After surviving a massive scare from Iceland in the opening minutes of the match, Argentina found their breakthrough in the 8th minute. Valentin Barco unleashed a spectacular, clinical strike from outside the box to open the scoring and set the tone at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Moving into the second half, manager Lionel Scaloni made a flurry of tactical substitutions to give nearly his entire bench some valuable playing time. The changes paid immediate dividends, as Messi doubled the lead just one minute after stepping onto the pitch. After the referee pointed to the spot for a foul on Lautaro Martínez, the captain confidently stepped up and converted the penalty kick.

With Argentina firmly in control and playing their best soccer of the night, the third and final goal arrived courtesy of a beautiful team sequence. Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Thiago Almada combined flawlessly in the final third, allowing the Atlético Madrid midfielder to slot the ball home and seal a comprehensive victory.

Entering the match in the second half immediately following the cooling break in the 70th minute, Messi quickly asserted himself by controlling possession in midfield and slipping a clinical through ball to Lautaro Martinez. Finding himself one-on-one with Elias Olafsson, the striker saw his initial effort nearing the post but managed to draw a penalty after being brought down by the rushing goalkeeper.

On just his fourth touch of the match, Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Olafsson guessed the correct side, the Inter Miami star slotted a precise finish into the top right corner just out of the keeper’s reach. With the conversion, the forward doubled Argentina’s advantage just two minutes after his introduction.

With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. His impact didn’t stop there, either; the captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory just one week before their World Cup debut.

Messi breaks 69-year-old record with Argentina

Messi has already claimed countless records throughout his legendary career for both club and country, and he stands a chance to shatter even more during the 2026 World Cup. Yet, even before the tournament officially kicks off, the talismanic forward has already rewritten the history books by eclipsing an international milestone that had stood for nearly seven decades.

By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team. The legendary playmaker now claims sole possession of the record at 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old.

The historic benchmark was originally established by iconic striker Angel Labruna back on July 7, 1957, and for the last 69 years, no one had been able to dethrone him until now. The legendary River Plate forward had set the record during a 2-1 friendly victory over bitter rivals Brazil, scoring at the age of 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days old.

The reason Szoboszlai will not be in the competition is that his country did not qualify. Hungary was a major part of the sport in its early days, with some memorable names, though not so much in recent years.

In UEFA qualifying, they finished third in their group behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. With only the group winner earning a direct spot and the runners-up reaching a playoff, Hungary were out of contention after a very poor campaign.

Hungary’s World Cup history

In the modern era, it is normal to see Hungary outside the World Cup after they have not been able to produce teams good enough in recent years, failing to qualify since 1986. However, that is not the full story of a country that once dominated the sport.

When looking at the list of finals since the tournament was created in 1930, Hungary is probably the most surprising country to feature in it given how often they have failed to qualify in recent decades.

Their nine appearances show that they were not always absent. During the 1950s, Hungary was the most dominant team, as Ferenc Puskás showed his talent, but he was not alone in the lineup of the Mighty Magyars, who revolutionized the way the game was played at the time.

The best performance

Their best performance came in 1954, when they made a brilliant run highlighted by an 8-3 group-stage win over strong Germany, only to lose to them in the final by 3-2 in the match known as the “Miracle of Bern”. They were also finalists in 1938 before losing 4-2 to Italy.

While reflecting on legendary locker room figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini during his time at Juventus in an interview with The Athletic, Danilo addressed about how Ronaldo was like as a teammate: “I’d played with him at Madrid (too). In Turin, he was more experienced but still scoring a lot of goals, still professional all the time. He pushed you, made you perform at your best in training, in games.“

First at Real Madrid and later at Juventus, Danilo had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Ronaldo across two different clubs, lifting major silverware together including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 UEFA Champions League titles. Yet, beyond his game-winning performances on the pitch, it was Ronaldo’s daily intensity in training that truly made his presence felt.

The Brazilian full-back then offered some insight into the contrast between Ronaldo’s public persona and the man his teammates knew. “People think Cristiano is like an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy who would laugh and have a good time with his family. But of course, Cristiano lives for football, in almost everything that he does, to be better every day,” Danilo added.

Now 34 years old and playing out the twilight of his career with Flamengo, Danilo still managed to secure a spot on Brazil’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti holds Danilo in high regard, valuing the veteran right-back’s leadership qualities and tournament experience even if he is no longer at the absolute peak of his physical powers.

Having shared a locker room with one of the greatest players ever and now playing under one of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Danilo drew a striking parallel between the two: “Ancelotti is like Cristiano. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.“

Ronaldo’s lasting impact on Danilo

Upon arriving at Juventus in 2019, Danilo spent two more seasons alongside Ronaldo before the forward’s high-profile return to Manchester United in 2021. Even so, that window was more than enough for the Brazilian to forge a tight bond with the Portugal captain, leading to a heartfelt send-off when Ronaldo departed Italy.

In a past Instagram post, the veteran defender dedicated a special message to his longtime teammate: “It was a pleasure to share two successful years with you, and also to learn from you every day how to be stronger in every situation, to be a fighter and to be extremely professional! Thanks for the friendship that we have made during this time. I wish you all the best for the next step. Keep making people happy!“

The national team that represents Cameroon finished second in their final-round group. Only the winners of each of the nine groups qualified directly, with the best four runners-up heading to a playoff for a place in the intercontinental matches.

Their 19 points in 10 matches were behind Cape Verde’s 23, but enough for the next round. This brief playoff of four teams saw them eliminated in the semifinals against DR Congo, who ended up qualifying after an extra-time victory over Jamaica in the interconfederation playoff.

Cameroon’s World Cup history

This country has mostly been seen as a tough rival for anyone, as it is the African team with the most World Cup participations. Their total of eight appearances began in 1982 and gave them the record.

In the last editions, they have been plagued by inconsistency after qualifying, which can be seen in how early they returned from the competition, with only one run beyond the group stage.

They were especially notable in 1990, not just because of the presence of Roger Milla, who was 38 years old and had his famous celebrations, but also for defeating the defending champions Argentina in their opening match and putting themselves on the map for casual fans.

The best performance

Getting out of the group only once means that is their best performance, but it was not just a good one. Cameroon’s run in 1990 should remain in the history books for everything they did after their first match. They were able to reach the round of 16, where they beat Colombia with two Milla goals in extra time. This was followed by a 3-2 defeat to England in the quarterfinals also after extra time.

The game 7a0, or Sete a Zero in Portuguese, has taken over social media lately because it is so entertaining. The obvious goal is to become champion with a record of 7-0, which may seem outdated now that the expansion to 48 teams has added one more match.

To play this game in a browser or on mobile, you just have to go to 7a0.com.br. People can start playing right away with no need to create an account, which is another advantage, along with the fact that it is free.

The game

There is a very important background element because it features a lot of information. A total of 52 countries are part of it, with 250 teams and 5,729 players who were rated based on their performance at that moment.

The game itself is pretty simple. As with any team you build, you must choose a tactical setup between 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-2-4, 3-5-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1, and 3-4-3, along with a defensive, balanced, or offensive style of play.

You must then roll a dice that selects a specific team like Brazil 1970. A full group of players appears for you to choose from. After selecting the player, users must click the position where they want to place him. Then comes the final part, which is the simulation of matches.

The bonus

Another part that adds some skill to counter the luck is the three bonus changes that are possible. If you do not like the team, you can choose to change the country or the year. For example, if France 1994 is rolled but you do not like it, you can change the team, which would select another team from 1994, or change the year, which would give another year for the same country that was rolled.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni made the decision to hold Messi back from the start as a precautionary measure, not because of any remaining physical issue, but to avoid any unnecessary risk with the World Cup opener just one week away. Despite the conservative approach, Scaloni confirmed that Messi will see action off the bench.

At Monday’s press conference, Scaloni addressed the situation directly. “He is going to play; what I don’t know is how many minutes. I still have to speak with him, we still have today’s training session. We will see how many minutes to avoid taking any kind of risk, and we will decide then. But in principle, yes, he will get minutes,” Scaloni said.

Messi had also been kept on the bench for the Honduras friendly on June 6, when he was not yet fully recovered from the muscular fatigue that had sidelined him late in the MLS season. With Argentina’s World Cup debut against Algeria set for June 16, the priority is ensuring the captain arrives at that game at full capacity.

Scaloni betting on youth

With Messi held back, Scaloni has used the Iceland game as an opportunity to rotate the lineup and give younger players a meaningful audition, particularly in the midfield and attacking positions. Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios and Valentin Barco are set to cover the midfield, with Giuliano Simeone expected to operate on one of the flanks.

In the forward positions, with Julian Alvarez still unavailable and both Lautaro Martinez and Messi waiting on the bench, Scaloni has placed his trust in two of the squad’s youngest attacking options. Nico Paz will operate in a creative role similar to the one typically occupied by Messi, behind central striker Jose Manuel Lopez, who is set for his fifth Argentina appearance in an attacking combination that has not been seen before.

Scaloni has made clear that Tuesday’s match will serve as the final audition before the official 26-man World Cup roster is confirmed, making it a decisive opportunity for those still on the fringes of the squad. Leonardo Balerdi’s replacement has yet to be officially announced, though Guido Rodríguez is the frontrunner for that spot, while the fitness of several other players continues to keep the door open for last-minute changes.

As has often been the case over the years, there are two names to watch when it comes to records: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whether for longevity or pure talent, both legends could add new marks in this edition.

They are not the only players who could reach historic heights in the coming weeks. The main name after them chasing history is Kylian Mbappé, while Harry Kane and even Guillermo Ochoa could also leave their mark on the tournament.

Most all-time World Cup goals

This may be the most interesting record to watch. It is currently held by Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals for Germany in his career. The main challengers are Messi with 13 and Mbappé with 12.

Most World Cup match appearances

This record should be broken if nothing unusual happens, because it is held by Messi with 26 appearances. That means every time Argentina take the field with him in the lineup, the record grows.

Most individual World Cup match wins

While soccer is not usually viewed as an individual sport, it can still be revealing to see which players have won the most matches. Before the competition begins, the record is held by Klose with 17 wins for Germany, but Messi is right behind him with 16.

Most World Cup tournaments played

Player longevity has increased so much in recent years, thanks in part to advances in sports science and technology, that this record has two players ready to make their sixth World Cup in Messi and Ronaldo. Ochoa was called up for a sixth tournament, but he did not play in 2006 or 2010. This record also includes Lothar Matthäus, Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado.

Oldest goalscorer in a knockout match

This record could be challenged by several players, because Pepe was 39 years and 283 days old when he scored for Portugal against Switzerland in the round of 16 in Qatar. However, this edition features several big names who could break it, including Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Edin Džeko. With the addition of an extra knockout round after the group stage, this record looks more reachable.

Most players over 40 in a single tournament

In the past, it was not common to see players over 40 at the biggest stage. However, that has become more normal. The record was just one in different editions, and it should be shattered this time. The players over 40 are Ronaldo, Modrić, Džeko, Manuel Neuer, Craig Gordon, Ochoa, Vozinha, and Fernando Muslera.

Oldest outfield player in a World Cup final

Goalkeepers were historically the position that allowed players to stay active until later ages. When focusing only on outfield players, Nílton Santos stands out. The legendary left back was in Brazil’s lineup in 1962 at 37 years and 32 days. Messi and Ronaldo are the obvious names that could break this record, while Otamendi would need a Messi absence in a hypothetical final.

Captaining back-to-back World Cup titles

This record could only be broken by Messi, as Argentina are the defending champions. There were two teams that repeated as champions in the past, but their captains did not remain the same for different reasons. Italy’s 1934 title was captained by Giampiero Combi, who retired afterward and passed the armband to Giuseppe Meazza. Brazil’s captain in 1958 was Hilderaldo Bellini as the central defender. For the country, it is traditional that only a player in the starting lineup can be captain, so even though he was in the squad in 1962, the captain that year was Mauro Ramos.

Winning the Golden Boot twice

No player in World Cup history has ever won the Golden Boot twice, which could happen in this edition. The list includes three players who could do it, as the active former winners are Mbappé, Kane, and James Rodríguez, the last three holders of the prize.

According to a report from ESPN Argentina insider Esteban Edul, Valencia defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the open roster spot left behind by the Olympique de Marseille center-back.

While Edul noted that midfielders Máximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendía remain on Scaloni’s radar, Rodríguez currently holds a significant edge. By selecting a natural holding midfielder, Scaloni would secure tactical insurance for Leandro Paredes, who continues to undergo intensive rehabilitation for a right hamstring strain.

Speaking at his Monday press conference ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Iceland, Scaloni indicated that a final decision will be made no later than Wednesday, June 10, factoring in how his remaining squad members recover physically from their final European warmup match.

“We can take these next few days, and by Wednesday, whoever we decide on will be with us,” Scaloni told reporters. “We feel well-covered in [Balerdi’s] position, so we will evaluate other options based on how the rest of the guys pull through physically”.

Why is Scaloni swapping a defender for a midfielder?

When Balerdi was ruled out with a muscle tear during training camp, conventional wisdom suggested Scaloni would simply call up a direct positional replacement or another versatile defender.

However, the coaching staff is highly confident in their current defensive depth, assuming no further injuries surface before the opening World Cup whistle in North America.

Argentina‘s final roster boasts a robust defensive unit featuring right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, a world-class central pairing of Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Otamendi, alongside Facundo Medina and Nicolás Tagliafico holding down the left side.

Furthermore, Scaloni has baked immense flexibility into his squad; versatile players like Nicolás González, Valentín Barco, and Giuliano Simeone are fully capable of dropping back into wing-back roles, which would allow Medina to shift centrally if extra cover is needed.

During a recent appearance on The Overlap podcast, Klinsmann was asked for his prediction on the next World Cup champion. He made it clear that he has at least two favorites and began by naming one of them.

“Portugal, because I see a little bit similarities to Argentina in Qatar, where everybody played for Messi,” said the German legend. “In Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team.”

However, Klinsmann did not limit his praise of Portugal to Ronaldo‘s presence alone. He also highlighted other qualities that make the national team a serious contender: “It’s an incredible team of quality, with a very very good coach, Roberto Martinez.”

The other World Cup favorites, according to Klinsmann

In the same conversation, Jurgen Klinsmann named two other teams that, in his view, have just as much chance as Portugal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I think Brazil has also a shot at it,” said the former striker.

“And England has absolute qualit… if they have the believe,” added Klinsmann before joking: “I’m not saying that because they have a German coach. I’m saying that because they have the team to do that.” The joke was, of course, a reference to the fact that he shares his nationality with Thomas Tuchel.

Who is Jurgen Klinsmann?

Jurgen Klinsmann‘s comments carry weight given his status as one of soccer’s biggest stars of the late 20th century. He spent five seasons with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga before joining Inter Milan in 1989, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. He later played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, and Bayern Munich.

Klinsmann is especially remembered for his performances with the Germany national team. He played a key role in Germany’s triumph at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and also represented his country at the 1994 and 1998 editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo arrives heading into what is arguably Portugal’s most promising World Cup cycle in recent memory, even if his own body is no longer operating at peak capacity at 41. Surrounded by a squad loaded with talent including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, the Selecao arrive as reigning UEFA Nations League champions after defeating Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the final, with the 2026 World Cup representing Ronaldo’s last realistic opportunity to claim the one trophy that has eluded him.

His legacy in the competition is already etched into the record books. Ronaldo holds the distinction of having scored in five different World Cup editions, a mark no other player in history has matched. With 22 appearances, eight goals and two assists across those campaigns, the 2026 edition will mark his sixth World Cup, a record he is expected to share with Messi.

As for the Argentine captain, he heads to North America carrying a responsibility no previous version of himself has had to bear: defending the title. Messi will turn 39 on June 24, right in the middle of the group stage, and with the 2030 World Cup arriving when he would be 42, this tournament is his farewell. He arrives as the player with the most World Cup appearances in history with 26, holding a record of 13 goals and eight assists, and with a realistic shot at chasing down Miroslav Klose’s all-time leading mark of 16 goals.

Luka Modric’s last World Cup

Luka Modric will also be taking his final bow on the world stage in 2026. Now 40, the Croatian legend is preparing for his fifth World Cup appearance, having featured in every edition since 2006 with the exception of South Africa 2010.

Modric holds the record for most World Cup appearances in Croatian history with 18, surpassing Dario Simic’s previous mark of 11. With two goals and an assist across those tournaments, and having led Croatia to the final in 2018 and a semifinal in 2022, the midfielder is chasing one final memorable chapter on the game’s grandest stage.

Neymar’s last World Cup

Neymar will also be making what is widely expected to be his last World Cup appearance in 2026. After suffering an ACL injury in October 2023, the forward went more than two years without representing Brazil at international level due to persistent fitness issues, but has earned his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad at 34 to pursue what has been one of the defining ambitions of his career.

Making his World Cup debut as the host nation’s standout star in Brazil 2014, Neymar is set to appear at the tournament for the fourth time, having registered 13 appearances, eight goals and four assists. After falling agonizingly short in the semifinals in 2014 and the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2022, the Canarinha will be pushing to reach the final for the first time since 2002.

Nicolas Otamendi’s last World Cup

Alongside Messi, Nicolas Otamendi stands as one of the defining veteran presences in Argentina’s squad, and 2026 will mark the end of his international journey as well. Having first appeared on the World Cup stage in 2010 and missing 2014, Otamendi became a cornerstone of Argentina’s golden era, winning two Copa Americas, the Finalissima and the World Cup.

The defender has already publicly stated that the tournament will be his last with the national team, with no farewell match planned after the fact, something that may still be considered for Messi. Across his World Cup career, Otamendi has appeared in 14 matches, contributing one assist and collecting five yellow cards.

Fernando Muslera’s last World Cup

Fernando Muslera will also be stepping onto the World Cup stage for the final time. The Uruguayan icon, who served as a backup during Qatar 2022, has fought his way back into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, with the veteran coach handing the 39-year-old one last opportunity to compete at a fifth World Cup.

Since his debut in 2010, when Uruguay reached the semifinals, Muslera has appeared in 16 World Cup matches, conceding 17 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Manuel Neuer’s last World Cup

Manuel Neuer, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, will also be playing his final World Cup. After an extended absence from the Germany national team following Euro 2024 where he announced his international retirement, Neuer is set to make his return following another standout season at Bayern Munich.

The only remaining player from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, the 40-year-old will be appearing at a fifth World Cup. He has played 19 matches between 2010 and 2022, conceding 16 goals and keeping seven clean sheets, and will be hoping to help Germany break through after early exits in each of the last two tournaments.

Guillermo Ochoa’s last World Cup

Guillermo Ochoa will join Ronaldo and Messi in making history by competing at a sixth World Cup, though his first appearance came in Brazil 2014. Representing Mexico, the 40-year-old has played in 11 World Cup matches, conceding 12 goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Head coach Javier Aguirre has already confirmed that Ochoa will start El Tri’s opening game against South Africa in what is sure to be an emotional occasion for the veteran keeper.

Kevin De Bruyne’s last World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne, 34, will also be making his final World Cup appearance in North America. A central figure in Belgium’s golden generation, De Bruyne has featured at every tournament since 2014, accumulating 13 appearances, two goals and four assists for the Red Devils.

Tim Ream’s last World Cup

At 38, Tim Ream will be savoring his second and final World Cup on home soil. Already 35 when he played all four of the USMNT’s matches at Qatar 2022, Ream remains a trusted figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, and the coach has confirmed that the veteran center back will wear the captain’s armband throughout the 2026 tournament.

Craig Gordon’s last World Cup

Twenty-eight years after Scotland’s last World Cup appearance, iconic goalkeeper Craig Gordon will finally get the chance to experience it at 43 years old. After playing a key role in the team’s qualifying campaign, Gordon earned his place in the final roster and will now make history in more ways than one.

His inclusion will see him surpass Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon as the second-oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, a record currently held at the top by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who performed at Russia 2018 at the age of 45.

The tournament in North America is ready to welcome icons of the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe. Yet, a striking list of world-class talent will be noticeably missing from the pitch this summer.

For some, an agonizingly timed injury shattered their World Cup dreams, as seen with Brazil’s Eder Militao and Rodrygo, or Germany’s Serge Gnabry. For others, the omission comes down to strict, high-stakes managerial decisions.

Powerhouse nations boast such intense roster competition that managers have ruthlessly left behind star names, highlighted by Thomas Tuchel’s shocking decisions to omit Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s final 26-man squad.

The 2026 World Cup Absent XI

Goalkeeper

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy): Despite racking up 64 caps and an Euros trophy for his country, the Manchester City star will incredibly miss his third consecutive World Cup after Italy once again failed to qualify.

Defenders

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (England): In one of the most controversial roster cuts of the year, England boss Thomas Tuchel opted to leave the elite playmaker out of his tactical plans for North America.
• Harry Maguire (England): Another high-profile casualty of Tuchel’s defensive overhaul for the Three Lions.
• Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands): The Manchester United center-back was forced to accept defeat and miss the tournament entirely after undergoing corrective back surgery in mid-May.
• Marcos Acuña (Argentina): A 2022 World Cup winner who will not be defending the crown, having been entirely excluded from Lionel Scaloni’s highly competitive squad.

Midfielders

• Sandro Tonali (Italy): Much like his compatriot Donnarumma, the dynamic Newcastle midfielder is trapped on the outside looking in due to Italy’s qualification failure.
• Eduardo Camavinga (France): In a testament to France’s terrifying midfield depth, the Real Madrid star was left out of Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup squad selection.
• Cole Palmer (England): Perhaps the most shocking tactical omission in the World Cup. Despite a sensational club season, Palmer was left off England’s flight to the United States by Tuchel.

Forwards

• Rodrygo (Brazil): The Seleção frontline takes a massive hit as the Real Madrid winger was officially ruled out due to a late physical injury.
• Robert Lewandowski (Poland): The legendary striker misses out on one final World Cup run after Poland suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Sweden in the UEFA playoff final.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia): The PSG star won’t bring his signature flair to North America, as Georgia was unable to navigate the brutal European qualifying cycles.

After winning only two matches in 18 rounds, Chile finished 10th in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Having failed to implement a gradual generational transition, they experienced a progressive decline in their biggest stars. In addition, they have not established a long-term sporting project, leaving them without direction and missing out on qualification for the third consecutive time.

Neither Alexis Sánchez nor Arturo Vidal are central figures in Chile’s setup anymore. While they were among the best players in CONMEBOL, they no longer stand out for the national team. After failing to qualify for the 2026 edition, head coach Nicolás Córdova has decided to carry out a major overhaul, betting on players such as Lucas Cepeda, Gonzalo Tapia, and others, prioritizing collective play.

Chile could take a long time to return to being one of the best teams in CONMEBOL. However, they have the 2028 Copa América, where they will aim to return to their high competitiveness. For this, La Roja could maintain its current focus: A project built around a playing idea, not star players. Unlike the previous decade, there are no players of the level of Vidal or Alexis, forcing them to readapt to their new reality.

How many times have Chile played in the World Cup?

Despite being one of the brightest national teams in CONMEBOL a few years ago, Chile are far from being a historic contender in the World Cup. In the 23 editions of the tournament, they have only qualified nine times. In addition, in the 21st century they have only played in two tournaments, which is quite far from being a powerhouse. However, they managed to deliver solid performances in their last two appearances.

After qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, Chile ended a 12-year drought, reaching the Round of 16. However, they were eliminated by Brazil in a convincing 3–0 defeat. They managed to replicate this performance in the 2018 edition. After reaching the Round of 16 again, Brazil once more eliminated them, this time on penalties. Since then, they have failed to qualify again, already accumulating an eight-year absence.

The World Cup ticket sales process began in September 2025 and has gone through several phases since then. During those stages, fans from around the world were able to reserve seats for the matches they wanted to attend, resulting in sellouts for many games.

The presale phases officially ended on January 13, 2026. However, tickets are still available for certain matches. The only way to purchase them is through FIFA‘s official platform, the only legally authorized method for obtaining World Cup tickets.

How to buy tickets for the 2026 World Cup

Through FIFA’s official website, fans can access the platform used to purchase World Cup tickets. With the presale phases now complete, the only remaining option is the Last-Minute Sales Phase, which began on April 1 and will remain open through the end of the tournament on July 19.

“Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and purchases will be processed as real-time transactions, subject to availability,” FIFA explains on its official website. “All successfully purchased tickets will be confirmed immediately to the ticket purchasers.”

This allows fans to find available seats for matches that have not yet sold out—typically those not involving the tournament’s top contenders. It also provides access to tickets for matches that were previously sold out but have become available because their owners are willing to resell or exchange them.

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest edition of the tournament since the competition was first held in 1930. The expanded 48-team format and the addition of a new round—the Round of 32—will increase the number of matches from 64, as was the case at Qatar 2022, to 104.

Combined with the fact that the tournament will be hosted across three countries for the first time, the expanded format will allow more fans to attend matches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. On the other hand, ticket prices have also risen significantly for this edition, with some reaching as much as seven times the cost of comparable seats at Qatar 2022.

After finishing second in Group C of the UEFA Qualifiers, they faced the Czech Republic in the playoff final, losing on penalties. While Højlund managed to score five goals across the matches, head coach Brian Riemer failed to establish defensive solidity, causing his side to trail on the scoreboard for much of the game.

Denmark qualified for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Therefore, failing to qualify for the 2026 edition, despite the expansion of available spots, represents a complete failure. Beyond Højlund and Mikkel Damsgaard, they also possess players such as Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Joachim Andersen, Patrick Dorgu, and others who could have provided consistency in their play, but Brian Riemer failed to find the right path.

Rather than dismissing Brian Riemer, the Danish Soccer Association has decided to back the continuity of its project. With many young players in the squad, they are betting on their continued development and a return to the World Cup in 2030. However, their performance at UEFA Euro 2028 could determine the next steps of the project.

How many times have Denmark played in the World Cup?

Denmark have not managed to become a dominant force in UEFA competitions, with their most recent major titles being UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1995 Confederations Cup. However, they have been regular participants at the World Cup, appearing in six editions. Since the 2002 tournament, they have qualified for four of the last six editions, highlighting their status as a competitive national team.

Despite being frequent World Cup participants, they have not consistently emerged as true contenders. In their first-ever participation, Denmark reached the Round of 16, but Spain defeated them with a harsh 5-1. Then, they had their best performance in the 1998 edition, when they reached the quarterfinals, but Brazil defeated them 3-2.

In the 2002 edition, Denmark also reached the Round of 16, surprising everyone. However, England defeated them in a 3-0. After being left out of the 2006 edition, they disappointed in the 2010 edition, just reaching the group stage, being surpassed by Netherlands and Japan.

Denmark significantly improved their performances at the 2018 World Cup. After advancing from the group stage, they reached the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Croatia on penalties. However, they disappointed once again in the 2022 edition, as they exited the tournament without winning a single match and finished bottom of their group.

The Ukrainians officially saw their World Cup dreams shattered in March after suffering a definitive 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden in the semifinal round of the UEFA qualification playoffs.

Ukraine had previously put together an impressive run during the UEFA group stage qualifiers, securing a second-place finish in a highly competitive Group D alongside powerhouse France, Iceland, and Azerbaijan.

Under the guidance of manager Serhiy Rebrov, the squad earned its ticket to the high-stakes playoff bracket. However, they were unable to navigate past the semifinal hurdle against Sweden, who eventually went on to punch their ticket to North America by defeating Poland in the playoff final.

With this latest heartbreak, Ukraine’s historical World Cup resume remains frozen at a single appearance, which came back in 2006 when they qualified directly for the tournament in Germany.

During that memorable 2006 run, the tournament debutants stunned the world by marching all the way to the Quarterfinals, where they were eventually eliminated 3-0 by the eventual world champions, Italy.

Ukraine’s heartbreaking playoff curse

Across their eight historical World Cup qualifying campaigns, Ukraine has managed to qualify directly just once (2006), missed out on the knockout rounds entirely just once (2018), and advanced to the playoff stage a staggering six times.

However, the nation seems burdened by a historical playoff curse, having never once successfully advanced to a World Cup through the tournament’s second-chance format.

• 1998: In their first-ever playoff appearance, a young Ukrainian squad fell to Croatia 3-1 on aggregate, missing out on a trip to France ’98.

• 2002: After finishing second in their group behind Poland, Ukraine drew a powerhouse Germany side in the UEFA promotional playoff, ultimately falling 5-2 on aggregate.

• 2010: Following their success in 2006, Ukraine returned to the playoffs looking to punch a ticket to South Africa. Despite holding Greece to a 0-0 draw away in Athens, they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat at home in the return leg.

• 2014: Ukraine seemed destined for Brazil after a historic 2-0 first-leg victory over France in Kyiv. However, Les Bleus pulled off a stunning 3-0 comeback in Paris, handing Ukraine its cruelest playoff exit yet.

• 2022: Under emotional circumstances following a delay in scheduling, Ukraine won its playoff semifinal against Scotland but narrowly fell 1-0 to Wales in the playoff final.

• 2026: Placed into the new single-elimination bracket, the Ukrainians were overwhelmed by Sweden in the semifinals, sealing their sixth consecutive playoff disappointment.

After narrowly missing out on the previous edition, Peru did not qualify this time because they finished ninth out of 10 teams in CONMEBOL. Six countries earned direct spots, while one more place went to a playoff.

Their qualifying run was so poor that they could not put together a strong campaign even with one of the easiest paths in the region’s history. They finished with just 12 points in 18 matches, leaving them only ahead of Chile in the standings and seven points behind seventh place.

Peru’s World Cup history

Peru have not been regulars in this competition. Since the World Cup began in 1930, they have only appeared in five editions, which makes their presence a rare one.

Their best spell came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when players like Teófilo Cubillas helped them qualify for the 1970, 1978, and 1982 tournaments, out of a possible four editions in that period.

They were also one of the few countries to take part in the 1930 edition. Their most recent appearance ended a long drought, as they returned in 2018, which was a major moment for the country’s younger fans.

The best performance

Their best performance came during the golden era led by Cubillas, when Peru reached the quarterfinals in 1970, their deepest run in World Cup history. Officially, they finished seventh, which was one place better than in 1978, when they also reached the quarterfinal stage, then called the second-round group.

Match Overview

As two of the top powers in women’s soccer prepare for the challenges ahead, Brazil and the USWNT square off in a high-profile showdown featuring the reigning giants of CONMEBOL and CONCACAF.

Brazil continue to build momentum and evaluate key pieces ahead of upcoming international tournaments, while the United States—widely regarded as one of the most successful programs in the sport’s history—looks to sharpen its form as it targets another deep run on the global stage, including next year’s World Cup.

More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream

Match Overview

Argentina continues its World Cup preparations with a friendly against Iceland, a matchup that should provide a stronger test for Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste. The reigning world champions enter the game after a comfortable and controlled win over Honduras

They will face Iceland—absent from the World Cup for a second straight edition since its memorable 2018 appearance— who looks to challenge one of the tournament favorites. With the World Cup opener drawing closer, this contest could offer a clearer picture of Argentina’s readiness, making it a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

According to BILD, José Mourinho is closely monitoring Schlotterbeck’s future, as he is very fond of the defender’s profile for the back line. Despite recently renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund, he reportedly has a release clause worth between €50–60 million that applies to Real Madrid and Liverpool. Therefore, the Spanish side could move forward with a deal for him after the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Antonio Rüdiger renewing his contract, Los Blancos could view Nico Schlotterbeck as a safe long-term investment, hoping he can eventually take over his role and lead the team. However, he would have to rotate minutes with Huijsen and Konaté, which could make him hesitate about the move. In addition, the 26-year-old star could be tempted by Liverpool, where he could become an undisputed starter.

After losing Konaté on a free transfer, the Reds could push strongly to sign Schlotterbeck. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, the German defender would be key to rebuilding the team, as Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet are still quite young. However, he does not appear to be in a hurry to decide his future, meaning both Real Madrid and Liverpool will need a strong proposal to convince him.

Schlotterbeck’s arrival may complicate Real Madrid’s defense rotation

Even though David Alaba left as a free agent, Real Madrid still have numerous defenders in their squad. José Mourinho can count on Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dean Huijsen in the team. Therefore, Nico Schlotterbeck may not have much room to become an undisputed starter, having to rotate to gain playing time. In addition, they would need to let at least one defender leave.

As one of the best defenders in Europe, Schlotterbeck would arrive as an undisputed starter alongside Ibrahima Konaté. As a result, Militão, Rüdiger, and Huijsen would have to compete for a place in the defensive line. This would create a major dilemma for Mourinho, who would need to rotate his star defenders. Because of this, the German defender could decide to remain at Borussia Dortmund, where he is an undisputed starter.

The reason for their elimination is simple: Costa Rica did not qualify because they finished in their group in the final round. Only the three group winners advanced directly, while the two best runners-up moved on to a playoff for the remaining spot.

Costa Rica could not do enough to secure even a playoff place after six matches. They finished behind surprising group leaders Haiti, who had 11 points, and Honduras, who finished with 9 points and still did not reach the playoff round. Costa Rica’s 7 points were better than Nicaragua’s total of 4 points.

A great run that ended

For this edition, it was expected to be an easier path to the World Cup than before because the three biggest teams were not taking part. With the United States, Mexico, and Canada out of the competition, smaller teams had a chance to make history.

That led to changes in the format, but Costa Rica’s strong run came to an end after three straight World Cup appearances, giving them six in total.

This century has been a strong one for Costa Rica, who first appeared in a World Cup in 1990. However, from 2000 to the present, they had only missed out in 2010 before this one, which came as a surprise to fans.

The best performance

While their debut in 1990 was especially strong, with a run to the round of 16, what they did in 2014 is still hard to match. Not only did they win a group that included Italy, Uruguay, and England, they also beat Greece in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw that stayed level through extra time. Their quarterfinal ended in a penalty shootout loss to the Netherlands after another draw in regulation.

In the official press release dropped on Sunday, Real Madrid stated that “following the meeting of the Board of Directors held today, an offer of 150 million euros has been submitted to Club Atlético de Madrid for the transfer rights of player Julian Alvarez.” While the transaction would shatter Real Madrid’s signing records and mark a historic sale for Atlético, the Colchoneros instantly dismissed the approach in spectacular fashion.

Wasting no time, Atletico Madrid issued a blunt, point-by-point rebuttal to their neighbors’ public pursuit. First, the club’s official X account quote-tweeted Real Madrid’s announcement, bypassing a traditional corporate reply in favor of a string of crying-laughing emojis.

Then, Atletico followed up with an official statement of their own, laying out a series of highly unconventional clarifications that took aim at the Alvarez saga and other recent grievances: “Official statement with our clarifications regarding the official statement of our neighbors Real Madrid:

1. Your video of the Pope cut off right where he said he was also an Atleti fan.
2. You must have confused politeness with gratitude, but just so there is no doubt: we are not thanking you for anything.
3. We are neither studying nor considering any offer for Julian.
4. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than FC Barcelona.“

With this response, Atletico directly targeted the second part of Real Madrid’s original press release, which had claimed that Atlético “expressed its gratitude for the proposal” after reviewing the numbers. Those specific lines from Real Madrid‘s statement clearly touched a nerve, prompting Atleti to completely trash the notion of a polite rejection, apart from the fact that no offer is being analyzed for the Argentine striker.

Atletico playing tough in Alvarez’s negotiation

Even though the forward is currently in North America to spearhead Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, powerhouse clubs are already aggressively maneuvering behind the scenes to secure his signature. The primary suitors leading the chase for the star striker are Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona, both of whom have already seen substantial formal offers flatly rejected by Atletico.

Atletico’s leadership took a particularly defensive and bizarre stance on social media regarding Barcelona’s recent pursuit, going as far as responding to the Catalan giants by posting Photoshopped images of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha wearing the Atleti kit. At the time, Barcelona had tabled a massive €100 million package for the striker, only to run into a brick wall in Madrid.

According to Argentine journalist and insider Gaston Edul, Alvarez’s preferred destination is Barcelona, and he reports that it will be virtually impossible for Atletico to retain the forward for the upcoming season. With his long-term future entirely up in the air, additional reports suggest that Alvarez is growing increasingly frustrated with how the club is handling his transfer market value, severely straining his relationship with Atlético management.

As the dust settles on Tuesday’s dramatic social media war, two clear winners emerge from the chaos: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who fulfilled a high-profile campaign promise by launching a record €150 million bid that is now safely off the table, and Atletico Madrid, who by rejecting the offer, have effectively driven up the asking price for any future suitor to an astronomical level.

Portugal’s build-up to the grand tournament has been shaped as much by emotion as performance, especially after the Al-Nassr superstar was seen visibly moved during the national anthem in a recent friendly against Chile. The moment quickly circulated among supporters and added fuel to growing retirement speculation surrounding the 41-year-old captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to feature in his sixth World Cup, a milestone few players in history have reached. Despite questions about form and fitness, he remains central to the national team’s structure and leadership.

His recent tournament output has been inconsistent, with limited goal contributions at both the 2022 tournament and Euro 2024. Still, his presence continues to shape both tactical plans and dressing-room dynamics.

What did Martinez say about Ronaldo?

The moment has since been interpreted as a symbolic reminder of how close the veteran may be to the end of his international journey. However, the national team leadership has attempted to calm the narrative. Martinez directly addressed Ronaldo’s mindset on Tuesday, saying, “When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players. We talk about the icon of world football, and we talk about the player, our captain.”

Despite growing external speculation, Roberto Martinez has consistently insisted that the national team is not focused on long-term career decisions. Instead, preparation and immediate performance remain the priority for both staff and players: “I don’t think the captain, or any of the players, are thinking about the future.

“Nobody knows what the future holds. Football brings injuries, unexpected situations, and decisions that aren’t always in your control“, the 52-year-old said in a press conference.

The coach emphasized discipline and routine as the foundation of the squad’s approach heading into the World Cup. That message has become central to Portugal’s internal structure during preparations: “The focus is on today’s training session, understanding the concepts, executing them tomorrow, and showing the pride of wearing Portugal’s shirt.“

Martinez also defended his captain strongly, stating, “That’s the example Cristiano gives. With all his experience, his only objective is to use tomorrow as another opportunity to improve. Our captain is an example every day. Being a professional is a 24-hour commitment. It’s about giving everything to improve and help the national team.“

Ronaldo’s final World Cup narrative

Whether or not 2026 becomes Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international tournament remains unanswered, but the emotional signals are becoming harder to ignore. His anthem moment has only strengthened the sense that the end of an era is approaching.

For Roberto Martinez, however, the focus remains firmly on performance rather than legacy. The national team continues to prepare with ambition, structure, and belief. As Portugal moves closer to kickoff, one truth is already clear: every match, every moment, and every gesture from Cristiano Ronaldo will be analyzed through the lens of history.

With the competition spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the physical burden on national teams is expected to become a major storyline. While some sides will remain largely in one region throughout the group stage, others face exhausting journeys across thousands of miles, creating concerns about recovery, sleep, and overall performance levels.

The expanded 48-team World Cup will cover an enormous geographical footprint across 16 host cities. Teams will move between vastly different climates, altitudes, and time zones during a tightly packed schedule that leaves little room for recovery mistakes.

According to the tournament travel chart shared by San Diego FC’s performance expert Luke Jenkinson on X (formerly Twitter), the average round-trip distance for teams during the group stage is approximately 3,105 miles. However, the variation between nations is staggering, with some teams receiving a far smoother path than others.

Additionally, the picture shows that FIFA has been trying to build regional clusters to reduce travel. Many nations remain within western, central, or eastern zones during the group stage, although the distances still vary dramatically depending on scheduling and base camp locations.

Mexico emerges with the lightest workload

The eye-opening comparison arrives when examining the two extremes of the travel rankings. Co-host Mexico will travel only 625 miles during the group stage, while Curacao faces a massive 6,285-mile journey, nearly ten times more than the host nation.

That difference immediately sparked discussion among supporters and analysts, especially because recovery windows between matches are expected to play a huge role in the competition. Mexico’s schedule keeps the team largely centered around home territory, allowing the squad to avoid exhausting flights and major time-zone disruption.

Curacao, meanwhile, faces one of the most difficult logistical routes in the entire tournament. The Caribbean nation will move between Houston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia while operating from a base camp in Boca Raton, Florida.

The tournament chart reveals several other fascinating travel figures as well. Senegal will travel only 791 miles, while Paraguay faces just 640 miles, both receiving highly favorable group-stage logistics. On the other hand, Austria will cover 5,976 miles, Bosnia and Herzegovina 5,912, and England 5,587, illustrating how uneven the conditions may truly become.

FIFA attempts to reduce the burden

FIFA has tried to minimize travel chaos by organizing regional group-stage clusters. According to the report, 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches will include at least three days of rest between games, helping teams recover from long-distance flights.

The tournament chart also shows that no team will be forced into coast-to-coast travel during the group stage. Base camps were strategically selected to reduce excessive movement wherever possible.

Still, the difference between teams remains difficult to ignore. While Mexico will largely stay within familiar surroundings, other nations could spend hours in transit between every matchday.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi’s availability for the match during Monday’s press conference, saying: “He is going to play; what I don’t know is how many minutes. I still have to speak with him, we still have today’s training session. We will see how many minutes to avoid taking any kind of risk, and we will decide then. But in principle, yes, he will get minutes.”

This is welcome news for Argentina, as the forward missed last Saturday’s friendly against Honduras while completing the final stage of his recovery from the muscle issue he suffered with Inter Miami on May 24.

The reigning World Cup champions face their final test before next Tuesday’s Group J opener against Algeria. Their opponents on this occasion will be Iceland, the first European side they have faced since the 2022 World Cup final against France. However, Iceland are considered a lesser challenge, having failed to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Projected Argentina lineup

Unlike Saturday’s match against Honduras, when most of the squad’s key players did not start, Argentina are expected to field several of their biggest stars against Iceland. That will probably include Lionel Messi alongside Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Lionel Scaloni’s projected XI to face Iceland is: Geronimo Rulli; Nicolas Capaldo, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Gonzalez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.

Projected Iceland lineup

After finishing third in Group D of the European qualifiers behind France and Ukraine, Iceland were eliminated from contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. As a result, their goal during the June FIFA international window has been to test themselves against top-level opponents while beginning preparations for the next cycle. After a 1-0 loss to Japan last week, they now face the difficult challenge of taking on Argentina.

Head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson‘s projected lineup is: Hakon Valdimarsson; Logi Tomasson, Hordur Magnusson, Daniel Gretarsson, Stefan Thordarson, Dagur Thorhallsson; Kristian Hlynsson, Andri Baldursson, Gisli Thordarson, Mikael Ellertsson; Brynjolfur Willumsson.

As Didier Deschamps made final adjustments before the opening World Cup fixture against Senegal, France produced a convincing 3-1 victory in Lille. While Mbappe remains the face of the national team and continues to chase more individual milestones, another attacking star stole the spotlight and matched an achievement that had belonged exclusively to the captain for more than two years.

France entered the match under pressure to deliver a strong response after an unexpected setback against the Ivory Coast. With the World Cup beginning in less than a week, Deschamps wanted his squad to sharpen its tactical approach and build confidence before traveling to North America.

Les Bleus controlled possession for long stretches against Northern Ireland and frequently pinned the visitors deep inside their own half. Although the attack occasionally lacked fluidity, France created enough chances to eventually overwhelm its opponent.

Mbappe started alongside an impressive attacking cast that included Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and several other players expected to play major roles during the World Cup. Arsenal defender William Saliba also returned to the lineup as Deschamps experimented with a setup close to his strongest available team.

Michael Olise delivers stunning performance

The breakthrough arrived shortly before halftime when Olise reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area. As soon as Olise got his hands on a loose ball in the penalty area, the French forward swung his right foot and unleashed a thunderous effort that went wide of the goal.

That opening goal gave France a deserved lead and set the stage for an unforgettable individual display. The Bayern star doubled the advantage after the break with another composed finish. Receiving the ball centrally inside the area, he struck a precise low effort beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and place Northern Ireland firmly on the back foot.

Although Patrick Kelly briefly pulled one back for the visitors, France never lost control of the contest. The response came through the same player who had already dominated the evening.

The record that connects Olise and Mbappe

The defining moment arrived in the closing stages when Olise completed his hat-trick with a spectacular long-range strike. The French attacker received a fantastic pass from Malo Gusto and then stormed the penalty area with a left-footed shot that soared into the far top left corner. The goal sealed a 3-1 victory and, more importantly, placed Olise in exclusive company.

Thus, the 24-year-old became the first France player to score a hat-trick since Kylian Mbappe achieved the feat against Gibraltar in a Euro 2024 qualifier in November 2023. For more than two years, Mbappe had been the only French player to record a hat-trick for the national team.

The Brazilian national team has already shown its strength during pre-tournament friendlies, but Neymar’s situation continues to dominate headlines. As the tournament draws closer, fresh evaluations have reportedly led Brazil’s coaching staff toward a revised plan regarding the captain’s return to competitive action.

Brazil received encouraging news after Neymar underwent a scheduled MRI examination earlier this week. The Santos forward has been recovering from a grade-two muscle injury in his right calf, suffered during a match on May 17.

According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the latest results confirmed that the rehabilitation process is progressing as expected. Medical staff believes the recovery remains within the original timeframe established when the injury was first diagnosed.

“The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI scan this Monday. The examination showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.” That update has strengthened confidence inside the camp, even though caution remains the priority.

Ancelotti refuses to take risks

Since taking charge of the national team, Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly emphasized the importance of having Neymar available when it matters most. The Italian coach included the veteran playmaker in his final 26-man World Cup squad despite concerns surrounding his fitness.

Brazil has already defeated Panama 6-2 and Egypt 2-1 without Neymar on the field. While those victories highlighted the squad’s attacking depth, Ancelotti knows the influence of the country’s all-time leading scorer could become crucial during the latter stages of the tournament.

The coaching staff, therefore, appears unwilling to rush Neymar back before he is fully recovered. Doctors are reportedly following a carefully structured rehabilitation program designed to eliminate the risk of aggravating the injury.

Fresh assessment reveals new target date

While there had initially been hope that Neymar might recover quickly enough to make the bench against Morocco, recent evaluations have altered expectations.

According to reports from Globo Esporte and ESPN Brasil, Brazil’s technical staff has effectively ruled out the possibility of Neymar featuring in the World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13. The latest examinations reportedly encouraged caution rather than accelerating the recovery process.

The new objective has now become much clearer. Brazil is targeting Neymar’s return for the second group-stage match against Haiti on June 19. Internally, the coaching staff believes that the timeline offers the best balance between protecting the player and giving him enough time to regain match sharpness before the knockout rounds.

The expectation is that Neymar will continue individualized training over the coming days before gradually returning to field work with teammates.

“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the meeting of the Board of Directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Álvarez. After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atlético de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause,” posted on their website.

Despite this being a record fee for Atlético Madrid, they have decided not to negotiate any transfer involving Julián Álvarez. However, they have left the door open for the Argentine striker’s departure through the payment of his €500 million release clause. While Los Blancos were looking to strengthen their attack, they could decide against paying it, as it would be a highly prohibitive figure for their finances.

Unlike Barcelona, Real Madrid have no urgency to sign Julián Álvarez, as they already have Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in attack. Therefore, they are unlikely to continue pursuing his signing, as Atlético Madrid are only referring interested clubs to his extremely high release clause. In addition, the arrival of the Argentine striker could push the Frenchman back to the left wing, leaving no place for the Brazilian left-winger.

Julián Álvarez to Barcelona may be endangered by Real Madrid offer

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Julián Álvarez has reportedly made a move to Barcelona his priority. To make this happen, the Blaugrana have supposedly submitted a €100 million offer to Atlético Madrid. Although the Argentine striker appeared destined to join Hansi Flick’s team, Real Madrid offer could complicate his arrival to the Blaugranas, setting a higher transfer fee.

After rejecting a €150 million offer from Los Blancos, Los Colchoneros appear determined to reject any bid below that amount. In addition, the Blaugranas are reportedly unwilling to submit an offer higher than €120 million, meaning that only pressure from Julián could pave the way for a move. However, the Argentine striker remains under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2030, meaning he would have to continue with the club.

Russia has been a regular participant in major international competitions over the decades, producing memorable World Cup moments and competing against some of the sport’s biggest nations. Yet a specific circumstance has kept the team away from the qualification process, preventing any chance of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament.

The Sbornaya has appeared at 11 World Cups overall, including seven editions under the Soviet Union banner and four as Russia. Its best performance came in 1966, when the Soviet Union reached the semifinals before eventually finishing fourth.

More recently, Russia enjoyed one of its greatest soccer moments during the 2018 World Cup on home soil. The team exceeded expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout before narrowly losing to Croatia.

That success created optimism that Russia could continue building toward future tournaments. Instead, the national team will now have missed two consecutive World Cups.

Why Russia is missing the 2026 World Cup

The reason behind Russia’s absence dates back to February 2022. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, both FIFA and UEFA imposed sanctions on Russian soccer. The governing bodies announced that Russian national teams and clubs would be suspended from participating in official competitions until further notice.

FIFA and UEFA have since maintained their suspension of Russian national and club teams from official international competitions. The restriction was first introduced in February 2022 and has remained in place ever since. As a result, Russia could not participate in qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

On February 28, 2022, a joint statement solidified the stance, declaring that “all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.” Consequently, the team was removed from the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs, barred from Euro 2024, and excluded from the draw for the 2026 World Cup.

Life on the periphery with exhibition matches

Despite the severe restrictions of the competitive ban, the national team has not stopped playing soccer entirely. Under the guidance of manager Valery Karpin, the squad has remained active by organizing sporadic international friendlies that do not require FIFA or UEFA authorization.

These fixtures are contested almost exclusively against non-Western nations, geopolitical allies, and select representatives from Asia and Africa. The team has managed to remain technically unbeaten across dozens of these exhibition matches, though the standard of competition varies wildly.

While the squad secured respectable results against sides like Iran, Bolivia, and Nigeria, it also engaged in incredibly one-sided fixtures. An 8-0 win over Cuba and an 11-0 thrashing of Brunei show the level of opposition has sometimes left something to be desired on the pitch.

The absence comes as a surprise to many casual fans, given the extraordinary campaign Kvaratskhelia has just completed. After establishing himself among Europe’s elite, the Paris Saint-Germain winger appeared destined to shine on soccer’s biggest stage. Instead, he will be forced to watch from afar as the world’s leading national team competes for the most prestigious trophy in the sport.

In fact, the 2025-26 campaign may go down as the finest season of Kvaratskhelia’s career so far. The Georgian forward enjoyed remarkable success with the Parisians and further strengthened his reputation as one of the most dangerous wingers at the moment.

After completing a high-profile move from Napoli to PSG in January 2025, Kvaratskhelia quickly became one of the key figures in Luis Enrique’s squad. He helped PSG win Ligue 1, captured the UEFA Champions League title, and was named the Champions League Player of the Season. He registered 10 goals and six assists in 16 Champions League appearances while also contributing eight goals and four assists in Ligue 1.

The winger also achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first player in Champions League history to record either a goal or an assist in seven consecutive knockout-stage matches. His influence was particularly evident during PSG’s run to European glory, where he consistently delivered in the biggest moments.

Why isn’t Kvaratskhelia playing at the World Cup?

Despite all of his club success, Kvaratskhelia’s World Cup dream has been halted by circumstances beyond his control. The reason for his absence is that Georgia failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While many of soccer’s traditional powers successfully secured places at the expanded 48-team tournament, Georgia could not navigate a difficult qualifying campaign. The nation that captured the imagination of fans during Euro 2024 was unable to repeat that success on the road to North America.

Kvaratskhelia did his part during qualification, scoring six important goals in 12 games and attempting to inspire his country. However, Georgia struggled for consistency throughout the campaign and ultimately fell short of securing either automatic qualification or a playoff route.

The disappointment is particularly painful considering how much excitement Willy Sagnol’s side generated during its historic appearance at Euro 2024. That tournament marked the nation’s first major international competition, and Kvaratskhelia was the driving force behind a memorable run to the knockout rounds.

Georgia’s qualification campaign falls short

The qualifying group proved challenging for the Georgian national team. Despite flashes of promise, results simply did not go their way often enough. Georgia finished behind Spain and Turkey in its qualifying section, leaving the national team without a ticket to the World Cup. Several disappointing defeats proved costly, including a heavy loss away from home that effectively ended hopes of qualification.

Many observers felt Kvaratskhelia carried an enormous burden throughout the campaign. While Georgia possesses several talented players, few can match the PSG star’s ability to decide matches on his own. His dazzling dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal frequently kept Georgia competitive, but one player alone could not overcome the depth possessed by some of Europe’s stronger national teams.

Nearly a century has passed since the first edition in 1930, played entirely at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where hosts Uruguay claimed the title by defeating Argentina in the final. Thirteen national teams from South America, North America and Europe took part in that tournament, and much has changed since then, culminating in the 48-team format that will debut this summer.

Since then, every World Cup trophy has been won by countries from just two continents. Europe accounts for the majority of champions, with 12 titles shared among five different nations, while South America has claimed the remaining 10 through three countries.

As for hosting the World Cup, Oceania remains the only continent yet to stage the tournament. Eleven editions have been held in Europe, five in South America, four in North America (including this year’s tournament), two in Asia and one in Africa.

Which countries have won the World Cup?

Uruguay were the first FIFA World Cup champions, lifting the trophy on home soil in 1930. They repeated the feat 20 years later with their famous victory over Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium in 1950.

The other World Cup titles won by South American nations belong to Brazil and Argentina. Led by Pele, the Brazilians captured the trophies in 1958, 1962 and 1970 before adding titles in 1994 and 2002. Argentina, meanwhile, won their first World Cup in 1978, repeated the feat in 1986 under the leadership of Diego Maradona, and lifted the trophy again in 2022 with Lionel Messi.

The first European champions were Italy, who won back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938 before adding crowns in 1982 and 2006. Germany have also won four World Cups: 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. France are next with two titles, having won on home soil in 1998 before triumphing again in 2018. England have one World Cup title, earned in 1966, while Spain claimed their only championship in 2010.

Which national team has won the most World Cup titles?

After 22 editions, Brazil remain the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history with five titles. Italy and Germany are next with four each, while Argentina have won three. Uruguay and France have been crowned champions twice, while England and Spain have each lifted the trophy once.

Complete list of World Cup winners

According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is backing Al Nassr in its pursuit of Raphinha. To make the deal happen, they are willing to pay €80 million to Barcelona, making it a very difficult offer to reject. In addition, the Brazilian star would be offered a salary four times higher than his current one, as he would become one of the team’s marquee players alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

With Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mané operating on the wings, Raphinha would arrive to form a partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as an attacking midfielder. His presence on the pitch could significantly boost Al Nassr’s attacking firepower, although João Félix’s role could come into question. However, they also face competition, as the PIF is reportedly backing Al Hilal as well, with the club equally eager to bring him in.

Far from being the first time they have pursued Raphinha, the Saudi Pro League already attempted to sign the Brazilian star in 2024, when his future at the club was far from certain. Now 29 years old, he could be facing the perfect opportunity to sign the most lucrative contract of his career. In addition, the Blaugrana could use the €80 million fee to further rebuild their attack, having already signed Anthony Gordon.

Report: Raphinha rejects lucrative offer as Barcelona future remains clear

Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha has managed to showcase the best version of himself. Not only has he improved his goalscoring output, but also his creative contribution. Although his season was affected by injuries, he still managed to score 21 goals. Due to his excellent form, the Brazilian star has reportedly decided to reject any transfer in the summer of 2026, as the head coach continues to view him as an undisputed starter.

According to Alex Pintanel, via Jijantes FC, Raphinha has decided not to accept any offer to leave Barcelona. While both parties could benefit from such a move, Hansi Flick considers him irreplaceable. In addition, the Brazilian star wants to make up for his previous season, as injuries significantly affected his performances. Therefore, Anthony Gordon emerges as a long-term solution, while the present still revolves around Raphinha.

After finishing second in Group C of the African Qualifiers, they were forced to decide their qualification against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a short playoff. Even though they drew the game, they lost on penalties, being eliminated from World Cup participation for the second consecutive edition.

Despite having players such as Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, they have failed to reestablish as one of the best teams in Africa. Unlike Senegal or Morocco, Nigeria have not developed a collective playing style, causing them to be consistently outperformed. In addition, head coach Eric Chelle has not managed to get the best out of his biggest star, Victor Osimhen.

As one of the best teams in Africa, Nigeria being surpassed by South Africa proved fatal to their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. Not only do the Super Eagles possess more globally recognized stars, but they also were not in a particularly competitive group. Despite this, head coach Eric Chelle remains in charge, aiming to build a competitive project for the long term.

How many times have Nigeria played in the World Cup?

Throughout their history, Nigeria have become one of the most representative teams in Africa. Making their tournament debut in the 1994 edition, they have gone on to participate in a total of six World Cup editions. In addition, they were coming off a strong run, having secured their place in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 editions, where their best result was reaching the Round of 16.

Even though they failed to qualify for the 2026 edition, the Super Eagles have a strong opportunity to rebuild their squad and return for the 2030 World Cup. However, they may need to build their sporting project around Victor Osimhen, as he is one of the best players in Africa and could be a difference-maker. In addition, they have shown the ability to stabilize their performances, providing a solid foundation for the future.

According to Nicolò Schira, a well-known Italian journalist, via X, Al Hilal decided to submit a massive offer to Rafael Leão, hoping he could become the ideal partner for Karim Benzema. Although the contractual terms would have represented a significant improvement over those at AC Milan, he has decided to reject the opportunity. Despite wanting to leave the Rossoneri, he appears to be seeking a far greater challenge in his career.

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Rafael Leão reportedly wants to play in either the Premier League or LaLiga. However, he has yet to receive any offers, meaning his future appears likely to be decided after the 2026 World Cup. With that in mind, Arsenal and Manchester United seem to be his preferred destinations, as both clubs could make an immediate investment and offer him a key role as their starting left winger.

Rafael Leão is not coming off his best season with the Rossoneri. After playing 31 matches, he managed to score 10 goals and provide 3 assists. However, he had numerous games without contributing. Far from being solely his fault, former head coach Massimiliano Allegri did not use him on the left wing, but rather as a center forward, which was a drastic change. Because of this, a move to the Premier League as a left winger could be transformative for him.

Leão potential departure may allow AC Milan to reshuffle offense

AC Milan are preparing for a squad rebuild, reportedly targeting Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner as the new leaders of the project. With that in mind, they could allow several players who do not fit their playing style to leave. As one of the club’s most valuable assets, Rafael Leão’s potential sale for €50–60 million would be key to rebuilding the attack as the center-forward spot may be a huge priority.

With Leão’s departure, Christian Pulisic could take on a key role on the left wing, similar to the position he plays for the USMNT. If the Rossoneri receive a substantial transfer fee, they could target a prolific striker, as neither Santiago Giménez nor Christopher Nkunku have fully lived up to expectations. Therefore, both the Portuguese star and AC Milan would benefit from a transfer in the summer of 2026, making Premier League interest crucial to getting a deal done.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed ahead of the Honduras friendly that Balerdi had sustained a muscle injury to the soleus in his right leg during a training session, effectively ruling him out of the tournament. While several defenders have been mentioned as potential replacements, Scaloni has been deliberately vague, declining to limit the search to a natural right-footed center back.

At his pre-Iceland press conference, Scaloni expanded on his thinking when asked about potential replacements: “Saying it after the match, I don’t know. But we will have a clearer picture. Fortunately, we can take these few days and by Wednesday, the boy we decide on can be with us. In Balerdi’s position, we can be covered, and we will see where we draw from. We have an idea, and based on how we finish, we will see. I don’t think it will go past Wednesday.“

Scaloni’s comments are consistent with reporting from Argentina insider Gaston Edul, who indicated that Balerdi’s replacement would not necessarily be a right-sided center back. With Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi both capable of covering that position, the search has widened to include other areas of the squad, opening the door for Buendia among others.

Buendia’s competition for the vacant spot

According to ESPN Argentina‘s Diego Monroig, Buendia is among the players Scaloni has contacted to put their vacation plans on hold, as they remain in contention for a spot in the final World Cup roster. The door had initially cracked open primarily for Nico Paz, who has since recovered from his injury, but Balerdi’s setback has created a fresh vacancy that multiple players are now competing to fill.

Two names already part of the pre-tournament tour are in the running. Nicolas Capaldo and Agustín Giay were originally brought along to cover for the injured Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, but one or both could now find themselves earning a permanent place in the squad heading into the tournament.

In the midfield, Scaloni is also weighing different profiles. Como’s Maximo Perrone has been reported as a potential option, with Scaloni reportedly asking him to keep training and remain available. Perhaps the most intriguing name to emerge in recent hours is defensive midfielder and World Cup champion Guido Rodríguez, a holding profile that the current squad notably lacks.

Buendia, who has been exceptional under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, offers the ability to play out wide on the right or operate as a No. 10 in a more central role. While that space is already crowded with Messi as an unmovable presence and Nico Paz as the creative understudy, Buendia’s versatility and form could still be enough to earn him a late invitation to the World Cup.

The injury occurred on April 22 against Celta Vigo, when Yamal sustained a hamstring tear in his left leg and has been sidelined since, though his participation in the World Cup was never considered to be in jeopardy. To keep a close eye on his recovery, the forward has been accompanied by FC Barcelona‘s external physiotherapist Fernando Galán, who has been visiting him every Monday to monitor his progress.

According to Diario AS, Barcelona’s expectation is that Yamal could make his return to competitive action in Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15. Assuming no setbacks, the six-week recovery window would be complete by that point, clearing him from a medical standpoint.

Barcelona’s roadmap for Yamal during the World Cup

Even with the medical clearance in sight, Barcelona’s position is that Yamal’s return to the pitch should be gradual. The final call will rest with Spain’s coaching staff, but the Blaugrana’s hope is that his playing time increases progressively across the group stage depending on how the team is faring in the early games.

The club’s preferred blueprint is for Yamal to play approximately 15 minutes against Cape Verde, around 60 minutes against Saudi Arabia, and then be in a position to complete the full 90 against Uruguay in the final group stage fixture.

For now, Yamal is continuing his rehabilitation program with the medical staff and will not feature in Spain’s final pre-tournament friendly against Peru in Mexico, remaining at the team’s base camp in Tennessee to complete his recovery.

With Yamal sidelined alongside Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, coach Luis de la Fuente expressed optimism that all three could be available for the tournament opener. “All three are within the timeframe to be able to arrive in good condition to play on the 15th; we don’t know the exact minutes, but Lamine’s injury was different from Nico’s and Victor’s. Each one has their own process and duration, but the most important thing is that within the parameters we have, they can be met for the 15th,” he told reporters after arriving in Puebla.

Lamine Yamal will sit out the clash against Peru, as the Barcelona forward continues to rehab a hamstring injury in his left leg. The discomfort sidelined the 18-year-old winger during the final stretch of the club season with the Blaugrana, and that will remain the case for Spain’s pre-World Cup tune-ups.

The attacker already missed last Thursday’s friendly against Iraq, where La Roja turned in a sluggish performance in a 1-1 draw at Estadio Riazor in La Coruña, bidding farewell to their home fans before traveling to North America. In that matchup, manager Luis de la Fuente deployed Ferran Torres on the right flank, who accounted for Spain’s lone goal.

The ultimate goal for the Spanish national team is to have Yamal fit enough to feature in their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, June 15. The winger is expected to see limited minutes against both the African nation and Saudi Arabia, with the final group-stage clash against Uruguay targeted as the timeline for his return to Spain’s starting XI.

More stars sidelined for Spain

Beyond Yamal, Spain will also be without the services of both Víctor Muñoz and Nico Williams for the match against Peru. All three players remained at Spain’s World Cup base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to focus on their respective rehabilitation programs, and they issued a joint message to Mexican fans expressing their excitement to meet them for the Uruguay game.

Upon arriving at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, De la Fuente updated reporters on the status of the players who didn’t make the trip: “All three are within the timeframe to be able to arrive in good condition to play on the 15th; we don’t know the exact minutes, but Lamine’s injury was different from Nico’s and Victor’s. Each one has their own process and duration, but the most important thing is that within the parameters we have, they can be met for the 15th—they will be met so that they are with us in a position to be lined up at some point during the match.”

Projected lineups for Spain and Peru

Spain’s projected lineup (4-3-3): David Raya; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo.
Head coach: Luis De La Fuente.

Peru’s projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Pedro Gallese; Oliver Sonne, Renzo Garces, Fabio Gruber, Marcos Lopez; Andre Carrillo, Erick Noriega; Kenji Cabrera, Jairo Velez, Jairo Concha; Adrian Ugarriza.
Head coach: Mano Menezes.

When asked during his pre-match press conference whether Messi would start, Scaloni was direct about the superstar’s availability: “He is going to play; what I don’t know is how many minutes. I still have to speak with him, we still have today’s training session. We will see how many minutes to avoid taking any kind of risk, and we will decide then. But in principle, yes, he will get minutes.“

The appearance will mark Messi’s first time on the pitch since the MLS match against the Philadelphia Union where he got injured back on May 24 , setting up a reunion with Iceland in an Argentina shirt. Their last encounter holds unfortunate memories for the South Americans, as Iceland secured a shocking 1-1 draw during the group stage opener of the 2018 World Cup, a match defined by Messi’s penalty miss.

As for the rest of the starting XI, Scaloni noted that Argentina‘s lineup will be finalized after today’s training session, pending how the squad responds physically. Confirming he will rotate the squad heavily compared to the lineup that faced Honduras, the Argentina boss admitted, “We are going to make changes because we need to manage workloads, avoid setbacks, and immediately shift our focus to the opening match against Algeria.“

The matchup against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium marks Argentina’s final dress rehearsal before La Albiceleste begins its title defense on June 16 against Algeria. After sitting on the bench during Saturday’s clash against Honduras, Messi is set to get some much-needed game action under his belt before the World Cup kicks off in North America.

Argentina recovers more key pieces

Though his issue was relatively minor, Messi headlined an extensive list of players on the World Cup roster who arrived in North America nursing physical discomforts. Within that group, the most concerning names forced to train away from the squad on individualized recovery programs included right-back duo Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, midfielders Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes, and forward Julián Alvarez.

Asked about the status of Molina, Montiel, and Paz, Scaloni delivered a highly encouraging update regarding their potential availability for the Iceland match: “In principle, all three are available for the match, we will see about the decision on how many minutes. At right-back we have plenty of options and we can distribute the minutes. As for the team, we are going to decide after the training session.“

Meanwhile, Alvarez’s ankle sprain and Paredes’ muscle tear represented two of the team’s biggest injury scares heading into the tournament. However, Scaloni downplayed any long-term concern surrounding either player. “Juli (Alvarez) is fine, it’s more a matter of him recovering 100%, it’s a discomfort he has in his ankle. Leandro (Paredes) will surely be able to rejoin the group in a few days. It was muscular and may take a little longer,” Argentina’s boss concluded.

On Monday, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) released a statement confirming that Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup. “The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan,” the statement read.

Timber has been battling a groin injury since March 14, when he was forced off in the 38th minute of a Premier League match against Everton. The injury sidelined the defender for 14 consecutive games across all competitions for Arsenal before he finally made his return to action in the Champions League final against PSG.

In that final, which was ultimately decided via a penalty shootout, Timber logged 54 minutes off the bench, convincing head coach Ronald Koeman that he was fit enough for a World Cup call-up. However, after sitting out the June 3 friendly against Algeria and failing to gain medical clearance for the upcoming clash with Uzbekistan, the coaching staff ultimately opted to send him home.

Netherlands already has Timber’s replacement

With 23 caps for the Oranje, Timber had blossomed into a vital piece for Koeman due to his versatility to slot in at both right-back and center-back. While this groin setback denies the Arsenal man a chance at his second consecutive World Cup appearance following Qatar 2022, the Dutch camp has already moved quickly to fill his spot.

In a follow-up statement, the national team revealed that Koeman has called up Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida to replace Timber on the roster. Even with the change, Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is still expected to start at right-back; Dumfries sat out the Algeria friendly to undergo a medical examination ahead of his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.

Players from the UCL final joining the World Cup

With the Champions League final taking place on May 30, most of the players involved missed the first week of international training camp. Yet, of all the European stars who featured in the club finale, Timber appears to be the only one to suffer a tournament-ending setback.

While multiple players are now integrating into camps or logging minutes in pre-World Cup tune-ups, France had its own scare regarding Arsenal defender William Saliba. Saliba missed Les Bleus‘ matchup against Ivory Coast due to back tightness, but he has already returned to the pitch for Monday’s friendly against Northern Ireland.

Match Overview

Peru will get a major test on its path toward the World Cup when it squares off against reigning European champions Spain in an international friendly. While the South American side continues its rebuilding process, Spain arrives as one of the tournament favorites.

With Barcelona star Lamine Yamal headlining a talented squad, La Roja is aiming to win its first World Cup title since 2010. With both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the global stage, this is a game soccer fans won’t want to miss.

According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, Cucurella has formally communicated to the Blues his desire to leave the club in the summer. In response, they have valued him at between €40–50 million, attracting interest from Atlético Madrid. However, the 27-year-old star’s absolute priority is a return to Barcelona after leaving in 2020, as head coach Hansi Flick sees him as an ideal fit for the team’s profile.

Even though the Blaugrana are attentive to a possible return for Marc Cucurella, his comeback would not be straightforward at all. In order to afford his signing, they would be willing to listen to offers for Alejandro Balde. If they do not sell the 22-year-old star, Barcelona would not be able to complete the transfer, as they have other priorities. In addition, the young player is not willing to leave the team, further complicating matters.

If Barcelona fail to resolve Balde’s sale soon, Marc could accept a move to Atlético Madrid. Looking to improve their defensive stability, Los Colchoneros are pushing to convince him to become an undisputed starter. With Cucurella in the squad, they would gain significantly more defensive consistency and offensive contribution, something they do not currently have with Matteo Ruggeri. In addition, the 27-year-old star wants to resolve his professional future quickly.

Barcelona’s plan centers on the striker role, not Cucurella

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona are determined to strengthen their attacking side. After signing Anthony Gordon, they are now attentive to the possible signing of a centre forward, focusing on Julián Álvarez. Moreover, Gerard Martin’s emergence and João Cancelo’s potential signing makes Marc Cucurella’s arrival an opportunity, not a priority. With this in mind, Atletico Madrid hold an edge.

Being a priority for Los Colchoneros, Cucurella could prefer signing with them rather than waiting for Barcelona. In addition, they are already focused on bringing back Cancelo, who would be a starter for Flick. If they have financial room to invest, the Blaugrana would reportedly target a left-footed center-back instead. Therefore, Marc does not seem to be a priority for Hansi Flick’s team unless a swift offer arrives for Alejandro Balde or Jules Koundé.

According to Graeme Bailey, via teamTALK, the Reds are considering a possible return for Núñez as a backup striker. Having been left out of Al Hilal’s sporting project, the forward is expected to push for a return to Europe this summer as a free agent, having gone a long period without playing. After leaving a strong legacy at the club, a return to Anfield could help him rediscover his best form.

Despite Liverpool’s interest, they have not submitted any offer for the Uruguayan striker, meaning his return is far from a reality. In addition, Al Hilal could push to receive some compensation from a potential transfer, as he remains under contract until 2028. Therefore, negotiations may be far from straightforward, but his performances at the 2026 World Cup could be key in reshaping his professional future.

Darwin is not coming off the best season of his career, as he failed to win the starting role at Al Hilal, while Benzema ultimately pushed him out of the team. Nevertheless, he could take advantage of Marcelo Bielsa’s trust in him with Uruguay to shine at the World Cup. If he manages to do so, not only would Liverpool push to sign him, but other Premier League clubs could also enter the race, as his contribution goes far beyond just scoring goals.

Darwin Núñez could shake up Andoni Iraola’s rotation at Liverpool

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Liverpool would be looking to have different attacking alternatives under Andoni Iraola. With Alexander Isak recently returning from an injury and Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term injury, the potential return of Darwin Núñez would be an absolute success. While he would not be an immediate starter, he could offer plenty of attacking options that fit the head coach’s needs.

During his time with the Reds, Darwin managed to stand out both as a center forward and as a left winger. With his explosive pace, change of rhythm, and tactical intelligence, he earned a place in Klopp’s rotation. The same could happen under Iraola, as Cody Gakpo’s future is not entirely clear and the Uruguayan striker could fill a similar role. However, he would only arrive as a free agent.

The CBF released a statement on Monday announcing the update: “The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI this Monday. The exam indicated good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters. He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the medical staff of the Brazilian National Team.“

Back on May 17, Neymar suffered a grade-two muscle strain in his right calf during Santos’ match against Coritiba, which marks the forward’s last competitive appearance. Upon reporting to the national team, further tests revealed the damage was more severe than a simple edema, prompting the medical staff to initiate an intensive treatment plan.

Neymar missed both of Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendlies—the first against Panama at the Maracanã, followed by Saturday’s clash with Egypt. Instead of traveling with the squad to Cleveland, the forward remained at the team’s training base in New Jersey to continue his rehab with Brazil’s physiotherapy staff, utilizing an anti-gravity treadmill to run with minimal impact.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has already dealt with his first pre-tournament injury blow, having to drop right back Wesley from the final roster and call up Ederson as a replacement. The Italian tactician has made it clear that he will not alter his 26-man squad to replace Neymar, and this positive medical update signals that the talismanic forward could still feature in the tournament.

What’s next for Neymar?

Despite what the Brazilian Confederation termed “good progress,” no exact timeline has been established for Neymar’s return to peak match fitness. With both pre-World Cup tune-ups now in the books, Neymar will have only a handful of training sessions left to integrate with the squad before their tournament opener.

The expectation is that as Neymar continues to improve, he will eventually be cleared for individual ball work before being integrated back into full team training. In his press conference ahead of the Egypt friendly, Ancelotti expressed optimism that he could have his star attacker back on the training pitch later this week.

Brazil kicks off its World Cup campaign against Morocco in just five days on Saturday, June 13. With his recovery timeline initially estimated at two to three weeks, Neymar is highly likely to sit out the opener against the African nation, leaving his availability for subsequent Group C matches against Haiti (June 19) and Scotland (June 24) dependent on his ongoing progress.

According to Christian Falk, a well-known journalist in Germany, Bayern are open to paying €46 million to Manchester United to sign Rashford. Despite the presence of Luis Díaz, they do not have a backup option on the wing, making his arrival a key objective. However, they have set a clear condition: Marcus would have to significantly lower his salary expectations in order to fit into the Bundesliga side.

Despite the German side’s interest, they have not made a formal approach to sign him. However, the 28-year-old star has made his decision clear: He will not listen to any offer that does not come from Barcelona, as per MARCA. With this stance, he continues to pressure the Red Devils to accept a lower offer so that he can once again become part of Hansi Flick’s team. Nevertheless, his future appears destined to be decided after the 2026 World Cup.

In order to secure a permanent move to Barcelona, Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to taking a significant pay cut. In addition, he would be willing to fight for a starting spot, recognizing that Raphinha and Gordon could provide strong competition. After scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists, he could be a major reinforcement in terms of goal scoring, especially following Robert Lewandowski’s departure as a free agent.

Rashford could play a more prominent role at Bayern than Barcelona

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona have decided to significantly strengthen their attack. Not only have they signed Anthony Gordon, but they have also decided to brought in a center forward. With these potential changes, Marcus Rashford could end up playing a much more secondary role compared to his first season. This would be quite different from the situation at Bayern Munich, where the 28-year-old star could enjoy a more prominent role.

Unlike the Blaugranas, the German side still do not have a reliable backup option in attack. Capable of playing across all three attacking positions, Rashford could become Vincent Kompany’s first option off the bench or even compete for a starting spot. In addition, the team’s style of play could benefit Marcus, allowing him to play a significant role. However, they must convince him to abandon his desire to join Barcelona, a rather complex task.

The sight of Eriksen falling to the ground while clutching his chest drew immediate and unavoidable comparisons to the harrowing moment five years ago when he suffered a heart attack during Denmark’s opening game of the European Championship against Finland. This time, however, Eriksen was able to get back to his feet within minutes of the episode and walk off the field under his own power before being taken to Odense University Hospital for evaluation with his family by his side.

The day after the incident, Eriksen broke his silence with a post on Instagram: “I want to let everyone know that I am doing well and that I am home with my family. As you can probably imagine, receiving a shock from my ICD has had a major impact on both me and my family, but I want to reassure everyone that this was a different situation from what happened in 2021. I am feeling good, and my recovery has already started.“

Beyond expressing gratitude to supporters and medical personnel, Eriksen paid particular tribute to the medical team responsible for his ongoing care, and specifically to his Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator. The device, which monitors the heart’s rhythm and automatically delivers an electrical shock when a dangerous arrhythmia is detected, Eriksen noted, “did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it.”

Now back home with his family, the Danish captain offered a glimpse of his immediate plans while deliberately sidestepping the question of his professional future. “For now, my focus is on recovering, spending time with my family, going on vacation, and playing football with my children,” the message concluded.

With Denmark having already completed their international window, first with the June 3 friendly against DR Congo in which Eriksen played 73 minutes, and then the Ukraine match which was ultimately abandoned, the Danish captain has no further international commitments on the calendar. With Denmark absent from the World Cup, Eriksen will now have the time to rest, recover and reflect.

Denmark’s statement

In the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s collapse, the Danish Football Federation released a statement from national team doctor Morten Boesen, confirming that the pacemaker had responded swiftly and that Eriksen regained consciousness very quickly. A detailed diagnosis of what triggered the episode has not yet been made public.

The most recent update from Dr. Boesen was issued before Eriksen was discharged from the hospital. “I spoke with Christian this morning, and he is doing well. He is with his family and in good spirits. We are taking good care of the players and staff and remain in regular contact with them,” the statement read.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, via X, formerly Twitter, Al Ittihad approached Klopp and his agent, Marc Kosicke, to establish contact. With this move, the Saudi side hoped to convince him to take on the Technical Director role and oversee transfers and sporting matters. Far from opposing the move, he reportedly made it a condition that he would only join after the start of the season. However, his agent has denied those rumors.

“It’s annoying! Jürgen Klopp is happy in his role at Red Bull and has no ambitions to work as a coach at a club,” Marc Kosicke said, via Süddeutsche Zeitung. With these statements, the German coach will remain at Red Bull group, as he boldly affirms that he does not miss the day-to-day task of coaching a team. Moreover, he remains a key asset in the sportive project at Red Bull, emerging as cornerstone of all the decisions.

Although Klopp appears determined to remain with the Red Bull group, Kosicke revealed that an offer to manage Germany could make him change his mind. “He feels a sense of obligation that he couldn’t always say no to the job,” he said, as per The Sun. However, Julian Nagelsmann currently holds that position and is under contract until after UEFA Euro 2028. Therefore, Jürgen could remain in his current role.

Jürgen Klopp’s Germany hopes may hinge on 2026 World Cup

Julian Nagelsmann has remained Germany’s head coach since 2023, building a solid sporting project. Despite this, he has yet to win a trophy with the national team. With the 2026 World Cup just days away, they are aiming to be among the main contenders after several years, fighting to win the title once again. Depending on their performance, Jürgen Klopp’s future with the national team could be determined.

In the event that they are eliminated in the group stage or fail to reach the latter stages, Nagelsmann could be dismissed from his position. In that scenario, Klopp could emerge as a clear candidate, having already revealed his desire to take on the role at some point. However, a strong performance from Germany could delay that decision until after UEFA Euro 2028, when Julian’s contract expires and Jürgen could potentially succeed him.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, a well-known Italian journalist, the FIGC has chosen Ricardo Mancini as Italy’s new head coach. Despite being under contract with Al-Sadd until June 2028, he will return to Europe, with only the final details remaining before the appointment becomes official. With this move, he will return to the national team, where he previously had a major impact by leading them to the UEFA Euro 2020–21 title.

With the task of rebuilding the national team, Mancini will reportedly sign a contract through 2030, with an annual salary of €2 million, as per Nicolò Schira. After leading Italy at UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, Roberto’s future will be reevaluated, as this is a long-term project aimed at rebuilding the foundations of the team by investing in young players.

Despite being the last coach to win the UEFA Euro with Italy, Roberto Mancini’s return was not entirely well received by all fans. Following the team’s sporting failure, most were expecting a radical change in playing style. However, the veteran coach has proven capable of transforming sporting projects through his experience and excellent squad management, which is why a more stable transition than an aggressive one is expected.

Italy’s reported bet for Mancini is a wise move in the short term

After Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, Italy reportedly sounded out numerous coaches. Among the most notable were Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Roberto De Zerbi. While the first two represented more continuity-based options, the latter was a far more innovative choice, but Tottenham Hotspur moved first. As a result, the reported appointment of Roberto Mancini appears to be a wise move for the team’s short-term reconstruction.

In order to maintain strong competitiveness ahead of UEFA Euro 2028, Mancini could opt not to completely overhaul the playing system. By adjusting roles, and movements, he would seek to give the national team a new playing identity. With many players already familiar with his sporting philosophy, the adaptation process could be straightforward, allowing Italy to compete immediately and avoid a lengthy transition that would further extend its trophy drought.

Three decades after representing the USA in the World Cup on home soil—back when the US didn’t even have a professional soccer league—Lalas is now one of the country’s premier soccer pundits, proudly watching over as the beautiful game has taken hold in the USA.

“It warms the cockles of my old, red-headed American heart how far we have come. I am incredibly proud of what America has become in terms of a soccer-playing nation,” stated Lalas in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “We’ve still got a long way to go, but it’s pretty unprecedented when you look at how far we have come in a relatively short period of time.

“There’s the element of being a proud papa, if you will, but I don’t rest on my laurels. I can still make mistakes, I can still get better. I love what I do, and they can pry it from my cold, dead, red-headed hands, and they’re all young and really, really good. I love the fact that we have progressed both on and off the field so quickly and so far. It does make you proud when you look back and see how far we have come.”

Born on June 1, 1970, Lalas was born in Birmingham, Michigan to a Greek father, Demetrios Lalas, and an American mother, Anne Harding Woodworth. Whilst he didn’t start playing soccer until he was 11, Lalas quickly emerged as one of the best players in the state before attending Rutgers University between 1988 and 1991.

Lalas then departed to focus on the U.S. national team, competing in the 1992 Summer Olympics before making his mark in the World Cup. These stellar displays in the heart of defense would see Lalas join Calcio Padova, becoming the first American to play in Serie A, before making the move to the nascent Major League Soccer in 1996.

He proved indispensable for the New England Revolution until clashing with head coach Frank Stapleton and making the move to Ecuadorian First Division Club Emelec for a month, returning and then being traded to the MetroStars.

After a year in the Big Apple, Lalas then headed to the Kansas City Wizards before moving to the LA Galaxy, where he won a boatload of trophies including the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield.

He retired in 2004, calling it quits on a legendary career that saw him score 9 goals in 96 caps. And after working as a president and general manager for the Galaxy, MetroStars, and San Jose Earthquakes, Lalas decided to make the move into punditry.

Lalas has spent the bulk of the two decades establishing himself as one of the nation’s top soccer commentators alongside the likes of Rodney Marsh, initially with ESPN before signing with Fox Sports. And this summer, just as he has done ever since Fox started broadcasting World Cups in 2015, he’ll be dispensing his unique commentary and no-holds-barred style to millions of TV viewers across the United States.

But whilst he is rooting for the Stars and Stripes to go all the way, he isn’t overly convinced of the USMNT’s mental resilience to handle the pressure and excel on the world’s biggest stage.

“This happens in families: you want better for your kids, and sometimes that means you give them things that you didn’t have. And yet, when you do that, that means they become complacent, they accept it, they come to not value these types of things. The same thing can happen to the team when they are given everything, but I would rather that they had more. I’m all for the Eye of the Tiger and the Spartan approach, I get that, but that train left the station a long time ago.”

“Really, what it comes down to is, as a young player, what are you instilling in them? Are you instilling the work ethic that you need? That doesn’t have a generation; it’s something that every generation needs. Or, are you creating players that are just expectant, where this is the norm, as opposed to being appreciative and valuing the opportunities and the resources that they have. I guess that comes down to good coaching and good parenting, like a lot of things.”

Match Overview

France continues its World Cup preparations as one of the tournament’s leading contenders, looking to build momentum behind a talented squad led by Kylian Mbappe. After winning the title in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2022, Les Bleus enter this friendly focused on sharpening their form.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, views the matchup as a valuable test against one of Europe’s top teams as it continues its development and pursues the long-term goal of returning to the World Cup stage.

Christian Pulisic next game with USMNT is scheduled for Friday, June 12, facing Paraguay in the SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California in the 2026 World Cup. As the hosts of the event and having put in a stellar performance against Germany, they could aim for a decisive victory by relying on the offensive style of play that defines them.

After already completing the 2025–26 season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic will have a period of rest following the 2026 World Cup. However, the USMNT star will not return to action until August 2026, when he begins preseason. As announced by the Rossoneri, they will travel to Jakarta to face Chelsea FC at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday, August 8.

Even though Pulisic began the season as AC Milan‘s best player, he suffered a notable drop in form. After playing 34 matches, he managed to score only 10 goals and provide 4 assists, going through the second half of the season with almost no goal contributions. Because of this, the 27-year-old star shined in these friendlies with the USMNT to get back into peak condition ahead the World Cup.

Pulisic faces career-defining test at World Cup 2026

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Christian Pulisic’s future was a rather controversial topic. With only one year remaining on his contract with AC Milan, he reportedly attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs. However, his inconsistent end to the season raised serious doubts. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star has a major opportunity to shine at the 2026 World Cup and clear up uncertainty about his future.

Due to his poor end to the season, the reported interest from numerous Premier League clubs gradually faded. In addition, Pulisic found himself in a worse position to renegotiate his contract extension with the Rossoneri. Because of this, he could look to shine with the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, proving his true potential. With this, Christian could again be considered as AC Milan’s conerstone, recovering his all-around impact.

Match Overview

The World Cup warm-up schedule brings together two teams with very different goals. The Netherlands arrives as one of the tournament’s traditional contenders, still pursuing its first World Cup title after three runner-up finishes.

The Dutch are focused on fine-tuning their squad ahead of another title bid. On the other side, Uzbekistan is preparing for its first-ever World Cup appearance and hopes to make history with a memorable run. This matchup offers both sides an opportunity to build momentum before the tournament begins.

According to Hanif Ben Berkane, a well-known journalist from Morocco, Abde has been diagnosed with a sprain of the internal knee ligament. With a recovery timeline of 3–4 weeks, he is expected to miss the 2026 World Cup. As the national team’s most decisive player, his absence is a huge blow to their competitiveness in the tournament.

Without the presence of Abde Ezzalzouli, most of Morocco’s attacking responsibilities would fall to Brahim Diaz. Although he does not possess the same change of pace, the 26-year-old star has proven capable of orchestrating the entire national team attack. Not only does he create opportunities for his teammates, but he also leads the team in terms of goal scoring.

Facing Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the 2026 World Cup, Abde’s absence could seriously limit Morocco’s chances. Without his change of pace and dribbling ability, they could struggle to impose their dominant style of play. Beyond his statistical contribution, the 24-year-old was a leader at the collective level, meaning his impact will be felt across the team, not just in the attacking phase.

Morocco’s instability could take its toll at the 2026 World Cup

Throughout the past few years, Morocco have managed to become one of the best national teams in the world. Not only did they impress at the 2022 World Cup, but they also won the Africa Cup of Nations, by decision of the Federation. However, the departure of Walid Regragui as head coach noticeably destabilized the sporting project. In addition, Abde Ezzalzouli’s injury could be the final blow to their hopes of shining at the 2026 edition.

Without having the same key figures from their stellar project, the Atlas Lions now leave more doubts than certainties. Despite being among the favorites to surprise once again at the 2026 World Cup, they have undergone major changes within the national team that have halted their sporting rise. In addition, Soufiane Rahimi needs to step up to replace Abde, something far from simple given that he is one of the best wingers in Europe.

Alongside Abde, Noussair Mazraoui could miss Morocco’s debut in the anticipated tournament against Brazil. Suffering from a shoulder subluxation, Youssef Belammari would take over the starting role, further weakening the left side. Because of this, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces the challenge of restoring competitiveness to a national team that has been heavily affected by injuries and changes within the coaching staff.

Prior to the game against Honduras, the Argentine Football Association confirmed that Balerdi had sustained a muscle injury to the soleus in his right leg, effectively ending his World Cup before it started. At the post-match press conference, Scaloni addressed the situation directly.

“Yesterday when I sat down at the press conference, I was hoping that it wouldn’t be what we all expected, and in the end it was confirmed that Balerdi has a soleus issue and we have to withdraw him because he doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to be able to help us at least in the group stage, and it was too risky,” he explained.

Scaloni leaves door open for more roster changes

Balerdi’s setback forces Scaloni to dip back into the preliminary 55-man list in search of defensive cover. However, no replacement has been confirmed yet, with the coach indicating he may still need to make additional adjustments beyond the Balerdi situation.

When asked about a potential replacement, Scaloni issued a broader warning about the squad’s overall fitness. “We believe — I don’t want to cause alarm either — but we are not at 100% with several of the players, and maybe it doesn’t just involve the center backs. We are going to wait,” he said.

Scaloni has set Tuesday’s friendly against Iceland on June 9 as the deadline for making decisions, both on Balerdi’s replacement and any other potential changes. “We have the opportunity of one more match and we are going to draw conclusions based on what the team needs. We are not going to make a decision until Tuesday’s match and seeing how the rest are. We will wait,” he added.

Three players walking a thin line

Even Lionel Messi had been managing some discomfort upon joining the squad, though he, Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez have shown signs of improvement ahead of the World Cup debut. That leaves three players still firmly in Scaloni’s sights as potential roster changes in the coming days.

According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel and Leandro Paredes are the three names generating the most concern within the Albiceleste setup. None of the three were able to train with the squad ahead of the Honduras friendly, and none made it onto the substitutes’ bench for the match.

Both right backs Molina and Montiel are managing muscle tears, which is why Scaloni brought in Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo for the pre-tournament tour, with both Giay and Capaldo featuring against Honduras. Paredes, meanwhile, is dealing with a low-grade muscle tear from his most recent club action, leaving him unable to train normally and making him the most pressing concern of the three ahead of any potential roster decision in the coming days.

James Rodriguez is starting against Jordan. In the previous friendly against Costa Rica, head coach Nestor Lorenzo opted to rotate several starters, with James entering as a second-half substitute in what ended as a comfortable 3-1 victory for Colombia.

With their base camp established in Guadalajara, the Colombian national team arrived in San Diego on Friday and held multiple training sessions ahead of Sunday’s match. Their World Cup debut against Uzbekistan is set for Wednesday, June 17, giving Lorenzo and his staff ten more days to fine-tune the squad’s preparation.

Jordan, meanwhile, arrive in difficult form after a 4-1 defeat against Switzerland last Sunday. Drawn into Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Austria, the Asian side will be looking for an encouraging result against Colombia as they make their final preparations for their first World Cup appearance.

Jordan as a dry run for the Uzbekistan challenge

With ten days to go before the tournament opener and part of the squad having been rotated against Costa Rica, Lorenzo is expected to go closer to his first-choice lineup against Jordan, a side he views as tactically comparable to their first World Cup opponent.

“Jordan is a team that is tactically similar to Uzbekistan in that they play with a back five. They might suddenly play a 5-3-2 or a 5-4-1, just like Uzbekistan does too. So, well, Uzbekistan sometimes transitions—besides the back three—into a 3-4-3 when playing in a medium or high block, right?… Beyond the opponent, knowing how to face them, but finding the pathways that lead us to victory. That is the challenge of this match in particular,” Lorenzo said at his pre-match press conference.

Confirmed lineups for Colombia and Jordan

Colombia’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Díaz; Luis Suarez.
Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo.

Jordan’s confirmed lineup (5-3-2): Yazeed Abu Laila; Ehsan Haddad, Abdallah Nassib, Yazan AlArab, Saleem Obaid, Mohannad Abu Tah; Nizar Al-Rashdan, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Mousa Al-Tamari; Odeh Fakhoury, Ali Olwan.
Head coach: Jamal Sellami.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Argentina is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, when La Albiceleste take on Iceland in an international friendly at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The highly anticipated match will serve as the last warm-up fixture before the reigning world champions launch their 2026 World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16.

As for his next game with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer has implemented break for the World Cup, with the 2026 regular season slated to resume after the international tournament concludes in mid-July. To jumpstart their defense of the MLS Cup trophy, the Herons will return to action by hosting the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.

During the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. The Argentine star most recently delivered a pair of brilliant assists against the Philadelphia Union, a match he was ultimately forced to leave early in the second half due to a minor hamstring strain.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, when they host Nigeria in an international friendly at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria, Portugal. The game will serve as a crucial tune-up fixture before the Selecao launch their 2026 World Cup campaign against Congo DR on June 17.

The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 973 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

In a match entirely dominated by the Albiceleste, the reigning world champions initially found it difficult to break the deadlock against a highly disciplined and compact Honduran defense.

However, with just 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a foul in the area. Lautaro Martínez stepped up and confidently converted, sending Argentina into the locker room with the lead.

The second half was a near-replica of the first, with Argentina dictating the tempo from start to finish. They struck early in the period when Giuliano Simeone capped off a fluid team passing sequence to double the lead. While the world champions created several dangerous opportunities to extend their advantage, a lack of clinical finishing kept the final scoreline at 2-0.

Following the victory in Texas, Argentina will quickly shift their focus to their final pre-tournament warm-up match against Iceland on Tuesday, June 9, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. It will be Lionel Scaloni’s last chance to fine-tune his squad before they officially begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria on June 16.

Moises Caicedo has been left out of Ecuador‘s starting XI, as coach Beccacece has decided to rotate the squad. Apart from the Chelsea midfielder, the Argentine boss also decided to leave stars Piero Hincapie and Pervis Estupinan on the subs bench. Being their last friendly match before the 2026 World Cup, the coach decided to give rest to the stars to avoid last-minute injuries.

Coupled with the 24-year-old midfielder, head coach Sebastian Beccacece could once again rely on Pedro Vite, who has been shining in recent matches with the national team. However, they will need a brilliant attacking performance, making the possible presence of Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, and Enner Valencia crucial factors. Just like in previous matches, Ecuador could once again make extensive rotations in order to get their entire roster involved.

While Guatemala have not qualified for the 2026 World Cup, they will pose a major challenge for Ecuador. As one of the toughest teams in CONCACAF, Luis Tena’s team could once again opt for two defensive lines and only one attacker. However, they can take advantage of their opponent’s high press to break efficiently on the counterattack and pursue a victory, as they have not won a match since November 2025.

Ecuador confirmed lineup vs Guatemala

Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Ecuador have already played seven friendlies, remaining unbeaten throughout that stretch. Their defensive solidity, combined with their great ability to build play, has allowed them to shine. However, their biggest challenge will be finishing in front of goal, as they rely heavily on Enner Valencia given that their other forwards have not stood out in spectacular fashion. In addition, Guatemala could cause problems with their defensive level.

Ecuador’s lineup goes as follows: Hernán Galíndez; Alan Franco, Jackson Porozo, Felix Torres, Yaimar Medina; Jordy Alcivar, Anthony Valencia; Alan Minda, Kendry Paez, Jeremy Arévalo; Jordy Caicedo.

Guatemala confirmed lineup vs Ecuador

Guatemala failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, largely flying under the radar throughout these past months. Even so, head coach Luis Tena remains in charge of the national team, continuing to rely on a defensive strategy paired with an efficient counterattack in which Oscar Santis shines. However, Ecuador boast one of the best defensive lines in CONMEBOL, which will make it difficult to score against them.

Guatemala’s lineup goes as follows: Nicholas Hagen; Aaron Herrera, Marcelo Hernandez, Nicolas Samayoa; José Pinto, Jose Rosales, Matthew Evans, Jonathan Franco; Jose Morales, William Fajardo; Darwin Lom.

With Denmark holding a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute, Eriksen clutched his chest before suddenly dropping to the ground, prompting Denmark’s medical staff to rush to his aid. Players from Ukraine and Denmark immediately formed a protective huddle around the midfielder while broadcast cameras quickly panned away from the scene.

After receiving medical treatment on the pitch for roughly ten minutes, Eriksen was able to get back onto his feet and walk to the waiting ambulance under his own power, providing a sigh of relief to everyone inside the stadium. Despite the encouraging signs, match officials and authorities ultimately made the executive decision to abandon the contest.

Following the immediate cancellation of the match and the evacuation of both squads to their respective locker rooms, the Danish FA released an official medical update: “Christian Eriksen is conscious and is doing well given the circumstances. The match has been called off.“

Eriksen’s last cardiac episode

This is the second time Eriksen has collapsed on the pitch during an international match. The midfielder previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 on June 12, 2021, in a group-stage game between Denmark and Finland at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. He required immediate medical assistance and CPR on the field, with players forming a circle to shield him.

Eriksen was eventually stretchered off the field, though he waved his hand to the crowd to signal he was conscious. The match was temporarily suspended and later resumed once his stable condition was confirmed. Eriksen was 29 years old during that initial incident, and now at age 34, a similar, yet less severe, episode has occurred.

Following successful surgery on June 18, 2021, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) to regulate his heart rate. Because playing with an ICD is not permitted in Serie A, Eriksen had to terminate his contract with Inter Milan, but he kept training at the facilities of Ajax and Swiss lower-division club FC Chiasso.

He made his way back to the pitch after Brentford signed him for a Premier League return, before later joining Manchester United and eventually moving to VfL Wolfsburg, who were recently relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. Eriksen is under contract with the German side until June 2027, but this latest episode leaves a massive question mark over the future of his career.

Match Overview

Jordan‘s preparations for its first-ever World Cup appearance continue with a tough test against Colombia, one of South America’s traditional powers. For Colombia, this friendly serves as another important step toward the tournament.

Bayer Munich’s star Luis Diaz and his teammates will be looking to build momentum despite not being among the favorites to win the World Cup. Don’t miss this exciting matchup as both teams continue their WC preparations.

Brazil got past Egypt 2-1 in their final pre-tournament friendly, with Endrick scoring the winner, but the mood was dampened by Wesley’s situation. The right back was forced off in the 17th minute, replaced by veteran Danilo, and the following day, after the necessary medical tests were completed, the Brazilian Football Confederation made the news official.

In a statement released on Sunday, the CBF confirmed that “the MRI revealed a muscle injury in the adductor muscle of the left thigh,” expressing sympathy for “a player who is well-liked by the group.” The 22-year-old, who had been set to be the starting right back for Brazil, has been ruled out of what would have been his first World Cup.

Ederson called up to take Wesley’s place

The CBF’s statement concluded with the announcement that Ederson would join the Brazilian delegation in the United States on Monday. The midfielder was one of the more debated omissions when Ancelotti released his final squad list in May, and his unexpected opportunity has now arrived thanks to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Wesley’s injury.

As ESPN reported, Manchester United had already reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson for a fee of $47 million, with up to $5.4 million in performance-related add-ons. Set to fill the role vacated by Casemiro at Old Trafford, the Brazilian midfielder will now also get the chance to make his World Cup debut.

Who will play right back for Brazil?

Under FIFA’s regulations, when a player is ruled out with injury before the tournament begins, a national team has the option to call up a replacement from the 55-man preliminary list. Ederson’s inclusion, however, raised eyebrows among observers, not because of any doubt about his quality, but because of the positional mismatch it creates.

Ederson is a central midfielder by trade, meaning Ancelotti has chosen not to address Wesley’s absence with a natural right back. Options such as Botafogo’s Vitinho or Vasco da Gama’s Paulo Henrique were available, but the Italian coach instead opted to add further depth in the middle of the park.

At his post-match press conference, Ancelotti had already outlined his thinking on the right back question before the official decision was made. “Danilo can play in all positions. With Wesley injured, we need him as a right back. (Roger) Ibáñez can also play there, as he did against Panama. For the moment, these are the options for Wesley’s injury. We will wait until tomorrow to make the necessary decision,” he said.

That decision has now been made, and it was Ederson. For the right back role itself, Danilo is expected to serve as the starter, with Roger Ibañez and even Fabinho, who has experience in the position, available as alternatives to cover the right flank of the defense.

“I thought I was going to win it that day, but because of many things that happened that day, I think it was very good that Dembélé won it. Also, for my personal growth, it wasn’t the right moment for me to win it because I was very young and I wouldn’t have appreciated what it means to win a Ballon d’Or. In addition, I get along very well with Ousmane… It helped me get back up as I wasn’t in a good moment and matured a lot,” Lamine said on his Youtube channel.

Even though Lamine Yamal did not win the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, he significantly improved his numbers in the current season. After playing 45 matches, he has managed to score 24 goals and provide 18 assists, ranking among the most productive players in the world. However, failing to win Europe’s top competition with the Blaugrana appears to be reducing his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Despite suffering four injuries during the current season, Lamine managed to overcome these setbacks, showing great mental strength. In addition, he became Barcelona’s creative focal point amid the absences of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski’s drop in form. For this reason, he arrives at the 2026 World Cup in top shape, aiming to prove his ability with Spain and lead them to the title after 16 years.

Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or hopes may hinge on 2026 World Cup

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Lamine Yamal has indeed been among the most productive players. However, PSG’s UEFA Champions League victory gives Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia a significant advantage in the race for the Ballon d’Or. Alongside them, Harry Kane could also emerge as another clear favorite. With this in mind, the 18-year-old star’s chances of winning the award could depend on the 2026 World Cup.

Not having won the UEFA Champions League, Lamine is not the clear favorite to win the Ballon d’Or. Despite this, he could change everything if he emerges as the tournament’s top scorer or wins the trophy for Spain, as that could push him to lead the race. With the Georgian not featuring in the World Cup, only a victory for England or France in the tournament could distance him from the award, as his impact at Barcelona has already made it clear that he deserves to win it.

Match Overview

Ecuador continues its World Cup preparations with an international friendly against Guatemala. La Tri enters with a talented young roster and rising expectations as a potential contender on soccer’s biggest stage.

Guatemala, meanwhile, is eager to keep building after falling just short of a historic World Cup qualification bid. The matchup provides Los Chapines with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of South America’s top national teams.

“Lamine was born for this. He has a daring character. Maybe that [pressure] would have overwhelmed you or me. But these guys are special…Soccer players are people of high ability, so intelligent. They are geniuses and then there are those that are touched by God’s wand and there are very few of those. Lamine, Messi,” Luis de la Fuente said, via The Guardian.

Even though most players and coaches already compare Lamine Yamal to Messi, the 18-year-old star has chosen to remain distant from the comparisons, making it clear that he wants to write his own legacy. While their playing styles differ from the Argentine’s, both manage to have an all-around impact on the pitch, though the Spaniard star leans more toward dribbling, carving out his own path.

With the 2026 World Cup just days away, a meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could still happen. While one is close to retirement and the other is just beginning his career, both remain among the best players in the world and could deliver a historic duel. However, the 18-year-old star still has much to prove in soccer, meaning the comparison may not make sense at this stage, but could in a few years.

Lamine Yamal set for a career-defining moment at 2026 World Cup

Despite being only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal already has an impressive résumé in his sporting career. Not only has he won three LaLiga titles with Barcelona, but he also won the 2024 UEFA Euro with Spain. With his professional career on a rapid upward trajectory, he could be facing a unique opportunity to become a consolidated star on the international stage, standing out at the 2026 World Cup.

In the event of winning the World Cup title, Lamine would surpass Kylian Mbappé as a young winner of the tournament, moving into sixth place, with Pelé at the top of the list at 17 years and 249 days. In addition, he could become the youngest player to win the tournament’s Golden Boot if he manages to excel in terms of goal scoring. Far from being just another tournament, Yamal could establish among the elite of the sport, just as happened with Kylian in 2018.

Match Overview

One of the standout matchups on Sunday’s international friendly schedule will feature two teams with high expectations for the next FIFA World Cup. Norway, back in the tournament after a lengthy absence, continues its preparations behind Erling Haaland and a squad determined to make an impact on the global stage.

Morocco, meanwhile, arrives after its historic fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022—the best World Cup performance by an African nation—and will look to use this marquee test as another step toward a deep run at the upcoming tournament.

Match Overview

As the World Cup draws closer, Croatia continues fine-tuning its squad and enters the tournament as a team capable of making a deep run. Led by veteran star Luka Modric, the Croatians hope to build on their success from the last two World Cups.

Their opponent will be Slovenia, who missed out on qualification after a disappointing campaign and will use this matchup as an opportunity to measure itself against one of Europe’s strongest national teams.

Match Overview

Italy’s absence from the upcoming FIFA World Cup remains one of the biggest surprises in international soccer, given the Azzurri’s tradition and talent. Greece also missed out on qualification, though their elimination was far less unexpected despite the progress they showed throughout the campaign.

This friendly provides both teams with a valuable chance to evaluate their squads, make adjustments, and begin building momentum for future competitions. Don’t miss this compelling matchup as two European sides look to take an important step forward.

Match Overview

Ukraine and Denmark meet in a matchup featuring two European teams looking ahead after missing out on World Cup qualification. Denmark’s absence from the tournament came as a surprise, while Ukraine once again fell short in the playoffs.

With an eye on future international competitions, both sides will use this game to evaluate young talent, improve chemistry, and build momentum. Don’t miss this intriguing clash between two teams determined to bounce back.

The match was entertaining from the opening whistle. Brazil came out looking to control possession and dictate the tempo, while Egypt focused on staying compact defensively and taking advantage of the pace of their attackers. In that context, Bruno Guimaraes scored the opener in the early minutes after winning the ball near the opposing box and finishing with a precise strike.

However, the African side did not lose confidence and found the equalizer shortly afterward when Marquinhos made a costly mistake with a short pass that was intercepted by Ziko. The winger found himself one-on-one with Alisson and made no mistake. In the following minutes, Brazil created clear chances through Vinicius and Igor Thiago but were unable to convert.

In the second half, Carlo Ancelotti changed almost the entire lineup, looking to protect his key players while also giving valuable minutes to the rest of the squad. The changes paid off immediately, as Endrick, one of the substitutes introduced at halftime, scored on Brazil’s first attack of the second half.

In the remaining minutes, the South American side focused on protecting its lead and avoiding unnecessary risks, given how close the World Cup opener is. Egypt looked for an equalizer after the introduction of Mohamed Salah, but they were unable to make the difference.

What’s next for Brazil and Egypt?

Following the friendly, Brazil will have one week to prepare before opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Next Saturday, they will face Morocco in a Group C matchup. Egypt will have even more time to get ready, as their first match is scheduled for Monday, June 15, against Belgium.

Match Overview

As Turkey continues preparing for its return to the FIFA World Cup, it will face Venezuela in a key international friendly. Back on soccer’s biggest stage for the first time since its memorable third-place finish in 2002, Turkey is looking to build momentum with a talented roster and high expectations.

Venezuela, meanwhile, narrowly missed a place in the Intercontinental Playoff and will view this matchup as a valuable opportunity to measure itself against one of Europe’s strongest teams. With both sides eager to make an impression, this is a game soccer fans won’t want to miss.

Gavi said: “I went in thinking I would be out for four or five weeks, and when I came out of the anesthesia, they told me it would be four or five months. I remember even the doctor had to leave because I was about to explode.”

The midfielder went through a two-year stretch in which he barely played. The injury he was referring to was a torn meniscus suffered in a training session with Barcelona last August before returning in March, but he had also torn his ACL in November 2023 with Spain. Gavi getting back to the highest level proved worth all the time he spent recovering from injuries that could have ended his career.

The call-up for Spain

For the midfielder, the sport has many great things, but also some tough ones: “Soccer is the best thing there is, but there are injuries that can easily end your career. I have always had that ambition in my mind and that dream that no one can beat me.”

The player could be the clearest example of resilience through injury, because he had been expected to be called up for the Euro that Spain won in 2024 during his rise, until he got hurt, which made this call-up an anxious wait for him.

Gavi said: “I didn’t want to watch the call-up because I always get nervous. I saw it there with the physios. When I heard my name, it was a huge rush of happiness. Representing Spain at the World Cup is one of the greatest things there is. Being called up to my second one is a huge pride.”

Gavi’s season with Barcelona

It was just the beginning for Barcelona when Gavi went down in a training session after two La Liga matches, with a future that did not look promising. Even if he was not able to play too much, it was enough to convince de la Fuente. The midfielder finished with 13 matches, with 0 goals and 1 assist.

The match featured the usual rotations from both teams, with many substitutions, especially from England, who lined up an entirely different side in the second half. As expected, it was a slow-paced match.

In the first half, England tried too many times from outside the box without much precision, failing to trouble the goalkeeper until Spence cut back on the left and sent in a cross with his right foot that Kane slightly redirected into the net in the final minute of the half. There was not much happening in the second half, with England threatening through the wings but without much danger.

According to Gaston Edul, a prominent Argentine national team insider for TyC Sports, Messi will suit up and sit on the bench tonight in College Station, Texas, but he is locked into a spectator role and will not log any game minutes to ensure his recovery stays on track.

The decision comes just a day after manager Lionel Scaloni gave an encouraging fitness update on Friday, noting that Messi had already rejoined partial squad training and could potentially see playing time during Argentina‘s two-match US friendly slate.

With tonight’s appearance ruled out, the Inter Miami star’s next window to get on the pitch will be Tuesday, June 9, when Argentina faces Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.

However, team doctors have floated the possibility of resting him for that match as well, prioritizing 100% physical readiness for Argentina’s official World Cup group opener against Algeria on June 16.

A heavily depleted roster facing Honduras

Messi is far from the only high-profile absentee manager Lionel Scaloni must navigate for tonight’s clash against Honduras. Starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is also sidelined as he continues to nurse a fractured finger, ruling him out for the entirety of this two-match international window.

Julian Alvarez is another critical weapon the coaching staff refuses to gamble on. The Atletico Madrid forward had previously received medical clearance to return to full squad training; however, he reported persistent pain in his left ankle during subsequent drills. As a result, Scaloni scratched him from tonight’s lineup, and it is highly probable that he will sit out the upcoming match against Iceland as well.

In addition to the frontline stars, a group of players—including Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, and Nico Paz—remain to individual rehabilitation programs as they fight to overcome their respective physical ailments. None of them will be risked tonight against Honduras.

Carlo Ancelotti was optimistic this week when discussing Ney’s physical progress. “He is doing excellent individual work,” said the coach before explaining that the forward will undergo medical tests on Saturday to assess his current condition. “If everything goes well, he will rejoin the main group next week.”

Beyond Neymar’s situation, Brazil have an interesting test ahead as they look to gauge their form before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last weekend’s friendly against Panama, despite ending in a convincing 6-2 victory, raised some concerns about the team’s overall play, considering the starters held only a 2-1 lead at halftime before the substitutes shined in the second half.

This Saturday at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, the South American giants will face a much tougher challenge against Egypt. Mohamed Salah and his teammates have proven to be a difficult opponent and will force Brazil to raise their level if they want a positive result.

Confirmed Brazil lineup

In addition to Neymar’s absence, Carlo Ancelotti will be without a few other players who are still working their way back to full fitness ahead of the World Cup. That includes Gabriel Magalhaes, who played in the UEFA Champions League final with Arsenal just one week ago and will be on the bench.

With that in mind, the confirmed lineup to face Egypt is: Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Ibanez, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta; Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Vinicius Junior.

Confirmed Egypt lineup

Egypt will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday, June 15, against Belgium in Group G, making this match against Brazil their final tune-up before official competition begins in North America after last week’s 1-0 win over Russia.

The confirmed lineup selected by head coach Hossam Hassan is: Mostafa Shobeir; Ahmed Fattouh, Hamdy Fathy, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany; Marwan Ateya, Mohanad Lasheen, Mostafa Ziko, Trezeguet, Haissem Hassan, Omar Marmoush.

Navigating an incredibly complicated fitness landscape—further compounded by the devastating news that Leonardo Balerdi has been entirely ruled out of the tournament with a muscle tear—head coach Lionel Scaloni is beginning to finalize the lineup for tonight’s game.

While Messi successfully returned to partial squad training and has shaken off the worst of his recent hamstring issues, the coaching staff refuses to take any unnecessary risks. The global icon being preserved on the bench tonight, with the realistic ceiling being a brief appearance to log a few low-intensity minutes.

The outlook is far more definitive for several other squad members who continue their isolated recovery programs and have been entirely ruled out for tonight’s clash. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, and Nico Paz did not participate in any on-pitch tactical work.

Similarly, Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes were held back from field drills. Meanwhile, starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez returned to training exercises but worked without gloves due to a fracture in one of his fingers.

Fortunately, Scaloni faces zero selection headaches in the center of the park. The trusted engine room of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister is locked in to dictate the tempo, with the highly creative Thiago Almada expected to join them.

Argentina’s confirmed starting XI

With Martinez being carefully managed, Scaloni has confirmed that Juan Musso will guard the net tonight against the Hondurans. The primary tactical puzzle lies on the right side of the defense; with both primary right-backs Molina and Montiel completely unavailable, the coaching staff spent the final training sessions rotating Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay with the starting unit.

The second major question mark sits in the attacking frontline. Throughout the early portion of the week, the staff heavily drilled Giuliano Simeone alongside Lautaro Martinez. However, over the last 24 hours, momentum has surged behind the presence of Jose Manuel Lopez, who could get the nod to partner the Inter Milan captain up top.

Argentina’s confirmed starting lineup: Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso; Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper originally suffered the injury during warm-ups for the UEFA Europa League final against Freiburg, though he miraculously played through the fracture to help his club secure a 3-0 victory and the European trophy.

Following subsequent medical evaluations, Martinez immediately entered a specialized rehabilitation program, completely ruling him out of action for Argentina’s two-match warm-up slate.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Juan Musso will get the starting nod in goal tonight against Honduras, while Geronimo Rulli is scheduled to start between the posts for their next friendly against Iceland on June 9.

Scaloni also refused to rule out the possibility of giving some playing time to Santiago Beltran. The River Plate youngster traveled with the senior delegation as a developmental fourth goalkeeper and could see minutes off the bench either tonight or in the upcoming match against Iceland.

Martinez isn’t the only fitness concern for Scaloni

Argentina is navigating a tricky injury landscape just days away from their official 2026 World Cup group opener against Algeria on June 16. In addition to Martinez, several names—including Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Cristian Romero, and captain Lionel Messi—have been managing varying degrees of physical discomfort.

While a few individuals have entered the final stages of rehabilitation and recently rejoined full squad training, others continue to work on isolated, individual programs to ensure they hit peak physical condition by the time the tournament kicks off in North America.

Amid these lingering fitness concerns, the Argentine manager was brutally honest with reporters, warning his players that anyone who isn’t performing at 100% physical capacity risks being cut from the final 26-man World Cup roster.

“Could it happen? Absolutely,” Scaloni warned regarding potential last-minute changes to his final squad list. “We are entirely clear on the fact that if a player is not physically right, they will be left out. We have no doubts about that“.

Chile struggled to settle into a rhythm as Portugal pushed forward with confidence and structure. Despite the absence of their iconic leader, Portugal looked composed, showing depth and flexibility across the pitch. Martinez’s players’ attacking movement became more fluid as the half progressed, with Fernandes pulling the strings between the lines.

The breakthrough momentum came from sustained pressure, with Portugal repeatedly breaking through midfield lines. Fernandes and Guedes combined creativity and directness to repeatedly unsettle Chile’s back line, forcing mistakes and rushed clearances.

The tactical decisions from Portugal’s bench began to show their value as the match developed. Francisco Conceicao contributed energy and an assist before being replaced by Joao Felix in the 75th minute, maintaining attacking momentum.

Portugal continued rotating intelligently, keeping intensity high while managing control of the game. Bruno Fernandes’ influence remained decisive, with his goal extending Portugal’s dominance and reflecting their superiority in midfield control.

No Ronaldo, no problem for Portugal

Even without Ronaldo, Portugal showed they had multiple match-winners across the squad. Diogo Dalot and Pedro Neto added width and pace, constantly stretching Chile’s defensive shape.

Chile attempted to respond with substitutions, including midfield changes and attacking adjustments, but they struggled to regain control. Portugal’s structured pressing and quick transitions kept Chile pinned back for long periods, limiting their attacking output.

Fernandes caps brilliant second-half display

As the second half progressed, Portugal’s control became even more evident, with substitutions helping them maintain intensity. Rúben Dias made way for Tomas Araujo in the closing stages, ensuring defensive stability while preserving energy.

Chile also introduced fresh legs, including Víctor Felipe Mendez, Ivan Morales Bravo, and Fabian Hormazabal, but the momentum remained firmly with Portugal. Fernandes capped a brilliant display that highlighted both his leadership and attacking quality throughout the second half.

Chilean fightback falls short at the whistle

The match’s closing moments saw Chile finally break through when Lucas Cepeda reacted quickly to a loose pass and fired an unstoppable strike into the bottom-right corner, reducing the deficit. The goal briefly shifted momentum but came too late to change the outcome.

Shortly after, the referee signaled three minutes of added time before bringing the contest to a close. Portugal secured a 2-1 victory, confirming a strong team performance built on control, creativity, and depth across the squad.

Match Overview

Argentina begins its World Cup title defense with high expectations after its memorable triumph over France four years ago. Led by superstar Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste is aiming to become just the third nation, alongside Brazil and Italy, to win back-to-back World Cups.

As the tournament approaches, head coach Lionel Scaloni will use this friendly against Honduras to help his squad reach top form. Honduras, meanwhile, missed out on World Cup qualification but now gets a valuable opportunity to test itself against the reigning world champions as it builds toward future competitions.

Match Overview

Brazil and Egypt square off in a World Cup tune-up featuring two teams with very different objectives. Despite some uneven recent performances, Brazil remains one of the tournament favorites, with Vinicius Jr. leading a talented squad eager to sharpen its form before the competition begins.

Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, is hoping to make a historic run beyond the group stage, and a matchup against one of South America’s most successful nations provides a valuable test ahead of the World Cup.

Portugal has already produced encouraging performances in recent warm-up matches and remains unbeaten in its two World Cup preparation games. As anticipation builds around the tournament, attention has naturally turned toward the squad selection, tactical setup, and one major question surrounding Ronaldo ahead of the clash.

The Selecao das Quinas enters the match as one of the more highly regarded European contenders for the World Cup. The national team qualified comfortably and has suffered only one defeat across its last 13 matches.

Recent results in March and April have highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. A goalless draw against Mexico raised some concerns regarding attacking efficiency, but a convincing 2-0 victory over the United States restored confidence heading into the final stretch before the tournament.

The national team will open its World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston, before facing Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K. Martinez will use the remaining friendlies to ensure his squad arrives fully prepared for what could be one of Portugal’s strongest opportunities to compete for a first-ever World Cup title.

Chile arrives seeking answers after difficult cycle

Chile’s situation looks very different. The national team finished bottom of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and failed to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive cycle.

Once considered one of South America’s strongest sides after winning the Copa America in 2015 and 2016, Chile is now undergoing a rebuilding process. The focus has shifted toward developing a new generation of players and preparing for future competitions, including the 2027 Copa America.

Recent performances have been inconsistent. A 4-2 victory over Cape Verde showed attacking promise, but a heavy 4-1 defeat to New Zealand exposed defensive weaknesses that Portugal will undoubtedly look to exploit.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play?

According to the official lineups from Portugal’s camp, Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal. At 41 years old, the Al-Nassr star is preparing for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance. Despite his age, the nation continues to build much of its attacking structure around its all-time leading scorer.

Martinez has fielded a lineup close to full strength, although several players connected to Paris Saint-Germain may not be available after their club commitments ended only recently.

As a result, Ronaldo’s presence gives this friendly additional significance. The veteran forward recently celebrated another major achievement with Al-Nassr, and now has one remaining objective that has defined much of the latter stage of his career.

Portugal vs Chile: Confirmed lineups

Portugal confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Jose Sa; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo; Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva; Francisco Conceicao, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chile confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vigouroux; Arce, Maripan, Faundez, Suazo; Pizarro, Loyola; Gutierrez, Osorio, Roman; Tapia.

Argentina confirmed it officially on their social media accounts: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad for the World Cup.”

While it could be a long tournament with the expansion to 48 teams, the injury will take three weeks to heal. With so many players already dealing with fitness issues, Scaloni could not risk adding one more to the list.

The replacement

The injury happened too recently to know who will replace Balerdi on the 26-man list. However, there are a few names that could be called up until a day before their first match, on June 16. The main candidate may be Marcos Senesi, since he is also a center back.

For the defender, it would be a great opportunity after solid years with Bournemouth that led to a free transfer to Tottenham for next season, in what should be a step forward in his career. One major difference with Balerdi is that he is left-footed.

There is a clear weakness at right back in this team, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina not arriving in great condition. That is why Scaloni made Agustin Giay and Nicolás Capaldo travel with the team, as they could also be added. An outside chance could go to left back Marcos Acuña.

Argentina’s next match

While many teams have already played at least one friendly during the week, Argentina are about to make their first appearance. The match is today against Honduras at 8 PM ET in Texas, with a lineup that is not expected to feature many starters after the team only got together a few days ago.

Match Overview

With the World Cup just around the corner, England and New Zealand meet in a key tune-up match as both sides look to build momentum ahead of their tournament openers. The Europeans enter as one of the favorites to make a deep run, with Harry Kane leading a squad that has its sights set on reaching the World Cup final.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are searching for answers after a disappointing 4-0 loss to Haiti in their most recent outing. Tim Payne and company will be eager to deliver a stronger performance and gain some much-needed confidence before their World Cup campaign begins.

Match Overview

Scotland continues its buildup toward a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, making this international friendly against Bolivia an important step in its preparations. The Scots are set for their first World Cup appearance since France 1998.

Meanwhile, Bolivia looks to regroup after falling to Iraq in the intercontinental playoff and missing out on qualification. With both teams aiming to gain momentum and fine-tune their squads, this matchup promises to be a valuable test. Don’t miss the action as these sides look to make a strong statement.

Uncertainty has further complicated Brazil’s plans. While the national team has looked impressive during its recent warm-up matches, the focus continues to center on whether Neymar will be ready when the World Cup begins.

Brazil’s preparations suffered a setback when Neymar arrived at the training camp already carrying an injury sustained while playing for Santos in the Brazilian Serie A. Initially diagnosed as an edema by his club, further examinations conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed a more serious problem.

The tests confirmed a grade II calf muscle injury, leading medical staff to place the forward on a carefully managed recovery program. As a result, Neymar missed Brazil’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Panama and will also sit out the final pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt.

Instead of traveling with the squad to Cleveland, the veteran star remained at the team’s base in New Jersey, where he continues undergoing physiotherapy and individualized treatment under medical supervision. Despite the concerns surrounding Neymar’s fitness, Ancelotti has remained remarkably calm.

The key factor that will determine Neymar’s availability

Although Neymar’s chances of featuring against Morocco appeared slim only days ago, fresh reports suggest the situation is evolving positively. According to journalist Pedro Lopes of UOL, Neymar will undergo a new medical examination on Monday, June 8. The results of that assessment will play a crucial role in determining the next step of his recovery.

Should the examination produce encouraging results, the Selecao’s technical staff could allow Neymar to return to training with the rest of the squad, significantly improving his chances of being available for the World Cup opener. Internally, there is growing optimism that the recovery is progressing faster than initially expected. While no guarantees have been made, the possibility of Neymar appearing against Morocco remains alive.

Brazil preparing for multiple scenarios

Ancelotti and his coaching staff are understandably preparing for every possibility. World Cup regulations allow teams to replace injured outfield players until 24 hours before their opening match. However, Brazil has shown no signs of considering such a move, reflecting the confidence the coaching staff has in Neymar’s recovery timetable.

If the forward were unable to participate immediately, Brazil would still possess considerable attacking depth. Players such as Endrick, Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, and Igor Thiago provide alternative options capable of carrying the attacking burden. Still, there is little doubt that Neymar’s presence would significantly strengthen Brazil’s ambitions.

Now, a striking parallel between the two soccer greats has surfaced as international expectations grow. Scaloni openly discussed how closely he works with Messi on major decisions involving Argentina, leading many to wonder whether Martinez follows a similar approach with Ronaldo inside the Portugal camp.

Scaloni opens up about Messi’s role in Argentina

According to reports from Ole, Scaloni explained that Messi’s voice carries enormous weight within the reigning world champion. “No one likes to be substituted, not even Messi,” he admitted when discussing the realities of managing one of the greatest players in soccer history. The Argentina coach went even further, revealing just how involved Messi is in conversations surrounding the squad: “Every decision we’ve made, we’ve discussed with him.”

Those comments quickly attracted attention around the world. Scaloni later expanded on the idea, insisting that communication between coach and captain is essential for the benefit of the group. “It makes no sense to say that I am the one in charge. In his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement.”

The coach also defended Messi’s continued importance at the age of 38. “I think it should be that way, because even if he is on the field facing difficulties, he brings us a great deal. It is better to have him on the field; he is capable of creating and generating a lot.”

Martinez reveals whether Ronaldo has similar influence

Those remarks inevitably led to questions for Martinez as Portugal prepared for its pre-World Cup friendly against Chile. Many wondered whether Ronaldo occupies a similar position behind the scenes with Portugal. After all, the Al-Nassr star remains the face of the national team and one of the most experienced players in international soccer history.

When asked directly whether he consults Ronaldo on all major decisions in the same way Scaloni does with Messi, Martinez provided a clear answer. “I respect all national teams in the world, all coaches in the world, but we work differently”, the Spanish boss told reporters on Friday.

That brief response revealed a significant contrast between the two managerial approaches. While Scaloni openly describes a collaborative decision-making process involving Messi, Martinez indicated that Portugal’s structure operates in a different manner.

Match Overview

With the World Cup approaching, Australia and Switzerland meet in an important final test before the tournament begins. Australia faces a difficult group featuring the USMNT, Turkey, and Paraguay, but remains confident about advancing to the knockout stage.

Switzerland is considered the favorite in a group that includes Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia, though it cannot afford to overlook any opponent. This matchup gives both teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their form ahead of their World Cup debuts.

Match Overview

One of the final major tests before the World Cup awaits the United States as the Americans wrap up their preparations for a tournament they will help host. Led by Christian Pulisic, the USA will look to build momentum against Germany.

The four-time world champion is determined to have a better performance after consecutive group-stage exits at the last two World Cups. With both teams aiming to make a strong statement before their tournament openers, this friendly promises to be a must-watch matchup.

More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream

Match Overview

Portugal continues its World Cup preparations with a challenging test against Chile, a team eager to measure itself against one of Europe’s elite nations. While La Roja is in a transition period, this matchup offers valuable experience and a chance to make a statement on the international stage.

Portugal, meanwhile, enters the tournament with title ambitions and will rely on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to be playing in his final World Cup. With both sides looking to build momentum, this is a game soccer fans won’t want to miss.

Match Overview

With the World Cup around the corner, Belgium and Tunisia square off in an important test as both teams fine-tune preparations for their tournament openers. Belgium is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Qatar 2022 campaign behind the leadership of Kevin De Bruyne.

On the other hand, Tunisia arrives as an improving, hard-working side capable of challenging top opposition. With momentum and confidence on the line, this matchup could provide a valuable boost ahead of soccer’s biggest event.

Alba said when asked who made things most difficult for him: “Ángel Di María. He was very good. I liked him because he didn’t just attack, he defended a lot as well. He followed me all over the field and worked incredibly hard.”

The left back made those comments on Mario Suárez’s podcast, and Suárez also had major battles in those years as Atlético Madrid often went toe to toe with the two giants, even knocking them out of the Champions League and playing a key role in midfield.

Alba on the rivalry with Real Madrid

Alba returned to Barcelona as the club was rebuilding after Pep Guardiola left. His strong performances at Valencia convinced the club where he had developed to bring him back, and it proved to be a great move for both sides.

His time at Barcelona was marked by the rivalry with Real Madrid in matches packed with quality in every position, games that often helped decide the La Liga title, as the former defender explained.

Alba said: “El Clásico matches are special. It’s your biggest rival, and you grow up experiencing them from a young age. Many times, those matches were the ones that decided the championship.”

Alba on Barcelona’s mindset

During the 12 years Alba spent with the first team, the club was almost always chasing records. At a team used to winning nearly every match, a draw was rarely welcome. That was very different from his earlier experience, where only three points felt acceptable.

Alba said: “I remember that first year when we were on our way to winning the 100-point league title, and we were 10 or 12 points ahead of Real Madrid. We drew at Mestalla, and the next day when we got back to the locker room, I walked in as usual and everyone was quiet. I asked one of the veterans, ‘What’s going on?’ and they told me, ‘We drew.’“

From the opening minute, it was clear that Paraguay were the better side. While they built a two-goal lead in the first half, the main story of the day was Enciso’s reaction. The creative midfielder stopped play, punched the grass in pain, and grabbed the back of his right leg before leaving the field in tears with an injury that could be a tear or it may just be a knock.

Manager Gustavo Alfaro opted to make 10 substitutions at halftime to spread the minutes around. Even with the changes, Paraguay did not lose their attacking intent, as the bench players looked eager to show their quality. That helped complete a clear 4-0 win and give the fans reason to feel optimistic.

While fans prepare to follow their national team through a month-long competition, many are discovering that the matchday experience could look very different from previous tournaments. Concerns about stadium access, supporter comfort, and fan traditions have suddenly become major talking points ahead of the opening match.

The debate arrives at a time when heat and player welfare are already dominating discussions surrounding the World Cup. Studies examining weather conditions across host cities have warned that more than one-third of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played in potentially dangerous heat and humidity levels.

Cities such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta are expected to experience some of the most challenging conditions during the competition. To address those concerns, FIFA has already introduced measures, including cooling breaks for players during matches.

Additional plans reportedly include misting stations, cooling tents, hydration areas, and shaded zones around stadiums. Despite those efforts, a new policy change has sparked criticism from fan groups and health experts alike.

FIFA bans reusable water bottles

The biggest surprise concerns spectator hydration. According to FIFA‘s updated Stadium Code of Conduct, supporters will no longer be allowed to bring reusable plastic water bottles into any World Cup stadium. The decision reverses an earlier policy that had permitted empty, transparent reusable bottles with a capacity of up to one liter.

Instead, spectators will be required to purchase water inside stadiums or use designated hydration facilities provided by organizers. “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.” The governing body also noted that several host venues already prohibit outside bottles during major events and that the World Cup policy aims to create a consistent approach across all stadiums.

Health experts voice concerns

Several experts have argued that easy access to water should remain a priority during a summer tournament expected to attract millions of spectators. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, criticized the move and warned about the risks associated with dehydration. “It’s a real health risk,” Evain said. “The more you complicate the access to water, the more the risk of people getting serious heatstroke and dehydration.”

World Weather Attribution researcher Dr. Theodore Keeping echoed similar concerns. “Allowing fair and equitable access to hydration is a basic first defence against the extreme heat risks climate change is bringing to this World Cup,” he said. FIFA maintains that water stations and cooling infrastructure around stadiums will help address those concerns.

Another iconic World Cup tradition disappears

The water bottle decision is not the only change awaiting supporters. FIFA has also officially banned vuvuzelas from all World Cup venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The famous plastic horns, which became synonymous with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, are now included on the list of prohibited items.

The ban extends beyond vuvuzelas and includes whistles, air horns, loudspeakers, and other devices deemed excessively noisy. According to FIFA regulations, the decision was made because such devices can interfere with communication between players and referees while also creating difficulties for broadcasters.

Few fan items are more closely associated with a World Cup than the vuvuzela. During the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the horns created a constant buzzing sound that became one of the defining memories of the competition. Some supporters viewed them as an important part of soccer culture, while others found the noise overwhelming.

Reports have noted that a vuvuzela can produce sounds of up to 120 decibels, a level comparable to a chainsaw and close to the threshold of physical pain. As a result, FIFA and several soccer authorities gradually restricted their use over the years, culminating in a complete ban for the 2026 tournament.

For the United States national team, confidence is building at the perfect time. Yet while Pulisic’s long-awaited goal against Senegal provided relief ahead of the tournament, it also sparked a wider conversation about pressure, leadership, and what will be expected from him once the World Cup begins on home soil.

The breakthrough arrived during the USMNT’s 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal. Pulisic had gone nearly five months without finding the net for either club or country. His previous goal came for Milan in a Serie A victory over Hellas Verona on December 28, while his last international goal had arrived back in November 2024 against Jamaica.

Against Senegal, however, the 27-year-old delivered exactly the kind of performance supporters wanted to see before the World Cup. After creating the opening goal for Sergino Dest with a perfectly weighted assist, Pulisic added a goal of his own in the 20th minute.

Receiving a clever pass from Ricardo Pepi, he rounded goalkeeper Mory Diaw before calmly finishing from a tight angle to give the United States national team a 2-0 advantage. “I have played really well in recent months, but all everyone seems to care about is goals,” Pulisic said afterward. “Hopefully, we can stop talking about it. We’ve got big games ahead, and I’ve got to be ready.”

Timely boost before World Cup

The goal could hardly have arrived at a better moment. With the World Cup opener against Paraguay rapidly approaching, questions had begun to emerge regarding Pulisic’s form in front of goal. Despite producing solid performances and contributing creatively, the lack of goals had become one of the dominant storylines surrounding the United States national team.

United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino had publicly predicted that Pulisic would soon rediscover his scoring touch. Throughout the training camp leading up to the Senegal match, the Argentine manager consistently praised the forward’s attitude and commitment.

According to Pochettino, the goal was simply the reward for the work Pulisic had been putting in behind the scenes. “The performance of Christian was really, really good,” Pochettino said after the match. “I think he still has potential to improve, but my thing is, this is the way he’s been training from Day 1.”

The coach added that the goal was exactly what his star player needed before entering the biggest tournament of his career. “[Scoring] is important for a player preparing for the World Cup. I’m so happy for him.”

Tim Howard delivers sobering reminder

While many supporters viewed the goal as the perfect way to silence criticism, former United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard offered a different perspective. Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Howard reacted to Pulisic’s suggestion that people might finally stop discussing his goal drought.

The World Cup veteran made it clear that life as the country’s biggest star comes with constant scrutiny. “He is not living on this planet if he truly believes that one goal after a very long drought is going to ‘people can stop talking about it’, they won’t,” Howard said.

Howard argued that elite players are judged differently because expectations are higher. “If you weren’t the best player and potentially one of the USMNT all-time greats, they will stop talking. That’s not you. And this is just how it goes.”

His comments reflected the reality facing Pulisic as he prepares to lead the national team on home soil. Every touch, every chance, and every result will be analyzed throughout the tournament.

According to analysis by specialist website Transfermarkt, three players stand above the rest among the 1,248 participants in the 2026 World Cup. Mbappe, Yamal and Haaland share first place with an estimated market value of €200 million, or roughly $231 million.

Of the three, Lamine Yamal‘s rise is perhaps the most remarkable. At just 18 years old, he has already established himself among soccer’s elite following a meteoric ascent that included back-to-back successful seasons with Barcelona in La Liga and triumph with Spain at UEFA Euro 2024. Those achievements also helped him finish second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has the unusual distinction of being one of the world’s most valuable players despite joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024. He left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, allowing him to negotiate a massive contract with the Spanish club through June 30, 2029.

Completing the trio is Erling Haaland, whose valuation could be tested against reality sooner than the others. Despite being under contract with Manchester City through 2034, the Norwegian striker continues to be linked with Real Madrid. In fact, presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has publicly identified Haaland as a future signing should he take charge of the club.

Messi and Ronaldo’s values have dropped significantly

Regardless of how Argentina and Portugal perform at the 2026 World Cup — where both teams are considered among the favorites — it is clear that their biggest stars are no longer the dominant forces they once were.

Cristiano Ronaldo will become one of the five oldest players ever to appear at a World Cup this summer, at 41 years and four months old. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, will celebrate his 39th birthday on June 24 during the tournament.

The inevitable passage of time has impacted their performances, but even more so their market values. According to Transfermarkt, Messi ranks 363rd among the most valuable players at the 2026 World Cup, with an estimated value of $17.3 million. Ronaldo sits even lower in 386th place at $13.87 million.

The most valuable players at the 2026 World Cup

1. Kylian Mbappe — France — $231 million

1. Erling Haaland — Norway — $231 million

1. Lamine Yamal — Spain — $231 million

4. Michael Olise — France — $173 million

4. Vinicius Junior — Brazil — $173 million

4. Pedri — Spain — $173 million

7. Jude Bellingham — England — $161 million

7. Joao Neves — Portugal — $161 million

7. Vitinha — Portugal — $161 million

10. Declan Rice — England — $138 million

10. Federico Valverde — Uruguay — $138 million

10. Desire Doue — France — $138 million

10. Bukayo Saka — England — $138 million

Messi recently suffered hamstring fatigue during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer victory over Philadelphia Union. Upon joining the national team camp, the forward was immediately placed on a specialized, individual training program to prioritize his recovery and avoid any risk of a tear.

Speaking to the media during his latest press conference, Scaloni revealed that Messi’s recovery has taken a significant leap forward, as he has already rejoined a portion of full squad training.

“Leo is doing well. He has already trained for part of the session with the main group, which is a massive step forward. He is no longer working entirely on his own,” Scaloni explained.

While initial reports out of Argentina heavily suggested that Messi would be completely rested for the upcoming friendlies against Honduras and Iceland, the tactician refused to rule him out. Instead, Scaloni indicated that the captain might actually see the pitch during this double-match window.

“He is progressing quite nicely, to the point where he could play a part in these two friendlies for a few minutes. We will evaluate whether that happens tomorrow against Honduras or in the following match, but he feels much better, and that gives us tremendous peace of mind”. he continued.

Scaloni warns of potential World Cup roster changes

While the update on Messi was incredibly bright, Argentina’s broader fitness landscape heading into the World Cup is far more complicated. Although no squad member has been ruled out with a long-term injury, several key players are currently far from 100% fitness, prompting Scaloni to issue a strict warning regarding the final 26-man roster.

“We are entirely certain that if someone is not physically right, they will be left out of the tournament; we are very clear on that. For now, we are managing it well, monitoring everyone and taking zero risks. When the final week arrives and we have to ramp up the intensity, that is when we will make the necessary tough decisions. We will see how the recovery plans progress,” the manager warned.

Aside from Messi’s muscle fatigue, six other players have been forced to train away from the main group due to various physical setbacks, including Julian Alvarez (ankle), Nahuel Molina (muscle tear), Gonzalo Montiel (muscle tear), Leandro Paredes (muscle tear), Emiliano Martinez (fractured finger) and Nico Paz (minor fracture in his right knee).

Scaloni concluded by stating that the upcoming week will serve as the ultimate litmus test for the reigning world champions, as the medical staff prepares to push the players’ bodies to full match capacity. “Next week will be crucial and will give us a much clearer picture. We are going to lift the workload and see exactly how those training separately respond to the intensity,” he added.

Klose currently sits at the absolute peak of the tournament’s history with 16 goals scored across four separate World Cups. Messi stands as the closest active challenger, possessing 13 goals across five previous editions, meaning he needs just three goals to equal the German icon. Right behind him is Mbappe, who has remarkably racked up 12 World Cup goals in just two tournaments.

With his legendary benchmark under heavy threat in North America, Klose openly admitted that it is simply a matter of time before a new name claims the crown. “I am sure that my World Cup scoring record will be broken soon. Either Lionel Messi gets it at this World Cup, or at the very latest, Kylian Mbappe does it in the next one,” Klose noted in an exclusive interview with Sport Bild.

Far from being protective of his status, the former Bayern Munich and Lazio striker is completely at peace with his record falling. While acknowledging that both superstars possess the lethal finishing required to eclipse his 16-goal tally, Klose admitted he is privately rooting for the Argentine captain to take the mantle.

“I am totally relaxed about this, I just let things take their course. If it has to happen, it will happen. I would be really happy if it were Messi, because I value him so highly as a player,” Klose added.

Another landmark Klose record under threat

The all-time goalscoring crown isn’t the only piece of World Cup history that Klose could lose to Messi over the next few weeks. The clinical German striker also holds the all-time record for the most individual match victories in tournament history, sitting on 17 wins.

Once again, Messi is on the absolute precipice of overtaking him. The Inter Miami star currently possesses 16 career World Cup match victories—meaning a single win during Argentina’s group stage matchups against Algeria, Austria, or Jordan will pull him level with Klose.

While Messi is the immediate threat, Mbappe and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer are also within striking distance, each holding 11 tournament victories. Further down the pecking order sits Cristiano Ronaldo, who enters his sixth World Cup with 10 match wins under his belt.

“A wonderkid! Barcelona star, Lamine Yamal wins La Liga Player of the Season,” the Spanish league announced Friday on its official social media accounts alongside a photo of the 18-year-old holding the trophy.

The same post highlighted four other players as Yamal’s main challengers. Kylian Mbappe finished second after an impressive season with Real Madrid despite the club’s lack of silverware and his injury struggles. Also featured among the contenders were Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepe, Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi, and Real Betis’ Pablo Fornals.

Lamine Yamal played a decisive role in Barcelona’s title-winning campaign, recording 16 goals and 12 assists in 28 matches — an average of one goal contribution per game. Despite dealing with a groin issue early in the season and a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the final stretch of the campaign, the winger established himself as the team’s primary attacking threat. He even carried much of the offensive burden during the absences of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, the other star attackers in the squad.

Yamal follows in Messi’s footsteps

In previous years, Lamine Yamal had already shown flashes of brilliance with Barcelona, earning the La Liga U-23 Player of the Season award in both 2024 and 2025. This year, however, he took another step forward and claimed the league’s top individual honor, which had been awarded to Raphinha the previous season.

In doing so, Yamal surpassed Lionel Messi as the youngest player ever to win the award. The Argentine forward first claimed the honor at age 21 after starring during the 2008-09 season.

However, when comparing the two, Lamine still has a long way to go. Messi holds the record for the most La Liga Player of the Year awards with nine, including a streak of five consecutive wins. After his first recognition in 2009, he also won the award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Cristiano Ronaldo trails far behind

Despite enjoying a brilliant nine-year spell with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to establish himself as La Liga’s dominant individual star and spent much of that era competing with Lionel Messi’s overwhelming influence. As a result, CR7 won the league’s Player of the Year award only once during his nine seasons in Spain, claiming the honor in 2014.

However, with a mere six days remaining until their tournament opener, the German national team has been thrown into a state of panic over a severe injury scare surrounding breakout star Lennart Karl.

The 18-year-old Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has rapidly developed into one of the nation’s biggest symbols of hope as they chase a historic fifth world title. Unfortunately, following Germany‘s latest tactical training session, manager Julian Nagelsmann delivered a deeply concerning medical update.

“It doesn’t look good. He has gone to the hospital and will undergo comprehensive scans. We have to wait for the final diagnosis to see if he can play in the World Cup, or if we will be forced to call up a replacement,” the German tactician admitted.

Karl’s sudden rise to prominence this season has been nothing short of spectacular. After forcefully breaking into the Bayern Munich first team, the teenager put up staggering statistical numbers, racking up 9 goals and 8 assists across 40 appearances to solidify himself as the undisputed breakout player of the Bundesliga campaign.

The top candidates to replace Karl

While Nagelsmann’s preliminary standby list has not been made public, German media and tactical analysts have already identified three prime domestic alternatives who could step onto the plane if Karl is officially ruled out.

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)

The Borussia Dortmund forward stands out as the most experienced and logical fallback option. Adeyemi is coming off a productive club campaign where he registered 10 goals and 6 assists in 39 matches. Unlike Karl, Adeyemi would inject international pedigree into the squad; he already boasts 11 caps and a goal for the senior national team, and was a member of the 2022 World Cup roster in Qatar.

Kevin Schade (Brentford)

If Nagelsmann prioritizes raw, electric pace and explosive directness out wide, Brentford’s 23-year-old winger Kevin Schade is a front-runner. Schade enjoyed a breakout Premier League campaign in England, where he recorded 8 goals and 4 assists over 35 appearances, making him a highly functional tool for a fast-paced tournament environment.

Said El Mala (1. FC Köln)

Should the coaching staff decide to stick strictly to their blueprint of blooding elite, teenage talent, FC Köln’s 19-year-old Said El Mala is the perfect stylistic match. Possessing incredibly similar creative attributes to Karl, El Mala lit up the domestic season by hammering home 13 goals and providing 5 assists in 36 matches, proving he has the clinical edge required for the highest stage.

“I played with both. Well, I played with Messi and I played against Ronaldo. Cristiano is my idol, but I also played with Leo. And having played against both, the truth is they are really different. They are not similar at all,” Mbappe said in a recent interview on the YouTube channel Sorare and Colombien.

Indeed, Messi and Mbappe were teammates for two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023. Together, they won three trophies: the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Ligue 1 titles, as well as the 2022 Trophee des Champions. However, they fell short of their main objective of winning the UEFA Champions League, suffering Round of 16 eliminations in both seasons.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has only crossed paths with Mbappe as an opponent. They faced each other twice at club level in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 between Real Madrid and PSG, and three more times internationally between France and Portugal. Ronaldo holds the edge in those meetings, with two wins and three draws.

“The rivalry between them was good because they are completely opposite,” the French forward added before listing some of their contrasting qualities: “One right-footed, one left-footed; tall, short; more refined, more raw; one more impactful, the other with greater vision.”

Mbappe dismisses prejudices about Ronaldo and Messi

During the same conversation, the interviewer asked Mbappe about the common perception that the main difference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is that the Argentine star relies on talent, while the Portuguese forward is defined by hard work.

“Without condescension, when they say one is hard work and the other is pure talent, that’s the opinion of someone who doesn’t play soccer,” Mbappe said firmly. “You can’t say Cristiano has no talent or that Messi doesn’t work hard. It means you’ve never put on a pair of boots and trained every day in your life.”

Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe set for the 2026 World Cup

This summer in North America could mark the final international appearances of both Messi and Ronaldo, and there is even a realistic chance they could meet for the first and only time at a World Cup. If Argentina and Portugal win their respective groups and continue advancing through the knockout rounds, they would face each other in the quarterfinals.

France, meanwhile, would be placed on the opposite side of the bracket if they win their group. That means that, if the tournament unfolds as expected, Kylian Mbappe could only face Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in a potential World Cup final.

In fact, Portugal is among the last major European sides scheduled to travel. With expectations high following the UEFA Nations League triumph, many supporters wondered why the national team would delay its journey so close to the start of the tournament.

Portugal enters the World Cup as one of the strongest contenders outside the traditional favorites. Led by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, the squad combines experience with a younger generation that includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, and Rafael Leao.

The national team has been drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan, with its opening match scheduled for June 17 in Houston. Ronaldo is set to make a historic sixth World Cup appearance, extending a record that no other men’s player has achieved.

Portugal delays U.S. departure

While many competing nations have already arrived in North America, Portugal has deliberately chosen to remain in Europe longer. The decision initially raised questions regarding fitness, logistics, and tournament preparation. The explanation finally arrived when Martinez addressed the issue during Friday’s press conference.

The Portugal coach revealed that the strategy was carefully designed to maximize preparation time rather than simply getting to the United States as early as possible. “The importance of friendly matches is not in the matches themselves, but in the preparation we get from them. Tomorrow [Saturday] against Chile, we want to win, but that is not our main objective. We will use all 11 substitutions.”

The coach made it clear that the focus is on individual player development and overall team readiness rather than the result of the warm-up matches. “Our focus is more on the players individually. The final result is everything we add to the team.”

Why Portugal chose to stay in Europe longer

Martinez then revealed the key factor behind the decision. Portugal’s technical staff believes the final days before departure are more valuable when spent working in familiar surroundings rather than adapting prematurely to a different environment. “In March, we trained at high altitude. Now we will play in Houston, so we decided to arrive in the United States as late as possible so we could work here on what we need to.”

The coach explained that previous tournament experience played a major role in shaping the plan. Rather than following the approach taken by other nations, Portugal opted for a customized preparation schedule. “So we are benefiting from the experience I gained from three World Cups.”

As a result, Portugal is scheduled to depart for the United States on June 12, one day after the tournament officially begins, allowing the squad to complete its final preparation block at home before crossing the Atlantic.