Roberto Martinez's side defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their final World Cup warm-up game in Leiria on Wednesday.

After Cristiano Ronaldo squandered a golden opportunity, Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd minute with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner before Akor Adams levelled the scoreline before the break.

Portugal had a number of opportunities to restore their lead, but Ronaldo was guilty of missing more glaring chances. Much to the relief of the Al-Nassr striker, Francisco Conceicao netted the winner 15 minutes from time, finding the bottom-left corner with a driven attempt from the right. 

And though it was not the most emphatic result, Neto believes Portugal can be full of confidence heading to North America.

The Chelsea winger said: "We come away with good feelings, two games, two wins. That's what we wanted. We dealt with our processes, things to improve. We are focused on what's coming to make the dream come true. God willing, we will succeed.

"The objective is to win game by game and reach the end. We have to embrace that dream. The Portuguese people know what we have in the team and we also have to believe, game by game, and do our job."

In what is good reading for the Portuguese, Opta's predictive model considers Martinez's side as fifth favourites to win the World Cup, with a 7.1% chance. The Euro 2016 champions will take on DR Congo in their Group K opener on 17 June. 

With just one day to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, here are the latest Opta supercomputer projections. pic.twitter.com/ZFkssN0L5l

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 10, 2026

Diogo Dalot said: "We're going in with confidence. Arriving at the World Cup with two positive results was what we wanted, but it's not the most important thing, because we have things to work on and improve.

"We're happy, confident. We felt the support of the public, which was something we needed, and we're going to take the country's flag to the USA to win the World Cup."

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With the sporting world now fully fixed on the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: BetUS

USA

Starting with the hosts, springing what was an almighty upset back in September 2024 as they officially announced Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival, the USA had made it abundantly clear that all of their attention was fixed on this summer’s home World Cup. However, although the United States might be backed by a vocal support this month, USMNT have drastically failed to find any kind of recent stability and could have a real battle on their hands in the race to find a route out of Group A. Last seen signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 loss at the hands of European giants Germany, USA have lost three of their four appearances so far this calendar year. Likewise, showing some extended defensive issues, Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all fronts.

USA Team News

While attacking talisman Christian Pulisic might have failed to notch a single strike with Italian giants AC Milan throughout 2025, the former Chelsea ace will play more than a leading role in the final third this summer. Bagging 13 Ligue 1 strikes with Monaco this season, ex-Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun should spearhead the USA’s attack.

Bagging what turned out to be a sensational consolation strike against Germany last weekend, Fulham skipper Antonee Robinson will start at left-back. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams will start in the middle of the park in California.

Paraguay

As for the visitors, signing off their World Cup qualifying adventure last year with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Peru, Paraguay certainly cemented their spot as one of South America’s ultimate surprise packages. Mustering 28 points from their 18 qualifying appearances and punching their 2026 World Cup ticket with plenty of time to spare, Gustavo Alfaro’s side have gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 4-0 romp against Nicaragua, the former Costa Rica boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Despite facing what will be a major challenge in the race to book a first World Cup knockout stage ticket since 2010, Alfaro’s men will be more than confident of springing some real headaches on the grandest of stages this summer.

Paraguay Team News

Suffering a major injury scare against Nicaragua last week as they watched Julio Enciso limp off with a suspected knee injury, it remains to be seen if the Strasbourg star will play any part here. Enjoying an eye-catching maiden campaign with Premier League outfit Sunderland, Omar Alderete will start at the back.

Now playing his domestic football with MLS outfit Atlanta United, former Newcastle ace Miguel Almiron will feature in the final third this weekend and will earn a 77th international cap in California.

USA vs Paraguay Key Factors to Consider

• When the USA and Paraguay last met in November 2025 for a friendly showdown, Pochettino’s side claimed a 2-1 victory in Pennsylvania.
• In fact, the United States have won their last three meetings against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 4-1.
• The USA have lost three of their four appearances so far this calendar year.
• Paraguay lost just a quartet of their 18 World Cup qualifying appearances last year.
• Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all fronts.

Conclusion

While the United States might be backed by a vocal home support when they open their World Cup adventure this weekend, Pochettino’s side could have a rugged test on their hands. Despite winning their previous three showdowns against Paraguay by an aggregate score of 4-1, the former Tottenham boss has seen his squad lose three of their four appearances so far this calendar year. Likewise, this summer’s hosts have also remarkably mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their last 14 consecutive attempts.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: USA vs Paraguay appeared first on SoccerNews.

Bafana Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament, in what is a repeat of the first fixture of the 2010 edition in South Africa. 

It is the first time an opening fixture has ever been repeated from the 19 previous single-match World Cup openers, and Broos' side enter the competition in need of a win. 

South Africa drew both their pre-tournament friendlies against Nicaragua and Jamaica, with this their first World Cup appearance away from home soil since 2002. 

They finished top of their group in CAF qualifying for the World Cup, one point ahead of Nigeria.

Excluding a 3-0 awarded loss against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, South Africa trailed in only one qualifier, in a 2-0 defeat to Rwanda in November 2023.

They face a Mexico team that are unbeaten in their seven World Cup matches at the Mexico City venue (W5 D2), and Broos acknowledged the difficulties his side will face. 

"We know what to do against Mexico. We know what to do when they have the ball and when we have possession. Everything is focused on this game," said Broos.

"They are all dangerous, they are a very good team with a lot of movement and solidarity. You can see they really want to be world champions."

It's Match Day -1
Are you ready Mzansi? 1 more day until we kick off against Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener! The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams! Lets goooo!!!

​#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasZA @REXONA_SA… pic.twitter.com/XdHDDRokMu

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 10, 2026

South Africa are yet to progress beyond the first round at the World Cup, with their other Group A fixtures pitting them against South Korea and Czechia. 

The Opta supercomputer has assigned Bafana Bafana just a 28% chance of finishing in the top two spots of their group, with their most likely position being fourth (44%). 

Mexico won all three of their warm-up matches, which concluded with a 5-1 thrashing of 10-man Serbia, but Broos remained optimistic that his players could cause an upset. 

"You can see that with the way Mexico play. We will have to be at our best level if we want to get a result. It is a very complete team," Broos added. 

"For us it will be very important to stick to the game-plan, and we don’t listen to what is happening in the stands."

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Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart for a reported club-record fee of £65m (€75m) and quickly adapted to life in the Premier League with Eddie Howe's side. 

He became the fifth player to score 4+ goals in their first five appearances for Newcastle in the top flight, and the first since Callum Wilson (four) in October 2020. 

But the German international struggled to replicate his fast start for the rest of 2025-26, finishing with 11 goals and four assists in 51 games across all competitions.

Woltemade, who made his name as a central striker in the Bundesliga, was often played out of position by Howe, with 10 of his appearances coming from attacking midfield. 

"I'm expected to score or provide an assist in every game," Woltemade told Stern, as quoted by Fussball Transfers. 

"But if I'm not playing in attack, it's much more difficult for me to get into dangerous scoring positions. 

"I'm not happy with how things have gone in the past few months. Especially since my start at Newcastle was so strong. That raised expectations, including for myself."

Nick Woltemade has become only the fifth player to score 4+ goals in their first five Premier League appearances for Newcastle, after Les Ferdinand (4), Michael Owen (4), Loïc Rémy (5), and Callum Wilson (4). pic.twitter.com/hqf6BJREnZ

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) October 18, 2025

Despite Woltemade's struggles, he was selected as part of Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man Germany squad for the World Cup this summer. 

He was involved in more goals than any other German player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring four times (from four shots on target) and delivering one assist.

And the 24-year-old believes a productive campaign out in North America can help him kick on at St. James' Park next season. 

"I moved to the Premier League at 23, the best league in the world," Woltemade added. "I've learned a lot this season.

"I've improved athletically, I can keep up with the tremendous pace. I can hold my own in challenges. Overall, it's been a step forward.

"That's why I have no doubts about Newcastle. I'll make my mark there."

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The former England international signed for Cremonese after leaving Leicester following a 13-year stint at the King Power Stadium. 

Vardy, who scored seven goals and notched three assists in 29 appearances for Cremonese, could not save the club from being relegated to Serie B. 

Having opted not to sign a one-year extension with Cremonese, Vardy has returned home and is now a free agent.

Speaking on his newly-launched 'Jamie Vardy's Having a Party' podcast, the former Premier League Golden Boot winner explained how he found it tough to adapt to life in Serie A.

 He said: "Compared to here (England), it’s a lot slower, more defensive.

"Training was just constant: Run, run, run, run. You go into a game and you're f*****. Like literally, you have nothing else left to give. It's not just for me, it's every team."

Jamie Vardy's goal won it for Cremonese #UdineseCremonese pic.twitter.com/3OHLfRyiro

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 18, 2026

The 39-year-old was also not pleased with the influence of others in the dressing room.

He added: "So how it works is that the sporting director has a say in everything. Everything. It’s mental. 

"So in my head, I’m like 'Well, just keep it now, do exactly the same'. Then we were playing Pisa the week after. The sporting director says 'it's a massive game, massive game'. I'm like 'well, they're all massive, no game's any different'. 'No, no, but this one's big'.

"They trained us every single day, played Pisa, and lost."

Vardy is happy to be back on home soil, and that the move to Italy was a struggle for his family.

The 2015-16 Premier League champion said: "We'd already moved the kids back, it was a struggle, really was."

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The full-back, who turned 24 on Wednesday, missed out on the Scotland squad for Euro 2024, having failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

However, the Brentford defender is now relishing the chance to represent his country on the biggest stage of all.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Scotland's Group C opener against Haiti, Hickey said: "I think my dream is just being here to be honest, playing at the World Cup, it means everything. 

"I think it's one of the hardest things, being injured as a footballer. I can't tell you how hard it is and obviously missing out on the tournament at the Euros last time was very difficult, but I'm just delighted that it's in the past now and we're here at the World Cup."

"Playing at the World Cup is everything you dream of as a kid"

Aaron Hickey is raring to go as @ScotlandNT get their World Cup campaign underway against Haiti on Sunday morning @IndeedUK

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) June 10, 2026

Scotland are appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, ending a 28-year hiatus from the finals and topping a World Cup qualifying group for the first time since 1982.

With Scotland having failed to advance from the first round in any of their previous eight appearances at the World Cup, Hickey will be hoping to help Steve Clarke's team make history and finally end their knockout-stage wait.

The post Hickey buzzing to achieve World Cup dream as Scotland prepare for Haiti appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Aston Villa forward was in exceptional form for his club in the 2025-26 season, having netted 10 Premier League goals from 6.8 expected goals (xG), displaying a high level of finishing.

Only Ollie Watkins (19) registered more league goal involvements for Villa in 2025-26 than Rogers. 

The 23-year-old helped Villa win the Europa League, and he is now being linked with numerous clubs, including Premier League champions Arsenal.

As he prepares for England's World Cup campaign, Rogers told the Rest Is Football Podcast, "I think the first time it ever happened it was," when asked if transfer speculation affects his concentration. 

"You're in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you and you're not quite realising that."

A very 2025/26 season for @morgz_10 pic.twitter.com/9k9Fyj9lbD

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 10, 2026

Rogers knows he will need to put the distractions to one side as the Three Lions aim for a deep run.

He added: "But as you get older and gain experience along the way, you know that comes with it and 95% of it is just noise.

"You hear it, of course you do. You can’t help not [hearing it]. You know it’s there but you’ve got to use it in a positive way.

"You just try and get on with your game and just focus."

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McKenna was appointed as Paul Cook's successor in December 2021 and guided them to three promotions in four seasons, two of which have been to the top flight. 

The 40-year-old had been linked with the vacant Fulham job after Marco Silva's exit, but said his decision was to take a break from football and spend time with his family.

During his time at Portman Road, McKenna oversaw 222 matches across all competitions, winning 106 of those (D60 L56), averaging a win percentage of 47.3%. 

"It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club," McKenna said in a statement on the club's website. "To manage this club has been an absolute privilege.

"Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.   

"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."

Kieran McKenna will step down as Ipswich Town Manager after five seasons at the club.

Kieran has made the decision to step away from football management and dedicate time to his family, having been at the forefront of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) June 10, 2026

During his first full season in charge back in 2022-23, McKenna ended Ipswich's four-year stay in League One by finishing second to Plymouth Argyle to earn promotion. 

The following campaign, the Northern Irishman guided Ipswich back to the Premier League for the first time since 2001-02. 

His side accumulated 194 points and scored 193 goals over those two seasons and became the first club since Southampton in 2012 to secure back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Premier League.

McKenna's achievements were recognised by established top-flight clubs, and despite being approached by Brighton and Chelsea, he signed a new contract with Ipswich in May 2024, keeping him at the club until 2028. 

The Tractor Boys finished the 2024-25 season with just 22 points, however, which was their lowest-ever tally in a league campaign (three points for a win), while their total of four wins is also their lowest ever in a league season.

But after finishing as runners-up to Coventry City last season, McKenna helped Ipswich return to the Premier League, where they will be hoping to stay next season. 

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Enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch so far this calendar year, Mexico have certainly hit top gear at a crucial time and one of this summer’s host nations will be confident of laying down an opening marker in front of what will be a fiery home support.

While South Africa might be making their first appearance on the world stage since hosting the World Cup back in 2010, Thursday’s guests have an almighty challenge on their hands this summer.

With all eyes falling on the Estadio Banorte, we have taken a glance at some of the most attractive Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder Tips.

A golden opportunity for Mexico

While Mexico might have been crowned Gold Cup champions last summer following an iconic fairytale in the United States, Javier Aguirre’s camp signed off 2025 in the midst of a downbeat rut.

However, despite opening the New Year in the midst of a concerning six-match winless rut, Thursday’s hosts have come roaring back in some style and they should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high.

Opening their World Cup adventure at the Estadio Banorte regarded as a standout contender, the Greens are riding a major wave of momentum and signing off their summer preparations with a real statement of intent.

Drawing a line under their pre-World Cup plans with an empathic 5-1 romp against Serbia, Mexico are unbeaten in all of their eight appearances so far this calendar year.

Along with shipping just a single strike in over 300 minutes of action, Mexico have also won their previous three consecutive appearances by an aggregate score of 8-1 and they are regarded as the standout candidate in Group A.

Bet Builder Tip: Mexico win @ 4/9 with 1xBet

Jimenez to lead the line

While Raul Jimenez might have turned 35 last month, the veteran marksman is set to spearhead Mexico’s attack this summer and will shoulder plenty of Aguirre’s goalscoring threat on Thursday night.

With it announced this week that the 35-year-old will be leaving Premier League outfit on a free transfer this month, it appears destined that Jimenez is set for an emotional return to Wolves.

In fact, bagging nine Premier League strikes at Craven Cottage during the 2025/26 campaign, that is the second-most top-flight goals that Mexico’s clinical number nine has recorded over the past six seasons.

Likewise, getting on the scoresheet during Mexico’s sensational 5-1 victory against Serbia last week, Jimenez looks set to lead the line here and could break even more records this summer.

Expected to earn a 125th international cap on Thursday night, Jimenez has notched 45 goals for El Tricolor and sits just a sole strike behind equalling Jared Borgetti’s record and moving second in Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Bet Builder Tip: Raul Jimenez to score anytime @ 8/5 with BetUS

South Africa seeking a miracle

Watching their AFCON adventure come to a downbeat end back in January as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss against Cameroon in the Round of 16 stage, South Africa have an almighty challenge on their hands this summer.

Drastically failing to find any kind of fluidity over the past few months, Hugo Broos’ camp are almost universally expected to lift the wooden spoon in Group A.

Making their first appearance on the world stage since hosting the tournament back in 2010, South Africa have failed to win any of their previous five consecutive appearances so far this calendar year.

In fact, pencilled in as a major underdog contender when they travel to the Estadio Banorte on Thursday night, SA are enduring their longest winless rut since way back in the summer of 2022.

Limping their way to North America and failing to find any kind of momentum over the past six months, Broos’ downbeat squad will be more than aware that they face a stern examination here.

Bet Builder Tip: Mbekezile Mbokazi over 0.5 fouls @ 3/4 with Dachbet

Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder Tips

• Mexico win
• Raul Jimenez to score anytime
• Mbekezile Mbokazi over 0.5 fouls

ODDS – 5/1 with@ 1xBet

You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.

The post Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder Tips – 5/1 World Cup Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on SoccerNews.

Alonso will officially join Chelsea in July after putting pen to paper on a four-year contract after he was sacked by Real Madrid in January. 

The former Bayer Leverkusen boss was linked with a return to Anfield when it was confirmed Jurgen Klopp would be departing Liverpool, but he stayed in Germany until joining Madrid in 2025. 

Slot won the Premier League in his first campaign at the helm in 2024-25, but after finishing fifth in 2025-26 after a summer of big-money signings, he was sacked at the end of last month.

Alonso's name had been continually linked with a return to Liverpool, where he spent five years as a player, throughout Slot's second campaign, but Chelsea swooped in before Slot's dismissal. 

Andoni Iraola is the new man in the Liverpool hot seat after a successful three years with Bournemouth, and Terry wishes that decision is one they regret. 

"I don't think he'll struggle. I think he'll come into the building on day one and have respect as a player and as a manager," Terry told a virtual roundtable hosted by SuperSport.

To go on and do what he's done in such a short career as a manager [has earned it for him].

"That Liverpool-Chelsea rivalry will always be there. I hope Liverpool regret not getting him, because that would mean Chelsea have been successful, so I hope that's the case.

"This is a positive signing. I'm sure he's going to get a massive response on the opening day of the season.

"Naturally, like all managers or ex-players, he'll be judged by his results, but I love the fact that he's in the building."

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men’s Team.

The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Welcome to Chelsea, Xabi!

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 17, 2026

Alonso arrives at Stamford Bridge with an impressive CV despite his sacking by Madrid.

He won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in 2023-24, with his Leverkusen team going unbeaten all season until they lost to Atalanta in the Europa League final.

The Spaniard was seen as Madrid's long-term coach, but even after winning 23 of 34 matches, Alonso was relieved of his duties at the start of 2026. 

Terry believes that Alonso's success as a player for both club and country has influenced his managerial career.

"If I was a player coming into Chelsea and I sat with Alonso; I look at the difference between sitting with him or Rafa [Benitez]. I know who I would like to sign for," Terry added.

"I would like to sign for Xabi and would like to come and play for him because he's a great man; he's a great technician [and] he was a top player. 

"These managers – you're seeing Frank Lampard do well in the game and him – they're on such a good wavelength with the players.

"I think it's perfect because they can tap into what they were doing when they were playing and what they liked and stuff.

"So, I think it's going to be a really positive signing and I'm delighted to have him in the building."

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