The veteran forward remains under contract with the Saudi club until 2027, but tension has reportedly been building behind the scenes following a series of disagreements involving both the coaching staff and the club’s hierarchy. As preparations continue for another demanding season, uncertainty surrounding Benzema’s long-term future has become one of the biggest talking points in Saudi soccer.

Reports from several outlets indicate that relations between Benzema, head coach Simone Inzaghi and Al-Hilal’s management have reached a difficult stage, with neither side showing signs of backing down. The situation reportedly extends well beyond performances on the pitch. Instead, it revolves around the striker’s perception of his role within the squad, his influence inside the dressing room and how he believes he is viewed by the club.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Benzema has become frustrated by several internal decisions, leaving him feeling underappreciated despite arriving as one of the biggest stars in Saudi soccer. The disagreement has gradually developed into a broader conflict that now threatens to reshape his future only months after making the move to Al-Hilal.

Tactical disagreement with Simone Inzaghi

One of the biggest reported sticking points concerns Simone Inzaghi’s tactical plans for the former Ballon d’Or winner. The Italian manager is said to prefer Benzema operating almost exclusively as a traditional striker inside the penalty area, focusing primarily on finishing attacking moves.

That represents a significant change from the role the Frenchman enjoyed during his legendary spell at Real Madrid, where he frequently dropped into midfield, linked play with teammates and helped create opportunities throughout the attack.

Goal reports that the difference in soccer philosophy has created a serious divide, with both Benzema and Inzaghi remaining firm in their respective positions. As things currently stand, neither side appears willing to compromise.

The reported path that mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo

The latest reports suggest Benzema has instructed his agent to begin exploring possible opportunities outside Al-Hilal, opening the door to a potential departure if the right sporting project emerges.

That development has inevitably drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose own time in Saudi Arabia has included periods of frustration regarding leadership roles, squad planning and club ambitions before ultimately continuing with Al-Nassr.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Benzema has also been disappointed by Al-Hilal’s seniority-based policy for awarding the captain’s armband, believing his achievements throughout his career warrant a more prominent leadership position within the squad. The report claims the French striker has privately compared his situation with Ronaldo’s experiences in Saudi soccer, making the similarities difficult to ignore.

Al-Hilal open to offers, but what’s Benzema’s stance?

Despite the growing tension, Al-Hilal has not completely closed the door on Benzema’s future. Goal indicates the Saudi club would consider allowing him to leave if an appropriate financial proposal arrives, although no official offer has yet been submitted.

The board reportedly remains focused on protecting the club’s financial interests rather than forcing an immediate exit. Without a serious bid, the Frenchman is expected to continue with the squad while discussions continue behind closed doors.

The club that Stones preferred to play for is Inter, according to Sky Sports in Italy. After leaving Manchester City following a year in which he barely played, the defender arrives at another giant club with aspirations. The report suggests that he has verbally agreed to join on a free transfer after receiving interest from Premier League clubs.

Stones arrives after a solid World Cup with England, where he featured in the lineup in every knockout match and showed that he can compete at a high level despite becoming a free agent. The medical part could be important for the player, with the report saying that the examinations are scheduled for Thursday.

Inter continue interest in Cristian Romero

Inter are also working on a possible move for Cristian Romero from Tottenham, with the Argentina international emerging as another defensive target for the Serie A club. The Italian side are looking to strengthen their back line and have identified him as a player they would like to bring to Milan.

Romero’s situation has attracted attention because the player has made clear that he wants to leave the club in this window after some friction with the fans. However, Inter would need to negotiate a transfer with Tottenham to complete the signing.

The defender remains an important player with a strong history in Italy, where he played for Genoa and Atalanta and was even named the best defender in Serie A. The price tag is one of the reasons why the move has not been completed yet, with Tottenham reportedly looking for around €45 million.

Inter sporting director confirms Romero interest

Fabrizio Romano reported that Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the club’s interest in Romero. The Italian executive explained that they have already spoken with the player’s agent and the club. Ausilio said: “We are interested for sure, it’s true. We spoke to the agent and Tottenham. We will see what happens.”

While Chelsea have characterized themselves by investing heavily in young players in recent years, their strategy could see a slight change by adding experienced figures to balance out the squad. Sky Sports reported that the Blues are interested in signing Henderson after failing to bring in Granit Xhaka.

Henderson has impressed since returning to England with Brentford and remains an experienced option in midfield. The former Liverpool captain has one year remaining on his Brentford contract, but Chelsea are exploring the possibility of adding him to their squad.

Chelsea hold talks for Welbeck

The midfield is not the only area where Alonso wants to add more experience, as Chelsea have also explored a move for Welbeck to strengthen their attacking options.

This outlet also reported that the club have held positive talks over a possible transfer for the Brighton striker, who has remained a reliable player for his team despite being at a later stage of his career.

Welbeck has one year remaining on his contract with Brighton and would bring Premier League experience to Chelsea’s attack. His versatility and experience are among the reasons why he has become a name followed by the club.

Garcia becomes a name to follow for Chelsea

Chelsea are also monitoring Garcia as they look for defensive reinforcements, according to reports reproduced by Marca. The Barcelona defender has emerged as a player to follow, with his situation attracting interest from clubs looking for defensive depth.

Garcia’s ability to play as a center-back and cover other defensive positions makes him an attractive option. Chelsea could face competition for his signature, with AC Milan also reportedly interested in the player.

According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, at Ronaldo’s request, Al Nassr‘s management will meet with Felix to discuss a new deal, with the Portuguese forward said to be open to staying and continuing his project with the club.

Felix arrived at Al Nassr last summer in a permanent move from Chelsea, in a deal reportedly worth €30 million, joining forces with his national teammate Ronaldo as part of the club’s ongoing project to build a competitive squad in the Saudi Pro League.

Since then, the Portuguese forward has become one of the standout attacking pieces alongside Ronaldo, reigniting a career that had stalled during difficult stints in Europe.

Joao Felix’s current contract at Al Nassr

His current contract runs through June 2027, but reports indicate Al Nassr have already moved to secure his future beyond that. With Ronaldo reportedly pushing for renewed talks, the club appears to want that commitment locked in well ahead of schedule rather than letting speculation around his future linger.

That speculation has been real: Felix’s name had recently been linked with a possible departure, with Besiktas showing interest and reports also connecting him to Manchester United as a potential destination.

Al Nassr, however, appear determined to keep him in Riyadh, and Ronaldo’s direct involvement underscores how much the club values the partnership between the two Portuguese internationals.

Joao Felix’s numbers at Al Nassr

In his first season with the club, Felix delivered immediately, scoring a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut in a 5-0 win over Al-Taawoun. He went on to finish the 2025-26 campaign with 20 goals and 14 assists in the league alone, and 26 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr.

On the team front, Felix’s arrival coincided with major success: Al Nassr won the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, their first league championship since 2019 and 11th overall, sealed with a 4-1 win over Damac.

According to Ben Jacobs from talkSPORT, via X, Liverpool have Bradley Barcola as their main target and has reached a personal agreement with the player. After this, they have decided to pursue negotiations directly with PSG, which values the player at €170M. However, they consider this valuation to be far above reality. Therefore, they are closer to paying €85-100M, counting on the player’s pressure in their favor.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Barcola managed to accumulate 2,971 minutes, in which he scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists. Even though he was not usually a starter in the Champions League, he was a regular in Ligue 1, something essential for Luis Enrique. However, he has the great opportunity to become a central figure at Liverpool, replacing Mohamed Salah on the right or left wing.

Bradley Barcola has a contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028 and has decided not to renew it. Because of this, they risk having to sell the French star for a lower value in 2027, as he would have only one year left on his contract. With this in mind, Liverpool are in prime position to negotiate his transfer for a significant fee, but much lower than the initial €170M valuation, as Barcola is pushing to be a star at the English side.

Bradley Barcola would be ideal solution for Liverpool’s wingers

Liverpool are living through one of the most important rebuilds of the recent era. After parting ways with Arne Slot and letting Mohamed Salah leave, they have decided to give Andoni Iraola the keys to the team. Despite already signing Victor Muñoz for the left wing, they still need a world-class right winger. With this in mind, Bradley Barcola would be the preferred option to become the central figure of the attack.

Without Salah on the right wing, the Reds only have Federico Chiesa as a natural profile, along with Harvey Elliott. Therefore, Barcola would arrive as an undisputed starter on the right wing, as his dribbling, change of pace, and goalscoring ability are superior to those of his teammates. In addition, he comes from winning two consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, giving the Reds a winning mentality as they go through a rebuild.

Match Overview

El Salvador U20 finds itself in a must-win situation after falling 3-0 to Cuba U20 in its tournament opener, leaving little margin for error against one of the group’s strongest teams. Standing in its way is a confident United States U20 squad that kicked off its campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Haiti U20.

This result puts the Americans on the verge of locking in a quarterfinal berth. With the USA looking to keep its perfect start intact and El Salvador desperate to stay alive, this showdown has all the ingredients for an entertaining battle you won’t want to miss.

The controversy stems from a Feb. 17 Champions League fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica, when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of uttering a racial slur. Because the Argentine midfielder covered his mouth while speaking, officials lacked definitive proof, spurring soccer governing bodies to consider mandatory discipline for players who cover their mouths during altercations.

Under the trial guidelines, any player who covered their mouth while confronting an opponent faced an automatic ejection. The policy made its global debut at the 2026 World Cup, where Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie became the first players sent off under the criteria, though the trial failed to convince Spanish officiating leadership.

During pre-season meetings ahead of the 2026–27 La Liga campaign, Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) elected to align with UEFA guidelines rather than implement the “Vinicius Rule.” As a result, players in Spain will not face match sanctions simply for covering their mouths during on-field confrontations.

In an interview with Diario AS, CTA president Fran Soto explained the committee’s reluctance: “Leaving a team with ten players without having clear proof of whether he said it or not… We have to see if we can fight against such behavior this way or through other measures.“

La Liga targets delay-of-game tactics

The 2026 World Cup served as a testing ground for several rule adjustments, most of which focused on eliminating delay-of-game tactics and preserving match flow. Looking ahead to the new domestic season, Spanish refereeing officials plan to follow the Premier League’s lead by targeting specific time-wasting techniques.

According to Diario AS, the CTA has formally petitioned the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to trial new penalties for goalkeepers who feign or exaggerate injuries to stall play. To curb these prolonged stoppages, Spanish officials aim to mirror English soccer’s approach by requiring an outfield teammate to temporarily step off the pitch for one minute while the goalkeeper receives medical attention.

The initiative builds on similar pace-of-play enforcement introduced in the Premier League. In addition to the goalkeeper protocol, La Liga plans to adopt strict countdown timers on throw-ins and goal kicks, a 10-second limit for substituted players exiting the pitch, and a mandatory one-minute sideline wait for outfield players evaluated by medical staff.

Hours after the IFAB’s circular acknowledged an error in how the “mistaken identity” clause was used, a FIFA spokesperson issued a statement defending the decision and disputing the framing that anything went wrong.

The controversy took place when the referee booked Leandro Paredes for committing a foul, before VAR intervened under the mistaken identity clause and corrected the call, determining Embolo had dived. This resulted in the caution being switched to the Swiss player, which was his second yellow card, resulting in a sending-off.

The IFAB’s circular stated that this specific escalation fell outside how the clause is meant to function, since it’s designed only to correct which player receives a card, not to reclassify or add consequences to the underlying offense.

Full statement from the FIFA spokesperson

“FIFA’s interpretation of Mistaken Identity was consistently applied during the FIFA World Cup. There were two instances in which a player was mistakenly identified as having committed a yellow card offence and the VAR advised the referee to correct the factual error caused by the opponent’s simulation.

The simulation itself cannot be disputed and it should not result in a disciplinary sanction against an opponent that may then lead to further consequences, such as a sending off for a second yellow card or a match suspension for accumulated cautions.

We do not consider this to have been a referee or VAR error and the decision restored justice. We note IFAB’s comments in its Circular, we have been in contact with them throughout and they confirmed that this interpretation is valid, that it was well received and that it will form part of the discussion on revisions to the VAR Protocol, as discussed at the last AGM,” the statement read.

The other case referenced in FIFA’s statement is the near-identical situation from the group stage between the United States and Paraguay, where Tim Ream was originally booked for a foul on Miguel Almiron, before VAR corrected the identity and Almiron was booked for simulation instead.

FIFA’s framing suggests it views both instances as properly handled applications of the rule, rather than as procedural errors, setting up a disagreement with the governing body that actually writes the Laws of the Game.

The veteran goalkeeper heads to Chile after helping the national team enjoy the greatest tournament in its history, while the club strengthens its squad with one of the standout performers from the World Cup. Yet, despite all the excitement surrounding the transfer, a little-known domestic regulation could create an unusual dilemma before he even makes his debut.

World Cup hero earns dream move

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, entered the 2026 World Cup without a club after leaving Portuguese side Chaves. By the time the tournament ended, he had become one of its biggest success stories, attracting worldwide admiration for a series of spectacular displays.

Cape Verde enjoyed a historic campaign by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, and Vozinha played a central role throughout the tournament. His performances earned him widespread recognition, transforming him from an experienced free agent into one of the most sought-after goalkeepers on the market.

His finest moment arrived during a memorable 0-0 draw against eventual world champion Spain, where he produced seven outstanding saves to frustrate one of the strongest attacks in international soccer. The display immediately turned him into a fan favourite across the globe.

Vozinha continued to impress throughout the competition, recording another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia before delivering another heroic performance in the Round of 32 against Argentina. Although Cape Verde eventually lost 3-2 after extra time, the goalkeeper made eight saves, including several outstanding stops to deny Lionel Messi and keep his side alive until the closing stages.

By the end of the tournament, the veteran shot-stopper had made 18 saves in four matches, secured a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament, and watched his social media following explode from around 50,000 followers to nearly 30 million.

Colo-Colo confirms agreement

The goalkeeper’s remarkable World Cup displays quickly attracted interest from clubs around the world, but Colo-Colo ultimately won the race for his signature. The Chilean powerhouse has agreed to sign Vozinha on a free transfer after his contract with Chaves expired. Club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed the agreement and explained that the goalkeeper would soon complete the final formalities.

“Vozinha will be a Colo Colo player. In the coming days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the usual medical examinations and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental,” Mosa said. The president also admitted that the signing offers benefits beyond the pitch, with the goalkeeper’s worldwide popularity expected to boost the club’s international profile following his unforgettable World Cup campaign.

The unusual rule that could change everything

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Vozinha may not be allowed to wear the famous nickname that made him internationally recognisable. The issue stems from Chilean Primera Division regulations, which require players to display their official surname on the back of their shirts instead of nicknames. Under the current rules, players may only use one or both surnames, with the option of adding the initial of their first name.

That means the goalkeeper could be required to wear “Dias,” “Evora,” or “Evora Dias” instead of the name “Vozinha,” which has accompanied him throughout his professional career. Article 36 of the ANFP regulations states: “For the personal identification of players, the paternal and/or maternal surname must be printed on the upper back of the shirt… Nicknames, aliases or codenames will not be allowed.”

Ge Globo also indicates that using an unauthorized nickname could result in a yellow card for the player and a financial fine for the club, making compliance particularly important unless an exemption is granted.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Al Hilal are determined to reinforce their roster in a major way. To do this, they are fully committed to pursuing the signing of Luis Diaz. Therefore, they are open to making an offer between €125-150 million to convince Bayern Munich to let him leave. In addition, the Saudi side is looking to tempt the Colombian star with a net salary of €25M per season. However, he has decided to reject the offer.

According to Florian Plettenberg, via X, Luis Diaz has informed Al Hilal of his formal rejection of their €25M-per-year salary offer. Instead, the Colombian star has decided to prioritize his stay at Bayern Munich, as he will be key for head coach Vincent Kompany. In addition, the German side continues to consider him indispensable to its sporting project, so they will not sit down to listen to any more offers for his transfer.

Along with this report, Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen publicly denied the Colombian player’s departure: “We’d be stupid, wouldn’t we? We have such a fantastic squad, honestly. Let’s just get the season underway and start scoring some goals,” he said, via Kicker. With this in mind, Luis Diaz will remain as the stellar complement of Harry Kane and Michael Olise, chasing the 2027 UEFA Champions League trophy.

Luis Diaz may target a historic tenure at Bayern Munich under Kompany

Despite not winning the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich are coming off an impressive season. Under head coach Vincent Kompany, they established a brilliant style of play that dominated offensively. Therefore, Luis Diaz is facing the best opportunity of his career: To establish a historic legacy with Harry Kane and Michael Olise at the German side, while aiming to win a treble in the 2026-27 season.

In case he repeats his performances in the 2026-27 season, Luis Diaz could write his name into the history of the German side. With this, he would end the club’s seven-year drought since its last UEFA Champions League title and deliver its first treble in 14 years. With a contract until 2029, the Colombian star is aiming to be a star once again, looking to become a clear Ballon d’Or candidate.

The club said: “Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery. The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you updates regarding his rehabilitation.”

While the surgery is not ideal news for Manchester City, Rodri is not expected to be sidelined for long. The Athletic reported that the midfielder is expected to return before the end of August if his recovery continues as planned.

Real Madrid could make an offer for Rodri

Rodri’s future continues to be linked with Real Madrid despite his recent surgery. According to Nicolo Schira, in a report later replicated by Marca, the Spanish club are considering an offer worth between €50 million and €60 million for the Manchester City midfielder.

The Spain international’s current contract expires next year, making his situation one to watch during this transfer window. Manchester City have already presented Rodri with a contract extension offer, but the midfielder has not yet responded as he waits to see whether Real Madrid make a move.

With his contract entering its final year, Real Madrid could have an opportunity to negotiate a lower transfer fee for Rodri than Manchester City would have previously demanded for one of their most important players.

Manchester City’s asking price for Rodri

Real Madrid could also face a significant financial obstacle if they decide to pursue Rodri. According to journalist Sergio Valentin of esRadio, in a report later reproduced by Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are demanding €80 million for the midfielder despite his contract entering its final year.

The Saudi Pro League champion has spent much of the summer dealing with reports of financial difficulties while trying to strengthen its squad under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although questions remain over the club’s spending restrictions, recent developments suggest there is finally a path forward.

Al-Nassr entered preseason under intense scrutiny after multiple reports claimed the club was facing financial liabilities exceeding 800 million Saudi riyals (approximately $213 million). Those reports suggested delayed salary payments, restricted transfer activity and growing pressure from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in the club.

According to Saudi media, PIF responded by introducing stricter financial controls, requiring any future transfers to be supported by club-generated income rather than direct funding. The reported measures also included exploring the possibility of selling a minority stake in the club to private investors in an effort to improve liquidity.

The uncertainty affected Al-Nassr’s transfer plans throughout July, with negotiations for several targets reportedly stalling as club officials worked to comply with financial regulations. It also created concern among supporters, who feared the reigning league champion could fall behind rivals in the transfer market.

Financial clearance changes the picture

The situation has since taken a dramatic turn. Al-Nassr has officially obtained its Financial Compliance Certificate, allowing the club to register new players during the current summer transfer window after resolving its outstanding financial obligations. Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiah reported that the certificate represents a major step toward restoring normal transfer operations.

Additional reports from Al Kass indicated that the club has also secured its AFC Club Licence, one of whose requirements is that participating clubs must have no outstanding debts owed to players, coaches, other clubs or government entities.

That development has cast doubt on earlier claims suggesting Al-Nassr remained burdened by unresolved financial problems. While spending restrictions imposed by the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee are reportedly still being finalized, the club has cleared one of the biggest regulatory hurdles before the new season.

What it means for the Samu Costa transfer

The biggest beneficiary of the latest update could be Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa. Al-Nassr has completed all internal procedures to sign the Mallorca midfielder on a four-year contract and is now awaiting final approval from the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee before announcing the transfer. The financial clearance has effectively reopened the door for the move after weeks of uncertainty.

Reports indicate that all parties have already reached a full agreement, leaving league approval as the final step before the transfer becomes official. Various outlets have placed the deal’s value between $10-25 million, depending on the structure of the agreement and performance-related clauses.

Costa has reportedly been identified as Marcelo Brozovic’s long-term replacement, giving Postecoglou an important addition in central midfield ahead of his first full season in charge. Further reports also suggest the Portuguese made personal sacrifices to help complete the move. According to multiple sources, the midfielder agreed to waive part of his contract to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, despite interest from another Saudi Pro League club.

The veteran forward remains the biggest name at Al-Nassr after extending his contract earlier this year, but reports indicate the club is already planning how to maximize his influence over the coming months. The latest claims have sparked discussion about how Ronaldo’s career could evolve as he approaches his 42nd birthday.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped guide the club to the Saudi Pro League title during the 2025-26 campaign, ending the club’s long wait for the championship and reinforcing his importance to the project.

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou has opened a new chapter, with the Australian coach beginning work on defending the league crown while also targeting success in continental competition. The manager faces the challenge of balancing experienced stars with emerging talent as he prepares the squad for another demanding campaign.

The 41-year-old veteran has yet to fully rejoin preseason after Portugal’s participation at the 2026 World Cup, where the national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain. The club has already confirmed that the captain is being gradually reintegrated into training following his extended post-tournament break.

Reports suggest surprising new approach

According to several Saudi media reports, including Al-Riyadhiah and Okaz, Ronaldo is reportedly planning to feature in only around half of Al-Nassr’s matches during the 2026-27 season.

The reported strategy is designed to reduce his workload, preserve his fitness and allow him to prioritize his commitments with the Portugal national team as he continues chasing success on the international stage. If implemented, it would represent one of the biggest changes to Ronaldo’s role since arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The reports also suggest the veteran forward views careful workload management as the best way to extend his career while maintaining his ability to perform at the highest level for both club and country.

What it could mean for Postecoglou

If the reported plan becomes reality, Postecoglou may have an opportunity to rotate his attacking options more frequently throughout the season. The Australian coach inherited a title-winning squad and is expected to compete on several fronts, including the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and AFC Champions League Elite.

Having Ronaldo available for the most important fixtures while giving other forwards increased opportunities could become part of his long-term strategy. Such an approach would also allow the coaching staff to better manage the physical demands placed on one of football’s oldest active superstars.

Match Overview

Santos enter the second leg with a comfortable advantage after a dominant road performance against Universidad Central. Neymar’s side lived up to expectations by earning a 4-1 victory away from home, putting themselves in a strong position to advance.

The visitors now face a difficult comeback challenge in Brazil but will look to make the hosts work for their place in the next round. Don’t miss this decisive matchup as Santos look to complete the job in front of their fans.

The move comes as little surprise given how his standing at the club had shifted over the past year, going from captain to a player Tottenham now seem ready to move on from.

The clearest signal of that shift arrived with Tottenham’s signing of Jan Paul van Hecke for €60 million, a deal that effectively confirmed the club’s plan to replace Romero as their starting right center-back.

Despite wearing the armband last season, his relationship with the fanbase had cooled in recent months, further reinforcing the sense that a transfer was only a matter of time once the 2026 World Cup wrapped up.

Inter Milan have moved quickly to take advantage. According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari of TV Dello Sport, the Nerazzurri have already agreed terms with Tottenham for the transfer. The only step left before the move becomes official is for Inter to finalize personal terms with Romero’s representatives, something that could be resolved in the coming days.

A move to Italy would mark a return to familiar territory for Romero, who has previous experience in Serie A with Juventus and Atalanta, though he only ever featured for the latter across a couple of seasons before making his name in the Premier League. For now, all signs point toward Inter Milan being his next destination once the paperwork is settled.

Where does Barcelona fit into Romero’s situation?

Despite the growing momentum behind an Inter Milan move, Romero’s name has also continued to circulate around Barcelona, though reports frame that interest as something closer to the player’s personal preference than a genuinely viable path forward.

Barcelona are said to be keeping tabs on his situation, but their transfer priorities this summer lie elsewhere, with signing a new striker sitting at the top of their list and Julian Alvarez still viewed as their ideal target.

Barca do have Romero on their list, but the club has already made clear it won’t take a concrete step forward unless one of the center-backs or full-backs currently in the squad departs first. That leaves Barcelona on the periphery of Romero’s next move rather than an active competitor for his signature, with Inter Milan remaining the far more concrete option.

The marquee exhibition takes place Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC. Coming just 10 days after the World Cup final, the All-Star match will serve as the first action back on the pitch for many returning international players, particularly those representing the three North American co-host nations.

The USMNT presence on the MLS squad includes goalkeeper Matt Freese (New York City FC), veteran defender Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) who’s expected to sign for Middlesbrough according to The Ahtletic, and wing-back Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew). Representing the Canadian national team, goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City) and defender Richie Laryea (Toronto FC) will both suit up.

Liga MX‘s World Cup contingent relies heavily on El Tri‘s domestic core. The Mexican national team members featured on the Liga MX All-Star roster include goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), defender Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), defender Israel Reyes (Club América), and midfielder Erik Lira (Cruz Azul).

Rising Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora (Xolos de Tijuana) was initially named to the Liga MX roster before being ruled out alongside veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas. They join Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul on the list of high-profile absences for Wednesday’s clash.

Meanwhile, South Korean icon Son Heung-min will make his MLS All-Star debut following his World Cup campaign with his national team. Notably, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller, though omitted from Germany’s World Cup squad, stands as the sole former World Cup champion participating in Wednesday’s midsummer showcase.

Complete List of 2026 World Cup Players in the All-Star Game

• Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City SC) — Canada
• Matt Freese (New York City FC) — United States
• Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew) — United States
• Richie Laryea (Toronto FC) — Canada
• Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids) — Australia
• Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew) — Cape Verde
• Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) — United States
• Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) — United States
• Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) — Paraguay
• Son Heung-min (LAFC) — South Korea
• Petar Musa (FC Dallas) — Croatia
• Brian Rodríguez (Club America) — Uruguay
• Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) — Mexico
• Jesus Gallardo (Toluca) — Mexico
• Israel Reyes (Club America) — Mexico
• Erik Lira (Cruz Azul) — Mexico

With his contract at FC Barcelona expiring after four years, Zahavi admitted in an interview with Diario AS that Barca president Joan Laporta wanted to keep the forward, but sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick opted to move in a different direction. Despite interest from Serie A clubs and FC Porto, the Chicago Fire ultimately won the race to secure the legendary striker’s signature.

When asked about the decision to head to North America, Zahavi lauded the persistence of the Fire’s front office: “The Fire executives fought harder for him than anyone else. It’s rare for a team to want a player so badly. It’s hard to imagine: they were patient, determined, and creative. They did everything possible to convince Lewandowski. Everything!“

Zahavi capped his comments by revealing the eye-watering financial package the Fire put on the table to seal the blockbuster deal. “They weren’t pretending; they were truly crazy about him. And they offered him the second-highest contract in MLS, surpassed only by Leo Messi’s. Chicago really wanted Robert,” Zahavi concluded.

Questions originally hovered over how head coach Gregg Berhalter would tweak his tactical setup to feature both Lewandowski and star forward Hugo Cuypers, who led MLS with 13 goals prior to the 2026 World Cup break. However, the Belgian striker handed over the No. 9 jersey to the former Barcelona star before completing a transfer to CF Monterrey, shedding his $3.2 million annual salary from the books, according to the MLSPA Salary Guide.

Robert Lewandowski vs. Lionel Messi: Salary comparison

Lewandowski’s arrival serves as yet another statement of intent for Major League Soccer as it continues to lure global icons during their twilight years. For the Polish superstar, the move secures a massive payday while continuing his career in a major North American market.

According to DAZN, Lewandowski earns a net base salary of €15 million (around $16.2M USD) per season with the Chicago Fire. His current contract runs through June 30, 2028, guaranteeing him €30 million (around $32.5M USD) over his two-year stint in MLS.

In addition to his base pay, Lewandowski’s deal features incentive structures that could push his total earnings up to €20 million (around $21.6M USD) annually. That places him well ahead of LAFC’s Son Heung-min ($11M) and Inter Miami’s Rodrigo De Paul ($9M), who hold the third- and fourth-highest total compensation packages according to MLSPA data.

The only player in North America outpacing Lewandowski on the payroll is Lionel Messi, who holds a base salary of $25 million and $28.3 million in total guaranteed compensation per the MLSPA Salary Guide. However, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed to Bloomberg that Messi’s total annual take-home package sits between $70 million and $80 million when factoring in equity, revenue-share agreements, and commercial endorsements.

According to Aritz Gabilondo, via Diario AS, PSG have contacted Rodri and his entourage directly, looking to reach an agreement to sign him. However, the 30-year-old star has decided to directly reject the French side, as his plans are to return to Spain for family reasons. After this, he appears to be getting closer to a move to Real Madrid as a star signing. However, his departure from Manchester City may not be easy.

Rodrigo Hernandez is one of the most important players in Manchester City’s recent history. For this reason, he still has a contract until 2027, and they do not seem very open to letting him leave for free. With this in mind, Real Madrid would have to pay a transfer fee that is expected to be between €45-55 million, as the 30-year-old star is pushing strongly to play for José Mourinho’s side.

Unlike many teams, the Citizens do not usually hold onto their stars, instead opening the door to negotiations. With Rodrigo’s only objective being to play for Real Madrid, both parties seem destined to reach an understanding. However, they have not reached a contractual agreement or a definitive transfer. Therefore, Manchester City continue trying to renew the contract of its captain and key figure.

Report: Rodri medical procedure won’t stop Real Madrid transfer

After the end of the 2026 World Cup, Rodrigo Hernandez felt physical discomfort in his back. As a result, fans appeared to be concerned about his move to Real Madrid. Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the 30-year-old star decided not to undergo surgery, but he did decide to have a medical procedure. Despite this, the possible signing by the Spanish side is not at risk.

According to Rodra from ESPN, via X, Rodrigo has undergone a spinal injection, which will be an outpatient procedure. With this, he will wait for the discomfort to subside. However, his physical condition will have to be evaluated during the medical tests, which should determine whether his back problems will continue in the near future. Despite this, the 30-year-old midfielder is positive about his physical condition.

Speaking on Fox News, Garber didn’t hold back on how big a signing he believes Pulisic would be for the league. “I hope that they could sign a Christian Pulisic. I believe he would be great in our league, and I believe our league would be great for him,” Garber admitted.

“Give him an opportunity to do what Landon Donovan did – come to Major League Soccer, spread your wings, be a star,” Garber continued, adding that Pulisic “would be a game changer for our league“.

For now, though, Pulisic remains at AC Milan, where his contract runs through June 2027, with the Italian club also holding an option to extend it an additional year. His name has been tied to transfer speculation more than usual this summer, following a rough 2026 World Cup with the United States that ended at the Round of 16 after a loss to Belgium.

That speculation gained real traction in June, when NYCFC made an approach to sign Pulisic and try to bring him back to his home country. Milan rejected it outright, making clear the winger wasn’t available, a stance club officials have repeated consistently since.

Milan’s resolve was tested again more recently when Galatasaray reportedly reached out to gauge Pulisic’s availability, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The Turkish club’s contact amounted to an informational inquiry rather than a formal offer, and Milan gave the same answer they gave NYCFC: Pulisic isn’t for sale.

Landon Donovan’s MLS legacy

Garber’s comparison points to one of the clearest success stories of an American star returning home in his prime. Landon Donovan originally signed with Bayer Leverkusen in 1999, but he struggled to adapt to life in Germany and spent much of that six-year spell on loan back home with the San Jose Earthquakes.

He later returned to Europe for brief loan stints with Bayern Munich and twice with Everton, in 2010 and 2012, impressing enough in the Premier League to leave some wondering whether he’d ever commit to a permanent move abroad. He never did.

In 2005, Donovan chose to return to the United States for good, signing with the LA Galaxy, and that decision defined the rest of his career. Rather than chasing a bigger European move, he became the face of MLS: he retired with 145 goals, a tally that stood as the league scoring record until Chris Wondolowski later surpassed it, and he won six MLS Cup titles along with two Supporters’ Shields with the Galaxy in 2010 and 2011.

He was named to a record 14 consecutive MLS All-Star Games and won MLS Cup MVP honors twice, in 2003 and 2011, retiring as a champion in his final match, the 2014 MLS Cup final.

The Saudi Pro League champion has already begun a new chapter following Postecoglou’s arrival, but the squad remains without several key names. As preseason gathers pace in Portugal and Spain, attention has shifted from the opening results to when Ronaldo will finally make his first appearance of the summer.

Al-Nassr entered preseason looking to build momentum after winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge following his appointment as the club’s new head coach.

The Australian manager’s first outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Benfica B in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. Despite Abdulmalik Al-Jaber giving Al-Nassr an early lead, Benfica’s reserve side responded with two goals to hand Postecoglou his first defeat since taking over.

The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staff to carefully manage workloads during the early stages of preseason. Reports also indicated that Postecoglou ordered an additional training session immediately after the defeat as preparations continued.

Why Ronaldo isn’t playing against Merida

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the friendly against Merida because he has not yet returned to Al-Nassr following Portugal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The veteran forward has been granted an extended post-tournament break and is continuing his scheduled recovery before rejoining the squad. Rather than rushing their captain back into action, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff has opted to prioritize his fitness ahead of another demanding season.

Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s international campaign to a close. With the summer schedule still in its early stages, the club believes additional recovery time will better prepare its biggest star for the months ahead.

Ronaldo’s expected return timetable

Current reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, where he will begin a carefully managed conditioning programme. The club has not officially confirmed the exact date of his return to match action, but the focus remains on gradually rebuilding his fitness rather than accelerating the process.

The aim is to ensure he is fully prepared once the competitive fixtures begin. Following the meeting with Merida, Al-Nassr still has two more preseason fixtures scheduled in Europe. The remaining matches are:

• August 1 – Estrela Amadora
• August 4 – Almeria

Based on current reports, Ronaldo’s availability for Estrela Amadora remains uncertain because of his conditioning programme. The friendly against Almeria on August 4 is widely viewed as the most likely opportunity for his preseason debut, assuming his recovery progresses according to schedule.

According to an initial report by The Times‘ Martyn Ziegler, FIFA plans to sell minority equity stakes tied to World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The deal would center on establishing a new commercial subsidiary responsible for managing business and event operations across top men’s and women’s competitions.

Hours after the news broke, FIFA confirmed the project, claiming the objective is to expand global soccer development funding to over $10 billion. As part of the pitch, FIFA offered a sweetened incentive for its 211 Member Associations, providing access to up to $20 million in immediate, one-off capital funding for special projects under the newly established FIFA Fast Forward Program (FFFP).

To execute the plan, soccer’s global governing body created FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a controlled subsidiary designed to handle commercial and operational delivery. FIFA insisted it will retain full operational authority over FFE, assuring member nations that outside money will not influence “football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.“

UEFA strongly opposes FIFA’s commercial push

As soon as reports surfaced, UEFA, European soccer’s governing body and Infantino’s primary political opposition, came out in full defiance. Coming off lingering friction surrounding the execution and politics of the 2026 World Cup, the news provoked immediate outrage across the European confederation.

UEFA released an official statement slamming the proposal, delivering an uncompromising message to FIFA: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.“

The Aleksander Ceferin-led organization concluded by warning against the dangers of privatizing the sport for short-term corporate capital. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell,” the statement concluded.

FIFA defends its independence and governance

As reported by sports journalist Ben Jacobs, FIFA aims to raise up to $4.2 billion in capital and has already approached Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital as well as American investment banking titan J.P. Morgan as key anchor partners. While any final proposal requires formal approval from the 211 Member Associations during a consultation phase, FIFA maintains that its institutional independence remains intact.

In its statement addressing the external investment strategy, FIFA sought to downplay concerns over corporate influence. “The FIFA President and the FIFA administration have a duty to control the development of this project. Outside investors will have only a minority stake in FFE and will not play any operational role. Equally, they are investing in a subsidiary of FIFA, and not in FIFA itself. For FIFA, nothing changes,” the organization stated.

“He is our player until anything changes, the team comes first. It is not too complicated, for me the team is the most important thing… I will speak with Rafael, with [Goncalo] Ramos, with [Alexis] Saelemaekers, with all the players returning from the World Cup to explain what we will do. I know there is a lot of speculation about some of our players, but they remain ours until anything changes,” Ruben Amorim said, as per Gianluca Dimarzio.

At the end of the 2025-26 season, Rafael Leao publicly announced his desire to leave AC Milan. However, he has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2028, so his departure is not easy at all. Instead of creating more noise around the star’s future, Ruben Amorim has looked to keep the focus on the team, opening the door to his continuity if he wants it himself.

Amid the criticism, Leao established as one of the Rossoneri’s most important players. In 31 games, he scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists, playing out of position. However, Ruben Amorim could find his best version again, using him as a left winger and giving him more prominence. In addition, he has reportedly not received any offers from the Premier League or LaLiga, his two preferred options.

Report: Fenerbahce chase Rafael Leao in a €42M move from AC Milan

Rafael Leao was determined to leave AC Milan, looking to move to the Premier League or LaLiga. However, he has not received concrete offers from either of the two leagues, as teams are prioritizing other moves in different positions. Therefore, the 27-year-old star only has one real possibility left: Fenerbahce. The Turkish side is reportedly pursuing the Portuguese player in a €42M move.

According to Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce have made a formal offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao, in a €42M operation. They are proposing a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option worth €35M, along with a €5M fee and €2M in performance-based add-ons. However, the Rossoneri remain firm: A direct transfer worth €50M. In addition, the Turkish side has not yet secured its place in the Champions League, preventing Leao from accepting.

Match Overview

A spot in the next round could be on the line when Cuba U20 and Haiti U20 square off in a crucial group-stage matchup. Cuba heads into the contest with momentum after a surprising 3-0 victory over El Salvador U20 in its opener, and another win would secure qualification.

Haiti, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to tournament favorite USA U20 and needs a positive result to keep its hopes alive. With both teams playing for so much, this is a game you won’t want to miss.

The Swiss forward was sent off in the 72nd minute after a VAR review resulted in a second yellow card for simulation, a decision that shifted the momentum of the game.

The sequence began when referee Joao Pinheiro had booked Leandro Paredes, believing he had committed a foul on the Swiss forward. The play was reviewed under the “mistaken identity” concept, but upon noticing how blatant the simulation was, the Portuguese official showed Embolo the second yellow card, something that, according to the governing body of the Laws of the Game, was mistaken.

In a circular published on Tuesday, the governing body clarified that a yellow card, when it isn’t already a second yellow, can only be reviewed to correct the identity of the offending player, explaining the offense itself cannot be reviewed or altered once the identity has been fixed.

That distinction is what made Embolo’s dismissal improper: the process was designed to fix who gets the card in case of booking someone who didn’t commit the foul, not to reclassify the type of infraction that led to it.

A similar situation happened earlier at the World Cup

A practically identical sequence played out earlier in the tournament, during the group stage clash between the United States and Paraguay. American defender Tim Ream was originally booked for a foul on Miguel Almiron, and VAR intervened to review the play.

Just as with Paredes and Embolo, the review corrected the identity of the offending player, Ream’s card was rescinded, and Almiron was booked instead for simulation. It’s the same mechanism the IFAB has now flagged as improperly applied in the Embolo case, underscoring that the issue wasn’t isolated to a single match.

“You will soon see my style; we will have a press conference in September. I am passionate about soccer. I played as a number 10, what motivates me is scoring goals. I lived in Spain for 25 years, you already know what that means. On the pitch, I was a leader. Today, I am becoming a leader thanks to my experience,” Zinedine Zidane reveals in the press conference.

Even though he was not direct about his playing style, Zidane did make it clear that his approach will be offensive. With Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, France aim to be the top candidate to win UEFA Euro 2028, competing against Spain. However, the main challenge he will have will be the midfield, as he does not have players like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric, making this a major problem for his intentions.

Being his first experience as a national team coach, Zidane will have all eyes on him at UEFA Euro 2028. To give consistency to his game, he could return to the use of three midfielders, something that has not been usual recently. There, new young players could emerge, along with a possible return of Eduardo Camavinga to give meaning to his style of play.

Zidane opens up on ‘the difference’ between France and club jobs

Zinedine Zidane has established as one of the best coaches in Real Madrid’s history. After winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, he decided to leave the project in a surprising move. Despite always having offers on the table, he decided to wait for France, making it clear that it was his only possibility. In his presentation, he revealed the difference between both experiences.

“I always saw this team as my future. I did not sign for a club for that reason. The only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was manage the French national team… It is something different from what I do at the club. But I am not afraid of it. It is what I wanted to do. I will have a balance between my personal life and the French national team, and that suits me wonderfully,” Zidane concluded.

Being a job that is a little slower, Zinedine Zidane will have many more chances to create a long-term project. In addition, he has decided to praise Deschamps’ work, making it clear that he will have a close relationship with him. Therefore, the French legend aims to have a long-term role with the national team, seeking to chase titles again after years of drought.

“I am talking to Mancini because he is the new coach… We’re waiting for him to sign,” Giovanni Malagò revealed, as per The Athletic. With this in mind, Roberto is set for a second spell in Italy, looking for another UEFA Euro title. In the recent years, he has been coaching in Middle Eastern, having tenures at Saudi Arabia national team and Al Sadd, his recent team.

After his appointment, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Araujo remain firm in leaving their positions in Italy, reports The Athletic. Far from being a tantrum, they do not seek to continue in a project in which they do not believe in its head coach. Although Mancini is the last one who gave the national team a title, he does not represent a ‘new era’ of playing style and commitment to young players, making Maldini resign.

President Giovanni Malagò seems to have decided on an ideal replacement for Paolo Maldini as Technical Director: Claudio Ranieri. According to The Athletic, the 74-year-old veteran will be the new sporting leader of Italy, leading the reconstruction. With this duo, they seek to be top contenders for UEFA Euro 2028, as they have a great relationship and a similar idea of the game.

Italy opt for a slight adjustment instead of a major overhaul

Despite failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cup editions, Italy seemed to need a deep reconstruction. With this in mind, Paolo Maldini was looking for a new offensive style of play, together with a real commitment to young players. Instead, Giovanni Malagò has decided to make a conservative choice, giving Roberto Mancini another chance, which is a continuation of the same style of play and little commitment to young players.

Under Mancini, Italy will return to their greatest strength: Defensive solidity and brilliance on the counterattack. Far from this being a problem, it will make it easier for the team to compete directly for titles, as it will not have to learn a new way of playing. However, young players may not have much space to shine, as the head coach usually bets on veterans who have already excelled at the elite level.

Liga MX released its preliminary roster weeks ago with both Navas and Mora included on the squad. However, in an official roster update released Monday, July 27, the league confirmed several notable changes, officially scratching the Costa Rican icon and the Mexican prodigy from the final lineup.

In Keylor Navas‘ case, the Pumas UNAM goalkeeper will not travel to Charlotte after suffering a minor setback with a knee issue sustained at the start of the Apertura 2026 campaign. While the injury is not considered severe, the Mexico City side opted against risking their veteran star with both the Liga MX season and the Leagues Cup kicking into high gear. Club Pachuca’s Carlos Moreno has been called up as his replacement.

As for Gilberto Mora, an official reason for his omission has not been disclosed by either Liga MX or his club, Club Tijuana. Still, the 17-year-old rising star is continuing his ramp-up period with Xolos following a busy World Cup campaign with the Mexican national team and a subsequent vacation, prioritizing long-term fitness ahead of the upcoming season.

Inter Miami duo also set to miss All-Star clash

The annual summer showcase has built immense momentum in recent years thanks to both leagues pulling in elite, world-class talent. However, Liga MX will now be without Mora, Navas, and Armando “La Hormiga” González, while MLS will be missing its biggest draw in Lionel Messi alongside his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

The Inter Miami duo received special medical permission to rest following an grueling 2026 World Cup run that culminated in the July 19 final. With neither Messi nor De Paul having re-joined the Herons for full training yet, both MLS stars will sit out Wednesday’s midsummer exhibition at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC (8 p.m. ET).

Liga MX All-Star Roster

• Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) and Carlos Moreno (Pachuca).
• Defenders: Bruno Méndez (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Israel Reyes (América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jesús Garza (Tigres UANL), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas UNAM), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), and Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul).
• Midfielders: Alexei Domínguez (Pachuca), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Elías Montiel (Pachuca), Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), José Paradela (Cruz Azul), Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL), and Kevin Castañeda (Guadalajara).
• Forwards: Javier Ruíz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas UNAM), and Salomón Rondón (Pachuca).
• Head coach: Antonio Mohamed.

MLS All-Star Roster

• Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City), and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).
• Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
• Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), and Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC)
• Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York) ,Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), and Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire)
• Head coach: Dean Smith, (Charlotte FC)

In the days leading up to his return to action, Neymar raised eyebrows by attending the BSOP Winter poker tournament, the fourth leg of the 2026 Brazilian Poker Championship, while Santos was in Venezuela facing UCV in the Copa Sudamericana. The Brazilian superstar fired back against public criticism over his absence, but the incident reportedly left a sour taste among his teammates.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, tensions boiled over Saturday during a match against Chapecoense, where Neymar berated youngsters Bontempo and Ananias in the dressing room following a disappointing draw. His behavior at halftime and after the final whistle at Vila Belmiro frustrated players, coaching staff, and Santos front-office executives alike.

Things initially started bright for Santos, with Neymar opening the scoring in the 36th minute after a crisp team buildup, celebrating by mimicking a card dealer shuffling a deck. However, Santos collapsed early in the second half, conceding two goals in a 10-minute span before Neymar salvaged a draw late in the match by converting a penalty.

According to Globo Esporte, Neymar took an overly sharp tone when criticizing midfielder Bontempo and center-back Ananias, directly questioning the skill level of the young defender, who scored an own goal during the second-half collapse.

Through his PR team, Bontempo downplayed the rift, describing it as a standard halftime team dressing-down rather than a targeted personal attack. Ananias also released a statement denying any direct confrontation with Neymar, though he confirmed a team-wide reprimand took place. The incident follows another recent training-ground clash where Neymar slapped teammate Robinho Jr., an episode for which the former Barcelona star later issued a public apology.

Neymar and Santos reach a breaking point

Neymar’s homecoming to Santos in February 2025 was pitched as a win-win: the forward would stay match-fit for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while the club reaped major sponsorship deals and star power on the pitch. But the partnership has proven turbulent, with both sides growing increasingly dissatisfied.

Santos management remains unhappy with Neymar’s leadership style and his treatment of younger players. That frustration was exacerbated by his appearance at the poker event on the very night Santos kicked off its South American cup fixture.

Neymar, meanwhile, has voiced frustration with the club’s infrastructure and what he perceives as a lack of media protection at the CT Rei Pele training facility. Despite funding ongoing upgrades to the facility himself, Neymar and his father have openly questioned the quality of Santos’ roster as the club fights a relegation battle for the second straight year.

To make matters worse, Globo Esporte reports that Santos owes Neymar over R$ 90 million ($17.5M USD) in unpaid debts, having fallen up to three months behind on image-rights payments this year. With the 34-year-old under contract through late 2026, a contract extension is now considered highly unlikely by both camps.

Titled “Day 1s,” the upcoming drama series features Ronaldo in both a behind-the-scenes executive role and a featured on-screen performance as production gets underway. The storyline explores the cutthroat world of British soccer, pulling back the curtain on the business, power struggles, and high-stakes relationships driving a fictional elite agency.

The series is being produced by UR•Marv, the independent media venture launched jointly by Ronaldo and Vaughn in April 2025. The studio’s brand fuses Ronaldo’s personal “UR” moniker, featured heavily across his media platforms like his UR Cristiano YouTube channel, with Vaughn’s established MARV production banner.

According to a report from The Sun, the show follows the high-flying career of fictional sports agent Stanley Dalton, played by star Damian Lewis. The narrative is built on a concept co-created by real-life soccer agent Darren Dein, who represents Henry and serves as an executive producer on the series.

The Arsenal legend turned television analyst was recently spotted on set in London, filming scenes at Barnet FC’s ground in North West London. British hip-hop star Dave is also slated for a prominent multi-faceted role, leading a starry ensemble of celebrity cameos and guest appearances.

Reflecting on the joint venture when it was first unveiled, Vaughn praised Ronaldo’s flair for the dramatic. “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him—he’s a real-life superhero,” the Kingsman director told Variety, with “Day 1s” marking their flagship project.

Soccer legends who made the leap to the screen

While Ronaldo previously starred in his self-titled 2015 documentary Ronaldo and made recurring appearances in his wife Georgina Rodríguez’s Netflix docuseries Soy Georgina, “Day 1s” will mark his scripted acting debut. He joins a select club of iconic soccer figures who have crossed over into traditional acting roles.

The gold standard for soccer icons in cinema remains the 1981 cult classic Escape to Victory, which starred Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine alongside world-class legends Pele, Bobby Moore, and Osvaldo Ardiles, as well as international stars Kazimierz Deyna, Paul Van Himst, Hallvar Thoresen, and Werner Roth.

More recently, Neymar made a cameo as a monk in Netflix’s hit drama Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) and appeared in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Lionel Messi has landed high-profile promo spots for Hollywood blockbusters like Bad Boys and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, while also making a guest acting appearance on the Argentine comedy series Los Protectores.

Several other soccer stars have famously logged acting credits over the years:

• Vinnie Jones: Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
• Eric Cantona: Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric
• David Beckham: Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
• Zinedine Zidane: Asterix at the Olympic Games
• Ally McCoist: A Shot at Glory

Match Overview

Quarterfinal positioning could be on the line when Mexico U20 and Costa Rica U20 square off in a pivotal group-stage showdown between two teams that began the tournament with wins. Costa Rica earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guatemala U20.

Meanwhile, Mexico opened with a solid 3-0 result against Antigua and Barbuda U20, making this a key opportunity for either side to take control of the group and move closer to the knockout stage. With so much at stake, this is a matchup soccer fans won’t want to miss.

According to Fabrizio Romano and other media outlets, Zidane will be announced as the new France head coach this week, with the announcement expected on Tuesday, July 28. Under his leadership, Les Bleus will begin a new process, looking to establish a clear playing identity. However, he will face a major challenge: Maintaining the winning spirit, reaching World Cup finals.

In a recent interview with Konbini, Karim Benzema was asked about Zidane’s possible return to France. Acknowledging his legacy, he chose to praise him unequivocally: “He is a legend, he is like a big brother to me. Am I happy about him coaching the France national team? I don’t know if it’s him, but if it is him, I’m extremely happy,” he said, showcasing his deep support to his former head coach at Real Madrid.

Throughout their spell together at Real Madrid, Karim was coached in 217 matches by Zidane, where he elevated his figure to legendary levels. In his first spell, he was the connection between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. However, Zinedine brought out his best version in the second spell, being the team’s goalscorer. Therefore, both have an incredible relationship, which is demonstrated in the support between them.

Report: Zinedine Zidane wants 8-year France contract

Zinedine Zidane’s arrival to France has been an open secret for several months. After his historic spell at Real Madrid, he arrives as a true legend on the sidelines. Therefore, the expectations of a winning project are high, with the support of all the players and legends. Even though he is reportedly set to be presented this Tuesday, July 28, he seems to be seeking an eight-year long-term project.

According to Ramón Fuentes, via Mundo Deportivo, Zidane has made a direct proposal to the FFF to build over eight years. With this, he would have the chance to manage the next two UEFA Euros, along with the next two World Cup editions. Although it has not been confirmed whether this proposal was accepted, he has already made his objective clear: An immediate winning project, but with a long-term vision.

With this in mind, the return of veteran figures such as Karim Benzema seems ruled out. Instead, Zidane would look to keep Kylian Mbappé as his central figure. However, he could make major changes in midfield: The weakest and most criticized area of France ahead of UEFA Euro 2028, his first real objective.

After making back-to-back World Cup final appearances in 2018 and 2022, France entered the 2026 tournament as a top title contender. Despite Mbappe posting historic numbers throughout the competition, France fell to eventual champions Spain in the semifinals before dropping a wild 6-4 thriller to England in the third-place match.

A week after the conclusion of the World Cup, Mbappe took to Instagram to share a poignant message with French supporters: “We’re not bringing a collective trophy home. It hurts, and it will hurt for a while. I won’t pretend otherwise. I’m proud to have won the Golden Boot, but it would have meant far more with the World Cup beside it. Maybe we owed you a better ending.“

With 10 goals in eight matches, Mbappe captured his second career World Cup Golden Boot, matching his award from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The 27-year-old superstar also became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals, eclipsing Lionel Messi’s mark of 21.

Directing praise toward his teammates, France’s backroom staff, and long-time manager Didier Deschamps, Mbappe voiced immense pride in captaining his country while expressing deep gratitude for the fans who followed their run from afar. “So many of you stayed up up late, some of you deep into the night, to watch us play an ocean away… Men and women of every background and every generation, united by the simple joy of sharing the moment,” he wrote.

He concluded his statement with a promise to French fans, reminding them that the team’s international ambitions remain bright. “This World Cup has come to an end, but the story goes on. There will be other matches, other nights in summer and in winter when we’ll all come together again over this same game, with the same undiminished excitement. Our journey together is far from over.“

Mbappe’s full statement:

“Thank you.

“A month of emotion. Of pushing beyond our limits. Of pride in wearing the colors of France. And above all, of passion: the same passion that drives us on the pitch and that drives you, whether you were watching from home or cheering in the stands. That’s what we experienced together. An incredible story.

“We’re not bringing a collective trophy home. It hurts, and it will hurt for a while. I won’t pretend otherwise. I’m proud to have won the Golden Boot, but it would have meant far more with the World Cup beside it. Maybe we owed you a better ending. But we don’t always get to choose how the story ends. We do get to choose what we put into it, and we gave it everything. That much we can be proud of.

“Thank you to my teammates. Without their work, their runs, their passes, without the spirit that carried us from the first match to the last, I could never have scored so many goals. This award belongs to the team as much as it belongs to me.

“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in a World Cup. Just one. I’ve now played in three, won one, and this year I’ve had the immense honor of captaining my country. I will never forget it.

“So many of you stayed up up late, some of you deep into the night, to watch us play an ocean away. You gathered at home, in bars, with family and friends, in France and far beyond it. Others were there with us in the stadiums, draped in the French flag. Children with stars in their eyes. Men and women of every background and every generation, united by the simple joy of sharing the moment.

“And you never stopped believing in us. Not in the hardest moments. Not even when we deserved it least. This story was written by millions of hands, not just by the eleven on the field, all of them carried by the same passion.

“I’ve already said to Didier what I needed to say. He knows. Thank you to him, to his entire staff, to the physios, the chefs, the fitness coaches, the drivers, and to everyone working behind the scenes whom no one ever sees and without whom none of of this this would have been possible. And thank you to everyone who welcomed us and supported us across the United States.

“At its heart, football is still a game. A game we take very seriously, one we spend a lifetime trying to master, but a game all the same, and it still comes down to what it came down to when we first started playing: a ball, a goal, and the desire to score. That’s why it brings us together the way it does.

“This World Cup has come to an end, but the story goes on. There will be other matches, other nights in summer and in winter when we’ll all come together again over this same game, with the same undiminished excitement. Our journey together is far from over.

“Thank you for everything.

“Kylian Mbappe.“

As reported by sports journalist Ben Jacobs, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) received approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to roll out the trial for the upcoming 2026–27 season.

PGMOL is the governing body responsible for overseeing match officials across English professional soccer. Consequently, the new rule will be enforced across the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), major Football Association (FA) cup competitions, and the Women’s Super League (WSL).

How the new rule works

Goalkeepers going to ground to feign injury has grown into one of soccer’s oldest time-wasting tactics. Because keepers cannot easily be removed from the pitch for medical evaluation, a stoppage forces the match to grind to a halt, offering teams a prolonged breather or a chance to gather along the touchline for tactical instruction.

Under IFAB’s newly approved trial, anytime a match is stopped for a goalkeeper to receive medical treatment, an outfield teammate must temporarily leave the pitch for one minute of active play. This builds on recent player-evaluation protocols, but since a keeper cannot leave the field without forcing a stoppage, a teammate must serve the temporary exile outside the touchline instead.

Once the head referee signals team physios onto the pitch, the manager has 10 seconds to select an outfield player to step off the field and report his choice to the fourth official. If the manager fails to nominate a player within that 10-second window, the team captain is automatically required to leave the field.

Similar to general player-treatment rules, several exemptions will apply. An outfield teammate will not be required to leave the pitch if:

• The goalkeeper says they do not need the physio and they have not caused play to stop.
• The goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided.
• A goalkeeper is fouled and needs immediate treatment.
• A goalkeeper is bleeding.
• A goalkeeper suffered a serious injury (has to be substituted) or concussion.

Additional World Cup-inspired rules for 2026-27

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, English soccer introduced an eight-second possession cap on goalkeepers to deter delay-of-game tactics and keep matches moving. Now, additional pace-of-play initiatives showcased at the 2026 World Cup will be integrated into the domestic calendar.

Under the updated guidelines, players will face a strict five-second countdown on throw-ins and goal kicks, while substituted players will have a maximum of 10 seconds to exit the pitch. The complete package of rules is set to debut Saturday, Aug. 1, during the Carabao Cup preliminary round matchup between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale.

Throughout the summer of 2026, PSG had set their sights on Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Being one of the biggest prospects, they were willing to pay a transfer fee of around €100M, plus add-ons. However, they have officially decided to pull out of the deal due to the high financial demands, with him now close to becoming a new Real Madrid player. Therefore, Ferran Torres seems to be the new priority.

According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario Sport, PSG are looking to reach a verbal agreement with Ferran Torres in the coming days. For this, they are open to offering him a four-season contract, along with a higher salary than the one he receives at Barcelona. If they manage to convince him, they would only have to negotiate with Barcelona, which would be open to selling him for a fee close to €50M.

Despite the optimism of the French side, Barcelona continue working to convince Ferran to renew his contract. However, he is not very happy with his situation, as he reportedly feels left. In addition, the Spanish side would not be very open to matching the salary offer made by PSG, making it quite difficult. Along with this, the good relationship of the 26-year-old star with Luis Enrique would be a key factor in taking him away.

Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche are PSG’s backup options

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Paris Saint-Germain keep their offensive commitment clear: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, the departures of Gonçalo Ramos, Kolo Muani, and Lee Kang-in mean they must reinforce the squad. Along with them, Bradley Barcola also seems decided to leave. Therefore, Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche are reportedly the clear options to give depth to the bench.

According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario Sport, PSG already have an agreement with Maghnes Akliouche, who could leave AS Monaco for €50M. Both he and Ferran are capable of playing in the three attacking positions, making them essential for Luis Enrique. With this, they could be very important in Ligue 1, while also getting many minutes in the Champions League.

Neither Ferran nor Maghnes would arrive to be starters at PSG, but rather to fight for a place in the starting lineup. However, the 26-year-old striker could be the one with the most doubts, as he would once again be a substitute. Despite this, the French side wants to finalize these agreements in the coming weeks, looking to have a complete roster from the start of the season.

Match Overview

Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala meet in a crucial Group Stage clash, with both teams needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. After opening their campaigns with defeats, another loss would leave either side relying on the race for the best third-place spots.

Antigua and Barbuda fell 3-0 to Mexico in a respectable effort against a stronger opponent, while Guatemala suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica. With no room for mistakes, both teams enter this matchup looking for a vital three points.

Despite being under contract until 2028, Dembélé is looking to improve his contractual conditions with PSG, as winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or changes his status. However, the French side was not willing to reach a salary of €50 million per season, making his departure a strong possibility, reports L’Équipe. As a result, Al Hilal and several Premier League clubs were looking to sign him as a marquee addition.

According to Marc Mechenoua, via Onze Mondial, PSG and Dembélé have reached an agreement for an extension of his contract, agreeing on the main issues. Once Ousmane returns to training, the talks will continue to finish this matter as soon as possible. While details regarding his salary or the duration have not been specified, a noticeable improvement in his conditions is expected so that he can continue to be a central part of the project.

While Ousmane Dembélé is coming off a season marked by injuries, he remained a difference-maker with PSG. He was the central figure in Luis Enrique’s team during their recent Champions League title, scoring three goals against Bayern Munich and one goal against Arsenal in the final. In addition, he was the team’s top scorer and top assist provider, making his renewal a top priority for the French side.

Ousmane Dembélé’s PSG legacy reaches legendary heights

After a disappointing spell at FC Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé arrived at Paris Saint-Germain with many doubts surrounding him. However, he has managed to turn the criticism into praise, leading Luis Enrique’s era in great fashion. Not only did he win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but his statistical impact is undeniable, already recording 103 goal contributions in 135 matches.

Luis Enrique has managed to transform Ousmane into an all-around talent, pressing high, recovering balls, and creating play. In addition, he has been the central axis of the best era in the club’s history, winning two consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, adding many domestic titles such as league titles, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.

If he manages to finalize his renewal soon, Ousmane Dembélé could be a clear candidate to become the greatest player in PSG’s history. While there are legends such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ronaldinho, George Weah, Kylian Mbappé, and others, the 29-year-old star has left an eternal legacy, full of titles. In addition, he has made collective work the central axis of his game, earning the affection of all the fans.

In a release on its official website, the NZS confirmed the end of the 46-year-old referee’s storied career on the pitch: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“

The Slovenian FA emphasized that calling the World Cup final solidified “his status as one of the greatest match officials in history.” The praise coincided with major honors, as the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the 2026 World Cup, while Italy’s Referee Association (AIA) awarded him the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award.

An international referee since 2010, Vincic built a distinguished résumé overseeing high-stakes fixtures, including 50 UEFA Champions League matches. In European club competition, he was selected to handle the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, followed by the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

When FIFA officially assigned Vincic to the final, the moment proved overwhelming for the Slovenian, who was visibly moved upon receiving the news. Officiating the World Cup final served as the absolute zenith of his career, the exact high point at which he chose to hang up his whistle.

Vincic at the 2026 World Cup

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar marked Vincic’s debut on international soccer’s grandest stage, where he refereed two group-stage fixtures: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia and Wales vs. England. For the 2026 edition, however, his assignments extended well beyond the group stage, placing him in control of crucial knockout moments.

His first two games of the tournament came in the group stage, starting with a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco. He followed that with a group-stage clash between Jordan and Algeria, which saw the North African side capture a 2-1 victory.

His knockout duties began in the Round of 32 at Estadio Azteca, overseeing a match between co-host Mexico and Ecuador. In a 2-0 win for Mexico, Vincic made headlines late in stoppage time by issuing a straight red card to Piero Hincapié under FIFA’s new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges.

His defining career assignment came on July 19 in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. During La Roja’s 1-0 victory, Vincic showed a second yellow card to Enzo Fernandez following a foul on Pau Cubarsi, an ejection that sealed Albiceleste’s fate against a dominant Spanish squad.

According to Arriyadiyah, a well-known Saudi media outlet, Darwin Núñez is very close to leaving Al Hilal on loan, heading to the Portuguese league. Both FC Porto and Benfica are closely monitoring his arrival, with negotiations already underway. Despite having played in LaLiga and the Premier League, the Uruguayan striker produced his best version in the Primeira Liga, so a return there would be key.

With Benzema’s arrival, Darwin was left out of Al Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad, leaving him available only for the AFC Champions League Elite. With the veteran Frenchman and Marcos Leonardo, the Uruguayan striker appears to have no place in the team, making his departure almost mandatory. With this, Núñez seems set to end his spell in the Saudi Pro League without playing a single minute alongside Karim.

Darwin Núñez has gone from being one of the best strikers in the Premier League to becoming a marginal player in the Saudi Pro League. In the 24 matches he has played, he has scored only nine goals and provided five assists, disappointing many. Because of this, a return to the Primeira Liga would be key to rediscovering his best form, as he is only 27 years old and is looking to relaunch his professional career.

Jader Duran’s arrival to Benfica could shut door to Darwin Núñez

Recognizing Darwin Núñez as a great talent, SL Benfica are looking to bring the Uruguayan striker back for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Marco Silva faced him on numerous occasions in the Premier League and could look to relaunch his career. However, the 27-year-old striker will not have an easy path to earning a place, as they have just signed Jhon Jader Durán on loan, which would leave him out of the rotation.

Head coach Marco Silva not only has Durán, but also Vangelis Pavlidis, Franjo Ivanović, and Anísio Cabral. Therefore, Darwin Núñez would be the fifth option or adapt to the left wing. In his spell at Benfica, the Uruguayan striker scored 48 goals and provided 16 assists in 85 games, but he is not coming in his best version and needs continuity. With this in mind, FC Porto seem to be his best option to have continuity.

“…I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness. Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all… To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world…While you divide, we unite,” Infantino said, via Instagram.

Amid the 2026 World Cup, FIFA received a great deal of criticism due to its closeness to United States President Donald Trump, while leaving Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney in the background. In addition, many fans had problems with their visas, feeling heavily targeted. However, Infantino decided to turn his attention to one fact: It was a very safe event, with no violence.

Far from all the changes being negative, the 2026 World Cup was full of positive surprises. After increasing the number of national teams, there were several records in the knockout stage, such as Norway, Switzerland, Cape Verde, among others, who delivered solid performances. In addition, the level of competitiveness on the field increased significantly, also leading to higher tournament revenues.

Folarin Balogun red card controversy fuels FIFA-UEFA conflict

Folarin Balogun emerged as the USMNT’s best player at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals in four matches. However, he received a red card that ruled him out of the Round of 16 match against Belgium. Surprisingly, that suspension was overturned before the game, generating major controversy. Following this, UEFA and FIFA have reportedly faced tensions regarding the transparency of the tournament.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line. Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition,” UEFA expressed in a release. As a protest, president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend the Argentina-Spain final.

Despite these harsh words from UEFA, Gianni Infantino made his stance clear: The imposition or withdrawal of yellow and red cards is something common in soccer. With this, he makes it clear that it was not a FIFA mistake to favor the USMNT, but that it was a soccer decision. Therefore, the relationship between both entities seems not to be the best and could worsen with the possible future changes to the World Cup format.

According to Sky Sports Italia, the FIGC and Andrea Pirlo were very close to reaching an agreement for him to become Italy‘s new head coach. However, he has been ruled out due to his association with a Russian sports betting platform, which led to significant political pressure. Because of this, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò decided not to give the green light to his appointment as head coach, forcing the federation to look elsewhere.

Amid these reports, Andrea Pirlo released a statement on his social media, seeking to clarify everything. “After learning last night that I am no longer a candidate for the Italian national team, I feel it is my duty to clarify certain matters… The professional collaboration that has been the subject of recent controversy arose in the context of my career in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature,” he said, via Instagram.

Paolo Maldini expected to step down as Italy technical director

Amid the rebuild of the sporting project, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, his assistant, emerged as the key duo behind the major decisions. As a result, the rejections from Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti left Andrea Pirlo as their only option. Following President Giovanni Malagò’s rejection, the Italian legend has reportedly decided to resign from his position as technical director.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Maldini and Leonardo have decided to resign from the FIGC if Italy’s new head coach does not align with their vision of the game. While both are seeking a revolution, the potential candidate represent a continuation of the old approach. As the leaders behind these decisions, they believe that remaining in their roles without believing in the head coach would be a waste of time.

Report: Antonio Conte emerges as Malagò’s top Italy candidate

Without Paolo Maldini and Leonardo by his side, Giovanni Malagò appears to be the sole decision-maker in the selection of Italy’s new head coach. As a result, he is reportedly leaning toward a more conservative decision, seeking immediate impact. Antonio Conte is reportedly the absolute priority to become Italy’s new head coach. With this, Malagò is taking a completely different path from the one Maldini wanted.

Although the narrative of the rebuild pointed toward a new process, Conte represents a continuation of the old one. Basing his style of play on defense and counterattacking soccer, Italy appear determined to give the past another chance. In addition, the development of young players could be put on hold, as the head coach tends to rely on veterans, taking an approach that is focused only on winning in the short term.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, when the Herons host the game against the Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium. However, the presence of the Argentine legend remains a huge question since he’s yet to return to the team after his World Cup campaign.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming international break in September. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

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

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

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

Scaloni dominated headlines in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, first by casting doubt on his future as national team boss and then by cutting his postgame press conference short after breaking down in tears. Despite the painful finish, the team’s relentless march to the World Cup final in North America earned widespread praise from Argentine supporters.

Upon receiving a hero’s welcome back home, Scaloni traveled to his hometown of Pujato near Rosario to spend time with his family, where fans spent the past five days gathered outside his house for photos and autographs. Before boarding a flight Sunday to rejoin his wife and children at their residence in Mallorca, Spain, the manager left behind a moving farewell note.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Scaloni addressed the fans directly to process his feelings. “All I can say is I am sorry for not having been able to bring you another cup and give you a new reason to rejoice that, even if only for a few days, might have made you forget all the ugly things in life,” part of the message said.

Scaloni also praised his squad of “warriors” while landing a subtle jab at the barrage of recent media criticism: “But I want you to hold onto what we have tried to show you through this group of players—my warriors, as I used to define them when I spoke about them to my wife. The effort, the desire, the will, the ‘I can,’ the not giving up (even when everything gets uphill), the giving it your all (even when you have nothing left), enduring buckets of cold water thrown at us (BY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW US), knowing how to conduct oneself, wanting to stay on your feet when your legs no longer obey your brain… That is the true trophy.“

He closed by expressing gratitude to his coaching staff, squad members, federation personnel, and the fan base that stood behind the team throughout their journey. “Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure,” Scaloni wrote.

Lionel Scaloni’s full statement

“After an intense week where sadness and joy have interwoven, tears with a smile, anguish with peace of mind, nerves with calm, I can finally sit down to write a few words—which, even though you know I’m not very fond of social media, might be the best medium to get this across to you.

“All I can say is I am sorry for not having been able to bring you another cup and give you a new reason to rejoice that, even if only for a few days, might have made you forget all the ugly things in life. But I want you to hold onto what we have tried to show you through this group of players—my warriors, as I used to define them when I spoke about them to my wife.

“The effort, the desire, the will, the ‘I can,’ the not giving up (even when everything gets uphill), the giving it your all (even when you have nothing left), enduring buckets of cold water thrown at us (BY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW US), knowing how to conduct oneself, wanting to stay on your feet when your legs no longer obey your brain… That is the true trophy.

“Eternally grateful to my coaching staff, the players, the AFA staff—those who work quietly so that we are comfortable—and to every single one of you for the affection received. Lionel Scaloni.“

“P.S.: Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure.“

Four years after their storybook title run in 2022, Lionel Messi and company were cast as the villains of the 2026 edition. Critics labeled Argentina’s style of play as “dirty,” pointing to a string of heavy fouls, yellow cards, and controversial refereeing decisions. However, the online narrative quickly spiraled beyond tactics into an effort to discredit the team’s achievements, with discussions often degrading into broader slurs against Argentine culture and its people.

Back in his hometown of Gualeguay, Argentina, Martinez was asked directly about the online backlash and didn’t hold back: “I have quite a few mixed feelings about it. A little bit of anger because clearly they have no basis to generate that hate. Then I also see how my teammates fight on the pitch, how the fans encourage us, how they make us feel at home, and they talk about us being arrogant, about us being this or that… maybe that speaks a bit more about the people who do those things than about us.“

Martinez sets the record straight on Spain trophy ceremony

Another flashpoint in the postgame fallout involved the behavior of Argentina’s squad during Spain’s trophy ceremony. As the Spain players stood on the podium celebrating and hoisting the World Cup trophy, camera angles showed the Argentine roster standing near the sideline with their backs turned toward La Roja.

The moment came shortly after the final whistle, which saw a viral scuffle break out between players from both sides. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed any notion of bad blood in his postgame press conference, insisting his team meant no disrespect toward the newly crowned World Cup champions.

The Manchester United center back echoed his manager’s sentiments, categorically denying any intention to snub Spain. “We were always very respectful of the opponent. It was also said that after the final, we hadn’t acknowledged Spain. We greeted all the players, all the coaching staff, we were there” Martinez stated.

Martínez concluded by clarifying the context behind the viral image of the team facing away from the stage after falling short of back-to-back titles: “And then obviously the image that you see where we are turning our backs is when we our people were singing to us, right? So, it was also a show of respect towards our people, staying there in the moment that we had to stay.“

Cruz Azul punching its ticket to the match came down to Saturday’s Campeón de Campeones clash against Toluca, the annual winner-take-all match between Liga MX’s split-season champions. Behind a decisive 3-1 victory at Dignity Health Sports Park, manager Joel Huiqui’s squad hoisted the hardware and secured its matchup against Inter Miami for the 2026 Campeones Cup.

The 2026 Campeones Cup between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Kickoff for both the MLS and Liga MX sides is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The final will take place at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami’s brand-new home since its grand opening in April 2026, granting the South Florida club home-field advantage. A joint decision by MLS and Liga MX officials awarded Inter Miami hosting duties rather than placing the game at a neutral site.

Messi’s history with Cruz Azul

Messi has yet to suit up for Inter Miami following his summer run with the Argentina national team at the 2026 World Cup. However, the international superstar is expected to be fully match-fit for Cruz Azul, an opponent that holds a special place in his North American journey.

The Argentine legend has faced La Maquina just once before, a memorable clash on July 21, 2023, during the Leagues Cup. That game marked Messi’s historic Inter Miami debut, capped off by a stunning stoppage-time free kick to seal a 2-1 victory. That goal launched a dominant tournament run that ended with Messi lifting the Leagues Cup trophy, a script he will aim to rewrite three years later in the Campeones Cup.

Messi aims to snap Liga MX winning streak

Established in 2018, the Campeones Cup was designed as an annual showcase pitting the reigning champions of North America’s top two soccer leagues, MLS and Liga MX, against each other. While the head-to-head record remains tight, Mexican clubs have built a recent winning streak that Lionel Messi and company will be eager to snap.

Liga MX representatives have prevailed in each of the past three editions, outlasting Los Angeles FC, the Columbus Crew, and the LA Galaxy, respectively. Through seven all-time meetings, Liga MX holds a narrow 4-3 edge over MLS, giving Inter Miami a chance to level the series.

Speaking to Sky Italy on Saturday, Ausilio openly addressed Inter’s pursuit of the Argentine star: “It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club. These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see.“

According to soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, Romero is fully expected to exit North London, and Spurs have already laid the groundwork for his departure. Alongside holdovers Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso, Tottenham bolstered their backline by signing Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, leaving the club with a crowded defense and a clear incentive to move Romero.

FC Barcelona have also expressed interest in landing Romero this summer. However, any potential move by the Catalan side hinges on offloading one of their own center backs first, leaving Inter Milan as the clear frontrunner in the sweepstakes for now.

While a final transfer fee has yet to be reported, prying the defender away from England won’t come cheap. Romero carries an estimated market value of €50 million ($54M USD) on Transfermarkt, a price tag higher than Inter would ideally like to spend, but following the departures of starters Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries, the Italian club is desperate for a marquee addition to its backline.

Romero’s discipline remains a talking point in England

Serving as Tottenham’s captain throughout the 2025–26 season and leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final reaffirmed Romero’s status as one of the premier defenders on the planet, leaving some to wonder why Spurs would part ways with him. However, his aggressive style of play, and a persistent habit of drawing cards and suspensions, remains a hot topic across English media.

Since joining Tottenham in 2021, Romero has racked up six red cards, one in the UEFA Conference League, one in the Champions League, and four in the Premier League. His most recent dismissal in February 2026 gave him the dubious distinction of being the most red-carded player in England’s top flight since his arrival.

Romero’s disciplinary record in North London stands in stark contrast to his pristine play for the national team. Across 58 caps for Argentina since his international debut in June 2021, he has picked up 10 yellow cards but has never been sent off, a composed version of the defender Inter Milan will be eager to unlock if the transfer goes through.

According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, via X, Bradley Barcola has already rejected three contract renewal offers from PSG and is determined not to accept any of them. Therefore, there will be no further discussions between the two parties, meaning his contract will expire in 2028. As he is not an undisputed starter under head coach Luis Enrique, he appears open to leaving either this summer or in the summer of 2027.

With two years still remaining on his contract, PSG are not open to letting him leave easily. They are reportedly demanding a €170 million transfer fee, complicating his departure. However, Liverpool and Arsenal are determined to pursue his signing, as they consider him a truly game-changing player, reports L’Équipe. Amid this race, the Reds are leading the race due to the player’s acceptance to play at Anfield.

Despite Liverpool being his preferred destination, Arsenal remain very attentive to the signing of Barcola, but only values his transfer at around €90 million, reports L’Équipe. Therefore, they would need to wait for PSG to lower its demands in order to complete his arrival this summer. While the Premier League appears to be his dream destination, Bradley has another option open: Bayern Munich.

Bradley Barcola tipped to replace Luis Díaz at Bayern Munich

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Bayern Munich established as one of the best attacking teams in the world. Led by Luis Diaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise, they dominated in Europe, leaving a strong impression despite failing to win the UEFA Champions League. However, the Colombian star could leave in a blockbuster transfer to Al Hilal. Therefore, Bradley Barcola would be the ideal replacement.

Like Liverpool and Arsenal, Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the arrival of the French winger. However, Luis Diaz’s departure would be the key condition for the club to move forward with his signing, as there would currently be no room for him in the starting lineup. In that sense, the 23-year-old star would be the ideal replacement, as he is essential in both the creative and goalscoring aspects of the game.

The match between Spain and Argentina was surrounded by controversy due to the excessive “aggressiveness” of Lionel Scaloni’s team, which overshadowed the champions. However, Ayala admitted his mistake, publicly apologizing and stating that he would like to do so face to face. Not everything was positive, as he hinted that Dani Olmo said something that made him react, which the 28-year-old star came out to deny.

“Someone who admits they regret it, but justifies a punch by claiming it was a response to something that was said, probably doesn’t regret it, because they’re not telling the truth. I didn’t say anything to him, so I have no need for him to apologize to me… What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to accept it with humility, honesty, and dignity,” Dani Olmo revealed, via Diari de Terrasa.

Not only has Dani Olmo publicly criticized Argentina, but Luis de la Fuente has as well. “It is intolerable, inadmissible, and cannot be allowed. We must highlight our behavior in the face of aggression and provocation,” he said, via TV. However, FIFA has not provided any update on whether there will be sanctions, leaving the matter unresolved. For that reason, the tensions between the two sides are expected to remain until their next meeting.

Dani Olmo hails Spain’s 2026 World Cup performance as ‘incredible’

Amid all the criticism of Argentina and its “aggressiveness,” the focus of the 2026 World Cup has shifted away from what really matters: Spain’s performance. With this in mind, Dani Olmo has decided to downplay that incident and describe the team’s performance in the tournament as incredible. In addition, Luis de la Fuente’s team remained the most balanced and most dominant, being deserved champions.

“Thank God—what really matters is that we’ve experienced an incredible World Cup, that the world has seen it, and that we’re world champions after putting in a tremendous amount of work,” Dani Olmo said, via Diari de Terrasa. Throughout the tournament, Spain conceded only one goal and managed to demonstrate their offensive prowess. Since they did not rely on a single star player, the goal scorers rotated from game to game.

With one of the youngest rosters at the World Cup, Spain could dominate again in the 2030 edition. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and the rest of the stars will still be at the perfect age to shine and reach their best version. Therefore, Luis de la Fuente’s only task will be to find the ideal complementary pieces, such as a replacement in attack.

Match Overview

This Group C showdown could prove pivotal in determining the tournament outlook for both sides. With Canada and Panama entering as the early favorites to secure the top two positions, Honduras and Jamaica know that earning a victory in their opening match is essential to keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Whether they are targeting a runner-up finish or hoping to advance as one of the best third-place teams, both nations need to secure all three points on Matchday 1. A draw would do little to help either team’s ambitions, adding even more pressure and importance to what promises to be a must-watch battle.

In the 70th minute of the match between the Herons and Montreal, Berterame was involved in a hard aerial clash with defender Efrain Morales and landed awkwardly on the turf. After lying motionless for several minutes while receiving immediate medical care, the forward was loaded onto a stretcher and transferred to an awaiting ambulance.

On Sunday, Inter Miami issued an official statement outlining an optimistic prognosis: “Berterame is doing well. He was discharged from the hospital today and is returning home after spending the night under observation at Montreal General Hospital.“

The club also confirmed that the Mexico international suffered injuries to his left shoulder and nose as a result of the hard hit. He is now set to begin his rehabilitation under the direct care and supervision of Inter Miami’s medical staff.

No concrete timetable has been set for his return, as the club noted that his progress “will determine the timeline for his return to physical activity.” Inter Miami returns to action next Saturday, Aug. 1, against the Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium, where head coach Guillermo Hoyos will hope to have his starting forward back in the mix.

Berterame’s message to the team

The 1-0 victory over Montreal carried a bittersweet tone for players shaken by the severity of Berterame’s injury. After converting the game-winning penalty in the 81st minute, Luis Suarez held up Berterame’s jersey to the broadcast cameras in a sign of solidarity with his injured teammate.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Hoyos provided initial reassurance regarding Berterame’s condition: “He’s recovering right now, he’s fine, conscious. His family is aware of everything. They’re calm. The most important thing is that he’s OK, and right now he is OK.“

Following the match, Berterame reposted an Instagram story from Suárez that read “We’re with you, German,” to which the Mexican forward replied, “Thanks to everyone for the win.” With Inter Miami already weathering an injury bug alongside Lionel Messi’s absence, getting Berterame back on the pitch will be crucial for the club’s upcoming stretch.

According to Jose Felix Diaz, via Diario AS, Vinicius Jr.’s only absolute priority is to renew his contract with Real Madrid. Therefore, he has decided to significantly reduce his salary demands, seeking to earn €20 million per season, an increase of only €5 million. After several months of suspending negotiations, both parties will resume talks next week, as the player first wants to speak with Jose Mourinho.

Amid this stance toward Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr. could be tempted by a move to the Premier League. According to Dominik King of The Telegraph Football, Arsenal are prepared to offer him a salary of £400,000 per week, around £20 million per season (approximately $27 million per season). With that, he would become the highest-paid player in the Gunners’ history. However, they still have to negotiate with the Spanish side.

As one of the team’s most important players, Real Madrid may not make his departure easy. Head coach José Mourinho reportedly considers the Brazilian untouchable. Therefore, Arsenal would have to pay €160 million, as Los Blancos consider him one of the best players in the world, reports The Athletic. As a result, the Gunners have not yet taken the first step in negotiations, leaving his future open.

Vinicius Jr. would thrive with a move to Arsenal

Throughout the last few years, Vinicius Jr. has been the cornerstone of Real Madrid. Leading the team to several titles, he has been its most decisive player since his arrival. However, Kylian Mbappé has established as the leader of the project, earning a higher salary and becoming the center of everything. Because of this, the Brazilian’s potential move to Arsenal would be the right decision, as he would become the focal point of the entire team.

At Arsenal, Vinicius Jr. would become the team’s most important player, aiming to be its top scorer and the leading figure behind future titles. With his winning experience, he could lead the club in the UEFA Champions League, looking to make history with the team. After that, he could once again compete for the Ballon d’Or by winning trophies and being the leader of a team, something he seemingly cannot achieve at Real Madrid.

According to reports from journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, Real Madrid and RB Leipzig have struck a verbal agreement for Diomande’s transfer. Only minor details remain before the deal becomes official, with the expectation that the winger will arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu before the current summer window closes.

Diomande had initially reached a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain in mid-June ahead of the World Cup, but negotiations between PSG and Leipzig stalled. As the tournament concluded, Real Madrid emerged as aggressive suitors, swiftly seizing control of the race by agreeing to personal terms before hammering out a transfer fee with the Bundesliga outfit.

Leipzig previously rejected a €90 million proposal with €10 million in add-ons from the Spanish giants. However, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri indicates the revised package is now worth roughly €120 million inclusive of bonuses, with Diomande set to sign a five-year contract in Madrid.

That ballooning price tag ultimately forced PSG to withdraw from the bidding, as the French champions deemed the fee excessive. Now, the Ivorian international is set to rank among the most expensive signings in Real Madrid history, potentially crashing the top three alongside Jude Bellingham and Eden Hazard.

Diomande: The newest weapon in Real Madrid’s attack

Diomande is expected to become Real Madrid’s fifth addition of the summer transfer window, following high-profile deals for Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella. Unlike his fellow newcomers, the winger represents the first true attacking piece of the haul, poised to form a lethal front three alongside Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Throughout last season, Madrid rotated Franco Mastantuono, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz along the right flank. However, those options functioned primarily as midfield facilitators, leaving Mbappe and Vinicius to carry the burden of the main line of attack.

In his debut season in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old registered 15 goals and 11 assists across 46 appearances. He also led the German top flight with 3.6 completed dribbles per game, a mark that ranked second among all top-five European leagues, trailing only Lamine Yamal’s 4.8 per game in La Liga.

Real Madrid now plan to deploy a tactical setup similar to the ones Vinicius and Mbappe thrive in with their national teams. With Vinicius stretching defenses on the left and Mbappe occupying the central striker role, Diomande gives Los Blancos a dynamic, explosive threat on the right wing.

Match Overview

Deportivo Riestra will look to make an early statement when it hosts Boca Juniors in a challenging home matchup. Despite a difficult previous season, Riestra has earned a reputation for being hard to beat on its own field and will be eager to pull off an upset.

Boca arrives with momentum after opening the campaign with a Copa Sudamericana victory over O’Higgins and is considered one of the main contenders in the tournament. With both teams aiming to start strong, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.

According to Arriyadiyah, a well-known Saudi media outlet, Al Nassr are facing significant debt, owing 800 million Saudi riyals (around $212 million). Because of this, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the club’s owner, has decided to protect its finances, improve the fan base, and increase its marketing value. Therefore, they will not make any signings until they receive immediate liquidity.

Along with this decision not to make any signings, Al Nassr have reportedly decided to hire financial, commercial, and legal consultancy firms. With this, they aim to increase their commercial revenues and improve their financial situation. Moreover, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is open to selling the club, with two serious offers already on the table.

Without great financial power to make signings, the competitiveness of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team decreases significantly compared to rivals such as Al Hilal. In addition, they were unable to retain Jorge Jesus, forcing a managerial change to Ange Postecoglou. Therefore, they are in a race against time to improve their financial structure and strengthen the team in crucial areas.

Al Nassr’s financial problems could worsen without on-field success

Despite Al Nassr winning the Saudi Pro League title, the club experienced several problems throughout the previous season. Despite its attacking brilliance, the team often struggled in midfield, failing to control the tempo of matches and losing possession too frequently. If they are unable to strengthen their roster, their financial problems could worsen, as poor sporting results could begin to pile up as well.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Al Nassr are looking to defend their league title and win the AFC Champions League Elite. If they fail to win either competition, their projected revenues could decline, significantly worsening their financial problems. In addition, they would be wasting Cristiano Ronaldo’s final year and failing to win trophies would mean missing a major marketing opportunity.

Luis Díaz is coming off the best season of his entire career. In his first season at Bayern Munich, he managed to score 26 goals and provide 23 assists in 51 matches. He was also essential at the collective level. With his dribbling, he was able to make the difference by helping Harry Kane and Michael Olise perform at their best. For that reason, Al Hilal have reportedly made him a top target.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, via X, formerly Twitter, Al Hilal see Luis Díaz as one of the future cornerstones of their attack. To make this happen, the club is open to making an offer between €125 million and €150 million to Bayern Munich, although formal talks have not yet begun. However, the key for the Saudi side is to convince the player first, and they are offering him a net salary of €25 million per season.

If he accepts the offer, Luis Díaz would become a direct competitor of Cristiano Ronaldo. Throughout their careers, they have faced each other only four times, with two wins for the Portuguese star, one draw, and one win for the Colombian star. In addition, the 29-year-old star would compete directly for the Golden Boot, making things even more difficult for the veteran striker in the Saudi Pro League.

Luis Diaz would round out Al Hilal’s already stellar offense

Under Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal have built one of the best attacks in the Saudi Pro League. Not only do they have Karim Benzema, but they have also just signed Crysencio Summerville, paying €64 million. In addition, they have players such as Malcom and Marcos Leonardo, who have been essential. With this in mind, the arrival of Luis Díaz would complete a dream attack, which would surely force some departures.

If Luis Díaz signs, Al Hilal could open the door for Malcom, whose contract expires in June 2027. Although the Brazilian has been an essential player, his departure would be necessary to fit Summerville and the Colombian into the team. In addition, Karim Benzema would be the key figure to connect the players, something in which he has been one of the best over the last few years.

Real Madrid have decided not to pursue a move for Olise this summer, despite Florentino Perez being a fan of the winger. Fabrizio Romano reported today that the Spanish club informed Bayern several days ago that it does not want to damage its relationship with the German club over the player.

This idea was confirmed by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund, who said that the player is not going anywhere in this transfer window: “Olise-Real Madrid? That’s not a topic for us at all. He will play an important role for FC Bayern this season again.”

Real Madrid gets closer to Yan Diomande

Romano reported that Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Diomande over personal terms, giving the Spanish club the player’s approval of the conditions of a potential transfer.

Paris Saint-Germain had also reached an agreement with the winger over personal terms in June, but Real Madrid are now looking to make progress in negotiations with RB Leipzig as they look to improve their team.

Real Madrid are preparing to return with a new offer after RB Leipzig rejected a proposal worth €90 million plus €10 million in add-ons. The goal is now to improve their offer as they try to reach an agreement for the winger.

Manchester City no longer involved in Yan Diomande race

Manchester City were previously involved in the race for Diomande, but that is no longer the case. The English club have not been involved in the situation for seven days and are no longer trying to sign the player. That leaves Real Madrid and PSG as the two clubs competing for Diomande. Romano said: “Diomande is a matter ONLY for Real Madrid and PSG. Manchester City are no longer involved at all, and that has been the case for seven days.”

Match Overview

Tigres UANL and Atletico San Luis will search for their first win of the Liga MX season when they meet in a crucial matchup. Both teams are coming off opening-day defeats, with Tigres falling 3-1 to Tijuana after a strong previous campaign.

On the other hand, Atletico San Luis suffered a narrow 3-2 loss against defending champions Cruz Azul. Now, both sides are determined to bounce back, earn three valuable points, and change their early fortunes. Don’t miss this important Liga MX clash as they battle for a much-needed victory.

Match Overview

Both teams enter this California rivalry looking to rebound from disappointing losses. The LA Galaxy are hoping to regain momentum after a 3-1 defeat to St. Louis City SC, which followed a 3-0 setback against LAFC in the Los Angeles derby.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes are coming off a surprising 4-0 loss to Orlando City despite being among the Western Conference’s top teams. With both clubs eager to respond, this matchup could provide the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

The World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada showcased some of football’s quickest stars, with attacking players, defenders, and full-backs all producing eye-catching numbers. However, one statistic separated Mbappe from the rest of the field, even though France ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy after losing to Spain in the semifinals.

As the tournament’s physical performance data was released, Mbappe emerged as the fastest player at the 2026 World Cup after reaching an astonishing top speed of 37.61 km/h.

That figure placed him comfortably at the top of the rankings and highlighted why defenders continue to struggle whenever the Real Madrid forward has space to attack. His explosive pace remained one of France’s biggest weapons throughout the competition, helping him score 10 goals in eight matches on the way to claiming the Golden Boot.

Mbappe also enjoyed another historic milestone during the tournament. His 10-goal campaign lifted his World Cup total to 22 goals, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

Unexpected names challenge soccer’s biggest stars

While Mbappé topping the speed rankings came as little surprise, the players immediately behind him caught many fans off guard. Sweden winger Anthony Elanga finished second after recording a top speed of 37.16 km/h, just 0.45 km/h behind Mbappe. The Manchester United academy graduate demonstrated throughout the tournament that his pace can trouble even the strongest defenses.

Third place belonged to Netherlands defender Micky van de Ven, who reached 36.77 km/h. The Tottenham Hotspur center-back once again showed why he is widely regarded as one of the quickest defenders in world soccer.

Jordan Bos edges out Erling Haaland

One of the biggest surprises in the rankings came from Australia. Jordan Bos registered a sprint of 36.67 km/h to claim fourth place, finishing ahead of Norway striker Erling Haaland despite receiving far less global attention than the Manchester City superstar.

Haaland rounded out the top five after recording 36.52 km/h, an outstanding number by any standard. However, it left him trailing Bos, Elanga, and Van de Ven, making the Australian full-back one of the tournament’s most unexpected statistical leaders.

The rumor surfaced at a time when Al-Hilal continues to reshape its squad following a busy transfer window, leading to questions about the future of several foreign players. While speculation intensified online, Benzema chose to address the claims directly rather than allow the story to gather further momentum.

Reports circulating in recent days claimed that Al-Hilal could register Benzema only for the AFC Champions League Elite while leaving him out of the Saudi Pro League squad. The speculation was linked to the club’s search for another high-profile striker and the need to manage its foreign-player registrations.

Some reports suggested the coaching staff was considering changes after an evaluation of the squad, while others claimed new attacking additions could push the former Real Madrid captain into a reduced role.

The rumors quickly generated widespread discussion across social media, with many supporters questioning whether one of the club’s biggest stars could really be left out of domestic competition.

Benzema delivers a hilarious response

Rather than staying silent, Benzema personally responded through Instagram, making it clear exactly what he thought about the reports. Reacting to a post discussing the possibility of his exclusion, the French striker wrote: “That can only happen in your dreams.”

His short but sarcastic message quickly went viral, with many Al-Hilal supporters sharing screenshots as proof that the striker had no intention of accepting such a role.

Al-Hilal reportedly continues to count on Benzema

Several reports have since indicated that Benzema remains a major part of Al-Hilal’s long-term plans despite the transfer speculation. According to Al Yaum, cited by Morocco World News, club sources insisted that management has never discussed moving Benzema into an Asian-only squad and described the rumors as completely unfounded.

The same reports state that the coaching staff still views the Ballon d’Or winner as one of the leaders of the attack in both domestic and continental competitions.

Instead, Al-Hilal is believed to be focusing on resolving other squad issues, including the futures of several foreign players, while continuing to strengthen its attacking options before the new season begins.

Rodri’s situation has attracted attention because of his importance to Manchester City and his status as one of the best midfielders in the world. Paris Saint-Germain were not expected to look for a midfielder in this transfer window, but the chance to sign a player of Rodri’s quality is something they do not want to miss.

For Barcelona, it could also be a huge addition, as their pursuit has been fueled by Frenkie de Jong‘s injury, which could keep the midfielder out for around six months if his MCL tear requires surgery. The main issue would be the financial aspect, as their priority is to sign a top forward.

Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri

Real Madrid were the club most interested in Rodri, with the player also wanting to move to the Spanish club. However, president Florentino Perez initially preferred to focus on younger players, which affected the possibility of the club making a move for the Manchester City midfielder.

The situation could now change after the board and Jose Mourinho pushed for Real Madrid to reconsider their approach and look into the possibility of a transfer. Rodri’s quality and experience could make him an important addition to the squad, but Manchester City may not be easy to convince to sell.

English reports indicate that Manchester City may want €100 million (approximately $116 million) for Rodri, a figure that could make any potential transfer difficult to complete. Real Madrid will now also face competition from PSG and Barcelona if they decide to make a serious attempt to sign the midfielder, who could even stay with Manchester City until his contract ends.

Rodri’s contract could make a transfer possible

The viability of a Rodri transfer could be increased by his contract situation at Manchester City. His current deal is set to expire next year, meaning the English club could face a decision over whether to sell him before he enters the final months of his contract or risk losing control of his future.

A contract expiring next year could make the midfielder more attainable for interested clubs, particularly if Manchester City are unable to reach an agreement over an extension. The club not needing to sell Rodri may ultimately be what prevents negotiations from happening.

Match Overview

The road to the CONCACAF U-20 title begins with a compelling matchup as Haiti U-20 looks to shock one of the tournament’s biggest contenders, United States U-20. The Americans arrive with championship expectations and, as one of the region’s perennial heavyweights alongside Mexico.

They will be determined to kick off their campaign with a convincing victory and three points. Haiti, however, will rely on organization, resilience and relentless effort in hopes of pulling off a stunning upset against the group favorite. Don’t miss this exciting tournament opener.

His return to Inter Miami training remains entirely unconfirmed. Messi has prioritized privacy since touching down, even as crowds gathered near his home in Rosario hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and he’d had no public engagements until this outing.

Manager Guillermo Hoyos has been clear that the club isn’t setting a deadline for Messi’s comeback, framing the time away as necessary after the physical and emotional toll of a World Cup run that ended in heartbreak. That stance leaves the timeline genuinely open, without a fixed date attached to his reintegration.

Current expectations point to a return sometime between late July and early August, where a Leagues Cup debut is the more probable scenario. Miami begin their group stage there on August 5 against Atletico de San Luis, followed by a clash with Monterrey on August 8, before wrapping up against Leon on August 12.

Which game was Messi watching in Rosario?

Messi’s outing came at a game between Central Cordoba de Rosario and Leones FC, the club backed by his own family and presided over by his brother, Matias.

The team holds special meaning for the Messis: founded on January 2, 2015, and developed for years with support from the Messi Foundation, the club achieved a historic milestone this year by earning a place to compete in the Primera C (fourth division).

What Hoyos said about Messi’s return

Hoyos has made clear that Inter Miami won’t rush either Messi or Rodrigo De Paul back into the fold, declining to commit to any specific date for their reincorporation.

Asked directly about a timeline during a press conference, the coach said the two players “will be out the time they need to be out,” adding that “what they need most is to rest and be with their loved ones in their place“.

Howe said: “I’ve had some really good conversations with him before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about has to remain private, but he’s just a great player, a great person. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to speculate about. They are conversations that I’m not part of.”

The midfielder has emerged as a major target for Arsenal, with reports indicating that he is also keen on a move to the Premier League champions. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield, while Newcastle face the possibility of losing their captain.

Howe wants Guimaraes to remain at Newcastle

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Guimaraes’ future, Howe made clear that he would welcome the midfielder back to Newcastle’s squad. The Brazilian is expected to return to training on Friday after Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended earlier than he would have wanted.

Guimaraes has been an important player for Newcastle since joining the club and has also become the team’s captain. His importance to Howe and the club is one reason why Newcastle are reportedly demanding a significant fee before considering his departure.

Howe said: “Nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us. You’ve got to look at it in its own right. Bruno is the captain of our football club. He’s been an unbelievable player and person all through the time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay.”

Arsenal’s offer for Guimaraes

BBC reported that Arsenal are ready to offer £70 million (approximately $94 million) for Guimaraes, while other reports claim that Newcastle want at least £80 million (approximately $107 million) to consider selling their captain.

Vinicius’ future could then be in the Premier League, with Sky Sports reporting that Arsenal are exploring a potential move for the Real Madrid star. The report suggests that the interest is still in its early stages and that the clubs have not been in contact.

The situation is connected to Vinicius’ contract, as the 26-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal with Real Madrid. The Spanish club wants to reach an agreement on a new contract, but Real Madrid could consider selling him rather than risk losing one of its biggest stars for free next summer.

Arsenal’s other options in attack

Vinicius is not the only player Arsenal are considering for their attack. The Gunners have also been interested in Bradley Barcola if the Paris Saint-Germain forward becomes available, while Yan Diomande has emerged as another option for the left side of the attack. Arsenal have also pursued Julián Álvarez as they look for a major addition to their forward line.

The need for another attacking option has increased after Leandro Trossard‘s departure, with the Belgian leaving Arsenal for Besiktas. Gabriel Martinelli’s recent output has also become a point of attention, with the Brazilian scoring only one goal in the Premier League they just won.

Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius therefore comes as part of a wider search for more quality in attack. The club have already purchased Christos Tzolis, but the Brazilian would represent a much bigger addition to the squad and could give the Gunners another elite option on the left side of the attack.

Real Madrid’s renewal problem with Vinicius

Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid are willing to raise Vinicius’ salary from €15 million to €20 million net per year, but the two sides are still not close to an agreement. The Brazilian wants terms that would put him alongside Kylian Mbappé as the club’s highest-paid player, which could leave the door open for Arsenal if the renewal talks remain unresolved.

Match Overview

The Eastern Conference playoff race heats up as New York City FC looks to build momentum and solidify its postseason position against a Chicago Fire side determined to stay within striking distance of the conference’s top teams.

With every point becoming more valuable as the regular season progresses, both clubs have plenty riding on this matchup, knowing that a positive result could reshape the standings while a loss would be a major setback.

Match Overview

CF Montreal enter this contest looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Nashville SC and remains four points outside the Eastern Conference play-in spots. Inter Miami, meanwhile, are riding the momentum of a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire.

With that, Inter are now five points of conference leaders Nashville. Even without Lionel Messi, they have continued to perform at a high level and will be aiming for another key result. With valuable points on the line for both sides, this is a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

Match Overview

Leeds United and Wrexham meet in a preseason matchup as both clubs gear up for the 2026-27 season with different goals in mind. After securing their Premier League status last year, Leeds are focused on establishing themselves in the top flight and building toward bigger ambitions.

Wrexham, meanwhile, continue their impressive rise and enter the new campaign determined to improve on last season’s near-miss in the Championship playoff race. With both teams looking to fine-tune their squads and build momentum, this friendly should provide a valuable early test.

It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues.

Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason.

Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place.

Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition?

This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload.

Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension.

MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game

• Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).

• Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC).

• Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC).

• Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).

Match Overview

River Plate begin their title pursuit looking to bounce back after a Copa Argentina loss to Aldosivi. The runner-up from the previous edition aims for a strong response at El Monumental.

Barracas Central arrive as a dangerous opponent that has consistently challenged stronger teams and will look to pull off an upset. With River seeking redemption and Barracas chasing a statement result, this is a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

Match Overview

With relegation on the line, Chapecoense and Santos meet in a pivotal Brasileirao matchup. Chapecoense sits last in the standings with just nine points and needs a win to keep its survival hopes alive.

Santos, coming off a loss to Botafogo, has 21 points and is only one point above the relegation zone. With both teams battling to stay up, this match could have a major impact on the relegation race.

Match Overview

Group A’s race could take shape much earlier than expected when Cuba U-20 and El Salvador U-20 meet in a matchup with major implications. While the United States U-20 is considered the clear frontrunner to finish first, these two sides and Haiti are expected to compete for the remaining qualification spots, making every point crucial.

Earning a win here would create valuable momentum and strengthen a team’s position in the standings, while dropping points could leave little margin for error the rest of the tournament. Don’t miss this pivotal clash as the battle for advancement begins.

Although some reports have suggested that Messi may retire from international football after the World Cup final defeat, no official decision has been announced. The possibility of seeing him continue until the 2028 Copa America remains open, especially with his current physical condition allowing him to compete at the highest level.

The former La Albiceleste star has called for patience and continuity after the team’s emotional 2026 FIFA World Cup journey ended with a defeat against Spain in the final. According to Di Maria, Messi still has plenty to offer despite turning 39, while Scaloni remains the ideal person to guide a talented group of emerging players.

Di Maria wants Messi to continue with Argentina

Messi’s future with Argentina has been one of the biggest talking points since the 2026 World Cup final. The captain helped Argentina reach another final and delivered another remarkable tournament, but the 1-0 defeat against Spain increased speculation that his time with the national team could be coming to an end.

However, Di Maria believes Messi should decide his own future and continue playing for as long as he feels capable. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain winger insists that Messi’s age should not be viewed as a limitation after seeing him perform at the highest level once again. “Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can carry on for many more years,” Di Maria told TNT Sports.

The 36-year-old also highlighted Messi’s extraordinary achievements and his ability to remain among football’s elite players despite being in the final stages of his career. “At 39 years old, he has proven he is still one of the best players in history, and there are no limits to his abilities,” Di Maria said.

For Di Maria, Messi’s value goes beyond statistics and trophies. The Argentina captain remains a leader inside the dressing room and a symbol for a younger generation that has grown under his influence.

The reason Di Maria believes Scaloni must stay

While Messi’s future has dominated headlines, Di Maria also addressed the uncertainty surrounding Scaloni. The Argentina coach’s contract situation has created questions about whether he will continue leading the team after building one of the most successful eras in the country’s soccer history.

Since taking charge, Scaloni has transformed Argentina into a consistent international powerhouse. Under his leadership, the national team won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America, creating a winning culture that had been missing for decades.

Di Maria believes Scaloni’s greatest achievement has been developing a new generation of players capable of carrying Argentina forward. “He is the leader of this Scaloneta and this national team, and I hope he continues. I believe he is building a wonderful generation of young players, and that is something in the national team’s interest,” Di Maria said.

The former Argentina winger praised the coach’s ability to create unity within the squad and believes his work is far from complete. “He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays,” Di Maria added.

Speaking on a press conference from Auckland, New Zealand, where Tottenham are set to play a preseason friendly against Auckland FC, the Italian coach made clear he has no interest in keeping players around who don’t want to be there.

Technically, De Zerbi‘s comment was prompted by a question about Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who’s reportedly pushing for an exit of his own in search of more regular minutes. But the message applies just as directly to Romero, whose name has been increasingly tied to a move away from North London this summer.

“I’ve been very clear since the start of my time at the club. I’ve already said that whoever doesn’t want to stay at Tottenham, whoever isn’t happy, whoever doesn’t feel proud to be here, has to leave. I want proud players, who go out onto the pitch with motivation,” De Zerbi said.

With Romero now reportedly in active talks over a potential move to Inter Milan, De Zerbi’s comments read less like a passing remark and more like a signal to the squad: anyone whose heart isn’t fully in Tottenham won’t be forced to stay.

Where do Romero’s negotiations with Inter Milan stand?

According to Italian outlet SportMediaset, Inter Milan already have a contract prepared for Romero, a three-year deal worth €5 million per season. The report indicates Inter’s front office has been in contact with both Tottenham’s management and the defender’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential move.

Romero, who previously spent time in Italian football with Genoa and Atalanta, is said to be open to a return to Serie A, and formal negotiations between the two clubs could get underway in the coming days.

Romero’s move that didn’t sit well with the Tottenham fanbase

One reason behind Romero’s potential exit from England could be that his relationship with Tottenham’s fanbase has reportedly cooled in recent months.

That shift became more pronounced after the Argentine defender, while sidelined with injury, traveled to Argentina to attend the Torneo Apertura final between his boyhood club Belgrano and River Plate — on the very same day Tottenham were fighting for their Premier League survival.

It’s not the first time Romero’s future at the club has come into question, but that episode marked a clear turning point in how supporters view his commitment.

The Spanish national team finished an unforgettable tournament by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final, sealing its second men’s World Cup title. Along the way, the champion overcame Portugal, France, and Argentina, eliminating teams led by three of soccer’s biggest icons while extending an extraordinary unbeaten run.

However, La Roja’s route to the title was anything but straightforward. The knockout stage began with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of another World Cup triumph. After overcoming Belgium in the quarterfinals, La Roja then defeated Kylian Mbappe’s France 2-0 before edging Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a tense final decided by Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike.

The journey highlighted the quality of Spain’s performances rather than any reliance on individual brilliance. While every opponent featured world-class talent, Spain consistently controlled matches through organization, discipline, and possession.

Luis de la Fuente explains Spain’s greatest strength

After the tournament, De la Fuente revealed what he believed separated Spain from every other contender. Instead of focusing on individual stars, the coach pointed to the collective identity of his squad.

“We said we were facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Kylian Mbappé’s France, and we were going to play against Lionel Messi’s Argentina,” De la Fuente explained. “But they were facing a team of 26 players.” That, according to the Spain manager, became the decisive difference throughout the competition.

Unity over individual brilliance

De la Fuente expanded on his message by comparing his squad’s mentality to one of history’s most famous stories. “And recalling that famous saying about the 300 Spartans, we Spaniards are the 26,” he said. “Because our true strength wasn’t in one individual, but in the unity of the group. And that’s what gives us great strength.”

His comments reflected the identity Spain built during the tournament. Rather than depending on a single superstar, every member of the squad contributed, whether as a starter or from the bench.

The Spain international remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, but speculation has intensified after several reports claimed the midfielder is reluctant to commit to a new deal. While City continues hoping to keep one of its most influential players, Real Madrid is increasingly confident that an agreement can eventually be reached.

For much of the summer, reports suggested Los Blancos were not actively pursuing Rodri. However, that position appears to have shifted after his outstanding performances at the World Cup, where he captained La Roja’s midfield and helped guide the national team to the title while also winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award.

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are now actively working on a deal despite formal club-to-club negotiations not yet beginning. The report states that the Spanish giant believes Rodri is the ideal player to strengthen its midfield and is already planning as though the transfer could happen this summer.

One reason behind Rodri’s desire to leave

As more details emerged, another report from journalist Ben Jacobs revealed why Rodri is pushing for the switch.

According to those claims, the midfielder has informed Manchester City that he wants to join Real Madrid for football and family reasons. Those factors have reportedly convinced him that now is the right moment to return to Spain after seven successful years in England.

The same report adds that Rodri has made the move to the Santiago Bernabéu his priority and is currently not expected to sign a contract extension with Manchester City, despite the club’s continued efforts to convince him to stay.

Why Real Madrid sees Rodri as the perfect fit

Real Madrid has spent several transfer windows searching for a long-term midfield leader following the gradual departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.

Although players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde offer different qualities, reports suggest the club believes Rodri brings the balance, leadership, tactical intelligence and experience needed to control matches at the highest level.

Analysts also believe his arrival would suit José Mourinho’s tactical approach, with Rodri capable of protecting the defense while allowing attacking stars greater freedom higher up the pitch.

The absence of Pulisic immediately became one of the biggest talking points surrounding Milan’s preseason opener. While the club prepares for a demanding summer that includes matches across Europe, Asia, and Australia, the American winger remains on the sidelines.

Milan travels to Celtic Park for its first official preseason friendly of the summer on Saturday, July 25, providing Amorim with his first opportunity to test his ideas against outside opposition.

The Italian club already played an internal training match against Milan Futuro, winning 7-0, but the meeting with the Scottish champion represents a much stronger challenge. Celtic is considerably further along in its preparations, making the match an important early examination for Milan’s new tactical system.

Why Pulisic isn’t playing

The reason behind Pulisic’s absence is straightforward. The United States international remains on post-World Cup vacation and is not scheduled to report back to Milanello until July 29. Milan released a return timetable showing that Pulisic, alongside Santiago Giménez, will rejoin training next week.

Although vacation is the immediate reason Pulisic is unavailable against Celtic, the American is also recovering from an injury suffered during the World Cup. According to The Athletic, Pulisic sustained a bone bruise and microfracture in his right leg during the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium. The injury occurred when he attempted a shot and collided with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.

After initially trying to continue, Pulisic was eventually substituted. “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” the American explained following the match. Subsequent medical examinations revealed a bone bruise and microfracture, though doctors believe the recovery will require weeks rather than months.

Milan taking a cautious approach

Italian reports indicate Milan has no intention of rushing one of its most important attacking players back onto the pitch.

La Gazzetta dello Sport and MilanNews report that the recovery process begins with rest before rehabilitation gradually replaces the 27-year-old’s normal preseason training. The club’s primary objective is to have him available around the opening Serie A fixture against Torino on August 23, though no unnecessary risks will be taken.

The reports suggest the Rossoneri may even delay his return slightly if additional recovery time improves his long-term condition. With an intense opening schedule awaiting the club, Amorim prefers having a fully fit Pulisic rather than forcing an early comeback.

The arrival of Lacroix is expected to strengthen Xabi Alonso‘s options in central defense, with the club agreeing a deal worth around £51 million for the 26-year-old, while Trevoh Chalobah is nearing a move away from Stamford Bridge.

With the club’s interest in younger players remaining clear, they are now close to signing Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international who impressed during the World Cup and has attracted interest from several clubs as Kicker reported that Chelsea have made a first offer.

Alajbegovic’s development

Alajbegovic has emerged as one of the most interesting young players on the market after his breakthrough season with Red Bull Salzburg and his performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina. His development has also attracted attention because he previously spent time in the Bayer Leverkusen academy.

The player has been valued at around €30 million, with Chelsea reportedly pushing to complete the deal despite competition from several Serie A clubs. His arrival would give the Blues another young attacking option as the club continues to invest in players with long-term potential.

The interest in Alajbegovic also comes with a connection to Alonso, who knows the player from his time at Bayer Leverkusen, when the forward was in the youth division. That relationship could help Chelsea complete the deal and bring the teenager to Stamford Bridge.

Chalobah heads for exit

While Chelsea are strengthening their squad, the club is also preparing for Chalobah’s departure. Como have made an improved offer for the defender, with a proposal reportedly worth €25 million upfront plus a further €5 million in achievable add-ons, with the player believed to be open to the move.

Maresca said: “We have to say that around big players there is always speculation. So I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because Spain won the World Cup. He is one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri, because he’s a top player. But now, surgery on Monday, he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.”

The midfielder has been at the center of transfer rumors after helping his national team win the World Cup, but Maresca believes that speculation is a normal consequence of having one of the best players in the world.

Replacing Guardiola

Maresca is also facing the enormous challenge of replacing Pep Guardiola after the Catalan coach’s long and successful spell at Manchester City came to an end. The Italian coach knows the scale of the task, but described the opportunity to succeed Guardiola as a privilege rather than something to fear.

The new manager pointed to the difficulties that can arise when a manager spends many years at the same club, using Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as examples of managers whose successors faced a difficult transition. Maresca wants to ensure that Manchester City can move into its new era smoothly.

Maresca said: “First of all, I’d like to say it’s a privilege. The reason why the club decided to go for me, that means for me it’s a privilege. I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20, 25 years. It’s a challenge, it’s nice, a privilege. Also, the history of managers with many years in the same club, after always you struggle a little. Sir Alex [Ferguson], Arsene [Wenger]. But also it’s a challenge to try and do the right things immediately for this organization, the fans, everyone.”

Manchester City in the transfer market

The manager also addressed Manchester City’s plans for the transfer window, suggesting that the club is still looking to make changes to the squad. The new manager did not close the door on further moves, with the club continuing to assess what it needs as the market progresses.

Maresca said: “I think there is always something to do, because it’s something we want to do but also because of the dynamic of the transfer window. There are probably a few things to do, but we are in the process to do that.”

The latest developments come as Al-Nassr continues planning for the new season following its championship-winning campaign. With Ronaldo determined to keep the club competing at the highest level, the focus is no longer limited to new signings, as discussions are also taking place over how the football operation should be managed moving forward.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Ronaldo has asked for Al-Nassr’s management to be granted full authority over transfer business without outside interference. The idea is to create an independent sporting project where recruitment decisions are handled exclusively by the football department.

The reported proposal reflects Ronaldo’s desire to see a long-term structure capable of competing consistently for domestic and continental trophies. After spending several years in Saudi Arabia, the veteran forward appears eager to help shape a more stable football environment around the first team.

Bruno Fernandes remains a priority target

The same reports indicate that Al-Nassr is considering one final approach for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Before making any formal move, the club is expected to establish the Portugal international’s financial expectations.

The plan would represent Ronaldo’s final attempt to convince his longtime Portugal teammate to join him in Riyadh. Fernandes has repeatedly been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but convincing him to leave European football has proven difficult.

Should discussions progress, Al-Nassr would need to assemble a package capable of matching Fernandes’ sporting and financial ambitions. Ronaldo’s influence could once again become a major factor, given the successful partnership the pair have shared with Portugal over recent years.

Financial approval clears an important obstacle

Meanwhile, Al-Riyadiyah reports that Al-Nassr has received the financial efficiency certificate required to register new players during the current summer transfer window. This represents a significant administrative step as the club prepares to strengthen its squad.

Although some restrictions imposed by the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee remain temporarily in place until final approval is completed, the club is reportedly expecting those limitations to be lifted shortly. Once that happens, Al-Nassr will be free to complete transfer registrations and contract renewals.

The certificate also allows the club to move ahead with negotiations already underway, provided the Financial Control Committee gives its final authorization.

Financial stability supports transfer ambitions

Earlier reports cited by Al-Riyadiyah stated that Al-Nassr has no overdue financial obligations to either the Saudi Ministry of Sports or the Saudi Pro League. The club has also reportedly received all funding available through the government’s club support strategy.

In addition, Al-Nassr has been informed about the financial resources available through the league’s player attraction program for the upcoming campaign. Those resources could play an important role as the club attempts to compete for elite international talent.

The report adds that how those funds are ultimately used remains a decision for the club’s leadership. They are expected to form part of a broader financial plan designed to ensure long-term stability while supporting future transfer activity.

The new campaign promises another demanding journey as Saudi soccer balances domestic action with international commitments and continental competitions. Every club will face a tightly packed calendar, ensuring consistency and squad depth will once again prove crucial.

The Saudi Pro League announced that the 2026-27 season will begin on August 13, 2026, and conclude on May 29, 2027. Across the campaign, clubs will contest 34 rounds and 306 league matches, making it another marathon season for Saudi football.

The schedule was finalized after a workshop involving every club, during which league officials explained the scheduling process and allowed clubs to submit requests before approving the final calendar. The league also had to work around FIFA international windows, continental competitions, and preparations involving the Saudi Arabia national team ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Al-Nassr’s route to another title

League organizers revealed just how demanding the coming season will be. Only 102 days have been allocated for league fixtures, while 80 days are reserved for FIFA international windows and scheduled breaks. Another 59 days are dedicated to domestic and continental competitions, leaving 43 days available for rest throughout the entire campaign.

The defending champion opens the campaign on home soil. Al-Nassr will begin the season against Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park before facing away trips to Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq in the opening weeks. Early home fixtures against Al Taawoun, Abha, Al Diriyah, NEOM, Al Kholood, Al Qadsiah, and Al Shabab could provide valuable momentum.

The first half of the season also features demanding away matches against Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Faisaly, Al Hazem, and Al Fayha. The opening half concludes with a home Riyadh derby against Al Hilal on Matchday 17, one of the standout fixtures on the calendar. The second half of the campaign mirrors the first, with venues reversed.

The final hurdle awaiting Ronaldo and Al-Nassr

As the fixture list unfolds, one match immediately stands out above the rest. Al-Nassr’s final league match of the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season will be away to Al Hilal. The defending champion will therefore conclude its title defence against its fiercest rival, creating the possibility of a dramatic finish if the championship remains undecided heading into the final round.

That closing fixture becomes even more significant when compared to the opening schedule. Rather than easing into the finish with a lower-ranked opponent, Al-Nassr must travel to face one of the league’s strongest sides in what could become the decisive match of the season.

Olise remains the priority. The Frenchman is believed to want a move to the Bernabeu, a desire that grew during his run at the 2026 World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappe, who has reportedly done his own convincing behind the scenes.

Bayern, however, have made clear they consider the 24-year-old untouchable this summer, with club president Herbert Hainer stating the German champions don’t need to sell their best assets even for offers approaching €200 million.

Diomande represents a different profile of pursuit altogether. The 19-year-old Ivorian, who joined Leipzig from Leganes last summer, was one of the standout performers for Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup and finished last season with 12 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances, being selected as Rookie of the Bundesliga.

Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, tracked him closely throughout the tournament, and multiple reports indicate Diomande himself favors a move to the Spanish capital over rival offers from Liverpool and PSG.

How Real Madrid reportedly plan to land Olise

Sources close to the negotiation describe a structured approach rather than an immediate bid. According to Diario As’ Joaquin Maroto, Madrid’s plan reportedly starts with generating funds through outgoing sales before formalizing anything with Bayern, with the eventual proposal framed around a fixed fee around €223 million.

Per Maroto’s reporting, the club wouldn’t move until the closing days of the transfer window, between August 29 and 31, with the intention being to arrive at that stretch with clarity on departures, squad needs, and Bayern’s willingness to negotiate.

Romero was expected to wait for Barcelona to make an offer, but he may not be willing to do so for much longer, according to Sport. The Argentina international has attracted interest from Inter, with the Italian club looking to bring in a leader for its defense.

Barcelona are saving their financial resources for the forward position, making a potential €50 million fee for Romero difficult to meet if the club does not complete a sale first. That situation could allow Inter to become a serious competitor for the center-back, as Fabrizio Romano reports the interest.

Aymeric Laporte’s Barcelona opportunity

Barcelona’s interest in another center-back comes from a very different situation, with Aymeric Laporte emerging as a particularly interesting option after his performance for Spain alongside Pau Cubarsí. The veteran defender’s understanding with the young Barcelona center-back was one of the main points of attention for the Catalan club.

The club was already looking for left-footed center-backs, with Alessandro Bastoni appearing to be the preferred option. However, his price was considered too high for the club to make an offer at this time, while Marcos Senesi was another possibility largely because he could be available as a free agent, albeit he did not convince Barcelona as much.

Laporte could now become an attractive alternative because of his experience, his understanding with Cubarsí and his price. The defender has a €15 million release clause, making the signing highly affordable for a player who is only 32 years old and could still have several years at the highest level.

Romero’s experience in Italy

A return to Italy would see Romero go back to a country where he previously enjoyed some of the best moments of his career. The Argentina international made 60 appearances for Genoa across two seasons and 42 for Atalanta in one campaign.

Klopp said: “If you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away. I’m not doing this job for myself, I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. I love this job but I am always ready to call it quits if need be.”

The former Liverpool manager was appointed on a four-year contract after Nagelsmann resigned following Germany’s early Round of 32 elimination from the World Cup against Paraguay, and Klopp has now made clear that he is not afraid to walk away.

Klopp on Germany’s level compared to France

It was the expected matchup for the Round of 16 when the groups were completed. Seeing Germany in front of France was huge even that early, until Paraguay changed that.

With France being among the best teams, it was normal to ask the manager about where he sees his team compared to a powerful side that has been full of talent, as Klopp admitted there is a difference.

Klopp said: “When we ask in Germany: are we as good as France? And the answer is no, that’s not true. The question should be: do we have players like Dembélé, Mbappé, Doué, Barcola? The answer is no. But we still can beat them. It’s not important to look at France, Spain, Argentina. The most important thing is to look at ourselves and how we play football.”

Klopp’s Germany project

The first match for the new manager comes against the Netherlands in the Nations League on September 24, with the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach expected to bring greater intensity and energy to the German national team.

Klopp said: “This is the pinnacle, the absolute high point of my footballing career as a coach. I will give everything I have got. For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job.”

“Rodri is going to have surgery for a back problem, I think on Monday. He needs a vacation and a few days of rest. He has to recover and then he’ll come back here with us,” Maresca said in a press conference.

The 30-year-old had reportedly considered having the operation before the tournament, but chose to postpone it in order to be available for Spain’s campaign.

That decision paid off on the pitch, as Rodri lifted the trophy with his country and was named winner of the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player. Now, with the World Cup behind him, he’s turning his attention to fixing the issue that had been bothering him.

Details on the severity of the surgery have varied depending on the source, which has left some uncertainty over exactly how long City will be without their captain. What’s clear is that the club is treating the procedure as necessary to get Rodri right for the long haul of the new campaign, even if it means missing the opening weeks.

When could Rodri return?

Reports out of Spain, have characterized the operation as a minor, outpatient procedure that won’t require hospitalization and shouldn’t sideline Rodri for much more than four weeks, suggesting he could be back within the early stages of the season.

However, other reports have painted a more cautious picture: both Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports have suggested that back surgery of this kind can require a lengthier recovery, potentially keeping Rodri out for multiple months rather than weeks. Until Manchester City provide a firmer timeline following the procedure, the exact date of his return remains unclear.

Which matches could Rodri miss?

Under the more conservative recovery estimates, Rodri is set to miss Manchester City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal on August 16, along with the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 23.

From there, he’d also be sidelined for matches against Crystal Palace and Coventry, as well as the Manchester derby against Manchester United on September 13, before the squad breaks for the international window in September. Should the longer recovery timeline prove accurate, that absence could stretch well beyond that stretch of fixtures.

The move stems directly from manager Mikel Arteta, who is said to have personally asked the club’s hierarchy to go after Alvarez this summer after Arsenal missed out on Morgan Rogers.

The 23-year-old ultimately joined Chelsea instead, becoming the most expensive signing in the Blues‘ history, and that setback appears to have pushed Arteta to look at Alvarez as his priority target to add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack.

Including Gyokeres in the proposal signal just how far Arteta is willing to go to land Alvarez. The Swedish forward joined roughly a year ago from Sporting CP for a fee in a similar range to his current valuation of around €65 million, and he was Arsenal’s top scorer last season.

Alvarez and Gyokeres’ season

Alvarez enters the conversation off a productive campaign at Atletico Madrid. In LaLiga alone, he scored 8 goals and added 4 assists across 29 appearances, totaling 1,902 minutes. Across all competitions, his output rose to 20 goals and 9 assists in 49 matches, including 10 goals and 4 assists in 15 Champions League appearances, tying him as Atletico’s top scorer alongside Alexander Sorloth.

He carried that form into the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, where he found the net just once, delivering when it mattered most with an extra-time goal in Argentina’s 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Switzerland.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, closes his first season in North London as Arsenal‘s leading scorer, with 21 goals across 55 games in all competitions, including 14 in 36 Premier League appearances.

He then took that form into the World Cup with Sweden, where he scored one goal and provided two assists in a campaign that ended with his team’s elimination in the round of 32 against France.

The tournament brought together attacking soccer, dramatic knockout ties, and standout individual performances from some of the biggest stars in the sport. As the dust settles on the first-ever 48-team World Cup, the numbers underline just how extraordinary this edition proved to be.

The expanded format transformed the 2026 World Cup into the biggest edition in FIFA history. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition featured 48 national teams and 104 matches, creating more opportunities for memorable matches and high-scoring contests.

Spain claimed its second World Cup title after edging Argentina in the final, but the champions were far from the tournament’s highest-scoring side. La Roja finished with 14 goals in eight matches, while England and France topped the scoring charts with 20 goals each across their eight games.

The record that rewrote World Cup history

The biggest milestone arrived when the final whistle blew on the tournament. A total of 308 goals were scored across the 104 matches, making the 2026 FIFA World Cup the highest-scoring edition in the history of the competition. It also became the first World Cup ever to surpass both the 200-goal and 300-goal marks, establishing a new benchmark for future tournaments.

The achievement becomes even more remarkable when compared with previous editions. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced 172 goals in 64 matches, meaning the 2026 tournament finished with 136 more goals, although it also featured 40 additional matches because of the expanded format.

The increase from 32 to 48 participating teams naturally resulted in a larger fixture list. More matches created more opportunities for goals, making it easier to establish a new overall record. However, the tournament was about more than simply playing additional games.

The average of 2.96 goals per match ranked among the best in modern World Cup history and was higher than every World Cup since Mexico 1970, which averaged 2.97 goals per game. That scoring rate comfortably exceeded recent editions. Qatar 2022 averaged 2.69 goals per match, while Russia 2018 averaged 2.64, Brazil 2014 averaged 2.67, South Africa 2010 averaged 2.27, and Germany 2006 averaged 2.30.

• 2026: 2.96 goals per match
• 2022: 2.69
• 2018: 2.64
• 2014: 2.67
• 2010: 2.27
• 2006: 2.30

How previous World Cups compare

For more than a decade, World Cup scoring remained remarkably consistent. Brazil 2014 and France 1998 each finished with 171 goals, while Russia 2018 ended with 169, and Qatar 2022 reached 172, which stood as the previous tournament record before being eclipsed in North America.

1. 2026 – 308 goals
2. 2022 – 172 goals
3. 2014 – 171 goals
4. 1998 – 171 goals
5. 2018 – 169 goals
6. 2002 – 161 goals
7. 2006 – 147 goals
8. 1982 – 146 goals
9. 2010 – 145 goals
10. 1994 – 141 goals

One historic edition still deserves special recognition. The 1954 World Cup produced 140 goals in just 26 matches, delivering an astonishing average of more than five goals per game, a figure that remains unmatched despite the modern game’s attacking evolution.

The former Brazil international, who recently stepped away from international action after the 2026 World Cup, insisted that his commitment to the club has never been in doubt. He argued that the criticism ignored the work he had already put in behind the scenes as he continued rebuilding his fitness following the tournament.

The controversy began after the 34-year-old was seen participating in the BSOP Winter poker tournament while Santos prepared for a Copa Sudamericana playoff match against Universidad Central in Venezuela. Since he had only recently returned from his post-World Cup break and was following a personalized fitness program, the coaching staff decided not to include him in the traveling squad.

Photos from the poker event quickly spread across social media, leading many supporters and commentators to question the 34-year-old’s priorities. Critics argued that a senior figure should have remained closer to the squad despite not being selected for the match.

According to reports, Neymar had already completed a morning training session before attending the tournament. The following day, he was back at the club’s training center as scheduled.

The question that silenced the debate

Neymar eventually decided to answer the criticism himself through a video recorded at the Santos training facility. While preparing for another gym session, he explained the sequence of events before delivering the remark that became the biggest talking point. “I was here getting ready for my second training session, and I remembered that during my day off, a lot of people were talking about me playing poker and all that.”

The Brazilian then reminded supporters that his training schedule had not been interrupted. “I trained in the morning, I didn’t go to the match because I had just returned to training, and the next day I was already off.”

He then posed the pointed question that immediately attracted attention: “Can I train, or are you going to keep criticizing me? Mind your own business.”

Recovery remains the priority

Neymar emphasized that attending the poker tournament did not interfere with his recovery process. He completed his scheduled workout before the event and continued training afterward as Santos gradually reintegrated him into full team activities.

Club manager Cuca has carefully managed the veteran forward’s workload following the World Cup. Instead of rushing him back into competitive action, Santos has focused on restoring his match fitness through individual sessions before returning him to regular competition.

The club believes this measured approach will help Neymar contribute consistently during the remainder of the domestic campaign.

Guardiola‘s rejection came shortly after he stepped away from Manchester City following a decade-long spell in charge, a departure that had fueled speculation he might be open to a fresh challenge on the international stage. That speculation ended quickly, leaving Italy’s rebuild without its first-choice candidate before it could really get going.

Carlo Ancelotti was also on the federation’s radar, but he remains tied to Brazil through 2030, ruling him out despite reported contact between the two parties. With both marquee names off the table, what started as an ambitious pursuit of elite managerial talent has turned into a more urgent search, one that has quickly zeroed in on Andrea Pirlo.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian Football Federation has approached Pirlo to offer him the national team head coach position, one who brings obvious symbolic weight to the role.

The former midfielder represented Italy’s biggest clubs domestically, including Brescia, Inter, Reggina, Milan and Juventus, and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2006. His coaching resume tells a different story, however, one that stands in contrast to the star-studded approach Maldini initially pursued.

Pirlo’s managerial path has been a gradual climb rather than an immediate success story. He began at Juventus in the 2020-21 season before moving on to Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk and then Sampdoria, eventually landing in the United Arab Emirates to take charge of Dubai United last July.

Pirlo ready to take over immediately

Unlike the drawn-out pursuits of Guardiola and Ancelotti, Pirlo is reportedly prepared to take charge of the Italian national team right away. Doing so would require terminating his contract with Dubai United, which runs through the middle of next year, though that shouldn’t pose much of an obstacle.

According to SportMediaset, Pirlo’s deal includes a clause allowing him to exit immediately if a compelling opportunity arises in Europe, a provision that would clear the way for him to take the Italy job without complications should the federation move forward with the appointment.

Speaking in the mixed zone at La Bombonera after Boca’s 1-0 win over O’Higgins in the Copa Sudamericana, where Paredes provided the assist for Miguel Merentiel’s winning goal, the midfielder revealed new details about what Messi had planned heading into the World Cup final.

According to Paredes, Messi had already made up his mind that the final against Spain would be his last match with the national team, even if his Argentina teammates were hoping for a different outcome.

“It hurts, because we didn’t want that last match to arrive. He had made a decision, which was for that to be his last match with the Argentina national team. Hopefully not, hopefully he can keep playing,” Paredes said.

The midfielder made clear that whatever Messi ultimately decides will have the group’s full support, framing it as a personal call rather than something teammates should try to influence. “It’s going to be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too,” he added.

Paredes on his own future with the national team

Paredes isn’t just weighing in on Messi’s situation, he’s also facing questions about his own future with Argentina. At 32 years old, the Boca midfielder admitted he’s beginning to consider whether to continue at the international level following an emotional cycle with the national team.

“I think for many of us, it’s going to come down to thinking about whether to continue or not. It was a beautiful, spectacular process and we achieved important things. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to keep functioning this way. You have to think it over, weigh a lot of things. Decisions like this have to be made calmly,” Paredes said.

Asked directly whether he had reached a conclusion, he stopped short of confirming anything just yet. “I don’t know. Honestly… I don’t know. It’s a process. You have to digest it, think it over. You shouldn’t make hasty decisions. But it’s definitely something that needs to be talked about,” he said.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had identified Guardiola as its dream appointment following his departure from Manchester City, believing his experience and tactical vision could transform the national team. However, after several days of discussions and careful consideration, the Spaniard ultimately chose a different path, leaving Maldini and his advisors searching for alternative candidates.

Italy’s ambitious project falls short

According to multiple outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Italia, Fabrizio Romano, and The Athletic, Guardiola was among the primary targets after Paolo Maldini became the Italian Football Federation’s new technical director, with Leonardo serving as his advisor.

Maldini and Leonardo reportedly travelled to Barcelona to meet Guardiola personally, hoping to convince him to lead a long-term project aimed at rebuilding one of international football’s most successful nations. Before speaking with Guardiola, the federation had also contacted Carlo Ancelotti, but the Brazil coach decided to remain in his current position.

Speaking publicly during a Lega Serie A assembly, Maldini admitted that Italy first approached what he considered the best coaches in world football.

“The ideal would be to have the coach by the end of this week, but perhaps even more ideal would be to wait for the person we really want. We cannot deny that we also spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before talking to Pep, and it felt only right to start with those we considered to be the best in the world“, he said.

Why Guardiola said no

While financial considerations initially attracted attention, reports indicate the decisive factor was something entirely different. Guardiola believes this stage of his career is the right moment to step away from soccer and spend time with his family after completing a demanding decade at Manchester City.

The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City manager reportedly wants to recharge before committing to another major challenge. Having spent ten consecutive years managing at the highest level in England, Guardiola felt an immediate return to coaching would not be the right decision.

Fabrizio Romano and multiple Italian outlets reported that Guardiola intends to enjoy an extended break before evaluating future opportunities.

Match Overview

Manchester United continue their preseason preparations after a strong 2025/26 campaign that saw the club return to contention and raise expectations for the season ahead.

Rosenborg, meanwhile, will use this matchup as an important test as they prepare for the rest of their campaign against one of Europe’s most recognizable clubs. With both teams looking to build momentum, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.

The River Plate defender, who recently returned to his homeland after an accomplished European career, chose to announce his farewell through an emotional social media message. His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, with one of the squad’s most dependable leaders stepping away after helping guide the national team through its most successful modern period.

Otamendi revealed that the World Cup final against Spain would be remembered as the final appearance of his international career. Although Argentina fell 1-0 after extra time, the 38-year-old insisted he leaves with pride rather than regret.

On social media, the defender reflected on the emotions surrounding his final match with the national team. “Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. Since childhood, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege that football gave me.”

Otamendi admitted the ending was painful but said the squad could walk away knowing it fought until the very end. “As it happened, my last match was the World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, because this team fought until the very last second.”

A place among Argentina’s greatest

Otamendi’s farewell also confirmed another remarkable achievement in his career. He finishes with 139 appearances for Argentina, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time appearance list behind only Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Ángel Di María, and Javier Zanetti.

That milestone highlights the consistency he displayed since making his debut in May 2009, becoming one of the longest-serving players in Argentina’s modern history.

Across those appearances, Otamendi scored eight goals and contributed three assists, while representing his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also featured in multiple Copa América tournaments and became one of Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted defenders during Argentina’s golden generation.

A career filled with major trophies

Otamendi leaves international football with an outstanding list of achievements. He helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the Copa América twice in 2021 and 2024, captured the 2022 Finalissima, and finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup.

His performances during the victorious 2022 World Cup campaign established him as one of the team’s defensive leaders. Four years later, he once again helped Argentina reach the final, even though the dream of defending the title ended against Spain.

The defender also produced memorable moments throughout his career, including the famous winning goal against Brazil at the Maracanã during World Cup qualifying, a result that handed Brazil its first-ever home defeat in the competition.

In an interview with ESPN, when asked about Yamal’s performance on soccer’s biggest stage, the Polish legend gave an honest review: “Honestly, we didn’t see his best version in this tournament. For me, his best form—the best Lamine—wasn’t last season, but from two seasons ago. That was, in my opinion, the absolute best version of Lamine Yamal.”

Lewandowski pointed out that the youngster entered the World Cup lacking match fitness following a major injury layoff. “He’s young, and he came into the World Cup on the heels of an injury that sidelined him for about eight weeks. It’s difficult to sit out that long and then be expected to hit the ground running immediately in a World Cup,” he explained.

Having shared the pitch with Yamal at Barcelona since 2022, Lewandowski has witnessed the winger’s meteoric rise firsthand. But regarding Spain’s World Cup victory, the new Chicago Fire striker emphasized that La Roja’s collective structure was the key to masking Yamal’s rustiness, allowing him to contribute to the team’s overarching success without carrying the entire burden alone.

Lewandowski backed Spain over Argentina

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was billed as a generational passing of the torch, featuring Yamal and Lionel Messi as the poster boys for two distinct eras. For Lewandowski, choosing a side in the final proved simple.

The former Bayern Munich star revealed that he backed La Roja due to his deep ties with several players in the Spanish squad: “I know many of the Spanish players personally and spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I was rooting for them quite a bit. From Argentina, I only really know Leo (Messi) personally, even though I know they won the previous World Cup. That’s why I supported Spain.”

Yamal’s 2026 World Cup by the numbers

Rehabilitating his injury on a tight deadline, Yamal missed Spain’s warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru. However, he recovered in time for the group stage opener and went on to feature in all seven of Spain’s matches during the tournament.

While he scored just one goal—a group-stage strike against Saudi Arabia—and failed to log an official assist, his impact on the pitch extended beyond basic box scores. The 19-year-old drew the crucial penalty against France in the semifinals and set a tournament record for the most successful dribbles by a teenager in World Cup history.

The report suggests that the federation is now considering challenging the handling of the case, with president Lise Klaveness expected to seek the backing of the federation’s board before a possible complaint is submitted to FIFA’s ethics committee.

Balogun was initially expected to miss the USMNT’s Round of 16 match, a 4-1 loss to Belgium, after being sent off during the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA later suspended the ban after Donald Trump’s intervention, allowing him to play in the next match.

Norway’s reaction to the Balogun decision

BBC Sport also reports that the Norwegian Football Federation has expressed in a statement strong concern over the way FIFA handled the case, arguing that a direct red card should automatically lead to a one-match suspension.

This incident became a major controversy because the decision to suspend the ban was made without a public explanation beyond FIFA’s reference to a rule allowing the enforcement of a disciplinary sanction to be suspended.

The Norwegian federation believes the case raises questions that go beyond Balogun, including the FIFA Peace Prize award handed to Trump when the World Cup draw was held in Washington, D.C.

Belgium’s complaint

Norway was not the main team affected by the suspension of Balogun’s ban, but its federation was one of those to raise concerns over the decision. The main team involved did submit an appeal asking FIFA to reconsider the ruling, but it was deemed inadmissible before the red card was ultimately rescinded.

In response, the Belgian Royal Football Association had issued a statement criticizing the handling of the case: “The RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure for a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee’s report. Which is a breach of FIFA regulations.”

Manchester United are interested in signing Koné from Roma, with Corriere dello Sport reporting that the club and the midfielder have already reached an agreement on personal terms, even if negotiations between the clubs have not yet involved a formal offer.

United are considered the team currently closest to signing Koné, with the English club potentially able to pay around €50 million for the defensive midfielder. However, Roma are hoping to create a bidding war that could push the price even higher.

Chelsea interested in Koné

The agreement between Manchester United and Koné could give the Premier League club an advantage in the race, but the transfer still depends on reaching an agreement with Roma, which could be a bit more complicated with all the teams that want him.

While the Italian club is waiting for the first formal move from United, Roma could demand a higher fee if more clubs enter the race for the France international, including clubs from the Saudi Arabian market like Al-Ahli that are also after the midfielder.

This may not be the only option for Koné if he wants to remain in the most important competition, with a direct rival of Manchester United also ready to get him. Chelsea are also interested and could potentially pay €60 million.

Atlético Madrid’s offer

The Premier League clubs aren’t the only teams of importance following Koné, as Atlético Madrid had already made an offer. The Spanish club may still have the midfielder as a target, but they could also be looking elsewhere after their €40 million proposal was quickly rejected by Roma.

The two options are Ezri Konsa and John Stones, according to The Independent, with Arsenal exploring the possibility of signing one of the experienced England internationals to strengthen their defense while Saliba is unavailable.

A move for Konsa would require Arsenal to pay a significant transfer fee to Aston Villa, where the defender remains an important player. Stones, meanwhile, could be available as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City ended.

Saliba injury

Saliba suffered the injury during France’s semifinal against Spain at the World Cup, with the defender forced off after 30 minutes. Subsequent specialist reviews in London confirmed that he had suffered a back injury that will require a period of rehabilitation.

Arsenal stated: “Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery program.”

“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period. Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

Arsenal’s summer transfer window

Arsenal have already made several moves during the transfer window as they continue to build the squad, including the signing of forward Christos Tzolis for approximately $45.5 million to replace the departure of Leandro Trossard.

The club also made Piero Hincapié’s move permanent after initially signing the defender on loan, activating the purchase option worth approximately $46.2 million after a year at the club. In goal, the club added Illan Meslier on a free transfer to provide backup for David Raya.

Otamendi’s farewell inevitably invites comparisons to his longtime teammate Lionel Messi, whose own international career has spanned even longer and produced a far higher number of appearances. While Otamendi walks away with 139 caps, Messi remains the benchmark at the top of Argentina’s all-time list with 207 appearances.

The two were teammates through nearly the entirety of Argentina‘s most successful era, sharing the field for a run of titles that redefined the national team’s standing in world football.

Otamendi’s departure marks the end of that generation’s presence as an active player, even as Messi’s own future with the team remains a lingering question after this tournament.

Otamendi’s numbers and titles alongside Messi

Otamendi made his Argentina debut on May 20, 2009, in a friendly against Panama under Diego Maradona, going on to make 139 appearances and score 7 goals over more than 17 years with the national team. His true rise to prominence came under Lionel Scaloni, becoming one of the defensive anchors of the most successful cycle in the team’s modern history.

Alongside Messi, Otamendi won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America, a trophy collection matched by very few players in the national team’s history.

Argentina’s most capped players of all time

With his retirement finalized, here’s where Otamendi lands among Argentina’s most capped players ever:

Garnacho said: “I think I was looking for a club that I could get confidence from and help me try to be the player that I was years ago from my first years at Manchester United.”

The winger joined Aston Villa on an initial season-long loan from Chelsea with a conditional obligation to buy for a fee estimated at around $40 million, less than a year after arriving at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United.

Garnacho on Unai Emery

The player also revealed that his conversations with Unai Emery played an important role in convincing him to join Aston Villa, with the manager giving him the confidence he was looking for.

Since Emery became Aston Villa’s manager, the club has established itself among the best teams in England, with the team also lifting a continental trophy in impressive fashion this year.

Garnacho said: “I spoke with the manager, and he’s given me that confidence. I saw them in the Europa League last season and to be a part of the Champions League is important and with Unai, I spoke with him before I came here and that’s what’s given me the confidence.”

Emery on Garnacho

The manager was also delighted with the arrival of the fast winger and hailed Garnacho’s talent, youth and desire to join the project at Villa Park. Emery said: “We are delighted with Alejandro. He is so talented, young and he showed us his wish to help with our project. We are really happy.”

The federation made the news official through an official statement: “The Executive Committee of the Colombian Football Federation announces, following the meeting held this Thursday, July 23, in the city of Bogota, the renewal of head coach Nestor Lorenzo’s contract at the helm of the Colombia men’s senior national team”.

The communique didn’t specify an exact end date for the new deal, though it’s understood to run through the South American World Cup qualifiers for the 2030 edition, with the expectation that it could be extended further if Colombia reaches the centennial World Cup.

The renewal gives Lorenzo, who took over the program in July 2022, a clear runway to build toward the next cycle with largely the same group of players that carried the team through this World Cup.

What the renewal means for James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz

Lorenzo’s continuity is significant news for James Rodriguez in particular. The coach has consistently viewed the veteran playmaker as an important piece of his setup, calling him up regularly even during stretches when Rodriguez wasn’t producing his best form at club level. With Lorenzo staying on, the door remains open for Rodriguez to continue being part of the national team project going forward.

Luis Diaz, meanwhile, faces no such uncertainty. The winger remains a fixture in Lorenzo’s plans and is currently regarded as Colombia’s best player, making him an obvious cornerstone as the team begins building toward the next World Cup cycle.

Lorenzo’s numbers with Colombia

Since taking charge, Lorenzo has restored Colombia to the top tier of South American football after a stretch on the margins of the region’s biggest competitions. His tenure includes a runner-up finish at the 2024 Copa America and a return to the World Cup stage, both marks of a program that had gone years without featuring prominently on the continental radar.

Perhaps the clearest sign of that turnaround was a 28-match unbeaten run that stood as one of the best stretches in the national team’s history, a streak that only came to an end in the most painful way possible: a loss to Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final. Across his time in charge, Lorenzo has overseen 51 matches, winning 31, drawing 12 and losing just 8.

Rather than focusing solely on first-team additions, Al-Nassr has turned its attention toward developing the next generation of talent. The decision reflects a broader long-term strategy as the Saudi Pro League champion looks to build sustainable success alongside its pursuit of domestic and continental trophies.

The coach chosen to lead Al-Nassr’s Under-21 team is Brazilian youth specialist Marcos Soares, a familiar figure in Saudi football after previously working with both Al-Hilal and the Saudi national youth teams.

According to Al-Riyadiyah, Soares has reached an agreement to take charge of the club’s U-21 side for the upcoming JOY Elite League campaign. His appointment also includes a multinational coaching staff, with Fernando Junior joining as goalkeeping coach, Miguel Arias serving as first assistant, and Badr Aba Al-Hussein becoming second assistant coach.

The move has drawn immediate comparisons with Al-Nassr’s earlier decision to appoint Jorge Jesus after his successful spell at Al-Hilal. While Soares will work with the academy rather than the senior squad, the club is once again placing its trust in someone who understands both Saudi football and its biggest rival.

From Al-Hilal academy to national team success

Soares first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2021, when he accepted responsibility for Al-Hilal’s Under-17 team. His work quickly earned recognition, leading to opportunities with the Saudi national youth setup over the following years.

He coached the Saudi Under-19 national team in 2023 before moving up to the Under-20 side in 2024. During that period, he established himself as one of the country’s most respected youth coaches.

His biggest achievements came at international level, where he guided Saudi Arabia to the West Asian Football Federation Under-17 Championship title and helped secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Echoes of the Jorge Jesus decision

The similarities between Soares’ arrival and Jorge Jesus’ high-profile switch from Al-Hilal to Al-Nassr have not gone unnoticed. Jesus previously enjoyed tremendous success with Al-Hilal before making the controversial move across Riyadh. He then guided Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title, proving that crossing the rivalry could produce positive results despite the intense competition between the two clubs.

Although Soares’ responsibilities will be very different, Al-Nassr hopes history can repeat itself. Instead of competing for immediate senior trophies, his mission is to develop players capable of one day supporting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or becoming future first-team regulars.