“I think Neymar’s situation is very clear. He is doing excellent individual work. Tomorrow (Saturday) he will undergo an MRI, and if everything goes well, he will rejoin the main group next week,” Ancelotti confirmed during his press conference.

While the rest of the Brazilian squad travels to Cleveland on Friday to face Egypt in their final pre-tournament friendly on Saturday, Neymar will not be making the trip. Instead, he will remain at the team’s base camp in New Jersey to continue his focused rehabilitation process.

The former Barcelona forward was named on the bench during Brazil‘s emphatic 6–2 victory over Panama in their emotional Maracana send-off match. However, he did not see any minutes on the pitch, as the medical staff is entirely prioritizing his long-term availability for the World Cup.

While the national team brass desperately wants Neymar on the pitch for their June 13 opener against Morocco, Ancelotti recently reiterated that they will not rush his recovery.

The Italian tactician emphasized that if Neymar is not 100% ready for the opening match, the staff will simply focus on getting him in peak condition for their second Group C fixture against Haiti on Friday, June 19.

Ancelotti to rest some players in final friendly

Carlo Ancelotti opted not to reveal his full starting lineup for Saturday’s warm-up match against Egypt, but he guaranteed that he would be resting Gabriel Magalhaes.

The manager noted that the center-back showed signs of heavy fatigue following his grueling shifts for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final. Flamengo’s Leo Pereira is expected to step into the heart of the defense to replace Gabriel.

Additionally, tactical tweaks during recent training sessions suggest further squad rotation, with Bournemouth’s Rayan filling in for Lucas Paqueta in midfield and Douglas Santos slotting into the left-back position in place of Alex Sandro.

Match Overview

Finland and Hungary will meet looking to move past the disappointment of missing out on the upcoming FIFA World Cup and build momentum for the next UEFA Nations League. Finland impressed by finishing third in a tough qualifying group featuring Poland and the Netherlands.

On the other hand, Hungary endured a heartbreaking exit after failing to secure the point it needed on the final Matchday to advance. With both teams eager to bounce back, this matchup promises plenty of motivation on both sides. Don’t miss this intriguing international showdown.

Match Overview

After disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns, Montenegro and Slovakia meet in a matchup featuring two teams eager to regain momentum. Montenegro entered the last cycle with hopes of challenging for second place in its group but fell well short of expectations, finishing behind even the Faroe Islands and leaving plenty of work ahead.

Slovakia also saw its World Cup hopes fade after an encouraging opening victory over Germany, eventually falling in the playoffs. With both nations aiming to rebuild and strengthen their path back to the global stage, this contest offers a valuable opportunity to measure progress and fine-tune their squads for the challenges ahead.

In the first half, it was a good start for Mexico, who dominated possession and created goal-scoring chances, but they were ineffective until a fortunate play gave Serbia the lead through Stanić. However, Mexico stayed on track and tied it with a goal from Vásquez. Just before halftime, a very obvious mistake by Serbia on a back pass ended in an own goal.

It was a different story in the second half, as Mexico pulled away from a very young opponent that struggled throughout the match. Jiménez got what he wanted with the third goal, before another own goal and a goal from Chávez put the game away with a 5-1 final score.

According to a stat surfaced by Telemundo journalist Jaime Macias, Argentina has retained more outfield players from their 2022 championship squad than any other World Cup-winning nation since the turn of the century. Of the players who lifted the trophy in Qatar, 15 have been called up for the 2026 title defense, with the remaining 11 spots going to players who have yet to win a World Cup gold medal.

It is worth noting that the expanded 26-man roster format, introduced for the 2022 edition, means the pool of potential returnees was already larger than in any previous cycle, naturally inflating the number of champions available to be recalled.

Excluding goalkeepers Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez and Geronimo Rulli, the outfield players who lifted the World Cup in 2022 and have been named in Argentina’s 2026 squad are: Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada.

The less champions, the better?

At first glance, bringing back the core of a World Cup-winning squad would seem like the most logical strategy for a defending champion. The historical record this century, however, tells a more cautionary tale: the more World Cup winners a defending nation has recycled into the following squad, the worse their results have tended to be.

Spain brought 14 returning outfield players to the 2014 World Cup after winning their first title in 2010 and suffered a humiliating group-stage exit. France carried 13 outfield survivors from their 1998 triumph into the 2002 edition and similarly failed to survive the group stage with just one point.

Italy and Germany followed the same cursed pattern. The Azzurri brought back eight players from their 2006 title-winning squad and crashed out in the first round in 2010, while Germany suffered the same early exit in 2018 with eight returnees from their 2014 champion group.

Brazil, with eight survivors from their 2002 squad heading into 2006, managed to escape the group stage but still fell short of expectations, bowing out in the quarterfinals despite boasting a generation of stars that included Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazário and Adriano.

The most successful transformation of a defending champion came from Didier Deschamps’ France. Going into the 2022 World Cup, he brought just seven survivors from the 2018 championship squad, namely Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, and reached the final, where they were beaten by Argentina.

If the century’s trend holds, Argentina’s unusually high rate of retention would be a warning sign. And yet the 2026 format itself provides a safety net the previous defending champions did not have, with the expanded 48-team field and a second chance for the eight best third-place finishers making an outright group-stage elimination considerably harder to achieve.

Argentina’s renewal for the 2026 World Cup

Arriving as back-to-back Copa America champions in 2021 and 2024, winners of the 2022 Finalissima and reigning World Cup holders, Argentina head into the tournament in commanding form. Their CONMEBOL qualifying campaign produced 38 points, the second-best total in their history, trailing only the 43 registered ahead of the 2002 World Cup.

One area worth monitoring is the squad’s average age, which sits at 29.1 according to Transfermarkt, making it the oldest of the major contenders. France averages 27, Spain 26.8 and Portugal 28, while Brazil edges Argentina at 29.2. That said, the 2022 World Cup-winning squad also had an average age of 29.1, so experience rather than youth has clearly been a deliberate cornerstone of Scaloni’s approach.

That continuity, however, comes with built-in adaptability. In Qatar, a shocking opening-game loss to Saudi Arabia prompted Scaloni to shake up the lineup, dropping Leandro Paredes, Alejandro Gomez and Lautaro Martinez from the starting eleven and unleashing Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez as the young players who seized their moment and never let go.

With those three now established starters rather than emerging talents, Scaloni has also introduced fresh blood to the squad for 2026. The eight outfield additions with no World Cup title are Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Valentin Barco, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Nicolas Gonzalez and Giovani Lo Celso.

The latter two are not youngsters in the traditional sense, but both were part of Scaloni’s process before injury derailed their 2022 campaigns. The rest, particularly Paz, Barco, Balerdi and Simeone, represent the next generation beginning to push their way into the picture.

The one truly irreplaceable figure from the 2022 starting lineup against France who is absent is Angel Di Maria, whose creative profile has not been directly replicated. Scaloni has adapted by deploying Thiago Almada and Lo Celso in the playmaking role or turning to Nicolas Gonzalez and Giuliano Simeone for more physical, high-energy contributions down the flanks.

Perhaps the most intriguing variable heading into the tournament is psychological. The 2022 squad played with the energy of a team chasing Messi’s last realistic chance at greatness, and that shared sense of mission drove them through every obstacle. With the job done, whether that same hunger endures is an open question, one that the Copa America and the qualifying campaign suggested the answer is yes, but the 2026 World Cup will be the ultimate proof.

Group K has the potential to become one of the most competitive sections of the tournament. Portugal enters as the favorite, Colombia is viewed as a serious contender, Uzbekistan arrives as an ambitious newcomer, and DR Congo hopes to make a memorable return to the World Cup stage after more than five decades away.

The Congolese national team earned widespread admiration for securing qualification for its first World Cup since 1974. However, what should have been a period of celebration and preparation has instead become increasingly complicated due to circumstances beyond soccer.

The blow for DR Congo emerges

As preparations intensify ahead of the tournament, DR Congo has now suffered a major disruption. Spanish authorities canceled the national team’s scheduled June 9 friendly against Chile because of health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The match was due to take place in La Linea de la Concepcion, Spain, but local officials decided not to authorize the fixture following recommendations from regional health authorities. Juan Franco, mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, confirmed the decision.

“I have signed the decree banning the holding of the 9 June match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile‘, he told COPE, before emphasizing that the move was precautionary rather than punitive: “A report by the head of the mayoralty’s health service of La Línea advised categorically against hosting the match given the health risks which might arise.”

Ebola concerns continue to affect preparations

The issue stems from an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in eastern DR Congo. As a result, the national team had already abandoned plans to hold part of its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa. Instead, the squad relocated its preparations to Belgium, where it continues to train ahead of the tournament.

Importantly, reports indicate that the players themselves are largely based outside the country through their respective clubs. Nevertheless, concerns regarding travel, support staff movement, and public health protocols have continued to create complications.

The outbreak has also attracted international attention because of the unique challenges it presents. According to reports, there is currently no approved vaccine specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain, increasing caution among health authorities.

DR Congo faces additional obstacles before tournament

The cancellation of the Chile friendly is only one of several issues facing DR Congo. The Guardian indicates that the national team has encountered travel restrictions, visa-related complications involving supporters, and strict entry requirements connected to the United States. These measures have forced officials to adjust plans repeatedly during the final weeks before the World Cup.

American authorities previously announced that individuals who had recently been in certain affected regions could face additional restrictions or isolation requirements before entering the country. Those circumstances have created uncertainty around preparations for a tournament that should represent one of the greatest moments in the country’s soccer history.

The possibility of seeing Ronaldo and Al-Nassr play against the Argentine side has already generated considerable attention. For River Plate, the match would provide a major international attraction, while Al-Nassr would gain another opportunity to strengthen its global profile following several years of rapid growth.

Although no official agreement has yet been announced, multiple reports indicate that negotiations are ongoing and that both clubs are eager to make the fixture happen before the end of 2026. According to reports from Argentina, River Plate is actively working to organize a friendly encounter against Al-Nassr.

The Argentine giant reportedly sees the match as a major occasion that would attract worldwide attention, particularly because of Ronaldo’s expected involvement. Supporters have already begun imagining the spectacle of seeing one of soccer’s greatest stars perform in Buenos Aires.

Camila Maldonado of River Plate Digital has revealed that negotiations are underway between the two clubs regarding a potential year-end friendly. The report suggests that discussions have progressed sufficiently for logistical planning and venue considerations to enter the conversation.

Where could the game take place?

One of the most significant details to emerge involves the proposed location for the match. River Plate reportedly wants the game to be played at the iconic Monumental Stadium, one of the largest and most famous soccer venues in South America.

The stadium has hosted countless historic matches throughout its history and recently welcomed major international events, making it an ideal setting for a fixture of this magnitude. The prospect of Ronaldo appearing at the Monumental has naturally captured the imagination of supporters.

“The intention is for it to be played at the Monumental Stadium”, Camila Maldonado said. If finalized, the encounter would likely attract enormous demand for tickets and widespread international television coverage.

When could the game take place?

While initial reports focused primarily on the negotiations themselves, further information has started to reveal when the match could take place. The current plan reportedly calls for the friendly to be held toward the end of 2026, after most major domestic competitions and international commitments have concluded.

That scheduling window would allow both clubs greater flexibility in assembling strong squads while minimizing disruption to competitive fixtures. Although an exact day has not been officially confirmed, the end-of-year period appears to be the preferred timeframe under discussion.

This timing would also come several months after the 2026 World Cup, potentially allowing Ronaldo to return to club soccer without the pressures associated with international competition.

Why the match makes sense for both clubs

For River Plate, hosting Al-Nassr would represent another opportunity to showcase the club’s global stature. The Argentine side has long been regarded as one of South America’s soccer powerhouses, and welcoming a team featuring Ronaldo would generate tremendous international interest. Such a fixture could also provide valuable commercial benefits and further strengthen the club’s international reach.

For Al-Nassr, the match aligns with the broader strategy that has followed Ronaldo’s arrival in the Saudi Pro League. Since signing the Portuguese superstar in early 2023, the club has become one of the most recognizable teams outside Europe. Friendly matches against globally respected opponents help maintain that momentum and expose the club to new audiences.

Riquelme said: “I want to see Barcelona in the second division. I’d love that. I wouldn’t have any problem with it, and I’d be happy about it. And that’s not meant as any disrespect. I’d also like Barcelona to disappear. I wouldn’t have any problem with that.”

This should be a very important weekend for the fans voting after a long stretch in which Pérez had presented himself without anyone challenging him as Sunday marks election day.

Riquelme accuses Pérez of helping Barcelona

While the current situation between the clubs is very tense, there were other times when they were allies. That was not on the sporting side, but on the business side when they were discussing deals involving broadcasting rights and similar matters.

That is where Riquelme continued to speak about Barcelona, except this time he also said that Pérez helped their archrivals get back on their feet during difficult times.

Riquelme said: “At every celebration when they were down and out. If I had been there, I can assure you that not only would I not have helped them, but I wouldn’t have extended a hand either. It’s a healthy rivalry, but if you’ve competed in a way that involved using money to pay the vice president of the referees.”

Riquelme on Pérez

A lot has been said about each other during this short campaign. Riquelme also pointed to the people around Pérez as the ones making the decisions, while adding that many of the negotiations the club has been involved in have included personal interests.

Riquelme said: “Through his personal company, as well as other new businesses he owns, he bills Real Madrid directly and indirectly for everything. He’s involved in the Super League because he’s a shareholder in the company that created it, and also in the privatization process he’s carrying out on his own.”

Having observed both icons up close, the veteran winger recognizes that the pair stand completely alone at the pinnacle of the modern era. “For me, they’re the two best in history in this era, aren’t they? Then there’s Diego [Maradona], too… But between the two of them, the difference is what one has won and what the other has won,” Di Maria stated in an exclusive interview with the official Ballon d’Or website.

However, when pressed to separate the two generational talents, Di Maria did not hesitate to place Messi on a higher pedestal. “For me, Leo is better than Cristiano because he has a natural talent; he doesn’t have to work constantly to match or equal someone else,” the former Real Madrid star explained.

While Di Maria firmly favors his international teammate, he remains incredibly grateful for the unique trajectory of his career, acknowledging that sharing the pitch with two titans who monopolized the Ballon d’Or conversation for two decades was an absolute blessing.

“I had the best relationship with both of them, and I also assisted both of them. It was something unique. The best thing that could have happened to me was playing with two people who have been competing for the Ballon d’Or over the last 20 years,” he concluded.

Di Maria enjoyed success with both players

Di Maria’s on-field chemistry with both players is heavily backed up by historical statistics and an overflowing trophy cabinet. He shared the pitch with Ronaldo during his memorable tenure Real Madrid, where they featured in 166 matches together and won six trophies, including the 2011 Copa del Rey, the 2012 La Liga title, and the 2014 UEFA Champions League.

On the other side, Di Maria shared the pitch with Messi 142 times between the Argentine national team and PSG. At the club level, they spent a single season together where they featured in 24 matches and secured the Ligue 1 title before Di Maria’s transfer to Juventus.

On the international stage, both players have enjoyed immense success together over a total of 118 international matches. They first struck gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the youth team, and though it took another 13 years to celebrate silverware again. They went on to win the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America together.

On Thursday, Spain played their final home match before departing for the United States, settling for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iraq at Estadio Riazor in La Coruna. At the same time, France suffered a surprising 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

As a result, Argentina will reclaim the top spot in the FIFA rankings when the next update is released on Monday. The rating calculations will favor Lionel Scaloni’s side regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s friendly against Honduras, as they will have 1,874 points even in the worst-case scenario, ahead of Spain’s 1,873 and France’s 1,869.

Until now, the top spot belonged to France, who climbed to No. 1 during the March FIFA international window after overtaking Spain. Before that, Luis de la Fuente’s side had ended Argentina’s reign in July 2025, after the South Americans had led the rankings since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The negative FIFA rankings statistic

While returning to the top of the FIFA rankings may initially seem like good news for Argentina just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America, history suggests otherwise.

Since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, no team entering a World Cup as the No. 1-ranked nation has gone on to win the tournament. In 1994, Germany held the top spot, but Brazil lifted the trophy. Brazil then entered the 1998 World Cup as the top-ranked team, only to lose the final to France.

The team led by Zinedine Zidane arrived at the 2002 World Cup atop the rankings, but Brazil emerged as champions. Four years later, the South American power once again entered the tournament as the top-ranked team, yet Italy lifted the trophy. In 2010, Brazil remained No. 1 in the FIFA rankings and again fell short, while Spain won the tournament.

The reigning champions failed to capitalize on the top ranking in 2014, as Germany claimed the title. The pattern repeated itself in 2018, when Germany entered the tournament atop the rankings but France became world champions. Finally, before Qatar 2022, Brazil led the rankings, yet Argentina went on to win the World Cup.

Messi and his teammates must break several streaks

The so-called curse of the FIFA rankings leader is just one of several streaks Lionel Messi and his teammates will have to overcome in their pursuit of the title in North America in 2026. They must also contend with a 64-year drought without a nation winning back-to-back World Cups, something Argentina have never accomplished in their history.

Appearing on the Spanish television program Horizonte, Perez gave socios a dramatic preview of his immediate post-election blueprint if he emerges victorious: “On Tuesday, I will make a major offer to a major Champions League club for a player who would be the biggest transfer in the history of Madrid. 150 million euros at the very least.“

Having already confirmed incoming deals for manager Jose Mourinho, defender Ibrahima Konate, and right-back Denzel Dumfries, Perez teased that roster reinforcements would arrive “in many more positions,” while dropping highly specific clues about where the heavy financial artillery will be aimed. “The bid will be for a Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka level player. He’s a Galactico… Naturally, it’s a player from the midfield forward. It’s not Haaland. The first thing we will do is talk to the club. Look, I’ll tell you: he is not from the Premier League. We will make the offer and see what happens,” he added.

When pressed on specific high-profile names, Pérez methodically eliminated several global stars from the equation. The most notable omission was Erling Haaland, a calculated dismissal that directly combats controversial claims made by rival candidate Enrique Riquelme, who claimed to have an agreement with the Manchester City striker. Perez also explicitly ruled out Michael Olise, Jeremy Doku, and Harry Kane as potential recipients of the record-breaking proposal.

With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior already anchoring the squad’s formidable attacking frontline, the long-standing club president, who has guided Los Blancos since launching his second tenure in 2009, was asked if spending that kind of capital on another offensive weapon was truly necessary. Perez simply left the door wide open, offering a classic Galáctico response: “Well, in Madrid, you always need more.“

Only a select few stars fit Perez’s record-breaking criteria

As it stands, English midfielder Jude Bellingham remains the most expensive acquisition in Real Madrid history, bypassing Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo with a €103 million base fee paid to Borussia Dortmund that tops out at €127 million with performance add-ons. A €150 million offer would shatter that record, leaving only a microscopic shortlist of elite talents who command that valuation while clearing Perez’s strict filtering process.

Following the definitive exclusion of Premier League targets and any players from rival Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield tandem of Joao Neves and Vitinha have quickly emerged as logical primary candidates. With both players currently holding an immense €140 million market valuation on Transfermarkt, Neves profiles somewhat similarly to current engine Federico Valverde, while Vitinha possesses the precise, elite deep-lying ball control that Madrid’s anchor roles currently lack.

Should Perez pivot toward pure attackers, though less statistically likely given the club’s current positional logjam up front, two other PSG stars fit the financial profile: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. With the Georgian winger holding a €140 million market footprint and Doue valued at €120 million, they stand out as elite options, though an interior midfield signing remains the more pressing structural need for a restructured Mourinho squad.

Each time this competition comes around, a new round of debate begins. Because the album is released many weeks before managers confirm their final lists, there is always discussion about which players may not take part but still appear in the stickers.

The main change for this edition is tied directly to the new format, with FIFA approving an expansion to 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. With that change, collectors face a bigger challenge and will need more time to complete the album.

How many stickers are in Panini’s 2026 World Cup album?

The album contains 980 stickers, making it the largest Panini World Cup sticker collection ever released. The expanded size reflects the new 48-team format being used for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It includes players, logos, and special stickers such as the stadiums.

How much does the Panini 2026 World Cup album cost?

In the United States, the standard album costs $5. Starter kits and multipack boxes are also available, with prices varying depending on the number of sticker packs included.

What’s new in the 2026 World Cup sticker collection?

The 2026 collection is the biggest in Panini World Cup history. It includes all 48 participating national teams, dedicated pages for stadiums and tournament moments, special-edition stickers, and seven stickers per pack instead of the traditional five. Collectors can also take advantage of digital sticker-swapping options.

Which players are featured in the album?

The collection includes many of the biggest stars in world soccer, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal. The album also features players from all 48 qualified nations. As with every World Cup collection, some inclusions and omissions have generated discussion among fans, particularly regarding Neymar, who was not included in the original list because the stickers had to be finalized months before the tournament, when he was not considered a likely participant, as well as veteran stars and players returning from injuries.

How much does it cost to complete the album?

In theory, collecting all 980 stickers without receiving any duplicates would require 140 packs, since each pack contains seven stickers. At $2 per pack in the United States, that comes to exactly $280. In reality, duplicates significantly increase the cost. Depending on luck, trading opportunities, and purchasing habits, completing the album can cost several hundred dollars and potentially exceed $2,000 for collectors who rely solely on buying packs.

Where can fans buy the Panini 2026 World Cup sticker album?

Fans in the United States can purchase the album through Panini’s official online store as well as participating retailers, hobby shops, and major retail chains while supplies last.

Why Panini stickers remain a World Cup tradition

For generations of soccer fans, collecting Panini stickers has been one of the most recognizable traditions associated with the World Cup. The excitement of opening packs, trading duplicates, and trying to complete the album has connected fans across different countries and generations for more than five decades.

According to The Athletic, both Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool are pursuing the signing of Yan Diomande. In his first season with RB Leipzig, he has managed to become as an undisputed starter. In 36 matches, he has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists. With a contract until 2030, he could be transferred for €130 million, a figure that both clubs could reach. Despite this, the French side appears to have a significant advantage.

“PSG is a team I have loved since I was a child. My father supports PSG, and it is a team I admire as a soccer fan… It would be a pleasure for me to come and play here with one of the biggest clubs. It is always a pleasure to come here because, with French being spoken, I think adapting would not be difficult. But why not? I do not think I am looking toward the future or focusing on anything else. As I have said, I remain focused on the World Cup,” Diomande said, via Téléfoot.

With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, Yan Diomande could become one of the best players in the tournament. If he does so, the 19-year-old star could see his transfer value rise even further. While the French side has a significant advantage in the race for his signature, they may first need to sell some stars, as Yan might not be an immediate starter. As a result, Liverpool could attempt to pursue his signing by offering him a more prominent role.

Yan Diomande could be a starter at Liverpool but a substitute at PSG

Yan Diomande has managed to become one of the most promising players in the world. Despite this, the 19-year-old star might not be a starter at PSG. Head coach Luis Enrique has the trio of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué at his disposal. With all three being undisputed starters, the Ivorian would have a secondary role, even though Bradley Barcola could leave. This is very different from his situation if he signs for Liverpool.

While the French side would need to transfer Bradley Barcola to make room for Yan Diomande, Liverpool would make him an undisputed starter. With Salah’s departure, the Reds do not have a guaranteed right winger, making the Ivorian a key addition. Furthermore, they would not need to make room for him in the roster, as he would be one of the team’s only dribbling wingers, ensuring that he can shine in the Premier League.

Adding fuel to the fire, Barcelona formally submitted a $116 million bid to Atletico Madrid to land the Argentine striker. However, the capital club has completely refused to issue an official response.

According to a report from ESPN’s Argentine insider Leo Paradizo, who is currently embedded in Kansas City covering Argentina’s World Cup training camp, Atletico Madrid’s total silence has left Alvarez really angry.

Paradizo reports that the forward is deeply upset by the club’s overall approach throughout these negotiations—including Atletico’s mocking, ironic posts on social media and their stubborn unwillingness to cooperate with his desire to leave.

Fortunately for Alvarez, manager Diego “Cholo” Simeone is reportedly open to letting the striker depart. True to his long-standing management philosophy, Simeone refuses to keep players in his squad who are no longer fully committed to his tactical project.

Alvarez reportedly feeling ‘mistreated’ by club officials

The ESPN reporter further revealed that Alvarez’s frustration goes far deeper than a stalled transfer, with the player reportedly feeling completely mistreated by his club’s administration.

The rift initially widened at the end of the domestic season, when Alvarez made a massive physical sacrifice to play through the pain barrier in the second leg of Atletico‘s crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. The forward required localized injections to numb his pain just to take the pitch, but he was physically uncomfortable and ultimately had to be substituted after 59 minutes.

Paradizo reports that immediately after the domestic campaign ended, Alvarez flew straight to the United States to join Argentina’s World Cup camp. In the days following his departure, absolutely nobody from Atletico Madrid’s executive board or staff reached out to ask how he was doing, check on his recovery, or even say goodbye.

While his next destination remains up in the air, the internal breakdown makes it increasingly clear that Julian Alvarez is set to leave Atletico Madrid following the World Cup. Whether he forces a move to stay in Spain with Barcelona, or explores emerging fallback options in England and France, his time under Simeone appears to be coming to an end.

Match Overview

Mexico will look to keep its momentum rolling as World Cup preparations continue with a friendly against Serbia, a team eager to rebound after a tough 3-0 defeat to Cape Verde. The matchup gives both sides a chance to regain confidence and sharpen their form as they build toward upcoming international competitions.

Meanwhile, El Tri enters after consecutive victories over Ghana and Australia, but despite the positive results, there is still room for improvement. With another valuable opportunity to evaluate the squad and fine-tune key areas, Mexico will aim to deliver a more complete performance.

Brazil is scheduled to square off against Egypt on Saturday, June 6, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, marking their final exhibition match before launching their World Cup campaign against Morocco. However, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed in an official statement released on Thursday that Neymar will not board the plane with his teammates.

Instead, the veteran attacker will remain at the team’s primary headquarters in New Jersey to focus on his recovery. Nursing a Grade 2 calf strain that he suffered during domestic play back on May 17, the medical staff’s blueprint mandates that Neymar undergo intensive, specialized physical therapy to accelerate the healing process rather than endure the fatigue of travel.

While the injury previously kept him out of action, Neymar still took his place on the substitutes’ bench to support his teammates during Brazil’s prior friendly at the Maracana, where several opposing players even snapped photos with the former Barcelona star. This time around, the federation has opted against a similar arrangement, choosing to keep the 34-year-old entirely isolated from the matchday environment.

What lies ahead for Neymar?

Despite growing external anxiety surrounding his overall durability, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly reassured the public that Neymar’s place on the final 26-man roster remains completely secure. While Neymar faces stiff internal competition from elite wingers Vinicius Junior and Raphinha for a spot in the starting XI, his inclusion in the tournament squad is a certainty, even if his initial workload is somewhat restricted.

The five-time world champions will officially kick off their tournament run on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Given that he has yet to participate in standard team drills, expectations are increasingly mounting that the legendary playmaker will be forced to sit out the highly anticipated Group C curtain-raiser.

Nevertheless, the CBF medical department plans to monitor Neymar’s physical progression on a daily basis over the next week, with an additional MRI scan scheduled for June 12, exactly 24 hours prior to the Morocco clash. The definitive data from that final imaging session will ultimately allow the coaching staff and team doctors to make a late game-time decision on his availability.

Since the training camp got underway at Sporting Kansas City’s facility on June 1, several players on the 26-man roster have been following individualized programs. While Lionel Messi has been the most prominent name in that group, Alvarez has also attracted significant attention given that he is still battling the effects of a sprained ankle.

According to Argentine journalist and insider Leo Paradizo, Alvarez has undergone a platelet-rich plasma injection as part of his recovery protocol. The treatment is widely used in sports medicine to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process in the affected area.

The expectation is that the effects of the injection will begin to take hold over the coming days, easing the pain in the ankle and allowing the striker to resume more normal training activity. Alvarez first sustained the ankle sprain during the Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal on April 29, forcing himself through the second leg on May 5 before being sidelined for the remainder of the club season.

With that second leg against Arsenal standing as his last competitive appearance, Alvarez has yet to fully recover, and the immediate goal is to resolve the discomfort and get him back on the training pitch in a meaningful way. Argentina have one more training session scheduled on Thursday before traveling on Friday ahead of the friendly against Honduras the following day.

Alvarez already ruled out of Honduras friendly

With Alvarez still working through his individual program and the Honduras game arriving in two days, he is not expected to be available for selection. Messi is similarly anticipated to be among those held out of the first warm-up fixture as both stars continue their respective recoveries.

In their absence, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a forward line led by Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Palmeiras’ Jose Lopez. The second and final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland on June 9 offers a more realistic opportunity for Alvarez, Messi and others to get minutes before the World Cup begins.

Koeman spoke at a press conference following the Netherlands‘ 1-0 loss to Algeria on Wednesday and acknowledged that Dumfries missed the friendly because he was completing the final steps of his transfer to Real Madrid.

“Yes, he had his medical examination near Zeist,” the coach explained, according to Diario Sport. The city of Zeist, located in the province of Utrecht, is about 54 miles from Rotterdam, where the national team played against Algeria. “I gave him permission.”

Asked about his opinion on the next step in Dumfries’ career, Koeman was clear. “I don’t know if the transfer is completely finalized yet, but if anyone deserves it, it’s him,” the coach began. “That said, I would have preferred to see him play for FC Barcelona.”

The comment reflects Ronald Koeman’s strong connection to Barcelona. He starred for the club between 1989 and 1995, making 264 appearances and scoring 88 goals. The most important of those came in the 1992 European Cup final against Sampdoria, giving Barcelona their first UEFA Champions League title.

Dumfries to compete for a place at Real Madrid

The signing of Denzel Dumfries addresses a clear need for Real Madrid. Following the departure of Daniel Carvajal, the club suffered a significant loss at right back, considering the Spanish defender had held that position with distinction for more than a decade.

Now Dumfries will be tasked with replicating the performances he consistently delivered for Inter Milan in order to earn a place in the starting lineup, competing with another international star: Trent Alexander-Arnold, who arrived in Madrid from Liverpool last summer.

What’s next for Netherlands

With Denzel Dumfries back with the squad, Netherlands have one final friendly before beginning their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. They will face Uzbekistan on June 8. After that, they will have six days off before opening Group F play against Japan. Their other opponents in the group stage will be Sweden and Tunisia.

With Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City, Hansi had some very kind words for the Spanish manager, praising his excellent handling of the project. However, he cast doubt on whether he would stay at Barcelona for 10 years: “To spend 10 years at the same club at this level… It’s incredible… I don’t think you’ll see me here for a decade.” With this in mind, the Blaugranas have already target Cesc Fabregas.

According to Javi Miguel, via Catalunya Ràdio, the Blaugranas have already started planning the future of the project in case Hansi Flick decides not to renew his contract in 2028. They have pointed towards Cesc Fàbregas as the ideal candidate, as he is not only from La Masia but also has a clause in Como 1907 that allows him to leave for the Spanish side. In addition, he has very good relationships with Joan Laporta, Deco, and Alejandro Echevarria.

Despite not having extensive experience as a coach, Cesc Fàbregas has impressed in Serie A. After arriving in the top division in 2024, he has managed to turn them into one of the most eye-catching sporting projects in Italy. Not only does his style of play stand out, but he also has solid results. They have even managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2026–27 season, attracting the attention of Barcelona.

Cesc Fàbregas not rushing a Como 1907 exit benefits Barcelona

After becoming a shareholder of Como 1907 in 2022, Cesc Fàbregas did not take long to become part of the club’s sporting structure. In 2023, he became the coach of the U-19 team, later becoming the assistant coach in December of that same year, as he did not have a UEFA Pro license. However, he managed to become head coach in the 2024–25 season and has made it clear that he is in no hurry to leave the club, benefiting Barcelona.

Having Hansi Flick until 2028, the Blaugranas are not looking to change coaches in the short term, as the German is a standard-bearer for the team. As Cesc is a shareholder of Como 1907, he has a strong sense of belonging and does not want to leave the club in the short term. With his contract also expiring in June 2028, the Spaniard manager could be tempted to return to Barcelona, where he also managed to shine as a player.

Both Hansi Flick and Cesc Fàbregas share a similar playing style, aiming for an attractive playing style with high pressing. In addition, both rely on young players, something Hansi has already implemented successfully with numerous talents. For this reason, he emerges as the ideal candidate for the future of the sporting project.

Match Overview

Guatemala will get a valuable measuring stick for its progress when it squares off with the Czech Republic in an international friendly, as Los Chapines continue pursuing a long-awaited spot at the FIFA World Cup and seek experience against European competition.

The Czechs, meanwhile, are using the matchup as part of their preparations for a highly anticipated return to the world’s biggest tournament after years away, aiming to build rhythm and confidence while carrying on the proud legacy of Czechoslovakia, a two-time World Cup runner-up.

The extraordinary transformation began when Argentine influencer Valentin Scarsini launched an online campaign, urging his massive followership to follow the New Zealand defender to boost his digital visibility. Nobody anticipated the absolute media explosion that followed; by June 5, Payne’s account had skyrocketed to over 5 million followers.

The New Zealand national team’s official media channels have quickly capitalized on this exponential internet fame. The federation’s content strategy has shifted heavily toward highlighting their newfound digital superstar, who currently plies his club trade as a right-back for the Wellington Phoenix.

Amid this whirlwind of viral publicity, Argentine sports outlet Oral Deportiva reports that first-division side Deportivo Riestra is interested in securing Payne’s services once his campaign at the 2026 World Cup concludes.

If the Buenos Aires-based club decides to formalize their interest, they will have to enter negotiations with the Wellington Phoenix. Payne is currently under contract with the A-League side until 2027, and according to specialized transfer market platform Transfermarkt, his current market valuation sits at $406,000.

Payne’s journeyman career

Born in Auckland, the 32-year-old veteran has enjoyed a diverse and well-traveled career. Payne made his professional debut with Auckland City in 2009 before moving to Waitakere United between 2010 and 2011. His performances earned him a major European breakthrough when he signed with Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, where he developed from 2012 to 2014.

Following his stint in England, Payne made a move to Major League Soccer, spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Portland Timbers. He ultimately returned to his homeland to play for the Eastern Suburbs before cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Wellington Phoenix roster upon joining them in 2019.

New Zealand’s 2026 World Cup schedule

• 15/06 | New Zealand vs. Iran – Los Angeles Stadium
• 21/06 | New Zealand vs. Egypt– Vancouver Stadium
• 27/06 | New Zealand vs. Belgium– Vancouver Stadium

The Portuguese superstar remains one of the most influential figures in global soccer, but a recent valuation adjustment has sparked discussion about how age continues to affect even the game’s greatest players. While Ronaldo’s performances have remained remarkably consistent, the newest figures show that time remains one opponent no player can fully escape.

The 2025-26 campaign will be remembered as one of the most significant chapters of Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia. After arriving at Al-Nassr in January 2023, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was tasked with helping the club reclaim domestic dominance. More than three years later, that mission was finally accomplished as Al-Nassr captured its first Saudi Pro League title since 2019.

Ronaldo played a decisive role throughout the season. He scored 28 goals and provided two assists in 30 league appearances, helping the club finish with a record-breaking 86 points and 28 victories. The title race remained alive until the closing stages of the season.

However, Al-Nassr secured the championship on the final day with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac, a match in which Ronaldo scored twice, including a trademark free kick. The triumph also ended a seven-year wait for a league title and added another domestic championship to Ronaldo’s collection after previous successes in England, Spain, and Italy.

The market value update revealed

Despite that outstanding campaign, the latest Transfermarkt update brought a surprising adjustment. Ronaldo’s market value has fallen by $2.3 million, dropping from approximately $13.8 million to $11.5 million. Even so, the update contains an important distinction. 

Ronaldo remains the only player over the age of 40 with an eight-figure market value, making him the most valuable player in his age group anywhere in the world. His current valuation remains extraordinary considering his age. For comparison, many players approaching retirement see their market value decline far more dramatically once they enter their late thirties.

Transfermarkt‘s Asia Area Manager, Tiberius Radziejewski, explained the reasoning behind the adjustment. “Cristiano once again delivered an extraordinary season, continuing to perform at a level rarely seen from a 41-year-old player.” He added, “However, despite another outstanding campaign, age remains an unavoidable factor. As a result, a small downgrade is inevitable even in the face of his recent performances.”

From peak value to present day

The latest figures also illustrate how remarkable the 41-year-old’s career has been. At the height of his powers, Ronaldo reached a market value of approximately $138 million, a figure he achieved during multiple periods while starring for Real Madrid. Although his current valuation is far lower than those peak years, it remains remarkable for a player preparing to celebrate his 42nd birthday next year.

Transfermarkt‘s evaluations are based on various factors, including age, contract status, performance levels, injury history, market demand, and overall sporting value. The figures are not designed to predict transfer fees but rather to estimate a player’s value in an open market.

With expectations growing around Spain’s campaign, Yamal enters the competition carrying the hopes of a national team eager to build on recent success. The teenager has already established himself among soccer’s elite, but a fresh update has elevated him to a level few players have ever reached at such a young age.

Every World Cup introduces a new generation of stars, yet some players arrive with pressure unlike anyone else. While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain two of the biggest attractions in the tournament, the spotlight is increasingly shifting toward younger talents expected to shape soccer’s future.

Among them, Yamal stands out as one of the most exciting figures in the game. Alongside Haaland and Mbappe, he is viewed as one of the players most capable of delivering decisive moments when the pressure reaches its highest point.

The Spanish winger has spent the last two seasons transforming from a promising academy graduate into one of soccer’s most feared attacking threats. His performances for both club and country have convinced many observers that he is already among the game’s elite despite being only 18 years old.

The stunning valuation revealed

The mystery surrounding Yamal’s latest achievement was finally clarified when the CIES Football Observatory released its newest valuation rankings. According to the report, Yamal has become the most valuable player in world soccer with an estimated transfer value of €358.1 million ($415.4m), comfortably ahead of his closest challengers.

Haaland ranks second with a valuation of €227.3 million ($263.7m), while Mbappe sits third at €165.7 million ($192.2m). No other player currently exceeds the €200 million ($232m) mark, according to the study.

The gap between Yamal and the rest of the field has stunned many within soccer. His valuation places him more than €130 million ($150m) ahead of Haaland and almost €200 million ($230m) above Mbappe, highlighting just how highly his potential and current ability are regarded.

The CIES Football Observatory uses a detailed statistical model that considers multiple factors when estimating player values. Age, contract length, performance levels, future potential, and market demand all play a role in determining the final figure. For the Spaniard, nearly every category works in his favor. At 18 years old, he combines extraordinary talent with years of potential development still ahead of him.

His long-term contract with Barcelona also increases his value significantly. The winger is tied to the club until 2031 and reportedly has a release clause worth €1 billion ($1.1b), giving the Catalans little incentive to entertain any offers. The valuation reflects what many clubs would theoretically need to pay to convince Barcelona to part ways with their most prized asset.

Why Haaland and Mbappe remain close behind

Although Yamal occupies the top spot, Haaland and Mbappe remain among soccer’s most influential stars. The Norwegian striker continues to dominate defenses with his physical presence and relentless goalscoring record. He remains widely regarded as one of the deadliest finishers in modern soccer and enters the World Cup as the focal point of his national team’s attack.

Mbappe, meanwhile, remains one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. The France captain has already built an extraordinary international résumé and will once again be expected to lead his national team deep into the tournament.

Yet the latest rankings underline a changing landscape. While Haaland and Mbappe remain established superstars, Yamal’s emergence has created a new benchmark in soccer’s valuation market.

The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players.

Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix.

The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco.

What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy?

Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club.

Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311.

Other honors received by Ronaldo this season

The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.

According to Nicolò Schira, via X, formerly Twitter, Gerry Cardinale, AC Milan’s owner, has decided to classify Christian Pulisic as a key player in the club’s sporting project, making him untouchable. As a result, the Rossoneri appear determined to trigger the additional year in his contract, but will then seek to improve his contractual terms. However, negotiations are expected to take place after the 2026 World Cup.

Despite not having the best end to the season, Pulisic has proven to be one of the most versatile players. Not only can he play on both wings, but also as an attacking midfielder. Whether with Oliver Glasner or Mauricio Pochettino, he will have no problems fitting into any playing system. In addition, Christian has made it clear that he wishes to continue, but under a winning sporting project, something they are already seeking in the summer of 2026.

If he shines at the 2026 World Cup, Christian Pulisic could once again attract the attention of Premier League clubs. However, the USMNT star could prioritize staying with the Rossoneri, as he has the backing to be a cornerstone of the project. In addition, Gerry Cardinale is reportedly open to offering him a salary of €6 million per season, something that could convince him to remain in Serie A.

Christian Pulisic may benefit from AC Milan’s upgraded roster

While AC Milan tried to bet on the consistency of Massimiliano Allegri, he failed to get the best out of the roster, ultimately being dismissed. However, they seem determined to strengthen the sporting project, betting on a new head coach and a new sporting director. While neither of them has been chosen yet, Christian Pulisic appears set to have a more promising roster to recover his shine once again.

Without a world-class center forward and having to cover the departure of Luka Modrić, the Rossoneri enter the summer transfer market with many positions to fill. In addition, both Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner favor a back four, so they will need a world-class full-back. Without the full staff in place yet, few moves can be made. Nevertheless, AC Milan aim to reboost Pulisic with a more competitive roster.

However, the international camp has suddenly found itself at the heart of a intense national debate. Veteran midfielder Casemiro has come under fire from fans across Brazil following a particularly aggressive tackle on Endrick during a tactical scrimmage.

The incident, which was caught on camera by Canal Goat, quickly went viral upon being shared across various digital platforms. The footage sparked instant outrage among supporters, with many condemning the Manchester United midfielder for taking an unnecessary risk that could have easily resulted in a severe injury, potentially sidelining Endrick right before his major tournament debut.

The stakes could not be more different for the two players involved. This tournament marks the third career World Cup appearance for the 34-year-old Casemiro—who is set to enter free agency when his club contract expires on June 30—while the 19-year-old Madrid forward is gearing up for his very first taste of soccer’s biggest stage.

Ancelotti unbothered by the intensity

Despite the digital storm brewing across social media, the reaction inside the Brazilian camp has been entirely relaxed. According to reports from Bolavip Brasil, manager Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff actively encourage this level of competitive intensity during practice sessions, believing it keeps the squad physically sharp and mentally locked in.

Crucially, Endrick himself harbored no ill will after the challenge. Because no internal friction was generated between the teammates, the coaching staff is treating the incident purely as standard internet noise.

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup schedule

• 13/06 | Brazil vs. Morocco – New Jersey Stadium
• 19/06 | Brazil vs. Haiti – Philadelphia Stadium
• 24/06 | Brazil vs. Scotland – Miami Stadium

With Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure coming to an end, president Florentino Perez identified Mourinho as his preferred choice to take charge at Real Madrid for the next three years. However, the announcement has been put on hold pending the outcome of the presidential election, with Perez even publicly presenting Mourinho as one of his flagship promises should he be reelected.

One of the central complications in the move has been Mourinho’s contractual situation at Benfica, where he still had one year remaining on his deal. The coach originally held a release clause worth seven million euros, but that expired on May 26, meaning Real Madrid will now be required to pay 15 million euros to complete the transfer, an amount Benfica confirmed the Spanish club is willing to pay.

Benfica issued an official statement addressing the matter directly: “Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD (‘Benfica SAD’) informs that the candidacy of President Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid CF elections has expressed a firm intention to hire coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix should he win the presidential elections for that club, scheduled for June 7, 2026. Should this scenario occur, the hiring will be carried out for the amount of €15,000,000, corresponding to the buyout clause of the sporting employment contract currently in force.“

Perez will face challenger Enrique Riquelme, whose Erling Haaland claims have prompted Manchester City to explore potential legal action, in Sunday’s election. With both candidates making bold promises to the membership, Perez has moved to demonstrate tangible progress on multiple fronts, having already secured the signing of Ibrahima Konate while the Mourinho appointment edges closer to becoming a reality.

Mourinho set to become the third most expensive coach in history

While multi-million-euro transfer fees for players have become routine, clubs have increasingly been willing to spend significant sums to pry coaches out of their existing contracts as well. The amounts remain far below what is spent on players, but Mourinho’s fee will place him among the most expensive managerial moves ever made.

The record belongs to Julian Nagelsmann, with Bayern Munich paying €25 million to RB Leipzig for his services in 2021, only to dismiss him less than two years later in March 2023. Second on the list is Graham Potter, who cost Chelsea €24.5 million to bring in from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022, lasting just seven months in the role.

Third on that list would be Mourinho, with the €15 million Real Madrid will pay to Benfica placing him alongside Andre Villas-Boas, who cost Chelsea €15 million to sign from FC Porto in 2011, and Xabi Alonso, with German outlet Kicker reporting that Bayer Leverkusen received between €12 million and €15 million from Real Madrid for his release.

According to Graeme Bailey, via teamTALK, Summerville is determined to leave West Ham after the club’s relegation to the EFL Championship. Amid a chaotic season, the 24-year-old star has emerged as one of the team’s standout performers. As a result, AC Milan are considering a move for Crysencio to replace Rafael Leão. However, the Hammers value his transfer at $47 million, which could complicate matters for the Rossoneri.

Not only are the Rossoneri pursuing Crysencio Summerville, but so are Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. With this in mind, the Italian side could face serious difficulties matching the offers of the English sides, who may be able to bid much more aggressively for his signature this summer. With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, the 24-year-old star could shine and further increase his value. Therefore, AC Milan may need to move quickly.

Crysencio Summerville may struggle to replace Rafael Leao at AC Milan

While Rafael Leão may not have enjoyed his best season at AC Milan, he still managed to score 10 goals and provide 4 assists. In addition, he recorded at least 10 goals and 10 assists in each of the previous three seasons. This is a significant contrast to Crysencio Summerville, who scored just 7 goals and registered 5 assists, while also failing to establish in the Premier League. For this reason, the 24-year-old star could struggle to match Leão’s of performances.

Summerville has shown to be an excellent dribbler and a dangerous player on the counterattack, but his attacking production has been far from outstanding. Tasked with replacing one of AC Milan’s best players of recent years, Crysencio would arrive under immense pressure to deliver immediate results, something he has yet to prove consistently at the highest level. Therefore, his performance at the 2026 World Cup could be absolutely decisive.

Rafael Leão’s sale could delay AC Milan reinforcement plans

Despite his public desire to leave AC Milan, Rafael Leão may not find a transfer easy to secure. With a contract running until 2028, the Italian side would reportedly prefer to sell him only after the 2026 World Cup, hoping that he shines during the tournament. If that happens, they could seek a blockbuster transfer to the Premier League. However, negotiations may not be straightforward, and this could delay their plans to strengthen the squad.

In case Rafael Leão is sold toward the end of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Rossoneri could have very little time to secure a replacement capable of delivering immediate results. In addition, both the head coach and the new sporting director have yet to be determined, meaning that other options could emerge beyond Crysencio Summerville.

With excitement building across North America, the spotlight has naturally fallen on the legendary trio. Yet while supporters are focused on what may be their final appearance on soccer’s biggest stage, an unexpected development could give one of them a historic advantage before the competition has even properly settled into its rhythm.

FIFA confirmed that a record 1,248 players representing 48 national teams have been included in the final squads for the expanded tournament. Among those players are several familiar faces who have defined an era of international soccer.

Messi will once again lead Argentina, Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal, and Ochoa continues his incredible journey with Mexico. All three are preparing for what would be their sixth World Cup appearance, a feat that has never been achieved in the competition’s 96-year history.

The significance of that accomplishment becomes even greater when considering the longevity required to reach six tournaments. Generations of elite players have come and gone without coming close to matching such consistency at the highest level.

The veterans defying time

The upcoming tournament is expected to be one of the oldest World Cups ever in terms of experienced players. Ronaldo and Ochoa are both competing in their forties, while Messi will arrive at the tournament at 38 years old.

Several other veterans are also expected to feature. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, for example, enters the competition at 43 years of age, while Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera could also join the list of players over 40 to appear on soccer’s grandest stage.

Historically, only seven players aged 40 or older have ever stepped onto a World Cup pitch. The 2026 edition could raise that number significantly, highlighting how advances in fitness, nutrition, and sports science continue to extend careers.

The historic twist revealed

While all attention has been focused on the prospect of Messi, Ronaldo, and Ochoa reaching six World Cups, the tournament schedule has created an intriguing twist. Mexico will play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11, while Argentina does not begin its campaign until June 16, and Portugal follows on June 17.

That means if Ochoa takes the field for Mexico in the tournament opener, he would officially become the first player in soccer history to appear in six different World Cups.

Messi and Ronaldo would still reach the same milestone, but only several days later, when their respective national teams begin their campaigns. The scheduling quirk may seem minor, but in a tournament built on records and legacy, it could prove highly significant.

Reports suggest Ochoa could start

Recent reports from Mexico suggest that national team coach Javier Aguirre is strongly considering handing Ochoa the starting role in the opening match against South Africa. According to Azteca Deportes, the decision would serve as a tribute to one of the greatest careers in Mexican soccer history.

Ochoa is set to turn 41 shortly after the tournament begins and remains an iconic figure for supporters. While Aguirre has not officially confirmed the decision, speculation continues to grow that the veteran goalkeeper will be allowed to make history from the opening whistle.

The tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest World Cup in history. However, attention is increasingly turning toward a regulation that could leave stadiums waiting for hours before matches are allowed to continue.

The expanded 48-team World Cup is expected to attract unprecedented global attention, yet organizers are facing scrutiny over how weather interruptions will be managed. Summer conditions across several host cities are known for producing intense thunderstorms, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the United States.

The concern is not hypothetical. During recent international competitions hosted in the country, several matches were interrupted by severe weather, forcing players and supporters into lengthy waiting periods before games could resume.

FIFA has repeatedly stressed that safety remains the priority. However, the governing body has also acknowledged that extreme weather could become one of the biggest operational challenges during the tournament.

FIFA’s rule behind the controversy

The issue stems from a strict U.S. safety protocol regarding lightning strikes near stadiums, as per The Athletic. Any match must be suspended immediately if lightning or electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius of the venue. Once play is stopped, a mandatory 30-minute countdown begins before a match can restart. 

The complication arises when another lightning strike is detected during that waiting period. In those situations, the 30-minute timer is reset back to zero, meaning matches can remain suspended indefinitely until there has been a full 30-minute period without any nearby lightning activity.

Because FIFA cannot override local safety regulations, tournament officials would be required to follow the protocol regardless of scheduling pressures or television commitments.

Why delays could become extremely long

The biggest concern is that FIFA currently has no fixed regulation specifying how long a suspended match can remain delayed before it must be abandoned. Instead, every situation is assessed individually. While that flexibility allows officials to adapt to unique circumstances, it also creates uncertainty for teams, fans, and broadcasters.

A prolonged thunderstorm moving repeatedly through a host city could trigger multiple timer resets, potentially extending delays for several hours. Such scenarios have already occurred in American sporting events and international soccer competitions.

The possibility of these lengthy interruptions has sparked debate among supporters, especially given the expanded tournament schedule and the increased number of matches that must be completed within a limited timeframe.

What is FIFA’s response?

According to FIFA’s official statement: “FIFA’s emergency preparedness team meets regularly with national meteorological and emergency management authorities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as with partners across all 16 Host Cities.”

The governing body has emphasized that extensive planning has already taken place to address weather-related emergencies: “A comprehensive, tournament-wide preparedness exercise focusing on severe weather scenarios has further strengthened cross-agency coordination and operational readiness.”

FIFA also confirmed that host venues must maintain evacuation procedures and severe-weather protocols that comply with local regulations and international safety standards. In addition, officials will monitor conditions continuously using real-time weather surveillance systems and heat-monitoring technology throughout the tournament.

The Inter Miami forward was present at Wednesday’s training session in Kansas City, but he did not participate in drills with the rest of the squad. Instead, he trained separately as he continues to recover from the muscle issue he suffered on May 24 against Philadelphia Union in MLS.

Alvarez, meanwhile, is in the final stages of his recovery from an ankle problem, which kept him out of Scaloni’s plans during Wednesday’s training session. As a result, with his two usual starting forwards unavailable, the coach tested different options in the lineup.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Lautaro Martinez and Jose Lopez led the attack, forming a partnership never before seen with the national team. The Palmeiras striker has made just three appearances for Argentina, and in none of them did he share the field with Lautaro. In fact, on two of those occasions, one replaced the other during the match.

Other Argentina players unavailable against Honduras

With two days remaining before the friendly against Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, several Argentina players are dealing with physical issues that will keep them out of contention for Lionel Scaloni.

Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez are on that list, but they are not alone. Emiliano Martinez is also recovering from a minor fracture in his hand suffered before Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa League final. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Paz are also unavailable.

Argentina’s projected XI vs Honduras

Given the physical condition of those players, Scaloni is not expected to take any risks in the matches leading up to the World Cup. In fact, that is why he brought additional players to the United States who are not part of the final 26-man roster but are expected to feature in the friendlies against Honduras and Iceland.

The situation is clearest at right back. With Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel still recovering, Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo are expected to get opportunities in the pre-World Cup friendlies. Both players were part of the preliminary 55-man squad but did not make the final cut.

The lineup Scaloni tested for Saturday’s match against Honduras was: Geronimo Rulli; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lautaro Martinez and Jose Manuel Lopez.

With the veteran marksman now available on the open market, prominent Middle Eastern outlet 365Scores Arabic reached out to the player’s inner circle. Lewandowski’s long-time representative, Pini Zahavi, directly confirmed that the striker’s camp is currently exploring every available avenue. “All options are still on the table for now, and we’re still reviewing all the offers,” Zahavi revealed.

While there has been no official confirmation of formal contract proposals submitted by Ronaldo’s Al Nassr or any other state-backed Saudi Pro League clubs, Zahavi’s public comments send a clear signal to front offices that they are fully prepared to listen to incoming financial packages.

Before diving heavily into marquee player recruitments, Al Nassr’s immediate front-office priority is securing a new manager following the departure of Jorge Jesus, who recently parted ways with the club despite guiding them to the Saudi Pro League title.

The club’s search met a sudden roadblock this week; primary target Marco Silva removed his name from consideration after officially accepting an offer to return to his native Portugal to manage Benfica.

Lewandowski generating widespread global interest

Ever since it became clear that the 37-year-old goalscorer would leave the Camp Nou at the conclusion of the domestic season, clubs around the world showed interest in Lewandowski, with options spanning across North America, the Middle East, and elite European leagues.

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter openly acknowledged his club’s concrete interest in the Polish international, revealing that the front office has been monitoring his contract situation for a significant period of time.

While Berhalter admitted that securement of a generational talent of this caliber remains an uphill battle, he emphasized that landing a star like Lewandowski would be a transformative milestone for the franchise.

Meanwhile, a return to another traditional European heavyweight remains highly viable. Rumors out of Italy strongly link Lewandowski to AC Milan. The Rossoneri are reportedly planning a massive roster overhaul ahead of the upcoming campaign, a restructuring process that is set to begin with the appointment of a new manager to guide the project.

According to Alessandra Gozzini, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović met with Oliver Glasner in Germany for six hours. After this meeting, the Austrian coach has become the leading candidate, as his spells at Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace FC were notably successful. In addition, the style of play he implemented at those clubs aligns with the sporting project’s vision.

While Bayer 04 Leverkusen had emerged as a strong contender for Glasner, they have already announced Carles Martínez Novell as their new head coach. As a result, the Rossoneri appear to have a clear path to reaching an agreement with Oliver. In addition, Oliver could take charge as soon as possible, something Mauricio Pochettino would not be able to do, as he must wait until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

If AC Milan fail to secure the arrival of Oliver Glasner soon, he could be tempted to remain in the Premier League. Following the reported departure of Marco Silva to SL Benfica, Fulham FC have reportedly identified the Austrian coach as their top priority, as per SportsBoom. Not only did he lead Crystal Palace FC to European competitions and trophies, but he also helped bring out the best version of several players, including Daniel Muñoz.

Ralf Rangnick’s arrival could be crucial in convincing Oliver Glasner

As one of the most impressive managers in the Premier League, Oliver Glasner may not be in a hurry to accept a new challenge. Instead, he could look to take on a more ambitious project, which is why he has reportedly not immediately accepted the proposal from AC Milan. Rather, he has supposedly decided to listen to the proposal presented by Cardinale and Ibrahimović. With this in mind, Ralf Rangnick’s arrival could be key to convincing Glasner.

Given the inconsistency of the sporting project, Glasner could have serious doubts about moving to Serie A. Therefore, Rangnick’s arrival would give the Rossoneri greater long-term direction, as he not only influences signings, but also the coaching staff and youth academy. With this duo, AC Milan could receive a major boost in competitiveness. However, if Ramon Planes is appointed as sporting director, the Austrian coach could have serious doubts.

Match Overview

France enters the 2026 World Cup among the top favorites after reaching the final in each of the last two editions, winning one title along the way. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus will look to continue building momentum against an Ivory Coast side that impressed throughout African qualifying and is considered a potential dark horse on the world stage.

With both teams eager to measure themselves against high-level competition, this matchup offers an early opportunity to gauge their readiness for the tournament. Be sure not to miss this intriguing international showdown.

Match Overview

Iraq’s return to the World Cup stage marks an important step for the program, and this friendly presents a valuable opportunity to measure itself against one of soccer’s elite nations. The Iraqis will aim to build confidence and prove they can compete with top-tier opposition.

Meanwhile, Spain enters as one of the favorites to win the World Cup, led by Lamine Yamal and pursuing a second world title. With both teams using this matchup to sharpen their preparations, fans can expect an intriguing contest—don’t miss it.

In a statement released specifically for the press, Manchester City denied any reports that Erling Haaland was leaving the club. “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are false…There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it… We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

After renewing his contract in January 2025, Erling Haaland is tied to Manchester City until 2034, demonstrating that he is the central pillar of the club’s sporting project. Not only have they lost Pep Guardiola, but also Bernardo Silva, making the departure of the Norwegian striker potentially devastating. With the possible arrival of Enzo Maresca as the new head coach, the 25-year-old striker would remain a cornerstone of the team.

Not only the Citizens denied Haaland’s departure, but also the Norwegian’s agent, Rafaela Pimienta and father, Alfie Haaland. Although they wished both candidates good luck, they made it clear that they hadn’t spoken with Enrique Riquelme and that they have no plans to leave Manchester, reports Mario Cortagana via The Athletic. However, the summer of 2026 is just beginning and could hold some surprises.

Enrique Riquelme likens Haaland’s arrival to Luis Figo’s move

Despite the denial from Erling Haaland’s camp, Enrique Riquelme, a presidential candidate for Real Madrid CF, decided to maintain his position. With this in mind, the Norwegian striker would reportedly become a Real Madrid player if he wins the presidency. Not only did he reaffirm his stance, but he also compared the move to that of Luís Figo from Barcelona to Real Madrid, as contacts and negotiations were also denied at the time.

“It’s part of the game. It also happened with Luís Figo (signed from Barcelona). We have to keep talking, with the utmost respect for Manchester City FC. The player has a release clause, and this Wednesday we already sent some kind of private message to City… I know perfectly well that if I become president, these two players (Rodri and Erling Haaland) will play for Real Madrid CF,” Riquelme said, via El Partidazo COPE.

Match Overview

Greece heads into this matchup aiming to build momentum after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, while Sweden looks to respond following a 3-1 loss to Norway that exposed several areas in need of improvement.

Although the visitors may not present the same challenge as Norway, Sweden remains focused on its goal of returning to the World Cup after missing the last edition and cannot afford to overlook a motivated Greek side eager to make a statement.

Currently navigating a high-stakes reelection campaign against challenger Enrique Riquelme, Perez has already announced Mourinho as his chosen mastermind to take over the vacant managerial seat. Once the June 7 presidential election concludes, summer transfer business will instantly take center stage at the Bernabéu, with the 21-year-old Paz heavily viewed as a foundational pillar of the club’s long-term future.

In an exclusive interview with Diario AS‘ Jose Felix Diaz, Florentino Perez addressed the growing clamor for the midfielder’s return: “Nico Paz is one of those great players who developed in our youth academy and who is currently one of the footballers that big European clubs are fighting for. He has had a great season with Como in Italy and, as you know, we have the option to bring him back this year. We will make a decision on it with the manager and the coaching staff.“

When pressed on other finalized transfer targets, Perez acknowledged the impending arrival of center-back Ibrahima Konate, teasing that “he will not be the only one of the great defenders who will arrive if I remain in charge of Real Madrid,” a clear nod to Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries. Yet, Paz’s situation remains entirely distinct, as his immediate future hinges strictly on whether Mourinho and his staff view the rising star as an immediate first-team contributor or prefer him to continue his development abroad.

Any definitive clarity regarding his club future remains temporarily on ice, as Paz is currently locked into a race against time to recover for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign while recovering from a knee fissure. Despite persistent rumors suggesting he could be squeezed out from the World Cup roster, the midfielder posted a reassuring update to his Instagram story, captioning a training photo: “Final days of recovery. Really looking forward to getting started!!“

A dynamic return would represent an absolute bargain for Los Blancos

Racking up a spectacular 13 goals and eight assists across 40 appearances as the creative epicenter of Cesc Fabregas’ tactical system, Paz has matured into an absolute sensation in Serie A. Since departing Madrid in 2024, his projected market valuation has skyrocketed to an estimated €80 million on Transfermarkt, though the actual financial package required for Real Madrid to secure his services would be virtually microscopic.

According to Argentine transfer expert German Garcia Grova, Bernabeu executives are actively mapping out the logistics of triggering the buyback option. Per the original structural terms negotiated with Como two years ago, Real Madrid retained an incredibly favorable, below-market buyback clause that sits at just €9 million for the summer of 2026.

With the presidential election set for Sunday, June 7, Perez remains the overwhelming favorite to retain his post and dictate the club’s sporting direction. However, with Como boasting a Champions League platform next season and Mourinho tasked with balancing an already talent-rich midfield featuring Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono, the possibility of allowing Paz to remain in Italy for one more developmental year remains a very realistic outcome.

Both players closed out the 2025-26 club season on a difficult note. Mbappe endured a trophyless year at Real Madrid and faced sustained criticism from the club’s own supporters, while Saliba, despite being a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, was left to process the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat and a late injury setback that has been a source of concern for Les Bleus.

Asked about Mbappe at Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps was emphatic in his support of the captain: “Listen: Kylian is in great shape. Physically and psychologically. I talk with him, and he has also had the chance to speak with the players because he is the captain. I will tell you again: there are the clubs, okay, but the national team is different. Kylian has an experience that the others don’t. This is his third World Cup, and a World Cup is difficult. He is doing very well.“

On Saliba and the back injury that has kept him sidelined, the coach was more measured. “William is doing well. If we had needed to play on Thursday, he would have played. But he will not play. I will be required to manage the playing time, to distribute it, even if that goes against our collective chemistry. All 26 players are in good condition. This preparation match is a stepping stone, with another one coming up in four days against Northern Ireland.“

France‘s first pre-tournament friendly is set for Thursday, June 5, against Ivory Coast at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau in Nantes. Deschamps has spoken highly of the Ivorian side, describing them as one of the best national teams both in Africa and globally, a challenge he expects will put Les Bleus through their paces.

When it comes to the lineup, France are expected to field a strong side with Mbappe set to start, while players who featured in the Champions League final are likely to be managed carefully with limited minutes. With Saliba ruled out of Thursday’s match, Deschamps is expected to pair Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate at center back, with Jules Kounde on the right and Theo Hernandez on the left.

Deschamps already thinking about his World Cup starting XI

With the 2026 edition marking Deschamps’ final World Cup as France’s head coach after taking charge in 2012, the opportunity to close his tenure with a third title would be the ultimate send-off for a squad reaching its peak. Drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq, widely regarded as the tournament’s most difficult group, Les Bleus are guaranteed a stern test from the very first game.

With fewer than two weeks until the tournament opener against Senegal on June 16, Deschamps acknowledged that he already has a starting XI in mind, even if he is not ready to reveal it. “Of course I have it in my head. Yes. But you never know. There will be two matches between now and then, and things can happen too. They all want to be starters. We will be vigilant about the frustration that this can create. Also, due to the specific conditions in the United States and the gap between each match, we will gather other insights. You, too, might have a little idea,” he said.

Klement’s model, which previously predicted the World Cup titles won by Germany, France, and Argentina, has been put to work once again. In his projection, Portugal win their group ahead of Colombia, while Argentina finish first in theirs ahead of Austria.

That would set up Portugal against Ivory Coast and Argentina against Uruguay in the Round of 32, with both teams advancing. In the next round, Argentina defeat Turkey with a goal from Messi, while Portugal overcome Switzerland if Roberto Martínez does not start Ronaldo, according to Klement.

The quarterfinals are where the model predicts a meeting between the two legends. What could be a memorable matchup ends with Portugal advancing in extra time to reach the semifinals, where they would defeat England before eventually falling in the final.

The champion

Portugal’s run in this projection would be historic, but it would not end with the trophy they are seeking. In the final, they would face the Netherlands, who are predicted to win the World Cup for the first time despite a tournament with very few goals.

The Dutch are projected to win their group before facing a difficult challenge in the newly introduced round, where they would edge a strong Morocco side by a narrow margin before taking on Canada.

In the quarterfinals, the prediction becomes very specific, as Klement forecasts the Netherlands defeating France 1-0 through an own goal. A rematch of a previous World Cup final would then follow in the semifinals against Spain. The run would conclude with a victory over Portugal in the final to lift the trophy.

United States’ path

In Klement’s 20-page publication, there is a prediction for every team. That includes the United States, whom the economist does not expect to make a deep run.

While the group-stage projection has the Americans finishing third behind Australia and Turkey, they still appear in the knockout stage. However, their journey would be short, as they are projected to lose comfortably to Germany in the Round of 32.

During an appearance on the Spanish television program El Hormiguero, Riquelme declared that both Rodri and Haaland would become Real Madrid players if he won the club’s presidential election. The businessman also announced his intention to install club legend Raul Gonzalez as sporting director and Fernando Hierro as the head of La Fabrica, before making his most audacious claim regarding the Norwegian striker.

“No matter who we announce, the truth is that regarding the promises I made during the campaign about the two players, as of Monday, if I break any of my promises, I have signed a personal notary guarantee where, for any breach on my part, I will pay one hundred percent of the membership fees for all Real Madrid members next season. Haaland has a clause, he wants to come to Real Madrid,” Riquelme said.

Haaland move to Real Madrid far from happening

The bold revelations prompted an immediate reaction, with speculation swirling about whether another key Manchester City figure like Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, or John Stones was on his way out. However, Haaland’s own entourage moved swiftly to shut it all down.

In a statement shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Haaland’s father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta addressed the reports directly. “All very entertaining but NOT true. We wish the very best for both candidates for Real Madrid presidential elections,” they said.

As Romano also reported, the claims from Riquelme caused little alarm inside Manchester City. The club was already confident in its relationship with Haaland and in the expectation that the player would handle any genuine interest or negotiation directly and transparently rather than allowing it to play out in the press.

Haaland is currently under contract with Manchester City through June 2034, and according to Capology, his fixed salary excluding bonuses stands at nearly $37 million per year, while his market value is listed at €200 million on Transfermarkt. While reports have previously suggested that his deal contains a hidden release clause that could apply to Barcelona or Real Madrid, the idea of him making the move to the Spanish capital ahead of the 2026-27 season appears far from realistic.

Koundé said: “I have a contract until 2030. It’s pretty clear in my mind. Right now, with the French national team, those things are taking a back seat. I’m focused on the competition until further notice. I hope to stay at Barcelona.”

While the versatile defender has been an important player for Barcelona since arriving from Sevilla, his last few months were not at the same level. That led reporters to ask about his situation, but he made it clear that he would like to remain with the club.

Koundé on the World Cup

Even though playing for the biggest clubs in the world is a major motivation, representing your country can be an even greater source of inspiration. That appears to be the case for Koundé, who was included by Didier Deschamps in France’s 26-man squad.

Ahead of France’s match against Ivory Coast on Thursday in Nantes, the center back turned right back acknowledged that he was not at his best during the season while focusing on what lies ahead.

Koundé said: “Personally, it was a season below my standards. It’s a new competition now, and I feel good. I want to finish by contributing as much as possible to the French national team. We have a fairly balanced locker room in terms of age, and everyone can express themselves. It’s good to have many different leaders.”

Koundé’s year with Barcelona

Koundé may not have had his strongest individual season, but he remained an important contributor for the team. During the campaign with Barcelona, he recorded three goals, six assists, and seven yellow cards with no red cards across 47 official appearances and 3,530 minutes played, in a season in which the club won both the La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.

However, the world-class goalkeeper also has an eye on his club future. While Martinez was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during previous transfer windows, he ultimately elected to stay in Birmingham. Now, a fresh heavyweight has entered the frame, as reports indicate his next home could be Juventus.

The front office of the Vecchia Signora is hard at work mapping out a major long-term project designed to return the Turin giants to the absolute pinnacle of European soccer.

According to Italian transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have firmly established their interest in Martinez. However, the club is also keeping its options open; Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario has reportedly been shortlisted as the primary backup alternative should negotiations for the former Arsenal man hit a financial roadblock.

While Juventus have yet to present a formal opening bid, Aston Villa’s board have previously made their financial expectations clear, reportedly demanding an estimated $53 million package before they consider parting ways with their star keeper.

Champions League prestige could dictate the move

Though interest from Juventus is concrete, a potential roadblock to any summer deal could center around differing European landscape realities for the upcoming domestic season. By hoisting the Europa League trophy with Aston Villa, Martinez successfully punched the English club’s ticket to the UEFA Champions League for next season.

Conversely, Juventus are coming off a highly turbulent domestic campaign in Italy, finishing 6th in the Serie A standings. As a result, the Italian side will compete in the lower-tier Europa League next term—a downgrade in prestige that could heavily weigh on Martinez’s final decision.

Will Martinez be ready for the 2026 World Cuo opener?

The goalkeeper’s immediate priority remains entirely focused on getting his body right for international duty. Currently working through a specialized recovery program with his right ring finger immobilized due to a fracture, Martinez is avoiding any high-intensity ball-handling drills that could aggravate the injury.

Despite the limited training regime, Argentina’s National Team insider Gaston Edul reports that Martinez’s recovery timeline is progressing perfectly ahead of schedule. Internal staff expectations indicate the keeper is locked in to start the Group J opener against Algeria.

“Obviously, we don’t have the Messi of five years ago that maybe he can drop deep and get a ball, you know, on the halfway line and just run as before,” admitted Zabaleta during a recent interview with The National. However, he expressed confidence in what the 38-year-old star can still contribute.

“He’s still really good, or good enough to dribble past two, three players and put the ball in the top corner,” said the former defender. “He’s the main man for those moments of magic or that creativity he brings into the team. If you let Messi get a ball in the final third outside the box…”

Messi’s age and physical condition have been the subject of speculation in recent years, with the forward himself fueling the conversation when he publicly questioned whether he would participate in the 2026 World Cup.

Now, with his place in the squad confirmed, Leo is preparing to celebrate his 39th birthday during the tournament on June 24. By then, Argentina will have already played their first two matches, against Algeria and Austria, and will be preparing for their final group-stage game against Jordan three days later.

Zabaleta confident Argentina will support Messi

While acknowledging Messi’s physical decline and how it has affected his style of play, Pablo Zabaleta expressed strong confidence that the team around him will do everything possible to help the forward shine and ultimately make the difference.

“You know, it is Messi surrounded by players that want to do well for Messi. They want to run as much as they can for Messi. I think if the team manages to find a way to rest off the ball, when they get back in possession, they can find him in a good position, he still can do the rest,” said the former player.

“He still has that quality to win games, to score goals. At the end of the day, that’s all you need at the World Cup, is to win games,” added Zabaleta. “We need to enjoy it because it could be Messi’s last World Cup. Hopefully, he still has that moment of magic to win games and to win the World Cup. Why not?”

Who is Pablo Zabaleta?

Pablo Zabaleta’s comments carry particular weight because of the amount of time he spent alongside Lionel Messi both on and off the field. The former right back enjoyed a successful career in European soccer, first with Espanyol — where he faced Leo on several occasions — and later with Manchester City and West Ham in the Premier League.

Those club performances earned Zabaleta a place with Argentina. He made 58 appearances for the national team between 2005 and 2016, including the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which he won alongside Messi, as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America, where they finished as runners-up.

As the reigning champions gear up for their highly anticipated June 16 opener against Algeria, the African side has sent a clear message by securing a massive 1–0 victory over the Netherlands in a recent international friendly.

Deploying a star-studded starting lineup, the squad managed by Vladimir Petkovic initially struggled to find its rhythm during the opening 45 minutes, weathering a barrage of dangerous attacking sequences from the Dutch hosts. However, goalkeeper Luca Zidane stepped up with a spectacular, Man of the Match performance, making several crucial saves to keep the clean sheet intact.

For the second half, Petkovic utilized his tactical depth by making six substitutions to manage workloads and test variations. The tactical adjustments paid off as Algeria gradually seized control of the midfield. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute courtesy of Anis Hadj Moussa.

With this high-profile victory, the Fennec Foxes continue to prove they are in peak form heading into North America. During the March FIFA window, Algeria played out a scoreless draw against Uruguay before thrashing Guatemala 7–0. Remarkably, the team has suffered only a single defeat over the calendar year—a tight loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.

The Algerian national team will fly to the United States in the coming hours to establish their final base camp. On June 10, they will close out their warm-up schedule with a friendly against Bolivia in Kansas City—the very same city where they will face the world champions less than a week later.

Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni waiting on injured stars

As the tournament opener draws closer, the result has certainly caught the attention of the Argentine camp. Lionel Scaloni is currently sweating over the fitness of his squad, as Lionel Messi headlines a list of six key players dealing with varying physical issues.

In addition to Messi, including Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nico Paz, and Leandro Paredes are all training away from the main group. The medical staff is working around the clock to ensure they can be fully integrated before the dynamic African side takes the pitch.

Argentina’s Group J schedule

• 16/06 | Argentina vs. Argelia – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
• 22/06 | Argentina vs. Austria – AT&T Stadium, Dallas
• 27/06 | Argentina vs. Jordania – AT&T Stadium, Dallas

According to Ben Jacobs, via teamTALK, Marc Cucurella is determined to leave Chelsea FC in the summer of 2026. Despite being under contract until 2029, the club are open to his sale, with Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona emerging as the main interested parties. However, the Blues would only allow him to leave for around $82 million, making his return to La Liga far from straightforward.

Despite his high valuation, the Colchoneros believe they can complete Cucurella’s transfer for around $58 million. However, the emergence of Barcelona as a strong contender could complicate their plans, as it could drive up the transfer fee. With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, both clubs may need to move quickly, or his performances in the tournament could further increase his market value.

If Joško Gvardiol is transferred to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, Manchester City could join the race to sign Marc Cucurella. While they already have Nico O’Reilly, he can thrive as a midfielder, helping cover the departure of Bernardo Silva. Therefore, the Spaniard left-back could once again shine under Enzo Maresca, the favorite candidate to become the new head coach, a connection that could give the Citizens an advantage.

Report: Atlético Madrid use Julián Álvarez blueprint to lure Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has managed to become one of the best players in the Premier League. Despite this, he is reportedly seeking a return to Spain for family reasons, giving Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona a certain advantage over any other club. In an effort to convince him to join the team, the Colchoneros are reportedly looking to use the same formula they used to sign Julián Álvarez.

According to David G. Medina, via MARCA, Álex Baena, Marc Pubill, and Marcos Llorente have been tasked with trying to convince Marc Cucurella to join Atlético Madrid during the 2026 World Cup. By constantly putting pressure on the left-back, they are hoping he will have no doubts and agree to move to their club. This strategy already worked with Julián Álvarez, as Giuliano Simeone and Diego Simeone called him constantly and eventually succeeded in signing him.

Even if the Colchoneros manage to convince Marc Cucurella, the Blues’ $82 million price tag could make his signing impossible. Unlike other clubs, Atlético de Madrid do not usually spend large sums on defenders, with Robin Le Normand being their most expensive defensive signing at €40 million. In light of this, the 27-year-old star’s arrival would be quite complicated, as Chelsea do not appear willing to lower their valuation in the summer.

In a stunning development over the last few weeks, Perez issued a snap call for elections, setting up a showdown against challenger Enrique Riquelme on June 7, marking the first contested Real Madrid presidential election in 20 years. Following the dismissal of Alvaro Arbeloa from the dugout, the confirmation of a new head coach was ultimately tabled until the club’s socio members select their next leader.

While The Athletic previously reported that Mourinho has already put pen to paper on an official contract with the club, the formal rollout was halted exclusively due to the sudden election cycle. Nevertheless, the boardroom politics haven’t stopped Perez from weaponizing the legendary Portuguese tactician as the crown jewel of his campaign platform.

To drum up excitement, the incumbent’s official campaign account Florentino 2026 released a teaser video on X that took a direct swipe at the media, captioned: “While on TV they talk and talk and talk.” The clip features a smiling Mourinho emphatically saying “Si” while donning the iconic Real Madrid jersey, cementing his return as the defining promise of Perez’s reelection bid.

Heavyweight roster additions anchor Florentino Perez’s campaign promises

Perez’s promotional blitz serves as a direct counter to Riquelme, who made a massive splash by claiming that “a player like Rodri could arrive at Real Madrid” under his watch, while also teasing Erling Haaland as a potential blockbuster marquee signing. In this frantic war of promises, Pérez has already aggressively pushed ahead, solidifying high-profile transfers for the 2026-27 campaign alongside the Mourinho deal.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have finalized deals to secure both Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries and Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate for next season. With David Alaba and Dani Carvajal officially departing the club, the incumbent president moved rapidly to shore up the impending vacancies across the backline.

While the club cannot officially unveil either signing until the political dust settles, both world-class defenders are effectively locked in for a move to the Spanish capital. Konate has already announced his departure from Anfield as a free agent, while Dumfries successfully completed his medical examinations in the Netherlands ahead of a €20 million transfer triggered via his Inter Milan release clause.

So far, Barcelona has submitted a $116 million opening bid. While Atletico responded to the lowball approach with ironic, mocking posts on social media, official channels have yet to formally reply—though it is widely understood that the financial package fell well short of internal valuations.

Now, manager Diego Simeone has stepped into the equation. According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, the Argentine coach fully backs the board’s decision to hold onto Alvarez unless an astronomical, undeniable offer arrives. However, at the same time, “Cholo” holds a strict policy against keeping footballers in his squad who are not fully committed to his project.

As a result, Simeone intends to maintain the same blueprint he has utilized since taking over the club during the 2011/2012 season: he will not personally block or interfere with the ongoing negotiations between the striker’s camp and Barcelona.

This mirrors the high-profile saga of 2019, when Antoine Griezmann forced a heavily publicized move to the Catalan giants. At the time, Simeone stepped aside and allowed the French forward to depart for the Blaugrana without creating internal locker-room friction.

What Barcelona expect from Julian Alvarez

Reports out of Spain indicate that Barcelona’s initial plan was to cap their spending at the $116 million mark. However, recognizing that Atletico management viewed that figure as insufficient, the Catalan club is evaluating an improved proposal—on one specific condition.

Barcelona believe that a breakthrough depends on Alvarez himself. The club is waiting for the Argentine forward to make a public declaration expressing his explicit desire to leave Madrid, a move that would effectively make his continued presence under Simeone unsustainable and force Atletico to the negotiating table.

Barcelona’s back-up options

Should the pursuit of Julian Alvarez completely collapse following the World Cup, Barcelona has already drawn up a short-list of elite alternatives, headlined by Harry Kane and Darwin Nuñez.

Bayern Munich are reportedly willing to negotiate Kane’s departure for an estimated $86 million. Meanwhile, according to Mundo Deportivo, Uruguayan striker could emerge as an incredibly lucrative market opportunity, with reports suggesting he may terminate his current contract with Al Hilal to secure a move to the Camp Nou as a free agent.

Although the 26-man roster has been formally submitted, the physical condition of several players remains under close scrutiny. Scaloni has reportedly made clear that any player who fails to meet the required fitness standards could be removed from the list, and a small group of reserves has been kept on notice as a precaution.

According to Argentine outlet Doble Amarilla, Scaloni’s coaching staff has identified five players across different positions who could receive a call-up at short notice. The players in question are goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, defenders Nicolas Capaldo and Marcos Senesi, and midfielders Maximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendia.

Each player has been selected with a specific contingency in mind, their profiles matching particular needs in the current squad. As reported by the outlet, Scaloni’s staff has communicated to these five players that they should remain available until 24 hours before the start of the World Cup, which is the window FIFA has established for roster changes resulting from certified medical situations.

Five players on standby for six with fitness concerns

The five-player reserve list was assembled with clear purpose, as each name directly corresponds to a current fitness concern within the squad. Lionel Messi currently heads a list of six players managing physical issues, joined by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, and midfielders Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes.

The profiles of the five backup players align precisely with the positions at risk, each one a potential like-for-like solution should a roster change become necessary. With Argentina aiming to become back-to-back World Cup champions, these five players will need to delay their summer plans and remain ready.

Last-minute changes have happened before

Scaloni’s contingency planning is informed not only by the current crop of fitness concerns but also by what happened in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup. Just before the tournament began in Qatar, Nicolas Gonzalez was ruled out with a biceps femoris tear in his left leg, and Joaquin Correa was disaffected due to Achilles tendinitis in his left leg.

In their place, Angel Correa and Thiago Almada were called up as surprise additions by Scaloni, both going on to play a role, albeit a limited one, as Argentina went all the way to claim the World Cup title.

“Nico Paz will become the first player in Argentina national team history to play in a World Cup without ever having played for a club in the country, including at the youth level,” Marca reported on Tuesday, citing a statistic provided by the X account Siempre Seleccion.

Nicolas was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, in 2004, but chose to represent Argentina because of his family roots. His father, Pablo Paz, was also a soccer player and was part of Argentina‘s squad at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where he appeared in a match against Croatia.

However, the young midfielder has never spent any stage of his career in the South American country. He began playing youth soccer with Atletico San Juan and later moved to C.D. Tenerife, both in his hometown, before attracting the attention of Real Madrid.

With Los Blancos, he progressed through the club’s youth system before making his professional debut in November 2023. After appearing in eight matches and scoring one goal for Real Madrid, Paz was loaned to — and later permanently signed by — Italy’s Como 1907, where he has spent the last two seasons.

Nicolas Paz’s history with Argentina

Nico Paz will arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the least experienced international players on the team’s roster. He has made just eight appearances for Argentina since debuting against Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier in October 2024. Since then, the 21-year-old midfielder has played four official matches and four friendlies.

Other similar cases to Nicolas Paz

While no Argentina player has ever appeared in a World Cup without previously playing for a club in the country, there have been several examples of players reaching that level without ever playing professionally in Argentina.

The most obvious example is Lionel Messi. He played youth soccer for several clubs in Rosario, most notably Newell’s Old Boys, before moving to Barcelona as a teenager, where he made his professional debut in 2004. To date, he has never played professionally for an Argentine club.

A similar case is Emiliano Martinez, who left Independiente at age 17 to join Arsenal and has since spent his entire professional career in Europe. There is also another current example on Argentina’s World Cup roster: Giuliano Simeone, who left River Plate to follow his father to Atletico Madrid.

Casillas said: “I think the national team has a great squad right now, but if it is Spain vs Portugal, I think it is an even matchup, just like Spain vs Argentina or Spain vs France. I think anything can happen. The small details are going to decide the World Cup. It will not be as comfortable as people think, those details will make the difference. I see very balanced matches. We will also have to see how the bracket shapes up, because the best third-place teams advance.”

This comment was made to the local press during the presentation of his collection called “Casillas: el legado de una leyenda” (“Casillas: The Legacy of a Legend”) at Museo Legends in Madrid.

Casillas on Real Madrid elections

While winning trophies remains the main objective for everyone involved, Real Madrid are getting ready for a very important day. The club is preparing for Sunday’s elections, the first time members will get to vote for their president in 20 years.

While much of the attention is naturally on Florentino Pérez trying to remain in charge in a contest with Enrique Riquelme, Casillas also spoke about the club where he became a legend, with another icon like Raúl potentially becoming sporting director.

Casillas said: “I have not been approached for any role. I am looking forward to it as a member and a Real Madrid supporter. As for Raúl becoming sporting director, we are talking about Raúl. There is not much more that needs to be said, he is 100% Madridista. They must have thought it through carefully. Anything that is good for Real Madrid is fantastic.”

Casillas on his career

There may be very little left for someone like Casillas to accomplish after winning every major trophy in the sport. His achievements include one World Cup, two UEFA European Championships, three Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies among the highlights of his career, yet he still wanted more.

Casillas said: “I would have liked to win more trophies, but I cannot complain. I have achieved everything you dream about as a kid. I became a European champion with both my club and my national team. I used to watch those moments at home when I was young and thought they were impossible to reach.”

Christian Pulisic next game with USMNT is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, facing Germany in the Soldier Field, in Chicago, Illinois. As this is the final friendly before the 2026 World Cup, he could look to replicate his impact from the previous match against Senegal, where he scored a goal and provided an assist. After this clash, the 27-year-old star will have to wait until Friday, June 12, when he will make his debut in the anticipated tournament against Paraguay.

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 is using these friendlies with the USMNT to get back into peak condition and shine at 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.

With Al-Nassr searching for a new coach following Jorge Jesus’ departure, rumors have spread rapidly across Europe and the Middle East. However, a fresh response from within Guardiola’s inner circle has now provided a much clearer picture of where things stand.

The Saudi champion enters a new chapter after Jorge Jesus stepped down following a successful spell that culminated in the league title. The Portuguese coach had previously indicated that his stay in Riyadh would be short-term, and he confirmed his exit after delivering the championship Ronaldo had long chased in Saudi Arabia.

The veteran manager reflected on the achievement after securing the title, saying: “It is true that I am not going to continue in Saudi Arabia.” Jesus also revealed the promise he made to Ronaldo when he accepted the role at the club. “I told him: I only accept this Nassr project because of you. We are both going to win the championship, and you will leave here with a title. That is what happened.”

With Jesus gone, attention quickly turned toward potential replacements. Several high-profile names have been linked to the position, including Abel Ferreira and Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

Guardiola rumors spark global attention

Among all the candidates mentioned, Guardiola’s name created the biggest reaction. Reports suggested Al-Nassr dreamed of bringing the former Manchester City coach to the Saudi Pro League and pairing him with Ronaldo for the first time in their careers.

Some outlets even claimed the club was prepared to offer a staggering salary package worth between $75 million and $110 million per season, figures that would have made Guardiola the highest-paid manager in soccer history.

The possibility immediately captured worldwide attention. Guardiola and Ronaldo were central figures in the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid during the peak years of El Clasico, yet they never shared the same dressing room or technical project.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Guardiola’s long-time representative Josep Maria Orobitg previously acknowledged that contact had taken place. “There was contact a month and a half ago, just contact, without any commitment or written offer,” Orobitg said. He also dismissed reports of an enormous contract proposal, insisting that the numbers circulating publicly were exaggerated.

Pep Guardiola’s brother issues clear response

While the rumors continued to spread, Guardiola’s brother Pere Guardiola delivered perhaps the strongest denial yet. According to Pere Guardiola, the reports linking his older brother with Saudi clubs were unfounded. “What is being said is nothing more than an untrue rumor. There have been no negotiations or contacts regarding Guardiola joining any Saudi club”, he told 365Scores Arabic.

Even if Guardiola may no longer be considered a realistic option, Al-Nassr still faces an important decision. Reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to play a major role in evaluating candidates as the club prepares for the next stage of its ambitious project.

Roberto Martinez remains an intriguing possibility due to his successful relationship with Ronaldo at Portugal. However, any move would likely have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup. Abel Ferreira has also emerged as a strong contender after building an impressive reputation in South America.

Meanwhile, Marco Silva was previously considered a leading target before reportedly agreeing to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica. The club is reportedly eager to make a decision quickly, with some reports indicating an appointment could arrive within weeks.

Behind the growing excitement, the figures tied to FIFA’s next cycle are becoming just as attention-grabbing as the tournament itself, pointing toward a commercial explosion built around expansion and global demand.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest edition in history, with 48 national teams and 104 matches stretching across North America. This expansion alone has transformed the competition into a month-long global commercial platform rather than a traditional tournament.

Media and advertising inventory is becoming more valuable with each extra match thanks to the change, which has a domino effect on broadcasting, sponsorship, and stadium activation rights. Another benefit of the event’s magnitude is the boost it has given FIFA’s long-term commercial posture in both developing and developed economies.

The staggering revenue picture begins to emerge

The most eye-catching revelation is the projected financial outcome of FIFA’s 2023–2026 cycle, which is expected to reach around $11 billion in total revenue, as per The Guardian. That figure represents one of the most lucrative commercial periods in the organization’s history.

A significant portion of that income comes from corporate sponsorship, which is estimated at approximately $2.693 billion, marking a 53.5% increase compared to the previous cycle. Broadcast rights remain the largest single contributor, generating roughly $3.9 billion, with a growth rate of about 29.2%.

Why is money rising so sharply?

The financial surge is closely linked to the expanded format, which guarantees more matches and therefore more broadcast hours and advertising exposure. Each additional game increases inventory for global partners, creating stronger competition for visibility.

Hosting the tournament in North America has also played a major role. The United States, Canada, and Mexico provide access to one of the most valuable commercial markets in world sport, attracting brands that were previously absent from earlier World Cup cycles.

FIFA’s revenue model continues to rely heavily on tiered partnerships, with multinational corporations forming the backbone of its commercial structure. These agreements include global partners and official tournament sponsors, spanning industries such as technology, food, finance, and energy.

The presence of these companies has pushed sponsorship income to become one of FIFA’s fastest-growing revenue streams, second only to broadcasting in overall scale. Their involvement also reflects the increasing commercialization of international soccer on a tournament level.

As national teams begin landing across North America, the Portugal national team has chosen a notably later departure date. This has set up a unique build-up to its opening match.

Portugal is heading into the 2026 World Cup as reigning UEFA Nations League champions and one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again leading the squad. At 41, he remains the central figure of a team built around elite European talent and major club performers.

The squad is placed in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo, with its opening match scheduled for June 17 in Houston. The later arrival is closely tied to that fixture timing, giving the squad additional days of preparation in Europe before travelling.

The reason behind the delayed departure

The Selecao is set to depart for the United States on June 12, the day after the World Cup’s opening match. This decision is based on its later group-stage start date and a desire to maximize preparation time at home.

Before flying out, Portugal will complete its final warm-up fixtures, including matches against Chile and Nigeria. The plan allows the squad to remain together in Europe longer, reducing travel disruption while maintaining training continuity.

Once settled in Florida, the national team will shift focus to its Group K campaign. The squad opens against DR Congo in Houston on June 17, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23, before closing the group stage against Colombia in Miami on June 27.

All matches will be played in the United States, with Roberto Martinez’s side aiming to secure early qualification to the knockout rounds. The expanded format means progression now requires finishing in the top two or ranking among the best third-placed teams.

World Cup 2026 arrival trend across national teams

While Portugal prepares for its later departure, many other national teams have already arrived in North America. Early arrivals include defending champions Argentina, Brazil, and England, who have begun settling into their base camps and training facilities.

Other squads, such as Germany and Norway, are in transit, while Portugal and France remain among the final European teams scheduled to depart closer to their opening matches. The staggered arrival pattern reflects differing preparation philosophies across the tournament.

His first full year with the club has not been what was expected, with the player even missing the World Cup after mostly serving as a backup. This led River Plate to start talking with people around the player to see whether a loan move would be possible, according to ESPN Argentina.

There is no doubt that Real Madrid could look very different next season after two years without trophies. Their plan is to loan him out so he can get more minutes, albeit they would prefer to send him to a La Liga club, according to Diario AS.

La Liga regulation

The extra advantage of signing the player from River Plate when he was just 17 was that Real Madrid could register him as a Castilla player, their youth team that competes in lower divisions than the first team.

That helped then manager Xabi Alonso keep one of the 25 available senior squad spots open in case the club wanted to add more players, but that is no longer the case because of the minutes Mastantuono has played with the first team.

As the Argentine has passed the 30% mark of matches played for Real Madrid, he is no longer eligible to be registered with Castilla, details Juan Castro. This puts more pressure on whether he stays with the first team or goes out on loan.

Mastantuono’s season with Real Madrid

In his first year at Real Madrid, Mastantuono could not show his best version, as he finished with 35 appearances, 1,482 minutes, three goals, and no assists in all competitions for Real Madrid. The left-footed player recorded 23 appearances, 1,036 minutes, one goal, and no assists in La Liga.

Mastantuono made eight appearances in the Champions League, played 292 minutes, and scored one goal. He also featured twice in the Copa del Rey, totaling 143 minutes and one goal, while in the Super Cup he made two appearances and played 11 minutes without registering a goal or assist.

The departure marks the end of a rivalry that often flew under the radar. While Ronaldo and Al-Nassr chased trophies at the top of the table, Fortounis built a reputation as the driving force behind Al-Khaleej’s attack, producing numbers that placed him among the league’s most effective midfielders.

After two seasons in Saudi Arabia, Fortounis has officially left Al-Khaleej, ending a successful stint that exceeded many expectations. The Greek playmaker joined the club in August 2024 and quickly became the focal point of its attacking play.

His final season was particularly impressive. Across 30 league appearances, he scored 10 goals and delivered 12 assists, helping Al-Khaleej remain comfortably clear of any relegation concerns while consistently creating opportunities for teammates.

The midfielder’s influence extended beyond raw statistics. He was recognized as one of the league’s most creative players and even collected the Saudi League Player of the Month award in October 2025 after a series of standout performances.

Emotional return to familiar surroundings

The mystery surrounding Fortounis’ next destination was finally solved when Olympiacos announced the return of the club legend on a free transfer. The move represents a homecoming for a player who spent a decade building a remarkable legacy with the Greek giant.

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2024, Fortounis had already secured his place among Olympiacos’s greatest modern players. He captained the club to the historic UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2024 and departed after one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

Olympiacos FC’s official statement read: “Olympiacos FC announces the acquisition of Kostas Fortounis, two years after the magnificent moment when, as captain, he lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League.”

The statement also highlighted his extraordinary contribution during his first spell. “Fortou wore the ‘red and white’ jersey with No. 7 on the back and returns to the Thrylos, with whom he made 343 appearances from 2014 to 2024, scoring 94 goals and 106 assists.”

Saudi Pro League loses one of its best creators

The Greek veteran leaves the Saudi Pro League after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers. During his two seasons with Al-Khaleej, he accumulated 20 goals and 17 assists, impressive numbers for a player operating on a side outside the division’s traditional powerhouses.

His final campaign also featured an intriguing battle with Al-Nassr star Joao Felix. While Felix finished with 13 assists compared to Fortounis’s 12, the Greek midfielder pushed him all the way in the race to be the league’s leading creator.

For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the departure means one less established rival in the Saudi Pro League. For Olympiacos, it means the return of a club icon. And for Fortounis himself, it marks an emotional reunion with the team where he built his legacy and where he now hopes to write another successful chapter.

“The French national team players discussed bonuses and match tickets with FFF president Philippe Diallo on Tuesday, and the second topic caused more tension,” reported leading French newspaper L’Equipe on Wednesday.

One issue involves financial compensation. French players will receive performance-based bonuses depending on how far they advance in the World Cup, but the amount remains under discussion. “The Federation asked the players in March to accept a reduction in bonuses due to the much higher-than-expected costs of the World Cup… The issue remains sensitive, and it has naturally resurfaced just a week before the team’s departure for the United States on June 10th,” the report explained.

In that context, negotiations between the two sides appear to be moving toward an agreement. “On Tuesday, discussions regarding bonuses were generally positive and constructive,” L’Equipe reported. “One topic of discussion was the possibility of withholding payments before the semi-finals to increase the total amount. An agreement on this matter therefore seems straightforward.”

France players want more World Cup tickets

With the bonus issue seemingly on track to be resolved, another World Cup-related matter has emerged as the players’ primary concern. “It was the issue of match tickets that caused tension among the French players,” the report stated.

“Diallo proposed offering two tickets per player, allowing each player to purchase a maximum of six. This would leave a total of eight tickets for family and friends, a number deemed far too low by the players,” added L’Equipe. “However, they readily agreed to a special arrangement with the federation’s partners following these ongoing negotiations.”

What’s next for France?

Aside from these internal discussions, France are continuing their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The team has two friendlies remaining before departing for North America: Thursday against Ivory Coast and next Monday against Northern Ireland.

After that, Didier Deschamps and his players will set up base at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, as they await their tournament opener on June 16 against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. France will then face Iraq and Norway in the remaining Group I matches.

Following the successful recoveries of Cristian Romero and Julian Alvarez, midfielder Nico Paz has become the primary focus of the team’s medical staff. The Como 1907 midfielder was forced to miss his club’s final match of the season due to a knee issue, immediately raising alarms within the Albiceleste camp.

According to a report from Bolavip Argentina, the young playmaker is currently undergoing a specialized medical treatment to accelerate his recovery, with internal indicators suggesting he should be available for the tournament opener.

While receiving this targeted treatment, Paz will not participate in full-intensity training sessions with the rest of the squad. The coaching staff will evaluate his day-to-day progress to ensure his knee is responding as expected before clearing him for his first career World Cup.

Paz ruled out for Argentina’s friendlies

Due to the ongoing rehabilitation schedule, Paz has been ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Islandia on June 9. If his knee continues to respond positively to the treatment initiated at the team’s base camp in Kansas City, his return to the pitch is expected to be saved for the opening match against Algeria.

The medical staff is simultaneously managing concerns over full-back Gonzalo Montiel and midfielder Leandro Paredes. Both players are dealing with muscle tears and will be evaluated continuously over the coming days to determine if they can remain with the squad or if they must be replaced entirely.

Scaloni weighs final roster adjustments

Scaloni has until June 15 to finalize his decision regarding the injured players. FIFA tournament regulations state that participating nations are permitted to make emergency changes to their official rosters up to 24 hours prior to their opening match, provided the injury is officially verified by FIFA’s medical committee.

Should Paz fail to recover in time, a contingency plan is already in place. Argentine network DSports reported via X that Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia could potentially be called up as a late replacement. According to the report, Argentina’s coaching staff has officially requested that Buendia delay his vacation plans in the event that he is needed in North America.

As confirmed by MLS, 44 players from the league will be representing their countries in the tournament. Those players come from 21 different MLS clubs and will feature for 17 different national teams.

The club lending the most players is LAFC. Among their international contingent, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio and Jacob Shaffelburg will represent Canada in Group B, while Son Heung-min will captain South Korea in Group A, making the Boys in Gold the most represented MLS club on the world stage.

Beyond LAFC, eight additional MLS clubs will have three players each at the tournament. Among them is Inter Miami, which has contributed Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul to Argentina‘s title defense, along with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to Canada’s squad.

According to The Athletic‘s Tom Bogert, the 44 players represent the most MLS has ever contributed to a single World Cup in the league’s history, good for seventh overall in the global league rankings. For context, 19 MLS players traveled to Russia for the 2018 edition and 32 made the trip to Qatar in 2022, making 2026 a record-breaking milestone for the league.

MLS still far from the top

MLS’s rise as one of the more prominent leagues in the international player supply chain reflects the growing quality and credibility of the competition, sitting as the second league with more players in the World Cup apart from the top five European leagues. However, the gap between it and Europe’s elite remains significant.

The Premier League leads all leagues globally, with 183 players heading to the World Cup from England’s top flight, according to the league’s official website. Manchester City alone is lending 19 players to national teams representing Algeria, Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, England, France, Ghana, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Uzbekistan, underscoring the sheer depth of the world’s most high-profile domestic competition.

According to Ramón Álvarez de Mon, a journalist well known within the Real Madrid CF sphere, via YouTube, José Mourinho has decided to draw up a list of six players he does not plan to count on: Raúl Asencio, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Rodrygo Goes. Although most of them have failed to shine, they may not face difficulties being transferred during the summer of 2026, while some could instead leave on loan.

After having been regular starters under Carlo Ancelotti, the inclusion of Camavinga and Rodrygo on the transfer list comes as quite a surprise. However, both players stopped shining a few seasons ago, and the abundance of similar profiles makes a transfer a strong possibility. While the Frenchman has a market in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, the Brazilian star could be more difficult to transfer as he is only just returning from a serious injury.

Unlike the other players, Franco Mastantuono may not leave Real Madrid on a permanent basis. After paying €45 million to River Plate in August 2025, the front office still has significant faith in his potential. For this reason, he would reportedly leave on loan, seeking regular playing time and an improvement in his physical condition. Nevertheless, he still appears to have a future at the club, returning in the same way numerous stars have done before him.

Report: Jose Mourinho to receive four major Real Madrid signings

Real Madrid appear determined not only to sell several stars, but also to strengthen their squad. Following the expected departures alongside those of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, José Mourinho will reportedly have four world-class reinforcements for the 2026–27 season. However, none of the potential signings would be in attack, with the focus instead placed on midfield and defense.

If Florentino Pérez wins the club’s elections once again, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté would be marquee signings. In addition, Nico Paz will return from Como 1907 after emerging as one of the best midfielders in the world. Alongside that, Mourinho has requested the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal, who would become his starting left-back ahead of Álvaro Carreras, reports Ramón Álvarez de Mon.

With these possible changes to the squad, Real Madrid would aim to become the most competitive team in Spain once again, challenging for both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. However, Mourinho would face the difficult task of giving the team a clear identity and restoring its competitiveness. In addition, the transfers of several stars could slow down the arrival of some expected signings, as space in the squad must first be created.

The Barcelona star suffered a torn biceps femoris in his left hamstring in late April, bringing an early end to his club season. Yamal recently admitted that he initially feared the injury would cost him his spot at the tournament before de la Fuente officially included him in the final 26-man roster.

While Yamal’s rehabilitation process remains ongoing and entering in the final stages, his status for Spain‘s Group H opener against Cape Verde on June 15 can’t be confirmed.

“It is certain that he is not going to play,” de la Fuente stated during a press conference when asked about the upcoming friendly against Iraq. “The plan is to follow our scheduled timeline, which gives us confidence that he will be ready for June 15. There is still time left, and we will see how he progresses. We might have to pause his workload at some point—I don’t know, I’m just speculating”.

The Spanish manager noted that if Yamal’s rehabilitation continues at a normal rate, he should be fit enough to be part of the matchday squad for the World Cup opener, though he refused to confirm his presence.

“It doesn’t guarantee he will play,” de la Fuente concluded. “We will see. He might play a few minutes, or he might just complete a training session to build up his physical load so he can be ready for the second match against Saudi Arabia. We will evaluate it moment by moment“.

Nico Williams and Mikel Merino ruled out too

Compounding Spain’s short-term selection issues, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino have also been ruled out for the friendly against Iraq. The Athletic Club forward is managing a muscle injury that forced him to miss the final three matches of the domestic season, while the Arsenal midfielder only recently returned to action following foot surgery, playing limited minutes in the Premier League finale.

While the long-term outlook remains highly positive for both players, de la Fuente is unwilling to take unnecessary risks. He confirmed they will sit out alongside Yamal to prioritize their full recoveries, though he remains confident all three will be medically cleared before facing Cape Verde.

“I believe Lamine, Nico Williams, and Mikel Merino will all be available for the first match,” de la Fuente assured. “I am certain they will be fine. That doesn’t mean we think they have to play right away—we might wait a little longer. But in terms of physical condition, they will be ready”.

The timing has drawn particular attention because Pulisic entered the 2025-26 season looking like one of Serie A’s most influential attacking players. Instead, injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lengthy scoring drought turned the second half of his campaign into a frustrating struggle.

Pulisic’s season can almost be divided into two separate chapters. During the opening months of the campaign, the American winger was among Milan’s standout performers, scoring eight Serie A goals and providing two assists in his first 11 league appearances.

His sharp movement, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing made him one of the most productive attacking players in Italy. At that stage, there was every reason to believe he would enjoy the best club season of his career. However, everything changed when the calendar turned to 2026.

After scoring against Hellas Verona on December 28, 2025, Pulisic failed to find the net again for Milan throughout the remainder of the domestic campaign. The drought stretched across 19 consecutive Serie A appearances, leaving both the player and the club searching for answers as the season slipped away.

Injuries and fitness issues take their toll

Several factors contributed to Pulisic’s decline. Physical setbacks played a major role, with bursitis disrupting his rhythm in February before additional fitness concerns limited his availability later in the season. Because of those issues, he rarely enjoyed a sustained run of matches.

He completed the full 90 minutes only a handful of times and was frequently used as a substitute as manager Massimiliano Allegri attempted to manage his workload. Milan also struggled collectively in attack. Pulisic and Rafael Leao often occupied similar areas of the pitch, reducing the space available for both players and limiting the effectiveness of the club’s forward play.

The consequences were significant. The Rossoneri ultimately missed out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League, and the 27-year-old lost his automatic starting place during the closing stages of the campaign.

Relief finally arrives before the World Cup

Despite his difficult club form, Pulisic managed to end his goal drought at a crucial moment. Representing the United States in a friendly against Senegal on May 31, he delivered one of his most encouraging performances of the year. The winger first provided an assist for Sergino Dest before getting on the scoresheet himself in a 3-2 victory.

The goal ended a barren run that had stretched across both club and international play. After the match, Pulisic admitted his frustration with the attention surrounding his lack of goals. In fact, that strike could hardly have arrived at a better time. With the World Cup approaching, the USMNT will need its star forward to play with confidence and freedom.

The market value revelation

While the goal against Senegal offered encouragement, Transfermarkt‘s latest valuation update delivered less positive news. According to the latest Serie A market value review, Pulisic’s valuation fell by approximately $11 million, dropping from around $55 million to roughly $44 million.

The reduction places him among the most notable losers in the latest assessment and reflects the difficult second half of his season. “Until the end of 2025, he was, alongside Lautaro, one of the players with the most goal contributions in Serie A over recent years,” Transfermarkt expert Tobias Dietl explained.

“But in 2026, Pulisic seems to have completely disappeared. Since December, he has struggled to score; his performances have been consistently disappointing, and he has never been able to help Milan out of their very difficult second half of the season.”

Dietl added that a combination of age, form, and market conditions contributed to the downgrade. “Combined with his age and what is likely a difficult market for a profile like his, this has led to such a significant downgrade.”

As Portugal gets ready for the expanded competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans have begun pointing to an unusual trend from the country’s recent successes. The statistic has become a popular talking point online and is being viewed by many as a positive omen ahead of a tournament that could define Ronaldo’s international legacy.

The Selecao arrives at the 2026 World Cup in strong form under manager Roberto Martinez. Since taking charge in 2023, the Spanish coach has overseen a significant transformation, helping the national team rediscover consistency and confidence. The squad possesses quality throughout the pitch, but the midfield has become one of the team’s greatest strengths.

Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves have developed into elite performers, while Bruno Fernandes continues to provide creativity and leadership from advanced positions. Martinez has also succeeded in maximizing Ronaldo’s influence despite the veteran forward entering his forties. The Al-Nassr star remains a decisive figure and continues to score regularly for his country.

According to Reuters, Martinez has recorded one of the strongest starts ever by a Portugal manager, posting a win percentage approaching 70 percent. His team has also enjoyed an impressive scoring rate and produced one of the longest winning streaks in the nation’s history.

The remarkable record that has fans talking

The mysterious trend attracting so much attention centers around Portugal’s success whenever a major international competition introduces a new format or launches a completely new structure. Over the last decade, Portugal has repeatedly found itself thriving when soccer’s governing bodies make significant changes to tournaments.

The first example arrived at Euro 2016, when UEFA expanded the European Championship from 16 teams to 24 teams. Portugal benefited from the new structure, advanced from the group stage despite drawing all three matches, and eventually defeated France in the final to win its first major international trophy.

The second case came with the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019. The competition was brand new, and Portugal became the first nation to lift the trophy after defeating the Netherlands in the final.

A third example emerged in 2025, when UEFA introduced a new quarter-final stage to the Nations League. Once again, Portugal adapted successfully and captured the title after overcoming Spain in the final.

This sequence has fueled growing optimism because the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature its own major transformation, expanding from 32 teams to 48 teams and introducing a Round of 32 knockout phase. While many supporters view the trend as a fun piece of soccer trivia rather than a serious prediction, it has undoubtedly generated excitement ahead of the tournament.

Portugal’s road to glory

Portugal will begin its World Cup journey in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. The opening match is scheduled against DR Congo before encounters with Uzbekistan and Colombia. On paper, Martinez’s side enters the group as the favorite, although Colombia is expected to provide a stern challenge.

Winning the group could provide a more favorable knockout route. Portugal would likely face one of the best third-placed teams in the Round of 32 before potentially meeting opponents such as Canada, Switzerland, or Italy in the Round of 16. Further ahead, potential clashes against Argentina, Brazil, England, France, or Spain could await. Such a path would test every aspect of Portugal’s squad depth and championship credentials.

With Ronaldo chasing the only major trophy missing from his collection, Martinez overseeing one of Portugal’s most successful eras, and an expanded World Cup presenting fresh opportunities, there is every reason for belief.

According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario AS, Manchester United do not plan to count on Marcus Rashford in their sporting project, seeking to get rid of his extremely high salary. Despite multiple clubs inquiring about his signing, the 28-year-old star has made it clear that he only wants to join FC Barcelona. Following his inflexibility, the Red Devils have decided to sit down and negotiate a more affordable departure once again.

After signing Anthony Gordon, Hansi Flick’s side are no longer in any rush to complete the signing of Rashford, giving them greater leverage in negotiations with the Red Devils. With the need to stop paying his very high wages, the Blaugranas are looking to negotiate a lower transfer fee or even another loan deal. To facilitate this, they have reportedly reached an agreement with Marcus for him to reduce his salary demands.

With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, the future of Marcus Rashford is expected to be decided after the tournament, with the chance to convince even more during the competition with England. In addition, Barcelona reportedly have the signing of a striker as their first priority, leaving the arrival of the Englishman as an option. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old star’s arrival would imply the direct departure of Roony Bardghji.

Marcus Rashford may not have a guaranteed role at Barcelona

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Marcus Rashford was a very important player for Hansi Flick. Due to the numerous injuries suffered by Raphinha, the English star enjoyed significant playing time on the left wing. However, the signing of Anthony Gordon and the continued presence of the Brazilian star could relegate him to a less prominent role or force him to play in two positions where he has not managed to shine.

With Gordon and Raphinha occupying the left wing, Rashford would be forced to play on the right wing, serving as the backup to Lamine Yamal. Not only does the 18-year-old star tend to have very little rotation, but the Englishman has also never truly excelled in that position throughout his career. In addition, he could serve as a third alternative at center forward. However, Hansi Flick will have Ferran Torres and another world-class signing available.

Without a guaranteed role in the rotation, Marcus Rashford’s second season with the Blaugranas may not be as significant as the first. At 28 years old, he could need a team where he has a more prominent role, especially after proving that he can still be a key player. Under Hansi Flick, he would be an option from the bench rather than a certainty in the rotation.

“Messi has earned everyone’s respect and admiration for his exemplary behavior on the field and for his consistency, humility, and commitment to the collective game,” said Teresa Perales, president of the committee that selected the forward as the winner from a pool of 27 candidates representing 12 different countries.

Among the achievements recognized in awarding Messi the honor, Perales also highlighted “his dazzling talent, his exceptional sporting career, and his remarkable and ongoing charitable work to promote access to education and healthcare for underprivileged children.”

The Princesa de Asturias Sports Award is an honor established in 1987 that annually recognizes athletes and institutions whose lives and accomplishments are considered exemplary for contributing to human development and the promotion of sports. “The goals of the Princess of Asturias Foundation are to contribute to the recognition and promotion of scientific, cultural, and humanistic values that are part of humanity’s universal heritage,” according to the organization’s official website.

Who has won the Princesa de Asturias Sports Award?

Lionel Messi is only the third soccer player to receive the award as an individual. The previous recipients were Xavi Hernandez and Iker Casillas, who were jointly honored at the 2012 ceremony following Spain’s UEFA Euro triumph that year.

However, in previous years, soccer had also been recognized through team achievements rather than individual players. Brazil’s national team received the award in 2002, while Spain’s national team earned the honor in 2010, both after winning the FIFA World Cup.

Other notable recipients include British athlete Sebastian Coe (1987), Czech tennis player Martina Navratilova (1994), American track and field star Carl Lewis (1996), German Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher (2007), Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal (2008), and basketball players Pau and Marc Gasol. Before Messi, the most recent recipient of the Princesa de Asturias Sports Award was Serena Williams.

According to Luca Bianchin and Andrea Ramazzotti, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri are considering the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino. Despite this, they have already reached a pre-agreement with him worth €5 million per season. Having his contract with USMNT ending in July of 2026, he could arrive as free agent. However, his arrival is not confirmed as it has not been decided whether Ramon Planes or Ralf Rangnick will become the club’s sporting director.

In case Planes is ultimately chosen as sporting director, Pochettino would have an almost guaranteed path to AC Milan, marking his return to the European elite. However, the Argentine manager would have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup, as he must fulfill his contract with the United States men’s national soccer team. With this in mind, Mauricio could lead the reconstruction of the squad alongside Ramon Planes and Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Oliver Glasner is the Rossoneri’s top priority to lead the club’s new sporting project. Whether alongside Ralf Rangnick or Ramon Planes, the Austrian coach is supposedly considered a perfect fit, as his spell at Crystal Palace was historic, winning trophies and building a strong project. However, Bayer 04 Leverkusen are also pursuing his appointment, which is why AC Milan view Mauricio Pochettino as a reliable alternative for the 2026–27 season.

Pochettino’s AC Milan potential arrival may boost Christian Pulisic

After a strong start to the 2025–26 season, Christian Pulisic suffered a disappointing drop in form at AC Milan. Leaving the team without much of its goalscoring threat, he has become one of the most criticized figures among the supporters. Despite this, the USMNT star appears determined to stay, with the backing of the club’s front office. In addition, Mauricio Pochettino’s potential arrival could significantly elevate his performances with the Rossoneri.

Unlike Allegri, Pochettino favors a lineup with two wingers on each flank. With Rafael Leão’s departure all but certain, Christian Pulisic could play as a left winger, a position where he shines for the USMNT. Given creative freedom, he could return to his best form, showcasing his speed and tactical intelligence. Furthermore, the 2026 World Cup could be key to regaining his confidence and making his impact with Mauricio at the Rossoneri even greater.

However, at least six players continue to undergo rehabilitation for various physical setbacks and are highly unlikely to feature in the first friendly match. The list includes Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nico Paz, and Leandro Paredes.

The two most concerning cases involve the Aston Villa goalkeeper and the River Plate fullback. “Dibu” Martinez suffered a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand on May 20 during the buildup to the Europa League Final, severely limiting his training sessions. While medical staff expects him to be ready for the World Cup opener against Algeria, he will lack match sharpness.

Meanwhile, Montiel was forced to miss the final of the Argentine Tournament on May 24 due to a muscle tear. His recovery is being evaluated day by day, making him one of the few players Scaloni might replace on the roster at the last minute if needed. Consequently, right-backs Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay will be tested during the upcoming friendlies as potential cover.

As for Messi (fatigue), Molina (muscle tear), Paredes (hamstring overload), and Paz (minor fracture in his right knee), all four are training separately from the main group. They could be medically cleared later this week, though the coaching staff will err on the side of caution and rest them against Honduras.

Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero fully recovered

Amid the lingering fitness concerns surrounding several squad members, Argentina received a major boost as Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero have made full recoveries.

The Atletico Madrid forward has successfully overcome an ankle sprain, while the Tottenham defender has cleared a collateral ligament sprain in his right knee. Both players returned to full team training on Monday and are fully available to start in Argentina‘s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Match Overview

Two teams missing out on World Cup qualification meet in a clash defined by very different paths. Luxembourg has quietly progressed in recent years, growing from an easy target into a competitive side capable of pushing higher-ranked European opponents, even if a first tournament appearance still remains out of reach.

Italy, by contrast, is in crisis mode after failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup—an alarming slide for a four-time champion that is now searching for answers and change. This matchup serves as a testing ground for both squads as they look to rebuild and prepare for future international competition.

Match Overview

Two teams with their sights set on a strong World Cup campaign will meet in an intriguing international friendly. The Netherlands, a perennial contender still chasing their first World Cup title, continue to sharpen their squad ahead of the tournament.

Algeria, meanwhile, arrive as a dangerous opponent capable of troubling top nations and will look to build momentum as they aim to follow the path of recent North African success stories. With both sides focused on reaching peak form, this matchup should provide a valuable test.

According to Nicolò Schira, via X, the Bianconeri offered Dušan Vlahović a contract renewal worth €6 million per season plus a €1 million bonus. However, the 26-year-old striker has rejected the proposal, as he is requesting a salary of €8 million per season along with a higher bonus to renew. Following this, Dušan appears set to leave as a free agent, becoming one of the most attractive names on the 2026 summer transfer market.

Despite being a high-quality free-agent signing, Barcelona do not consider Vlahović an absolute priority. However, they would consider his arrival if they fail to secure deals for Julián Álvarez and João Pedro. In addition, his salary demands would fit perfectly within the Blaugrana wage structure, reports Diario Sport. Alongside them, Chelsea, SSC Napoli, and Bayern Munich are also said to pursue his arrival, as he can still deliver top-level performances.

Without participating in the 2026 World Cup, Dušan Vlahović may not be in a hurry to decide his professional future. After spending several years at Juventus, the Serbian striker may choose not to rush his decision, instead targeting a winning project where he can play a prominent role and rediscover his best form. In addition, the 26-year-old star reportedly has a move to Barcelona as his priority, meaning he could be willing to wait for an offer.

Dušan Vlahović’s recent form could concern Barcelona

Despite once being regarded as one of the most promising strikers, Dušan Vlahović failed to impress at Juventus. In the most recent season, he was only able to play 23 matches, scoring 10 goals. Moreover, he has also failed to reach or surpass the 20-goal mark in a single season, something Robert Lewandowski managed almost every year. With this in mind, Barcelona could have serious doubts about whether the Serbian star can be their starting striker.

With Ferran Torres being the Blaugranas’ only center forward, Barcelona will need another striker. Given his inconsistency, they appear to be targeting Julián Álvarez and João Pedro. Faced with the difficulties of signing either player, Vlahović could become a key solution, but his lack of consistency in recent seasons raises doubts. If his arrival is completed, he may not be an automatic starter, but rather compete with Ferran for a place in the lineup.

Far from being a proven guarantee like Julián Álvarez or João Pedro, Dušan Vlahović is more of a risky bet for the striker position. Although his profile would fit perfectly with the needs of Hansi Flick, the head coach would have to rediscover the version of the Serbian forward that shone during his first season at Juventus and throughout his time at ACF Fiorentina, something that has not been seen for quite some time.

The company announced it will launch an interactive site for fans featuring the calendar, along with direct links to stream matches on the Telemundo App and Peacock.

As is usual with a tournament like this, fans will also be able to make their predictions and see whether they can guess the winner correctly. “La Quiniela” makes it easy to create a bracket challenge for those who want to enjoy the competition that way.

Live Watch Party

As part of a tournament this big, there is also room for younger generations to follow it in a way that feels more in line with how they consume content. At Telemundo Center, fashion influencer Daniela Duran and sportscaster Fernando Fiore will be live on YouTube, TikTok and X.

They will interact with other social media figures broadcasting from stadiums, including Dave Balyeat, Sebastián Berón, José Cabo, Juan Guarnizo, Nuni Joya, Mercedes Roa and Davo Salazar.

To close out each day with the best match recaps, there will also be a show called “Copa Mundial After Dark,” designed mainly for Gen Z fans who are more used to getting their sports coverage through digital content. The show will cover the day’s biggest topics in 30 minutes.

The duration

All of this coverage will run throughout the tournament, from June 11 to July 19. Telemundo says it will offer more than 700 hours of programming, including all 104 matches live. Luis Omar Tapia will also host six episodes of the “Mi Mundialista Favorito” podcast, featuring the stories of players like Tim Ream, Dayne St. Clair and Cristian Roldan, among other names.

Staged at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, former home of Inter Miami, the venue was pounded by a severe weather front bringing heavy electrical storms and torrential downpours, preventing both squads from taking the pitch for their standard pre-match warm-ups. Given the high stakes of the pre-World Cup tune-up, match officials determined the waterlogged pitch was unplayable, while the persistent threat of lightning strikes posed an immediate safety hazard.

The severe weather forced stadium authorities and the refereeing crew to delay the opening whistle to protect the safety of the players and fans. Despite the heavy winds and driving rain hammering South Florida, tournament organizers confirmed the match will proceed as scheduled once the storm passes and the playing surface is deemed safe.

Both the Haiti and New Zealand squads remained inside their respective locker rooms while monitoring the meteorological updates. Event staff then officially rescheduled the new kickoff time for 8:36 PM local time, allowing the match to get underway safely.

Haiti and New Zealand looking to make history in 2026 World Cup

Both Haiti and New Zealand possess remarkably thin World Cup resumes, having previously combined for just three tournament appearances. The Caribbean nation’s sole foray onto the global stage came back in 1974, while the All Whites previously qualified in 1982 and 2010, meaning the 2026 showcase in North America represents a historic opportunity for both programs.

When they kick off tournament play, both squads will be hunting for their first-ever World Cup victory; Haiti previously suffered three straight defeats in their lone appearance, while New Zealand has registered three draws and three losses across their six matches. Slated as heavy underdogs in Group C (alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland) and Group G (featuring Belgium, Egypt, and Iran) respectively, a single group-stage win would secure an iconic milestone for either nation.

Confirmed lineups for New Zealand and Haiti

Haiti’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Johny Placide; Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Ade, Duke Lacroix, Jean-Kevin Duverne; Dominique Simon, Danley Jean Jacques; Josue Casimir, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Lenny Joseph; Wilson Isidor.
Head coach: Sebastien Migne.

New Zealand’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Alez Paulsen; Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace; Alex Rufer, Marko Stamenic; Eli Just, Sarpreet Singh, Jesse Randall; Chris Wood.
Head coach: Darren Bazeley

The player who may miss the World Cup entirely is Giorgian de Arrascaeta. His road to the tournament was already complicated after he suffered a fractured right collarbone while playing for Flamengo on April 29 in a Copa Libertadores match against Estudiantes.

That injury was not expected to be a major issue because of the recovery time available, but a new problem has now appeared. During Tuesday’s training session with Uruguay, the midfielder left with calf pain and Uruguayan journalist Gonzalo Ronchi reported it could be a tear. If that diagnosis is confirmed, he would likely be replaced on the squad.

Replacement candidates

FIFA only requires federations to publicly announce their final 26-man squads. Teams were also required to submit provisional lists of up to 55 players beforehand, but those lists were not made public. However, reports from local media have provided clues about some of the players who were under consideration.

Like several other national teams, Uruguay left some notable names out of the final roster, with a few experienced players surprisingly missing from the squad.

One midfielder omitted by Bielsa was Lucas Torreira. While the Galatasaray player offers a different profile than de Arrascaeta, the coach could view him as an experienced alternative. Nahitan Nández was the most notable absence from the final squad and could become an option if Bielsa were to make a significant change in approach. Facundo Torres is another player who was believed to be close to making the team and could also be considered.

The replacement deadline

Even though the final 26-man squads have already been announced, changes can still be made under certain circumstances. FIFA’s regulations state: “A player in the final squad may only be replaced by a player from the provisional squad in the event of a serious injury or illness, no later than 24 hours before their team’s first match at World Cup 2026.” For Uruguay, that deadline falls on June 14.

The Spanish club, in which Cristiano Ronaldo recently became a co-owner, endured an emotional afternoon before finally securing the opportunity to continue its promotion push. What comes next could determine whether Almeria returns to the elite level of Spanish soccer after four years away.

Almeria entered the final round knowing that a place in the promotion playoffs was far from guaranteed. Despite occupying a strong position in the standings, results elsewhere threatened to derail the club’s ambitions throughout the afternoon. As scores unfolded across Spain, the Rojiblancos slipped down the live table and briefly found itself outside the playoff places.

At various moments, the club dropped from third to fourth, then fifth, sixth, and even seventh place, leaving promotion hopes hanging by a thread. The tension inside the stadium grew as rival clubs continued to win their matches. Almeria needed a breakthrough and knew that one goal could completely change the picture.

That decisive moment arrived shortly after halftime when Sergio Arribas converted a penalty, giving Almeria a 1-0 victory over Real Valladolid and securing third place in the final Segunda Division standings. The result represented a massive achievement considering the pressure surrounding the occasion. After suffering consecutive defeats before the final round, Almeria responded when it mattered most.

One promotion spot remains

While Racing Santander secured the Segunda Division title and Deportivo La Coruna earned automatic promotion by finishing second, only one promotion place remains available. That final spot will now be contested by Almeria, Malaga, Las Palmas, and Castellon, with only one club eventually joining Racing and Deportivo in next season’s La Liga.

The playoff system has been part of Spanish soccer since 2011 and consistently delivers dramatic finishes. This season appears no different, especially considering how competitive the race remained until the very last day. Almeria’s journey almost ended before it truly began, but Arribas’ penalty ensured the club remains in contention.

Why the third place finish could be crucial

Finishing third brought more than just qualification for the playoffs. Almeria earned home advantage throughout the promotion playoffs, a significant benefit under Segunda Division regulations. If a tie remains level on aggregate after both matches and extra time, the higher-ranked team advances automatically.

That means their league position could prove decisive if any playoff encounter becomes deadlocked. The club’s players and supporters celebrated the achievement, knowing they had successfully completed the first stage of their mission. However, the most difficult challenge is still ahead.

The playoff path is now confirmed

With the regular season officially concluded, the promotion playoff bracket has been finalized. Almeria will face Castellon in the playoff semi-finals, while Malaga will take on Las Palmas in the other semifinal.

The first leg between Almeria and Castellon will be played at Castalia Stadium on Saturday, June 6, with the return leg scheduled next Tuesday, June 9, at the UD Almeria Stadium. All playoff matches are set to kick off at 09:00 PM local time (03:00 PM ET), adding further drama to what promises to be one of the biggest weeks in the club’s recent history.

Should Almeria overcome Castellon, the club would then meet either Malaga or Las Palmas in the two-legged playoff final, where the final promotion ticket to La Liga will be decided. The playoff final is scheduled across two legs, with the first match taking place on Sunday, June 14, and the decisive return leg on Sunday, June 21.

The latest wage rankings have sparked discussion across world soccer, with Al-Nassr emerging at the top of a list that includes European giants and Saudi Pro League rivals. The figures offer a glimpse into the scale of investment that has transformed the league over the past few years.

The Saudi Pro League‘s rise has been fueled by major investment and a determination to attract some of the biggest names in the sport. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Riyadh was the catalyst that accelerated the league’s global profile, encouraging several other elite players to follow.

Since then, clubs across Saudi Arabia have competed aggressively for talent. High-profile signings have included Ballon d’Or winners, Champions League stars, and established international players, creating a league that increasingly rivals Europe’s biggest competitions in financial terms. Recent salary data compiled by Capology illustrates just how dramatic that growth has become.

Al-Nassr sits at the top of the global ranking

According to the latest figures shared by Capology, Al-Nassr currently possesses the highest wage bill in world soccer, ahead of clubs from England, Spain, Germany, and France. The report estimates that Al-Nassr’s total annual wage commitment is approximately $508 million, comprising roughly $423 million in fixed salaries and an additional $85 million in performance-related bonuses.

Those numbers place the Riyadh club ahead of many traditional soccer powerhouses and underline the financial strength that has supported its recruitment strategy in recent seasons. The figures also reveal that Al-Hilal ranks third globally, with an estimated wage bill of $452 million, while Al-Ahli ranks 13th and Al-Ittihad 24th in the worldwide standings.

While the Knight of Najd’s spending is spread across its squad, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract remains one of the biggest factors behind the club’s position at the top of the rankings. The Portuguese superstar reportedly earns a salary package worth more than $235 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

His arrival not only elevated Al-Nassr’s sporting ambitions but also increased commercial revenues, sponsorship opportunities, and international visibility. As a result, the club has become one of the most recognizable brands in world soccer, attracting global attention far beyond Saudi Arabia.

How the figures compare to Mbappe and Benzema

The financial rankings also create an interesting comparison with clubs featuring other superstar names. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s presence, Real Madrid‘s overall wage structure remains below Al-Nassr’s estimated salary expenditure. The Spanish giant continues to operate with a more traditional salary model despite possessing one of the most talented squads in Europe.

Similarly, Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal trails Al-Nassr in total wage spending, even though it remains among the highest-paying clubs in world soccer. The comparison highlights the scale of Al-Nassr’s commitment to assembling a squad capable of competing for every major trophy available.

Reports suggest that the Saudi Pro League’s combined wage bill now exceeds $1.2 billion annually, placing it among the most financially powerful competitions anywhere in soccer. According to Capology‘s estimates, several Saudi clubs now rank alongside or ahead of European heavyweights such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich in terms of player salaries.

Yamal said: “I think he knows he’s going to play for Spain. I don’t know if he knows exactly what a World Cup is, but he knows he’s going to play for Spain. He likes Neymar, he likes Pedri, he likes Raphinha, he likes me. And well, Cristiano Ronaldo.”

This came in an interview recently shared by the Spanish Federation, where Yamal also explained that he always tries to take pictures with kids because when he was younger he would do anything for that.

Luis de la Fuente on Yamal’s injury

Everyone in Spain was worried during Barcelona’s match against Celta in La Liga because of the winger’s injury in a 1-0 victory with Yamal’s goal. However, after taking the penalty, he grabbed his left hamstring before being substituted on April 22 with an injury that Luis de la Fuente could only hope would not cause problems.

There was enough time for him to recover properly, but it was still a tense moment because there was not much certainty at first. To calm everyone down, the manager made it clear that he expected him to be available soon.

De la Fuente said to Mundo Deportivo: “We knew Lamine was going to arrive in perfect condition, and I would even risk saying that he will be for the first match. But we will see how his recovery continues to evolve now he is here with us, having previously been in daily communication with the club.”

The debut

The recovery time from his partial tear of the biceps femoris in his left leg left plenty of time, as Spain’s World Cup debut comes on June 15 against Cape Verde. Yamal did not return for Barcelona in the season after the muscle issue, so there was a 54-day recovery period.

During a recent interview with Argentine sports newspaper Ole, Scaloni said there are at least 10 national teams capable of competing for the title in North America 2026. “I don’t know if I’ve left some teams out. Because at a World Cup, of course, Argentina will be there. I don’t know if it will win, but those 10 or 12 teams will compete and try to reach the final,” he said.

“Spain, France, Portugal, England, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay as well, Argentina, Morocco… I don’t even know how many I’ve named, I’m already forgetting some,” the head coach continued before adding a 10th team: “Croatia, I forgot Croatia! I’m forgetting some others too.”

Among the favorites mentioned by Scaloni are the obvious contenders: the three South American nations that have won the World Cup, along with Colombia, the reigning Copa America runners-up, as well as Europe’s traditional powers and Morocco, which reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022.

However, there were some notable omissions from his impromptu list. The most obvious was Germany, a four-time World Cup champion and a particularly difficult obstacle for Argentina this century, having eliminated La Albiceleste in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Other strong teams not mentioned by Scaloni were the Netherlands and Belgium.

The challenge of defending the World Cup title

In nearly a century since the creation of the FIFA World Cup, only two countries have successfully defended their title. The first was Italy in 1934 and 1938, while the second—and most recent—was Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Argentina will have the opportunity this summer to end that 64-year streak. “Whenever Argentina plays in a World Cup, it is always a contender. So that isn’t going to change,” Scaloni said. “Argentina is always one of the teams that helps make the World Cup what it is, that’s more than obvious.”

Scaloni’s future

Lionel Scaloni’s contract with Argentina expires on Dec. 31, making his future a topic of considerable interest, especially amid rumors of potential interest from European clubs, as was the case with Real Madrid a few months ago.

Asked about the situation, the coach remained cautious. “It will be resolved after the World Cup. Right now, our focus is on what we’re doing,” Scaloni said in the same interview. “Compared to this, everything else is minor.” However, he also offered an encouraging message regarding a possible extension: “In five minutes, if everyone agrees, we can reach an understanding.”

The Inter Miami striker expressed his willingness to reverse the international retirement he had announced in September 2024, following a World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay at the Estadio Centenario. However, Bielsa omitted Suarez from both the provisional roster and the final 26-man squad announced last Sunday.

During a press conference, Bielsa addressed his decision to move forward without Suarez, who had previously noted that he had apologized to the staff members involved in the past dispute.

“He communicated that he was willing to contribute by returning to the national team, which I always understood as a valuable and sincere statement,” Bielsa told reporters.

However, the Argentine manager emphasized that his roster choices are strictly dictated by what he believes is best for the team’s competitive future, opting to prioritize other options in the attack.

“I have no personal issues with Suarez, but I chose to select Darwin Nuñez, Federico Viñas, and Rodrigo Aguirre,” Bielsa concluded. “These are decisions where I am guided by nothing other than what I consider best for the sporting success of the team”.

Inside the conflict between Suarez and Bielsa

Suarez’s international retirement on September 6, 2024, following a scoreless draw against Paraguay, was quickly overshadowed by a media storm that directly impacted Bielsa and several current national team players.

Just one month after his emotional farewell match, the Inter Miami striker aired grievances regarding the manager’s behavioral conduct during the tournament in the United States, claiming that Bielsa’s harsh treatment extended to players and Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) staff alike.

While a few squad members validated portions of Suarez’s account, Bielsa maintained the backing of key veteran leaders and the AUF executive board. Backed by strong results in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, Bielsa successfully navigated the internal friction to secure Uruguay‘s ticket to the World Cup, where the Celeste will compete in Group H against Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.

By missing out on the final roster, Suarez—who previously featured in South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022—loses his bid to join the elite group of players who have appeared in five different World Cup tournaments.

After a highly successful five-year tenure at Craven Cottage, Silva had emerged as a primary target for Al Nassr, with ownership hoping his shared nationality would foster an immediate bond with Ronaldo and the squad’s heavy contingent of Portuguese speakers. While an official contract offer was still pending, a prominent European power has beaten the Saudi outfit to the punch.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Silva has finalized an agreement to become Benfica‘s next head coach. With Fulham confirming his departure on Tuesday, the Portuguese tactician is expected to sign a initial two-year contract with an option to extend his stay in Lisbon through 2029.

The blockbuster appointment hinges completely on Jose Mourinho’s heavily anticipated move to Real Madrid, which is currently stalled due to the presidential elections at the Spanish club. As soon as Mourinho, who has reportedly signed his contract with Los Blancos, officially vacates the Benfica bench, Silva will step in as his immediate successor.

With Cristiano Ronaldo entering the final year of an Al Nassr contract set to expire in June 2027, the identity of the next manager remains a critical factor in what could be the final season of his iconic professional career. With Silva off the table and Jorge Jesus walking away after delivering a league championship, elite options are rapidly dwindling in Riyadh.

Is Roberto Martinez an option for Al Nassr?

Another prominent name floating through the Al Nassr rumor mill is Roberto Martinez, the current head coach of the Portugal national team. Under contract through the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, the Spanish manager’s club future remains up in the air, and his established rapport with the former Real Madrid superstar has naturally landed him on the shortlist.

In a statement obtained by 365 Scores Arabic, Jesse De Preter, Martinez’s sports agent, addressed the ongoing speculation linking his client to the Saudi Pro League side: “Roberto Martinez is proud to have his name linked with a club as big as Al Nassr. However, at this moment, his full focus remains on his current mission with the Portugal national team at the World Cup.”

While keeping his client fully locked into a deep World Cup run, the representative refused to entirely close the door on a lucrative move to the Gulf state once the tournament concludes. “The coach is postponing any discussions about his future until his duties with the Portugal national team have concluded,” De Preter added.

The friendly victory over Senegal was about more than the result. It offered renewed belief for the United States and gave supporters a glimpse of the player they hope will lead the country during a home World Cup.

The USMNT entered the match under pressure after disappointing defeats against Portugal and Belgium earlier in the year. Questions surrounded the team’s mentality, defensive structure, and whether head coach Mauricio Pochettino had found the right formula ahead of the tournament.

Against Senegal, however, the team looked far more energetic and confident. A crowd of more than 57,000 in Charlotte witnessed one of the most encouraging American performances in months as the host nation secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

The match began brightly, with Pulisic heavily involved from the opening minutes. His movement, creativity, and willingness to attack defenders immediately caused problems for one of Africa’s strongest teams.

Pulisic finally ends the drought

The breakthrough arrived after nearly six months without a goal for club or country. Pulisic first helped create the opening goal, delivering a precise cross that allowed Sergino Dest to finish a flowing move and put the United States ahead.

Shortly afterward, he found the moment he had been waiting for. A perfectly weighted pass from Ricardo Pepi sent him through on goal, and the Milan attacker calmly rounded goalkeeper Mory Diaw before finishing from a difficult angle.

The goal ended a frustrating run that had stretched back to December 2025 for club soccer and even longer for the national team. His emotional celebration made it clear how much the moment meant.

Pulisic’s message to the critics

For months, discussions about the 27-year-old forward’s lack of goals overshadowed many of his other contributions. Despite continuing to create chances and influence matches, attention remained fixed on the numbers beside his name.

Following the victory, the American captain finally addressed the criticism directly. “I’ve felt this confidence, like I played really well in recent months, too, but all people seem to care about is goals. So hopefully now people can stop talking about it.”

The comment reflected the frustration that had been building during the drought. Pulisic consistently maintained that he felt confident in his performances, even when the goals were not arriving. “I mean, it’s just great to score again. Hopefully, people can stop talking about it. I feel great“, he added to ESPN.

The uncertainty surrounding Martinez’s future generated considerable discussion in recent weeks. His contract situation, combined with interest from abroad and speculation about a possible return to Spain, left supporters wondering whether the experienced center-back would continue in Riyadh.

Martinez arrived at Al-Nassr last summer after leaving Barcelona and wasted little time establishing himself as a key figure in the squad. His experience at the highest level of European football helped him adapt quickly to Saudi Arabia and become one of the first names on the team sheet.

Throughout the campaign, the Spaniard played a crucial role in a defense that provided the foundation for the club’s title-winning season. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, started 42 matches, and accumulated an impressive 3,717 minutes of playing time.

His contribution extended beyond defending. Martinez also scored goals at important moments and delivered the kind of leadership that helped stabilize the team during crucial stretches of the season.

Martinez’s future finally resolved

For months, reports indicated that Al-Nassr was eager to activate the extension option included in Martinez’s original contract. The clause would allow the club to keep him for another season if certain conditions were met.

Those conditions were comfortably achieved, as Martinez featured in well over the required percentage of matches. Discussions then shifted toward whether the player himself wanted to continue his adventure in the Saudi Pro League. The answer has now emerged.

Martinez has confirmed that he will remain at Al-Nassr for another season, extending his stay until the summer of 2027. The decision brings stability to the club’s defensive plans at a time when several other positions could experience change.

What did Inigo Martinez say about his future?

The veteran defender admitted in a recent interview that the move to Saudi Arabia initially came with uncertainty. Relocating to a new country and culture presented challenges for both him and his family. “I signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for a second year, depending on my situation and my family’s situation, because we were moving to a completely different country.”

The Spaniard explained that the adjustment period was not always easy. However, as the season progressed, his perspective gradually changed. “I was concerned about how we would adapt, and it was difficult at first. But in the end, after seeing how the year went, we decided to stay for another year.”

Mexico will have the honor of officially kicking off this historic tournament on home soil when they face South Africa on Thursday, June 11, in a highly anticipated Group A opener. The group also features South Korea and the Czech Republic, making for a highly competitive path to the knockout stages.

That opening whistle at the Estadio Azteca will mark the beginning of a new era in international soccer. Beyond the pageantry, the match will serve as the first official testing ground for a series of updated regulations recently greenlit by FIFA‘s governing body to modernize the pace of play.

In total, seven new rule changes will make their tournament debut during the 2026 World Cup. Every single one of these mandates is engineered to dramatically reduce tactical time-wasting, maximize effective playing time, and streamline the overall operational impact of VAR during high-stakes match play.

The new 2026 World Cup rules explained

• Timed throw-ins (5 seconds): If a player deliberately delays restarting play during a throw-in, the possession can be immediately turned over and awarded to the opposing team.

• Timed goal kicks (5 seconds): Aimed at cracking down on deliberate stalling, excessive delays on goal kicks can now result in the referee awarding a corner kick to the opponent. This mirrors existing rules regarding how long a goalkeeper can hold the ball before distributing it.

• Timed substitutions (10 seconds): Substituted players are given exactly 10 seconds to exit the pitch at the nearest boundary point. If they fail to do so, the incoming substitute will be barred from entering the field for at least one minute, forcing the team to play temporarily with 10 men. This scenario already occurred in a recent international friendly, where Japan scored a goal against an Iceland side that was temporarily shorthanded due to this restriction.

• Medical treatment protocol: Any player attended to on the pitch by a physiotherapist or medical staff must remain off the field of play for a full 60 seconds once play resumes. Exceptions will be made for goalkeepers, severe injuries, or instances where the opposing fouling player receives a yellow or red card.

• Covering the mouth while speaking: In an effort to curb dissent and unsportsmanlike behavior, any player who covers their mouth with their hand during a heated confrontation with an opponent can be sanctioned with a straight red card.

• VAR intervention on incorrectly awarded corner kicks: The Video Assistant Referee can now intervene if it is clearly determined that a corner kick was wrongly awarded. However, this review must be conducted rapidly and finalized before play restarts. This rule does not apply to incorrectly awarded goal kicks.

• Review of second yellow cards: Players sent off after receiving two cautions will now be permitted to have the second yellow card reviewed by VAR. Conversely, VAR will not proactively initiate reviews to check for potential unpenalized second yellow card offenses.

According to Graeme Bailey, via teamTALK, the Reds have identified Joel Ordóñez as a major transfer target for the summer of 2026. At just 22 years old, the Ecuadorian defender is already an undisputed starter for Club Brugge KV, which is why his transfer is valued at around $55 million. Despite this, his price could increase further if he becomes a starter and shines at the 2026 World Cup. His athleticism, vision, and defensive aggression make him a strong candidate.

As a highly promising player, Joel Ordóñez is reportedly attracting interest from more than just Liverpool in the Premier League. As reported by teamTALK, Chelsea and Manchester City are also closely monitoring the Ecuadorian defender. With several competitors in the race and the 2026 World Cup approaching, the Reds may need to move quickly to secure his signing before his value continues to rise and a deal becomes more complicated.

Liverpool have several defensive reinforcements on their radar

Liverpool FC are coming off a rather disappointing season. Because of this, numerous changes have taken place within the squad, suggesting that further investment may be needed. However, the defensive line appears set to be one of the most heavily reinforced areas, as not only will Jérémy Jacquet join the team, but another defensive signing may be required. With this in mind, not only is Joel Ordóñez being linked with the club, but several other players as well.

With Iraola’s arriving as the new head coach, the Reds are looking to strengthen their defensive line, once again adding Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur to the list. Despite this, he could leave for a massive transfer fee, complicating his arrival. Because of this, António Silva of SL Benfica and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP have also been added, making it clear that efforts will be made in the summer of 2026, reports Graeme Bailey via teamTALK.

As one of the most decisive areas, Liverpool FC have decided not to move forward with any of the mentioned candidates yet, as they already have two young prospects in Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet. With this in mind, Iraola could need a defender with guaranteed experience at the elite level, something only Van de Ven offers. Because of this, the Reds could make the decision after the 2026 World Cup, as a decisive factor.

Yamal said when asked about the best match: “The match against Real Madrid, the 4-3. I scored a goal and I gave an assist to Ralphinha with the outside [Ralphinha missed the header]. And the ‘worst match?’ The one against Portugal in the Nations League.”

The forward shared a video on his YouTube channel about a day in his life that showcased many things he did. Among them was a short chat with his cousin Moha and childhood friend Soha, who are usually around him, where this conversation occurred.

The matches

Those matches Yamal talked about were memorable ones. The one he listed as his best came on May 11, 2025, in a La Liga match against Real Madrid, when he scored in Barcelona’s 4-3 win after the team had fallen behind 2-0.

In his career, there have not been many bad matches so far, since Yamal has been a big reason behind Barcelona’s rise. With Spain, he has also been very important, even if he was not at his best in every game.

The match against Portugal was the Nations League final from last year, played on June 8. Spain took the lead through Martín Zubimendi, but Nuno Mendes equalized for Portugal. Mikel Oyarzabal then restored Spain’s advantage before Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-2. Portugal eventually lifted the trophy after winning the penalty shootout in Munich.

A Ronaldinho interaction

Part of the video also shows the player doing a promotion for McDonald’s. In that section, Ronaldinho appears to greet him. While the two were keeping the ball up for the camera after apparently talking about the Camp Nou renovation, Yamal praised the Brazilian over him: “He’s not dropping the ball. Maybe I will.”

With his contract expiring in June, Casemiro has already announced his departure from Old Trafford at the conclusion of the 2025-26 European season, devastating United fans who hoped to see him for one more year. At present, the midfielder has reported to Brazil’s training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is deferring any official announcement regarding his next destination, though all signs point to South Florida.

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Casemiro prefers a move to Inter Miami to continue his illustrious career, and the MLS side is already closing in on a deal. Still, if the Herons want to cross the finish line, they will have to get creative with the league’s roster rules, as financial constraints aren’t the only hurdles blocking the transaction.

The roster hurdles complicating Casemiro’s arrival

The most glaring issue for Inter Miami is their current lack of an open Designated Player slot, as Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and recently acquired forward Germán Berterame currently occupy the club’s three designated spots. However, this may not be a dealbreaker; Jacobs reports that verbal terms are nearing completion on a structure where Casemiro would sign a team-friendly contract for his first year before transitioning into a DP slot via a non-guaranteed extension option.

Even under that flexible scenario, Inter Miami are under intense pressure to generate General Allocation Money (GAM). According to official MLS data from March, a highly aggressive winter transfer window left the Herons with just $17,361 in available GAM, meaning that without a DP tag, Casemiro’s initial salary cannot exceed the league’s maximum budget charge of $1.8 million per season.

To manufacture the necessary cap space, Inter Miami will likely be forced to offload talent, potentially targeting young first-team players who have yet to fully cement their roles, such as Yannick Bright, David Ruiz, or Telasco Segovia. The club has already taken its first structural step toward clearing the books with Benjamin Cremaschi’s reported permanent transfer to Serie A side Parma, though more outgoings are expected before the summer window shuts.

Finally, while not strictly a salary-cap issue, Inter Miami will face an additional financial tax by having to buy Casemiro’s Discovery Rights from the LA Galaxy. The Brazilian veteran has already informed the Galaxy of his exclusive desire to join Miami, which prevents a prolonged bidding war, but the Herons will still need to send a compensation fee to Los Angeles to officially unlock his signature.

Ever since Sergio Busquets stepped away from the game last season, Inter Miami has struggled to find a reliable anchor in the center of the park, with David Ayala falling short of expectations and the team currently leaning on a double pivot of Bright and De Paul. While Casemiro’s defensive bite would be an instant game-changer for Messi’s side, front-office executives face a frantic couple of weeks to sort out the financial mathematics required to make it a reality.

Atletico Madrid‘s official stance has consistently been that the forward is not for sale. The club recently reiterated this position through sarcastic social media posts, by joking about acquiring Barcelona players for absurdly low figures.

However, Edul reported that despite Atletico acting very tough in public, club officials privately acknowledge it will be nearly impossible to retain Alvarez for the upcoming season. As a result, a complicated and protracted transfer saga is expected, with Barcelona and potentially PSG leading the chase.

The Argentine insider also confirmed that Barcelona submitted a $116 million straight-cash offer with no players included for the forward, though the proposal was quickly rejected by Atletico management.

While Diego Simeone’s side remains desperate to keep Alvarez, the Argentine international made his intentions clear by turning down an $11 million contract extension offer in order to pursue a career elsewhere.

Barcelona preparing contingency plans for Alvarez

Should negotiations for Julian Alvarez fall through, Barcelona are already identifying alternative attacking targets. According to a report from Sport, England striker Harry Kane has emerged as the primary backup option to reinforce the Spanish club’s frontline.

With Kane’s $70 million release clause at Bayern Munich now expired, the German giants are reportedly willing to negotiate his departure for an estimated $86 million. The report further notes that the English forward would be highly interested in a move to the Camp Nou.

The Three Lions landed in America on Monday and held their first training session Tuesday in West Palm Beach, where they will be based during their pre-tournament preparations before eventually relocating to Kansas City. However, the players who participated in last week’s European club finals did not travel with Thomas Tuchel.

After losing the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League title on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal’s players were granted additional rest before joining the squad in the United States. They are Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

Dean Henderson is in the same situation. The 29-year-old goalkeeper, one of the three shot-stoppers selected by Tuchel alongside Jordan Pickford and James Trafford, played in last Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final, where Crystal Palace defeated Rayo Vallecano 1-0.

England’s next steps

With permission to join the squad a few days later than their teammates, it remains to be seen whether Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Dean Henderson will be available for Saturday’s friendly against New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

If not, they are expected to be available for England’s second and final tune-up match before the World Cup, scheduled for June 10 against Costa Rica. In the meantime, to ensure normal training sessions, the head coach has called up a small group of young players to complement the squad. They are Alex Scott, Rio Ngumoha, Josh King, Ethan Nwaneri and Jason Steele.

Once the friendlies are complete, The Three Lions will turn their attention to their World Cup opener. England will face Croatia on June 17 in Dallas in what promises to be one of the most attractive matchups of the tournament’s group stage. The remaining Group L matches against Ghana and Panama will follow.

Gvardiol is very interested in leaving Manchester City, with Bayern Munich being his preferred destination. As a well-known supporter of the German side, the Croatian defender would push for a return to the Bundesliga. However, the English club would only let him leave for around €90 million, the same amount they paid for him in 2023, according to SPORT1. Given his immense talent, Barcelona reportedly view him as an excellent alternative.

As reported by Alex Pintanel, via RAC1, the Blaugranas are closely monitoring Joško Gvardiol. As one of the best left-footed defenders in the world, they are targeting his arrival in the summer of 2026. However, they would not look to make an above-market offer, meaning they would first need to sell a defender, with Jules Koundé being the key piece. In that scenario, Eric García would move to right-back on a permanent basis, opening up a spot in central defense.

Far from confirming his desire to leave Manchester City, Gvardiol decided to distance himself from all the rumors, while leaving the door slightly open for after the 2026 World Cup. “We’ve all seen various rumours coming from every direction. I’m happy at Man City, I have everything I need… Before the injury I played every match, almost full minutes. After the World Cup we’ll see,” he said, via The Croatian.

Joško Gvardiol may be the ideal solution for Barcelona’s defense

Heading into the 2026–27 season, FC Barcelona appear determined to strengthen their attack, targeting a center forward following the signing of Anthony Gordon. Despite this, the defensive line has become a particularly sensitive issue following the departure of Iñigo Martínez to Al Nassr FC. With this in mind, the potential arrival of Joško Gvardiol would be the ideal solution to restore stability to the team.

Hansi Flick currently has only Gerard Martín as a natural left-sided center-back. While they have Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, and Ronald Araújo, they do not provide the same stability in build-up play in the left side. Because of this, Gvardiol would be an ideal fit, as he also possesses a very strong one-on-one defensive ability, making him a perfect partner for Cubarsí. However, the departures of Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé could be essential.

Match Overview

Haiti and New Zealand will use this international friendly as an important step in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haiti is gearing up for its first appearance at the tournament since 1974 and will look to gain momentum before taking on Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland in the group stage.

New Zealand, on the other side, continues to fine-tune its squad ahead of clashes with Belgium, Iran, and Egypt. With both teams eager to test themselves against fellow World Cup qualifiers, this matchup promises to be an intriguing preview of what’s ahead, so don’t miss the action.

Among the heavyweight nations entering the tournament, Portugal has firmly cemented its status as a frontrunner, fresh off capturing the 2025 UEFA Nations League title over Lamine Yamal’s Spain. However, in the eyes of Lugano, it is external narrative factors, rather than pure tactical prowess, that will position the Selecao as primary candidates to hoist the trophy.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Lugano offered a blunt assessment of how the squad will benefit from favorable officiating: “Portugal is a candidate because Cristiano is going to get penalties awarded in his favor, just like Messi had in Qatar. That’s the reality. There is going to be a favorable energy to avoid creating controversy.’

As the legendary defender who captained Uruguay to a 2011 Copa America championship and earned 95 international caps, Lugano also threw his weight behind France and Spain as heavy favorites. Yet, his most definitive distinction was reserved for Ronaldo, predicting that subtle competitive advantages will ultimately propel Portugal toward the first World Cup title in federation history.

Lionel Messi and the 2022 World Cup penalty debate

Argentina, and specifically Lionel Messi, drew intense scrutiny in Qatar by becoming the first team in modern World Cup history to be awarded five penalties in a single tournament, with the captain successfully converting four of them, including a crucial spot-kick in the final against France. The previous single-tournament record of four penalties was shared by the Netherlands in 1978 and Portugal in 1966.

Lugano has long been vocal about that tournament’s officiating, previously telling ESPN that the external pressures surrounding iconic figures inevitably influence refereeing semantics. “Argentina were given five penalties in the World Cup, and four of them were controversial or very doubtful. Due to the presence and how huge Messi has become on a global level, there is a tendency for that interpretation to be favorable,” the Uruguay icon stated.

Neither Uruguay nor Argentina tabbed as favorites

Despite holding the ultimate responsibility of defending the world title won in Qatar, Messi’s Argentina squad does not crack Lugano’s list of primary contenders for the tournament in North America. When assessing South American powerhouses, the retired center-back bypassed both the reigning champions and his own beloved Celeste, highlighting only one regional giant: Brazil.

With manager Carlo Ancelotti now a full year into engineering the project, Lugano views the Canarinha as the ultimate threat to crash the party: “Brazil is the South American team for which I have the highest expectations to go far. They are going to grow as the tournament progresses.”

“Christoph Baumgartner will be missed by the national team at the World Cup,” Austria announced in a statement published Tuesday on their official X account. “We wish you all the best, Baumi!”

The team also provided details about the attacking midfielder’s injury: “This was confirmed following today’s MRI examination. The 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh.”

The injury occurred Monday during Austria’s warm-up session ahead of their friendly match against Tunisia. Baumgartner was expected to be part of the squad for that game, the first of two scheduled tune-ups before the World Cup. The second will take place on June 11 against Guatemala.

Even without the 26-year-old midfielder, Austria managed to secure a victory at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, defeating the African side 1-0 thanks to a goal from Marcel Sabitzer in the 62nd minute.

Baumgartner was in top form heading into the World Cup

The loss of Christoph Baumgartner is especially painful for Austria considering the outstanding form he displayed during the 2025-26 season. With RB Leipzig, he recorded 17 goals and nine assists in 37 matches across the Bundesliga and the German Cup.

“This is undoubtedly very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team. He is a very important player and a key personality within the squad,” head coach Ralph Rangnick said, according to Marca. “Right now, all our efforts are focused on giving him every possible support so that he can recover properly.”

Austria’s path at the World Cup

After completing their second and final friendly against Guatemala, Austria will turn their attention to their 2026 World Cup opener. The team will face Jordan on June 17 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Five days later, they will likely face their toughest test in Group J when they take on Argentina. Austria will then close out the group stage on June 27 against Algeria, hoping to secure a place in the Round of 32.

“Players Cristian Romero and Julian Alvarez trained normally alongside the rest of the squad during Monday’s session and are now fully at the disposal of the coaching staff moving forward,” the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced in an official medical update.

With the medical green light, both players have rejoined full team training and could see minutes in Argentina’s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on Saturday, June 6, and Iceland on Tuesday, June 9.

Romero returns after sidelined for nearly two months with a knee sprain suffered on April 12. The Tottenham defender had the area immobilized during his rehabilitation, forcing him to miss Spurs’ final six Premier League matches as the club successfully avoided relegation.

Alvarez‘s injury involved an ankle issue that forced him to play through pain using painkilling injections during the final stretch of Atletico Madrid’s season. The forward subsequently missed the conclusion of the La Liga campaign, having last played on May 5 during Atletico’s Champions League semifinal defeat against Arsenal.

Nico Paz nearing return

In addition to the returns of Alvarez and Romero, Scaloni is close to receiving another squad boost as young midfielder Nico Paz nears a return to full training after overcoming a knee issue.

According to Argentina national team insider Martin Arevalo, Paz is scheduled to test his knee in regular training sessions starting today. The Como 1907 midfielder has been out since May 10 after suffering a minor fracture on the edge of his knee during a Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona.

Scaloni awaits further medical clearance

While several key figures are reintegrating into the squad, a few players remain on the injury report. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is recovering from a minor fracture in the ring finger of his right hand; he will sit out the upcoming friendlies and faces a race against time to be fully fit for the World Cup opener.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes is in a similar situation after sustaining a right hamstring tear, leaving his availability for the June 16 clash against Algeria in doubt.

Meanwhile, captain Lionel Messi is managing muscular overload; while he is expected to be rested for the friendlies, his presence for the tournament opener is not considered to be at risk.

The uncertainty has fueled widespread speculation, with several high-profile managers linked to the vacancy. While names continue to circulate in reports across Europe and the Middle East, a new update suggests the timeline for appointing the next coach is becoming clearer.

Jesus’ departure did not come as a surprise to those inside the club. The Portuguese manager had already revealed that his stay in Riyadh was always intended to be short-term, even before the season began. “It is true that I am not going to continue in Saudi Arabia,” Jesus said after the title-clinching victory.

The veteran coach explained that the decision had been planned from the start and that the physical and emotional demands of the campaign influenced his choice to step away. His final match could hardly have been more fitting. Al-Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League crown with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac, with Ronaldo scoring twice as the club celebrated its first league title since 2019.

The achievement completed a promise Jesus had made when he accepted the role. According to the manager, helping Ronaldo finally win the Saudi championship was one of the key reasons he agreed to take charge. “I told him: I only accept this Nassr project because of you. We are both going to win the championship and you will leave here with a title. That is what happened.”

Ronaldo now waits for the next chapter

With the title secured and Jesus gone, the focus has shifted to identifying the manager who will lead the club into a new era. Reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to have a significant voice in the process, given his influence within the project and his importance to the club’s future plans. Among the names linked with the position, perhaps none has generated more attention than Pep Guardiola.

The possibility of seeing Guardiola and Ronaldo together at club level would represent one of the most remarkable managerial moves in recent soccer history. Reports indicate that early exploratory contact has been made, although no agreement has been reached. Guardiola remains a dream target rather than an imminent appointment.

Meanwhile, Abel Ferreira has also emerged as a strong candidate. His success in South America, including multiple Copa Libertadores triumphs, has strengthened his reputation as a manager capable of handling pressure and expectations.

Perhaps the most intriguing option is Roberto Martinez. Having already worked closely with Ronaldo as Portugal coach, Martinez is familiar with the demands of managing elite players and is highly respected within soccer circles.

The World Cup factor

While supporters continue debating the merits of each candidate, a crucial detail has emerged regarding the timeline. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), the club wants to complete the process relatively soon. However, the situation is complicated by the international calendar.

Several coaching targets are involved with national teams or could become available only after the 2026 World Cup concludes, creating uncertainty about the final decision. This is particularly relevant in the case of Roberto Martinez, who is currently leading the Portuguese national team and would not be expected to become available until after the tournament concludes.

At the same time, Al-Subaie revealed that the club hopes to finalize its choice within the next two weeks, a period that coincides with the final countdown to the World Cup. That timing has intensified speculation over whether Al-Nassr already has a preferred candidate in mind.

According to Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are reportedly quite frustrated with Barcelona over the delays in reaching an agreement for Marcus Rashford. Given his strong performances, they expected the €30 million purchase option to be exercised, but the Blaugranas are only looking to reduce that figure. As a result, the English side are considering severing relations, citing the Spanish side’s limited willingness to pay the agreed amount.

Even if Manchester United decide not to lower the €30 million asking price, Marcus Rashford’s lucrative contract would make a transfer virtually necessary. With the 28-year-old star’s absolute priority being to play for Barcelona, the Red Devils could give in to another loan deal or a more affordable transfer fee. Because of this, Hansi Flick’s side appear to hold an advantage in the negotiations.

With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, Marcus’ future may not be decided until after the tournament concludes. However, the 28-year-old star could take advantage of the opportunity to shine with England and attract the attention of more clubs, as Newcastle United, Arsenal, and other teams are reportedly already monitoring him. Despite this, Rashford’s desire to play for Barcelona could ultimately decide everything.

Anthony Gordon’s arrival complicates Marcus Rashford deal

After failing to reach a quick agreement for Marcus Rashford, Barcelona moved with considerable efficiency by signing Anthony Gordon. After paying €80 million to Newcastle United FC, the 25-year-old star is expected to become a difference-maker in Hansi Flick’s attack. With his arrival, the English star’s move could become more complicated, as the Blaugranas appear to have other priorities in the transfer market.

Both Anthony and Rashford have very similar profiles: Left wingers who can also play as strikers. In addition, the 25-year-old star brings an intense high-pressing game, giving him a significant advantage in Hansi Flick’s system. With this in mind, Marcus may not end up joining the team, as he represent a redundant profile. Furthermore, the Blaugranas’ financial efforts could be focused on strengthening the striker position.

Mascherano stepped down from the Inter Miami head coaching role on April 14, citing personal reasons, following an inconsistent run of form in MLS and the club’s early elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Inter Miami board responded by transitioning Guillermo Hoyos from his sporting director role into the head coaching position on an interim basis.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Hoyos will now remain in the dugout for the remainder of the 2026 season, making his appointment permanent through the end of the campaign. He had initially been expected to serve only until the World Cup break, but the board has since decided to keep him at the helm.

Recent speculation had placed Pep Guardiola, who announced his departure from Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season, as a potential candidate for the Inter Miami project backed by David Beckham. However, the Spanish coach chose to step away from club management entirely after a decade at the Mancunian side, taking himself out of contention.

With Hoyos confirmed through the end of the season, he is now set to oversee the remaining 19 games on Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS regular-season schedule, along with three Leagues Cup matches and the 2026 Campeones Cup against the Liga MX champion. That total of 23 games could grow further depending on how far the Herons advance in each competition.

Messi and Inter Miami’s record under Hoyos

During the first part of the 2026 season under Mascherano, Inter Miami fell well short of the standard they had set when claiming the MLS Cup at the end of 2025. From the moment Hoyos took over, however, the team hit a new gear, and none more so than Messi himself.

Since Hoyos’ debut in charge against the Colorado Rapids on April 18, Inter Miami have posted six wins, one draw and one defeat, the best start to a managerial tenure in the club’s history. For context, among a list of predecessors that includes Diego Alonso, Phil Neville, Javier Morales, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, and Mascherano, it was Martino who previously held that record with four wins, one draw and two defeats across his first seven games.

As for Messi, the Argentine captain has been in exceptional form since Hoyos took over, a reunion with a man who knew him from his early days at FC Barcelona. Across eight appearances under the new coach, Messi has contributed seven goals and seven assists, cementing his status as the leading candidate for the MLS Player of the Month award for May.

The upcoming campaign carries enormous expectations for the Riyadh club after its recent Saudi Pro League triumph. Alongside league ambitions, Al-Nassr will also have its sights set on adding more silverware to its growing collection as domestic and continental commitments continue to increase.

The packed calendar has been carefully designed around FIFA international windows, continental tournaments, and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Those factors have forced organizers to balance competitive integrity with player welfare and club obligations.

Season built around major challenges

Saudi soccer authorities confirmed that the 2026-27 season will feature a demanding schedule across all major competitions. Several clubs are expected to participate in international tournaments, while national team commitments will remove players throughout various stages of the campaign.

According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the Saudi Pro League prepared the calendar while accounting for 80 days allocated to international breaks, Saudi national team duties, and the hosting of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The report explained that league officials faced a significant challenge when constructing the fixture list. With limited available dates, organizers sought to maintain competitive balance while ensuring clubs receive sufficient recovery periods.

The league stated that the calendar was developed to “achieve the best possible balance between the competitive demands on clubs participating in international tournaments and the requirements of maintaining a regular, fair league competition.”

The official Saudi Pro League schedule revealed

While much attention initially focused on Al-Nassr’s title defense, the full schedule now reveals exactly how the league season will unfold. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will begin on August 13, 2026, and conclude on May 29, 2027.

The competition will consist of 34 rounds and 306 matches, making it one of the most extensive campaigns in Saudi soccer history. Officials confirmed that only 103 days were available for league fixtures due to various international and domestic commitments.

The distribution of rounds highlights just how intense the season could become. August, September, and October will each feature four rounds, while November and December will include three rounds apiece. The campaign will then pause entirely during January because of the AFC Asian Cup.

Once domestic action resumes, February will contain three rounds, March two rounds, April six rounds, and May five rounds before the season reaches its conclusion. A total of 25 rounds will be played on weekends, four rounds will combine weekend and weekday fixtures, while five rounds will take place entirely during midweek.

Al-Nassr’s pursuit of multiple trophies with Saudi King’s Cup dates confirmed

For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the league title represents only part of the challenge ahead. The club enters the season with ambitions of competing on several fronts simultaneously. After securing domestic success in the previous campaign, expectations have naturally increased. The squad will be expected to defend its league crown while maintaining strong performances in knockout competitions.

The Saudi King’s Cup schedule has also been officially announced, providing clubs with a roadmap toward another major domestic trophy. The Round of 32 will be played between August 16 and August 19, 2026.

The competition will then continue with the Round of 16 in October before resuming after the Asian Cup break. Quarter-finals are scheduled for February 22-23, 2027, while the semi-finals will take place on May 4-5, 2027. The date for the final has yet to be confirmed.

One of the most intriguing opening-round fixtures will see Al-Nassr face Diriyah in the Round of 32, giving Ronaldo’s side an immediate opportunity to begin its cup campaign on a positive note. The winner of the competition will also earn qualification for the AFC Champions League Two group stage, adding further importance to the tournament.

Saudi Super Cup offers early silverware opportunity

Another major objective for Al-Nassr will arrive before the halfway point of the season. The 2026 Saudi Super Cup semi-finals will be held on November 30 and December 1, with the final scheduled for December 4, 2026.

Al-Nassr will compete alongside Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Kholood for the first domestic trophy of the campaign. The tournament could provide an early indication of which clubs are best positioned for success throughout the season. Winning the Super Cup would also offer valuable momentum ahead of the demanding second half of the campaign.

According to Marco Ruiz, via Diario AS, negotiations between Vinícius Jr. and Real Madrid have been broken off for the last 10 months. With only a few months remaining before he is able to negotiate with any other club, the Brazilian’s contract renewal could get back on track after the 2026 World Cup. With this in mind, his performance at the anticipated tournament could have an impact on the conditions of the deal.

In case Vinícius Jr. shines as one of the best players at the 2026 World Cup, he could have greater leverage to demand a higher salary from Los Blancos. In addition, he could attract interest from numerous clubs that may look to sign him as a free agent. However, he also risks delivering an unconvincing performance and proving Real Madrid CF right, as the club is not looking to match his contract with that of Kylian Mbappé.

While Vinícius and Real Madrid have expressed their desire to continue together, his failure to renew could force a sale in the summer of 2026. With only one year remaining on his contract, the club may not be willing to risk losing him as a free agent and could become open to a transfer. The Brazilian could have a strong market in the Premier League, where several clubs could move to make a major offer at the end of the 2026 summer window if no agreement is reached.

Vinicius Jr. holds a gold chance in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil

Despite becoming one of the best players in the world, Vinícius Jr. has not managed to produce his best form for Brazil. After playing 48 matches for the national team, he has scored just nine goals and has not become as an undisputed leader on the pitch. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as head coach gives him a golden opportunity to silence his critics and shine as one of the standout players of the 2026 World Cup.

With Ancelotti in charge of the Canarinha, Vinícius Júnior appears to be showing his best version. Rather than using him solely as a left winger, the head coach gives him creative freedom, allowing him to get much closer to goal. With the full backing of the manager, he could be in his best opportunity yet to become the best player at the 2026 World Cup and even lead Brazil to the title, finally leaving his mark on the national team.

On Tuesday, the plane carrying Brazil’s 26-player squad and the coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The team will now begin preparations for the FIFA tournament, which kicks off next week.

As the squad arrived, much of the attention was focused on Ney, who stepped off the plane after Matheus Cunha. The forward, dressed in the same suit as his teammates and wearing sunglasses, walked down the aircraft stairs carrying his luggage and flashing his trademark smile.

The arrival came just days after Carlo Ancelotti put an end to doubts over Neymar’s inclusion in the final World Cup roster. “The 26 players I chose are the ones who will play in the World Cup,” said the coach.

“Unfortunately, Neymar has this small issue preventing him from training with the group, but he is working very well individually to recover soon,” Ancelotti added, downplaying concerns surrounding the 34-year-old forward’s condition.

Possible return date for Neymar

After suffering a calf injury on May 20, Neymar began a recovery process coordinated by the medical staffs of Santos and Brazil. Last week, when the national team opened training camp, he was unable to work alongside his teammates, and the same is expected to be the case during the first few days of practice in the United States.

The forward missed last Sunday’s friendly against Panama, in which Brazil bid farewell to its home fans with a convincing 6-2 victory. All signs also point to him being unavailable for the June 6 friendly against Egypt.

The most optimistic scenario has him fit to play in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13. Brazil’s other group-stage matches will be against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.

According to Fabrizio Romano and Nicolò Schira, via X, formerly Twitter, Ibrahima Konaté has already reached an agreement to become Real Madrid’s marquee defensive signing. For this, the Frenchman would sign a four-year contract plus an optional additional year, worth €10 million per season. However, his signing would reportedly be used as part of Florentino Pérez’s presidential campaign strategy, meaning his arrival would be conditioned on his re-election.

After the departure of David Alaba and the inconsistencies of Dean Huijsen, Los Blancos would see Konaté’s arrival as a complete defensive boost. As one of Liverpool’s most consistent players, the 27-year-old defender would arrive to form the starting center-back partnership with Antonio Rüdiger. In addition, this could cast doubt on the future of Raúl Asencio, as he has lost prominence and could be transferred to open up space in the defensive line.

Alongside Ibrahima Konaté, Real Madrid could turn to Joan Martínez as the fifth center-back, serving as the replacement for Éder Militão in case of injuries. At just 18 years old, he could rotate between the first team and Real Madrid Castilla. With José Mourinho emerging as the possible new head coach, the team could return to having heavy rotation in defense, helping maintain competitiveness across all competitions.

Konaté could arrive with Dumfries to revamp Madrid’s defense

Real Madrid CF have decided to carry out an overhaul of their sporting project, with José Mourinho emerging as the new head coach. In addition, Ibrahima Konaté appears set to become the club’s new defender if Florentino Pérez is re-elected as president. Far from being the only two changes for next season, Los Blancos are also reportedly targeting Denzel Dumfries as their new right-back.

As per Matteo Moretto, via MARCA, Los Blancos are looking to strengthen the squad following the departure of Dani Carvajal, seeking direct competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Because of this, Denzel Dumfries has emerged as the main target, as Inter Milan appear open to his sale in the summer of 2026. As an experienced player, José Mourinho could bring out his best version immediately as he looks to rebuild the defensive line.