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.

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.

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.

Brazil officially confirmed its final squad for the World Cup this week, and Neymar’s inclusion immediately became the biggest talking point across the country. The 34-year-old will now prepare for what is expected to become the fourth and likely final World Cup appearance of his remarkable career.

The decision surprised many observers because doubts over Neymar’s physical condition had continued to grow in recent months. Since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023, the forward has struggled to regain full rhythm, while recurring fitness concerns constantly raised questions about whether he could still perform at the highest international level.

Despite those concerns, Ancelotti made it clear that the veteran attacker still has an important role to play within the national team setup. The Italian coach believes Neymar can still offer something valuable to Brazil, even if the structure around him has now changed significantly.

The conversation that changed everything

According to reports from Globo, the turning point arrived during a direct video call involving Ancelotti, Neymar, and Brazil sporting director Rodrigo Caetano. That conversation reportedly removed the final doubts the coach still had regarding the player’s commitment and attitude.

The report claims the Italian boss wanted complete honesty before making his final decision. After nearly three years away from international soccer, the manager reportedly needed reassurance that Neymar was prepared to accept a very different role inside the national team environment.

During the conversation, Ancelotti reportedly informed Neymar that he would no longer automatically be Brazil’s captain and would not be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup. The Italian coach also made it clear that discipline, focus, and collective balance would become central pillars of his project with the Selecao.

Neymar’s reported stance on Brazil’s new reality

Those conditions represented a major shift from previous eras, when Neymar was unquestionably treated as the center of the national team project. Under Ancelotti, Brazil appears determined to build a more balanced group centered around collective strength rather than individual status.

What ultimately convinced Ancelotti was Neymar’s reaction to the conversation. According to multiple reports in Brazil, the forward responded positively and showed genuine willingness to adapt for the good of the squad.

Sources close to the Brazilian federation believe Neymar accepted the new conditions with humility and maturity. That response reportedly played a huge role in securing his place ahead of younger options such as Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.

LiveModeTV operates under the umbrella of CazéTV, a Brazilian digital sports broadcasting channel that has built a strong following with free, streaming-based coverage of major sporting events. The company launched its international operations in December, offering free digital coverage of the 2026 World Cup from Portugal.

That initial foray into the international market prompted Ronaldo to take a more formal stake in the newly established company, which is focused on bringing innovative digital broadcasting to audiences outside of Brazil. The partnership was announced in a joint statement released by both parties last Thursday, outlining the role the Portuguese star will play in driving the project forward.

“The mission is to bring sports within everyone’s reach in a completely new and inspiring way. Sports can change lives, and we want to enrich the ecosystem by boosting the reach and engagement of major competitions through broadcasts on YouTube and content distributed across all social media platforms for everyone,” Ronaldo said in the statement.

The business model will be funded entirely through advertising revenue and partnerships with global sponsors targeting younger audiences. The same press release confirmed that “Cristiano Ronaldo and LiveModeTV will join forces ahead of the World Cup to grow their collaboration in Europe and other international markets, leveraging the Portuguese star’s passion and his broad investment portfolio.“

Ronaldo expands his media empire

As a businessman, Ronaldo has built a diversified portfolio over the years, with stakes in Al Nassr and ownership of luxury hotels in cities including Madrid and New York, among other ventures. In recent years, however, some of his most significant moves have come in the media and broadcasting space.

A major step came in 2023, when Ronaldo announced his entry into Portuguese media conglomerate Cofina Média, which was subsequently rebranded as Medialivre. The group’s portfolio includes prominent Portuguese titles such as Correio da Manha, Record, Jornal de Negocios, Sabado, TV Guia, Flash and Maxima.

On the social media front, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, in 2024, which has since grown to 78.8 million subscribers on the back of a string of viral videos. Now, with his LiveModeTV investment, the 41-year-old is extending that media presence into the live sports broadcasting arena, with the 2026 World Cup set to serve as the platform’s global coming-out moment.

Endrick said: “I have to say goodbye now and begin a journey back, one that will take much longer because I am returning with much more than I had when I arrived. For the rest of my life, I will carry this city with me in my heart and in my memories.”

Without many minutes at Real Madrid and with some injuries, Endrick had to leave the club on loan in search of playing time to prove his talent. In the end, his level in France was so good that he left a mark on the fans, just as the city left one on him.

The full message

“In Brazil, when someone is going through a difficult moment, people usually say that person has to kill one lion every day. I spent months going through something no athlete wants to go through, but I decided I would not kill a single lion, I decided to become one. It was here at Lyon that I found what I needed to recover my strength, follow my instinct to attack like a lion, defend my own people and become stronger.

The months of anguish turned into months of joy, victories and learning experiences. I made new friends, became even closer to the ones I already had and discovered that our place is wherever we are with the people we love and the people who love us. This period with all of you could definitely become a movie.

Unfortunately, even stronger, a lion cannot stay in one place forever. I have to say goodbye now and begin a journey back, one that will take much longer because I am returning with much more than I had when I arrived. For the rest of my life, I will carry this city with me in my heart and in my memories.”

Endrick’s numbers in Lyon

Endrick may not have been in the headlines every week, but that was mainly because Lyon were not facing huge challenges. His performances were good enough to convince the national team manager to call him up. His improvement at his new club was clear, as he scored five goals and provided seven assists in 16 Ligue 1 matches to help his team reach the Champions League.

Back in March, Inter Miami suffered a significant setback with their Round of 16 exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Nashville, and a string of poor results through early April sent them tumbling to seventh in the rankings. Since then, the club has undergone a reset, including the dismissal of Javier Mascherano and the appointment of Guillermo Hoyos, and the results on the pitch have followed.

With CONCACAF releasing its latest club ranking update on May 18, Inter Miami have climbed from sixth to fourth overall, now sitting as the highest-ranked MLS side on the list. LAFC and the Seattle Sounders had been positioned above them, but both clubs have shed points in the most recent update following difficult stretches of form.

After a strong start to the season, LAFC hit a wall in May, falling in the Champions Cup semifinals against Toluca and then collecting just one draw and three consecutive MLS defeats. The Sounders followed a similar trajectory, bowing out of the Champions Cup in the quarterfinals to Tigres UANL before managing only one win, two draws and one defeat in May league play.

Messi’s contribution to Inter Miami’s revival

Hoyos took charge of his first Inter Miami match on April 18 against the Colorado Rapids, and under the Argentine coach the team has found a level of consistency that was largely absent earlier in the season. A significant factor in that turnaround, beyond the improvement from several players across the squad, has been Lionel Messi returning to his best form.

Since that Colorado Rapids fixture, Messi has featured in seven games, scoring seven goals and adding five assists. In May alone across four appearances, he has posted four goals and four assists, performances that have positioned him as the leading candidate for the MLS Player of the Month award.

Who sits at the top of the CONCACAF rankings?

Over the stretch that includes the Colorado match, Inter Miami have posted five wins, one draw and one defeat with 20 goals scored, accumulating 1,241 points in the CONCACAF index. Despite the momentum, the gap between the Herons and the Liga MX clubs occupying the top three remains considerable.

Tigres UANL and Deportivo Toluca hold the top two spots with 1,277 and 1,276 points respectively, as the two CONCACAF Champions Cup finalists. Cruz Azul, who reached the quarterfinals and are set to face Pumas UNAM in the Liga MX Clausura final, sit third with 1,258 points, leaving a 17-point gap between them and the highest-ranked MLS club.

Pedri said: “I’m very keen on the World Cup. We all dream about winning the star, but winning it isn’t easy. We have a great team. I’d like to finish the tournament with the feeling of having heavy arms from lifting the trophy.”

The midfielder is not just there to be part of the squad. His most likely role in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup is to be one of the team’s key players. In great form to finish the season with his club, Pedri looks like a player to watch.

Pedri on Fermín López

With nothing at stake for Barcelona, an unfortunate situation came up in a meaningless match against Betis in a La Liga season that had already been won by the club. Fermín López was the main figure, with the midfielder leaving the field at halftime with an injury from a win that has ruled him out of the World Cup, with an expected recovery of around three months.

The club confirmed his injury in a statement: “Fermín has undergone successful surgery for the fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The recovery time will be determined based on his progress.”

Pedri said: “Fermín was very sad. Missing the World Cup is not an easy pill to swallow. I just hope he recovers well. It was a blow for everyone; I have a very good relationship with him. Soccer can be cruel sometimes. I wish him a quick recovery.”

Pedri on José Mourinho rumors

The midfielder was also asked about Real Madrid, especially about the manager who could replace Álvaro Arbeloa next season after serving as interim coach, as José Mourinho is being mentioned most often for the job. Pedri said: “It is not official and it is not the time to talk about it if he comes. It does not make sense.”

“UEFA has opted against following FIFA’s lead and introducing automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent or leave the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision,” The Guardian reported on Tuesday.

The ban on players covering their mouths while interacting with opponents was promoted by FIFA following an incident that actually involved UEFA competition, as it took place during a Champions League match. It was the well-known episode involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

That incident resulted in a six-match suspension for Prestianni imposed by UEFA, which was later extended to the international level as well, potentially affecting the forward’s chances of making Argentina’s roster for the World Cup.

The other situation that motivated these rule changes took place during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when Senegal players temporarily walked off the field during the final against Morocco in protest of refereeing decisions. Although they later returned and secured a 1-0 victory, CAF ultimately awarded the title to Morocco in a controversial ruling that is now in the hands of the CAS.

UEFA to closely monitor the World Cup

Although FIFA approved these rule modifications following the latest meeting of the International Football Association Board, the decision has not been imposed as mandatory worldwide. That means each continental confederation and local association can evaluate whether implementing the changes is appropriate.

“UEFA’s executive committee will meet for the final time this season in Istanbul on Wednesday and it is understood no regulation changes are on the agenda,” The Guardian reported. However, that does not necessarily mean the decision is permanent, as the issue is expected to be revisited in the near future.

“UEFA sources said that its referees committee would monitor the impact of the new regulations during the World Cup with a view to discussing potential changes during next season,” the report added.

The possibility of seeing a situation similar to the Africa Cup of Nations final happen again during the World Cup is extremely unlikely given how unusual that episode was. However, players covering their mouths while speaking to opponents is far more common, so it will be interesting to see whether that behavior disappears during the World Cup and, if not, whether referees will consistently enforce the new rules with the strictness FIFA intends.

Arteta established himself as a leader despite his young age. In doing so, he surpassed his fellow countryman, as he is now 44 years and 55 days old after winning the Premier League title, while Guardiola was 47 years and 87 days old when he achieved it.

That leaves him only behind Mourinho in the list of youngest managers to win the title. The Special One did it with Chelsea at 42 years and 94 days. Completing the top four is Kenny Dalglish, who won it at 44 years and 71 days, followed by Arne Slot and then Guardiola at 46 years and 222 days.

Better win percentage than Arsène Wenger

The club has been one of the most important in England for decades. In the modern era, however, it is more closely associated with Arsène Wenger’s teams. Under the French manager, they produced a brilliant style that brought many titles, especially in his earlier years.

His long spell may be the reason Arteta ranks higher than Wenger in win percentage, since the historic manager spent more than 20 years at the club, while the younger coach has been in charge since December 2019.

Arteta has been slowly building a team that has come very close over the last two years. His win percentage now stands at 60.4 percent, with 212 wins, 66 draws and 73 losses, slightly ahead of Wenger’s 57.2 percent from 707 wins, 280 draws and 248 losses, among managers with at least 50 matches.

The final matches

There is one Premier League match left, against Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, that one no longer matters much, with the chance of history arriving later this month. Arteta’s biggest date is May 30, when they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

After falling completely out of favor under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford was forced to seek a move abroad last summer to keep his international ambitions alive under England boss Thomas Tuchel. Barcelona emerged as the ideal landing spot, securing his services on a one-year loan where the forward has Rediscovered his world-class form, transforming his future into a critical priority for both the player and the club.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is fully prepared to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a permanent move from Old Trafford to the Camp Nou. The Spanish outlet underlines that the English winger has zero desire to return to the Red Devils, a stance that could give Barcelona significant leverage in negotiations with the Manchester United front office.

One straightforward path for Barcelona is to trigger the €30 million ($32.5 million) release clause that was negotiated into the initial loan agreement back in June 2025. However, pulling off a permanent transfer of that magnitude remains incredibly complicated for the Spanish side given their ongoing financial instability and La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Mundo Deportivo notes that Rashford has already agreed to personal terms on a reduced salary structure should Barcelona manage to activate that buyout clause. To make the numbers work, Barca officials are reportedly exploring a structured payout that would split the €30 million fee into three annual €10 million installments, paired with a lengthy contract extension designed to amortize the cost and keep the club compliant with league accountants.

The alternative route is to negotiate a fresh loan extension, though it remains to be seen if Manchester United will play ball, as the Premier League club would heavily prefer a permanent sale to clear his wages. Rashford’s current contract with United runs through June 2028, where he sits as one of the club’s highest earners alongside Bruno Fernandes, a financial burden that might ultimately force the Blaugrana to push for a simple one-year loan extension instead.

Hansi Flick holds Rashford in high regard after stellar campaign

Following Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams last summer, Rashford emerged as a late market opportunity, with his substantial Premier League wages serving as the only initial hurdle. In his first true test outside of English football, the forward silenced critics by becoming an invaluable asset in Spain, racking up 14 goals and 14 assists across 48 appearances while seamlessly adjusting to a heavy squad rotation.

Whenever injuries struck, coach Hansi Flick weaponized Rashford’s versatility across the frontline, deploying him on both the left and right wings, and even using him as a central striker when Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres were sidelined. Yet, despite his productivity, Rashford’s long-term future remains completely up in the air, drawing close parallels to Joao Cancelo’s previous high-stakes loan saga at the club.

“At the end of the season, we will analyze everything, and then we will see what happens,” Flick remarked when pressed on the club’s upcoming summer transfer strategy in the press conference last Sunday. “Marcus gave us a lot this year and his numbers speak for themselves. I am very grateful to him,” added the German tactician, who clearly values the forward after recently putting pen to paper on his own contract extension through 2028.

Born in Lorient, France, on June 23, 2006, Kroupi has Ivorian roots through his father and Portuguese heritage through his mother. Those circumstances made him eligible to represent any of the three national teams, but he ultimately chose the country of his birth.

Portugal tried to convince him to join the program, as Roberto Martinez acknowledged during Tuesday’s press conference. “Yes, there was interest, we stayed ahead of the news. Before the March training camp we had contact,” explained the head coach.

However, Martinez made it clear that Kroupi’s intentions did not align with Portugal’s plans: “It is important to follow players who can represent the Portugal national team and those who want to represent it. Junior wanted to play for France and we respected it, it is a case that we left closed.”

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement seemingly approaching, Portugal will need young and talented forwards to build the squad for the near future, and Eli Junior Kroupi fits that profile. Still, it was difficult to imagine him having a realistic chance of making the roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup given the level of competition at the position.

Another option for France

Eli Junior Kroupi has represented France’s youth national teams over the past several years. He joined the U-16 national team in 2021 and later remained involved with the country at the U-17 and U-21 levels, most recently appearing in November 2025 against the Faroe Islands.

As for the senior national team, however, Kroupi will need to work hard to earn a spot in the near future. France already feature world-class forwards who are still relatively young and expected to remain part of the national team for years to come, such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. In addition, emerging talents like Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue and Michael Olise have gradually established themselves within the squad.

Kroupi shining in the Premier League

The current 2025-26 campaign is Eli Junior Kroupi’s first season in the Premier League. He has delivered more than solid performances for Bournemouth, ranking among the league’s top 10 scorers with 13 goals in 32 matches. Beyond the numbers, the importance of those goals also stands out: in addition to scoring against Manchester City this Tuesday, the French forward also found the net this season against Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.

According to Stefan Kumberger via SPORT1, Joško Gvardiol is interested in leaving Manchester City FC, with a potential move to Bayern Munich emerging as his preferred destination. Since his tenure at RB Leipzig, the Croatian defender has reportedly been a well-known admirer of Bayern. In addition, club legend Lothar Matthäus revealed that the German side have already made initial enquiries regarding a possible transfer.

With his contract at Manchester City running until 2028, Gvardiol’s potential departure would reportedly cost around €90 million the same fee the Citizens paid for him in 2023, as per Sport Bild. However, Bayern would first need to offload either Kim Min-jae or Hiroki Ito, as they currently lack space in their defensive rotation. With that in mind, the Croatian star’s future could ultimately be decided after the 2026 World Cup.

Despite arriving as one of the best defenders in the world, the Croatian star has struggled to fully secure a permanent starting spot. Under Pep Guardiola, he has increasingly become a rotational option, as Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly have emerged as two of Manchester City’s main defensive bets. Because of this, Joško Gvardiol’s potential departure might not be as damaging to the team’s competitiveness as initially expected.

Manchester City are set to lose two stars amid Guardiola uncertainty

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Manchester City appear to be preparing for major changes within their sporting structure. With the possible departure of Pep Guardiola, the Citizens reportedly already have an agreement in place with Enzo Maresca to take charge of the sporting project. However, the Citizens will also deal with the departures of two key players: Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

Both Bernardo Silva and John Stones are expected to leave the Citizens as free agents after failing to reach agreements over contract renewals. While the English defender had gradually lost prominence within the squad, the Portuguese midfielder remained an undisputed starter for the Citizens. Because of this, Manchester City could be forced back into the transfer market, especially as they attempt to avoid further departures after the expected exit of Pep Guardiola.

Paz missed his team’s most recent match against Parma with a knee injury. While Como won that game, they remain fifth in Serie A alongside Juventus, with both teams sitting two points behind Roma and Milan in the race for Champions League qualification.

With Como closing a strong season against Cremonese on Sunday, the Italian club are willing to take another look at Paz with the intention of playing him, according to Marca. This prompted Argentina to send a staff member to assess the risk, according to Olé. His chances of being called up by the national team could ultimately decide whether he plays.

With Argentina set to make their World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16, there is still close to a month for Paz to recover, provided he does not suffer a setback or reinjure himself.

Paz’s fantastic year

Paz was already showing flashes of what he could do last season at Como. The Real Madrid product is rumored to return there soon, even if it is only to be sold again as a business decision.

But during his time in Italy, he has shown that he can lead a team to big things without a star-studded cast around him. His importance to Cesc Fàbregas is evident in him being the outfield player with the most minutes for the entire team.

The left-footed midfielder has not only been reliable, he has also been decisive. Even if he is not a striker, he has scored 12 goals in 35 Serie A matches. He has also added six assists for a total of 18 goal contributions, while being important in his team’s run to the Coppa Italia final.

Paz’s contract

Paz’s future at Como could depend heavily on which competition they play in next season, but Real Madrid are expected to be heavily involved. When the Italian club bought him, the Spanish club inserted a very low buy-back clause. If Real Madrid want him back this summer, the fee would be just 9 million euros, a huge difference compared with his market valuation of around 60 million euros.

The Gunners’ title confirmation hinged on a slip-up from relentless rivals Manchester City, who traveled to the Vitality Stadium. In a dramatic twist, Bournemouth handed Arsenal the ultimate favor, grinding out a gritty 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s men to mathematically end City’s charge.

The 27-year-old took to social media to share the euphoria with the Arsenal faithful, posting a picture from the dressing room alongside teammates Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, William Saliba, and Bukayo Saka. He captioned the post with a triumphant message to the doubters: “I told you all.. it’s done”.

Arsenal will now walk out at the Emirates Stadium for the final matchday of the season against Crystal Palace as official Premier League Champions, where they will finally lift the coveted trophy in front of a bouncing home crowd.

Arsenal going for historic Champions League title

Arsenal have enjoyed a wildly successful Premier League campaign. With just one match remaining, they boast a record of 25 victories, seven draws, and a mere five defeats. Furthermore, they rank as the league’s second-highest scoring team with 69 goals, while anchoring the division’s best defense, having conceded just 26 goals.

However, the Gunners’ success extends far beyond England. Mikel Arteta’s side is making waves across Europe and now stands on the precipice of a historic achievement, with the chance to lift its first-ever Champions League title when it face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30, at the Puskas Arena.

On their road to the final, Arsenal displayed the same defensive resilience and tactical steel that defined their Premier League title charge, reaching the showcase event completely unbeaten.

Mikel Arteta’s side cruised through the league phase with eight victories, before navigating the knockout rounds with three wins and three draws to book their ticket to Budapest.

After an investigation was launched in response to a complaint filed by Middlesbrough, Southampton admitted to breaches against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026, according to an official statement released by the English Football League.

Specifically, Southampton violated two key regulations within the EFL Championship framework. The club was charged with breaking EFL Regulation 3.4, which demands that clubs behave toward one another with the utmost good faith, and Regulation 127, which strictly prohibits any club from viewing, or attempting to view, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two sides.

Furthermore, the EFL announced that Southampton retains the right to appeal the decision made by the Independent Disciplinary Committee, noting that the club is actively working to resolve any appeal by Wednesday, May 20. In light of this, the governing body indicated that scheduling adjustments could be made for the final on Saturday, May 24, depending on the outcome.

Who’s replacing Southampton?

Following the confirmation of Southampton’s expulsion from the EFL Championship playoffs, Middlesbrough will step in to replace the Saints. They will now face Hull City for a place in the Premier League on Saturday, May 24, at Wembley Stadium.

Middlesbrough’s selection as the replacement stems from the fact that they were the team defeated by Southampton in the playoff semifinals, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss on aggregate.

What other charges will Southampton face?

On top of being barred from competing in the EFL Championship playoff final—missing out on a guaranteed minimum revenue of £110 million from Premier League broadcasting rights—Southampton have also been hit with a four-point deduction, which will be applied at the start of next season.

Match Overview

Everything is on the line in Group D as Boca Juniors return to La Bombonera for a massive showdown against Cruzeiro. After opening the campaign with back-to-back wins before dropping their last two matches, Boca enter the night sitting third in the standings with six points and little margin for error in the race for a knockout-round spot.

Cruzeiro, meanwhile, hold second place with seven points and know a strong result on the road would put them in excellent position heading into the final Matchday. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance for both clubs, expect a high-intensity battle in one of South America’s most electric atmospheres.

Arsenal last won the Premier League trophy 22 years ago, when they captured the 2003-04 title under legendary head coach Arsene Wenger. That squad finished comfortably ahead of runners-up Chelsea, who ended the campaign 11 points behind.

The Gunners that season featured stars such as Thierry Henry — the Premier League’s top scorer that year with 30 goals — Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole. During that campaign, they earned the nickname ‘The Invincibles’ after going unbeaten across all 38 league matches.

The 2025-26 title under Mikel Arteta is Arsenal’s fourth since the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Before 2004, they had also been crowned champions in 1997-98 and 2001-02. Prior to that, the London side won 10 titles in the old Football League First Division, which served as England’s top flight for more than a century.

The 22-year drought Arsenal ended this Tuesday was the longest spell without a league title in club history since their first championship in 1931. Their previous longest droughts lasted 18 years, between 1953 and 1971, and then again until 1989.

Clubs with the most English league titles

Taking into account both the Football League First Division and Premier League eras, Arsenal are the third-most successful club in English league history with 14 titles. Only Manchester United and Liverpool rank higher, with 20 each.

Here is the full list of English league champions:

1- Manchester United – 20 titles
1- Liverpool – 20 titles
3- Arsenal – 14 titles
4- Manchester City – 10 titles
5- Everton – 9 titles
6- Aston Villa – 7 titles
7- Chelsea – 6 titles
7- Sunderland – 6 titles
9- Sheffield Wednesday – 4 titles
9- Newcastle United – 4 titles

Arsenal facing another historic opportunity

This Arsenal squad will be remembered for ending the longest league-title drought in club history by winning the Premier League. But they could elevate their legacy even further by claiming what would arguably be the most important trophy in the club’s history.

On May 30 at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final. There, the Gunners will have the chance to win the competition for the first time, as it will be only their second appearance in the final after losing to Barcelona in 2006.

After the latest defeat Mohamed Salah posted a strong message on his X profile, criticizing the team’s poor run of results. In addition, the Egyptian star appeared to take aim at Arne Slot’s tactical approach, making it clear that he wants to see the more attacking style. With this becoming his second major public criticism, Carragher sees strong similarities between the Egyptian and Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial exit from the Red Devils.

“I’m not surprised. I told everyone: something’s going to happen before the end of the season. He’ll drop another bombshell, a bit like Ronaldo did when he left Manchester United… I called him selfish in an interview, and I still stand by that. Liverpool have a crucial week coming up; they haven’t secured their Champions League spot yet, and the focus should be on Liverpool FC, not Salah FC,” Carragher said, via Sky Sports.

Like Salah, Ronaldo also made explosive remarks about Manchester United. “When I signed for Manchester United, I expected things to have changed. I spent nine years at Real Madrid, then at Juventus… but I was negatively surprised. Everything was still the same — the technology, everything… Right now, it’s a club that is not at the highest level,” he said, via Piers Morgan. With this in mind, both stars left under controversial circumstances, despite being legends.

Arne Slot may not rule out Salah vs. Brentford after his remarks

Not only has Jamie Carragher criticized Mohamed Salah for his recent comments, but Wayne Rooney has also publicly questioned the Egyptian star’s behavior, suggesting that he should be dropped for the match vs Brentford. Because of this, Arne Slot appears to have significant backing if he chooses to bench the legend for his final match at Anfield. Even so, the Dutch head coach may not have intention of completely leaving the 34-year-old star out of the squad.

Liverpool FC have revealed that a special mosaic will be displayed at Anfield to honor both Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson. Because of this, Arne Slot is not expected to leave the Egyptian star out of the stands entirely due to the farewell tribute for both legends. In addition, the Dutch head coach already gave Salah minutes against Aston Villa, making it clear that there are no physical concerns surrounding the 34-year-old forward.

Match Overview

Houston Dynamo shift their focus from the MLS playoff race to the US Open Cup. With 21 points and only eight behind Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps, Houston remain in solid form heading into a knockout clash against St. Louis City SC.

St. Louis battling near the bottom of the standings. For them, this tournament represents one of the few remaining chances to salvage their season, adding even more pressure to a matchup neither side can afford to lose. Don’t miss this high-stakes cup showdown.

The Saudi Pro League has grown rapidly since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in early 2023. Since then, some of soccer’s biggest names have followed him to the Kingdom, transforming the league into one of the sport’s fastest-growing competitions.

According to reports circulating from meetings involving league officials and club representatives, several new proposals are currently being considered behind closed doors. The discussions could lead to one of the most significant rule changes since the Saudi Pro League began aggressively recruiting international stars.

Ronaldo himself recently acknowledged the impact his transfer had on Saudi soccer’s global rise. Speaking in a conversation with England great Rio Ferdinand, the Portuguese forward made it clear he believes his move opened the door for many of the league’s elite signings. “I was the first to come to this league, and the rest came because of me,” the 41-year-old superstar said.

His arrival was later followed by players such as Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and Ivan Toney. Saudi soccer authorities now appear ready to take another ambitious step. The latest discussions focus on how many foreign players clubs should be allowed to use during league matches.

Three possible options under discussion

Zone 1 has revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that three separate foreign player models are currently being debated by Saudi Pro League officials. Meetings with club executives are already underway, with a final decision expected soon.

The first proposal would allow 10 foreign players on the pitch at the same time. Such a move would create one of the most internationally focused domestic leagues in world soccer.

The second proposal, which is reportedly closest to approval, would permit nine foreign players on the field while one foreign player would be excluded from the matchday squad. Many insiders believe this option offers a compromise between competitiveness and squad balance.

The third option would keep stricter limits in place by allowing eight foreign players on the pitch while two remain on the bench. Supporters of this approach believe it offers the best long-term pathway for Saudi player development.

Current rules already changed the league structure

The Saudi Pro League already introduced major foreign player reforms ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Under the current system, clubs can register 25 players, including up to 10 non-Saudi players.

Eight foreign players can be senior internationals without age restrictions, while two additional foreign spots are reserved for players born in 2003 or later. Clubs may also register one foreign-born player who was born inside Saudi Arabia and meets specific eligibility criteria.

On matchdays, teams are currently allowed to field eight foreign players plus one Saudi-born foreign player. That means a maximum of nine non-Saudi players can appear during league matches under existing regulations.

League officials introduced these rules in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Soccer Federation as part of a broader long-term development plan. Workshops involving club representatives reportedly played a major role before the framework was approved.

Match Overview

With a US Open Cup semifinal spot on the line, Orlando City SC and Atlanta United meet again after a 1-1 draw last Saturday that highlighted how little separates them. Orlando enters with 14 MLS points, just three shy of the Play-In line.

Facing the Florida team will be Atlanta United, who sit on 11 and still chasing the same cutoff, but league form takes a back seat in this knockout rematch where fine margins are expected to decide it. Don’t miss it.

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According to a report from Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Brozovic underwent an additional treatment session on Tuesday, but his chances of featuring in the season finale have significantly diminished.

The Croatian midfielder was notably absent from Al Nassr’s recent 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, after picking up a muscle injury during the dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

However, it is not all bad news for Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggest that Kingsley Coman has fully recovered ahead of the crucial SPL showdown. After coming off the bench against Gamba Osaka, the French forward is expected to return to the starting lineup for Thursday’s match against Damac.

Optimism surrounding other players

Brozovic’s injury brings plenty of anxiety to the Al Nassr camp, given that their entire season rests on this final fixture against Damac. Amidst this setback, the club did receive some positive updates regarding other players who were previously considered doubts due to various fitness concerns.

In addition to Coman, the report notes that Angelo Gabriel, Abdulelah Al-Amri, and Abdullah Al-Khaibari will undergo a specialized treatment session before training. This is intended to ensure they are completely pain-free before being cleared for selection in Thursday’s season finale.

A massive loss for Cristiano

Losing Brozovic is undoubtedly a heavy blow to Al Nassr’s midfield, where he provides crucial defensive stability and dictates the tempo of the play. It is equally a major setback for Cristiano Ronaldo, as the two boast impressive numbers when sharing the pitch.

Out of the 105 matches the duo have played together, Al Nassr have emerged victorious in 75, drawing 11 and losing just 19. Furthermore, Cristiano has found the back of the net five times courtesy of a Brozovic assist, while the Croatian playmaker has scored twice from Ronaldo’s setups.

City head into the fixture in strong form domestically, riding an unbeaten run of 22 games capped by a 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at the weekend. Bournemouth, however, will be no pushover, having gone 16 Premier League games unbeaten themselves while keeping alive their remarkable push to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

The backdrop at Manchester City is complicated further by reports emerging over the weekend that Pep Guardiola will be departing at the end of the season. While no official announcement has been made, the news has added an emotionally charged dimension to the final stretch of the campaign, and it remains to be seen how the squad responds on the pitch.

How a Man City win affects the Premier League title race

A victory for City on Tuesday would push them to 80 points from 37 games and keep the title race alive heading into the final weekend. The gap behind Arsenal would be cut to two points, but with the Gunners needing just a point from their final game, the odds are firmly in their favor.

On the final matchday, Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace, a side already safe from relegation and with their sights set on the UEFA Conference League final. City, meanwhile, would host Aston Villa, a tougher proposition, and would need to win while hoping Arsenal stumble, an unlikely but no longer impossible scenario.

How a Man City draw affects the Premier League title race

A draw at Bournemouth would effectively end the title race on Tuesday night. The point would leave City on 78, and with Arsenal sitting on 82, the four-point gap would be mathematically insurmountable heading into the final matchday.

That outcome would hand Arsenal the Premier League title without them needing to play on Sunday, a significant boost with the Champions League final also on the horizon. It would also mark the club’s first league title since the legendary “Invincibles” season of 2003-04.

How a Man City defeat affects the Premier League title race

A loss for City at the Vitality Stadium would also bring the title race to a close. Bournemouth’s victory would leave the Citizens stranded on 77 points from 37 games, five behind Arsenal, a gap that cannot be closed in a single remaining fixture.

In that scenario, the Premier League trophy would be heading to the Emirates regardless of what happens on the final day, with Arsenal crowned champions for the first time in over two decades.

“It’s fantastic to be teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s one of the greatest players in history. I feel very proud to share a dressing room with him, to learn from him, and to witness his professionalism. I hope we can win the World Cup with him and also for him… his approach to football is extremely professional and serious. He leaves nothing to chance: he steps onto the pitch knowing he is at 100%,” Vitinha said, via FIFA.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer the central axis of Portugal, Vitinha has made it clear that the veteran striker remains the unquestioned leader. In their pursuit of the anticipated, World Cup title, they could maintain their collective-focused approach. Because of this, the 40-year-old striker now has another primary responsibility: Keeping as the team’s most productive goalscorer while acting as the perfect complement to an already balanced and solid squad.

As this will likely be Cristiano’s final participation in the World Cup, the veteran striker could arrive more motivated than ever. While he is widely considered one of the greatest players in history, he has never finished as the tournament’s top scorer, something he could now be determined to change. Unlike previous editions, Portugal possess a far more balanced squad between youth and experience, increasing their chances of competing for the title.

Portugal bench depth may be decisive at the 2026 World Cup

Portugal have proven to possess one of the deepest and most competitive squads in UEFA. Due to the outstanding level of Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, head coach Roberto Martínez has even been forced to leave players such as Bernardo Silva or João Félix on the bench. Rather than becoming a problem for the 2026 World Cup, their impressive depth could give them a major advantage, allowing them to emerge as one of the strongest candidates.

Coming off a highly demanding season, Roberto Martínez’s team could suffer injuries and physical fatigue during the 2026 World Cup, making their impressive bench depth a potentially decisive factor. Portugal have huge quality to replace key roles such as those of Bruno Fernandes without suffering a major drop in level. Moreover, Ronaldo could once again have his minutes carefully managed, giving Gonçalo Ramos more opportunities without affecting the team’s impact.

Reports from the Kingdom claim negotiations between Al-Nassr and Guardiola are already underway. The move would represent another major statement from Saudi soccer, which continues attracting some of the sport’s biggest stars.

The Spaniard is expected to take charge of Manchester City for the final time this weekend, bringing an extraordinary chapter at the Etihad Stadium toward its conclusion. Since arriving in 2016, the Catalan coach transformed City into one of the most dominant clubs European soccer has ever seen.

During his ten years in Manchester, Guardiola won six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and delivered the club’s first UEFA Champions League trophy. His teams also completed a historic treble in 2023 after lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.

The Manchester City manager leaves behind a soccer philosophy that reshaped English soccer. His possession-based system, positional play, and tactical innovation became the standard that many clubs attempted to imitate.

Al-Nassr prepares extraordinary offer

While Guardiola’s farewell dominates headlines in England, Saudi Arabia is already preparing an astonishing proposal to convince him to continue his career in Riyadh. With Manchester City future already out of the picture for Pep Guardiola, he is sadi to be in talks with Al-Nassr to take over as head coach of the club.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, Ronaldo’s side has offered Guardiola an annual salary worth $150 million, which would make him the highest-paid manager in soccer history. This sum illustrates the Middle Eastern club’s resolve to get a highly renowned soccer coach. It would place Guardiola far above every other manager financially and further demonstrate the growing ambition of the Saudi Pro League.

“Al-Nassr Saudi Club offered Guardiola to coach the team, with an annual salary of $150 million, which would be the highest salary in history,” the report confirmed. The timing of the move also connects directly to uncertainty surrounding Jorge Jesus. Reports in recent days suggested the Portuguese coach is close to leaving Al-Nassr despite guiding the club through a strong campaign.

Jorge Jesus’ future creates opening at Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr remains locked in an intense Saudi Pro League title battle, but speculation around Jorge Jesus continues growing. The Portuguese manager reportedly does not plan to stay beyond the current season, even with the club competing for major trophies.

That uncertainty appears to have accelerated Al-Nassr’s search for a potential successor. Guardiola instantly emerged as the dream target due to his global reputation and proven ability to build winning teams. The possibility of Ronaldo working under the 55-year-old boss would also create one of the most fascinating storylines in soccer.

The pair famously shared a fierce rivalry during Guardiola’s years managing Barcelona while Ronaldo starred for Real Madrid. Now, years later, Saudi Arabia could unexpectedly unite two of soccer’s most iconic figures under the same project.

Last week, Argentina officially announced their preliminary 55-player squad, headlined by Lionel Messi and notable absences Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala. That number, however, must now be reduced, and reports indicate progress has already been made in that process.

“The Argentina national team reserved approximately 35 players with notifications sent to European clubs. They are not going to bring everyone to Argentina,” TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, who specializes in covering Argentina, said Tuesday on his official X account.

This means that, from the original 55-player list, several players will be cut even before the final roster is confirmed. The decision is tied to players based outside the country, as traveling to South America would be unreasonable if they are already no longer part of Scaloni’s plans.

Aside from those players, there are also several pre-selected players currently playing for clubs in Argentina and Brazil whose release is not necessary until the final moment, since they will not need to travel long distances. They are Facundo Cambeses, Santiago Beltran, Agustin Giay, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martinez Quarta, German Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Rojas, Leandro Paredes, Anibal Moreno, Milton Delgado, Tomas Andrada and Jose Lopez.

When must Argentina announce their final World Cup squad?

While some national teams such as France, Portugal and Brazil have already announced their final 26-player squads for the World Cup, FIFA regulations allow teams to delay that decision for a few more days, with the deadline set for June 1.

However, reports indicate that Lionel Scaloni will not wait until the final day to announce the cuts. “The national team coaching staff are already in the country and the idea is to make the decision on the final World Cup squad this week,” Gaston Edul added on X.

Argentina players dealing with injury concerns

One of the main reasons Lionel Scaloni has likely not yet announced the final World Cup roster — and has instead only reduced the list to 35 players — is that several players are dealing with fitness issues, with their recovery being closely monitored.

Cristian Romero has been ruled out for the remainder of Tottenham’s season, although he is expected to be fit for Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on June 16. Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina are in similar situations, while Nicolas Gonzalez is expected to make a full recovery soon from a muscle injury.

Al Nassr’s international run forced them to play their Matchday 33 fixture early, a couple of weeks ago against Al Shabab. That victory gave them a five-point lead over their closest challengers, Al Hilal. As a result, Karim Benzema’s team entered Saturday needing a win to take the title race into the final round of the season.

And they delivered. Simone Inzaghi’s side earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Ruben Neves from the penalty spot and Sultan Mandash. With the win, Al Hilal cut the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings to two points, keeping their title hopes alive heading into Tuesday.

Al Nassr remain atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 83 points, meaning they still control their own destiny in the title race. However, any slip-up next week could allow Al Hilal to snatch the trophy away from them.

What’s next for Al Nassr and Al Hilal?

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League will conclude next Thursday with Matchday 34, the final round of the season. Final standings will determine relegation, qualification for continental competitions, and, of course, the league title.

League leaders Al Nassr will face Damac in a match with major implications at both ends of the table. While Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be chasing the win needed to secure the trophy, their opponents will be fighting to avoid relegation. Right now, they sit just two points above the drop zone, currently occupied by Al Riyadh.

Al Hilal, meanwhile, appear to face a tougher challenge on paper. Instead of meeting a team near the bottom of the standings, they will take on a side that has enjoyed a more stable season. Al Fayha currently sit 11th in the table, although having nothing left to play for in the final matchday could affect their intensity.

Possible scenarios for the Saudi Pro League title race

All Matchday 34 games in the Saudi Pro League will kick off simultaneously on Tuesday to prevent teams from gaining an advantage by knowing other results beforehand and adjusting their strategy accordingly.

For Al Hilal, the mission is clear. Sitting two points behind leaders Al Nassr, their only chance of overtaking them is by defeating Al Fayha. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win their own match, they will have no chance of lifting the trophy.

Al Nassr, meanwhile, have a wider range of possibilities in front of them. A victory would secure the Saudi Pro League title regardless of any other result. But if they fail to win, they will need to keep a close eye on what happens elsewhere.

If Al Nassr draw or lose against Damac and Al Hilal fail to win, Cristiano Ronaldo would still lift the trophy. If Al Nassr lose and Al Hilal win, Benzema would claim the league title instead. However, if Al Nassr draw and Al Hilal win, both teams would finish level on points. In that case, the tiebreaker would come down to head-to-head results during the season, where Al Hilal hold the advantage after winning one meeting and drawing the other.

Portugal arrives in North America carrying momentum after winning the UEFA Nations League and producing a strong qualifying campaign. With stars spread across Europe and Saudi Arabia, the squad combines experience, technical quality, and depth in nearly every position.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo remains the face of the national team. Time may have changed parts of his game, but his influence inside the squad remains impossible to ignore for both teammates and the coaching staff.

What did Roberto Martinez say about Ronaldo’s importance?

During the squad announcement, Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo’s value to Portugal extends beyond goals and headlines. The Spanish coach praised the Al-Nassr forward for the leadership qualities he continues to bring to the dressing room. “I hope he continues to play the same role he has had over the last three years that I’ve been with the national team,” the manager explained.

The Portugal boss also stressed that Ronaldo remains fully committed despite his legendary status in soccer: “I’ve spoken a lot about Cristiano. When we talk about him, there are two players. The global soccer icon, about whom all soccer fans around the world have an opinion and recognize what he brings to the game, and then there is our captain,” Martinez said.

The coach insisted that Ronaldo is treated like every other player in the squad when it comes to standards and competitiveness. “He has the same demands as every other player, the same competitiveness to be part of the national team,” he added.

Ronaldo’s role finally becomes clear

As the discussion around Ronaldo’s future continues to grow, Martinez revealed that the Portugal captain will continue serving as one of the team’s main leaders both on and off the pitch during the World Cup. The coach specifically pointed to the veteran forward’s influence inside the locker room and his importance during Portugal’s recent Nations League triumph.

“For me, he is an exemplary captain. He was crucial in winning the Nations League, and now we want the same level of responsibility and leadership in the dressing room,” Martinez said. Thus, it is safe to say that the Portugal manager values the veteran’s experience highly heading into the tournament.

While the forward may no longer rely on explosive pace or constant dribbling, his mentality and understanding of major tournaments remain central to Portugal’s ambitions. Ronaldo is now preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance after previously playing in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. No male player has ever reached six World Cups before.

Al-Nassr currently leads the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal sits close behind on 81 points after 33 matches. As both clubs chase domestic glory, reports emerging from Italy and Saudi Arabia suggest major changes could soon arrive on the benches of both title contenders.

The Saudi Pro League title battle will go down to the final round after Al-Hilal kept its hopes alive with a victory over NEOM. That result ensured Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr could not celebrate the championship early, leaving the pressure firmly on Jorge Jesus and his players ahead of the decisive matchday. Al-Nassr knows that a victory over Damac will secure the club’s first domestic league title since 2019, regardless of what happens elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Blue Waves must defeat Al-Fayha and hope its rival drops points if the club wants to complete a late comeback and secure a record-extending 20th league title. The tension surrounding the title race has only intensified because of the uncertainty around both managers.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Jorge Jesus is already considering his future away from Al-Nassr despite leading the club through one of its strongest campaigns in recent years. According to ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade, the veteran Portuguese coach does not intend to renew his contract beyond the current season. His long-term ambition is reportedly linked to the Portugal national team job after the 2026 World Cup.

Simone Inzaghi’s future suddenly becomes uncertain

At the same time, attention has also turned toward Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi. The Italian coach arrived in Saudi Arabia last summer after leaving Inter, signing a lucrative two-year deal reportedly worth around $30 million per season.

However, despite impressive results on paper, reports now indicate that Simone Inzaghi is expected to leave Al-Hilal after only one season in charge. The decision is expected to become official after the club’s final league match.

According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, dissatisfaction over expensive summer signings and changes within the club’s ownership structure played a major role in shaping the situation. Several high-profile transfers reportedly failed to meet expectations, placing added pressure on the coaching staff despite the team remaining competitive throughout the season.

Inzaghi’s overall numbers remain extremely strong. Under his leadership, Al-Hilal played 51 matches, winning 37, drawing 12, and losing only twice. Still, expectations at Al-Hilal go beyond strong statistics. The club expects dominance both domestically and internationally, especially after investing heavily in the squad during the summer transfer window.

Why Al-Hilal may still move on despite strong results

Although Al-Hilal remains unbeaten for most of the season and continues fighting for the title until the final day, internal expectations reportedly remain much higher. Expensive arrivals such as Darwin Nunez reportedly failed to fully convince the club hierarchy, creating frustration behind the scenes.

The report also indicates that a recent ownership change at Al-Hilal has influenced the club’s direction moving forward. The new leadership is believed to be considering a different long-term vision despite Inzaghi maintaining impressive results during his short spell in Riyadh.

At the same time, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr faces its own uncertainty surrounding Jorge Jesus. The possibility of both title rivals entering next season with new managers would completely reshape the Saudi soccer landscape.

Portugal enters the competition carrying major expectations after winning the UEFA Nations League and completing an impressive qualifying campaign. With Ronaldo still leading the line at 41 years old, the national team heads into the tournament believing it can finally capture the one trophy missing from its history.

The upcoming tournament will mark Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, a feat no male footballer has ever achieved before. The Al-Nassr forward already holds records for most international appearances and goals in men’s soccer, and now he is set to add another remarkable milestone to his career.

Portugal has won the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League during Ronaldo’s era, but the World Cup remains the one major trophy still missing. That reality has added extra emotion to the build-up around the Selecao ahead of the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“This one definitely would be my last World Cup,” Ronaldo previously admitted in an interview cited by several outlets. The statement has only increased attention on what could become the final international tournament of his career.

Roberto Martinez reveals Portugal’s plans

Martinez spoke openly about the unique challenges awaiting teams at the expanded 48-nation tournament. The Portugal coach believes preparation and adaptability will matter just as much as talent during a month-long competition spread across three countries. “We’re talking about going into the unknown,” he explained. “Forty-eight teams means a longer period. You need to have incredible resilience.”

The Spanish coach also highlighted the travel demands, weather conditions, and time-zone complications facing every national team involved. Portugal has already studied logistics carefully, especially after Martinez observed last year’s Club World Cup in the United States as part of FIFA’s technical study group. “The complexity of playing with different time zones, of playing with the heat, the humidity, and almost moments of uncertainty when you get the storms,” Martinez said.

Portugal’s final 27-man World Cup squad confirmed

After weeks of speculation, Martinez officially named the 27-man squad that will represent Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo headlines a group packed with elite-level experience and attacking quality.

The squad includes several players from Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Barcelona all heavily represented. Martinez also decided to take an additional goalkeeper in the preliminary travelling group, although only 26 players will officially be registered unless injuries force changes.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho

Defenders: Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Nelson Semedo, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao, Goncalo Guedes

Several notable names narrowly missed out, including Antonio Silva and Joao Palhinha. Martinez instead prioritized versatility, depth in wide areas, and tactical flexibility across the squad.

Portugal officially named a 27-player traveling group instead of the standard 26-man World Cup squad, immediately raising questions among supporters. The decision created intrigue ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, especially as the national team enters the competition among the favorites following its UEFA Nations League triumph.

Ronaldo once again remains the central figure of the Portugal setup despite entering the final stage of his career. Along with Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa, the Al-Nassr attacker will make history at this summer’s tournament by becoming one of the very few male players to feature in six consecutive tournaments.

The Selecao captain will lead a squad packed with elite-level talent from across Europe’s biggest leagues. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Ruben Dias are all expected to play key roles as Martinez attempts to guide the national team toward its first World Cup triumph.

Portugal enters Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The campaign begins in Houston before later matches in Miami and additional fixtures across North America.

Roberto Martinez explains unusual squad decision

The biggest talking point from the announcement quickly became the squad size itself. FIFA regulations allow only 26 officially registered players, yet Martinez intentionally traveled with 27 players. In fact, the Selecao included fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho as an additional traveling player for training support and emergency cover for injuries.

Velho, who currently plays for Genclerbirligi Ankara, will stay with the squad throughout the tournament but cannot officially feature unless one of Portugal’s three registered goalkeepers suffers an injury. FIFA rules permit replacements in those circumstances, which opened the door for Martinez to make the unusual decision.

“The complexity of the tournament is very important,” Martinez explained after unveiling the squad. “There are positions where we need to have more than two players per position.” The Portugal coach pointed toward travel demands, climate conditions, and scheduling difficulties as major concerns heading into the first 48-team World Cup in history.

Why Portugal believes extra depth matters

The expanded format of the tournament has created new challenges for every national team involved. Long-distance travel between venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico means recovery and preparation could become just as important as tactics.

Martinez has spent months studying those conditions and believes flexibility could become decisive later in the competition. Carrying an additional goalkeeper allows Portugal to maintain full-intensity training sessions without risking exhaustion or overworking the main three keepers. “The demands of the weather, the time zone, everything we already experienced in March,” Martinez said while discussing the squad structure.

João Pedro’s impressive first season at Chelsea has reportedly called the attention from the Blaugranas, making him their priority signing. After recently paying €63.7 million to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, the Blues reportedly have no intention of letting the Brazilian striker leave during the summer of 2026. Even so, failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could push João to force a move towards Barcelona. In light of this, Osimhen’s arrival emerges as a key asset.

According to Graeme Bailey, via TEAMtalk, the representatives of Victor Osimhen are actively seeking an exit from Galatasaray SK, as the Nigerian striker wants to compete once again in Europe’s top leagues. Because of this, Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest in his signing, considering his arrival completely necessary. In addition, Alonso’s appointment could further attract Osimhen toward Stamford Bridge.

Despite Chelsea FC’s strong interest in Victor Osimhen, completing the transfer would be far from simple. As a cornerstone player for Galatasaray SK, they would demand a fee close to €100 million, according to TEAMtalk. For Xabi Alonso to secure the Nigerian striker, the potential departure of João Pedro to Barcelona could become crucial, as the Blues would likely need a comparable financial income to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Xabi Alonso faces difficult task to rebuild Chelsea’s roster

Since BlueCo took over Chelsea, they has invested heavily in signing young players. However, neither Enzo Maresca nor Liam Rosenior managed to fully develop several of those talents, with Mamadou Sarr, Dário Essugo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Roméo Lavia among the clearest examples. Because of this, Xabi Alonso now faces the difficult task of rebuilding the squad, while also deciding which players should leave the club during the summer of 2026.

With such a defined tactical identity, Xabi Alonso could decide not to rely on several of Chelsea’s expensive signings, with Alejandro Garnacho emerging as one of the most notable cases. In addition, the defensive line remains the most crowded area of the squad, yet it still fails to fully convince. Because of this, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoît Badiashile could all leave the club, as the Spanish head coach reportedly prefers more developed players.

“Managing is something very natural. In a World Cup, you do not follow a pattern that fits the club, the age, none of that. Everyone is focused and we have to manage the day-to-day well, that is all. We can talk about many dreams, but we only have three matches to start, this is our World Cup. And we have to manage these three in the best way possible,” Roberto Martinez said in the latest press conference.

While being in excellent form at Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to remain a starter for Portugal, especially after shining during the UEFA qualifiers. However, the head coach has also demonstrated strong management of the veteran striker’s playing time, as is often substituted for Gonçalo Ramos. That rotation has become a key factor in preserving the 40-year-old’s physical condition and could once again be heavily utilized during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance in the competition, he could arrive especially motivated, particularly because he has never finished as the tournament’s top scorer in any previous edition. In addition, he now has a major opportunity to finally win the anticipated tournament, as Portugal are currently in outstanding form and recently lifted the UEFA Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo emerges as a key asset for Portugal, not a cornerstone

Unlike the final stage of Fernando Santos’ tenure, Cristiano Ronaldo has remained a key figure under Roberto Martínez with Portugal. Recognizing the veteran striker’s age, the Portuguese head coach has decided to protect his physical condition by allowing him to focus almost exclusively on scoring duties, reducing his defensive responsibilities and pressing workload. Even so, the 40-year-old striker is no longer the true cornerstone of the national team.

Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal appear to have adopted a very different approach compared to previous editions, moving away from dependence on a single player and instead emphasizing collective play. Because of this, Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes have emerged as the key figures of the squad. In this structure, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the ideal complement to an already balanced and solid team.

Match Overview

Chelsea enters this London derby with their season in tatters. Once targeting Champions League qualification, the Blues have plummeted to 10th place and are currently mired in a seven-game Premier League winless streak. Fresh off a devastating FA Cup final loss to Manchester City, the club is playing for little more than pride and a slim chance at qualifying for the Conference League. The pressure is on to deliver a statement performance for a frustrated Stamford Bridge crowd.

For Tottenham, the stakes could not be higher. Perched just two points above the relegation zone, this match represents a golden opportunity to secure their Premier League survival. Under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have found a crucial run of form, going undefeated in their last four matches. A victory would mathematically guarantee their safety, making this clash at the home of their rivals a season-defining moment.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The trajectories of these two clubs this season could not be more different. Chelsea‘s campaign has been one of steady decline, falling far short of lofty preseason expectations and now facing the prospect of no European soccer. In stark contrast, Tottenham has engineered a late-season revival under De Zerbi, collecting eight points in their last four games—a total that took them 17 matches to accumulate previously. This surge has given them a fighting chance at survival.

The tactical battle will likely pit Chelsea‘s possession-based approach against Tottenham’s newfound defensive resilience. The Blues will dominate the ball at home but have struggled to convert possession into victories. Spurs, meanwhile, have become incredibly organized under their new manager, reversing a trend of conceding early goals. The match will be won or lost on whether Chelsea’s talented attackers, like Cole Palmer and João Pedro, can break down a disciplined and desperate Tottenham side playing for their top-flight lives.

Motivation is the driving force behind this encounter. Chelsea is playing to salvage a disastrous season, end a painful winless run, and potentially play a role in relegating a major rival. For Tottenham, the objective is clear and absolute: secure the points needed to stay in the Premier League. With West Ham close behind them, anything less than a positive result could send their fight down to a nerve-wracking final day.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been dominated by Chelsea, particularly at Stamford Bridge. Tottenham‘s record at this venue is notoriously poor, with the North London club having won just one of their last 35 away league games against the Blues, a run stretching back decades. This history provides a significant psychological advantage for the home side, even amidst their poor form.

Recent encounters have only reinforced Chelsea‘s dominance. The Blues are currently on a five-match winning streak against Tottenham in all competitions, including a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In those five games, Chelsea has kept three clean sheets, consistently finding ways to neutralize the Spurs attack and secure narrow, hard-fought wins.

From a statistical standpoint, the data points heavily in Chelsea‘s favor. Tottenham’s last league victory at Stamford Bridge was in April 2018, an outlier in a long history of struggles. The combination of Chelsea‘s recent head-to-head superiority and Tottenham‘s historical struggles on this ground makes any positive result for the visitors a significant upset against established trends.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams enter this crucial London derby with significant roster challenges, as injuries and suspensions force tactical adjustments from both managers.

Chelsea will be without winger Mykhaylo Mudryk due to suspension, further limiting their attacking options. The club also continues to miss the services of Estêvão and Jamie Gittens, who are sidelined with hamstring injuries. These absences put additional pressure on Cole Palmer and João Pedro to create and finish chances.

Tottenham is contending with a catastrophic injury crisis. A long list of key players, including Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, and Xavi Simons, are out for the remainder of the season. Further doubts over the availability of Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke mean that manager Roberto De Zerbi must rely on a depleted squad for this must-win fixture.

Chelsea Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.
This lineup reflects Chelsea‘s go-to formation, relying on the midfield control of Fernandez and the creativity of Palmer to supply chances for João Pedro. With their season on the line, expect the Blues to field their strongest available side to control possession and break down their rivals.

Tottenham Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.
Despite the extensive injury list, De Zerbi will field a team built on defensive solidity and counter-attacking potential. The focus will be on remaining compact and disciplined, with Richarlison tasked to lead the line and convert any opportunities that arise from Chelsea‘s mistakes.

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Match Overview

Bournemouth enters this clash in historic form, riding an incredible 16-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Andoni Iraola‘s side has transformed the Vitality Stadium into a fortress and is on the verge of securing a top-eight finish. With an outside chance at European qualification still on the line, the Cherries are not just playing for pride; they are aiming to cap off a remarkable season with a statement win against the reigning champions.

For Manchester City, the stakes could not be higher. Locked in a tense title race with Arsenal, anything less than a victory could prove fatal to their championship aspirations. Pep Guardiola’s squad is familiar with the immense pressure of the season’s final stretch, having won nine of their last ten matches across all competitions. This trip to the South Coast is a must-win fixture, and the Citizens will arrive with the singular focus of securing three crucial points.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This match presents a fascinating contrast in season trajectories. Bournemouth has defied all expectations, putting together a record-breaking unbeaten run to surge up the table. They have become one of the most resilient and difficult teams to break down in the league. Manchester City, meanwhile, is on its familiar, relentless march toward the title, combining domestic cup success with an almost flawless league run-in. It’s a classic battle of momentum versus experience.

The tactical clash will likely be decided by whether Bournemouth‘s disciplined defensive structure can withstand City‘s overwhelming attacking firepower. As the highest-scoring team in the Premier League, City will look to dominate possession and exploit any available space. Bournemouth, who have been formidable at home, will aim to stay compact and hit the visitors on the counter. The game will be won or lost in the midfield, where control of the tempo is paramount.

The motivations for both clubs are crystal clear. Manchester City must win to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the table; a draw is not an option. For Bournemouth, a single point guarantees a top-eight finish, but a victory would keep their slim hopes of European football alive. With neither side able to settle for a stalemate, expect an open and aggressive contest from the first whistle.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this has been a one-sided fixture. Manchester City has dominated the head-to-head record, winning four of the last five meetings between the clubs. Bournemouth has only managed a single victory against the Citizens during that same period, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead for the home side.

Looking at the most recent encounters, City is currently on a three-match winning streak against the Cherries. The last two games, both played at the Etihad Stadium, ended in identical 3-1 victories for Manchester City. Earlier this season, City also secured a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace.

A key trend for this matchup has been the frequency of goals. The last four consecutive games between these two teams have seen both sides find the back of the net. Over their previous five meetings, matches have averaged 3.0 total goals, and Manchester City is the only team to have kept a clean sheet in that span.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Manchester City arrives with a fully fit squad, while Bournemouth must contend with several key absences for this crucial match.

The hosts will be significantly hampered by the unavailability of key players. Midfielder Ryan Christie is out due to suspension, while Lewis Cook is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Cherries will also be without Julio Soler and Matai Akinmboni, forcing manager Andoni Iraola to adjust his game plan.

In stark contrast, Pep Guardiola has his entire roster available for selection. This is a massive advantage at such a critical stage of the season, providing him with tactical flexibility and the ability to field his strongest possible lineup or rotate players to maintain freshness after a demanding FA Cup final.

Bournemouth Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson

Forced to adapt due to injuries and suspension, Bournemouth will likely rely on a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation. The defensive pairing of Hill and Senesi will be crucial in containing City‘s attack, while the creativity of Tavernier and the finishing of Evanilson will be their best hope of finding a goal.

Manchester City Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland

With a full squad to choose from, Guardiola can deploy a formidable attacking lineup. Erling Haaland, who boasts 15 goal involvements on the road this season, will lead the line. He’ll be supported by a dynamic trio of attackers, ensuring City has multiple avenues to break down the resilient Bournemouth defense.

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“It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s Incredible. These are tears of pure happiness. Truly I want to tank every single Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me… we have another World Cup to fight for. We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil” Neymar said, on his Youtube channel.

While there were serious doubts surrounding his physical condition,Carlo Ancelotti has rewarded Neymar for his major improvement at Santos FC, revealing that he will be important. With this call-up, the 34-year-old star now has what could be his final opportunity to chase the long-awaited World Cup title. However, he will not have an easy path toward becoming a starter, as Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá currently appear to hold a certain advantage.

Neymar is set to make his return with Brazil after three years away from the national team, giving him a clear opportunity to end his long scoring drought with the Canarinha. In addition, the 34-year-old star emerges as a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti after the injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão, as his experience could prove decisive. Beyond his impact on the field, they also regain a clear dressing-room leader, something that can be crucial when competing at the highest level.

Neymar Jr. to play inside forward for Brazil, says Carlo Ancelotti

Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil appear to have a clear plan built around Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior on the wings. In addition, the regular presence of Matheus Cunha as the starting attacking midfielder offers strong indications of how the lineup could look. Because of this, Neymar’s role remains a major topic of debate, leading Carlo Ancelotti to reveal that the 34-year-old star will play as an inside forward.

After his numerous injuries at Al Hilal SFC, Neymar has evolved into an attacking midfielder. No longer standing out because of his pace, the Brazilian star now makes the difference through his dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines with precise through balls. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti will use him as a major enhancer of Brazil’s collective play, something that neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide for the national team.

The Saudi powerhouse took a massive emotional hit on Saturday, crashing out of the AFC Champions League Two final with a 1-0 loss to Gamba Osaka. While dreams of a historic double have faded, the squad has no time to lick its wounds with another trophy on the line in less than a week, and Ronaldo is already seeing reinforcements return to the pitch.

According to Saudi outlet Al Arriyadiyah, Coman has shown complete readiness to rejoin the starting XI for the match against Damac FC. Al Nassr returned to the training grounds on Monday following a scheduled rest day on Sunday, and the Frenchman reportedly participated fully without showing any signs of lingering physical discomfort.

Despite being one of the team’s most lethal weapons, Coman began the final against Gamba Osaka on the bench due to a recent muscle strain, a pre-match gamble manager Jorge Jesus later addressed. “Our team is physically exhausted, and we took a gamble by playing Coman and Angelo,” the Portuguese tactician admitted during his post-match press conference.

The French winger eventually entered the match in the 66th minute but struggled to alter the momentum with Al Nassr already chasing the game. However, with Al Arriyadiyah reporting a full recovery, Ronaldo will have his primary playmaker back in the fold, a crucial connection, considering five of the 12 assists Coman has delivered in his debut Al Nassr campaign have directly set up the Portuguese legend.

Brozovic remains the biggest question mark for Al Nassr

With Coman cleared, Al Nassr are expected to deploy a terrifying, star-studded attack featuring the Frenchman and Sadio Mane on the flanks, Joao Felix operating as a false nine, and Ronaldo spearheading the frontline. However, that immense firepower could face transitional issues in the buildup and defensive phases, as midfield anchor Marcelo Brozovic remains a major doubt.

The same report from Al Arriyadiyah all but ruled out a quick return for the Croatian international. The veteran midfielder, who was sorely missed during the continental final against Gamba Osaka, spent Monday continuing his rehabilitation and treatment sessions inside the medical clinic at the “Dar Al-Nassr” training center.

On paper, Al Nassr enter the match as heavy favorites against a 15th-place Damac side sitting on just 29 points. But with the visitors needing a single point to mathematically guarantee safety from relegation, and boasting a direct style that ranks third in the SPL in long balls per game (21.1), playing without Brozovic to shield the backline could cost Ronaldo’s side dearly.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, when the Herons will be hosting Philadelphia Union in the MLS at the Nu Stadium. The Argentine legend enters the fixture after participating in the two goals of the 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers with a goal and an assist.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th.

The 2026 MLS campaign has begun for Messi, who has featured in 15 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 13 goals with 5 assist registered thus far. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

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

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

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

Ancelotti made the official announcement on Monday at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro in a candid press conference. While Neymar’s inclusion in the squad dominated the headlines, the exclusion of Joao Pedro quickly emerged as one of the most discussed decisions of the afternoon.

Hours later, the Chelsea striker took to Instagram with a measured response. “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home,” he wrote.

Joao Pedro had made a compelling case for inclusion. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, scoring twice in the semifinal and once in the final, and posted 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He also featured in three of Ancelotti’s five Brazil squads this past year, but none of it proved enough to earn a spot on the plane to North America.

Did Neymar take Joao Pedro’s place?

From the 55-man preliminary list, Neymar’s inclusion had already generated significant debate, particularly after Estevao and Rodrygo were ruled out through injury. Cuts were always going to fall across every line of the squad, and while Thiago Silva and Andrey Santos were the names dropped from the defensive and midfield pools, it was Joao Pedro who was sacrificed from the forward positions.

Ancelotti was asked directly about the decision to leave him out and stood firmly behind his choice. “I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things. To play here (in Brazil) is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat… Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players,” the Italian coach said.

The final forward group named by Ancelotti consists of Endrick, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Igor Thiago and Luiz Henrique. Of those, the players most suited to a central striking role comparable to Joao Pedro’s profile are Igor Thiago, the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Neymar, a group Ancelotti was willing to back over the Chelsea forward.

The irony is not lost given that Joao Pedro himself had publicly stated to TNT Sports Brasil that Neymar deserved to be at the World Cup and that the Santos star “represents what Messi is to Argentina” for Brazil. In the end, however, Neymar’s inclusion may well have come at the direct expense of his most vocal supporter.

On Sunday, the Saudi Pro League published its 2025-26 Season Awards nominees on its official website, with Ronaldo once again among those in the running for the top individual prize of the campaign.

Alongside the Player of the Season, the other categories up for grabs include Saudi Player of the Season, Manager of the Season and Best Young Talent of the Season. Voting opened on Sunday, with the winners set to be revealed once the league season concludes.

As with the previous edition, the voting breakdown has already been established. The head coaches and captains of all 18 SPL clubs will each account for 40 percent of the overall vote, the Kingdom’s leading sports journalists will contribute 15 percent, and fans of the league will make up the remaining 5 percent.

Ronaldo will have the chance to potentially clinch the SPL title when Al Nassr host Damac FC on Thursday, May 21, in what could be the day he ends the club’s long trophy drought. The following day, Friday, May 22, following the conclusion of the final matchweek, the award winners will be officially announced.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the competition for SPL Player of the Season

Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has consistently been one of the most impactful players in the league, and this season has been no different, with his performances at the heart of Al Nassr’s push for the title. On an individual level, the 41-year-old has posted 26 goals and three assists across 29 games, placing him among the leaders in direct goal contributions.

The competition, however, is fierce. Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney currently leads the SPL scoring charts with 32 goals and six assists in 31 games, while Mexican international Julian Quiñones has registered 30 goals and four assists in 30 appearances for Al Qadsiah. Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate, rounds out the standout candidates with 20 goals and 13 assists across 32 games, a combination of goalscoring and creativity that makes him a compelling contender.

One potential advantage for the Al Nassr duo is the trend established by recent award winners. Karim Benzema claimed the Player of the Season in 2024-25 and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in 2023-24, with both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal producing those winners respectively. The pattern suggests that team success carries significant weight with voters, which could tip the balance in favor of players from a title-winning side.

SPL Awards: categories and nominees

Player of the Season

• Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)
• Julian Quiñones (Al Qadsiah)
• Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
• Joao Felix (Al Nassr)

Best Young Talent of the Season

• Hammam Al Hammami (Al Shabab)
• Abdulaziz Al Elewa (Al Kholood)
• Abdulaziz Al Suwailem (Al Fateh)
• Sabri Dahal (Al Fayha)
• Sultan Harun (Al Riyadh)

Manager of the Season

• Jorge Jesus (Al Nassr)
• Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli)
• Brendan Rodgers (Al Qadsiah)
• Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal)
• Saad Al Shehri (Al Ettifaq)

Saudi Player of the Season

• Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal)
• Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq)
• Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah)
• Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr)
• Hattan Bahebri (Al Kholood)

As reported by Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs, Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City in the summer of 2026. An official announcement is yet to be made by the club as City are still in the Premier League title race, but as reported by the journalists, Guardiola will be bidding farewell in the coming days.

Questions over his continuity arose especially taking into account that Guardiola’s current deal runs until June 2027. In fact, the former FC Barcelona manager previously dismissed the possibility of leaving the Mancunian side, with this remaining year seen as the main factor of his continuity.

Before lifting the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday, Guardiola was asked if he was going to leave during his press conference: “No way. No way. I have a one year (left on my) contract,” he stated, before addressing how Wembley Stadium has turned into one of his favorite stages.

“I’m so disappointed that they don’t make a stand for Pep (at Wembley), the number of times I’ve been there – at least a lounge or a box. Maybe I go 24 more times. It’s been a special place, with Barcelona in 1992, and after against Manchester United with Barcelona for the second time and many times since I am here with semi-finals and finals. It’s really good to go to Wembley again. Top,” he stated last Saturday.

However, reports are now claiming that Guardiola is set to put an end to the tenure he began back on July 1, 2016, ten years later. Through that span, he claimed multiple records and conquered six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups, three FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup to make a total of 20 titles with the Citizens.

Who will replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?

With the status as the best coach in Manchester City history, and one of the best of all time, replacing Pep Guardiola won’t be an easy task for any of the candidates put to embrace the challenge. However, the board is trusting in one of his latest disciples and a familiar face to take his seat.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Enzo Maresca is positioned as the only replacement for Pep Guardiola. After his sacking from Chelsea in January, the club has reportedly been working on securing his future to be part of the club, with Maresca reportedly accepting the project months ago even before the Guardiola decision was reported.

Maresca is deeply rooted in the City soccer structure, having first arrived in 2020 to lead the U-23 squad to a Premier League 2 title. After a brief stint managing Parma, he returned to the Etihad in 2022 as Guardiola’s lead assistant, replacing Juanma Lillo. A year later, he took the reins at Leicester City and engineered their promotion back to the top flight, earning a move to Chelsea, where he coached the Blues to a revamped FIFA Club World Cup title in 2025.

Former City captain and club legend Vincent Kompany was briefly floated as a potential candidate, but the Belgian’s recent contract extension with Bayern Munich through June 2029 quickly removed him from the running. With the field cleared, Maresca is now poised for his third stint in Manchester, this time taking the ultimate seat as head coach of the first team.

During the post-announcement press conference, Ancelotti opened up about his decision to call up the veteran playmaker: “We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in the recent period he played with continuity, and that his physical condition improved. We believe that he is an important player; he is going to be an important player in this World Cup. He has the same role and obligation as all the other 25—the possibility of playing, of not playing, of being on the bench, of coming on—the exact same responsibility as the others.“

Questions also arose regarding the various factors that influenced the final selection. Beyond his current on-field form, an immense wave of pressure from both fans and teammates had kept the forward’s status at the center of a non-stop national debate for months.

Setting aside the tactical element, Ancelotti highlighted that the evaluation process was strictly focused on the medical data. “The evaluation throughout the year has been solely regarding the physical aspect. For Neymar, it has always been a physical issue. In the recent matches, he played with continuity.”

“He may have the opportunity to improve his physical condition during this period before the first game of the World Cup, but we believe that apart from this, his experience in this type of competition, the affection he has within the group, and also how he can create a better environment within the squad will help the team bring out its best,” he stated.

When pressed on exactly how many minutes Neymar would log during the tournament, Ancelotti struck a more cautious tone. “He’ll play if he deserves to play. I have an idea on how the starting team could look today, but I have to analyze how the players train and check on their physical and mental condition before naming them to the starting XI.“

Where will Neymar play in Ancelotti’s Brazil?

Neymar is set to suit up for Ancelotti’s Brazil for the first time, but the looming question centers on where exactly he will fit on the pitch. During his prime years with Barcelona and PSG, the forward was a devastating threat down the left wing, but injuries and age mean that explosive, touchline-to-touchline speed is no longer his defining trait.

Asked about his tactical plans, Ancelotti confirmed that he views Neymar “as a forward in a centralized position,” meaning he will likely slot in behind a traditional striker as an advanced playmaker, or potentially operate as a false nine despite lacking the physical profile of a standard target man.

During his current stint with Santos, Neymar has occasionally been penciled into the lineup as a number nine but rarely stays anchored to the penalty box. With the Peixe, his heat map shows heavy traffic cutting inside from the left into central pockets, a blueprint that allows Neymar to dictate the tempo and break down compact defenses rather than relying on pure counter-attacking pace.

Monday’s press conference was held to formally confirm the squad for both the upcoming friendly schedule and the World Cup itself. Neymar’s inclusion had been one of the most debated topics in Brazilian soccer for months, and when Ancelotti reached the forwards on his list, the announcement was met with significant attention both at home and abroad.

Barring any last-minute injury, this is the group that will represent Brazil in North America. The Selecao open their pre-tournament schedule with friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6 before the World Cup gets underway across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Throughout the selection process, Ancelotti had been consistent in stating that physical fitness would be the determining factor in any decision regarding Neymar, emphasizing trust in the forward’s talent while stressing the need for him to be ready for the demands of a World Cup. A run of decent form in recent weeks, combined with season-ending injuries to Rodrygo and Estevao, ultimately opened the door for Neymar to be included for a fourth World Cup, following his participation in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Uruguay, and persistent fitness issues have kept him away from the national team ever since. Nearly a year into his tenure, Ancelotti will now have the opportunity to work with Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, a player who surpassed the records of legends such as Pele, Ronaldo Nazario and Romario.

Brazil’s complete 2026 World Cup squad

• Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson Moraes (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus) Danilo Luiz (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit) Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli) Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (AS Roma).
• Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
• Forwards: Endrick (O. Lyon), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Junior (Santos), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (AFC Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit).

Neymar and his dream of a 2026 World Cup farewell

The decision to return to Santos in 2025 was always about one thing: getting fit and finding form in time to make a final push for a place in the World Cup squad. With only an Olympic gold medal from 2016 to show for his international career in terms of major honors, Neymar arrives at this tournament with an urgent motivation to finally win a World Cup with the Selecao.

Asked recently about the tournament and the possibility of a final showdown with Lionel Messi, Neymar allowed himself to dream. “Of course (I think about the World Cup). Every Brazilian player thinks about that. I hope I can be there. Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular,” he said in the mixed zone after Santos’ Copa Sudamericana match against San Lorenzo in Argentina.

As the cornerstone of Brazil for many years, Neymar used to be the undisputed leader of the dressing room. However, he played his last match for the Canarinha on October 18, 2023, during the 2-0 defeat against Uruguay, meaning 943 days will have passed since that appearance. The 34-year-old star could now make his long-awaited return on May 31, 2026 against Panama in the friendly clash before the 2026 World Cup.

In his return with national team, the 34-year-old star could end a 982-day drought since his last goal for Brazil, with his brace against Bolivia on September 9 of 2023. However, Neymar Jr. is no longer the explosive winger who constantly dominated defenders in isolation, but rather a brilliant attacking midfielder. Because of this, he could return by contributing more as a creator and playmaker.

Neymar Jr. may have a secondary role with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

Along his process with Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rely on Matheus Cunha as his starting attacking midfielder. Shining at Manchester United, he offers major changes of pace while also contributing heavily in the scoring phase. In addition, Lucas Paquetá remains a regular presence with the national team, standing out because of his dribbling and creative ability. With this in mind, Neymar appears set to hold a secondary role during the 2026 World Cup.

Despite his potential secondary role, Neymar could still offer an ideal alternative for Carlo Ancelotti. Neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide a major creative boost for Brazil, something the 34-year-old star is still capable of delivering. Thanks to his elite vision and technical quality, he could elevate the scoring output of Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha by entering as an impact substitute.

Neymar’s comeback closes the door on the 2026 World Cup for Joao Pedro

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rely on Igor Thiago and Endrick as his primary striker options for Brazil. While neither player had been a regular starter in recent matches, both impressed in the Premier League and Ligue 1, earning their places in the squad. While João Pedro has been shining at Chelsea FC, the return of Neymar reportedly cost him his place in the national team, as he failed to fully impress during the friendlies games.

In the match against Real Betis on Sunday, Lewandowski was substituted in the 85th minute to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou crowd, and after the final whistle he took to the center of the pitch alongside his family to say his farewells. “Thank you very much for coming today; for me, this is an emotional and difficult day, but when I arrived, I knew this was a massive club, and with your affection, it has been incredible,” he began.

“From day one, I felt at home. I will never forget when you chant my name. Thank you to the players, the coaches, and the staff; it has been an honor to work for this club. We have experienced great moments over these four years, and I feel proud of everything we have done together. I say goodbye at the stadium, but I will always carry Barca in my heart. Thank you to you, the fans. Once a Culer, always a Culer. Visca el Barca and visca Catalunya,” he concluded, visibly moved by the occasion.

Across his four seasons at Barcelona, Lewandowski has accumulated 119 goals in 192 appearances, posting an impressive scoring rate of 0.62 goals per game despite arriving at the club at the age of 33. With Barcelona having already secured the La Liga title, there is one game remaining against Valencia on Saturday, May 23, giving the striker a final opportunity to add to his legacy.

According to Transfermarkt, Lewandowski currently sits 11th on the all-time Barcelona scoring charts, one goal behind Josep Escola, who played for the club in the 1930s and 1940s and recorded 120 goals in 191 appearances. A single goal against Valencia would draw him level with Escola and move him into the top 10; two would give him sole possession of that spot.

The comparison with his time at Bayern Munich is instructive. Lewandowski stands as the Bavarians’ second all-time top scorer with 344 goals, trailing only the legendary Gerd Müller at 570. The key distinction is that he spent eight years at Bayern in the prime of his career, while arriving at Barcelona already as a veteran, making his four-year impact at the Catalan club all the more remarkable.

Lewandowski still far from the top foreign scorers and Messi

In just four seasons, Lewandowski won over the Barcelona fanbase during a period marked by financial uncertainty and institutional upheaval at the club. Yet when it comes to pure output, he falls short not only of Lionel Messi but also of several foreign legends who left their mark at the Blaugrana.

Messi stands alone at the top of the all-time scoring charts with 672 goals in 778 games, an extraordinary average of 0.86 goals per game, equating to a goal roughly every 95 minutes. Lewandowski’s rate of one goal every 118 minutes, while impressive for a player of his age, highlights the considerable gap between the two.

Among Barcelona’s foreign-born scorers specifically, Lewandowski currently sits seventh, trailing Luis Suarez with 195 goals, Laszlo Kubala with 193, Samuel Eto’o and Rivaldo with 130 each, and Patrick Kluivert with 122. Notably, however, Lewandowski has achieved his tally in fewer appearances than any other player on that list, making his four-year contribution one of the most efficient in the club’s modern era.

According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews, Zlatan Ibrahimović has reportedly personally informed Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Youssouf Fofana that Massimiliano Allegri does not count on them for next season. Being a topic expected to be discussed until the end of the campaign, the Italian coach is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated and is now seriously considering leaving the club.

Far from being the first conflict between Ibrahimovic and Allegri, both have reportedly clashed as the Swede spoke directly with some players to tactical advices. With this in mind, the Rossoneri may need to decide whether keep Zlatan or Massimiliano for the 2026-27 season. Moreover, Igli Tare’s sporting director spot is at risk, targeting Tony D’Amico as his replacement, complicating AC Milan plans for the upcoming season.

Due to his huge impact in AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri has also been calling the attention of several teams. After Italy’s failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he has been named as the main target to keep the head coach spot. For that reason, the Italian coach may be the chosen to leave, but the Rossoneri may still chase to smooth things over, as both remain as cornerstones for the sporting project.

AC Milan’s squad changes may hinge on securing Champions League spot

Although AC Milan showed flashes of brilliance during the 2025-26 season, Massimiliano Allegri still faced several issues within the squad. They lack depth and quality in midfield, while the attack also needs reinforcements, prompting them to explore multiple transfer targets. However, the Rossoneri’s summer plans could still depend heavily on securing a UEFA Champions League spot, as the competition’s financial boost may ultimately shape their 2026 transfer strategy.

In case they reached to defeat Cagliari, the Rossoneri may secure their Champions League spot, allowing them to receive a significant amount of money. With this, they could attract world-class players, as they would compete for big titles. While Ibrahimovic and Allegri’s dilemma keeps shinning, AC Milan are reportedly working on reinforcing the roster, contemplating both to continue at the helm of the team.

Following the loss to Aston Villa, Mohamed Salah has decided to post a scathing critique of the Reds’ performance and style of play. “…Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear… qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum,” he posted, via X.

In light of this statements, Wayne Rooney has decided to support Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, delivering bold criticism to Salah “I just think for Salah to come out and aim another dig at Arne Slot, listen, whether Arne Slot’s there next season or not, I think it’s really disappointing. If I was Arne Slot I’d have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game… I think he’s been very selfish in what he’s done in the two occasions,” he said, via BBC.

While Liverpool FC have not enjoyed their best season, Salah’s criticism has not helped solve the team’s problems, instead placing even more attention on the negative aspects. In addition, many supporters are reportedly unhappy with his reaction, viewing it as a message directed at Arne Slot. Having only one match remaining before the end of the season, the Egyptian star could reportedly finish the campaign either out of the squad or once again on the bench.

Mohamed Salah’s dip in form had a negative impact on Liverpool

At the beginning of the 2025-26 season, head coach Arne Slot kept Mohamed Salah as an undisputed starter, especially after the Egyptian star delivered 34 goals and 23 assists in the previous campaign. However, Salah failed to make the same impact this season, leaving Liverpool looking far too dependent on his offensive production. As a result, he was gradually relegated to a secondary role, creating major tension within the dressing room.

Having scored only 12 goals and provided just nine assists, Salah was no longer the most productive player for Liverpool, especially as his impact without the ball also failed to stand out. Because of this, Slot decided to place greater trust in Alexander Isak as well as Jeremie Frimpong. However, neither player managed to produce an impact close to what the Egyptian star had delivered in previous seasons, directly contributing to their disappointing campaign.

According to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter, José Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid CF, 13 years after his departure from the club. With a two-year contract, he will reportedly be tasked with rebuilding the sporting project after the disappointing spells of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. In addition, Mourinho is supposedly set to receive greater authority over squad decisions, alongside stronger backing from the front office regarding his choices.

With his return to Real Madrid CF, Mourinho has already identified the key positions he wants reinforced during the 2026 summer transfer window. As per Sacha Tavolieri, transfer expert, via X, the Portuguese manager has decided to prioritize the signing of a right back, a left back, and a center back as his first major steps toward improving the squad’s competitiveness ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Alongside these defensive reinforcements, José Mourinho is reportedly aiming to strengthen the midfield with a world-class signing: Rodri from Manchester City FC. According to Football Insider, the Portuguese manager considers him the ideal player to rebuild the team around. With his contract running until 2027, the 29-year-old star could reportedly be available for around €60 million or less next summer, a fee Los Blancos may be willing to pay.

Dani Carvajal heads Real Madrid departures for the 2026-27 season

Real Madrid CF appear ready to make radical changes to their squad in an effort to restore the team’s competitiveness. To achieve this, Los Blancos not only need reinforcements in several areas of the pitch, but could also require numerous player departures. With only one match remaining before the end of the season, Dani Carvajal has officially announced his departure from the club at the end of the campaign, bringing an end to a historic spell.

“Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Dani Carvajal have agreed to bring an end to a wonderful chapter as a player of our club at the conclusion of the current season. Real Madrid wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of our club... Carvajal is one of the five players in soccer history to have won 6 European Cups and has been part of a team that has experienced one of the brightest periods in our history,” revealed Real Madrid via Instagram.

Alongside Dani Carvajal, both David Alaba and Dani Ceballos also appear set to leave the club, having failed to fully establish as starters in recent seasons. In addition, several players could see their futures decided during preseason, including Raúl Asencio, Franco Mastantuono, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fran García. With multiple areas of the squad still needing reinforcement, Los Blancos may need to oversee even more departures in the coming months.

Match Overview

With the Premier League title within their grasp, Arsenal faces a must-win scenario against an already-relegated Burnley side. The Gunners sit just two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with only two matches remaining, making every point critical. After overcoming a mid-season slump, Mikel Arteta’s squad has returned to dominant form, particularly at the Emirates, where they have won their last three games without conceding a goal.

For Burnley, this match is about pride. Their demotion to the Championship is confirmed after a difficult season marked by a lack of offensive firepower and defensive frailties. Arriving in North London winless in their last ten league games, the Clarets face the monumental task of containing a title-hungry Arsenal team that knows this is a golden opportunity to take another huge step toward ending a two-decade league trophy drought.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Arsenal has maintained a relentless pace at the top, building their title challenge on the league’s best defense and a potent attack. Their consistency has put them in pole position, turning every remaining fixture into a cup final. In stark contrast, Burnley’s campaign has been a struggle from the start, culminating in a relegation that seemed inevitable for weeks.

The tactical battle is expected to be one-sided. Arsenal will dominate possession, applying constant pressure and utilizing wave after wave of attack to break down Burnley‘s defense. The visitors will likely deploy a compact, low-block formation, hoping to absorb pressure and frustrate the Gunners. However, Burnley’s defense, which has conceded 73 goals this season, will be severely tested by Arsenal’s fluid movement and clinical finishing.

Motivation is the key differentiator in this matchup. Arsenal is driven by the chance to make history and secure the Premier League trophy, with the added incentive of boosting their goal difference as a potential tie-breaker. Burnley, with their fate already sealed and having recently parted ways with their head coach, has little to play for beyond salvaging some professional pride before returning to the Championship.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been heavily dominated by Arsenal. The Gunners are currently on a three-game winning streak against Burnley and are undefeated in their last six encounters, winning four and drawing two. Burnley’s last victory over Arsenal was a narrow 1-0 win on the road back in 2020, an outcome that seems highly unlikely to be repeated.

Recent meetings underscore Arsenal‘s superiority. In the last five head-to-head clashes, Arsenal has won four times, keeping a clean sheet in three of those victories. Earlier this season, Mikel Arteta‘s side secured a comfortable 2-0 win at Turf Moor, a match where they controlled proceedings from start to finish. The last time the teams met at the Emirates, Arsenal triumphed with a 3-1 victory.

The statistics paint a clear picture of offensive and defensive disparity. Burnley has managed to score just a single goal in their last five matches against Arsenal. In the reverse fixture this season, Arsenal generated 2.42 expected goals (xG) compared to Burnley‘s meager 0.42 xG, highlighting the gulf in quality and attacking threat between the two sides.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams are navigating key absences as they head into this critical Premier League showdown. Arsenal‘s defense has been hit with injuries, while Burnley continues to deal with long-term absentees that have hampered their season.

Arsenal will be without defenders Ben White and Jurriën Timber, forcing Mikel Arteta to adjust his backline. Mosquera is expected to step in to fill the void. While midfielder Mikel Merino has returned to training, he is not expected to be rushed back for this fixture. The core of the attacking unit, however, remains intact and ready to lead the charge.

Burnley’s injury list includes long-term absentees Jordan Beyer and Josh Cullen, who are now joined by Connor Roberts. Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is facing a late fitness test for a hamstring issue and is considered a game-time decision. These absences further weaken a squad that has struggled for depth and consistency all season.

Arsenal Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
This lineup is built for relentless offensive pressure. With key attackers like Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres leading the line, Arsenal will look to overwhelm Burnley‘s defense from the opening whistle while relying on Declan Rice to control the midfield.

Burnley Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Weiss; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Pires; Florentino Luis, Ugochukwu; Tchaouna, Hannibal, Anthony; Flemming
This formation suggests a focus on defensive solidity and damage limitation. The lineup will aim to stay compact and frustrate Arsenal, hoping to create rare counter-attacking opportunities through Flemming, who will be isolated for long periods.

More details on how to watch

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Fermín López has suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, forcing him to undergo surgery in the coming hours, as confirmed by Barcelona via X, formerly Twitter. According to Miguel Ángel Lara and Mari Carmen Torres, via MARCA, the Spanish star could face a recovery period between six and eight weeks. In this scenario, the 23-year-old star could miss the 2026 World Cup, leaving Spain without one of its biggest stars.

Despite needing surgery, neither Fermín López nor Barcelona have officially ruled out his participation in the World Cup. However, the recovery process following the operation could prevent him from returning in time for training sessions and matches with Spain. For that reason, head coach Luis de la Fuente may consider other high-impact alternatives.

As one of the most productive Spanish players, the possible absence of Fermín López would be a massive blow for Luis de la Fuente. Across 48 matches during the 2025-26 season, he managed to score 13 goals and provide 17 assists. Beyond his statistics, the 23-year-old star emerged as a crucial figure for Barcelona due to his ability to create space for teammates and elevate the collective play.

Fermin Lopez absence and Nico Williams struggles reshape Spain plans

Spain emerged as one of UEFA’s strongest national teams, impressing throughout the World Cup qualifiers. Because of this, La Roja appeared to become as one of the favorites to win the highly anticipated tournament. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente has now suffered a major setback on the left side of the attack, as Nico Williams is coming off a lengthy injury while Fermín López now appears likely to miss the 2026 World Cup.

Without his two main candidates to start on the left wing, head coach Luis de la Fuente could be forced to rely on Dani Olmo or Álex Baena. In addition, Gavi could gain momentum for a return to Spain, as he offers versatility by being able to play both as a winger and attacking midfielder. Nevertheless, the priority could still be recovering the best version of Nico Williams, who is expected to arrive at the World Cup fully recovered from his injury.

On Sunday, PSG traveled to Paris FC for the final matchday of Ligue 1, a title the club had already secured four days earlier with a 2-0 win over RC Lens. Despite the championship being wrapped up, coach Luis Enrique opted to field a strong starting lineup that included Dembele.

The concern arose in the 27th minute when Dembele signaled to the bench with discomfort in his left leg and asked to come off. He was replaced by Goncalo Ramos, and rather than taking a seat on the bench to watch the rest of the match alongside his teammates, Dembele headed straight to the locker room, a sight that deepened the worry around his condition, even though he was able to walk off under his own power.

RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins reported that the substitution was made purely as a precaution following an alert from Dembele, though the French journalist noted it would be a situation to monitor closely in the days ahead.

What did Luis Enrique say about Dembele?

Losing a Paris derby 2-1 after squandering the lead was hardly the ideal end to the Ligue 1 season for Luis Enrique, but the greater concern was the potential loss of a player he has considered the best in the world following Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or victory. Stars including Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and William Pacho had already been absent from Sunday’s game through injury, and a Dembele setback would only add to the headaches heading into the business end of the season.

When asked about his star forward in the post-match press conference, Luis Enrique sought to calm the situation: “Nothing to say about Ousmane; we will have to wait until tomorrow (Monday) to know exactly what it is, but I think it’s just fatigue. What we are saying today is only speculation, but I don’t think it’s complicated, and there are still two weeks left (before the Champions League final).”

Dembele and the decisive weeks ahead

Winning the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup in the same calendar year has become one of the rarest feats in modern soccer, with Raphael Varane’s double with Real Madrid and France in 2018 serving as the most recent high-profile example. As the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Dembele is perfectly positioned to join that exclusive company, though the latest injury scare has tightened an already demanding timeline.

The Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, less than two weeks away, while France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16. Dembele has already been confirmed in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament, but with such high-stakes matches stacked so closely together, the risk of a further setback in the lead-up to either game will be weighing heavily on both PSG and the French national team.

Regarded at the time as one of the best players in the world and having already signed a contract extension, Griezmann completed a move to Barcelona in 2019 for €120 million. However, the anticipated partnership with Messi never truly clicked, and his two seasons at the club yielded only a Copa del Rey title in 2020-21, with disappointment in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Taking the microphone and addressing the supporters from the center of the pitch in tears, Griezmann delivered a farewell speech that left no one unmoved: “First, thank you all for staying. This is incredible. Second, I know many forgave me, and some still haven’t: I ask for your forgiveness again. I didn’t realize the affection I had here; I was very young and, well, I made a mistake. I re-evaluated things and we did everything we could to come back and enjoy being here again.”

Despite more than a decade at the club, La Liga and the Champions League remain the two major honors that eluded Griezmann at Atletico. The irony is not lost on anyone that the Colchoneros‘ last La Liga title came in the 2020-21 season, the very campaign in which Griezmann was away in Barcelona.

He reflected on that unfulfilled chapter with characteristic honesty, while making clear that the supporters’ love has meant everything to him. “I haven’t been able to bring a La Liga title or a Champions League, but this affection is worth more to me. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. Now, yes, I’m finishing up. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, thank you very much for bringing the kids here, to teach them that Atleti is the best thing in the world,” he stated.

At Barcelona, Griezmann posted 35 goals and 17 assists across 102 appearances, a figure that stands in stark contrast to his legacy at Atletico, where he made 500 appearances, scored 212 goals as the club’s all-time leading scorer, and reached the milestone of 100 assists with his contribution against Girona on Sunday. Now 35, Griezmann will move on to MLS to continue his playing career.

Griezmann’s oath after Orlando City tenure

With one La Liga game remaining against Villarreal, Griezmann’s next chapter will take him to the East Coast to join Orlando City, where he will inevitably cross paths with Messi once more in a potential Florida Derby against Inter Miami. But once his days as a player are behind him, his commitment to Atletico remains unshaken.

Speaking in the press room following his on-field farewell, Griezmann made a heartfelt promise about his future: “When I finish in Orlando, I’m going to return here. To Madrid, to the club, and to win trophies from another side (of the game). Hopefully, someone better than me comes in and gives us the Champions League.“

Sunday’s clash marked Inter Miami’s fifth match at Nu Stadium since its grand opening, with the Herons previously enduring a frustrating stretch of three draws and a loss at the new venue. After sustained attacking pressure turned Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis into the player of the match early with a string of brilliant saves, the Herons finally carved open the Portland defense through the middle of the pitch to finally break the negative streak.

In the 31st minute, Messi controlled a pass from Telasco Segovia and quickly found Luis Suarez, who immediately linked back up with the Venezuelan midfielder. Segovia then delivered a spectacular backheel pass that left Messi one-on-one with the keeper, allowing the Argentine star to slot it home and open the scoring for the hosts.

Messi wasn’t finished impacting the scoreboard, later turning playmaker to set up German Berterame for Inter Miami’s second goal. In the 42nd minute, Messi executed a perfect give-and-go with Suarez before dancing past Cole Bassett and Diego Chara inside the box. After freezing the defenders, the Argentine slipped a pass across the face of the goal for Berterame to tap home first-time, comfortably doubling the Herons’ lead against the Timbers before the break.

Those numbers bring Messi’s season totals to 13 goals and 5 assists across 15 matches. Most notably, the superstar has racked up four goals and four assists over his last four outings, solidifying his status as the frontrunner for the MLS Player of the Month award for May.

Messi directly involved in over half of Inter Miami’s MLS goals

Messi has undoubtedly been Inter Miami’s talisman since his arrival, serving as both the team’s primary finisher and the creative engine behind their build-up play. However, during the 2026 MLS campaign, his influence has reached a point where the Herons are heavily reliant on what the Argentine legend can produce on any given night.

Through 14 matches, Inter Miami has found the back of the net 33 times, with Messi directly involved in 18 of those tallies by racking up 13 goals and five assists. While nine other players have cracked the scoresheet for Miami this season, Berterame is the next closest with just five goals, highlighting the team’s extreme dependence on their superstar captain.

Inter Miami released an official statement regarding Allende’s status on Sunday ahead of their clash with the Portland Timbers: “Forward Tadeo Allende has successfully undergone an arthroscopy on his right knee to address the discomfort he had been experiencing in recent weeks.“

The forward had already missed the team’s last two MLS matches against FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC before traveling to Spain to evaluate his options. “The procedure was carried out in Barcelona by Dr. Cugat and his team at Instituto Cugat, in coordination with the Club’s medical staff,” the statement added.

After finishing as the team’s second-highest goalscorer behind Messi last season, Allende earned a permanent $5 million transfer from Celta Vigo. However, the attacker arrived in South Florida without a proper preseason under his belt, and persistent fitness issues have plagued his on-field production ever since.

Through the early stretch of the 2026 campaign, Allende has appeared in 11 matches for Inter Miami but has logged 90 minutes just four times, failing to record a single goal or assist. Compared to his breakout impact last year, his absence strips Inter Miami of a crucial weapon in their attacking rotation.

When will Tadeo Allende return?

Inter Miami officials have been cautious regarding Allende’s long-term outlook, opting not to disclose the exact nature of the structural issue inside his right knee. “In the coming days, the player will begin the corresponding recovery process. His progress will determine the timeline for his return to the pitch,” the club concluded.

While no official timetable has been established, the reality of an arthroscopic procedure leaves a wide range of possibilities for his recovery. If the surgery was a minor cleanup, Messi could have his strike partner back when the MLS season resumes in late July following the 2026 World Cup break, though Allende is already ruled out for next week’s game against the Philadelphia Union.

The worst-case scenario would be if the arthroscopy required a meniscus stitch or major cartilage repair. While that remains unlikely, such a procedure would effectively sideline him for the remainder of the year and push his return to the 2027 season. In the meantime, Messi will have to make do without an attacker whose direct runs made him one of his favorite targets last season.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, negotiations between Los Blaugranas and the Nerazzurri have cooled significantly in recent weeks due to a major gap in valuation. The Italian side reportedly values his departure at around €60 million (around $70 million), while the Spanish side are aiming for a deal well below that figure. In addition, Bastoni now appears close to renewing his contract, seemingly reconsidering the possibility of leaving the club.

Coupled with his high transfer price, head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly not fully convinced that Bastoni is the ideal solution for Barcelona’s defense. The German manager appears to have growing doubts about whether the Italian defender truly fits the team stylistically, as the technical characteristics that have allowed him to thrive at Inter Milan differ considerably from those required at Barcelona, according to Matteo Moretto, via X, formerly Twitter.

Alessandro Bastoni became one of the best defenders in the world while thriving in a three-man defensive system. Because of this structure, he usually benefits from greater support in defensive coverages and when dealing with individual mistakes. For that reason, he could struggle adapting to a two-center-back system, as he could have fewer defensive supports and could be left exposed by Barcelona’s aggressive high press.

Gerard Martin and Álvaro Cortes may become key for Barcelona plans

Throughout the season, Barcelona have been forced to make adjustments in their defensive line, as the departure of Iñigo Martínez left the team without a natural left-sided center back. In response, head coach Hansi Flick made a risky decision by trusting Gerard Martín in a defensive role. As a result, the team gained far more consistency and improved ball progression, with the youngster becoming a starter alongside Pau Cubarsí while also offering the versatility.

After proving his differential talent, Gerard Martín now appears set to become the team’s starting left-sided defender alongside Pau Cubarsí, who could rotate with Eric García or Jules Koundé. As a homegrown player, the 23-year-old star would represent an ideal solution for the club, which could now consider allowing Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen to leave.

Alongside Gerard, Álvaro Cortés could also emerge as a backup solution after impressing during his debut against Deportivo Alavés. In addition, Hansi Flick has reportedly decided to include him in Barcelona’s 2026-27 preseason, where he will fight for a permanent place in the first team, according to Mundo Deportivo. With this in mind, Los Blaugranas may once again find the solution to their defensive problems within La Masia.

Messi has been included in the starting lineup against the Timbers. The Argentine arrives in good form after scoring a brace and adding an assist in a 5-3 road win over FC Cincinnati, a performance that earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday 13 and further underlines his sharp form heading into the summer.

Through 12 MLS appearances this season, Messi has scored 11 goals and registered four assists. His only absence came against Charlotte FC back in March, and since returning he has played every available minute, accumulating 1,260 minutes across all competitions and arriving at the World Cup in peak condition.

Inter Miami looking to break their troubling home record

One of the most striking anomalies of Inter Miami’s 2026 campaign has been the stark contrast between their form on the road and at home. Away from Nu Stadium, the Herons are the top team in the league with 22 points from nine games, yet at home they rank among the worst sides in MLS, picking up just three points from four matches, level with the Philadelphia Union.

That split has Inter Miami sitting sixth in the overall MLS standings with 25 points from 13 games. Back on home soil on Sunday, the Herons will be desperate to finally secure a second win at Nu Stadium, having not claimed all three points there since the venue’s inaugural game against Austin FC on April 4.

Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Portland Timbers

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, German Berterame.
Head coach Guillermo Hoyos.

Portland Timbers’ confirmed lineup (4-3-3): James Pantemis; Brandon Bye, Finn Surman, Kamal Miller, Jimer Fory; Cole Bassett, David Pereira Da Costa, Diego Chara; Kristoffer Velde, Kevin Kelsy, Alexander Aravena.
Head coach: Phil Neville.

According to Mark Ogden and Alex Kirkland, via ESPN, the Blues have agreed to adjust their transfer strategy, shifting from targeting only young prospects to also pursuing experienced players due to a request from Xabi. With key areas of the squad still needing reinforcement, the Spanish coach is aiming to bring in proven players who can guide and elevate the younger talents, a model he previously implemented successfully at Bayer Leverkusen.

After backing Xabi Alonso requests, he arrives with significant authority in the dressing room, something he did not fully have at Real Madrid. Not only will he be able to impose a clear playing style, but he will also have greater control over which players fit into his system. Among all the areas that need reinforcement, the defense is expected to undergo major changes, as Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, and Trevoh Chalobah have raised serious doubts.

Despite these reported major adjustments, Chelsea will not alter their sporting structure, meaning the five sporting directors will remain in place. However, Xabi Alonso will still carry significant influence, as he is expected to have the final say on incoming and outgoing transfers, similar to what Luis Enrique implemented at Paris Saint-Germain. Even so, the Blues still need to finalize their squad adjustments ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Xabi Alonso has generational talents at Chelsea to build project

Although Chelsea have not managed to consistently shine in recent seasons, they have succeeded in signing generational-level talent. Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, and Estêvão stand out as the team’s most decisive players, establishing among the best players in the world. With this in mind, Xabi Alonso’s task becomes more specific: To recruit players who complement these stars and to establish a clear and coherent playing identity.

Not only will signing consolidated players be key for the Blues, but also offloading players who have not fully met expectations. Within that group, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah, Dário Essugo, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Alejandro Garnacho could be among those considered. Alongside them, several other players may see their futures decided during the 2026 preseason, creating both salary space and squad room for more specific, system-fit additions.

Following these squad adjustments, Xabi Alonso could shape the team to fit his own playing style, although the impact may not be immediate—similar to how even Pep Guardiola did not achieve instant success in his first season at Manchester City. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s many generational talents could step up if a more cohesive and competitive structure is established, something Enzo Maresca appeared to be building before his dismissal.

Match Overview

After falling by a slim margin in the first leg, Pumas UNAM (the best team in the regular stage) return to Estadio Olimpico Universitario believing they can overturn the series and secure a spot in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final.

On the other side, Pachuca head into the decisive clash with confidence after protecting home field and carrying a narrow advantage into Mexico City. With everything still to play for, fans can expect a tense and thrilling semifinal battle they won’t want to miss.

“Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown… He’s very well-liked, he’s very much loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion… His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches… I haven’t been pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional,” Ancelotti said, via Reuters.

Neymar Jr. has not experienced the best years of his professional career. He went through major injuries that halted his progress and ultimately caused him to miss out on Brazil call-ups. However, he has managed to recover his physical consistency at Santos FC, shining both creatively and as a goalscorer. Because of this, Ancelotti has decided to praise the 34-year-old star’s physical improvement, a factor that had previously prevented his return to the national team.

Alongside his praise for Neymar, Ancelotti has reportedly taken a major step by including him in Brazil’s preliminary squad. However, the return of the 34-year-old star could supposedly come at the expense of João Pedro of Chelsea and may be left out of the final squad. In addition, he would not arrive as an undisputed starter, as several players are currently ahead of him in the hierarchy, though he could still become a key impact substitute throughout the tournament.

Neymar Jr. revives career at Santos FC after injury struggles

Following his departure from PSG, Neymar Jr. arrived at Al Hilal with huge expectations. However, he suffered an ACL injury that defined his time in the Saudi Pro League, eventually leaving as a free agent to join Santos. Far from shining immediately, he endured multiple hamstring injuries that ultimately led to meniscus surgery. After overcoming those setbacks, he has experienced a career revival, making him a strong candidate to return with Brazil.

Neymar Jr. managed to help Santos avoid relegation, making a major impact through goals and assists. After his surgery in December 2025, he has successfully recovered his best physical condition, winning back possession and pressing opponents. Alongside this, he has maintained a strong individual impact, scoring six goals and providing four assists. While his team has struggled overall, the 34-year-old star has continued to stand out in every aspect of the game.

Unlike previous seasons, Neymar Jr. has transformed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the Brasileirão. Beyond his statistics or dribbling ability, he drives the collective play, constantly distributing the ball to his teammates and becoming a key figure for head coach Cuca. In addition, he takes advantage of spaces in opposing defenses to score goals, making him a constant threat on the pitch while reviving his career amid major doubts surrounding his future.

On Sunday, Santos hosted Coritiba in the 2026 Brasileirao, just one day before Ancelotti was due to announce the Brazil squad. Before kickoff, Neymar walked out onto the pitch carrying his daughter Helena and was visibly emotional during the national anthem, a moment that set a charged tone for the afternoon.

Coritiba took control in the first half, with Breno Lopes netting a brace and Josué adding a third to put Santos in a deep hole. Neymar was the most industrious attacking presence for the hosts, winning more fouls than any other player on the pitch with four, though he also misplaced 12 of his 40 attempted passes, before the chaos unfolded.

After heading to the touchline to receive treatment on his left calf and preparing to return to the field, Neymar was stunned to see the fourth official raise the substitution board showing his number in the 65th minute, with Robinho Junior set to come on in his place. Furious at the apparent mistake, Neymar attempted to walk back onto the pitch, was shown a yellow card, and triggered a heated argument with the officials as he tried to explain that it was Gonzalo Escobar who was supposed to come off.

Still visibly agitated on the touchline, Neymar grabbed a piece of paper and held it up to a pitchside camera in an attempt to signal the correct substitution to the fourth official. However, because Robinho had already entered the field and play had resumed, the change was deemed official, bringing Neymar’s afternoon to a premature and involuntary end. He did not speak to the media after the match.

Neymar’s last game before the Brazil squad announcement

The match against Coritiba served as Neymar’s final appearance before Ancelotti formally names his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With the preliminary 55-man list already submitted to FIFA, the Italian coach is set to hold a press conference on Monday, May 18, to confirm the final group, with significant anticipation around whether the former Barcelona star will make the cut.

While the picture had been unclear in the weeks prior, recent reports suggest that Neymar will in fact be included in Brazil’s World Cup roster. The injuries suffered by Rodrygo and Estêvão have opened a door, but it is also understood that several members of the squad have pushed for his inclusion, with the dressing room’s backing proving to be a meaningful factor in Ancelotti’s decision-making process.

Neymar in doubt for Santos’ next game

With the squad announcement looming, Neymar will also need to manage his club commitments ahead of potentially joining Brazil‘s World Cup camp. The blow he took to his leg during Sunday’s game has cast doubt over his availability for Santos’ upcoming Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo on Wednesday.

Coach Cuca addressed the injury concern after the match: “Because of the hit he took, it’s not muscular, I think it’s unlikely he’ll be in any condition to play on Wednesday. It’s a quick thing; in four or five days at most, he’ll be fine. The (World Cup) call-up doesn’t influence things; we have to think about ourselves.“

Match Overview

Inter Miami enter this matchup with plenty of momentum after a convincing win over Cincinnati lifted Lionel Messi and company to 25 points, leaving them just two behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC as the race for the top spot heats up.

Standing in their way are a Portland Timbers side eager to turn its season around despite sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference with 14 points, knowing that a victory could move the club into the Play-in positions and reignite its postseason hopes.

In Manchester United’s recent victory over Nottingham Forest, Bruno Fernandes emerged as one of the team’s best players, providing an assist for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. Following this, he reached 20 assists in the 2025–26 season, emerging as the team’s most impacful player. Moreover, he equaled the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the highest number of assists in a single Premier League season.

Although his role has been widely debated in the Premier League, Bruno is already a Manchester United great. With 108 assists, he is now the fourth-highest assister in the club’s history, surpassing Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford, and Bobby Charlton. In addition, the Portuguese star has scored 108 goals, making it clear that he is already a club legend, standing out in one of the most unstable eras in the team’s history.

Unlike Thierry Henry or Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes has not yet managed to win the Premier League, something that appears to affect his legacy in the eyes of supporters. However, he arrived at a Manchester United side in the midst of a results crisis, going through numerous defeats that have prevented them from competing. Even so, the 31-year-old star has managed to shine with his talent, making his impact all the more significant compared to others.

Bruno Fernandes aims to stay at Manchester United with Carrick

Despite being one of Manchester United’s best players, Bruno Fernandes was not guaranteed anything, as he reportedly had a release clause valid for the summer of 2026. Given the inconsistencies in the sporting project, he appeared open to leaving the club in search of a more competitive and attractive project. Nevertheless, the Portuguese midfielder now seems set to remain with the Red Devils following recent adjustments to the project.

With Michael Carrick set to remain as permanent head coach, the Red Devils have managed to consolidate their sporting project. Not only do they now have a defined playing style, but they have also secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League. With this, Bruno appears to be on track to get what he wants: A winning project, making his continuity more likely to become a reality.

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Manchester United appear set to make strong additions to the squad, particularly in midfield. With several areas needing reinforcement, they seem willing to make multimillion-pound investments, as they must compete in the UEFA Champions League, with Bruno Fernandes remaining the central axis of the team, as he is still in top form.

According to Florian Plettenberg, via X, formerly Twitter, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Rudi Völler have managed to convince Manuel Neuer to return to the national team. Despite retiring in August 2024, the 40-year-old star remains in excellent form and will reportedly be ready to serve as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, leaving Oliver Baumann as the backup despite being the starter during the UEFA Qualifiers.

After being substituted in the previous match against 1. FC Köln, Manuel Neuer has been diagnosed with muscle problems in his left calf, reveal Bayern Munich. Despite this, Florian Plettenberg revealed that the veteran German’s injury has no serious consequences, meaning he could recover soon and his possible presence with Germany at the 2026 World Cup would not be at risk. With this in mind, he could be heading to his fifth edition of the anticipated tournament.

Far from confirming his return to the national team, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to avoid making statements regarding the 40-year-old goalkeeper: “Neuer retired of his own free will, he has repeated that several times and that is why it is not even useful to constantly discuss it… the list won’t be published, so I won’t comment on it. What I can say is that there are a lot of players on it, because there are 55 of them,” he revealed, via ZDF-Sportstudio.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury paved the way for Neuer’s return

Following a successful international career, Manuel Neuer decided to retire from Germany as a true legend. With that, he aimed to focus on Bayern Munich and maximize the final years of his club career. Marc-André ter Stegen then appeared to take over as the veteran goalkeeper’s successor, becoming Nagelsmann’s preferred choice to start at the 2026 World Cup. However, an injury sustained while at Girona FC involving the 34-year-old star changed everything.

Ter Stegen suffered a severe torn hamstring and tendon damage in his left thigh shortly after arriving at Girona FC. As a result, he had to undergo surgery in February, which leaves him with a recovery period of four to five months and rules him out of the 2026 World Cup. For this reason, Julian Nagelsmann turned to Oliver Baumann as his starting option, with Alexander Nübel listed as backup. However, none of them fully convinced, opening the door for Neuer’s return.

Unlike Baumann or Nübel, Manuel Neuer has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season. While Bayern Munich did not win the UEFA Champions League, the 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as a standout in Vincent Kompany’s team. With his foot skills and impressive saves, head coach Julian Nagelsmann may have found in him the best option to restore stability to the national team in goal, potentially playing his final tournament.

Match Overview

Barcelona enters the final home game of their season with the La Liga title already secured, but with history firmly in their sights. Hansi Flick‘s side is on the verge of completing a perfect home campaign, having won all 18 of their matches at Camp Nou so far. Securing one more victory would make them only the second team in the 21st century across Europe’s top leagues to achieve a 100% home record, placing immense importance on this seemingly dead-rubber fixture.

Meanwhile, Real Betis arrives in Barcelona with their own objectives successfully met. Having locked up fifth place and a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League, Manuel Pellegrini‘s team has the freedom to play without pressure. Riding a seven-match unbeaten streak in the league, Betis will be eager to cap off an impressive season with a statement win against the champions on their own turf, playing the role of ultimate spoilers.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This season has seen Barcelona reassert their domestic dominance, clinching back-to-back league titles in style. Their campaign was highlighted by an 11-game winning streak that built an insurmountable lead, though a recent loss to Alaves showed they are not invincible. In contrast, Betis has been a model of consistency and resilience, securing European football by proving to be one of Spain’s toughest teams to break down, especially in the latter half of the season.

The tactical battle will pit Barcelona‘s high-octane, aggressive offense against Betis’s organized and effective system. Barcelona leads La Liga with 91 goals and the highest expected goals (xG), a testament to their relentless attacking philosophy. This approach, however, relies on a high defensive line that has left them vulnerable in cup competitions. Betis boasts the fifth-best attack and defense in the league, suggesting they have the tools to both withstand pressure and pose a significant threat on the counter-attack.

For Barcelona, the motivation is singular and historic: to win all 19 home league games in a season. For the players and fans, this match is a celebration and a chance to etch their names in the record books. Betis, free from any league pressure, is playing for pride. Manager Manuel Pellegrini also has a personal score to settle, as he has historically struggled against Barcelona, making a victory here a significant personal achievement to close out the year.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been overwhelmingly dominated by Barcelona. The Catalan giants are undefeated in their last ten encounters with Betis, securing seven wins and three draws. Betis has not tasted victory against Barcelona since a narrow 1-0 win back in 2021, underscoring the scale of the challenge they face at Camp Nou.

Recent matches between these two sides have been incredibly entertaining and high-scoring affairs. The reverse fixture earlier this season was an eight-goal thriller that ended in a 5-3 victory for Barcelona. Remarkably, both teams have found the back of the net in each of the last five head-to-head meetings, and Barcelona has scored four or more goals against Betis in three of those five contests.

The data points to a game filled with goals. The last five matchups have produced an astonishing average of 5.2 goals per game. Bettors should also watch Barcelona‘s Ferran Torres, who has been a nightmare for the Betis defense, scoring eight goals in his last five appearances against them, a run that includes two hat-tricks.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers will be forced to make adjustments, with Barcelona missing a few key playmakers while Betis contends with significant absences from both injuries and suspensions.

Barcelona will be without star winger Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined with a thigh injury for the remainder of the season. Midfield engines Frenkie De Jong and Fermin Lopez are also doubtful due to physical discomfort. While the title is secure, Hansi Flick will likely field a strong lineup to honor the occasion and pursue the perfect home record.

Betis faces a more challenging situation. Key players Cucho Hernandez and Diego Llorente are both suspended for this crucial clash after accumulating yellow cards. Furthermore, the team’s injury list remains long, with Aitor Ruibal, Angel Ortiz, and Marc Bartra all unavailable until next season, testing the depth of Pellegrini‘s squad.

Barcelona Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
J. Garcia; E. Garcia, Araujo, Martin, Cancelo; Pedri, Casado; Rashford, Gavi, Bardghji; Torres.

This lineup remains formidable despite the absences. The focus will be on Ferran Torres to continue his incredible scoring run against Betis, supported by the creative midfield pairing of Pedri and Gavi who will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game.

Betis Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Lopez; Bellerin, Gomez, Natan, Rodriguez; Roca, Altimira; Antony, Fidalgo, Abde; Bakambu.

With key players suspended, Pellegrini will rely on the experience of his available squad. Cédric Bakambu will likely lead the attack, with creative duties falling to Antony and Fidalgo, who will need to be at their best to break down the champions’ defense.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Barcelona vs Betis match on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, a web browser, and iOS and Android devices.

In addition to this La Liga clash, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other soccer competitions. This includes other top European leagues, cup tournaments, and exclusive sports analysis shows.

A subscription costs just $14.99/mo. The platform offers a comprehensive package for soccer fans, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action from your favorite teams around the world.

SEE MORE: For a complete rundown of all of the soccer streaming options, check out our schedule of La Liga games on US TV and streaming.

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After the latest defeat against Deportivo Alaves, Lewandowski announced on his social media his departure as free-agent from Barcelona, while leaving clear his love to Catalonia. “After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. 4 seasons, 3 championships. I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth.”

With his announcement, Gregg Berhalter revealed to Bolavip that Chicago Fire are interested on Robert Lewandowski’s arrival. “I think it’s no secret that we’ve been in communication with Robert. We think he’s a fantastic player. We think that they would be a great, a top pairing in this league. So you never know. I think there’s a lot still to be done, but we admire Robert, and we think he’s a fantastic player, one of the best strikers ever.”

Despite not coming off his best season, Lewandowski has still managed to remain one of Barcelona’s top scorers, with 18 goals in 44 matches. In addition, the Polish striker has shown outstanding vision and link-up play, making him crucial for collective game, boosting Chicago Fire to become one of the top teams in MLS once again. Nevertheless, they will not have an easy task to complete his signing, as he has a staggering offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Robert Lewandowski may boost Hugo Cuypers at Chicago Fire

Hugo Cuypers has emerged as one of the best players in MLS, leading the league in goals scored by one goal over Lionel Messi. As a result, fans have serious doubts about whether paying Robert Lewandowski a multi-million-dollar salary is worth it, since the Belgian striker is in top form and that Designated Player slot could be used to strengthen other areas of the team. However, the veteran striker could indeed boost the 29-year-old star on the field.

Unlike other strikers, Lewandowski impacts the game beyond just his goals, as he serves as a focal point in the team’s collective play. The Polish striker has managed to create space for Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the wings, and even for Fermín López, due to his exceptional vision and understanding of the game. Because of this, Cuypers could find an excellent partner in attack, boosting the offensive production of both players.

Far from being an obstacle for Cuypers, Robert Lewandowski would help the Belgian striker find more space inside the box, as his mere presence draws multiple defenders, just as it happens at Barcelona. Nevertheless, head coach Gregg Berhalter faces the difficult task of building a partnership between both forwards, aiming to maximize the talent of each player while potentially changing the tactical system and the responsibilities of several players on the field.

Match Overview

Sevilla enters this high-stakes clash at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán with a clear objective: secure La Liga survival. After a turbulent season, the team has found a crucial run of form, winning four of their last seven matches and stringing together three consecutive league victories for the first time in two years. A win here would mathematically guarantee their place in the top flight, adding immense urgency to their performance.

Standing in their way is a Real Madrid side with nothing left to play for but pride. Locked into second place after conceding the league title, Los Blancos are navigating a disappointing end to their campaign. While they have more points at this stage than they did last season, the atmosphere is one of frustration. This match pits Sevilla‘s desperate fight for survival against a wounded giant looking to make a final statement.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Sevilla is on a sharp upward curve under manager Luis García, collecting 12 points in his seven-match tenure and showcasing renewed resilience, highlighted by a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Villarreal. In contrast, Real Madrid is limping to the finish line, with off-pitch issues and a sense of deflation hanging over the squad despite their undeniable talent.

The tactical battle will likely see Sevilla leverage their home advantage and survival instinct to press with high intensity. Their recent success has been built on collective effort and the contributions of homegrown talent. Real Madrid will rely on moments of individual brilliance from their world-class attackers to break through. The key will be whether Sevilla‘s organized, motivated unit can neutralize the sporadic but lethal threat posed by Madrid‘s stars.

For Sevilla, the motivation is simple and powerful: secure safety with one game to spare. Every point is vital, and they cannot afford to let up. For Real Madrid, the challenge is to demonstrate professionalism and character. Despite a season that fell short of expectations, the club’s standards demand a strong performance, making this a test of their resolve against a team fighting for its life.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been overwhelmingly dominated by Real Madrid. Los Blancos are currently on a four-game winning streak against Sevilla and are undefeated in their last 14 encounters, a run that includes 12 victories and only two draws. This long-standing dominance gives Madrid a significant psychological edge heading into the match.

A look at the last five meetings reinforces this trend. Real Madrid has won four of the last five, including the reverse fixture earlier this season, which ended in a 2-0 victory at the Bernabéu. Prior results include a 2-0 win, a 4-2 victory, and a 1-0 win for Madrid, with a single 1-1 draw breaking the streak in October 2023.

From a data perspective, Real Madrid‘s defense has been particularly effective against Sevilla, keeping three clean sheets in their last five matchups. Sevilla has managed to score just three goals in that same period, underscoring their difficulty in breaking down the Madrid backline. The last two games between the sides have both ended with a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Real Madrid.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both squads enter this critical match with significant injury concerns, forcing tactical adjustments from both managers.

Sevilla will be without several key players, including Isaac Romero, Manu Bueno, and Marcão. While Romero has resumed training, he is not expected to be available, putting a strain on the team’s attacking options. These absences will test the depth of a squad that has recently relied on contributions from its academy players to secure vital points.

Real Madrid is facing a more extensive injury crisis, compounded by a virus affecting Andriy Lunin and Dean Huijsen. The injury list is long, with Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão all sidelined. This severely depletes their depth and forces manager Álvaro Arbeloa to rely on a makeshift lineup for this challenging away fixture.

Sevilla Projected XI (4-4-2):
Vlachodimos; Carmona, Salas, Castrin, Suazo; Vargas, Agoume, Gudelj, Oso; Maupay, Adams.
This 4-4-2 formation is designed for defensive stability and a disciplined midfield structure. The attack will depend on the partnership between Neal Maupay and Che Adams, while the defense features academy graduates who have stepped up in recent weeks.

Real Madrid Projected XI (4-4-2):
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asencio, Garcia; Diaz, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Pitarch; Vinicius, Mbappe.
Despite the injuries, Real Madrid can still field a formidable lineup. The attack is led by the world-class duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé, with Jude Bellingham providing creativity and control from the midfield.

More details on how to watch

The Sevilla vs Real Madrid match is available on Fubo. You can watch the action live on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and smart TV through the platform’s app or website.

In addition to La Liga, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a wide array of other top soccer competitions, including Serie A and Ligue 1, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.

A subscription to Fubo costs $14.99/mo, providing an affordable way to follow your favorite teams throughout the season.

The service also offers an extensive library of non-soccer content, including hit movies, popular TV series, and other live sports, making it a comprehensive entertainment package.

SEE MORE: For a complete schedule of games, visit our La Liga 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.

Match Overview

With Copa Libertadores positioning and the relegation battle both in focus, Saturday’s showdown between Santos FC and Coritiba carries major implications for each side. Coritiba arrive with 20 points and an opportunity to close the gap on São Paulo, who currently occupy the final Libertadores qualification spot at 24 points.

On the other side, Santos remain dangerously close to the drop zone, sitting just one point above relegation despite the presence of star forward Neymar. Only two points separate the clubs in the standings, adding even more intensity to a matchup that could significantly shift the outlook for both teams.

Match Overview

Manchester United enters the final stretch of the season with their primary objective complete: Champions League qualification is secured. Now, the focus shifts to locking down third place in the Premier League table, a feat that requires just a single point from their remaining fixtures. After a transformative period under manager Michael Carrick, who steadied the ship following a rocky start to the season, United aims to finish with a statement performance at Old Trafford.

Nottingham Forest arrives in Manchester with a sense of relief and accomplishment. Having navigated a chaotic season that saw four different managers at the helm, the club has successfully avoided relegation under the guidance of Vitor Pereira. Forest is currently riding an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak, a run that includes stunning results against top-tier opposition. With nothing to lose and momentum on their side, they pose a significant threat to a United side with little urgency.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Manchester United endured a turbulent start under Ruben Amorim, only to find stability and attacking flair after Michael Carrick took charge, suffering just two defeats in his first 15 matches. In contrast, Nottingham Forest‘s campaign has been a story of survival, culminating in a remarkable late-season surge under Vitor Pereira that has cemented their Premier League status.

The tactical battle at Old Trafford promises to be a clash of philosophies. Carrick has instilled a potent attacking style, with United averaging 1.75 goals per game this season and taking an average of 16.5 shots in home matches. They will likely dominate possession and look to break down Forest‘s defense. However, Forest has become a lethal counter-attacking side, scoring 13 goals in their last four away games. United‘s known vulnerability in transition could be the key for the visitors to unlock scoring opportunities.

Motivation will be a critical factor in this matchup. For Manchester United, the primary goal is to avoid defeat and confirm their third-place finish, providing a positive end to the domestic season before focusing on summer recruitment. For Nottingham Forest, the pressure is off. Having secured safety, their motivation will be to extend their unbeaten run, challenge a top side, and end a rollercoaster season on an undeniable high note.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has recently favored the visitors in league play. Nottingham Forest is currently undefeated in their last four Premier League meetings against Manchester United, winning three of those encounters. This trend defies expectations and highlights Forest‘s ability to rise to the occasion against the Red Devils. United‘s only recent victory against them came in a narrow 1-0 FA Cup match.

Looking at the last five clashes across all competitions, the pattern of Forest‘s competitiveness is clear. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the City Ground. Prior to that, Forest had secured three consecutive league wins over United, including a memorable 3-2 victory at Old Trafford in December 2024. This recent history suggests Forest knows how to get results in this matchup.

From a data perspective, goals are a consistent theme. Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings, with an average of 2.8 total goals per game during that span. Furthermore, Nottingham Forest has demonstrated its scoring prowess by netting two or more goals against United in three of those five matches, making this a fixture that consistently produces offensive action.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams are navigating injury concerns, though Nottingham Forest faces a more extensive list of absentees heading into the final matchday.

Manchester United will be without key defender Matthijs de Ligt, who continues his long-term recovery. The squad’s depth is further tested by injuries to striker Benjamin Sesko, who is out with a knock, and midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is doubtful with a back issue. These absences will force Michael Carrick to adjust his lineup, particularly in the attack.

Nottingham Forest‘s injury list is significant, with several players on long-term layoffs, including John Victor, Nicolò Savona, and Willy Boly. Their most influential player, Morgan Gibbs-White, is also questionable with a head injury. This lengthy list of unavailable players means Vitor Pereira will have to rely on the depth of his squad to field a competitive team at Old Trafford.

Manchester United Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Shaw, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Casemiro; Cunha, Fernandes, Diallo; Mbeumo.
With Benjamin Sesko sidelined, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line. The creative engine of the team remains Bruno Fernandes, who is just one assist shy of tying the Premier League‘s single-season record and will be highly motivated to make history.

Nottingham Forest Projected XI (4-4-2): Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Dominguez, Anderson, Yates, Hutchinson; Jesus, Wood.
This projected lineup reflects Forest‘s injury challenges, notably the likely absence of Morgan Gibbs-White. The formation provides a solid defensive structure and relies on the work rate of its midfield and the partnership of Gabriel Jesus and Chris Wood up front to create chances.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest match on DirecTV Stream. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

A subscription to DirecTV Stream also gives you access to a variety of other top soccer competitions. You can stream matches from La Liga, Premier League, and other tournaments from around the world, making it a comprehensive choice for soccer fans.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $69.99, offering great value for the amount of live sports content provided. There are no long-term contracts, so you can cancel your subscription at any time.

SEE MORE: For a full schedule of Premier League games, check out our Premier 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.

Match Overview

The ‘Derby della Capitale’ arrives with monumental stakes, particularly for Roma, who are locked in a fierce battle for a top-four finish and a coveted Champions League spot. Currently riding a three-match winning streak, the Giallorossi have transformed their home ground into a fortress, remaining unbeaten at the Stadio Olimpico since November 2025. Their incredible home form, the third-best in Serie A, puts immense pressure on them to secure a statement win against their bitter rivals.

For Lazio, the season’s ambitions have faded after a painful Coppa Italia final loss to Inter confirmed another year without European soccer. With nothing left to play for but pride, their sole motivation is to act as the ultimate spoiler and shatter Roma‘s Champions League dreams. Coming off two consecutive losses without scoring a single goal, Lazio will be desperate to salvage their season with a victory in the most important match on their calendar.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two clubs enter this derby on completely different trajectories. Roma is arguably the most in-form side in the league, collecting 13 points from their last five matches and demonstrating relentless attacking firepower. Their season hinges on this single result. In stark contrast, Lazio‘s identity under Maurizio Sarri has evaporated, replaced by a passive, reactive style that has left them toothless in attack and vulnerable against aggressive opponents.

This match presents a classic clash of styles: Roma’s high-intensity, possession-based attack against Lazio’s rigid 4-5-1 low block. Roma has been lethal at home, averaging 2.22 goals per game in 2026, and will look to overwhelm Lazio from the start. Lazio, who rank last in Serie A for pressing intensity, will aim to absorb pressure, keep the game tight, and frustrate their rivals, hoping to capitalize on a counter-attack or a set-piece opportunity.

The motivations couldn’t be clearer. For Roma, a victory is non-negotiable to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands ahead of the final matchday. Every point is critical. For Lazio, this is their championship match. Denying their eternal rivals a place among Europe’s elite would serve as a major consolation prize in an otherwise disappointing campaign, making this a high-stakes battle for city bragging rights.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Recent history heavily favors the home side in this fixture. Roma is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak against Lazio in all competitions, securing three wins and one draw. This run includes a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, where a Lorenzo Pellegrini goal was enough to seal the three points.

Looking at the last five encounters, Roma has won three, Lazio has won one, and one match ended in a draw. Lazio’s sole victory in that span came in a Coppa Italia quarter-final clash. The trend indicates that Roma has figured out how to neutralize their cross-town rivals, consistently getting the better of them in league play.

One of the most defining trends in the Derby della Capitale is the lack of goals. The last eight matches between the two clubs have seen two goals or fewer, with a paltry average of just 1.13 goals per game. Furthermore, only one of the last five meetings has seen both teams find the back of the net, highlighting the defensive, hard-fought nature of this historic rivalry.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Roma enters the derby managing several key injuries, while Lazio‘s main concern is a crucial suspension in their backline.

The Giallorossi are sweating on the fitness of several key players, with Lewis Ferguson out for the season and Bryan Zaragoza, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Artem Dovbyk all facing late fitness tests. These potential absences could force manager Gian Piero Gasperini to adjust his game plan, placing more responsibility on striker Donyell Malen, who has been in sensational form.

Lazio will be without starting center-back Alessio Romagnoli due to suspension, a significant blow to their defensive stability. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel is also out for the season, meaning the less experienced Christos Mandas will continue between the posts. Otherwise, Lazio has a relatively healthy squad to choose from for this critical clash.

Roma Projected XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N’Dicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Konè, Wesley; Soulè, Dybala; Malen.
This formation provides defensive solidity while allowing wing-backs to support the attack. The creative duo of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé will be tasked with operating in the space behind Donyell Malen, whose 13 goals since January make him the primary threat.

Lazio Projected XI (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Pellegrini; Basic, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Isaksen, Noslin, Pedro.
With Romagnoli suspended, Nicolò Provstgaard is expected to partner Mario Gila in central defense. The midfield trio, anchored by Nicolò Rovella, will focus on disrupting Roma‘s rhythm. The attack will rely on the pace of Gustav Isaksen and the experience of Pedro to create chances for striker Tijjani Noslin.

More details on how to watch

You can find the Roma vs Lazio live stream exclusively on Fubo in the United States. The service is available on your television, computer, tablet, and smartphone, ensuring you can watch the match from anywhere. Compatible devices include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and more.

A subscription to Fubo gives you access to every single Serie A match, all season long. In addition to Italian soccer, the service is the home of other major competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

You can get started with a monthly subscription for just $14.99/mo. This plan provides comprehensive access to all live and on-demand soccer content available on the platform, making it the essential Roma vs Lazio channel for US-based fans.

Beyond soccer, the platform offers a wide array of other sports, movies, and original television shows, providing excellent value for the entire household. It’s your all-in-one destination for premium sports and entertainment.

SEE MORE: Where to find Serie A on US TV.

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.

This is no surprise, as South Korea will take part in the sport’s biggest event for the 11th consecutive time, establishing themselves as one of Asia’s strongest teams. It should not be an easy task for Hong Myung-bo, with not many players competing in the best matches.

Except for Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Kim Min-jae, who plays for Bayern Munich, the rest of the list is made up of lesser-known names. Captained by the LAFC forward, they could still be a difficult team to face if he is in good form.

The list

Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)

Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah)

Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland)

The group

South Korea were drawn into Group A with Czechia on June 11, Mexico on June 18, and South Africa on June 24.

Arbeloa said: “I just saw him and told him to stay calm. What he said is something I talked about with him. It’s natural. I know what it is to play every match and not play. I know he wasn’t happy and I like it. I wouldn’t understand if he didn’t want to play. It’s normal. In his situation the best thing for him was to play in the second half. I don’t have a problem with him.”

This list of incidents from the last few weeks makes it impossible for Arbeloa to stay as the manager for next season, even if it was already hard to imagine him continuing in his role for much longer. That subject may be the most important thing the club needs to get right.

Arbeloa on Mbappé making things public

There have been meetings with the players during the season with the manager, as Arbeloa was the person admitting having a special place to talk with them. Wherever it was, the conversation with Mbappé occurred.

The issue this time for many was that the player made public a conversation he had with the manager in private, which created even more controversy in a club that has been under the spotlight lately.

Arbeloa said: “I wasn’t hurt. Every time I talk to a player, I’m not scared. When I talk in private, I like it to stay private, but it doesn’t bother me that it gets commented on. I talked to him before the match and, as I told you before, no problem.”

Arbeloa on his experience

Xabi Alonso was expected to lead Real Madrid to glory when he was hired last year. However, poor performances led to his dismissal in January. This was untimely for the club, which decided to appoint Arbeloa as interim manager. Even if his job has not been ideal as the team goes another season without titles, the manager thinks it was a great step in his career.

Arbeloa said: “I came here four months ago, and I was a manager in the Primera RFEF, and the day I leave this place I will have been Real Madrid manager, a top-flight manager, and someone who has taken part in Champions League matches. There are not many managers who can say that. For me, these four months have been a great learning experience.”

With two matches remaining in the 2025-26 Spanish league season, Mbappe currently leads the La Liga scoring race. He has scored 24 goals in 36 matchdays, although he has appeared in only 29 of those games. His seven absences were caused by physical issues, first involving his knee and more recently muscular problems.

In that context, the French forward’s lead in the scoring standings is being threatened by an unexpected challenger. Vedat Muriqi has enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Mallorca, scoring 22 goals this season. He also holds the advantage of having played in 35 of the club’s 36 matches, missing only one game through suspension.

Muriqi’s goals have been crucial in keeping Mallorca alive in La Liga. The club currently occupies one of the relegation spots, sitting 18th in the standings. However, they are level on points with Levante and Elche, and only one point behind Alaves and Girona, meaning their survival hopes remain very much alive.

That motivation could prove decisive for Vedat Muriqi in the final matches of the season, knowing his goals may help the team avoid relegation. Mbappe’s situation appears less encouraging, as he continues to deal with physical issues amid tensions with Alvaro Arbeloa while seemingly focusing more on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France than on Real Madrid’s final two league games.

What’s next for Mbappe and Muriqi in La Liga?

The race for La Liga’s Pichichi Trophy appears to be down to Kylian Mbappe (24 goals) and Vedat Muriqi (22), with only two goals separating them. Far behind are Osasuna’s Ante Budimir (17) and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal (16).

Each forward’s remaining two matches could prove decisive. Real Madrid will first travel to face Sevilla on Sunday before closing the campaign against Athletic Club in Matchday 38. Muriqi, meanwhile, will battle for survival with Mallorca against Levante and Real Oviedo.

Mbappe used to finishing as league top scorer

The season after joining Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot for the first time at just 20 years old. From that point on, he claimed the award in every season he played in France.

In fact, the striker finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer for six consecutive years, outperforming even teammates Neymar and Lionel Messi. After joining Real Madrid in 2024, that scoring dominance carried over to Spain, where he finished as La Liga’s top scorer in his debut season. Now, he is trying to retain that honor for a second straight year.

Match Overview

Following an exciting 2-2 draw in the first leg, the Liga MX semifinal between Chivas Guadalajara and Cruz Azul head to Guadalajara with a spot in the final still up for grabs. Chivas will have the advantage of playing at home.

However, Cruz Azul have consistently proven it can deliver in high-pressure situations. After an intense opening clash between two of the league’s top teams, another dramatic battle is expected in the second leg. With so much on the line, this is a matchup soccer fans will not want to miss.

The forward could have won the title with Al Nassr without even playing if Al Hilal failed to beat Neom, which did not happen on Saturday as they secured a 2-0 victory. This means the gap is now just two points with one match remaining, so Ronaldo must wait until next Thursday.

No mistakes are allowed as Damac stand in their way while fighting to avoid relegation. If Al Nassr win, they will clinch the title regardless of how Al Hilal finish their match. Another way they can do it is if Al Hilal do not defeat Al-Fayha. If they finish level on points, the head-to-head record favors Al Hilal after they won the first meeting.

Al Nassr’s season

After several years in which inconsistency defined their performances, Al Nassr were much stronger this season. Their number of wins shows they were the most dominant side, with 27 victories.

Their fewest results were draws, with only two all season. That suggests they were a high-risk team, always going for the win, even if that sometimes led to defeats.

Al Nassr did not have a perfect season in that respect. Unlike Al Hilal, who finished without a loss, Ronaldo’s team lost four times. Still, the most important thing is that they got the result they wanted.

The goal difference

As is often the case with champions around the world, Al Nassr had a strong goal difference backed by their attacking power. They scored 87 goals and conceded only 27, finishing with a plus-60 goal difference on their way to the title.

The Portuguese forward now has 15 defeats in finals throughout his professional career, both at club and international level, between 2002 and 2026. Messi, meanwhile, sits slightly behind with 13 lost finals since 2004.

Ronaldo lost his first final with Sporting CP, when they were defeated by Porto in the Portuguese Cup in 2003. A year later, the striker suffered his first major international heartbreak, as Portugal lost the UEFA Euro 2004 final against Greece on home soil.

During his time at Manchester United, CR7 lost three finals. Two came in the FA Cup against Arsenal and Chelsea in 2005 and 2007, respectively. But the most painful defeat was undoubtedly the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League final, when they fell to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona.

Ronaldo’s lost finals with Real Madrid and Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a brilliant spell at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, but that did not prevent him from suffering difficult defeats. During that stretch, he lost four finals between the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup: two against Barcelona and the other two against Atletico Madrid.

After leaving the Spanish giants in the summer of 2018, CR7 joined another European powerhouse, Juventus. There, he won five titles while also losing two finals: the 2019 Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio and the 2020 Coppa Italia against Napoli.

Ronaldo unable to end negative streak with Al Nassr

For Ronaldo, the defeat against Gamba Osaka extended an astonishing negative streak. He has not won an official title with Al Nassr since arriving at the club at the beginning of 2023. It is by far the longest trophy drought of CR7’s club career.

In three and a half years in Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese forward has lost all four finals he has played. Saturday’s AFC Champions League Two defeat was preceded by two Saudi Super Cup losses, against Al Hilal and Al Ahli, and another in the King’s Cup, also against Al Hilal.

Messi’s lost finals

The comparison in titles between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo heavily favors the Argentine forward, who owns 48 trophies compared to Ronaldo’s 35. And that superiority is also reflected in the number of finals each player has lost.

While Ronaldo has lost 15 championship matches, Messi has done so on 13 occasions. Eight came with Barcelona across the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Four came with the Argentina national team: Copa America 2007, 2015, and 2016, along with the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The most recent came with Inter Miami in the 2023 US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo.

While much of the focus was on the Saudi Pro League, with several rotations along the way, Al Nassr had the opportunity to celebrate a title with their fans after a record showing total dominance, winning all 10 matches they played in the competition. Their performances in previous rounds were not repeated in the final.

Gamba Osaka showed strong character, backed by a secure display from goalkeeper Araki. They took the lead early in the second half through Hummet in the 30th minute, when there was still a long way to go. That advantage proved decisive, even with attempts from Joao Felix, which were kept out to preserve the lead and secure the trophy.