“Saudi Arabia national team head coach Georgios Donis has confirmed his 30-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the Saudi Pro League announced this Saturday in a statement published on its official website. Of those players, 28 compete in the domestic league, one plays in the second division, and only one plays abroad: Saud Abdulhamid, a defender for Lens in France.

Al Nassr have the second-highest number of players called up to the national team, with six total selections. Only Al Hilal have more, with seven. The other club heavily represented in Saudi Arabia’s 30-man roster is Al Ahli, with five players.

The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo and recent Saudi Pro League champions selected to the squad are goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, defenders Abdulelah Al Amri and Nawaf Boushal, midfielders Abdullah Al Khaibari and Ayman Yahya, and forward Abdullah Al Hamdan.

Key dates for Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Cup

This 30-player roster will eventually be reduced to 26, with FIFA’s final deadline set for June 1. Before that, however, the team will travel to the United States to continue preparations, beginning with a friendly against Ecuador on May 30 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

The second friendly will take place six days later against Puerto Rico in Austin, Texas, while the team’s final tune-up match is scheduled for June 9 against Senegal in San Antonio. From there, Saudi Arabia will turn their attention to their World Cup opener against Uruguay on June 15. Spain and Cape Verde will be the other teams in Group H.

Saudi Arabia coach reveals his plans

During the press conference in which Saudi Arabia unveiled its 30-player preliminary roster, head coach Georgios Donis discussed his plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

“I want to see my team from the first game very organised, very disciplined, to show our ambition and then to see what happens,” Donis explained. However, he later urged caution and warned against expecting “miracles” like the victory over Argentina at Qatar 2022: “It is better to look at the forest, not the tree.”

Following a fairly cagey and subdued opening half at Wembley, genuine goal-scoring opportunities proved few and far between. Middlesbrough was the undisputed conductor of the first 45 minutes, dictating a massive 72% of the possession compared to a meager 28% for Hull City. Yet, despite chasing shadows for most of the half, it was the Tigers who carved out the most threatening chances to break the deadlock.

Hull City sparked panic in their opponents’ box with just two meaningful offensive bursts, courtesy of dangerous efforts from Mohamed Belloumi and Oliver McBurnie. Boro eventually offered a response late in the half, threatening right before the whistle with a close-range look from David Strelec.

At the same time, his omission from Brazil’s final 26-man squad has sparked fresh debate across Europe and South America. The experienced center-back had hoped his return to European soccer with Porto would earn him one final opportunity on the biggest international stage, but the decision ultimately went against him.

Brazil officially confirmed its squad for the 2026 World Cup earlier this week, and one of the biggest headlines was Silva’s absence. The 41-year-old defender had initially made Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary 55-man list, but he failed to survive the final round of cuts before the tournament in North America.

That decision closed the door on what could have been a historic fifth World Cup appearance for the veteran defender. Silva previously featured in the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the tournament, captaining Brazil during several of those campaigns.

His World Cup journey included unforgettable highs and painful disappointments. Silva famously captained Brazil during the 2014 tournament on home soil and scored in the quarter-final against Colombia, although suspension ruled him out of the devastating semi-final defeat to Germany.

Porto spell not enough to convince Brazil

Silva returned to Europe earlier this year when Porto offered him a short-term contract after he departed from Fluminense. The move reunited him with a club where he had previously played more than two decades ago during his early career. What’s more, despite his age, the veteran defender still delivered strong performances in Portugal.

He made 14 appearances, helped Porto secure the Primeira Liga title, and became one of the oldest players to feature for the club in modern history. Their official farewell message highlighted the defender’s impact during his brief stay. “Thank you for everything, Thiago. FC Porto’s doors will always be open to you,” the club wrote after confirming his departure.

The key reason behind Milan’s reported change of heart

After the 41-year-old star missed out on the World Cup squad, reports from Brazil suggested Milan quickly revived interest in bringing him back to San Siro. The club had previously explored a move both last summer and during the winter transfer window, but negotiations never advanced.

Now, the situation appears different. The club is preparing for another demanding campaign and reportedly sees the Brazilian’s leadership qualities, dressing-room influence, and elite-level experience as valuable assets for a younger squad.

According to ESPN Brasil, Milan has already offered the Brazilian defender a one-year contract running through the 2026-27 season. The possibility of a reunion has also been strengthened by Silva’s close relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who continues to play an influential role behind the scenes at the Italian club.

How Christian Pulisic could benefit from Silva’s arrival

For Christian Pulisic, Silva’s arrival could provide another experienced figure inside the dressing room during a critical stage of the Rossoneri’s project. The experienced centre-back’s possible presence would immediately add authority and calm to the back line. His experience from Brazil, Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Porto, and multiple World Cup campaigns could also help younger players throughout the squad.

The defender remains one of the most respected personalities in world soccer despite approaching his 42nd birthday. Milan reportedly believes those qualities could become extremely important during a season where expectations will again rise considerably.

San Siro is expected to be packed for the occasion, with more than 70,000 supporters anticipated for a match that could determine the club’s direction heading into the summer. Milan sits in a strong position in the race for Europe, yet there is still little margin for error after a turbulent second half of the campaign.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side arrives at the final fixture knowing that victory would secure a return to the Champions League after weeks of pressure and uncertainty. Recent results have kept the Rossoneri ahead of rivals Juventus and Como, but the job remains unfinished heading into the final 90 minutes.

They earned a crucial 2-1 victory against Genoa last weekend thanks to late goals from Christopher Nkunku and Zachary Athekame. That result ended a difficult run and restored belief inside the dressing room ahead of the season finale.

The coach is also reportedly fighting for his own future, despite growing suggestions that he could remain at the club next season. Napoli continues to monitor the situation closely, while Milan’s ownership prepares for major summer decisions depending on whether Champions League qualification is secured.

Cagliari arrives with freedom and little pressure

Cagliari travels to San Siro already safe from relegation after defeating Torino in the previous round. Fabio Pisacane’s side, therefore, enters the match without the burden of survival hanging over it, which could make the Sardinian club a dangerous opponent.

Historically, however, Milan has dominated this fixture. The Rossoneri have lost only one of their last 41 Serie A meetings against Cagliari, while the visitor has not won at San Siro in the league since 1997.

Despite the statistics, Allegri has repeatedly warned his squad against complacency. Milan’s recent struggles at home, including defeats in two of its last three league matches at San Siro, have shown how fragile the team can become under pressure.

Pulisic’s status finally becomes clear

Amid growing speculation over his future, the biggest revelation ahead of the match concerns Pulisic’s role for the decisive encounter. Reports indicate that the United States international is expected to begin the match on the bench, with Allegri leaning toward a forward partnership involving Nkunku alongside either Santiago Gimenez or Niclas Fullkrug.

That decision comes after a difficult second half of the season for the American star. After a brilliant opening stretch in which he delivered goals in major matches and regularly carried the attack, Pulisic’s form dipped significantly after January.

Still, there are signs that the Serie A giant continues to view Pulisic as a major figure for the future. The club recently unveiled its new 2026-27 home kit with the American placed front and center during the promotional campaign.

That development quickly drew attention online because of recent rumors linking him with a return to the Premier League. While kit launches do not guarantee a player will remain, many supporters interpreted the decision as a strong indication that Milan still sees Pulisic as central to the project moving forward.

The Saudi club finished the season on top of the table with 86 points after a commanding 4-1 victory in the final round. Ronaldo scored twice in that match, while Joao Felix added an assist as Al-Nassr secured its first league crown since the 2018-19 season under the guidance of Jorge Jesus.

Jorge Jesus arrived in Riyadh with enormous expectations after previously dominating Saudi soccer with the club’s city rival, Al-Hilal. The veteran Portuguese coach inherited a squad filled with star names, but many believed the team lacked consistency in decisive moments. That changed quickly under his leadership.

Al-Nassr finished the campaign with the league’s best attack after scoring 91 goals, while Ronaldo finally captured the domestic title that had eluded him since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023. “When I received the invitation from [Al Nassr CEO Jose] Semedo and Cris [Cristiano Ronaldo], I only accepted this challenge to help Cris win titles in Saudi Arabia,” Jesus explained before the decisive final match. “That was my purpose.”

After sealing the championship, the coach appeared emotional as he confirmed his decision to leave. “I came here to help Cristiano and this club win, and we achieved incredible things together,” the experienced manager said after the title-clinching victory. “Now it is time for me to leave.”

The surprising reason a U-turn remains possible

The announcement shocked many supporters because the club had finally regained stability after several difficult seasons. Ronaldo himself had endured painful defeats in multiple finals before finally lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy.

Despite the public farewell, reports from Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat suggest the story may not be over yet. Al-Nassr’s management reportedly still wants Jorge Jesus to remain at the club because they believe technical stability is essential after such a successful season.

This is said to have opened the possibility of a dramatic reversal only days after the coach declared his mission complete. According to the report, a meeting between Jesus and Al-Nassr’s executive committee is expected soon to discuss whether the partnership could continue beyond this season.

The Portuguese coach is said to prefer delaying any final decision until after the 2026 World Cup. Sources also claim that moving to Turkey, despite interest from several clubs including Fenerbahce, is currently not among his priorities.

Instead, Jesus is reportedly considering two major international opportunities in the future. The Portugal national team is viewed as a possible long-term ambition for the veteran coach once the World Cup cycle ends. At the same time, staying in Riyadh has not been ruled out entirely.

Financial demands and sporting ambition could decide everything

One of the key elements behind the ongoing discussions reportedly involves finances and the direction of the sporting project. Jorge Jesus currently earns more than $8 million annually at Al-Nassr, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the region.

Asharq Al-Awsat indicates that any new agreement would likely require improved financial terms along with guarantees about the club’s future ambitions. The Knight of Najd’s hierarchy reportedly believes continuity could be crucial if the club wants to defend the league title and continue building around Ronaldo.

That could directly impact the Portuguese superstar as he prepares for what may be his final World Cup with the Portugal national soccer team in 2026. A coaching change immediately after a championship-winning season would inevitably create questions about the squad’s future direction.

Jesus himself admitted he took a cautious approach to his future last summer. “When I spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo, they initially offered me a two-year contract. But I only wanted one year,” the coach explained.

Flick said: “Me here for 10 years? I don’t think so. At 70 years old… it wouldn’t be good for me to still be here. Pep is incredible, 10 years at that level. Pep is the best manager in the world. He has shown it year after year… even when things were not going well, he knew how to manage the situation. He always finds a solution to improve, and you can see it in the titles he has won. He is exceptional. I hope he gets some rest, but I also hope he comes back because he is still young.”

This comment came as the team gets ready to finish La Liga already crowned champions in a match against Valencia on Saturday. While they cannot reach the 100 points they wanted for the record, their 94 points show how dominant they were in the competition.

Flick wants to match Guardiola and Johan Cruyff

The club’s history includes many major figures who shaped what it is today. However, none have been more influential than Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. Both were key as players, especially Cruyff with his talent, and later transformed the game through their teams as managers.

This sport has seen managers who created global trends, but few have had the impact on how football is played like these historic figures, which Flick aims to match by winning a third consecutive La Liga title.

Flick said: “I’m one hundred percent motivated to win the third. We have to play our best football, but it’s the big objective. We will give everything to achieve it. Other clubs will also want to win La Liga, but it’s our goal.”

The other records

What the manager is trying to achieve has only been done by these two greats in the club’s history. Barcelona won four consecutive La Liga titles under Cruyff’s “Dream Team” from 1990–91 to 1993–94. Guardiola couldn’t get to that number as he won three from 2008–09 to 2010–11 with a brilliant style that every modern great team is compared to.

Kroos wrote: “Madridistas, tomorrow one of the greatest is leaving. One of our own! Someone who was always an example because of his attitude. Someone who defended Real Madrid in every situation with everything he had. Give him the farewell he deserves tomorrow! Let him leave through the front door! Make him feel the same thing I was able to feel two years ago! It was a pleasure playing with you. Thank you, Dani Carvajal.”

Carvajal did not deliver his best performances over the last two years after the knee injury he suffered in October 2023 forced him to take a step back in his career. Ultimately, the club decided not to renew the contract that expires in June, bringing the right back’s time with Real Madrid to an end.

Álvaro Arbeloa on Carvajal

The successful run of the right back lasted 13 years after he returned from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013. His spell at the club was so long that he even shared the locker room with Álvaro Arbeloa.

This was also an important press conference for the manager, who confirmed he will not continue in his role while also detailing the plan for the captain to receive the farewell he deserves from the fans.

Arbeloa said: “Carvajal is a symbol of what a Real Madrid player should be. The fact that he is from home, a homegrown player, and helped lay the foundation for Real Madrid makes him special and unique. It will be a very special day for all of us to be able to give him the tribute and ovation he deserves. He will be in the starting lineup, and when I substitute him, I hope everyone rises to their feet and leaves with a great memory of tomorrow. I’m sure he is going to be proud of everything he has done for Real Madrid, and we have been very lucky to have him.”

David Alaba also leaves Real Madrid

Saturday will not only be Carvajal’s final match for Real Madrid, as David Alaba is also leaving the club. His time at Real Madrid was very different from his teammate’s because injuries prevented him from showing his best version after leaving Bayern Munich. The move involving the versatile defender was announced by the club in a statement that included a quote from Florentino Pérez.

In the statement, the club president said: “Alaba leaves with the affection of all Madridistas for his commitment, his work ethic, and an iconic image on our road to La Decimocuarta that came to symbolize the celebration of a victory and is now part of the history of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

However, massive relief has arrived for Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff. According to Argentine national team insider Gaston Edul, medical scans revealed that while Martinez suffered a hairline fracture in his finger, the injury will not require surgery.

Consequently, the Aston Villa goalkeeper faces a recovery timeline of roughly 20 days, effectively ensuring he will be cleared in time for Argentina‘s highly anticipated World Cup opener.

The defending World Cup champions are scheduled to launch their title defense in North America on Tuesday, June 16, when they square off against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.

Which matches will Martinez miss?

While Martinez is projected to be fully fit for the tournament in North America, his recovery timeline rules him out of action for the immediate fixtures leading up to the World Cup.

As he nurses his broken finger, “Dibu” will sit out Aston Villa’s final Premier League match of the season, where they are set to host Manchester City. Furthermore, he will be sidelined for Argentina’s upcoming warm-up friendlies.

Scaloni’s men are tuning up to face Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in their first World Cup preparation match. Three days later, the reigning world champions will wrap up their pre-tournament slate against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Fàbregas said: “Nico is 50% a Como player, but he’s our player. The only club that can say anything is Real Madrid. If I can say one thing, I know it for certain: Nico Paz will not play for Inter. He will either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next year.”

The manager has been one of the biggest surprises of the season with the rise of a team that was expected to battle relegation but instead is competing near the top of the table while also coming one step away from winning a trophy after losing to Inter in the Coppa Italia final.

Fàbregas’ firm criticism of Javier Zanetti

The controversy involving Javier Zanetti became notable after the Inter vice president commented: “I like Nico Paz a lot, both for the way he plays and as a person. His father was my roommate at the 1998 World Cup. I’m happy about the moment he’s having right now. Great players are always going to be wanted by big clubs.”

While the comments were not controversial on their own considering his relationship with the player’s father from their time as teammates, the manager responded firmly when asked about the remarks because Paz remains under contract with the club.

Fàbregas said: “Has Javier Zanetti talked about Nico Paz? I’m sorry. Zanetti has been a very important figure in the soccer world, he understands very well how things work. The only club that can say something is Real Madrid. I know Zanetti does not work for either Real Madrid or Como, so there has to be respect. There are also little messages that I don’t like. If you allow me to say one thing, I’m very clear about this: Nico Paz will not play for Inter. He will either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next season.”

Paz’s buyback clause

Paz’s market value could reportedly be around €60 million for the talented 21-year-old left-footed player. However, Real Madrid included a very low €9 million buyback clause when they sold him to Como, making it obvious the Spanish giants are likely to activate it, even if only as a business decision.

During a recent interview with ESPN, Crespo recalled an exchange with Ronaldo while managing UAE side Al Ain in 2024. “With Al Ain, we faced Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League quarterfinals. The first leg went well for us, we won 1-0 and eventually advanced on penalties,” the former AC Milan and Chelsea striker began.

“I have tremendous admiration for someone who has given and continues to give so much to soccer, so I take my hat off to a guy who has given everything because of the same passion I have for the game. He elevates that passion, and players like that deserve recognition,” Crespo added, explaining why he approached CR7 after the match.

“I walked over to him and he was upset, understandably, because we had just eliminated them. I hugged him and said, ‘Thank you for everything you’ve given to soccer,’” the Argentina legend recalled before revealing Ronaldo’s response: “He looked at me seriously and said, ‘I haven’t retired yet, huh.’”

Laughing as he remembered the moment, Crespo admitted the interaction became tense as he quickly tried to clarify his words. Still, Hernan said he completely understood the reaction. “He’s a competitive animal,” he said of Ronaldo.

Who is Hernan Crespo?

The immense respect shown by Hernan Crespo toward Cristiano Ronaldo, both after that AFC Champions League Elite clash and during his recent ESPN interview, only further highlights the Portuguese forward’s legacy, as he continues to earn admiration from legendary players who once competed against him.

Crespo starred at the highest level of world soccer for nearly two decades, first with River Plate in Argentina and later in Europe. The peak years of his career came in Italy with Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. He also had two spells with Chelsea in the Premier League. With Argentina, Crespo played in three World Cups: 1998, 2002, and 2006.

During his playing career, Hernan Crespo faced Cristiano Ronaldo twice. Those meetings came in the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League round of 16, where Crespo got the better of Ronaldo as AC Milan won both matches 1-0 against Manchester United, with the Argentine striker scoring the decisive goal in each game.

The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies.

Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season.

Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats.

Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone

Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat.

If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons.

Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies.

Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign

While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.

Match Overview

As preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to intensify, Mexico will meet Ghana in a high-profile international showdown featuring two teams eager to build momentum before the tournament begins. El Tri, one of the World Cup co-hosts, continue sharpening their squad against strong competition.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are aiming to prove they can recapture the form that carried them to the brink of a semifinal berth at the 2010 World Cup after a disappointing run in Qatar 2022. With both nations looking to make a statement ahead of 2026, this friendly promises plenty of excitement and is one fans will not want to miss.

“In terms of egos, it was tough,” admitted the French defender, who was also part of that squad, during a recent interview with RMC Sport. “We have to be honest with ourselves, and even they recognize it.”

During the two years the three stars played together, PSG had two different head coaches: Mauricio Pochettino and Christophe Galtier. Under both managers, the results were similar, as the club won Ligue 1 titles but failed in the UEFA Champions League, suffering Round of 16 eliminations against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively.

Some blamed those failures on the incompatibility of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe’s playing styles, arguing it created a defensive imbalance for the team. Others, however, believed the issues were more related to the chemistry between them off the field, something Kimpembe appeared to acknowledge when discussing the players’ egos.

“Now people will say it could never work because we didn’t win a Champions League with the three of them, even though it was a legendary team,” the defender added. “I’m very happy to have played with them. I’m very proud to have shared the field with players of that caliber. If someone had told me that 15 years ago, I would never have believed it.”

Kimpembe speaks about Mbappe

Of the three stars, Presnel Kimpembe had the closest relationship with Kylian Mbappe because of the years they spent together at PSG and their shared nationality, which also allowed them to play together for the France national team. Based on that experience, he gave his opinion on how criticism affects the forward.

“The media are very critical of him… Mbappe has always been criticized in Paris,” Kimpembe recalled. “He grew up with that, so this is nothing new for him. Mbappe has incredible mental strength. He’s very strong.”

Finally, the former PSG defender expressed confidence in what Kylian can do despite such a hostile environment: “Mbappe has already shown it, both at PSG and with the French national team. Even at Real Madrid. He is capable of leading the team and lifting it… Kylian is a truly great player, everyone knows that.”

Laporta said: “I think it was grotesque, but it had a strategy behind it. The one I already mentioned… he was trying to shift attention away from two years without winning anything, and that has them very worried. Somehow they have to justify the unjustifiable, and the best way is to start throwing dirt around and direct everything they can toward Barcelona. We are not going to allow that. I’m sure the club will respond.”

The comments came during a conversation with several media outlets as Laporta responded to Pérez, who had previously claimed that he won 14 La Liga titles but was only awarded seven because the rest were stolen, while discussing the Negreira case.

Laporta mocks Real Madrid

The reelected president also made sure fans understood how motivated he is with the club: “We care about Barça. I feel comfortable at Barça. I’m dedicated to Barça. I feel strong enough to lead this institution now that we are back on the right path. We have stabilized the financial recovery. We are going to finish the stadium.”

This was probably what Barcelona supporters most wanted to hear as the club appears to be in a much better situation than it was a few years ago. Even after that, though, Laporta still had time for one more comment aimed at his counterpart from Real Madrid.

Laporta said: “We are going to have a very competitive team, and I like it this way. About the rest, what I see is that when they get Barcelonitis it’s because things are going well for us. We are here for and because of the fans.”

Laporta’s return as president

Barcelona held its presidential elections on March 15, and Laporta had to step down before officially proceeding with his candidacy. Because the club bylaws require it, Rafael Yuste has served as acting president since then. Laporta is set to officially return as president on June 1.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer will once again lead the squad into a major tournament after previously stepping away following Euro 2024. The decision immediately reshaped the goalkeeping hierarchy and reopened old wounds for Ter Stegen, whose international career has become one of soccer’s strangest stories despite his reputation as one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers.

The DFB-Team made headlines by recalling 40-year-old Manuel Neuer for the World Cup after months of uncertainty surrounding the position. Nagelsmann ultimately trusted the Bayern Munich veteran over the newer generation of goalkeepers, even after Oliver Baumann had temporarily emerged as the country’s first-choice option.

Neuer’s experience remains difficult to ignore: he owns 124 caps for Germany, won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and continues to deliver elite performances at club level despite concerns surrounding recurring calf injuries. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I didn’t make this decision lightly,” Neuer previously wrote on Instagram after announcing his retirement. “After many intense and long discussions with my family and friends, I have decided that right now is the right time to close my chapter.”

That chapter, however, reopened after several impressive displays with Bayern Munich, including a sensational Champions League performance against Real Madrid. Neuer produced nine saves at the Santiago Bernabeu, in a display that reminded many why he remains one of the most influential goalkeepers in modern soccer history.

The brutal record behind Ter Stegen’s career

The deeper story, though, belongs to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Buried beneath Neuer’s comeback is the astonishing reality that Ter Stegen has never played a single minute in either a World Cup or a European Championship for Germany across the last 14 years.

For a goalkeeper widely considered among the world’s best during his peak years at Barcelona, the statistic feels almost impossible to believe. The record stretches across multiple tournaments and several heartbreaking near-misses:

Despite earning 44 caps for Germany, every appearance came outside the sport’s two biggest international tournaments. Ter Stegen featured in qualifiers, friendlies, Nations League fixtures, and the Confederations Cup, but never received a major tournament appearance.

Injuries and timing worked against him

Many believed the door had finally opened after Neuer retired following Euro 2024. Ter Stegen appeared ready to become Germany’s undisputed No. 1 heading into the 2026 World Cup cycle. Instead, his career took another painful turn.

After losing prominence at Barcelona following changes under Hansi Flick and increased competition for the starting role, Ter Stegen moved on loan to Girona, seeking regular minutes. Shortly afterward, he suffered a severe hamstring injury that required surgery and disrupted his entire season.

The injury eventually ruled him out of contention for the World Cup squad entirely, creating the opportunity for Neuer’s return. The timing could hardly have been crueler: just as Ter Stegen seemed ready to inherit the role he had chased for years, soccer delivered another setback.

According to a report from Sky Sports insider Florian Plettenberg, the dynamic Argentine midfielder has emerged as a top summer transfer target for Manchester City.

Although Fernandez is under contract in West London until 2032, the player has previously left the door open regarding a potential departure in the upcoming window.

A potential move to Manchester could be significantly smoothed over once Enzo Maresca officially takes the reins at Manchester City. Following the confirmation that Pep Guardiola will leave the club after 10 illustrious seasons, Fabrizio Romano reported that City is poised to announce Maresca as their next manager.

Securing the Argentine’s services will not come cheap; the Citizens would likely need to shell out a staggering fee exceeding $110 million to facilitate the transfer. However, the viability of the entire operation may hinge entirely on the future of Spanish midfield anchor Rodri.

Rodri’s next move could unlock the Fernandez deal

One of the vital chess pieces that could fast-track Fernandez’s move to Manchester City is Rodri’s current situation. Real Madrid are reportedly keeping close tabs on the Spanish midfielder, who is said to be highly receptive to joining the Spanish giants this summer, according to Romano.

Nevertheless, the hierarchy at Real Madrid are carefully evaluating the financial mechanics of the deal, given that Rodri is slated to become a free agent in 2027. Should the Spaniard orchestrate an exit in the upcoming window, it would instantly clear both the tactical space and the necessary funds for City to aggressively pursue Fernandez.

Could Fernandez join Real Madrid instead?

In an intriguing twist, an alternative script for Fernandez’s future places him directly on Real Madrid’s radar instead of Rodri’s. According to a report from British outlet The Independent, the Spanish powerhouse could bypass the City anchor entirely and launch a bid for the Chelsea midfielder, who will take the pitch on Sunday against Sunderland in what increasingly looks like his Chelsea swansong.

The World Cup fixture between the two national team sides is scheduled for June 26 at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with the Group H clash drawing attention for reasons few expected. While supporters around the globe have complained about soaring prices for major matches, one fan reportedly managed to secure entry for an amount that seemed almost impossible for a modern World Cup.

The controversy surrounding World Cup ticketing has intensified throughout the tournament’s final sales phase. FIFA’s dynamic pricing model, combined with resale platform markups, has triggered backlash from fan groups, politicians, and soccer figures who believe the competition is becoming increasingly inaccessible.

Critics have pointed toward dramatic price fluctuations depending on the popularity of teams and host cities. According to reports, some Category 1 tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium surged to nearly $33,000 on resale markets.

The criticism has not been limited to ticket prices alone. Additional costs involving transport, accommodation, and official resale fees have also become a major talking point among supporters planning to travel across North America for the tournament.

Viral Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia ticket shocks fans

Against that backdrop, a viral screenshot suddenly offered the opposite extreme of the World Cup ticket economy. A resale ticket for the Group H match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia reportedly sold for just $6.94, with total fees bringing the final cost to approximately $7.98.

The original face value of the seat had reportedly been listed at $138.79, making the dramatic drop one of the most surprising ticket price collapses seen ahead of the tournament. Social media users quickly circulated the screenshot, with many struggling to believe a World Cup ticket could become cheaper than a fast-food meal.

The listing immediately became symbolic of how unpredictable FIFA’s new ticket market has become. While premium fixtures involving major soccer nations continue reaching extraordinary prices, lower-demand games have seen the opposite effect as kickoff approaches.

Why the ticket became so cheap

Several factors appear to have contributed to the unusually low resale price. The match, while historically important for Cape Verde, lacks the commercial pull associated with elite soccer powers like Spain, Brazil, or Argentina

Cape Verde is preparing for its first-ever World Cup appearance, and despite the emotional significance of the achievement, global demand for the fixture remains limited compared to other group-stage clashes. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, also does not generate the same international resale demand as the tournament’s biggest teams.

Reports indicate that upper-tier seating sections for the match experienced heavy oversupply in resale markets. As kickoff draws closer, sellers often slash prices dramatically to avoid losing their investment entirely.

According to TicketData figures referenced online, the average “get-in” price for the game was still estimated around $160, meaning the viral ticket represented an unusual outlier rather than the standard market value.

[Watch Mexico vs Ghana live in the US on Fubo]

For head coach Javier Aguirre, the match represents another opportunity to evaluate his players and gather enough information before selecting the final 26-man roster. FIFA set June 1 as the deadline for all participating nations to submit their squads.

That means Mexico will have one more friendly, in addition to this match against Ghana, before Aguirre must finalize the squad. On Saturday, May 30, they will face Australia at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Then, with the 26-player roster already confirmed, they will play one final warmup match against Serbia on June 4.

After that, Mexico will have just one week left to prepare for their World Cup opener. On June 11, they will play in the opening match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca against South Africa in Group A, which also includes the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Projected Mexico lineup vs Ghana

Javier Aguirre will not have all of his players available this Friday, considering that several of Mexico’s top stars who play abroad are still committed to their club schedules. That is the case for Raul Jimenez at Fulham, who will play their final Premier League match of the season this Sunday against Newcastle.

Given that situation, the projected XI to face Ghana is: Raul Rangel; Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Alejandro Gomez, Jesus Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Brian Gutierrez, Gilberto Mora; Alexis Vega, Roberto Alvarado, Armando Gonzalez.

Projected Ghana lineup

For Ghana, the match against Mexico is also a valuable test ahead of the World Cup. Their challenge will be advancing out of Group L, which they share with England, Croatia and Panama. The latter will be their opponent in the opener on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz’s projected XI to face Mexico this Friday is: Benjamin Asare; Dacosta Antwi, Nathaniel Adjei, Terry Yegbe, Jan Kwasi Gyamerah; Majeed Ashimeru, Salim Adams, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Aziz Issah, Ibrahim Osman, Felix Afena-Gyan.

Luis Enrique said: “We practically don’t even talk about soccer. But I don’t believe it, and I also don’t want to believe it because I’d like him to stay for many more years. He always asked me, when I was coaching the national team, what that itch of being an [international] manager feels like. I don’t think it will be with Italy, but we also can’t rule it out.”

It is clear that the manager wasn’t expecting this, but he has much bigger plans with his Paris Saint-Germain trying to repeat as Champions League winners against Arsenal next Saturday, May 30 in Hungary.

Luis Enrique considers Guardiola the best

Even if they haven’t been rivals throughout their managerial careers, they have many things in common. Both being icons for Barcelona when they were players, they are also the last two managers who won the Champions League with that club.

This connection can be seen in the brand of play they propose, with teams eager to attack all the time while having a strong desire to recover the ball as quickly as possible, although Luis Enrique recognizes Guardiola as the greatest.

Luis Enrique said: “I’d like to see Pep for many more years where he is, at the top level, because he’s a reference point. To me, he’s the greatest manager of all time. Not because of the number of trophies, who cares about the number of trophies? It is because of what he transmits, how he has changed the game, how he dares to move center backs or fullbacks into central areas. One day he’ll put center backs on top of the goal, and everyone will start copying him. Very few people have that ability, only the chosen ones, and in that, he is number one.”

Luis Enrique in Paris

While Luis Enrique hailed Guardiola as the best manager of all time, there is no denying this is his moment after building a dominant Paris Saint-Germain side that is now looking to win its 12th title under him. So far, Luis Enrique has led the club to 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, 3 Ligue 1 titles, 2 Coupes de France, and 3 Trophées des Champions.

This season, Vini recorded 20 or more goals for the fifth consecutive year, something only seven other players in Real Madrid history had accomplished, according to Diario AS. Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously one of them, having done it in all nine seasons he spent at the club between 2009 and 2018. Not only that, but he scored fewer than 40 goals just once — in his debut season.

The player with the record for the most consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals for Real Madrid is Alfredo Di Stefano. The Argentine legend achieved the feat in 10 straight seasons between 1953 and 1963. Only in his final year at the club did he fall short of the mark, scoring 17 goals during the 1963-64 campaign.

The other players to accomplish the same feat were Manuel Fernandez Pahino (1948-1953), Ferenc Puskas (1958-1964), Hugo Sanchez (1985-1990), Raul Gonzalez (1998-2004) and Karim Benzema, who is the only player to score 20 or more goals in at least five consecutive seasons on more than one occasion: first between 2010 and 2016, and later between 2018 and 2023.

Vinicius can improve his best scoring season at Real Madrid

This season, Vinicius has recorded 22 goals and 14 assists in 53 matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League. That leaves him just two goals shy of his career-best mark of 24, set during the 2023-24 season.

Real Madrid have only one game left this season. On Saturday, they will close out their La Liga campaign by hosting Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. A brace would allow the Brazilian winger to match his best scoring season, while a hat trick would give him a new personal record.

However, his current situation could work against that goal. According to Marca, Vini has missed training sessions this week after receiving permission from Real Madrid to rest before joining the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That puts his availability for Saturday’s clash against Athletic in doubt and, therefore, also his chances of setting a new personal scoring record.

The Riyadh club sealed the title on the final day of the season with a dominant 4-1 victory over Damac, as Ronaldo scored twice to secure the championship ahead of Al Hilal. The triumph ended Al-Nassr’s seven-year wait for the Saudi Pro League crown and handed Ronaldo his first league title since arriving in the Middle East in 2023.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the moment carried enormous significance after several painful near-misses in previous seasons. Since leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese icon had experienced squad rebuilds, coaching changes, and heartbreaking defeats despite producing extraordinary individual numbers.

His influence on Saudi soccer has been undeniable ever since his arrival opened the door for several global stars to join the league. Yet despite winning individual honors and finishing as top scorer in previous campaigns, the league title had remained elusive until now.

Under Jorge Jesus, however, Al-Nassr finally found the balance it had been missing. The Portuguese coach brought stability to the dressing room, improved the defensive structure, and built a more varied attack that no longer depended entirely on the 41-year-old ace.

Joao Felix becomes a decisive figure

Much of that attacking transformation came from the arrival of Joao Felix. The Portuguese forward quickly formed a strong understanding with Ronaldo and became one of the standout performers of the season.

Felix finished the campaign with 20 league goals and 13 assists, while producing 44 goal contributions across all competitions in just 47 appearances. He scored in every major tournament Al-Nassr participated in, including the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, Saudi Super Cup, and AFC Champions League.

Alongside Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman, Felix gave Al-Nassr multiple attacking options that opponents struggled to contain. His creativity between the lines and ability to decide matches in crucial moments proved vital during the title race.

The hidden mark Felix surpassed

As the season came to a close, another statistic emerged that underlined Felix’s growing importance within the squad. The Portuguese attacker ended the Saudi Pro League campaign with nine Man of the Match awards, narrowly ahead of Ronaldo’s total of eight.

The award distribution showcased how consistently influential Felix had been throughout the year. Sadio Mane finished third among Al-Nassr players with five awards, while Kingsley Coman earned two. According to reports tracking official Saudi Pro League matchday recognitions, the full distribution among Al-Nassr players was:

However, the defender has found himself at the center of a heated debate among supporters after it was revealed he will not even be inside the stadium to support his teammates.

Amidst this turbulent period for Tottenham, the center-back returned to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation process. Controversy ignited when it was confirmed that Romero will instead be in attendance this Sunday for the Argentine league final, where his boyhood club, Belgrano, face off against River Plate—a move that has sparked immense frustration among the Spurs faithful.

Stepping into the storm, manager Roberto De Zerbi addressed the situation, firmly stating that Romero’s return to South America was strictly a medical decision. “Romero spoke with the medical staff and together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with Argentinian medical staff,” the Italian tactician stated in his pre-match press conference.

Furthermore, De Zerbi made it clear that Romero’s physical presence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday would have no bearing on the final score. “The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can’t change anything if he’s at the stadium or not. Finally, I have no time to lose energy other than on the game,” he added defensively.

Romero keeps his focus on the 2026 World Cup

Romero has been sidelined for just over a month after suffering a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee during a painful 1-0 defeat against Sunderland.

The injury undoubtedly set off alarm bells within Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff. With less than a month to go before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina can ill afford to lose one of their undisputed starting center-backs.

Recognizing the stakes, the president of Belgrano confirmed that Romero has actually been training at the Argentine club’s facilities, completely locked in on accelerating his recovery to ensure he arrives in North America at peak fitness.

Will Romero leave Tottenham this summer?

“Cuti” Romero’s name was heavily featured in the rumor mill during the previous transfer window, with multiple high-profile reports positioning him as a primary target to reinforce Real Madrid’s backline.

With Sunday’s crucial match set to decide Tottenham’s top-flight future—and inevitably dictate the futures of several key players—De Zerbi admitted he is in the dark regarding what next season holds for his captain. “I don’t know,” the Italian coach responded candidly when questioned about Romero’s long-term future in North London.

“I think Cristian is a top player and with me he was a top guy. And when I say top guy, it’s because I’m sure of what I’m saying. For the future, I don’t know. Sunday is a crucial game for us, for our future, for our fans, for our club and we have to stay together,” the manager concluded.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to rewrite expectations about longevity in elite football. The veteran forward not only guided Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title, but also matched one of the biggest financial records in sports history with earnings that tied Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 2015 figure for the highest annual income ever recorded for an active athlete by Forbes.

According to Forbes, the Portuguese superstar earned $235 million on the field through his contract in Saudi Arabia, while another $65 million arrived from endorsements, sponsorships, appearances, licensing deals, and business ventures. His enormous global influence, amplified by more than a billion followers across social media platforms, continues to make him one of the most marketable figures in sport.

Ronaldo’s Saudi success brings historic rewards

Ronaldo’s latest achievement came shortly after captaining the club to its first league championship in seven years. The 41-year-old veteran scored twice in a dramatic final-day victory that sealed the title and completed another memorable chapter in his career. The triumph also marked the first time Ronaldo had won a domestic league title in the Saudi Pro League, adding yet another country to a career already filled with trophies in England, Spain, and Italy.

Forbes noted that the Portuguese forward has now finished first on the publication’s rich list six times overall, placing him level with NBA legend Michael Jordan and behind only Tiger Woods, who topped the ranking 11 times. “For the fourth year in a row, and the sixth time overall, Ronaldo leads the athlete income ranking”, the report said.

The financial numbers behind his rise are staggering. Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Ronaldo’s on-field earnings have reportedly more than tripled compared to the final years of his second spell in England. His influence stretches far beyond football, with partnerships involving brands such as Nike, Binance, Herbalife, and several technology companies.

Lionel Messi’s position finally revealed

While Ronaldo sits comfortably at No. 1, Lionel Messi also remains near the very top of the global earnings landscape. The Argentine superstar finished third overall with $140 million, behind only his Portuguese rival and boxer Canelo Alvarez.

Messi’s income was split evenly between on-field and off-field earnings, with $70 million coming from soccer and another $70 million generated commercially. His unique agreements involving Adidas and Apple TV reportedly continue to boost his earnings beyond his standard playing salary.

The Inter Miami forward remains the face of soccer in the United States and recently extended his stay with the club through the 2028 MLS season. Forbes also highlighted Messi’s extraordinary impact on American soccer, revealing that his guaranteed compensation exceeds the payroll of almost every other MLS team.

“Messi reached 100 combined goals and assists in his 64th regular-season MLS match this month—31 games faster than any player in league history”, the report said. Beyond soccer, the Argentine ace has expanded his business portfolio with investments in Spain, including the purchase of lower-division side Cornella and several real-estate ventures in Barcelona.

Manchester City recently confirmed Guardiola‘s exit after 10 illustrious seasons at the helm, and reports from Al-Youm indicate that Al Nassr was ready to tempt the Spanish tactician with a record-breaking salary to secure his services.

Furthermore, Saudi media outlet Okaz Sports revealed that Guardiola’s agent, Josep Maria Orobitg, confirmed receiving an official inquiry from Al Nassr roughly a month and a half ago. However, during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Aston Villa fixture, Guardiola strongly hinted that he intends to take an extended sabbatical from coaching.

With Guardiola seemingly out of reach, the same outlet reports that Roberto Martinez has positioned himself as a highly viable alternative. The current Portugal national team manager is expected to step down from his post following the conclusion of his contract after the 2026 World Cup, paving the way for a potential blockbuster reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

The Ronaldo factor gives Martinez a distinct edge

The pivotal X-factor working in Martinez’s favor is his exceptional relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish strategist took over the Portuguese national team in early 2023 and has since overseen 38 matches, racking up an impressive record of 24 wins, four draws, and just six defeats.

Guardiola distances himself from Al Nassr links

Despite the formal contact between Al Nassr and Guardiola’s camp, the manager himself has heavily implied that a break from the dugout is non-negotiable after ten grueling seasons shifting the landscape of English soccer with Manchester City. “I need to step back. I will not train for a while,” the Spaniard confirmed during his press conference, effectively cooling down Al Nassr’s immediate hopes.

The announcement immediately sent shockwaves across the Premier League, with rivals, supporters, and former players reflecting on Guardiola’s enormous impact. From transforming Manchester City into a global powerhouse to forcing every title challenger to raise its standards, Guardiola leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond silverware.

When he arrived in England in 2016 after successful spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, many questioned whether his style could survive the intensity of the Premier League. Ten years later, those doubts feel almost impossible to remember.

Under the Spaniard, Manchester City collected 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown, multiple domestic cups, and a historic continental treble in 2023. More importantly, the club became the benchmark every rival desperately tried to reach.

Beyond trophies, Guardiola’s greatest contribution may be the way he reshaped soccer thinking in England. His positional play, use of inverted full-backs, and constant tactical experimentation influenced managers across the league and even grassroots soccer.

Guardiola explains why the time felt right

The emotional weight of Guardiola’s departure became clear during his final press conference before facing Aston Villa. The City manager admitted the decision had been building internally for quite some time. “I am really satisfied, I don’t know the right words. Happy, proud. The experience of my life,” he said.

The Spaniard also revealed the emotional toll of coaching continuously for nearly two decades. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. It’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now,” he explained.

The 55-year-old stressed that the club also needed a fresh voice moving forward. “I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said.

What Guardiola’s future now looks like

While speculation immediately linked Guardiola with several national teams and elite clubs around Europe, the Spaniard ruled out an immediate return to coaching after leaving Manchester City. Instead, he plans to step away from the constant pressure of the touchline after years of managing matches every few days. “Rest. No plans to train for a while. Otherwise, I would be here. I need to step back. I will not train for a while,” Guardiola confirmed.

At the same time, Manchester City announced that the manager will remain connected to the wider City Football Group structure as a Global Ambassador. In that role, he is expected to offer technical guidance and support projects involving clubs such as New York City, Girona, and Yokohama F. Marinos.

Guardiola made it clear he wanted to stay emotionally tied to the organization even if he is no longer making daily soccer decisions. “I would love to continue to be part of this club. Not manager action, I will take absolutely zero decisions in that. Just to be part of the club,” he explained.

The Citizens are already preparing major tributes to honour Guardiola’s contribution. They have officially confirmed that a stand at the Etihad Stadium will carry his name, while a statue is also planned outside the ground.

The squad announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the national team. Tuchel has chosen a group built around intensity, balance, and tactical discipline, while also placing trust in younger players and experienced figures he believes can handle the pressure of a long tournament.

England supporters were expecting difficult decisions, but few anticipated omissions on this scale. Palmer, Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, and Luke Shaw were all left out despite their importance in previous tournaments.

Instead, Tuchel selected players such as Ivan Toney, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, and Noni Madueke, showing he values specific roles and chemistry over star power. The inclusion of Toney, who has scored 32 goals in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli, was one of the biggest surprises of the announcement.

The Three Lions’ squad still contains elite talent through Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. However, the overall shape of the group suggests Tuchel is prioritizing collective cohesion rather than assembling the most individually gifted names available.

England squad in full and how Tuchel explained the omissions

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The England manager eventually explained the thinking behind his controversial decisions, insisting the World Cup would be won through unity rather than fame. “From day one, we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players,” Tuchel said. “Teams win championships. It’s as simple as that.”

The German coach believes England’s previous generations often relied too heavily on individual brilliance, and he now wants a squad fully committed to tactical discipline and team spirit. “I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100-per-cent committed players in camp with us who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch,” he added.

Tuchel also admitted the phone calls with the omitted players were emotional. “It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult,” he explained. “I felt the emotion.”

Why Palmer and Foden missed out

The absences of Palmer and Foden have become the biggest talking point surrounding the squad. Both attacking midfielders were considered central figures for England’s future only a year ago, but inconsistent club campaigns ultimately damaged their chances.

Foden struggled to reproduce his best form for Manchester City this season, while Palmer endured an injury-hit campaign with Chelsea. Tuchel already had Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze occupying similar attacking spaces, which reduced room for additional creative midfielders.

The manager hinted that positional balance played a huge role in the final selection. “We tried to have a balanced squad and not to bring five number 10s and make them play out of position,” Tuchel said. Under previous England managers, players of Palmer and Foden’s stature might still have travelled based on talent alone. Still, the new coach clearly wants every squad member to fit a precise tactical purpose.

Harry Maguire left shocked and Ivan Toney’s surprise return

Perhaps the most emotional omission involved Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender has been a regular figure in England tournaments for years and publicly admitted he was devastated after learning he would miss out. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,” the Manchester United defender wrote on social media.

Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence all benefited from the manager’s willingness to reshape the defensive unit. It was another clear sign that Tuchel intends to move England into a different tactical cycle ahead of the tournament.

While several stars were left out, Ivan Toney earned a shock recall after his prolific season in Saudi Arabia. Tuchel openly admitted the striker’s penalty-taking ability played a major role in the decision. “He’s a world-class penalty taker,” Tuchel explained. “He ticks some boxes that we wanted.”

Toney’s composure from the spot became famous during Euro 2024, and England clearly views him as a specialist weapon for knockout soccer. With Harry Kane expected to lead the line, Toney could become a crucial late-game option if matches go to extra time or penalties.

Ronaldo has now won league titles in four different countries, something not many players in soccer history have accomplished. However, that is still not enough to set a new record, as several stars have managed to win league championships in five different countries.

The only league where CR7 played without winning the title was Portugal’s Primeira Liga. He spent just one season there, during the 2002-03 campaign, when Sporting CP finished third in the standings behind Porto and Benfica.

In England, Ronaldo won the Premier League three consecutive times with Manchester United in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He later carried that success to Spain, winning two La Liga titles with Real Madrid in 2012 and 2017. Finally, with Juventus, he lifted Italy’s Serie A trophy in 2019 and 2020.

Other players who won league titles in four different countries

With the Saudi Pro League title, Cristiano Ronaldo joined an exclusive group of stars who have won league championships in four different countries. Unsurprisingly, most of those cases are relatively recent, considering that rules regarding the number of foreign players clubs can sign have become more flexible over the years.

Arjen Robben won league titles in the Netherlands (PSV Eindhoven), England (Chelsea), Spain (Real Madrid) and Germany (Bayern Munich). Rivaldo achieved the feat in Brazil (Palmeiras), Spain (Barcelona), Greece (Olympiacos) and Uzbekistan (Bunyodkor). Deco also did it in Portugal (Porto), Spain (Barcelona), England (Chelsea) and Brazil (Fluminense). Other players to accomplish it include Mark van Bommel, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jiri Jarosik.

The record of five different league titles

At 41 years old, and with a contract at Al Nassr running through June 30, 2027, it is difficult to imagine Cristiano Ronaldo taking on a new challenge in another country. That makes a fifth different league title — which would tie the all-time record — highly unlikely.

For now, only a select few players hold that mark. One of them is Joao Cancelo, who won league titles in Portugal (Benfica), Italy (Juventus), England (Manchester City), Germany (Bayern Munich) and Spain (Barcelona). Another active player with that record is Danilo, who achieved it in Brazil (Flamengo), Portugal (Porto), Spain (Real Madrid), Italy (Juventus) and England (Manchester City). Other examples include Robinho and Mateja Kezman.

On Monday, Carlo Ancelotti formally unveiled the 26-man roster that will represent Brazil in North America. The moment Neymar’s name was read aloud at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro, a standing ovation broke out in the room, marking his first call-up since the Italian took charge of the national team.

The day before the announcement, Santos hosted Coritiba in a match that ended with Neymar at the center of a controversial substitution mix-up that saw him removed from the game against his will. Santos head coach Cuca subsequently confirmed that Neymar would miss Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo due to a knock sustained in that match, once again raising concerns about his fitness at a critical time.

With the Santos forward sidelined from the midweek fixture, Rodrigo Zogaib, coordinator of Santos’s health department, addressed the issue directly in an interview with Globo Esporte: “Neymar has a minor injury in his calf, an edema. The plan, following his recovery progress, is to deliver him fully fit to the CBF next week.“

According to the Brazilian outlet, the edema sustained during the Coritiba match is only a few millimeters in size. While caution around Neymar’s physical condition has become something of a standard operating procedure for both the player and the club, this particular issue is expected to require between five and ten days of treatment.

Neymar is also set to miss Saturday’s match against Gremio, with Santos hopeful he can feature in their final Copa Sudamericana group stage fixture against Deportivo Cuenca on Tuesday, May 26. However, with Brazil’s World Cup preparations beginning almost immediately after, reports from Globo Esporte suggest a return to Santos’ lineup is highly unlikely before he joins up with the national team.

What’s next for Neymar and Brazil?

Closely monitored by both Santos’ medical staff and the Brazilian Football Confederation, Neymar and the rest of the squad are scheduled to report to Brazil’s training camp on May 27 without restrictions, at which point Ancelotti will begin his final preparations for the tournament.

Brazil will send off their home fans with a friendly against Panama on May 31 at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro before traveling to the United States to face Egypt in another warmup match in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 6. The Selecao then open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, face Haiti on the 19th and close out the group stage against Scotland on the 24th, with fans around the world eagerly anticipating the sight of Neymar back in the iconic yellow jersey for the first time since 2023.

After some frustrating qualifying campaigns in the past kept them out, Norway are back in the tournament for the first time since 1998. The expansion to 48 teams helped, but they also had an excellent run to earn their place.

Their European qualifying group included a major name like Italy, who were clearly outplayed by Norway before being eliminated in the playoffs. This team could be a dangerous one with Haaland not alone, as he is also joined by Alexander Sorloth.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford) and Sander Tangvik (Hamburg)

Defenders: Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer (Brentford), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Henrik Falchener (Viking), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Leo Ostigard (Genoa)

Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Forwards: Erling Braut Haaland (Manchester City), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) and Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid)

The group

Norway did not get an easy draw as they were placed in Group I, where they are set to face Iraq on June 16, Senegal on June 22 and France on June 26.

Felix was one of last summer’s most high-profile signings at Al Nassr, with Ronaldo playing a direct role in convincing the club to pursue the deal and personally persuading Felix to make the move to Saudi Arabia. Having shared a dressing room with Ronaldo through the Portugal national team, the bond between the two deepened further through the daily grind of club life in the Middle East, and both men were ultimately part of a long-awaited triumph.

Speaking to Sport TV, Felix reflected candidly on the significance of the title for Ronaldo. “Cris has been trying for a few years now to win his first title here. To win the league, especially, because in Arabia they play more, and I know because I’m with him every single day,” he said.

Among the most powerful moments of the celebration was the sight of Ronaldo in tears, first after scoring his second goal against Damac FC and then on the substitutes’ bench after being replaced, a scene Felix chose to address directly. “And I know how much Cristiano suffers with this. I knew how much he wanted to win. That’s why I went to give him a hug. Because it was like, just a few more minutes and we had it done,” he added.

With the Saudi Pro League title now in his collection, Ronaldo has added yet another trophy to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the game, and the first since turning 41 back in February. With the 2026 World Cup now on the horizon with Portugal, his passion for the game remains as visible as ever, something his teammates at Al Nassr have witnessed first-hand throughout a relentless pursuit of this title.

Joao Felix and a transformative first season at Al Nassr

Following a lack of consistent playing time at Chelsea and a difficult loan spell at AC Milan the previous season, Felix had been widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge last summer. Ronaldo saw an opportunity, called the player directly, and convinced him that Al Nassr would give him not only a key role in a title-contending squad but also the minutes necessary to remain in Roberto Martínez’s Portugal plans for the 2026 World Cup.

In a deal worth €30 million, Felix made the move to Riyadh, and operating as the No. 10 behind Ronaldo, he delivered one of the standout individual seasons across all competitions, posting 26 goals and 18 assists across 47 appearances. Of those assists, six went directly to Ronaldo, a reflection of how naturally the chemistry they had built on the international stage translated to a synergy in the club.

While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer, Felix led the team in assists and finished the season with 44 direct goal contributions, more than any other player at the club. Al Nassr claimed the SPL title for the first time since 2019, and Felix has since been named in Martínez’s Portugal squad, with the 2026 World Cup now his next major objective.

Dembélé said: “We try to communicate a lot, to change positions. Against Brazil and Colombia, we changed positions a lot with pretty much everyone and I think it worked well. It also creates a bit of chaos in opposing defenses. You have Mbappé one minute, two minutes later you have Olise.”

While he emerged as a winger early in his career, Dembélé has become a feared central attacker after Luis Enrique changed his role. This was connected to the improvement in his performances that led not only to team success but also Ballon d’Or consideration.

Dembélé on his favorite role

His rise as a dynamic winger at Borussia Dortmund attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world. His ability to play equally well with either foot gave him the dangerous skill set needed to perform on both wings.

Even if the positional switch proposed by Luis Enrique may not have been fully accepted at first, it is now clear that it was the best move for him because he also contributes more without the ball than before, while the freedom to move became his favorite part of the change.

Dembélé said: “Whether it’s Michael or me, Didier Deschamps tells us a lot to change positions, not to stay confined to either the right or the center. And then I try to show my qualities, whether on the right wing, which I know well, or in the center as well. But yes, it’s especially during this last year that I’ve had much more freedom with the national team.”

Dembélé on being a leader

For the forward, the most important change in his career may be becoming one of the older players in the squad after spending most of his career as the young talent. This became evident in a rebuilding Paris Saint-Germain side that signed him from Barcelona after an unstable spell there. It was Luis Enrique who convinced him to become a leader.

Dembélé said: “I try, on every ball and every match, to give the best of myself, to try to improve every ball I have, to set an example. These last two years, it has worked for me. The coach talked to me and told me that I had an important role for the team: to set an example, whether to the older or the younger players.”

The Portuguese icon was the undisputed star of the show in the final matchday’s 4-1 thrashing of Damac. Ronaldo scored a vital brace to emphatically snap a grueling three-year and four-month wait to lift his first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia.

From an individual standpoint, it was another stellar campaign for Ronaldo. He finished as the club’s top marksman, bagging 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

While he didn’t quite replicate the absurdly high volume of his previous two seasons—where he racked up 35 and 44 goals, respectively—the veteran forward remained incredibly lethal, maintaining an elite average of 0.81 goals per game.

While he ultimately steered his side to domestic league glory, Ronaldo finished third in the Saudi Pro League’s Golden Boot race. His 28 league goals placed him just behind Ivan Toney (30 goals) and the eventual winner, Julian Quiñones (33 goals), narrowly missing out on claiming the award for a third consecutive season.

Continental heartbreak remains a blemish

Despite the domestic triumph, a massive thorn in Cristiano’s side will undoubtedly be his inability to secure continental glory with Al Nassr. After failing to conquer the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons—the latter of which ended in a painful semifinal exit—Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to claim the AFC Champions League Two crown this term.

Al Nassr mounted a spectacular campaign, entering the final against Gamba Osaka on the back of a perfect winning streak. However, the Japanese side pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset right in front of the Alawwal Park faithful, leaving Ronaldo empty-handed on the international club stage once again.

Final preparations for the 2026 World Cup

With the mission of securing his first official Middle Eastern trophy finally accomplished, Cristiano’s focus now shifts entirely to the Portuguese national team and his impending historic run in North America.

The forward arrives with excellent match sharpness under his belt, having featured in 37 matches across all fronts. He missed just four games all season (two with Al Nassr and two international friendlies with Portugal) due to a hamstring injury, while he also missed seven games during the initial stages of the AFC Champions League Two after manager Jorge Jesus opted to rest him.

Ronaldo seeking the ultimate international glory

There is absolutely no doubt that Cristiano will touch down in North America with a singular, driving obsession: leading Portugal to the first World Cup title in the nation’s history. This would far from be the first major honor he has brought to his country.

Under his leadership, Portugal first claimed Euro 2016 by defeating host nation France in the final, followed by UEFA Nations League triumphs in both 2019 and 2025, overcoming the Netherlands and Spain, respectively. Now, Ronaldo chases the elusive, final piece of his immortal trophy cabinet—a crowning achievement that Portugal would never, ever forget.

Damac FC managed to impose a promising style of play in the opening minutes. Taking advantage of the spaces in the rival defense, they shined with long passes that allowed their forwards to win through speed. After failing to convert their numerous chances, they gradually became more overwhelmed by the high press of Al Nassr. In addition, they adopted a defensive approach after the goal from Sadio Mané, cutting off any chance of equalising the match.

Without Marcelo Brozovic, Al Nassr struggled to build plays and apply high pressure. While Abdullah Alkhaibari shone with his defensive presence and offensive contributions, Ayman Yaya seemed quite lost, leaving a noticeable creative void. Nevertheless, Sadio Mané and João Félix emerged as the most influential players on the field, creating scoring opportunities and setting up the winning goal.

João Félix managed to be the most decisive player for Al Nassr FC, even if he did not score. Not only did he drop deep to receive the ball in midfield, but he also created spaces in attack. With his vision and change of pace, he moved all around the pitch, giving creativity to a team that seemed lost on the wings. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace emerged as the most important part of the game, outshining Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman to win the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace outshined Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman

Throughout the match, Sadio Mané emerged as Al Nassr’s standout player, scoring the decisive goal that shifted the momentum. Head coach Jorge Jesus focused on making the wings the focal point of the game, allowing the Senegalese forward to shine. Following a corner kick by João Félix, Mané found himself unmarked in Damac’s penalty area. He won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the net to score the goal.

Far from slowing down their offensive pace in the second half, Al Nassr continued to shine down the wings. After a spectacular run by Nawaf Boushal, he found Kingsley Coman and passed him the ball. The Frenchman dribbled past Damac’s defenders, playing a give-and-go with Abdullah Alkhaibari to find himself alone on the edge of the box. Taking advantage of his powerful shot, he unleashed a fierce strike, leaving Kewin with no chance.

Despite great performances from Mane and Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo outshone them both with a spectacular brace. Although he went largely unnoticed for much of the match, he managed to score a spectacular free kick from what seemed like a tight angle. Far from stopping there, he doubled down, scoring a brace after a pass from Joao Felix inside the box, beating Kewin of Damac once again.

“For me, it’s over. It’s the last game I worked for Al-Nassr,” Jesus said moments after Thursday’s match against Damac during an interview with Canal GOAT. “I’m leaving, that’s the point. It’s over.”

The comments confirm speculation that had circulated in recent weeks regarding the 71-year-old coach, who reportedly wants to pursue a different path in his career, with the Portugal national team viewed as a possible destination.

Jorge Jesus also addressed his immediate plans after leaving Saudi Arabia, though he limited his comments to discussing his upcoming travels. “I’m going to Portugal, I’m going to spend two or four days on vacation in Portugal. Then I’m thinking of going to Brazil, I’m thinking of going to Rio,” he said, before clarifying: “Not to train. I’m only going to Brazil for vacation.”

Jorge Jesus reflects on Al Nassr’s title

Al Nassr prepared last summer with the goal of reaching this moment of celebration. To do so, the club invested in several high-profile signings from Europe, including Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Inigo Martinez. Alongside them arrived Jorge Jesus, who already had experience in the Saudi Pro League after previously coaching Al Hilal.

“When I accepted this challenge, I knew it was difficult because on the other side was Al-Hilal, which I practically helped build into a great team. And to beat Al-Hilal we had to be much better. And we were, because we formed a very united group,” the coach reflected during the same interview with Canal GOAT.

Jorge Jesus reveals conversation with Ronaldo upon joining Al Nassr

When he joined Al Nassr, Jesus had an important conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. “I only accepted this challenge because I told him: ‘I’m going to help you become champion, we’re going to win the title,” the coach recalled.

“This is a victory for everyone, and especially for Cris, who hadn’t yet won any titles in Saudi Arabia,” Jorge Jesus added before reflecting on Ronaldo’s impact at the club. “Cris has made Al-Nassr have a very large dimension not only in Saudi Arabia, but outside of Saudi Arabia as well.”

By clinching the league crown with Al Nassr, Ronaldo put an end to his long silverware dry spell, having last tasted club glory back in 2021 during his stint with Juventus. On that occasion, La Vecchia Signora defeated Atalanta 2-1 to lift the Coppa Italia—marking Cristiano’s final official club trophy before hoisting this year’s Saudi Pro League title.

This latest triumph serves as a massive relief for the legendary forward, as glory with Al Nassr had repeatedly eluded him. Ronaldo had to endure a wait of three years and four months to secure his first official trophy in Saudi Arabia.

Previously, the Al Nassr captain missed out on three domestic league campaigns and finishing as a runner-up in four consecutive major finals: the King’s Cup (2023-24), back-to-back Saudi Super Cups (2024-25 and 2025-26), and the recent AFC Champions League Two (2026).

Cristiano wins four league titles in different countries

With his latest domestic triumph, Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished an impressive feat, now boasting league championship medals in four different countries. Alongside his new Saudi Pro League title, the forward won the Premier League with Manchester United, LaLiga with Real Madrid, and Serie A with Juventus.

While a notable number of players have won top-flight leagues across four different nations throughout soccer history, some of the most prominent and iconic names to achieve this feat include:

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Netherlands (Ajax), Italy (Juventus/Inter/Milan), Spain (Barcelona), and France (PSG).
• Joao Cancelo: Italy (Juventus), England (Manchester City), Germany (Bayern Munich), and Spain (Barcelona).
• David Beckham: England (Manchester United), Spain (Real Madrid), United States (LA Galaxy), and France (PSG).
• Arjen Robben: Netherlands (PSV), England (Chelsea), Spain (Real Madrid), and Germany (Bayern Munich).
• Carlos Tevez: Argentina (Boca Juniors), Brazil (Corinthians), England (Manchester United/Manchester City), and Italy (Juventus).

Players who have won leagues in five different countries

Only a select few have managed to push that boundary even further to span five different countries. Mateja Kezman found domestic success in Serbia (Partizan Belgrade), the Netherlands (PSV Eindhoven), England (Chelsea), Turkey (Fenerbahce), and Belarus (BATE Borisov).

Brazilian forward Robinho won league crowns in his native country with Santos, in Spain with Real Madrid, in Italy with AC Milan, in China with Guangzhou Evergrande, and capped it off in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir.

The latest to achieve this historic feat was Danilo, who captured league titles in Portugal with Porto, Spain with Real Madrid, England with Manchester City, and Italy with Juventus, before completing the five-country milestone by winning the Brasileirão title in Brazil with Flamengo.

Capello said: “He is a great coach with great qualities. He always manages to do very well everywhere at club level. The national team is a different job. You do not work every day, and that is exactly where the difficulty lies: you are not a coach, you are a national team manager.”

The veteran coach knows very well the differences between managing a national team and working at a club, having led England and Russia after beginning his career with giants like Real Madrid, Milan and Juventus.

Capello on Manchester City’s power

The Italian manager was right that the job is completely different at a club than at a national team. Even if he did not mention Manchester City directly, he was critical of Guardiola’s ability to sign players before praising his coaching ability.

For the former manager, the main challenge would be adapting to the lack of depth he might face at the national team level, which would be the complete opposite of a club where he can get almost any player he wants.

Capello said: “We are talking about a great coach, but one who is used to saying things like, ‘I need two midfielders,’ and then the club buys them for him. Here, you do not find them that easily, and that is the difference. The team has to improve in a different way. But the results speak for themselves and show everything he has achieved. It would be something new, and because he is an intelligent person, it is possible he would quickly understand how to do it.”

Capello on Italy’s pressure

What has been clear about the recent failures of a country that has won four World Cups in its history is that the pressure on the players has been too much. Even if the last few generations have not been as talented as some of the past ones, the psychological pressure has also been a huge burden.

Capello said: “You must be good at finding the right players who can truly perform for the Azzurri the same way they do for their clubs, because that is exactly the problem. Many players struggle under the pressure of wearing the Italy shirt.”

Match Overview

After surviving a demanding playoff road, Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM are now set to battle for the 2026 Liga MX Clausura title. Los Cementeros reached the final after strong aggregate wins over Atlas and Chivas, while Pumas narrowly advanced past Club America and Pachuca thanks to their higher seeding in two tightly contested series.

With the decisive clash set at Cruz Azul’s home stadium, the hosts will try to make the most of that advantage against a determined Pumas side eager to leave with the trophy. Don’t miss this high-stakes showdown between two historic Liga MX rivals.

According to Pedro Ivo Almeida via ESPN Brazil, Neymar has edema in the calf of his right leg. Because of this, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Santos FC have two different perspectives regarding the severity of the injury. While Brazil consider that he will not be available for the debut on May 31, Santos believe that he could be ready to play on May 26 in the Copa Sudamericana.

Despite these differences, the CBF are not considering removing the 34-year-old star from the 26-man squad, as they expect him to recover in the coming weeks. However, they are already planning a specific recovery program for the first days of training camp, making his presence against Panama and Egypt highly doubtful. Because of this, both parties have decided to wait for the final report on May 27 before making a decision regarding his availability.

In case that that Neymar fails to recover for the 2026 World Cup debut, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could decide to leave him out of the final list. With his presence in the friendly games in doubt, the 34-year-old star is expected to have a specific workout plan to boost his fitness. The CBF and Santos FC remain positive about the evolution of his physical condition, so no additional scenarios are being planned yet.

Joao Pedro could still replace Neymar for Brazil at 2026 World Cup

Throughout the last few months, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar, nor any other player, would receive special treatment. With this in mind, the 34-year-old star could be left out if he does not arrive in full condition for Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. In that case, João Pedro would have every chance of entering the Canarinha’s final 26-man list, as he has been part of the national team process in previous matches.

After leaving João out of the final squad list, Carlo Ancelotti revealed: “Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list,” he said at the press conference. With his great versatility, the 24-year-old star could cover the attacking midfielder role, both wings, and the striker position. Because of this, Neymar’s potential absence due to his calf injury opens the doors to the national team.

Al Nassr entered the match needing a win to prevent Al Hilal from snatching the league trophy out of their hands, and the home fans finally found relief once Ronaldo made his mark on the scoresheet. After Joao Felix was brought down on the flank, Ronaldo took charge of the set piece from a narrow angle, drilling a powerful 63rd-minute strike that skipped off the turf and eluded the entire defense to extend the lead to 3-1.

The strike marked the 65th free-kick goal of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and his sixth since joining Al Nassr. Even with the milestone, he remains a few tallies away from matching the benchmark established by Lionel Messi.

The Argentine playmaker currently holds a record of 71 free-kick goals across club and international play. Messi has already added two free-kick goals to his tally for Inter Miami, scoring against cross-state rivals Orlando City and New York City FC, while Ronaldo’s strike against Damac on Thursday was his first of the year.

While the gap between the two icons stands at six, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to climb the ranks of soccer’s historic set-piece specialists. The Portuguese forward has now equaled the career record of England legend David Beckham (65) and sits just one behind Brazilian icon Ronaldinho (66), giving him plenty of room to further cement his legacy.

Ronaldo snaps trophy and free-kick droughts

As the final whistle blew on Thursday, television cameras caught an emotional Ronaldo breaking down in tears, celebrating the end of a frustrating trophy drought with Al Nassr. Beyond the SPL triumph, the spectacular free kick also brought a personal multi-year drought to a definitive end.

The goal against Damac FC was Ronaldo’s first successful free kick since hitting the back of the net against Al Fayha back on August 27, 2024. Following that curling effort to the right side of the net, it took the forward exactly one year, eight months, and 23 days (or 632 days) to convert another set piece.

Ronaldo had previously converted three free-kick goals over the course of 2024, but 2025 proved to be a difficult stretch for the forward from a dead-ball perspective. He went empty-handed on 21 free-kick attempts over the calendar year, extending that slide through six additional blocked, deflected, or missed efforts before finally regaining his clinical form on Thursday.

The Portuguese forward delivered a crucial performance throughout the season, recording 28 goals and three assists in 30 matches. That impact was evident again in Thursday’s decisive clash against Damac, where he scored a brace that helped calm his team during a tense moment in the match.

The final whistle sealed the title for Al Nassr, ending a seven-year drought since the club’s previous league triumph in the 2018-19 season. From there came the expected scenes of relief, happiness, and emotion from the players, with much of the focus on Cristiano Ronaldo.

He had been substituted in the closing minutes by coach Jorge Jesus, making way for Abdullah Al-Hamdan. During those final moments, television cameras repeatedly captured Cristiano’s emotions, including tears in his eyes.

Once the celebrations began, it was time for the trophy ceremony. One by one, Al Nassr staff members stepped forward to receive their medals, led by Jorge Jesus. Then came the players, with the captain saved for last. When Ronaldo’s turn arrived, he was handed the Saudi Pro League trophy, which he lifted surrounded by his teammates.

Ronaldo receives another Saudi Pro League honor

In addition to wearing the champions medal around his neck and lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy as Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo also received another honor for his decisive performance on Thursday. The Saudi Pro League named him Player of the Match, a logical recognition considering his two goals and overall influence throughout the game.

Ronaldo’s first reaction after the title

Amid the celebrations and trophy ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo took a moment to share a post on his official social media accounts. He posted an image featuring a collage of photos of himself wearing the Al Nassr jersey, including one of him lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy, accompanied by a single word: “CHAMPIONS!!!!!”

The draw created by Bento’s own goal against Al Hilal in the 98th minute added more suspense to the title race than there should have been after Al Nassr had led the standings for much of the season. That unfortunate play left them with just a two-point margin.

With the competition’s tiebreaker being head-to-head, which favored Al Hilal, only a victory over Damac would seal the title. Especially after Al Hilal started winning their match against Al Fayha early, the pressure was huge. However, Sadio Mané scored first for Al Nassr and Coman later gave them a bigger advantage. Damac then pulled one back, but Ronaldo answered with two goals in a 4-1 victory to restore calm and secure the championship.

Al Nassr’s campaign

Al Nassr were very worthy champions of the Saudi Pro League after a strong campaign. What made them so fun to watch was their willingness to take risks in many matches, as they were the team with the fewest draws, with just two.

Unlike Al Hilal, who did not lose a single match in their entire campaign, Al Nassr dropped points along the way, albeit they did not suffer too many defeats, losing only four times.

The main part of their title run was how many matches they were able to win, with a total of 28, making them the team that collected three points the most on their way to 86 points in 38 matches.

The goal difference

Throughout their title-winning campaign, it was clear that the attack carried the team, as they were the top scorers with 91 goals. They were not bad defensively either, conceding just 28. That left them with a fantastic +63 goal difference.

The battle for the scoring crown produced plenty of suspense during the closing weeks of the campaign. Toney entered the final fixture knowing he had already overtaken Ronaldo in the current Golden Boot standings, while Julian Quinones was still mathematically in contention heading into the final round.

Al-Ahli closed out its league campaign emphatically with a commanding 4-1 victory over Al-Khaleej at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. Although Matthias Jaissle’s side had already secured third place in the table, the club still delivered one of its most complete attacking displays of the season.

Ivan Toney and Julian Quinones stop Ronaldo from third consecutive Golden Boot

Even though he failed to score in the final game, Toney finished the season with 32 league goals. However, Julian Quinones solidified his position as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, surpassing the Englishman on the last matchday of the season and finishing the campaign with 33 goals in 31 matches. His total tally was enough to deny Ronaldo a third consecutive Golden Boot award in Saudi Arabia.

That achievement alone represents a major accomplishment considering Ronaldo’s extraordinary consistency since arriving at Al-Nassr. The Englishman adapted quickly to Saudi soccer and became the focal point of Al-Ahli’s attack throughout the campaign.

Ronaldo’s legendary record survives another challenge

While Quionones captured the Golden Boot, the bigger piece of history remained untouched. Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary 35-goal record in a single Saudi Pro League season officially stays unbroken after Quinones ended his campaign on 32 goals, and Toney on 32 goals.

He established that historic mark during the 2023-24 season with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar scored 35 league goals in only 31 appearances, surpassing the previous single-season record of 34 goals held by former Al-Nassr striker Abderrazak Hamdallah.

The achievement became even more remarkable because the superstar accomplished it at the age of 39. His campaign also included 11 assists, three free-kick goals, and an astonishing average of one goal every 75.6 minutes.

Meanwhile, second-placed Julian Quinones ends the season with 33 goals, failing to bridge the two-goal gap needed to surpass the Portuguese’s historic benchmark. The Mexico international needed at least five goals in the final game.

Sitting on 83 points, Al Nassr entered the match needing a victory to control their own destiny and prevent Al Hilal from snatching the trophy from their hands. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a brilliant header, and then Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, before Morlaye Sylla cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th.

With Al Nassr already holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Joao Felix tried to generate an opening down the left flank before being brought down by a heavy challenge. Despite facing a difficult, narrow angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the set piece and fired a powerful strike that skipped off the turf and past the diving keeper to extend the lead in the 63rd minute.

Then in the 81st minute, Al Nassr orchestrated a brilliant team sequence down the right flank spearheaded by Coman; after a defender failed to clear a dangerous cross, Ronaldo collected the loose ball inside the six-yard box and unleashed a thunderous strike to net his second goal of the night.

Immediately after celebrating, the Portuguese legend dedicated the decisive goal to his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, who was watching from the stands. As he walked back to the halfway line, an emotional Ronaldo was seen breaking down in tears, overwhelmed by the moment as he finally brought his trophy drought with Al Nassr to an emphatic end.

With the championship safely secured, manager Jorge Jesus made the decision to sub out Cristiano Ronaldo for Abdullah Al Hamdan, sending the captain to the sideline to a deafening standing ovation. Once on the bench, Ronaldo remained visibly emotional, soaking in the gravity of the moment as Al Nassr officially crowned themselves Saudi Pro League champions.

Ronaldo extends career goal record to 973

Seven years had passed since Al Nassr last lifted the league trophy, making this first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia an incredibly special milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially just days after a heartbreaking loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Beyond securing the SPL crown, the Portuguese icon has now extended his legendary career total to 973 goals.

With tonight’s decisive brace, Ronaldo has racked up 129 goals in 148 appearances for Al Nassr, including 30 tallies across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. Now sitting just 27 goals away from the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s historic pursuit will only intensify as he pivots to his next major challenge: the 2026 World Cup.

The Portuguese superstar once again stepped into the spotlight when his club needed him most. After weeks of pressure, late setbacks, and painful missed opportunities, Al-Nassr responded with the performance that crowned it champion and pushed Ronaldo closer to another landmark that once seemed impossible.

The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week. Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Instead of freezing under pressure, Ronaldo’s side produced a composed display in front of a packed home crowd. The victory officially sealed the club’s first Saudi Pro League title since the 2018-19 season. It also completed Ronaldo’s long-awaited mission after arriving in Saudi Arabia in winter 2023 with enormous expectations surrounding both him and the league.

Ronaldo delivers again in the defining moment

Much of the pre-match focus had centered on whether Ronaldo could produce one more decisive contribution in a title-defining clash. The 41-year-old answered in the way he has done throughout his entire career: by finding the net twice when the pressure was at its highest.

The goal added another chapter to an astonishing scoring story that has stretched across Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Even after all these years, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remained the focal point of the Knight of Najd’s attack throughout the campaign.

Before the final round, Ronaldo had already scored 26 Saudi Pro League goals in 29 matches. Although Julian Quinones finished ahead in the Golden Boot race, Ronaldo still ended the season as one of the division’s most decisive players.

How close Ronaldo is to 1,000 goals

The latest strike also moved Ronaldo even closer to one of the most extraordinary achievements soccer has ever seen. The Al-Nassr captain now has 973 official senior career goals for club and country after scoring in the title-defining victory.

That means Ronaldo is now just 27 goals away from the historic 1,000-goal milestone, a number once considered impossible in modern soccer. His Saudi Pro League tally has now reached 102 goals, while his overall record for Al-Nassr has reached 129.

The consistency has perhaps been the most remarkable part of his recent run. In fact, Ronaldo scored 15 goals in 19 matches during the 2026 calendar year, proving that age has done little to slow his instinct in front of goal.

With the Saudi Pro League season now finished, CR7 will have to continue that pursuit next season. Still, the way he ended the campaign has only increased the belief that he can eventually become the first player in history to officially reach four digits in career goals.

Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo had been chasing his first official title with the Saudi club. After losing three finals and winning the unofficial 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, he finally achieved that goal.

The achievement also allows Ronaldo to maintain a remarkable streak: winning at least one title with every club he has played for. Early in his career, he captured the 2002 Portuguese Super Cup with Sporting CP. At Manchester United, he won 10 trophies, including one UEFA Champions League title and three Premier League crowns.

Later, the most successful stretch of his career came with Real Madrid, where Ronaldo won 16 trophies, including two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. With Juventus, he added five domestic titles, while with the Portugal national team, he won the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League trophies.

Lionel Messi’s titles

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s 36 titles are impressive, they still fall short compared to Lionel Messi’s record. The Argentine forward not only leads this comparison but is also the most decorated player in soccer history with 48 trophies.

Most of Messi’s titles came during his 17 years with Barcelona, where he won 35 trophies, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships. At Paris Saint-Germain, Leo added three more trophies, while with Argentina, he claimed six, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. More recently, Messi lifted three trophies with Inter Miami: the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup.

Messi leads all-time trophy rankings

With his Saudi Pro League triumph, Cristiano Ronaldo is now just one title away from breaking into the top 10 players with the most trophies in soccer history. Once there, he would join legends such as Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Andres Iniesta, Karim Benzema, and Gerard Pique.

Here is the list of players with the most trophies in soccer history:

1- Lionel Messi (48)
2- Dani Alves (43)
3- Marquinhos (42)
4- Andres Iniesta (40)
4- Hossam Hassan (40)
6- David Alaba (39)
6- Hossam Ashour (39)
8- Karim Benzema (38)
8- Gerard Pique (38)
10- Maxwell (37)
11- Sergio Busquets (36)
11- Angel Di Maria (36)
11- Cristiano Ronaldo (36)
11- Ryan Giggs (36)
11- Ibrahim Hassan (36)

By capturing the league crown, Ronaldo ended a three-year and four months wait to hoist an official trophy with the club. The Portuguese icon made his official debut on January 22, 2023, and had since been repeatedly frustrated in his quest to lift recognized silverware in the Middle East.

The only tournament Ronaldo had previously celebrated with Al Nassr was the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he famously led his team to victory with a brilliant brace against Al Hilal. However, that tournament is not officially recognized by FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), meaning it never counted toward Cristiano’s legendary official career statistics.

Cristiano had a golden opportunity to collect multiple trophies this season after spearheading Al Nassr’s run to the AFC Champions League Two final. However, despite entering the match as heavy favorites on their home turf, Al Nassr suffered a shocking 1-0 upset at the hands of Japan’s Gamba Osaka, leaving Ronaldo empty-handed on the continental stage.

Ronaldo finally capitalizes on silverware opportunity

After letting the AFC Champions League Two title slip through his fingers, Cristiano was determined not to let another golden opportunity pass him by to finish the club campaign empty-handed once again.

Prior to this league triumph, Ronaldo had endured a painful streak of four consecutive final defeats with Al Nassr. The club finished as runners-up in the King’s Cup (2023-24), back-to-back Saudi Super Cups (2024-25 and 2025-26), and the aforementioned recent AFC Champions League Two collapse.

Cristiano ends long club trophy drought

Beyond simply snapping his dry spell with Al Nassr, this league triumph also marks the end of a staggering five-year personal drought for Cristiano without a club trophy.

Before lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy, the Portuguese superstar’s last official piece of club silverware came back in 2021 during his tenure with Juventus, when the Italian giants defeated Atalanta 2-1 to claim the Coppa Italia.

Success had been elusive for CR7 in Saudi Arabia, as he had failed to win an official title since arriving at the club in early 2023. His only previous triumph had been the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, a tournament not officially recognized by FIFA.

That gives special significance to Thursday’s achievement, since it not only represents his first trophy with Al Nassr, but also allows him to maintain an impressive record that very few players can claim: Ronaldo has won at least one title with every club he has played for.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first title came with Sporting CP

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career began with the success that would define the following years. In the only season he played with Sporting CP, he won his first professional trophy by defeating Leixoes in the 2002 Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, the annual competition contested by the winners of Portugal’s top league and domestic cup.

Ronaldo’s titles with Manchester United

The major breakthrough in CR7’s career came in 2003, when he left Sporting CP to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs: Manchester United. There, under coach Sir Alex Ferguson, the forward developed into the best player in the world, a status cemented by his 2008 Ballon d’Or win.

Between 2003 and 2009, Cristiano won 10 trophies with the Red Devils. The most important was the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League title, alongside Premier League crowns in 2007, 2008, and 2009, the 2004 FA Cup, the 2006 and 2009 EFL Cups, the 2007 and 2008 Community Shields, and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.

Ronaldo shines with Real Madrid

After starring in England, Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 in a move that helped define an era of soccer through his battles with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi for global supremacy.

With Los Blancos, CR7 scored 450 goals between 2009 and 2018, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer while helping the team win 16 trophies. The most important were the four Champions League titles captured in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Those victories also led to additional honors, including the FIFA Club World Cups in 2014, 2016, and 2017, as well as the UEFA Super Cups in those same years.

Domestically, Real Madrid enjoyed less success because Barcelona dominated many of the trophies during that era. Even so, the club still won two La Liga titles (2012 and 2017), two Copa del Rey trophies (2011 and 2014), and two Spanish Super Cups (2012 and 2017).

Cristiano Ronaldo’s titles with Juventus

In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid parted ways, leading to his move to Juventus. There, the forward won the Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020, along with the 2018 and 2020 Supercoppa Italiana and the 2021 Coppa Italia.

Cristiano Ronaldo ends title drought with Al Nassr

After an unsuccessful return to Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo made the surprising decision in December 2022 to leave Europe for the first time in his career and join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. From that moment, he began a three-and-a-half-year wait for his first official trophy with the club: the Saudi Pro League title won on Thursday.

Portugal reaches glory with Ronaldo

In addition to his club success, Cristiano Ronaldo has also captured major honors with the Portugal national team. Before CR7’s international debut, Portugal had never won an official trophy. That drought ended with the UEFA Euro 2016 title, followed by the UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

All Cristiano Ronaldo trophies

Sporting CP (1)

• 2002 Supertaca Candido de Oliveira

Manchester United (10)

• FA Cup 2003-04
• EFL Cup 2005-06, 2008-09
• Premier League 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
• Community Shield 2007, 2008
• UEFA Champions League 2007-08
• FIFA Club World Cup 2008

Real Madrid (16)

• Copa del Rey 2010-11, 2013-14
• La Liga 2011-12, 2016-17
• Supercopa de España 2012, 2017
• UEFA Champions League 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
• UEFA Super Cup 2014, 2016, 2017
• FIFA Club World Cup 2014, 2016, 2017

Juventus (5)

• Serie A 2018-19, 2019-20
• Supercoppa Italiana 2018, 2020
• Coppa Italia 2020-21

Al Nassr (1)

• Saudi Pro League 2025-26

Portugal (3)

• UEFA Euro 2016
• UEFA Nations League 2018-19, 2024-25

According to TV Azteca reporter David Medrano, the head coach has already settled on 24 of the 26 players who will represent Mexico at North America 2026. One of the remaining spots is expected to go to a defender, either a full-back or a center back, while the other will likely be filled by an attacking midfielder or forward.

The national team insider reviewed the list of players competing for those final two spots in Aguirre’s plans: Luis Chavez, Richard Ledezma, Julian Araujo, German Berterame, Jesus Angulo, and Everardo Lopez.

Among them, the most experienced player at the international level is Luis Chavez, who was part of Mexico’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and played a major role under Gerardo Martino. However, a serious knee injury suffered during the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup kept him sidelined until March of this year, when he returned to action with Dinamo Moscow.

Meanwhile, the other attacking player on that short list is German Berterame, who has gradually found strong form with Inter Miami in MLS. In the defensive battle, Everardo Lopez and Richard Ledezma appear to have the edge after seeing extensive playing time under Aguirre in recent months.

Mexico players with spots nearly secured for the World Cup

Beyond those two reportedly contested spots, Javier Aguirre appears to have a clear picture of the 24 players expected to form the core of Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reporter David Medrano, these are the players whose spots are nearly secured:

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo

Defenders: Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Alvaro Fidalgo, Obed Vargas, Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda

Forwards: Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez, Julian Quinones, Armando Gonzalez, Guillermo Martinez

What’s next for Mexico?

This Friday, Mexico will play one of its final warmup matches before the World Cup against Ghana, followed by another friendly against Australia on May 30. After that match, Javier Aguirre is expected to finalize the 26-man roster, considering FIFA’s deadline is June 1. Mexico’s final match before the World Cup will be against Serbia on Thursday, June 4.

According to ESPN Argentina national team insider Gustavo Yarroch, Martinez will undergo further medical scans on his hand, but the finger injury will not sideline the goalkeeper or impede his ability to play.

Consequently, Martinez is expected to feature without issue in Aston Villa’s final Premier League match of the season away against Manchester City. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be fully available for Argentina’s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies and the marquee tournament in North America.

Following the Europa League trophy celebration, Martinez confessed that he actually broke his finger during the pre-match warm-ups. Defying the pain, the Argentine played the full 90 minutes between the posts for Villa, proving crucial in securing the continental silverware.

Scaloni reportedly considering extra goalkeeper for World Cup squad

While Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to officially unveil his provisional roster for the 2026 World Cup, Martinez’s spot as the undisputed starting goalkeeper is set in stone. Nevertheless, ESPN reports suggest that the manager is considering bringing a fourth goalkeeper along with the delegation.

The player in question is River Plate’s Santiago Beltran, who has showcased remarkable composure and consistency since being promoted to the first team—a rare feat for such a young keeper. In 24 appearances, the 21-year-old prospect has conceded just 15 goals while racking up 12 clean sheets, guiding his team to 15 wins, four draws, and five losses.

Crucially, Scaloni’s intention is to call up Beltran primarily as a training partner to work alongside the senior squad throughout the World Cup campaign, effectively serving as the 27th member of the delegation.

Under official FIFA regulations, final tournament rosters are strictly capped at 26 players, meaning Beltran would only be eligible to enter the official matchday squad if one of the three primary goalkeepers suffers a tournament-ending injury.

The exact prize for the Saudi Pro League champion has not been made public. The most recently disclosed figure came in 2023, when Al Ittihad earned SR5 million, which would be about $1.33 million if that amount stayed the same. Al Nassr’s current two-point lead means a win over Damac would seal the title.

If Al Hilal do not beat Al Fayha, they could also be crowned champions. However, if Al Nassr fail to win, everything will depend on Al Hilal. A win would give them the title even if the teams finish level on points, since the head-to-head tiebreaker favors them after their 3-1 win in the first meeting and the recent draw.

Al Nassr’s lost final

Saturday did not bring a Saudi Pro League title for Al Nassr. But that was not their only chance to lift a trophy, as they also faced Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final in Riyadh.

Even after the disappointment in their most recent match last Tuesday, they still had a chance to make up for it in front of their fans with a winnable final, but that did not happen.

Al Nassr had been perfect throughout their continental run before falling in the worst possible match. Gamba Osaka took a first-half lead and never looked back, going on to win the title 1-0 and surprising most observers.

Ronaldo’s numbers

Ronaldo has continued to score as his team closes in on its first titles in some time, even after his arrival was expected to deliver them sooner. He has played 29 Saudi Pro League matches and scored 26 goals, one King Cup match without scoring, four AFC Champions League Two matches with one goal, and two Saudi Super Cup matches with one goal. That leaves him on 36 matches and 28 goals across those competitions.

The official squad announcement is scheduled for Friday, May 22, but Tuchel has been quietly delivering the difficult news to those who will not be making the trip. The report of Maguire’s omission was first broken by talkSport‘s Alex Crook and subsequently confirmed by the Manchester United defender himself.

In a statement posted to his social media, Maguire made his feelings clear: “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer.“

Since Tuchel took charge of the Three Lions at the start of 2025, Maguire was initially unavailable due to a calf injury, and once fit, he went on to miss eight additional international fixtures before finally working his way back into contention during the March break.

He played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay before making a brief seven-minute appearance in the shocking 1-0 defeat to Japan. Those cameos marked his first appearances for England since September 2024 under interim manager Lee Carsley, but they were not enough to persuade Tuchel to include him in the World Cup plans.

Since his debut against Lithuania in October 2017, Maguire accumulated 66 international appearances, contributing seven goals and two assists, and was part of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semifinal and finished runners-up at Euro 2020. Now 33, and likely to be 35 by the time Euro 2028 comes around, his international career may well have reached its end.

Who will take Maguire’s place in the squad?

With Maguire out of the picture, attention turns to who will cover the center back positions for England at the tournament. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Manchester City’s Marc Guéhi are expected to be Tuchel’s two first-choice starters in that department, leaving limited room for additional options.

Dan Burn has also been a regular in Tuchel’s setups and is widely expected to make the final squad. Meanwhile, the status of John Stones remains uncertain, and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is also believed to be in contention for a place despite dealing with injury issues this season, according to talkSport.

Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr FC, being in full physical condition. While he comes from two games without scoring, the Portuguese striker has shown a great ability to shine in high-pressure moments. In addition, the 41-year-old star managed to score in the previous match between both teams, giving signs that it could happen again today, as he looks to close the gap in the top scorers table.

Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, head coach Jorge Jesus will repeat the successful setup with João Félix. In addition, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will be the options on the wings, as they come in strong form with Al Nassr. Being one of the best attacking teams, they aim to dominate heavily from a goalscoring perspective, as their opponent is one of the teams with the most defensive instability.

Unlike Al Nassr FC, Damac are not coming from their best season. With only 29 points, they are fighting to avoid relegation, battling with Al Riyadh SC, meaning they absolutely need a victory. However, they have not shined from a defensive perspective, conceding 51 goals. Despite this, head coach Fábio Carille could opt for an offensive approach, seeking to take advantage of the spaces behind the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in order to search for a victory.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Damac

After their dominant season, Al Nassr arrive as clear favorites to take the victory against Damac, as they have not lost against them since 2021. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will not be able to count on Marcelo Brozović and Sultan Al-Ghannam due to injury. Despite this, they still maintain their main stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, who will be boosted by the speed and dribbling ability of Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman.

With this in mind, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ayman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Sadio Mane; Joao Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Damac confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr

Damac arrive with the urgent need to secure a victory against Al Nassr, as they need to avoid relegation. Goalkeeper Kewin Silva could be vital in preventing Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix from shining.

Considering this, they could lineup as follows: Kewin; Sanousi Al-Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid; Hasssan Rabei, Abdu, Dhari Al Anazi, Morlaye Sylla, Arielson, Jonathan Okita.

The Lions of Teranga are preparing for another important World Cup campaign under head coach Pape Thiaw, and the squad list has already generated discussion about possible tactical decisions, late cuts, and emerging talents hoping to secure a place on the plane to North America. However, according to the BBC, the 28-player list is not the country’s official final squad but rather a provisional selection ahead of FIFA’s submission deadline.

Under FIFA regulations, national teams are permitted to announce preliminary groups before reducing them to the official tournament limit. In fact, federations can initially register significantly larger pools before confirming the final 26-player roster required for the competition.

That flexibility has allowed Senegal to take extra players into training camp while the coaching staff continues evaluating fitness levels, tactical balance, and overall squad chemistry. The final decision must still be made before the official FIFA deadline in early June. “Thiaw will have to trim his squad to the FIFA-mandated 26 players ahead of the final deadline on 2 June,” BBC’s report explained.

Why Senegal wanted extra players

The decision to include two additional players gives the coaching staff more room to assess the squad during preparations. Senegal is expected to use training sessions and friendly matches to determine which players are fully ready for the tournament. “The extra two players give the coaching staff a buffer to assess player fitness, tactical cohesion, and form during the preparatory training camp and initial friendly matches,” the BBC added.

This approach is especially important ahead of a long and demanding competition. Injuries, fatigue from club soccer, and travel schedules all play a role when national teams prepare for a World Cup tournament expected to last from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded roster also protects Senegal in case any late injury concerns emerge before the official submission deadline. Rather than scrambling for replacements at the last minute, the staff already has additional players integrated into camp.

Two players will eventually miss out

Although the announcement created excitement, it also means that difficult decisions are approaching. Senegal must reduce the group from 28 players down to the final 26-man squad before the tournament officially begins. For the players involved, the coming weeks will carry enormous pressure. Every training session, friendly match, and tactical exercise could influence the coaching staff’s final judgment.

The nation’s preparation schedule also explains why the national team preferred to keep a larger group together for the early stages of camp. The Teranga Lions are set to play important pre-tournament friendlies before finalizing the roster.

Senegal will face the United States on May 31 before taking on Saudi Arabia on June 10. Those matches are expected to provide valuable tactical insight for Thiaw and his coaching staff ahead of the World Cup opener.

Once the final squad is confirmed, Senegal will turn full attention toward a challenging Group I campaign. The African giant has been drawn alongside France, Norway, and Iraq, creating one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

Head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that Marcelo Brozović will not be part of Al Nassr’s squad for the match against Damac FC. After leaving with discomfort in the groin area against Al Hilal SFC, he has not managed to fully recover, as the latest medical examinations did not give him the green light to train with the group, reports Asharq Al-Awsat. With this in mind, they will have to adjust their midfield without one of their best stars.

In place of the Croatian star, Saad Al Nasser could return to the starting lineup after shining against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two. Alongside him, Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Ali Al Hassan, who has been a regular starter throughout the season. Without another world-class star in midfield, Al Nassr could lose a lot of consistency, as Marcelo Brozović not only provides offensive consistency, but also organizes the team throughout the game.

Report: Marcelo Brozovic is expected to remain at Al Nassr

Throughout the 2025-26 season, the future of Marcelo Brozović has been a fairly controversial topic. Being an undisputed starter for Jorge Jesus, the Croatian’s contract expires in June 2026 and his renewal has not yet been announced. Although he has been a somewhat divisive figure, Al Nassr are already pushing to secure his continuity, and are reportedly very close to ensuring the 33-year-old star remains at the club.

According to Al Youm newspaper, Al Nassr have reached an agreement to extend the contract of Marcelo Brozović. However, the agreement has not yet been officially announced, as the player’s representatives still have some formalities to complete before it becomes official. With this in mind, the Croatian midfielder appears set to remain in the Saudi Pro League, despite interest from several European clubs.

Al Nassr’s Jorge Jesus may press to sign another midfielder

Despite keeping Marcelo Brozović as a starter,Jorge Jesus could look to increase squad depth by signing a star midfielder. While Ângelo and Ali Al Hassan have accompanied the Croatian, Al Nassr have struggled to find consistency, suggesting that a box-to-box midfielder may be needed to complement the team. With this, they could aim to both enhance the 33-year-old star’s impact and build for the future at the same time.

While numerous players such as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, among others, have been linked, they have not reached an agreement with any of them. However, the continuity of Jorge Jesus could be conditioned by the squad adjustments, as he has stated on multiple occasions that he needs greater depth to maintain high competitiveness across all competitions.

“Mohammed Ouahbi calls up a group of players for a preparatory training camp ahead of the final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad announcement,” Morocco shared Thursday in a post on its official X account.

That roster is not binding for the World Cup, and it consists of 28 players who are already available to join the national team and begin training at the Mohammed VI Complex between May 22 and May 26. The coaching staff intends to use those days to evaluate players and make final decisions before selecting the 26-man roster for the tournament.

The players called up by Ouahbi currently play for clubs in Morocco or in countries where league seasons have already ended. That includes France’s Ligue 1, where players such as Gomis Ibrahim (Olympique Marseille), Ait Boudlal Abdelhamid (Stade Rennais), and Bouaddi Ayyoud (Lille) are based.

Hakimi and Morocco’s other stars

Unlike Ligue 1, which has already concluded its 2025-26 season, and other leagues such as the Netherlands’ Eredivisie or the Super League Greece, which are in the final stages of their playoffs, several European leagues still have matches remaining. That makes it impossible for players to leave early and join their respective national teams.

In Morocco’s case, that situation affects several of the squad’s biggest stars. La Liga will play Matchday 38 this weekend, after which Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abde Ezzalzouli and Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), and Azzedine Ounahi (Girona) will become available. The same applies in Italy with AS Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui and in the Premier League with Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui.

Bono will play his final match of the season with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday. Hakimi, meanwhile, has already finished his Ligue 1 campaign, but he still has the UEFA Champions League final ahead with Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal. As a result, he will not be able to join Morocco’s training camp until after May 30.

Morocco aiming to make history again

At Qatar 2022, Morocco became the best-performing African national team in World Cup history by reaching the semifinals. The team lost to France there before finishing fourth after a defeat against Croatia.

Now Morocco face the challenge of matching or improving that achievement. As part of Group C, the team will open its North America 2026 campaign against Brazil on Saturday, June 13, before facing Scotland and Haiti.

For months, uncertainty surrounded Neuer’s international future after the veteran goalkeeper stepped away following Euro 2024. Yet Nagelsmann ultimately decided that experience, leadership, and composure on the biggest stage were too valuable to ignore ahead of a tournament that could define the next chapter of German soccer.

The biggest revelation from the squad announcement was undoubtedly Neuer’s comeback at the age of 40. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had repeatedly insisted his international retirement was final, even describing the decision earlier this year as “set in stone.”

That position changed after discussions with Nagelsmann, who made it clear he wanted the veteran back between the posts for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “After many discussions, we understood that the three best goalkeepers in Germany should be at the World Cup. That’s why we spoke with Manuel, and he agreed to return. We plan with him as number 1,” the manager explained.

The decision came at a cost for Oliver Baumann, who had expected to remain the DFB-Team’s first-choice goalkeeper after featuring heavily during qualifying. Nagelsmann openly admitted the situation was difficult for the Hoffenheim keeper, describing Neuer’s return as “a blow” for Baumann after months of believing the role belonged to him.

Germany finally reveals the full squad

As anticipation built around Neuer’s comeback, attention soon shifted toward the rest of Germany’s final selection for the tournament. Nagelsmann eventually confirmed a squad packed with Bundesliga experience, Premier League quality, and several emerging talents viewed as the future of the national team.

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund)

One notable absentee remains Gnabry, whose season-ending injury following Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid ruled him out of contention. His absence leaves Germany without one of its most dangerous wide attackers during a tournament where attacking depth could become decisive.

Germany searching for redemption

Germany enters the World Cup under enormous pressure after consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the national team has struggled to match expectations on the world stage.

Nagelsmann knows expectations remain high despite the recent disappointments. “I think we’re well prepared,” the German coach said. “We need to let our actions do the talking. That is why I’m glad that things are finally about to get underway.”

The national team opens its campaign against Curacao before later facing the Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E. Warm-up matches against Finland and the United States are expected to help finalize tactical details before the tournament officially begins.

The Lions of Teranga head into the tournament carrying high expectations after unveiling a squad packed with experience, youth, and attacking quality. While much of the early focus has centered around Mane’s leadership, the depth throughout the squad suggests Senegal believes it can challenge some of the biggest nations in world soccer.

According to the Senegal Football Federation (FSF), head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has retained the core of the side that has represented the nation during recent international tournaments. The squad includes several familiar stars who helped establish Senegal as one of Africa’s elite national teams over the last decade.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, and Mane all return, giving the team a strong spine filled with leadership and tournament experience. At the same time, the nation continues to invest heavily in younger players capable of taking the national team into a new era. Talents such as Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Assane Diao are expected to play important roles during the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Senegal finally reveals the full squad

Even with Senegal introducing younger players, Mane remains the emotional and tactical centerpiece of the squad. The 34-year-old continues to carry enormous influence both on and off the pitch. The tournament also carries added meaning for the former Liverpool star after he missed the 2022 World Cup through injury.

His return gives the team an experienced forward capable of delivering in major moments. While the introduction surrounding the squad announcement focused heavily on the Al-Nassr star, the complete list revealed an impressive collection of talent spread across every department of the pitch.

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre AC), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Ismaïl Jakobs (Galatasaray), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)

Group that has Europe watching

Senegal’s placement in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq immediately turned attention toward what could become one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. France enters the World Cup as one of the favorites with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the attack, while Norway will rely heavily on Haaland’s firepower.

That combination makes Senegal’s squad announcement even more significant. The African giant clearly believes they possess enough quality to challenge both European sides and potentially advance deep into the knockout rounds.

Their opening match against France on June 16 in New Jersey already carries huge emotional significance. The fixture revives memories of Senegal’s famous 1-0 victory over the reigning world champion during the 2002 World Cup, one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner triggered panic during the club’s final Ligue 1 match against Paris FC when, in the 27th minute, he signaled to the bench and requested a substitution. The optics worsened when, instead of taking a seat among the substitutes, he walked straight down the tunnel into the locker room.

Despite the initial scare, the French winger downplayed the severity of the situation in an interview with RMC Sport, stating he feels great and is ready to face Arsenal. “I’m doing very well. I had a little scare against Paris FC, but I’m fine and I’ll be ready for the final,” Dembele noted.

To further calm supporters’ nerves, the former Barcelona attacker emphasized that he has no reservations about his physical fitness heading into the decisive May 30 clash. “Will I be at 100% for the final? Yes, yes, I think so, I’ll be ready. I have no doubts about it, and I expect to be on the pitch on May 30,” he added.

Dembele’s grueling injury history

Dembele has notoriously lacked luck when it comes to durability throughout his career. The French forward has endured an array of physical setbacks that have sidelined him from high-stakes matches for Barcelona, the France national team, and PSG alike.

During his tenure with the Spanish giants, Dembele suffered more than a dozen distinct injuries that knocked him out of crucial Champions League knockout ties. Most notably, he essentially missed the entire 2019-2020 campaign due to severe hamstring tears.

While on international duty with France, Dembele suffered a ruptured biceps femoris tendon in his right knee during the Euro 2020 group stage against Hungary. The injury not only prematurely ended his tournament run but also sidelined him for four months.

He has not been completely immune to setbacks with his current club either. During this season’s Champions League campaign, he was forced off during a league-phase match against Bayern Munich and subsequently missed the playoff knockout rounds against Monaco.

Determined not to miss the final

Given his extensive history in the medical room, the player acknowledged that his early exit against Paris FC was purely a precautionary measure to avoid missing yet another monumental showcase.

“I’ve had so many minor scares or serious injuries in my career, whether here at PSG or even before. With such massive games on the horizon, especially this final, I preferred to stop and, above all, not take any risks,” he told RMC Sport.

Match Overview

The Saudi Pro League title race reaches a critical moment as Al Nassr host Damac in a matchup loaded with pressure on both sides. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr sits first in the standings with 83 points, holding a slim two-point lead over Al Hilal and knowing a win would secure the league title without needing help elsewhere.

Damac, meanwhile, enters the finale battling to avoid relegation with 29 points, as Al-Riyadh SC remains within striking distance. With the championship and survival both on the line, this showdown is shaping up to be a must-watch finish to the season.

The title race has become one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Saudi Pro League history. Al-Nassr controls its destiny, but the margin for error has disappeared completely after recent dropped points and the painful late equalizer conceded against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby.

The 2025-26 campaign has tested Al-Nassr emotionally from start to finish. Jorge Jesus’ side looked ready to celebrate the title last week before Bento’s stoppage-time own goal denied the club victory in a tense derby draw against Al-Hilal. Just days later, the disappointment deepened with a 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, increasing the pressure surrounding the final league fixture.

That result left Ronaldo and his teammates with one last opportunity to turn the season into a success. Despite the recent setbacks, the numbers still favor Al-Nassr. The club has recorded 27 wins, two draws, and only four defeats, scoring 87 goals while conceding just 27 across 33 league matches.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has continued to apply pressure without losing ground. The defending challenger has collected 81 points and remained unbeaten through 33 games, setting up a dramatic finish with both title contenders playing at the same time on Matchday 34.

What happens if Al-Nassr wins against Damac?

This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Nassr defeats Damac, the club officially becomes the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League champion regardless of Al-Hilal’s result against Al-Fayha. A victory would move Al-Nassr to 86 points, putting the trophy beyond the reach of every rival.

It would also secure Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Saudi Pro League title since arriving in the Middle East. The atmosphere inside Al-Awwal Park is expected to be electric if the team gets the job done. Al-Nassr has already gone unbeaten in its last nine home league matches, winning eight of those games.

What happens if Al-Nassr draws against Damac?

A draw would open the door for chaos across Riyadh. If Al-Nassr finishes level against Damac and Al-Hilal defeats Al-Fayha, both clubs would end the season tied on 84 points. Under Saudi Pro League regulations, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record rather than goal difference.

Because Al-Hilal holds the advantage in the derby meetings across the season, Al-Hilal would overtake Al-Nassr and win the title. However, if Karim Benzema’s side also drops points by drawing or losing against Al-Fayha, Al-Nassr would remain champion.

That possibility means fans will likely spend the evening following events in both stadiums simultaneously. The tension surrounding this scenario explains why the late equalizer against Al-Hilal last week felt so devastating for Jorge Jesus’ side.

What happens if Al-Nassr loses against Damac?

A defeat would create the most dangerous situation for Ronaldo and his teammates. If Al-Nassr loses and Al-Hilal beats Al-Fayha, the title slips away immediately. In that case, Al-Hilal would finish on 84 points while Al-Nassr would stay on 83.

Months of dominance at the top of the table would disappear on the final night of the season. If Al-Hilal also fails to win, Al-Nassr could still survive the scare and secure the championship despite defeat. But relying on help from another stadium is the last thing Jorge Jesus wants after leading the table for so much of the campaign.

On Tuesday, Martinez held a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras to unveil a 27-player list for the upcoming tournament, the extra spot accounting for a backup goalkeeper in case of injury. The spotlight, however, fell squarely on Ronaldo, who is now set to appear at his sixth World Cup, a record he is expected to share with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa.

When asked directly about managing a 41-year-old Ronaldo during the tournament, Martínez was measured and clear in his response. “The management will be handled very naturally. We already have plenty of data; we are talking about nearly 40 matches together. Ronaldo is our captain. He faces the same demands as the other players and the same competitiveness to be in the national team,” the Spanish coach said.

Martínez also made a point of emphasizing Ronaldo’s value beyond his performances on the pitch. “He is an exemplary captain. He was highly important for us in winning the Nations League, and now we want that same level of responsibility and example inside the locker room,” he added.

It is worth noting that despite being in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the top scorer under Roberto Martinez’s watch with Portugal. Across the 38 games Martinez has overseen, the Selecao have scored 109 goals, with Ronaldo contributing 25 of them in 30 appearances, nearly a quarter of the total, having sat out eight games for various reasons.

What’s next for Portugal?

Martinez announced that Portugal’s World Cup training camp will begin on June 1, with all players granted at least seven days of rest before reporting for duty at the Cidade do Futebol. The PSG contingent of Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos, who are set to feature in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30th, will miss the start of the camp.

Portugal will play two preparatory friendlies during the early June window, the first against Chile on the 6th and the second against Nigeria on the 10th, both to be held on home soil before the squad departs for North America.

Drawn into Group K, Portugal will be based in Palm Beach, Florida, opening their World Cup campaign on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston. They will then face debutants Uzbekistan on June 23 before closing out the group stage against Colombia on June 27.

De la Fuente said: “The group of players is set. It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before. The goalkeeper is decided. I could even tell you the lineup. There will be three goalkeepers, not four.”

While the manager did not name that player, one name that has recently gained a lot of attention is Gavi, who has been excellent for Barcelona: “We haven’t given him anything. He has earned it himself after overcoming two very serious injuries. He is in a very good moment. When he is not there, he is a player you really miss.”

De la Fuente on Dani Carvajal

A major name that was left out of the list was Dani Carvajal. The right back was outstanding for Real Madrid two years ago and even scored in the Champions League final, but after his knee injury in October 2023, he has not been able to repeat that level.

This time may not be ideal for Carvajal, as he will not make the squad, not because his performances have not been good enough, but due to a recent injury that has put his fitness in doubt in doubt and he has missed time while trying to get back in shape.

De la Fuente all but confirmed that Carvajal was not going to be back in time after suffering a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe: “He is a great captain, but it was difficult for him to be in condition to play.”

De la Fuente on his hardest decision

The coach also reflected on his career. De la Fuente said leaving a major name out of the team was the hardest decision he has made since becoming Spain’s national team coach: “The hardest decision since I became national team coach was not calling up Sergio Ramos.”

Alongside Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar formed one of the most lethal attacking trios the game has ever seen, and the Argentine and Brazilian later had a brief reunion at PSG. Beyond the pitch, life has placed the two legends on opposite sides on the biggest stages, including with a trophy directly on the line.

One of those moments came in the 2021 Copa America final, where after Messi finally captured his first major international honor with Argentina, Neymar sought him out on the field and embraced both Messi and Leandro Paredes, despite being visibly heartbroken. “Messi and Paredes are phenomenal guys and people off the pitch. As much as they are Argentine, and therefore rivals of Brazil by nature, they became friends. We found a bit of happiness within the chaos of all that,” Neymar said in a conversation on CONMEBOL’s official website.

The match carried a particularly heavy emotional weight for Neymar, who had missed Brazil‘s 2019 Copa América triumph through injury and was carrying the burden of leading the hosts at the Maracana in a final they desperately wanted to win. “Regardless of the shirt you wear or the country you are from, everyone is a human being; everyone has feelings, joys, and they are friends,” he reflected on the conversation he had with the Argentines on a staircase at the Maracana.

Perhaps no image captured that moment more powerfully than the photograph of both players embracing on the field, one overcome with joy, the other with grief. The picture sparked some debate over whether the timing was appropriate given the circumstances, but it was also widely received as a genuine reflection of the friendship between two of the game’s all-time greats.

Addressing the significance of that image, Neymar offered a thoughtful reflection on what it means to him. “Messi is the number one in football, and I have my own space in the game. This photo means a lot because of that: it’s two guys who fought for the title in the final, gave 100%, and post-match, we managed to find a moment of happiness, both for the guy who became champion and for the guy who was defeated,” he said.

A Brazil vs. Argentina final in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is now less than a month away, and one of the most talked-about moments of the buildup has been Neymar’s confirmation in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. Before that announcement was made official, the Santos forward had already made clear what he was hoping for, both in terms of his own participation and a special reunion with Messi.

In the mixed zone following Santos’ 1-1 draw against San Lorenzo back in April, Neymar said he hoped to be at the World Cup, and when asked specifically about the prospect of facing Messi, he did not hold back. “Yes, of course. Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular,” he said.

With Brazil placed in Group C and Argentina in Group J, the South American giants are on a collision course for a semifinal matchup if both win their respective groups. However, if either side advances as a group runner-up, a blockbuster showdown in the final becomes possible, meaning Neymar’s dream of facing Messi on the world’s biggest stage remains a realistic possibility if both powerhouses make a deep run.

The Villans were desperate to make history in Istanbul by securing their first major European silverware since their 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern Munich and the subsequent 1983 European Super Cup win against Barcelona. But panic rippled through the fanbase during pre-match warmups when television cameras caught Martinez having his hand heavily examined by Aston Villa’s medical staff.

Ultimately, after taping the injured finger, his spot in the starting XI was never in jeopardy as he logged the full 90 minutes in Aston Villa’s dominant 3-0 win of Freiburg. The Argentine keeper recorded two saves on the night and served as the vital anchor for Unai Emery’s build-up play from the back, completing 26 passes.

The goalkeeper dropped the injury bombshell during his post-match media obligations, reflecting on the historic victory and his current form. “Honestly, it’s a source of pride. I keep growing game by game. Today, I broke my finger during the warmup, but for me, every cloud has a silver lining. I’ve done this my whole life. And I keep doing it,‘ Martinez revealed during an interview with ESPN.

When pressed on whether the fracture would jeopardize his upcoming international duties, Martinez downplayed the severity, even while describing the gruesome reality of the injury: “I’ve never had a broken finger before. Every time I grabbed the ball, it would bend the other way. But oh well, these are paths you have to cross. I am proud to defend Aston Villa.“

Argentina’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup is expected to be released in the coming days, with La Albiceleste scheduled to face Honduras in a June 6 friendly before tournament play begins. With less than 30 days until Argentina’s World Cup debut against Algeria, the fitness of Martinez, a foundational pillar of the squad alongside Lionel Messi, will be the biggest storyline to monitor.

Martinez’s history with finger fractures

While the recovery timeline for a fractured finger varies by case, this isn’t the first time Martinez has played through this specific type of physical adversity. Back on December 1, 2024, in a Premier League clash against Chelsea, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson accidentally stepped on Martinez’s pinky finger during a 29th-minute scramble; though the Argentine managed to finish the first half, he was forced to sub out at the intermission.

Aston Villa later clarified that the keeper was also dealing with severe hip pain from the collision, which prompted his early exit. Proving his quick-healing reputation, Martinez was back in the starting lineup just three days later on December 4, backstopping Villa to a 3-1 victory over Brentford.

Martinez’s flawless record in championship finals

After breaking through late in his career, Martinez shocked the global soccer landscape by rapidly ascending to the ranks of the world’s elite goalkeepers. Ever since stepping into the spotlight at Arsenal in 2020 following an injury to Bernd Leno, the Argentine has maintained a flawless, legendary record when everything is on the line.

Martinez boasts a perfect 7-0 record in the seven major cup finals he has contested throughout his career. Beginning with the 2020 FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal, his golden touch carried over to the international stage, where he captured the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America with Argentina before adding the 2026 Europa League to his trophy cabinet.

Soaking in his first piece of silverware with Aston Villa, Martinez grew emotional when evaluating his journey from an unheralded backup to a global champion: “To me, it’s a message from God because of the things that happen to me along the way. Ever since I left Argentina for Arsenal as a kid, it was very hard for me to get games. I came to a club that has a massive mission, that hadn’t won anything for many years. I earned the starting spot for Argentina, we won so many titles, I earned the affection of my country which didn’t know me very well, and I believe I have also won the hearts of all the Villa fans as well.“

Luis Enrique said: “If you look at the team’s numbers, you can clearly see Mikel Arteta’s influence. He has changed the team’s mentality, made them competitive again, and they have continued improving their level. Arsenal are the perfect reflection of Arteta. Without the ball, they are the best team in Europe.”

The match was already huge because of what is at stake, but what makes it even more interesting is the contrast in styles. Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Arsenal in last season’s semifinal, but this time their opponents arrive with confidence after winning the Premier League.

Luis Enrique on set pieces

There are many details that have to be perfect in a game like this. One of Arsenal’s biggest strengths is their set pieces, largely because of the height and physical presence of their players.

For Luis Enrique, that is one of the main things they must watch closely. He knows his team cannot match Arsenal in that area, since Paris Saint-Germain rely more on smaller, technical players who are not built for aerial duels in the same way.

Luis Enrique said: “We are a smaller team, and we are used to different styles, but with the same idea of controlling the game, and it is very difficult to take the ball away from them. They represent Arteta’s ability to motivate the team very well.”

Luis Enrique on Ousmane Dembélé’s attitude

One of the biggest changes since Kylian Mbappé left the club has been the team’s willingness to work together when they lose possession. That has also been reflected in Ousmane Dembélé’s role in attack, since he continues to help his team by tracking back and working hard off the ball.

Luis Enrique said: “You have to defend when you do not have the ball, it’s something every team has to do, just like in basketball, and I think he always shows his individual quality as well as his ability off the ball.”

The Liverpool talisman, who recently said goodbye to Anfield at the end of the season after opting not to renew his contract, will be competing in his second World Cup with the Pharaohs, having previously featured at Russia 2018.

During that 2018 tournament, the forward arrived carrying a severe shoulder injury sustained in the UEFA Champions League final, where Liverpool fell to Real Madrid. Despite being physically compromised, Salah still managed to score two goals in his two appearances, though Egypt was ultimately eliminated in the group stage without securing a single point.

Joining Egypt’s second all-time leading scorer in attack is Manchester City’s Marmoush, alongside the squad’s biggest surprise selection: 18-year-old wonderkid Hamza Abdelkarim, who has been turning heads in Barcelona’s youth ranks.

Egypt’s group stage schedule

Egypt have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. The Pharaohs will make their tournament debut on June 15 against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle.

They will then travel to Vancouver to face New Zealand on June 21 at BC Place, before wrapping up the group stage against Iran on June 27, returning to Lumen Field.

Egypt’s 27-man roster

Goalkeepers

• Mohamed El Shennawy
• Mostafa Shobeir
• El Mahdy Soliman
• Mohamed Alaa

Defenders

• Mohamed Hany
• Tarek Alaa
• Hamdi Fathi
• Ramy Rabia
• Yasser Ibrahim
• Houssam Abdelmaguid
• Mohamed Abdelmonem
• Ahmed Fattouh
• Karim Hafez

Midfielders

• Marwan Attia
• Mohannad Lasheen
• Nabil Emad Dunga
• Mahmoud Saber
• Ahmed Sayed Zizo
• Mahmoud Trezeguet
• Emam Ashour
• Mostafa Ziko
• Ibrahim Adel
• Haissem Hassan
• Mohamed Salah

Forwards

• Omar Marmoush
• Aktay Abdullah
• Hamza Abdelkarim

De Jong was asked about reports of a possible exit in the summer of 2023: “What happened that summer was that, even though I said no, some clubs went to Barcelona and offered money for me. And inside the club, not everyone, but some people, thought those were good offers and wanted to sell me. But I’ve always said it: I only want to be at Barcelona.”

The Dutch midfielder also spoke about his relationship with Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco: “My relationship with Deco and Laporta is very good. I have a great relationship with both of them. Barcelona was going through a difficult financial situation and there are always clubs that contact players to ask if they want to leave or not. And I always said no.”

De Jong on Robert Lewandowski’s departure

This summer is expected to mark an important moment for Barcelona, with Robert Lewandowski confirming his departure from the club. The Polish striker was a key figure during a period when the team was not at its best.

For De Jong, his exit means losing a leader, and he also explained that he could not be at the stadium for Lewandowski’s final matches because he was ill and did not want to put anyone at risk.

De Jong said: “I think he has been very important over these four years, especially for the young players coming into the first team. Having the example of someone like Robert, who has won everything, and seeing how he trains and takes care of himself, has been very important for us.”

De Jong on his injury

Barcelona were also without an important piece for much of the year after De Jong suffered an injury. That kept him out of the lineup for a while, with his first start only coming in February because of the issue.

De Jong said: “I was coming back from a long injury and played ten minutes against Espanyol. Then the Champions League second leg against Atlético came around. I did everything possible to return as soon as I could. But in the end, I couldn’t shorten the recovery time the doctors gave me. It was six weeks, and in the end, it was six weeks.”

“Major League Soccer has had discussions with the International Football Association Board, global football’s rule making body, about trialing the use of a stopped clock in matches,” British outlet The Guardian reported Wednesday.

If this initiative moves forward, it would represent a major change for soccer. For more than a century, the sport has been defined by a timekeeping system in which the clock never stops regardless of what happens on the field, unlike virtually every other major sport.

In addition, soccer’s clock runs upward from 0 to 45 minutes to mark the beginning and end of each half, rather than counting down to zero as happens in other sports — not only in the United States, but globally — such as basketball and field hockey.

The main criticism of this system is that actual playing time varies depending on the number and length of interruptions. At the same time, although referees add stoppage time as a remedy, that method often rewards teams that intentionally waste time in order to gain an advantage.

MLS’ stance on the stopped clock

The conversations surrounding the possible implementation of a stopped clock in MLS are not merely rumors, as league officials have publicly acknowledged the idea. “We’re open to trials around the world, and working with IFAB,” MLS vice president of competition Paul Grafer told The Guardian.

“When are we going to move away from all of these stopgap procedures and see if we can address gamesmanship and match manipulation by having the referee have a [stopped] clock?” Grafer added, making his position on the issue clear.

MLS has used a stopped clock before

If the proposal to introduce a stopped clock moves forward, it would not be entirely new for MLS. When the league launched in 1996, the original system resembled those used in other American sports, with the clock stopping after every interruption to ensure full net playing time. However, that rule did not last long, as MLS adopted the globally used system in 1999.

On Tuesday, the English Football League (EFL) announced that an Independent Disciplinary Commission had made the bombshell decision to disqualify Southampton from the playoffs. The ruling came after the Saints were found guilty of breaching multiple league rules, including a modern-day “Spygate” scandal directed at Middlesbrough during the playoff semifinals.

The governing body’s ruling immediately inserted Middlesbrough into the final, sending Boro to Wembley to contest the final promotion spot for next season’s Premier League. However, the last-minute adjustment has been met with furious pushback from Hull City, setting the stage for an unprecedented legal showdown off the pitch.

According to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, Hull City are actively consulting with a team of lawyers to explore whether they can claim an automatic berth to the top flight. The club’s primary argument hinges on the fact that their entire tactical preparation was tailored for Southampton, meaning the EFL’s sudden intervention completely upends the game plan of manager Sergej Jakirovic.

The Premier League promotion decider between Hull City and Middlesbrough is still officially scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at Wembley Stadium. While Hull City players took a scheduled day off on Wednesday and will return to training on Thursday, the Tigers will have just two days to prepare for their new opponents, whereas Boro has known they were facing Hull since the ruling dropped.

Under a scenario that the Hull City hierarchy reportedly views as inherently unfair, the club’s legal battle is expected to extend far beyond kickoff. Reports from the British outlet indicate that if Hull fail to secure a victory on the pitch this Saturday, the club will almost certainly file a formal post-match challenge against the integrity of the fixture.

Southampton’s final appeal falls flat

Southampton were thrown a temporary lifeline following Tuesday’s initial verdict, launching an emergency appeal to salvage their season. However, the Saints were informed on Wednesday that the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision has been upheld, officially crushing any hopes of a trip to Wembley this weekend.

Because the Arbitration Panel’s ruling is legally binding, it cannot be appealed to any outside sports body, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Consequently, in addition to being booted from the Championship playoff final, the Saints will also hit the ground running next season with a severe four-point deduction in the standings.

In a tight first half, things unraveled for Freiburg late on as Aston Villa scored a pair of excellent goals. The breakthrough came from a well-worked corner routine that ended with a floated cross from Rogers and a superb volley from Tielemans.

When it seemed the teams would head into halftime with only a one-goal difference, Buendía found space and curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner for the 2-0. That goal effectively put the match out of reach.

In the second half, Aston Villa sat deeper to protect the lead while Freiburg struggled to create dangerous chances. A low cross from Buendía that was finished by Rogers sealed the 3-0 win with 30 minutes remaining.

During a recent interview with Radio La Red’s MP910 program in Buenos Aires, former Argentina fitness coach Gerardo Salorio revealed details about what Messi decided to do with the money FIFA awarded the national team after the title.

“He split it equally among everyone working at the training facility. Exactly the same amount, for the woman who cleaned and the one who cooked,” Salorio revealed before emphasizing how meaningful the money was for those employees: “If it wasn’t enough to buy an apartment, it was almost enough to get one.”

Salorio worked with the Argentina national team for decades, focusing specifically on youth squads. He was part of Nestor Pekerman’s staff and crossed paths with Messi during the 2005 U-20 World Cup, where Argentina won the title and the forward was named the tournament’s best player.

“Leo did other things too,” Salorio added. He then recalled the turbulent years within the Argentine Football Association between 2016 and 2017: “When the AFA was under intervention, employees told Messi they had not been paid for three months. Leo made a few calls and the money appeared within hours.”

How much money did Argentina earn for winning the 2022 World Cup?

Clearly, Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup carried enormous symbolic and historical significance for the players, considering it is soccer’s biggest tournament and only the third time the country had won it in nearly a century. However, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked either.

For winning the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA awarded Argentina a $42 million prize, the largest amount ever handed out in this type of tournament. France, as runners-up, received $30 million. Third-place Croatia earned $27 million, while Morocco took home $25 million.

Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals received $17 million each, while those knocked out in the Round of 16 earned $13 million. Finally, teams that failed to advance past the group stage received $9 million apiece. In total, FIFA distributed $440 million in prize money during the 2022 World Cup.

According to Graeme Bailey via TEAMtalk, José Mourinho wants to reinforce the right-back position at Real Madrid CF, targeting Diogo Dalot as his main objective. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is a starter, his defensive gaps leave huge doubts. Nonetheless, Michael Carrick has clearly requested that Manchester United reject any offer for the Portuguese defender, as he considers him key for the future of the sporting project.

With a contract running until 2028, with an option for a further year, Dalot appears set to remain at the Red Devils. Despite the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui as an exciting signing, the Portuguese defender has managed to retain his place in the starting XI, standing out due to his consistency and strong game intelligence. In addition, he is capable of playing on both flanks, a key factor that makes him particularly valuable for Carrick.

Diogo Dalot could be close to agreeing a contract renewal with the Red Devils. With eight years at Manchester, he is one of the longest-serving players in the squad, becoming a highly respected figure within the team. In addition, his impact under Michael Carrick is expected to be rewarded with an improved contract, in an effort to prevent the 27-year-old star from being tempted to leave the club in the summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Report: Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain as starter in Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold has managed to establish as the starting right-back at Real Madrid, despite having an inconsistent start to the season. Not only has he maintained his strong attacking contribution, but he has also significantly improved his defensive output. With this in mind, the English full-back is reportedly set to remain the starter during the 2026-27 season.

According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Los Blancos will once again rely on Trent Alexander-Arnold as their starting right-back at Real Madrid. However, they will look to sign a backup in the transfer market, although only in a secondary role. With this in mind, Diogo Dalot may choose not to risk leaving the Red Devils, as he would lose the strong importance he currently holds under Michael Carrick.

According to a report from the prestigious British outlet The Guardian, Arteta’s incoming contract is expected to closely mirror Simeone’s deal at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine tactician currently stands as the world’s highest-paid head coach, bringing in an estimated $34 million (€30 million) per year.

With the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on the horizon on Saturday, May 30, formal contract extension negotiations are scheduled to take place after the showcase event at Budapest’s Puskas Aréna, regardless of the outcome for the Gunners.

Arteta recently became the second-youngest manager in Premier League history to win the title, trailing only Jose Mourinho’s 2005 triumph with Chelsea. By tying him down to a long-term deal, Arsenal’s hierarchy hopes to replicate the stability of Arsene Wenger’s legendary 22-year tenure at the helm.

Who is the highest-paid coach in the Premier League?

Should this new contract cross the finish line, Arteta will break records by commanding the highest salary for a manager in Premier League history, simultaneously placing him among the absolute highest earners in world sports.

Currently, Pep Guardiola holds that English benchmark, with reports placing his salary at around $27m (£20m) a year with Manchester City. However, the Spanish tactician’s era with the Citizens appears to be drawing to a close after 10 illustrious seasons.

Arsenal to make some important moves for next season

With their eyes already set on next season under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal’s recruitment team is already drawing up a shortlist of new signings. One of their primary targets is Eli Junior Kroupi, the Bournemouth forward who inadvertently handed the Gunners the title by scoring in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Other high-profile names on Arsenal’s radar include Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains the club’s ultimate dream signing, though the Gunners’ board believes the French giants are highly unlikely to facilitate negotiations for the Georgian winger.

The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s long-term future continues to follow Argentina everywhere despite the team’s recent success. Even at 38, the Inter Miami star remains the emotional leader of the national team and the player many supporters still look toward during the biggest moments.

Scaloni now finds himself balancing preparations for another World Cup campaign while trying to avoid conversations about life after Messi. The Argentina coach has repeatedly emphasized the importance of enjoying the present rather than focusing too heavily on what may eventually happen after the tournament in North America.

That emotional atmosphere has also reopened memories of Maradona’s departure from soccer decades ago. For many inside La Albiceleste, the comparison between the two icons carries enormous emotional weight because both transformed the history of the national team forever.

Scaloni opens up on Messi fears

As Argentina continues preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding Messi’s future during an emotional conversation with CONMEBOL. The World Cup-winning manager admitted that imagining Argentina without Messi reminds him of the sadness people felt when Maradona stopped playing.

“Being able to see him play is something wonderful. Beyond whether it is his last World Cup or not. I don’t like longing or thinking about what is going to happen; I want to enjoy the moment. Everyone wants to see him play,” Scaloni explained, via Goal. The Argentina coach made it clear that he does not want to focus on retirement discussions while Messi is still competing at the highest level.

Instead, Scaloni believes the current generation should simply appreciate every remaining appearance from the captain. “I like to think that he is going to keep playing, because it makes you sad, as happened with Diego, not seeing him on the field anymore,” he added.

The comparison with Maradona immediately resonated across Argentina. Maradona remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the country’s soccer culture after leading the national team to World Cup glory in 1986.

Scaloni imagines Messi and Maradona together

For years, critics questioned whether Messi could replicate Maradona’s international legacy. Those debates largely disappeared after Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, finally ending decades of frustration for the national team. Now, the focus has shifted toward whether the Inter Miami captain will continue beyond 2026 or bring his extraordinary international career to a close after the tournament.

Scaloni, however, seems determined to avoid setting any emotional countdown around the captain. “They are players who marked the history of soccer. Thinking that he is not going to play anymore does not leave you at peace. I prefer to think about the present,” the coach admitted.

One of the most fascinating moments from Scaloni’s interview arrived when he was asked whether Messi and Maradona could have played together in the same Argentina side. The manager responded without hesitation. “Of course they would have played together in my national team,” Scaloni said.

Al-Nassr enters the final round knowing the title is within reach, but recent setbacks have left nerves running through the camp. The Riyadh giant remains at the top of the table with 83 points, yet the margin for error has become dangerously small after dropping points against Al-Hilal and the painful AFC Champions League Two final defeat against Gamba Osaka.

The final matchday has become a dramatic showdown for both ends of the table. Al-Nassr needs a victory against Damac to officially secure the Saudi Pro League title without relying on any other result.

The club looked ready to celebrate last week during the Riyadh derby before a heartbreaking late equalizer denied Jorge Jesus’ side all three points. That result kept Al-Hilal alive in the title race and increased the pressure heading into the final fixture of the campaign.

Damac, meanwhile, arrives fighting for survival. The club sits only two points above the relegation zone, meaning even a draw could become crucial depending on other results around the league.

The major injury update finally arrives

After days of uncertainty, the long-awaited update on the squad situation has finally emerged. According to reports from Arriyadiyah, Jorge Jesus will be without Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam for the decisive encounter against Damac due to injury concerns.

The Croatian midfielder has reportedly continued to struggle with a groin and hamstring issue that already forced him to miss the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. Despite additional treatment sessions supervised by the club’s medical staff, the Croatian midfielder has not recovered in time for the title decider.

The absence of the 33-year-old veteran could prove especially significant because of his influence in midfield throughout the campaign. The Croatian has been one of the side’s most experienced figures, helping control possession and dictate the rhythm in crucial matches.

Meanwhile, Al-Ghannam’s situation also became increasingly complicated after the injury he suffered during the continental final. The report suggested the Saudi international still required additional recovery time, forcing Jorge Jesus to prepare alternative tactical solutions before the biggest match of the season.

Jorge Jesus prepares final plan

Despite the setbacks, Al-Nassr still enters the contest with confidence thanks to its dominant home record. The club is unbeaten in its last nine Saudi Pro League home matches and has scored in every league fixture this season. Jesus has already called up a 21-player squad for the final pre-match camp in Riyadh.

Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, and Mohamed Simakan were all included as the coaching staff finalized preparations for the decisive night. Thus, everything now comes down to one night in Riyadh. After years of waiting, Cristiano Ronaldo stands one victory away from winning his first Saudi Pro League title since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.

In recent years, UEFA has shown a willingness to restructure its club competitions significantly. The introduction of the Conference League brought a third tier to European club football, while the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league phase format was rolled out across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Wednesday’s decisions bring that reform mindset to the international stage.

The changes announced apply to competitions involving European national teams, with the timeline skewed toward the medium term. With the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028 still operating under the existing format, the first edition to reflect the new structure will be the 2029 UEFA Nations League, followed by the World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2030 edition.

Changes for the 2029 Nations League

Managing the wide range of competitive levels among European national teams has always been a challenge, and one of the Nations League’s core purposes was to bring order to that imbalance by grouping nations into tiers and divisions. That structure will now be refined under the new format.

As confirmed in a statement released by UEFA on Wednesday, the Nations League will transition from four leagues to three, namely League A, League B and League C, each consisting of 18 national teams. Those teams will be divided into groups of six, with each side playing six matches against five different opponents, facing teams from other pots either home or away and meeting their same-pot opponent in a home-and-away format.

The one exception to the group-of-six structure applies to League C, where one group will contain seven teams. All other established mechanisms, including promotion and relegation between tiers and the quarterfinals and Final Four format hosted at a single venue, will remain in place.

Changes for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers

Up through the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, European teams were organized into 12 groups of varying sizes, with some containing four and others five teams depending on the adjustments required by Nations League Final Four participants. The upcoming cycle will introduce a broader, tier-based approach that mirrors the Nations League structure.

The new qualifying format will feature two tiers, League 1 and League 2. League 1 will include 36 nations drawn from the top two tiers of the Nations League, split into three groups of 12, with each team playing six matches against six different opponents, two from each seeding pot. The top finishers in each group will earn automatic qualification, with the remaining spots decided through a playoff system.

League 2 will be composed of the remaining 18 to 19 nations from the Nations League, split into three groups of six, or one group of seven where necessary. UEFA president Čeferin framed the reforms as a meaningful step forward for the competition’s integrity and appeal. “The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar,” he said.

These changes, alongside the broader structural concept, will be subject to further refinement in the coming months before receiving final approval at the next UEFA Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 15, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece, following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Match Overview

Everything is on the line in Group H as River Plate shift their full attention to the Copa Sudamericana following their run to the domestic league final. River sit in prime position to lock up the top spot in the group, and a victory here would officially secure first place and a direct path to the knockout stage.

Standing in their way, however, are RB Bragantino, a team fully aware of the stakes heading into this pivotal clash. Bragantino can close the gap to just one point with a win, setting up a dramatic final matchday battle for first place and keeping the pressure squarely on River.

Match Overview

The battle for a spot in the Round of 16 could be decided in this crucial Group A showdown between Flamengo and Estudiantes. Flamengo lead the group with seven points and can officially lock in qualification with a victory, despite still awaiting a ruling related to the incidents from the Independiente Medellin match.

Meanwhile, Estudiantes enter with no margin for error, needing all three points to keep their hopes alive heading into the final Matchday. With major stakes on the line between two tournament favorites, this is a game fans will not want to miss.

According to Josep Pedrerol, via El Chiringuito, Kylian Mbappé and his inner circle believe that certain members of the locker room are leaking information about whether he goes out for dinner or for a drink, in an attempt to portray him as someone who isn’t fully committed. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star’s inner circle believes that it is Vinicius Jr. who wants to undermine his standing with the fans, causing tension between the two.

After the numerous criticisms over his trip to Italy in the middle of the season, Kylian Mbappé decided to explode in the mixed zone, sending a message to his teammates: “I had authorization from the club to not be in Madrid, and I was not the only one in the squad who was not there,” he said, as per Diario AS. With tensions continuing to grow, the relationship between the French star and Vinícius no longer appears entirely stable, but increasingly complicated.

Despite the multiple difficulties between Vinícius and Mbappé, Real Madrid supposedly maintain the continuity of both stars as a condition for their next head coach. With this in mind, both stars may need changes in their role on the field, seeking to maximize their performances. Meanwhile, José Mourinho’s potential arrival could also help ease tensions inside the dressing room, something he has already managed to do in previous eras.

Kylian Mbappé may be struggling to share spotlight at Real Madrid

Throughout his sporting career, Kylian Mbappé has always been the cornerstone of his teams, something that was clear at AS Monaco FC and PSG, ahead of Neymar and Lionel Messi. Therefore, the Frenchman expected that upon his arrival at Real Madrid it would be the same, removed from defensive responsibilities and being completely protected. However, the 27-year-old striker could be suffering the consequences of sharing the spotlight.

Unlike his previous clubs, Real Madrid do not have a single differential star, as Vinícius and Jude Bellingham are also central pieces of the team. Therefore, Mbappé does not have a team that plays around him, but rather he has to play in order to enhance the team. With this in mind, Mourinho’s potential arrival will be differential in adjusting the Frenchman’s mentality, while also calming the tension surrounding Vinícius Jr., as he must also share the spotlight.

The Rossoneri entered the final weeks of the season under enormous pressure following a worrying collapse in form during April. However, a crucial 2-1 victory away against Genoa, combined with Juventus losing 2-0 to Fiorentina, completely changed the atmosphere surrounding the club. Milan now sits third in the Serie A table with a two-point advantage over fifth-placed Como heading into the final weekend of the season. 

That turnaround has given the club renewed hope of securing a place in next season’s Champions League, something that may directly influence the futures of several important players. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan is preparing to make key decisions regarding multiple first-team stars once the season officially concludes.

The situation involves players across every department of the squad, including Luka Modric, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Fikayo Tomori. The uncertainty reflects how turbulent the season has been for the Red and Blacks. For long stretches of the campaign, the club looked secure inside the top four, yet a sharp decline in performances almost pushed the side completely out of Champions League contention.

Now, with qualification suddenly back within reach, Milan’s internal strategy may change significantly. The Serie A giant reportedly views Champions League soccer as a crucial factor in determining which players stay and which players leave.

What is Milan’s reported stance on Luka Modric?

One of the most fascinating situations surrounds Luka Modric. The Croatian veteran moved to San Siro after leaving Real Madrid last summer and signed a one-year contract that included an option for an additional season.

According to the report, qualifying for the Champions League is considered essential if Milan hopes to convince Modric to remain for another year. Without Europe’s biggest competition, the chances of the 40-year-old staying at San Siro appear far lower.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Italy carrying enormous experience and leadership after one of the greatest midfield careers in modern soccer history. Even at this stage of his career, his presence inside the dressing room remains highly valued by the club.

In recent months, it has become harder to forecast Modric’s future due to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s season. Now, though, the recent improvement in results may give the Rossoneri one final opportunity to extend his stay.

What is Milan’s reported stance on Christian Pulisic?

Eventually, there is Christian Pulisic, facing a very different kind of uncertainty. The United States international remains one of Milan’s biggest attacking stars, but discussions over a new contract have reportedly slowed considerably.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Milan had been working toward an extension for several months before negotiations stalled earlier this year. Pulisic is reportedly seeking a salary closer to Rafael Leao’s, while doubts also remain about the direction of the project at San Siro. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning the Italian side still has time to negotiate.

However, the report makes it clear that some kind of decision will likely arrive this summer. “Something will have to happen,” La Gazzetta dello Sport states regarding the 27-year-old forward’s situation. That could mean either a contract renewal or a possible transfer if an agreement cannot be reached.

The timing is particularly important because Pulisic will spend much of the summer focused on the World Cup in the United States. Milan, meanwhile, wants clarity before entering another demanding season.

“Inter Miami and LA Galaxy been chasing Casemiro since March,” The Athletic and CBS Sports reporter Tom Bogert said Wednesday through his official X account. “Miami close to landing the Brazil int’t, who is out of contract this summer. Would join after World Cup.”

Among the Brazilian midfielder’s options in recent months have also been clubs from the Saudi Pro League, especially Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, as well as European giants such as AS Roma. However, his future now appears likely to be in MLS, more specifically alongside Lionel Messi.

“Inter Miami is preferred destination for Brazil int’l Casemiro & Miami is closing in on a deal,” Bogert added. Another report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano supported that information, as he posted on X: “Casemiro wants Miami as next destination, with clear expectation to sign soon. The Brazilian wanted to finish season at Man Utd then sign with Inter Miami.”

Considering that, a final decision could arrive soon since Manchester United’s 2025-26 campaign will conclude this Sunday when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Premier League Matchday 38. Another reason Casemiro is expected to avoid delays regarding his future is the proximity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil’s training camp set to begin on May 27.

LA Galaxy still in the race

Inter Miami may be Casemiro’s preferred destination, but that does not mean the path is completely clear. “The LA Galaxy have priority rights & made offers to Casemiro too. That situation needs to be resolved,” Tom Bogert reported.

That situation is tied to MLS rules, which in some aspects differ significantly from those in other leagues around the world. In the United States, each club can place players who are not currently in MLS on their “Discovery List,” giving them priority over other MLS teams in negotiations for that player.

Messi needs elite-level teammates

While Inter Miami’s performance this season has been reasonably strong — they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference — the team’s overall level has raised concerns at different moments throughout the campaign. In that regard, the midfield has been a particular issue.

The Herons have yet to truly replace Sergio Busquets, who retired in December 2025. David Ayala arrived as a reinforcement for that role but has struggled to establish himself so far, leaving Yannick Bright as the team’s usual defensive midfielder.

The absence of an elite-level player in such a crucial area of the field has been noticeable, increasing the burden on Lionel Messi and the rest of the attacking players. Inter Miami are the highest-scoring team in MLS this season with 33 goals, but they have not always translated that into positive results because of their defensive fragility, to the point of also ranking among the 10 teams with the most goals conceded (24). Casemiro could help solve many of those issues and provide much-needed balance to the team.

Recent reports have confirmed that Guardiola has decided to leave Manchester City after a decade at the club. Although the Spanish coach has publicly stopped short of confirming the decision, with just one year remaining on his contract a departure appears all but inevitable, and the conversation around his legacy in English football is already well underway.

During a CBS Sports UEFA Champions League Final preview call attended by World Soccer Talk, Henry was asked about the man who once coached him at FC Barcelona and about Guardiola’s lasting influence on the competition. “Pep has been able succeed wherever he went, and obviously that involves the Champions League, because in any team that he coached he was in the Champions League. It’s the way he goes about the game, the intensity that he puts in his team,” Henry said.

Placing Guardiola within a lineage of legendary coaches that includes Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal, Henry spoke about how Guardiola caught the game off guard by consistently losing great players and rebuilding as if they “were never there.” Beyond reviving the false nine position, the French legend also highlighted Guardiola’s more recent tactical innovation at City, turning fullbacks into players capable of occupying the interior pockets of the pitch and functioning as holding midfielders.

Henry, who worked under Guardiola at Barcelona between 2008 and 2010, recognized his former manager’s philosophy as something that will leave a lasting imprint on the sport for years to come. “I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m just saying he invented something that wasn’t there. And just for that, and with what he has also won, and how he transmitted and how he transcended and inspired people,” he said.

The France legend saved his most personal tribute for last, describing Guardiola’s influence as a genuine revelation. “I thought for a very long time that I was okay understanding the game. But this guy opened my eyes on how I see the game now. So I think for me, it’s like I said, just outstanding,” he concluded.

Where to watch: PSG vs. Arsenal Champions League Final

Fans in the United States can catch the UEFA Champions League final live on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. PSG advanced past Bayern Munich in a thrilling semifinal that ended 6-5 on aggregate, while Arsenal, now Premier League champions, came through after a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.

The final is set for the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, with American rock band The Killers headlining the Kickoff Show. Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, the showdown could see Arsenal lift their first ever Champions League trophy, or PSG become the first club to win the competition in back-to-back seasons since Real Madrid claimed three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018.

Match Overview

New York City FC and Columbus Crew are set for an important Eastern Conference showdown with both clubs chasing very different goals. NYCFC enter the match with 19 points and remain in the playoff hunt despite trailing conference leaders Nashville SC.

On the other hand, Columbus sit on just 13 points and are desperate for a turnaround after slipping outside the play-in spots. With momentum and a potential US Open Cup run on the line, this is a matchup fans will not want to miss.

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According to a report from the prestigious Brazilian outlet O Globo, Neymar experienced discomfort in his right calf muscle after completing one of his recent training sessions with Santos. Subsequent medical scans revealed that the forward has sustained an edema in his right calf.

Reporter Diogo Dantas notes that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is treating the calf edema as a moderate injury, meaning his recovery will take longer than originally anticipated.

Given this outlook, the report indicates that Neymar will likely require at least a week of rehabilitation to ensure he can return to full training alongside his teammates ahead of the tournament in North America.

Will Neymar make it to Brazil’s training camp?

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is scheduled to begin their pre-World Cup training camp on May 27 at Granja Comary, the national team’s primary training headquarters. If Neymar’s recovery progresses as planned, the Santos talisman should have no issues joining the squad on time for the upcoming sessions.

However, there remains a risk that the injured area does not respond favorably to rest and physiotherapy, which could extend his recovery timeline. This would be the worst-case scenario for Neymar, as it could leave him severely lacking match fitness heading into the tournament in North America.

Brazil are scheduled to play a send-off match on home soil against Panama on May 31 at the Maracana Stadium, a fixture Neymar aims to feature in if his recovery goes according to plan. Their final friendly before the World Cup will take place against Egypt on June 6 at Huntington Bank Field.

Neymar reportedly ruled out for Santos until after the World Cup

Considering the injury to the Brazilian icon and the absolute priority to protect his health so he arrives in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar will play no part in Santos’ remaining four matches prior to the tournament.

Santos are set to navigate four fixtures before the World Cup break. The Peixe face two Copa Sudamericana clashes (against San Lorenzo and Deportivo Cuenca) and two Brasileirao matches (against Grêmio and Vitoria), with manager Cuca forced to cope without Neymar for all of them.

“If Pep Guardiola is available and he’s open to it, you would be dumb not to take that call and to sit down, and to see how he thinks about these things,” the former defender began by saying on Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union on Fox Sports. “You absolutely make that call, you might even get that call. I mean, we know Pep famously took a sabbatical. Where did he go? Went to the United States. It might appeal to him.”

Indeed, when Guardiola ended his successful four-year run with Barcelona in 2012, he took a year-long break during which he spent significant time in New York. During that period, he prepared for his next challenge with Bayern Munich, including learning German.

Now, with Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City seemingly decided, it remains unclear what the Spanish coach’s next step will be. It is also worth noting that Guardiola has worked continuously for the past 13 years, immediately beginning his tenure in England after completing his three seasons with Bayern Munich.

Lalas believes Guardiola needs a challenge like the USMNT

From 2008 through the present, Pep Guardiola has built a legacy that places him among the most successful managers in soccer history. In fact, he currently ranks second all-time with 40 trophies, trailing only Sir Alex Ferguson’s 49.

However, Alexi Lalas believes Guardiola still faces an unexplored challenge in his career: “For all of his success and all of his intelligence when it comes to the game, he still has to apply it to a very very different scenario, both in terms of being international, but also in terms of being a lesser team relative to the elites.”

The former United States international at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups then explained why the USMNT fits that description. “Pep has established his greatness making great teams that much greater. And the US is not a great team that he is falling into,” said the 55-year-old former defender.

Pochettino and his future with the USMNT

For Pep Guardiola to become a realistic option for the future of the USMNT, the position would first need to become available. Right now, the job belongs to Mauricio Pochettino, who was hired in September 2024 on a two-year deal with the goal of leading the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There has still been no official confirmation regarding the Argentine coach’s future once the tournament in North America concludes this summer, which is understandable considering the USMNT’s performance there could ultimately determine the next steps.

Still, Alexi Lalas sounded confident about what will happen with Pochettino after the World Cup. “Pochettino, I think he’s going to move on. I think he’s gonna have some wonderful opportunities. And so, this coaching carousel is going to happen,” the former American player said, therefore opening the door to the possibility of Pep Guardiola.

With his contract running until 2027, Manchester City are fully determined to offer Rodri a new contract renewal. To achieve this, the Citizens are reportedly willing to offer him a weekly salary of €350,000 alongside a deal lasting until 2029. However, he has not yet given the “yes” to the club’s proposal, while also reportedly showing openness toward Real Madrid, making it clear that he would be willing to play for Los Blancos despite his past with Atlético de Madrid.

According to Joel del Río via MARCA, Pep Guardiola’s potential departure from the Citizens opens the door for Rodri to leave. In this context, Real Madrid believe that the 29-year-old star fits perfectly due to his leadership, tactical intelligence, and balance in midfield. In addition, the player reportedly views a move to Los Blancos positively, as the club consistently competes for every major title and would make him the central piece of their midfield.

While Rodri draws a lot of attention at Real Madrid, they have not yet made a move for his signing in the summer of 2026, reports Matteo Moretto. With this in mind, they could be far from having his arrival secured, as Manchester City are already pushing for a renewal. In addition, the 29-year-old star could consolidate as one of the best players for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, making his signing more complicated than ever.

Manchester City have already secured a replacement for Rodri Hernandez

Rodri has not come from his best season at Manchester City, as injuries heavily affected his physical continuity. Because of this, Pep Guardiola has had to resort to several alternatives. Thinking about the future of the sporting project, the Citizens decided to pay €60 million to FC Porto for Nico González, who could be the natural replacement for the 29-year-old star if he leaves the team in the summer of 2026.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Nico González played 2,492 minutes, having great prominence at the beginning of the season. While the return of Rodri took away his starting spot, the 24-year-old star has already shown a great ability to shine, even managing to score one goal. Because of this, Manchester City would not have to go and sign a replacement for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, something that could facilitate his departure to Real Madrid CF.

Match Overview

There’s little room for error in Group D as San Lorenzo and Santos prepare for a pivotal showdown. San Lorenzo sit atop the standings with six points and could strengthen its hold on first place with another victory heading into the final Matchday.

Meanwhile, Neymar and Santos arrive under pressure, needing a result to keep their hopes of advancing alive. With only three points separating the top and bottom of the group, this matchup has all the ingredients for a must-watch battle.

According to Sique Rodríguez via Cadena SER, both Dušan Vlahović and Bernardo Silva have been offered to FC Barcelona through their representatives. Although both players would arrive as free agents, the Blaugranas have reportedly decided to reject the offers for now, as they remain focused on signing a world-class striker and a winger — profiles that neither player currently fully satisfies.

Despite having shined at Manchester City, Bernardo Silva is not a player currently included within Barcelona plans. With numerous players already occupying the midfield, the front office reportedly do not consider the Portuguese star to be an option worth prioritizing. However, Dušan Vlahović could still have chances of joining Hansi Flick’s team, although only if the club fail to secure their primary targets, making him more of a secondary alternative.

After their major goalscoring problems and the departure of Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona seem determined to prioritize the signing of a striker. While Julián Álvarez was the club’s priority option, PSG now reportedly appear to lead the race for his signing. Because of this, João Pedro has emerged as Barcelona’s main target in the transfer market. For that reason, the possible arrival of Dušan Vlahović now appears more difficult than initially expected.

Report: Bernardo Silva emerges as a top target for Atlético Madrid

Bernardo Silva has remained one of the most important players for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. After several years with the Citizens, the Portuguese star has reportedly decided to leave as a free agent, with his main objective being a move to LaLiga, as per several reports. After Barcelona’s rejection, the 31-year-old midfielder has supposedly become Atlético de Madrid’s main target, while Real Madrid CF and Juventus FC also remain attentive to his future.

According to David G. Medina and Isaac Suárez via MARCA, Bernardo Silva has become Atlético de Madrid’s main target in the transfer market. After the departure of Antoine Griezmann, the Portuguese star is viewed as the ideal player to replace him within the squad, as his versatility and impressive trophy cabinet make him a high-impact option. However, Real Madrid and Juventus are also monitoring his future closely, potentially entering the race for his signing.

The atmosphere around the club has intensified even further following recent uncertainty surrounding several important first-team players. Jorge Jesus and his coaching staff spent the last few days anxiously monitoring the physical condition of multiple stars before making final decisions ahead of Thursday’s title showdown.

Al-Nassr supporters are expected to fill the stadium completely as anticipation continues to grow across Saudi Arabia. With Ronaldo leading the attack and the club sitting on top of the table with 83 points, the match has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire season.

The timing of the encounter has only increased the tension surrounding the squad. Al-Nassr arrives after suffering a painful 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, a result that denied the club continental glory and placed even greater importance on securing the domestic title.

Al-Nassr faces massive pressure

The equation for Al-Nassr remains straightforward heading into the final weekend. A victory against Damac would officially crown the club Saudi Pro League champion without relying on any other result.

That reality has transformed preparations into an intense balancing act between tactical work and injury management. The club has spent the week carefully assessing the condition of several players who missed recent matches because of muscle problems and fitness concerns.

Earlier reports indicated that Kingsley Coman, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Angelo Gabriel were all undergoing specialized rehabilitation programs before training sessions. The group reportedly completed electrical therapy and stretching exercises as the medical department attempted to accelerate their recovery ahead of the decisive encounter.

The final decisions depended on whether the players could train pain-free alongside the rest of the squad. Jorge Jesus reportedly wanted every available option ready before selecting his starting lineup for the season-defining match.

Crucial injury update arrives with Brozovic still in doubt

Al-Nassr then received a major boost during the latest training session. According to reports from Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Kingsley Coman all returned to full group training ahead of the clash with Damac. The trio reportedly completed the entire session at the Dar Al-Nassr training center after recovering from the muscle injuries that forced them to miss the AFC Champions League Two final.

Their availability immediately strengthened optimism inside the club before the decisive league fixture. Coman’s recovery could prove especially significant for Jorge Jesus. The French winger has become an important attacking weapon during crucial moments this season, bringing pace, creativity, and experience to the frontline alongside Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.

Additional reports suggested that Coman had already declared himself fully fit and ready to start against Damac. Meanwhile, Al-Khaibari was said to be nearing full fitness after progressing well during the final rehabilitation phase. The return of Al-Amri also gives Al-Nassr greater defensive stability before facing a Damac side still battling to avoid relegation.

His presence could become vital in a match where every mistake may carry enormous consequences. However, while several players returned at the perfect moment, Al-Nassr also received concerning news regarding Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder is reportedly unlikely to feature against Damac because of an ongoing hamstring injury.

“An incredible achievement by an inspirational player – it’s a record sixth successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal booked their place at the 2026 edition,” Infantino wrote on his Instagram account.

Furthermore, Infantino highlighted the historic feat that Ronaldo is poised to accomplish in North America. “Cristiano now has the chance to represent his country at six FIFA World Cups – something no men’s player has yet achieved,” he added.

However, Ronaldo might not be alone in achieving this landmark. Both Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa are also preparing for what could be their sixth World Cup campaigns, and while their official squad selections have yet to be confirmed, the probability of them featuring in North America remains incredibly high.

Ronaldo’s World Cup history

Cristiano’s journey with soccer’s most prestigious tournament began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where, as a 21-year-old, he managed to score his first tournament goal across six appearances. In that edition, Portugal secured their second-best finish in history, placing fourth and narrowly missing out on matching the bronze medal secured at England 1966.

Four years later, he returned for the 2010 edition in South Africa, once again netting a single goal in four matches. During that tournament, Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 after falling to eventual champions Spain.

Brazil 2014 marked Cristiano’s toughest World Cup outing to date. Despite scoring one goal, Portugal suffered a premature group-stage exit after being drawn into a difficult group alongside Germany, the United States, and Ghana.

In Russia 2018, Cristiano delivered his finest individual World Cup performance. The forward struck four times, including a sensational hat-trick against Spain in an electric 3-3 draw to open the tournament. However, collective success eluded them once again, as they were knocked out by Uruguay in the Round of 16.

In his most recent appearance at Qatar 2022, Ronaldo scored just once during the group stage and subsequently lost his place in the starting lineup during the knockout rounds. On that occasion, Portugal’s journey came to an end with a shocking quarterfinal defeat to Morocco.

“Communication between Barca and the Royal Spanish Football Federation is constant, with full consensus on not exposing Lamine in the first two matches,” Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday. It later added one clarification: “Unless he were completely at 100%.”

The report states that Spain are willing to be without Yamal for the opening two group-stage matches, believing the relatively low level of the opposition should allow them to secure positive results even without their best player.

Cape Verde will be Spain’s opponent in the opening Group H match on Monday, June 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Six days later, Spain will face Saudi Arabia at the same venue.

When could Lamine Yamal be available?

If Lamine Yamal’s recovery continues as expected and the original timeline is met, his World Cup debut could come in Spain’s third Group H match. “Everything is under control with Lamine Yamal ahead of his return in the United States, with Saturday, June 27 circled for the Spain-Uruguay match,” Mundo Deportivo added.

By that point, Yamal will have gone more than two months without playing. His last appearance came on April 22, in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga. Considering the initial recovery timeline was projected at six weeks, he is expected to have enough time to return at full strength.

It is no coincidence that this is the projected return date for Lamine. Soccer often delivers unexpected surprises, but early projections suggest the match against Uruguay will be Spain’s first truly demanding challenge of the World Cup. There, they will face a dangerous opponent in what could decide the top spot in the group, a key factor when determining the knockout-stage bracket.

Spain’s key dates ahead of the World Cup

Coach Luis de la Fuente will publicly announce Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, May 25. In the days that follow, the squad will gather to begin training camp, knowing they still have two friendlies before the tournament begins: June 4 against Iraq and June 8 against Peru.

According to Guinness World Records via X, Max Dowman has become the youngest player ever to win the Premier League, achieving the feat at just 16 years and 239 days old. In doing so, Arsenal’s wonderkid surpassed Phil Foden, who previously held the record after winning the 2017-18 Premier League with Manchester City FC at 17 years and 350 days old.

While Dowman is not yet a regular starter under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he still managed to make five appearances during the campaign, recording one goal and one assist. Having a bright future ahead, Max is expected to remain in the Gunners for the 2026-27 season. Nonetheless, head coach Mikel Arteta has decided to include him step by step in the team, looking for him to adapt to the highest level of competitiveness.

After scoring a goal vs. Everton, Arteta decided to praise Max Dowman’s talent: “It is not only the goal that he scored, [Dowman] changed the game. Every time he got the ball, he makes things happen and we are more of a threat. To do that at that age, in this context, with the pressure, the expectations to win the game – it’s just not normal… When you have such a talent then I’m sure good things are going to happen,” he said, as reported by BBC.

Max Dowman is shaping up to be a generational talent at Arsenal

Since the arrival of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have built an extremely promising sporting project. Not only do they possess elite talents such as Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, but they have also continued to place major trust in academy players. In this context, Max Dowman has fully taken advantage of his opportunities, showcasing exceptional talent. At just 16 years old, he already appears capable of becoming a generational talent for Arsenal.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Max Dowman could receive a much bigger role at Arsenal. Unlike the situation surrounding Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Arteta reportedly plans to keep the 16-year-old talent fully integrated within the senior squad, allowing him to continue adapting to the team’s dynamics. In addition, legend Rio Ferdinand have already publicly praised Dowman, further suggesting that his long-term continuity with the Gunners is viewed as almost certain.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, when they’ll be hosting Damac FC for the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park, needing a win to secure the title. The Portuguese legend heads to the match after a 1-0 defeat against Japanese side Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 28 goals and provided 5 assists in 36 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 971 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

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

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

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

According to FC Barcelona, Fermín López suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, forcing the Spanish midfielder to undergo surgery. While the club decided not to disclose an official recovery timetable, MARCA reported that the 23-year-old star is expected to face between six and eight weeks on the sidelines. After confirming that the operation was successful, Fermín officially revealed that he will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

“The surgery went very well, and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally. Life and soccer can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it, but you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey. This is a very difficult time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome—have no doubt about that. Now it’s time to support the national team and my teammates from home,” reveals Fermin Lopez, via Instagram.

Without Fermín López available on the pitch, Luis de la Fuente loses one of the most complete players in the world. Not only has the Barcelona midfielder become as one of the top scorers in LaLiga, but he has also become a crucial defensive presence. Even so, the Blaugranas are expected to have Fermín fully fit for the 2026-27 season, with him projected to return completely recovered and once again emerge as the central figure of the midfield.

Fermin’s World Cup absence opens the door for Gavi in Spain

Spain arrive as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they possess a highly balanced roster, but they also rely on world-class difference makers such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri. While the absence of Fermín López represents a major blow for the national team, Luis de la Fuente could now reopen the door for Gavi’s return, with the Barcelona midfielder potentially emerging as an ideal complement for Spain’s midfield structure.

Before suffering his serious injury, Gavi had emerged as an ideal complement in Spain’s midfield. Not only he provides strong defensive support, but his outstanding vision and intensity also helps elevate the team’s attacking play. While the 21-year-old star is not especially known for his goalscoring numbers, Luis de la Fuente has consistently valued his versatility. Even so, Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, and even Pablo Fornals could also emerge as important attacking options.

The atmosphere surrounding the fixture has already reached extraordinary levels before a ball has even been kicked. Al-Nassr enters the final matchday leading the Saudi Pro League table with 83 points, just two ahead of rival Al-Hilal, meaning the pressure on Jorge Jesus and his squad could hardly be any greater.

Every detail around the match has carried enormous significance during the build-up. From tactical discussions to injury updates and title permutations, attention has remained fixed on Al-Nassr’s clash with Damac as the club attempts to win its first league crown since 2019.

The match also arrives only days after disappointment in continental competition. Jorge Jesus and his players suffered a painful 1-0 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, leaving the squad desperate to respond immediately in front of its home crowd.

Title race reaches boiling point

Al-Nassr’s situation is simple heading into the final round of the season. A victory against Damac guarantees the Saudi Pro League title regardless of what happens in Al-Hilal’s match against Al-Fayha. That reality has transformed the contest into one of the most anticipated fixtures Saudi soccer has seen in recent years.

Ronaldo’s presence, combined with the importance of the occasion, has elevated global interest around the game to another level entirely. The club officially released ticket information earlier this week in an attempt to maximize attendance at Al-Awwal Park.

Ticket prices were divided across different categories, with seats behind the goal starting at 34 Saudi riyals, corner sections priced at 70 riyals ($19), and premium front sections reaching 110 riyals ($29). Al-Nassr hoped the stadium would become an additional weapon in the title race, as it wants a full house capable of creating the kind of atmosphere that could push the players through one final challenge.

Ticket market goes into utter disarray

However, the demand for tickets quickly spiraled beyond anything organizers expected. According to reports from Saudifutbol on X (formerly Twitter), all tickets for Al-Nassr vs Damac officially sold out almost immediately after becoming available. The situation then reportedly descended into complete chaos across both official and unofficial ticket platforms.

Supporters flooded websites and waiting rooms in massive numbers as resale prices began to rise dramatically within hours. What’s more, some tickets even reportedly increased by more than 400% above their original value. The tremendous demand is a reflection of Ronaldo’s immense influence on Saudi soccer and the increasing international interest in the Saudi Pro League championship battle.

Even more remarkably, reports claimed that more than two million people entered waiting lists for a stadium with a capacity of only around 26,000 supporters. Fans across social media expressed frustration after struggling to secure access to one of the biggest matches in recent Saudi soccer history.

The controversy also triggered accusations between ticketing platforms. According to the report, several parties blamed one another for failing to stop automated bots that allegedly overwhelmed the sales process and made it nearly impossible for many genuine supporters to purchase seats normally.

Match Overview

Freiburg stands on the brink of history in their first-ever major European final. For a club that has never won a major trophy in its 122-year existence, this match is the single most important moment in its history. Julian Schuster‘s side has shattered all expectations to reach this stage, and a victory would not only deliver silverware but also a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.

For Aston Villa, the stakes are just as high. Manager Unai Emery, a true specialist in this competition, aims to secure his fifth Europa League title and deliver Villa’s first major trophy since 1996. Having already secured Champions League spot through Premier League, the English side can pour all their energy into ending a 30-year trophy drought and claiming their first European title since their legendary 1982 European Cup victory.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This final presents a fascinating clash of trajectories. Freiburg has been the ultimate surprise package, navigating a tough European campaign while securing a seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga. Their journey has been defined by resilience and clinical finishing. In contrast, Aston Villa has successfully balanced a demanding Premier League season with a dominant run in Europe, establishing themselves as the tournament favorites from the early stages.

The tactical battle will likely pit Aston Villa‘s possession-based system against Freiburg’s organized and opportunistic approach. Unai Emery’s side thrives on controlled buildup and will look to use its potent attack, which has scored a competition-high 28 goals, to break down the German defense. Freiburg will likely cede possession, maintain a compact defensive shape, and look to exploit any opportunities on the counter-attack, relying on the sharp-shooting that has seen them outperform their expected goals metric.

Motivation is at its peak for both squads. Freiburg is fueled by the chance to write an unforgettable chapter in club history, with a victory representing an unprecedented achievement. For Aston Villa, this is an opportunity to cap a brilliant season with tangible silverware, validating their return to Europe’s elite and adding another European trophy to their cabinet. The pressure is on for both, but for entirely different reasons.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This Europa League final marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Freiburg and Aston Villa, adding an element of unpredictability to the high-stakes encounter. With no historical data to draw from, both teams will be entering uncharted territory against one another.

While they have never met, their respective records against opposition from each other’s countries offer some insight. Freiburg has struggled against English clubs, winning just one and losing three of their four encounters, all against West Ham. Their most recent clash with an English side ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat. Conversely, Aston Villa boasts a strong record against German opponents, winning four and losing two of their six matches, including their historic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final.

Historically, Europa League finals tend to be cagey affairs. A remarkable trend shows that 15 of the last 20 finals have produced under four total goals, including each of the last five. Despite both Freiburg and Aston Villa being high-scoring teams throughout this season’s tournament, the pressure of the occasion suggests that a cautious, low-scoring game could be on the cards.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers face significant selection dilemmas due to key player absences that could heavily influence their game plans for the final.

Freiburg will be without several important players. The German side is missing Max Rosenfelder and key attacker Yuito Suzuki, who suffered a broken collarbone. The absence of Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Patrick Osterhage further stretches their squad depth ahead of this crucial fixture.

Aston Villa is also dealing with injury concerns in midfield, with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana sidelined. However, the biggest worry is a knock sustained by playmaker Emiliano Buendía. The Argentine has been instrumental in their European run, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to Villa’s creative options in the final third.

Freiburg Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu; Eggestein, Höfler; Manzambi, Beste, Grifo; Matanovic
This lineup reflects Freiburg‘s balanced approach, relying on the veteran leadership of Matthias Ginter in defense. The creative burden will fall on winger Vincenzo Grifo to create chances for the lone striker, Matanovic, while the double pivot of Eggestein and Höfler provides stability in midfield.

Aston Villa Projected XI (3-5-2): Martinez; Konsa, Torres, Lindelof; Cash, Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Digne; Rogers, Watkins
Unai Emery may deploy a flexible 3-5-2 to control the center of the pitch and provide width through wing-backs Cash and Digne. This formation allows the in-form partnership of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins to lead the line, with captain John McGinn driving forward from midfield to support the attack.

More details on how to watch

You can find the Freiburg vs Aston Villa live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices, ensuring you can watch the final wherever you are.

A subscription to Fubo not only gives you access to the Europa League final but also to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can stream other leagues and tournaments, including Liga MX and La Liga, making it a comprehensive package for any soccer fan.

The service is available for a competitive price of $14.99/mo. This plan gives you access to all live matches, replays, and exclusive content available on the platform.

Beyond soccer, your subscription includes access to a wide variety of other entertainment. You can watch movies, TV shows, and other live sports, providing excellent value for the whole household.

SEE MORE: For a full schedule of games, visit our Europa League TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.