.gr, among others.

Newest articles

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Preview image for Switzerland vs Bosnia at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | latest news, line-ups, absences (18/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B at the 2026 World Cup Switzerland and…

Kylian Mbappe playing for France national team at World Cup

Kylian Mbappé’s promise could alter France’s attacking setup

The Real Madrid striker admitted that he has to improve in one particular aspect as France are looking for their second World Cup trophy in…

Preview image for England vs Croatia at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: England vs Croatia – latest news, line-ups, absences (17/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch England vs Croatia in Group L at the 2026 World Cup England kick off their…

Five things you need to know about Croatia

Five things you need to know about Croatia ahead of England’s World Cup opener

England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against one of international football's most consistent and experienced tournament teams England kick off their 2026 World Cup…

Preview image for France vs Senegal at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: France vs Senegal – latest news, line-ups, absences (16/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch France vs Senegal in Group I at the 2026 World Cup France and Senegal meet…

Spain's striker options for World Cup 2026

Spain’s no.9 conundrum: Where will the goals come from?

La Roja may be lacking a world-class natural striker, but they possess enough attacking quality throughout the squad to source goals from a wide range…

Preview image for Spain vs Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: Spain vs Cape Verde – latest news, line-ups, absences (15/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Spain vs Cape Verde in Group H at the 2026 World Cup Spain begin their…

Scott McTominay is a doubt for Scotland against Haiti

Scott McTominay fitness concern: Scotland take precaution ahead of Haiti clash

The Napoli midfielder has been dealing with a stomach bug that forced him to miss the team’s final training session ahead of Scotland's World Cup…

Preview image for Brazil vs Morocco at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: Brazil vs Morocco – latest news, line-ups, absences (13/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Brazil vs Morocco in Group C at the 2026 World Cup One of the standout…

Preview image for Qatar vs Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup

Preview: Qatar vs Switzerland – latest news, line-ups, absences (13/06/2026)

Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Qatar vs Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup Group B fixture The 2026 World Cup…

A review of World Cup opening fixtures

World Cup opening match history: Shocked holders and solid hosts

As the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs South Africa, we look back at the trends from past opening fixtures, from defending champions…

The top candidates to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Glove award

The favourites and outsiders to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Glove

The World Cup Golden Glove isn't based solely on clean sheets or fewest goals conceded, but also about defining moments in the latter stages of…

Young World Cup Stars to Watch 2026 ahead of the tournament

Five lesser-known young stars to follow at the 2026 World Cup

Some exciting youngsters who have already earned World Cup call-ups, but many football fans are only about to discover how good they are Before the…

Five World Cup 2026 dark horses

World Cup 2026 dark horses: Five outsiders who could cause a surprise

They might be considered underdogs, but these five teams may have just what it takes to pull off a miracle in the upcoming tournament France,…

England and New Zealand ahead of World Cup friendly

England vs New Zealand: Team news, predictions, where to watch

Preview, team news, head-to-head, betting predictions, probable line-ups and where to watch England vs New Zealand in Saturday’s friendly game ahead of the World Cup…

World Cup 2026 most assists odds featuring Messi, Yamal and Olise

World Cup 2026 most assists odds: Top 10 favourites and corner-kick specialists

Creative stars often define big tournaments, and this year's race for the assists crown could be just as competitive as the battle for the Golden…

Top players left out of the 2026 World Cup

Harshest calls of all? The World Cup XI that didn’t make the cut

From Champions League winners to outstanding performers, these players were overlooked despite being fit and available for selection The announcements of the 2026 World Cup…

Christos Tzolis linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa

Over 50 G/A winger calls on Manchester United or Aston Villa to take a chance

The Club Brugge star has attracted interest from Premier League clubs after a sublime campaign in which he amassed 51 goal contributions Having stood out…

Iraola named as possible Slot successor amid Liverpool debate

Why Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool would make perfect sense

The Basque coach might be the ideal candidate to provide the missing spark as the Reds are in search of Slot’s successor after a poor…

England World Cup 2026 squad numbers and Thomas Tuchel lineup clues

England World Cup 2026 squad numbers: Thomas Tuchel provides starting XI clues

FIFA's published squad numbers appear to provide an early indication of how England could line up in the upcoming tournament England's squad numbers for the…

Billy Gilmour out of the World Cup after knee injury

Billy Gilmour out of the World Cup: Son of Scotland legend takes his place

The Manchester United teenager will replace the injured Napoli midfielder in Steve Clarke’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Scotland have confirmed Tyler Fletcher…

Players missing the 2026 World Cup

Best XI of players missing the 2026 World Cup after failing to qualify

Even with the tournament expanding to 48 teams, there are some teams which missed out on the tournament, forcing world-class players to watch from home…

Dublin, Kerry and Armagh discover their next All-Ireland championship opponents

All-Ireland SFC Round 2A&2B draws completed: All you need to know

Dublin face a tricky trip to Cavan, while Armagh and Louth renew rivalries after the All-Ireland SFC draw was made on Tuesday morning The draws…

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony details

World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Date, location, performers and how to watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin with opening ceremonies across the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the biggest tournament in football history…

Mauricio Pochettino defends USMNT World Cup roster controversy

Mauricio Pochettino defends ‘harsh’ USMNT squad announcement

The Argentine coach informed the omitted players via email as USMNT are preparing for their World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 13 Mauricio Pochettino…

The race for the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot is underway

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot odds: Top 10 favourites and the best outsiders

With more matches than ever before, football’s biggest stars are set to battle for goals, glory and a place in World Cup history Taking into…

Ibrahima Konaté set to depart Liverpool transfer speculation

Ibrahima Konaté set to depart Liverpool: Where could he go next?

he France international is expected to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer after negotiations over a new deal failed to produce an agreement…

Tim Payne celebrates viral rise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Tim Payne: How New Zealand’s least-known World Cup player became a viral sensation

The Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand defender has gained more than a million Instagram followers following a viral campaign on social media New Zealand defender…

Guillermo Ochoa and Lionel Messi in race for World Cup record

Leo Messi ready to pounce on World Cup record as Mexico make decision

The veteran goalkeeper watched from the bench as Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0, with signs growing that Javier Aguirre has already chosen his No.1 for the…

Steve Clarke signs new Scotland contract ahead of World Cup

Steve Clarke signs new long-term deal with Scotland ahead of World Cup

The Scottish national team have ended a 28-year absence from football’s biggest stage, with Clarke leading his side to their first World Cup participation since…