Speaking on Caze TV, Vinicius was asked to name his top five World Cup contenders. He started with Brazil before turning his attention to Spain, praising the likes of Pedri and Lamine Yamal in particular, going as far as saying Yamal has the individual ability to win a World Cup on his own and is the kind of player supporters buy a ticket specifically to watch.

From there, Vinicius moved on to Portugal: “Our father (idol) Cristiano Ronaldo is there, right? Always important. Vitinha, Joao Neves, who are also among the best right now. I’d love… Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao who is my partner, Joao Félix too… Facing Cristiano Ronaldo in a knockout match could happen, but then he’s going to have to lose, right? He’s our idol, but he’ll understand.“

After saluting Portugal, Vinicius turned to France, pointing to their back-to-back World Cup final appearances as a testament to their quality. He singled out Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe as the central figure and also offered strong praise for Ousmane Dembele, describing him as “a monster over the last two seasons.“

When asked whether Jude Bellingham’s England might crack his top five, Vinicius went a different way, choosing Argentina to round out his list. “There’s England with Bellingham, but I’m going to put Argentina because they were the last champions, they have confidence, and they have Messi, who is always something different,” he concluded his top 5.

FIFA rankings top five before the 2026 and 2022 World Cups

Whether driven by history, current form or both, Vinicius settled on Brazil, Spain, Portugal, France and Argentina as his five strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup. As it turns out, his instincts are broadly in line with where the official FIFA rankings currently stand.

With the next ranking update expected between May 31 and June 11, just before the World Cup begins, France currently sits first, followed by Spain, Argentina, England and Portugal rounding out the top five. Brazil, for what it is worth, sits just outside at sixth.

That said, ranking position is no guarantee of a deep run. Heading into the 2022 World Cup, the top five consisted of Brazil in first, followed by Belgium, Argentina, France and England.

Of those five, only Argentina and France reached the final, while Brazil and England were eliminated in the quarterfinals and Belgium crashed out in the group stage. Croatia, ranked 12th, and Morocco, ranked 22nd, both reached the semifinals, a reminder that the bracket can humble even the most decorated nations.

Nagelsmann said: “In the coaching staff we decided that he will not play on Sunday and we will give him a bit more rest. That was our decision, we told him and he fully agreed. He could play if you asked him because he is always willing.”

Germany face Finland in a friendly next Sunday, and the coach confirmed Neuer will miss the match as a precaution. The issue comes after a soleus injury sustained in the final Bundesliga match on May 16 against Köln, where the Bayern Munich goalkeeper was substituted in the 60th minute.

Neuer’s call-up

Neuer initially announced his retirement from Germany after Euro 2024, but later made himself available again following a strong season at club level.

Despite earlier indications that he would step away, Nagelsmann explained that he wanted to speak with Neuer about returning given his importance and history with the national team.

Nagelsmann said: “We have decided after many discussions that the three best goalkeepers in Germany had to go to the World Cup. That is why we decided to call Manuel Neuer to see if he was willing to return to the national team. Our plan is for him to be the starter.”

Neuer not ruled out for USA match

Albeit Neuer will not play against Finland, Germany also face the United States in another friendly next week, and he has not yet been ruled out for that match.

Nagelsmann added: “We will see how next week goes and we will update the outlook for the friendly against the United States. But it makes no sense to play the match against Finland.”

Alongside Iñigo Martinez, Felix and Coman were the most high-profile arrivals of the 2025 summer window, part of a significant investment Al Nassr made to reshape the squad around Ronaldo. Both have more than justified the outlay, with Felix claiming the SPL Player of the Season award, but the title success has now triggered contractual clauses that will add to the club’s expenditure.

According to Al Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr will be paying Chelsea and Bayern Munich a combined figure of approximately €6 million (around $7 million) as a result of those clauses. Both deals included a title bonus that would be activated if Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League, and last Thursday’s triumph set that obligation in motion.

Updated fees for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman

In Felix’s case, Chelsea agreed to a base transfer fee of €30 million with up to €20 million in potential add-ons, a structure similar in concept to the €52 million Atletico Madrid had originally paid for the Portuguese. The SPL title has triggered a €5 million add-on, bringing the total Al Nassr has paid to Chelsea so far to €35 million.

Coman‘s situation is slightly different. The French winger had been under contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 but was seeking a more prominent role, and Al Nassr agreed to a €30 million fee to secure his services. With the title now confirmed, Bayern will receive an additional bonus of approximately €856,000, bringing the effective total to just under €31 million.

According to the Saudi outlet, the same SPL title clause in Felix’s deal would be activated again should Al Nassr win the league while he remains at the club, with his contract running through June 2027. For Coman, whose deal extends through 2028, the clause could theoretically be triggered twice more.

Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman’s first season at Al Nassr

While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer for the season with 30 goals, Felix and Coman quickly established themselves as the next most productive attacking players in the squad. Felix ended the campaign with 26 goals, while Coman, operating primarily from wide positions rather than a central role, still managed an impressive 16.

Felix’s case stands out most strikingly when assists are factored in. His 19 assists led the entire team, and his 45 direct goal contributions overall made him the most productive player at the club across the season even over Ronaldo (30 goals and 5 assists). His availability speaks to that level of contribution as well, with Felix appearing in 47 of Al Nassr’s 49 games, missing just two.

On Wednesday, the national team unveiled the list of 26 players selected by head coach Ronald Koeman through a post on its official social media accounts. Alongside the squad’s biggest stars, Weghorst’s inclusion stands out.

The 33-year-old center forward is one of eight attackers selected to represent Netherlands, earning his place after a respectable 2025-26 season with Ajax: nine goals and four assists in 34 matches across the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

The incident involving Weghorst and Messi took place immediately after Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over Netherlands in the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022. While the Argentine forward was giving an interview to TyC Sports, he exchanged words with his rival, telling him: “What are you looking at, fool? Go over there.”

At the 2026 World Cup, the chances of Argentina and Netherlands meeting again will depend on where each team finishes in the group stage. If both teams finish first in their respective groups, they would only meet in a hypothetical final. However, if one of them ends up finishing second or third, they could face each other as early as the quarterfinals.

Netherlands roster

Beyond the presence of Wout Weghorst, the 26 names selected by Ronald Koeman do not feature many surprises. The country’s biggest stars are all included, such as Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong, along with other standout players like Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo.

Among the major absences, two names stand out: Matthijs de Ligt and Xavi Simons. Both were left out because of injuries suffered in recent months, with recovery timelines extending beyond the World Cup. Among the players Koeman chose not to call up, the most notable omission is Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong.

What’s next for Netherlands

With the roster now confirmed, Netherlands are ready to begin preparations. They will play two friendly matches against Algeria and Uzbekistan on June 3 and June 8, respectively. Their Group F debut will come on June 14 against Japan, followed by matches against Sweden and Tunisia.

Over the past week, the 34-year-old was sidelined for Santos’ final three matches of the semester — two in the Copa Sudamericana and one in the Brazilian Serie A — because of a reported muscle issue.

“How’s the calf?” a reporter asked Neymar on Tuesday night after Santos’ victory over Deportivo Cuenca, which secured the Brazilian club a place in the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. “It’s here, fully intact,” the forward replied.

“Do you think it’ll be a problem or not for the World Cup?” the reporter followed up, prompting Neymar to answer casually: “What problem?” With that response, the star appeared to make it clear that the muscle issue is not serious and will not prevent him from competing with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

What’s next for Brazil

Although Santos still have one official match left this semester — Saturday against Vitoria — Neymar will leave the club early to begin a special fitness program with the Brazil national team.

Still, it appears unlikely that the forward will be available for the friendly matches Brazil will play before the start of the World Cup. On May 31, Brazil will say goodbye to their fans at the Maracana by facing Panama. Then, on June 6 in Cleveland, they will play their final tune-up match against Egypt.

Reports indicate Neymar will not feature in either match, as the focus will be on prioritizing his recovery and physical preparation so he can be fully fit for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13.

Neymar to wear Brazil’s No. 10 jersey

Despite being absent from the national team for nearly three years, Neymar remains Brazil’s biggest star. That is evident in the fact that his iconic No. 10 jersey will be handed back to him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being worn by other players in recent years.

One of those players was Vinicius Junior, who made it clear that Ney is the rightful owner of the number. “I don’t know what number I’ll wear at the World Cup, but the No. 10 belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious,” said the Real Madrid winger in a recent interview with CazeTV.

Casillas said: “Everything has a process. For there to be that many Barcelona players, the club had to go through a major financial crisis that forced them to rely on the academy. Then it’s a matter of whether the young players are good enough or not, but for that you first have to trust them and give them continuity.”

The two legends were champions in 2010 in South Africa, with the goalkeeper being the team’s standout player as they analyzed the squad list, a list they mostly agreed with following the manager’s decision on Monday.

Casillas on the goalkeepers

One of the main doubts before the list was announced was in goal. Unai Simón is the clear starter for de la Fuente, not only because of his performances with Athletic Club, but also because of his strong record with the national team.

The other logical choice was backup David Raya, who has had an excellent season with Arsenal that could even end with a Champions League title. However, the difficult decision was to leave Joan García ahead of Alex Remiro.

Casillas said: “The goalkeeper position was the most well covered. García had a good season. The ones de la Fuente has called up are fine, I would still agree even if he had included others.”

Casillas on the absence of Real Madrid players

Another major talking point around the list was the absence of Real Madrid players for the first time ever, which sparked controversy because of the team’s level. That was also something the legend addressed. Casillas said: “I, having played in Real Madrid’s academy and being Spanish, am frustrated that none have been called up, it’s tough.”

Ronaldo finally lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy after scoring twice in a decisive 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season. The win secured Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and gave the Portuguese superstar the domestic crown he was originally signed to deliver.

The title-winning campaign brought relief and celebration across Al-Nassr after years of near misses, yet uncertainty still surrounds parts of the squad despite the success. With contracts approaching critical deadlines and transfer interest growing, the club now faces key decisions that could shape the next stage of Ronaldo’s journey in Saudi Arabia.

What does the future hold for Inigo Martinez?

While Ronaldo grabbed most of the headlines, many inside Saudi soccer believe defender Inigo Martinez quietly became one of the most influential figures in the squad throughout the season. The experienced Spaniard played a major role in stabilizing Al-Nassr defensively during the title race.

Martinez featured in 43 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals while logging more than 3,700 minutes. His leadership and consistency quickly made him one of the first names on the team sheet.

Reports from Arriyadiyah now suggest that the Spaniard has already informed Al-Nassr management of his desire to remain at the club for another season. According to those reports, the defender plans to activate the extension clause included in his current agreement before the end of June.

The clause reportedly allows for an automatic one-year extension if the player meets the required participation percentage and personally approves the continuation. Formal procedures are expected to be completed in the coming days.

That development represents a major boost for Al-Nassr, especially after Martinez established himself as one of the defensive leaders of the squad. Several supporters even described his arrival as a turning point in the club’s title-winning campaign.

What does the future hold for Abdulrahman Ghareeb?

While Martinez appears increasingly likely to stay, Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s future seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The Saudi winger is approaching the end of his contract on June 30, and negotiations over a renewal have become complicated.

According to reports from Al-Bilad newspaper, Al-Ittihad is now close to reaching an agreement with Ghareeb on a three-year contract. The move could reportedly be finalized within days if negotiations continue progressing smoothly.

Previous reports from Saudi journalist Saad Al-Subaie indicated that Ghareeb was seeking an annual salary worth around 15 million riyals ($4 million) in order to either remain at Al-Nassr or join another club. That financial demand appears to have complicated discussions with the Riyadh side.

Losing Ghareeb would represent a notable change for the squad, especially considering his role as one of the recognizable Saudi players inside the team. At the same time, Al-Nassr’s management continues balancing financial strategy with the desire to maintain a championship-caliber roster around Ronaldo.

The celebrations after the decisive 4-1 victory over Damac were emotional across the club, but behind the scenes, attention quickly shifted toward what comes next. With Jorge Jesus stepping away after fulfilling his mission and Al-Nassr entering a new phase, major decisions are expected to shape the project’s future.

Jesus confirmed his departure immediately after securing the championship, ending a successful but relatively short spell in charge of the Riyadh side. The veteran Portuguese coach arrived with one clear objective: to help Ronaldo and Al-Nassr end their long wait for the league title.

Jorge Jesus leaves after completing his mission

Al-Nassr finished the campaign with 86 points, narrowly ahead of fierce rival Al-Hilal, to secure the club’s first Saudi league championship since 2019. The title also gave Ronaldo his first major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia after several frustrating seasons.

Following the final match, Jesus openly admitted that the mission had always been temporary. “I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: ‘I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.’ That’s it. For me, the mission is complete,” the Portuguese coach said after the Damac victory.

The statement immediately sparked speculation about the future direction of Al-Nassr. Although the coach announced his intention to leave, the club hierarchy reportedly moved quickly to try to change his mind.

Club president Abdullah Al-Majed publicly confirmed that Al-Nassr wanted Jesus to remain in charge. “We will do everything possible to keep Jesus because he has made a significant difference,” Al-Majed explained in a televised interview.

Ronaldo tried to convince Jesus to stay

Reports from Saudi media later revealed that Ronaldo himself became heavily involved in efforts to keep the coach at the club. According to the Arabic electronic platform winwin, the Portuguese forward already knew before the final game that Jesus intended to leave once the title was secured.

Ronaldo reportedly asked Jesus to stay for another season in order to preserve stability inside the project, but the coach refused despite receiving a massive renewal offer from Al-Nassr.

The two figures are said to have held a private meeting before the final match against Damac. During that conversation, Jesus reportedly reminded Ronaldo of the promise he made when taking over the team.

“Jesus held a meeting with Ronaldo before the last match against Damac, and told him that he must lead the team to victory in the match and win the title as he promised him, and then he will leave,” winwin reported.

The same report added that Jesus informed Ronaldo he would never coach another Saudi club in the future and believed it was the correct moment to walk away after achieving success with Al-Nassr and previously leaving a mark with Al-Hilal as well.

Ronaldo’s new role revealed

The biggest revelation, however, arrived shortly afterward as the latest reports suggest Ronaldo’s role inside the club could become even more influential moving forward.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Ronaldo will be involved in helping Al-Nassr choose the club’s next head coach. The report also claimed that the Portuguese superstar is considering several options, including a world-class Portuguese manager capable of continuing the project’s momentum.

This move exemplifies how central the 41-year-old has become to the club’s sporting direction since arriving in Saudi Arabia. His influence already transformed Al-Nassr commercially and globally, but his voice now appears increasingly important in strategic soccer decisions as well.

“Son Heung-min has broken many records. I think he will become the Korean player who scores the most goals at the World Cup this time as well,” Park Ji-sung said in a recent interview shared by Chosun. “Many people believe that he will score in this World Cup. He will show performances that meet those expectations.”

Son is the most-capped player in the history of the national team, with 142 appearances since 2010, and North America 2026 will mark his fourth World Cup. Across his previous three appearances — in 2014, 2018, and 2022 — he recorded 10 matches and three goals, placing him among the country’s all-time leading World Cup scorers.

Right now, Son shares the record for most World Cup goals by a South Korea player alongside Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan. That means if he scores at least once during this summer’s tournament, the LAFC forward will hold the record outright.

Park Ji-sung confident in Son’s leadership

In the same interview, Park Ji-sung expressed confidence in the forward’s leadership role. “Son Heung-min will become a player with more experience than I had. He will face his second World Cup as captain. He is not a player who needs my advice,” explained the 45-year-old former star, who represented Korea at the 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups.

“I only hope that, without injury, in what may be his last World Cup, he does what he wants without regret and returns with the best possible results,” Park added about Son. “I hope it will be the happiest and most enjoyable World Cup for him.”

The challenges ahead for South Korea

After reaching a historic fourth-place finish in 2002, South Korea have struggled to replicate that success in later editions of the tournament. In fact, since then, their best performances came in 2010 and 2022, when they reached the Round of 16.

With the expanded 48-team format and an extra knockout round, they will likely have a better chance of advancing this year. South Korea are part of Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. The Europeans will be their first opponent of the tournament on June 11 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

“We are hoping his injury heals quickly, and we are waiting for him with open arms because he is incredibly important to this group,” Scaloni stated during an interview with DSports. “In any case, we have guys on the roster whom we trust completely, but there is no denying that Emiliano is fundamental to our system”.

While Argentina have yet to officially lock in their final 26-man World Cup roster, Scaloni’s broader goalkeeper pool has plenty of coverage. Beyond Martinez, the manager included Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Walter Benitez, Facundo Cambeses, and highly-rated youngster Santiago Beltran on his preliminary 55-man provisional list submitted to FIFA.

Out of that group, three goalkeepers will ultimately punch their ticket to North America. Recent reports indicate that the up-and-coming Beltran stands a serious chance of securing a spot, either as the official third-string keeper or as the designated training sparring partner to work alongside the veterans.

In fact, Beltran is already one of six players formally confirmed to be part of the expanded 30-plus-man squad selected for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup warm-up matches on US soil. The reigning champions are scheduled to face Honduras on June 6 before wrapping up their tournament preparations against Iceland on June 9.

Martinez likely ruled out for June friendlies

While Santiago Beltran is locked in for the upcoming exhibition matches, Martinez will almost certainly sit them out. Renowned Argentine soccer insider Gaston Edul confirmed that while “Dibu’s” finger fracture will not require surgery, it does carry a mandatory recovery period of roughly 20 days.

As a result, Martinez was already left out of Aston Villa’s Premier League season finale—where his side secured a massive 2-1 victory over Manchester City—and he will be probably rested through the June international window to ensure he is fully fit for the World Cup opener.

Argentina’s 2026 World Cup group stage schedule

The reigning world champions enter the tournament as the top-seeded heavyweight in Group J. Argentina will officially launch their title defense on Tuesday, June 16, squaring off against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Following the opener, the Albiceleste will relocate to Texas to play their remaining two group fixtures at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. They will clash with Austria on Monday, June 22, before closing out the opening round against tournament debutants Jordan on Saturday, June 27, aiming to comfortably book their spot in the newly formatted Round of 32.

Eyeing their first pre-World Cup friendly against Panama, the Brazilian national team held its opening practice session at the Granja Comary complex in Teresopolis. While this initial session was completely closed to the press, fans, and guests, the media quickly noticed Neymar’s high-profile absence, prompting the federation to act swiftly to clarify the situation.

In an official statement released by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), officials confirmed that Neymar missed the session as he continues to rehabilitate an ongoing injury. In order to advance his treatment, the Santos forward was dispatched to a local private clinic in Teresopolis to undergo diagnostic imaging scans.

Neymar is currently nursing a swollen right calf suffered during a match against Coritiba back on May 17th and has been sidelined ever since. Beyond the basic injury diagnosis, the CBF noted that “no further information will be released until the evaluation by the Brazilian national team’s medical staff is completed,” ensuring a temporary media blackout until the test results are finalized.

While Neymar has already publicly dismissed concerns that the ailment will jeopardize his World Cup campaign, his absence from Ancelotti’s very first practice has naturally raised eyebrows regarding his true fitness level. In the meantime, the squad will continue preparing for Sunday’s warm-up match, where the Selecao will square off against Panama at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.

Neymar not the only notable absence for Brazil

With this marking the first time Neymar has been selected to play under Ancelotti, anticipation for the former Barcelona star’s international return was sky-high, though his availability for the Panama fixture is now in serious jeopardy. Yet, out of the final 26-man roster designated for the World Cup, the superstar forward wasn’t the only player missing from the pitch in Teresopolis.

Also absent from the main training session was veteran Flamengo defender Danilo. The fullback performed 90 minutes against Cusco FC in Copa Libertadores action at the Maracana on Tuesday night and was held indoors at the training center to undergo regenerative recovery work due to physical fatigue.

Meanwhile, the final three missing pieces from Brazil‘s camp are projected starting center-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, alongside forward Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal duo and the PSG captain are slated to compete in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, meaning they will bypass the local camp entirely and join the national team once the delegation arrives at its U.S. base at the Columbia Park Training Facility in Morris Township, New Jersey.

“We’re going to do an excellent job. We’re going to defend very well and try to hit on the counterattack. That’s what the coach always asks from us,” Vini said during an interview with CazeTV shared this week.

The revelation is significant because it signals a major shift from the style traditionally associated with the national team. Great Brazil squads of the past relied heavily on possession and the creativity of attacking midfielders who defined the team’s identity, with players like Kaka, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo serving as some of the clearest examples in recent decades.

Now, however, the team is built around different types of players. Brazil’s biggest stars in this era are Vinicius and Raphinha, wingers whose greatest strengths are not ball possession but rather individual skill and speed in open space.

That appears to be the evaluation Ancelotti made when choosing the strategy Brazil will use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The idea is to become defensively solid — something that has not always been a strength for the national team — and then exploit the spaces left by opponents to maximize the qualities of the forwards.

Vinicius trusts Ancelotti

Vinicius Junior is undoubtedly the Brazilian player who knows Carlo Ancelotti best. It was under the Italian coach that he reached his highest level at Real Madrid, winning two UEFA Champions League titles together. Now, they will try to replicate that success with Brazil.

During the same interview with CazeTV, Vini said Ancelotti’s “experience, background, and titles mean a lot.” With the coach’s guidance, he believes the team can have an “excellent World Cup and change Brazil’s history after so long without winning.”

That journey will begin on June 13, when Brazil open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Morocco in the first Group C match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Six days later they will face Haiti, before wrapping up the group stage on June 24 against Scotland.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CazeTV, Vinicius laid out exactly why he views Spain as the team to beat in North America. “They won the last UEFA Euro, and they’re a squad that has been playing together for a very long time now,” the Brazilian talisman noted.

To further justify Spain’s status as a top-tier powerhouse, Vinicius didn’t hesitate to crown Yamal as their ultimate X-factor. “They have Lamine, who is already one of the best players in the world. He constantly does unbelievable things on the pitch, and he’s the type of player who could win the World Cup alone,” Vinicius added.

The Spanish sensation is currently recovering from a muscle injury sustained during the domestic campaign with Barcelona. According to reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the injury could sideline Yamal Spain’s opening two games of the tournament.

The report indicates that a mutual agreement has been struck between Barcelona and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to handle the youngster with extreme caution. The medical plan will see Yamal rest through Spain’s opening Group Stage matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, aiming for a highly anticipated return to action in the group finale against Uruguay.

Vinicius’ other World Cup favorites

Beyond Spain, the Real Madrid superstar singled out several other powerhouse nations built to make a deep run in the tournament, starting with a star-studded European rival.

“Portugal is a major contender because Cristiano Ronaldo is there, and that’s a massive factor,” Vinicius explained. “There’s also Vitinha and Joao Neves, who are among the absolute best players of the current generation”.

Unsurprisingly, Vinicius placed his native Brazil squarely in the mix alongside powerhouse France, emphasizing the lethal threat posed by his Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe and the superb club form of Ousmane Dembele.

Interestingly, when the interviewer explicitly prompted him about England’s star-studded squad, the Brazilian forward bypassed the Three Lions—opting instead to label fierce rivals Argentina as the final elite threat due to the presence of an ageless icon.

“Argentina because they are the reigning champions, they possess confidence, and they have Messi, who is just completely different,” Vinicius concluded. “People can still never imagine what he is capable of doing on a football pitch”.

In the first half, there was plenty of tension in a very dynamic tempo, with imprecision preventing both teams from creating clear chances. The best opportunity came for Crystal Palace, when Mitchell’s header went narrowly wide.

Early in the second half came the only goal of the night, with a long-range shot from Wharton saved by Batalla, but the rebound fell to Mateta, who only had to tap it in. Even though Rayo Vallecano tried to fight back, they were unable to equalize as Crystal Palace won the trophy.

Match Overview

River Plate enter their final group-stage clash under pressure after a painful 3-2 loss in the Argentine league final, with Eduardo Coudet’s squad needing a victory to secure first place and a direct berth in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Blooming have little left to play for after collecting just one point in five matches, but the Bolivian side still has an opportunity to end a disappointing campaign on a high note with a memorable result against one of the tournament favorites.

Vinícius signed his most recent contract with Real Madrid in October 2023, securing him at the club through 2027. Since then, the player who had claimed the FIFA The Best award and been a serious Ballon d’Or contender has gone through a sharp dip in form, while extension talks, which have been ongoing since 2024, have repeatedly stalled over the financial demands involved.

Speaking in an interview on Caze TV, Vinicius offered a measured take on where things stand with his contract situation: “I’m in no rush to renew my contract. I have until 2027. So until 2027, we have a lot to discuss with Madrid, and Madrid has a lot to discuss with us. Madrid is calm, I am calm. The president trusts me and I trust him. And that’s all, you just have to wait and live each day, each moment, and enjoy the best club in the world.”

In recent months, his long-term future at the club was thrown into genuine doubt, first by reports of a record-breaking offer from the Saudi Pro League and then by tensions surrounding the now-dismissed coach Xabi Alonso. With the Saudi interest having cooled and Alonso no longer in the picture, a continuation at Real Madrid now appears the most likely outcome.

Vinicius reinforced that message emphatically. “I have never imagined myself outside of Real Madrid. I really enjoy every moment I spend here, because it is the club of my dreams. I always dreamed of playing here and being able to do so for such a long time. Now I am one of the team captains. Despite being so young, it is something important that rarely happens in history. So I enjoy every moment. I want to stay here all my life, but I’m also in no rush to renew my contract,” he insisted.

Vinicius on the support of the fans

Real Madrid’s first trophyless season since Zinedine Zidane’s final campaign in 2020-21 was met with frustration from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, with Kylian Mbappé bearing the brunt of the supporters’ discontent. Vinicius, however, largely escaped that level of scrutiny, having led the team’s attacking play in the Champions League before their quarterfinal exit.

When asked about the criticism he has faced throughout his time in Madrid, Vinicius offered a pointed reflection on how far his relationship with the club’s fanbase has come: “When I arrived at Madrid everyone said I wasn’t going to play, then that I wasn’t going to score a goal, after that that I wasn’t going to win, and in the end I always kept overcoming all the criticism. They said I was expensive for costing 45 million, and in the end I turned out cheap because of everything I have achieved. The president and the fans adore me.“

The Santos forward once again finds himself at the center of debate after another injury scare interrupted his momentum. Although Neymar has publicly tried to calm fears, growing uncertainty behind the scenes has raised fresh questions about how Brazil will manage him in the final days before the World Cup begins.

The latest concern arrived after Neymar suffered swelling in his right calf during Santos’ 3-0 defeat against Coritiba. The 34-year-old had already been carefully managing his workload following his long recovery from the ACL injury suffered in October 2023 while playing for Brazil.

Initial optimism from Santos suggested the issue was minor. However, reports later indicated the swelling was more serious than originally expected, forcing Brazil’s medical staff to begin closely monitoring the situation before the national team training camp opened.

Brazil takes more cautious approach

Although Neymar has projected confidence publicly, Brazil’s coaching staff is approaching the situation far more carefully. Carlo Ancelotti and the medical department are determined to avoid taking unnecessary risks with the team’s all-time leading scorer. ESPN previously revealed that Neymar would follow a specialized recovery and training program at Granja Comary.

The objective is to gradually reintegrate him into full activity without aggravating the calf problem before the tournament begins. The concern is understandable considering the veteran’s difficult recent history with injuries. Since tearing his ACL in 2023, the Santos forward has endured multiple setbacks that repeatedly delayed his return to full rhythm.

Still, Ancelotti showed major faith in the veteran attacker by including him in Brazil’s final 26-man World Cup squad. The Italian coach had previously insisted he would only call up fully fit players, making Neymar’s selection a significant statement ahead of the competition.

Will Neymar be available?

As preparations continue, reports have now revealed that Neymar is at serious risk of missing Brazil’s warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt before the World Cup officially begins. The Green-Yellow is scheduled to face Panama on May 31 at the Maracana before taking on Egypt on June 5 in Cleveland. Those matches were expected to help Neymar regain rhythm with the national team after such a long international absence.

However, behind-the-scenes information reportedly suggests the calf edema remains problematic enough that the Santos star may continue treatment instead of participating fully in the matches. The situation has reportedly created internal concern within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

According to Globo, Santos initially informed the federation that the player would be cleared for ball training immediately upon arrival at camp, but later medical assessments suggested a more cautious recovery process would be necessary. That conflicting information reportedly caused discomfort within the federation as officials waited for additional medical evaluations.

Recent social media discussions attempted to paint a dramatic gap between the two competitions, with claims suggesting one league has nearly double the representation of the other at the tournament. However, the reality behind those numbers is far more complicated than many fans initially believed.

According to multiple reports, both leagues are sending a significant number of players to the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The discussion quickly gained traction online because it was framed as another chapter in the Ronaldo-versus-Messi rivalry, despite the context behind the figures telling a much deeper story.

MLS benefits from the host nation effect

Much of the attention focused on claims that MLS would have around 50 players involved in the World Cup, while the Saudi Pro League would contribute roughly half that amount. While those figures were partially accurate in some early estimates, analysts pointed out that the numbers alone fail to explain the full picture.

The biggest factor behind MLS’ strong representation is the automatic qualification of the United States, Canada, and Mexico as tournament hosts. Those three national teams naturally rely heavily on domestic-based talent, giving MLS a substantial numerical advantage.

The United States squad alone features eight active MLS players representing eight separate clubs. On top of that, many other members of the squad either came through MLS academies or previously played in the league before moving abroad.

Canada also includes several MLS-based players, while Mexico continues to feature talent connected to the North American competition. As a result, the league’s total World Cup presence grew rapidly ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament. As per MLS-related reports, more than 50 players connected to the league could participate in the tournament, marking a record number for the competition.

Saudi Pro League’s influence extends across continents

While MLS may have the advantage in raw numbers, the Saudi Pro League has built a very different kind of World Cup footprint. Rather than relying on host nations, the Saudi competition is represented through a mixture of domestic Saudi talent and internationally recognized stars.

The Saudi Arabia national team alone is almost entirely made up of Saudi Pro League players, with around 28 members of the preliminary squad coming from domestic clubs. That instantly boosts the league’s influence at the tournament.

Beyond the local core, several major international stars based in Saudi Arabia are expected to play crucial roles for their countries. Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal once again, while teammates Joao Felix and Ruben Neves are also part of the Portuguese setup.

Senegal will depend heavily on Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly, all of whom currently compete in the Saudi Pro League. Brazil midfielder Fabinho, Mexico forward Julian Quinones, Turkey defender Merih Demiral, and Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie further strengthen the league’s global representation.

The numbers behind the debate

As the discussion intensified online, many observers argued that the original comparison between MLS and the Saudi Pro League lacked proper context. Some posts claimed MLS had “twice as many” players at the World Cup, but deeper analysis suggested the gap was far smaller. Several updated estimates now place both leagues relatively close together, with MLS projected to contribute between 40 and 50 players.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League could finish with more than 40 representatives as well. That distinction dramatically changes the narrative surrounding the debate. Rather than one league completely dominating the other, the numbers suggest both competitions have become increasingly influential in international soccer.

The structure of each league also matters. MLS comprises 30 clubs and larger player pools across North America, while the Saudi Pro League has fewer teams but focuses heavily on elite international talent and national-team stars.

Even with the broader conversation about league development, Messi and Ronaldo remain at the center of attention. Messi is expected to lead Argentina once again after joining Inter Miami, while Ronaldo prepares for what could be his sixth and final World Cup with Portugal.

According to Jack Gaughan, via Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola has told close friends that he would like to become England’s head coach. However, he is not looking to take the role anytime soon, but rather in the future if circumstances align. With this in mind, the Spanish manager may choose not to return to coach teams, instead focusing on national teams, marking a radical shift in his managerial career similar to Carlo Ancelotti.

Looking ahead, Thomas Tuchel will remain England’s head coach, as he is under contract until 2028. Since taking charge of the national team, he has implemented a clear playing identity focused on collective football, even deciding to leave figures such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of the 2026 World Cup squad. With this in mind, he appears to be leading a long-term project, potentially complicating Pep Guardiola’s ambitions.

If Tuchel fails to impress at the 2026 World Cup, his future with England could be at risk. Having left so much world-class talent out of the squad, the fans may not forgive a disappointing campaign. Nevertheless, all indications suggest he will remain in charge until UEFA Euro 2028, where his future with the national team could ultimately be decided, potentially giving Guardiola enough time to shape his own vision for the role.

Pep Guardiola will remain in a different role at Manchester City

Unlike his departure from FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have not completely parted ways. Although his time as head coach has come to an end, the Spaniard revealed that he would not be leaving the club’s structure entirely. With this in mind, he is expected to maintain a key role not only within the Citizens, but also across City Football Group, as he will take on the position of Global Ambassador.

Guardiola will have a role similar to the one Jürgen Klopp currently holds. As per Fabrizio Romano, Pep will play a key role within City Football Group, providing technical guidance to clubs such as Manchester City, Girona, Palermo, ESTAC Troyes, Lommel SK, New York City, Esporte Clube Bahia, Montevideo City Torque, Yokohama F. Marinos, Melbourne City, Mumbai City, Shenzhen Peng City, and Club Bolívar, all of which belong to the same conglomerate.

With this in mind, Pep Guardiola would not be in a rush to take another managerial role with a national team, as he will remain linked to soccer through a more administrative position that gives him greater freedom. In addition, England would likely have to offer him a highly attractive project, as he will surely receive approaches from other national teams or even FC Barcelona.

The statue, which made its public debut during Messi’s high-profile promotional appearance in India for the “GOAT Tour” last winter, is being taken down after West Bengal state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee revealed that the structure had become a ticking time bomb.

“Engineers from the West Bengal government have officially determined that the statue of the Argentine football legend in Kolkata is structurally unsound,” Mukherjee stated to news agency AFP. “We have noted that the statue visibly sways in heavy winds”.

Because the giant monument is situated in a heavily congested, bustling downtown area, the lawmaker admitted that taking it down safely is “easier said than done”. Nevertheless, he emphasized that municipal crews plan to “remove the statue at the earliest opportunity“.

As an emergency stopgap, city workers have used industrial-strength ropes to anchor the structure and prevent it from swaying further while they finalize the demolition and removal logistics.

Chaos during Messi’s visit

The safety issues surrounding the monument add another troubled chapter to what was an incredibly volatile tour of India for the Inter Miami superstar. Following the initial unveiling of the monument, tens of thousands of raucous supporters packed into Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium eager to catch a glimpse of the icon.

However, Messi’s brief appearance—lasting no more than 15 minutes while flanked by an intense, restrictive security detail—sparked widespread frustration among the crowd.

The situation completely deteriorated when a series of major security breaches allowed dozens of pitch-invaders to bypass barriers and sprint onto the field to reach the Argentine captain. Fearing for Messi’s physical safety, his personal security team made the swift decision to evacuate him from Salt Lake Stadium ahead of schedule.

Messi’s abrupt exit triggered a full-blown riot in the stands. Infuriated fans began ripping up plastic stadium seats, throwing debris, and hurling projectiles onto the pitch and the surrounding running track, turning the stadium into a scene of absolute chaos.

Despite the frightening security breakdown in Kolkata, the rest of the Argentine maestro’s promotional tour across the subcontinent proceeded without further incident. Messi successfully traveled to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, participating in a variety of scheduled corporate events and youth clinics under significantly tighter security protocols.

On May 11, Scaloni released a preliminary list of 55 players in contention for the final 26 spots. But one of the most striking absences was Dybala, who despite a strong finish to the season at AS Roma was not included even in the extended pool, a decision that raised considerable eyebrows among Argentina supporters.

Speaking to DSports, Scaloni addressed the omission directly. “Paulo, it goes without saying that he is a great player. He has come back in an exceptional way with his team, they have qualified for the Champions League with a very strong showing from him. But this is how it always is: young players emerge who contribute, there are players who have consolidated themselves in that position, they deserve an opportunity, and we have made the decision to include other players,” the coach said.

One of the underlying factors in the decision is Dybala’s extended absence from the national team setup. His most recent call-up came in September 2024, when he contributed just 16 minutes across the World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia. Since then, he has missed every Argentina international window while other players, most notably Nico Paz and Emiliano Buendia, have established themselves in the squad.

Now 32, Dybala was also passed over with an eye on where Argentina is headed beyond this tournament. “There is no doubt about the quality he possesses; we love him, he is a spectacular guy, but we look at the present and what others can give us in the future. There are other world champions who were also left out, but this goes day by day, and we have made that decision,” Scaloni said.

The 2025-26 season was a challenging one for Dybala on multiple fronts. He first had to adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system at AS Roma before undergoing knee surgery that cost him a significant stretch of the campaign. He did contribute four assists across the final three matches of Roma’s five-game winning streak to clinch a Champions League qualification spot, but the timing of those performances came largely before Scaloni’s preliminary list was released, leaving him precious little opportunity to change the coach’s mind.

2022 World Cup winners already left out of the 2026 edition

While Dybala played a peripheral but meaningful role in the 2022 World Cup run, contributing 16 minutes in the semifinal and entering the final against France in time to clear one of Kylian Mbappe’s dangerous moments and convert his penalty in the shootout, that legacy was not enough to secure him a place in 2026. He is far from alone among the champions who have been passed over.

Of the 2022 title-winning squad, the players absent from Scaloni’s 55-man preliminary list are Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria. Of those, only Armani and Di María have officially retired from international football, while Foyth suffered an ACL injury that ruled him out of contention. The exclusions of Correa, Dybala and Gómez are entirely a matter of Scaloni’s own choosing.

Addressing the delay, the Albiceleste boss admitted that concerns persist over a handful of core squad members who are currently struggling to achieve full fitness. “As of right now, we still have some lingering doubts and a few fitness issues with specific players that we intend to resolve over the coming days,” Scaloni explained during an interview with DSports.

Scaloni emphasized that his primary selection criteria hinges entirely on players being at 100% physical capacity before tournament kickoff. “Our criteria remains exactly the same as always: it’s about current performance on the pitch and ensuring they arrive in the absolute best shape possible. Unfortunately, a few individuals are not quite there yet, so we are going to wait until the final hour to make our definitive decisions,” he added.

The 2022 World Cup-winning manager noted that delaying the announcement is an agonizing but necessary part of the job, adding that “it will be painful for some guys and joyful for others” when the final cuts are officially made.

Why Scaloni is delaying the roster reveal

Of the 48 nations competing in this expanded edition of the World Cup, Argentina are among a group of 16 countries that have chosen to withhold their official squad announcements until the final week.

While several rival nations have opted to publish preliminary 27– or 28-man rosters, FIFA rules dictate that all federations must slice those figures down to a hard limit of 26 players by the May 30 deadline. Scaloni’s strategy is designed to maximize his medical staff’s evaluation window, recognizing that tournament depth can make or break a title defense.

“I’ve learned from past experience that you can start a World Cup with one specific blueprint in mind, but as the matches unfold, the tournament forces you to adapt and change,” the Argentine manager reflected. “The roster selection is critical. It’s a 26-man group, and we are waiting until the very last second because every single player can prove to be important”.

Argentina’s upcoming World Cup warm-ups

To fine-tune their tactical system ahead of the group stage, Argentina will play two high-profile international friendlies on US soil. The reigning champions will first lock horns with Honduras on Saturday, June 6, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Following that clash, the squad will travel to Auburn, Alabama, to face Iceland on Tuesday, June 9, at Jordan-Hare Stadium for their final pre-tournament test.

Match Overview

With their Copa Sudamericana hopes already over, Independiente Petrolero and Racing Club enter the final Matchday looking to salvage some pride. Racing arrived with expectations of competing for a knockout-round spot, but inconsistent results led to an early elimination despite stronger overall numbers.

Independiente Petrolero endured an even tougher campaign, losing five matches while scoring just three goals and conceding 13. Now, both teams will aim to close their continental run with a much-needed win and give fans something to cheer about—don’t miss this matchup.

Match Overview

Group H’s top spot will be on the line when Rosario Central host Independiente del Valle in a high-stakes showdown despite both teams already clinching a place in the Round of 16. Rosario Central sit first with 13 points and only needs a draw to secure the top position.

Meanwhile, Independiente del Valle must not only win, but do so by at least three goals to overtake the Argentine side in the standings. With momentum and first place still at stake, expect an intense battle from start to finish—don’t miss this decisive Group H matchup.

Match Overview

Crystal Palace stands on the brink of history, entering their first-ever European final. Manager Oliver Glasner has prioritized this competition, sacrificing domestic form for a shot at continental glory. With a proven track record of winning European trophies, Glasner aims to deliver a historic title to Selhurst Park in what is expected to be his final season, cementing his legacy with the club.

Rayo Vallecano arrives in Leipzig with tremendous momentum, riding a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. After narrowly missing out on a European spot with an eighth-place finish in La Liga, this final represents their only path to the Europa League next season. For a club seeking its first-ever major trophy, the stakes could not be higher, and they are poised to be a highly competitive opponent.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs present a study in contrasts. Crystal Palace endured a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League, marked by a seven-game winless streak to end the season as they focused entirely on their European campaign. In contrast, Rayo Vallecano had a strong domestic season, finishing just one point shy of European qualification and entering this final in peak form.

The tactical battle will likely pit Crystal Palace‘s devastating counter-attack against Rayo Vallecano‘s possession-based style. The Eagles will look to absorb pressure and unleash the pace of Ismaïla Sarr and the physical presence of Jean-Philippe Mateta in transition. Rayo, meanwhile, will aim to control the tempo through their midfield, press high, and use their clinical finishing to break down Palace‘s organized defense.

For both clubs, this match is a winner-take-all scenario. The victor not only claims a historic first European trophy but also secures a coveted spot in next season’s Europa League. For the loser, the season ends in heartbreak with no European football to look forward to. The immense pressure and high stakes will define every moment of this final.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This final marks the first-ever official meeting between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano, adding an element of unpredictability to the occasion. Historically, Spanish clubs have dominated European finals against English opposition, winning nine consecutive encounters between 2006 and 2022. This trend gives a psychological edge to the La Liga side.

However, that long-standing Spanish dominance was broken in last season’s Conference League final when Chelsea defeated Real Betis. Crystal Palace will be determined to build on that result and start a new trend for Premier League clubs. This match represents a fresh chapter in the storied rivalry between English and Spanish football on the continental stage.

Statistically, Crystal Palace has been a first-half powerhouse in this competition, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two before halftime across their 16 matches. Rayo Vallecano has also been potent, scoring 27 goals in 14 games. Both teams have shown a tendency for physical play, with each side receiving over 1.5 cards in nine of their Conference League matches this season, suggesting a hard-fought contest is likely.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers face significant lineup decisions due to key injuries ahead of this historic final.

Crystal Palace will be without several players, most notably defender Chris Richards, whose ankle injury forces a change in the back three. Borna Sosa, Cheick Oumar Doucouré, and Eddie Nketiah are also sidelined. However, manager Oliver Glasner successfully rested key starters in the final league match, ensuring his core players are fresh for the final.

Rayo Vallecano is in slightly better shape but will miss Ilias Akhomach and Luiz Felipe due to thigh and hamstring injuries, respectively. Their absence will require adjustments, but the core of the team that went on a nine-match unbeaten run remains intact and ready for the challenge.

Crystal Palace Projected XI (3-4-2-1):
Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Riad; Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Munoz; Pino, Sarr; Mateta

This formation is designed to maximize Crystal Palace‘s counter-attacking threat. The midfield duo of Wharton and Kamada will provide defensive cover while looking to quickly move the ball to Pino and the explosive Sarr, who will support the central striker, Mateta.

Rayo Vallecano Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria; Valentin, Gumbau; Perez, Diaz, de Frutos; Camello

Rayo‘s setup focuses on controlling possession from the back. The double-pivot of Valentin and Gumbau is crucial for dictating the game’s tempo, while the attacking midfield trio will create chances for striker Sergio Camello.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices, so you can watch the game at home or on the go.

In addition to the Conference League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions. You can stream competitions like the FIFA World Cup, Ligue 1, and many more, making it an essential service for any soccer fan.

A subscription costs just $14.99/month, offering incredible value for the amount of live sports content available. It is the go-to destination for watching top European soccer in the United States.

SEE MORE: Complete Conference League TV schedule

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.

“I have always had a good relationship with Mbappé, also off the pitch. I always sent him many messages to try to get him to come to Madrid. We still haven’t been able to play properly, the way we want to, and win titles, but we will be able to turn that situation around. He is a good person; he always defends me in interviews or on the pitch, like against Benfica. I would also defend him. He is a legendary player who is going to define an era at Madrid,” Vinicius said, via Caze TV.

Despite Vinícius’ praise, they have not shown a strong on-field connection, as under Xabi, Kylian Mbappé was the focal point, whereas under Arbeloa, the Brazilian star became the main reference instead. In addition, they have only managed 19 goal contributions in 88 games, which is far from being a successful partnership. No coach has been able to bring out the best version of the duo on the pitch, raising doubts about possible tensions between them.

While the 25-year-old winger seeks to distance himself from rumours of a poor relationship between the two, Mbappé’s inner circle has reportedly leaked tensions with the Brazilian, as he allegedly wants to portray him as the “villain.” With José Mourinho reportedly lined up as the new head coach, both players could improve their on-pitch performance, which might help dispel the rumours of a strained relationship and strengthen the attack.

Kylian Mbappé’s role change could unlock partnership with Vinicius Jr.

Vinícius Júnior has become one of the best players in the world, having the entire left flank to shine. Because of this, the ‘freedom’ of movement of Kylian Mbappé makes him drift towards the Brazilian’s side, leaving the team without a natural centre-forward in key moments. With the possible arrival of José Mourinho, the French striker could undergo a role change within the team, enhancing the partnership for the 2026–27 season.

To boost the attacking performance of the Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé could be forced to take on a centre-forward role, replicating that of Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at the club. With this change, Vinícius Júnior would have the freedom to roam, finding the French striker in the box for finishes and also creating inside passing options. This not only enhances the 27-year-old striker, but also benefits the Brazilian, who could register more assists and goals.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Argentina is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, when La Albiceleste take on Honduras in an international friendly at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. The highly anticipated match will serve as a vital warm-up fixture before the reigning world champions launch their 2026 World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16.

As for his next game with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer has implemented break for the World Cup, with the 2026 regular season slated to resume after the international tournament concludes in mid-July. To jumpstart their defense of the MLS Cup trophy, the Herons will return to action by hosting the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.

During the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. The Argentine star most recently delivered a pair of brilliant assists against the Philadelphia Union, a match he was ultimately forced to leave early in the second half due to a minor hamstring strain.

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.

The Rossoneri have offered Andoni Iraola a contract until 2029, earning €4 million per season. After impressing at AFC Bournemouth, the Spaniard is considered one of the most promising coaches in Europe, seen as an ideal candidate for the sporting project. However, he also has strong offers from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite AC Milan’s project being quite attractive, Iraola has reportedly decided to reject Zlatan Ibrahimović’s offer. According to Bilbao Hiria, a Spanish media outlet, Andoni is surprised that such a historic club has a transfer budget only a third of what is offered by Crystal Palace, leading him to turn down the Italian side’s proposal. However, they are still attempting to reach an agreement, but are not in front race to secure his arrival.

Without access to the UEFA Champions League, AC Milan will be forced to reduce their transfer budget in the summer of 2026. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, they would have only $117 million, needing to reinforce several areas such as right-back, forwards, and even wingers. With this in mind, Andoni Iraola would have very limited room for manoeuvre, making his squad transformation significantly more difficult.

AC Milan may need major roster changes in the 2026-27 season

Throughout the 2025–26 season, AC Milan showed severe issues in their squad, with very limited rotation in several areas of the pitch. Unlike Massimiliano Allegri, head coach Andoni Iraola has consistently relied on a back four, a major shift that leaves the team without natural right-backs. In addition, the attack remains highly unproductive, with several players not at full fitness. For that reason, they may need a major overhaul for the 2026-27 season.

Both Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic have shown themselves to be difference-making wingers, offering dribbling and explosive pace changes. However, they lack reliable backups, as Christopher Nkunku failed to impress and Alexis Saelemaekers played more as a wing-back than a winger. In addition, Santiago Giménez did not provide enough guarantees, meaning a quality striker signing could be needed. With this in mind, a $117 million budget could prove quite limited.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, when they host Chile in an international friendly at the Estadio do Jamor in Oeiras, Portugal. The game will serve as a crucial tune-up fixture before the Selecao launch their 2026 World Cup campaign against Congo DR on June 17.

The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 973 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.

While Al-Nassr celebrates a historic campaign, speculation continues to grow around Jesus’ next move and whether Ronaldo could soon lose the coach who helped guide the club back to the top. Jorge Jesus officially announced his departure shortly after Al-Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title with a dominant 4-1 victory over Damac. The 71-year-old tactician had arrived with one clear objective: help Cristiano Ronaldo finally lift a major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

He completed the mission emotionally on the final day of the season. Ronaldo scored twice in the decisive victory, while Al-Nassr finished two points clear of Al-Hilal to secure its first league title since 2019.

Days later, Jesus has reflected on his journey in Saudi soccer and has made it clear that he feels proud of what he achieved during his time in the country. “I feel that I fulfilled my mission in the best possible way during these three years in Saudi football, and I left a clear mark here because of what I achieved,” Jesus told Brazilian/Portuguese soccer channel Canal GOAT.

The Portuguese coach also admitted that he still feels the same hunger for success despite his long career in management. “Today I have the same ambition I had when I won my very first title,” he explained. “I intend to continue adding more achievements. I do not know whether this is a final goodbye to Saudi soccer or simply one last farewell in the world of football; nothing is certain,” the veteran boss admitted.

Offers arriving from everywhere

The 71-year-old manager confirmed that interest in his services is already arriving from multiple directions. After winning another league title, the Portuguese coach remains one of the most sought-after managers on the market.“I am receiving offers from different teams, and fortunately, I have many good options for the 2026/27 season,” he revealed. “But I am not in a rush to make a final decision about which offer I will accept.”

Among the strongest rumors is the possibility of eventually taking charge of the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup. Jesus has previously described the Selecao role as one of his biggest ambitions.

There is also significant interest from Turkiye. Reports indicate that two of the country’s biggest clubs have already approached the coach, while speculation about a possible return to Fenerbahçe continues to intensify. Meanwhile, connections to South America have not disappeared either. Jesus confirmed he plans to spend time in Rio de Janeiro visiting close friends before deciding on his next challenge.

Al-Nassr pushes for stability

Despite the uncertainty, Al-Nassr is still trying to convince Jesus to continue leading the project. The club believes maintaining continuity could be essential after finally ending years of frustration in the title race.

Keeping the same manager would also help preserve the chemistry developed between Ronaldo and the squad. Throughout the season, the Knight of Najd evolved into one of the league’s most dangerous attacking teams, driven by the experience of Ronaldo and the tactical structure implemented by Jesus.

The possibility of a dramatic U-turn, therefore, cannot be ruled out. Saudi reports continue to suggest discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, even after the coach publicly announced his departure.

The latest figures have highlighted just how powerful Ronaldo’s impact remains in Saudi Arabia. From sold-out stadiums to enormous social media engagement, the Portuguese icon has transformed Al-Nassr into a globally recognized name since arriving in Riyadh in early 2023.

According to a study conducted by Euromericas Sport Marketing, Al-Nassr sold more than 1.2 million jerseys worldwide during the current season, a remarkable achievement for a club that only a few years ago had limited commercial visibility outside the Middle East. The report explained that Ronaldo’s arrival completely changed the club’s international profile.

His enormous fanbase helped turn the Al-Nassr shirt into a worldwide product, attracting supporters from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. The Saudi club’s rise also coincided with one of its most successful seasons in recent years. Al-Nassr secured its first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 after defeating Damac 4-1 on the final day, finishing two points ahead of Al-Hilal.

The 41-year-old superstar played a decisive role in that title victory. He scored twice in the championship-clinching match and ended the campaign with 28 league goals, finally lifting his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nassr officially enters global top 10

The commercial rewards quickly followed the sporting success. According to Euromericas Sport Marketing, via Arab News, Al-Nassr officially ranks 10th in the world for soccer jersey sales, becoming the only Arab and Asian club included in the global top 10. That achievement placed the Saudi club ahead of several historic European sides.

The report described it as evidence of the Saudi Pro League’s growing influence in world soccer. Real Madrid finished first globally with more than 3.13 million shirts sold, while Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain completed the top three. Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, Manchester United, Flamengo, and Chelsea were also included among soccer’s commercial giants.

Messi’s Inter Miami still far ahead

Despite Al-Nassr’s impressive rise, Inter Miami remained significantly ahead in the global rankings thanks to Lionel Messi’s enormous commercial power. The MLS club reportedly sold more than 2.1 million jerseys worldwide, placing it fifth overall.

The comparison once again showed the extraordinary marketing influence Messi and Ronaldo continue to have, even outside Europe. Both players have transformed their clubs into global brands capable of competing commercially with soccer’s traditional powerhouses.

Much like Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, Messi has elevated the visibility of MLS across international markets. The rivalry between the two legends has therefore expanded beyond goals and trophies. Their influence is now shaping global shirt sales, sponsorship opportunities, television audiences, and league popularity across different continents.

“As always, it will be painful for some guys and joyful for others, but that’s the way it is,” Scaloni said about the decision to trim the roster from 55 to 26 players during an interview with DSports shared Wednesday on social media.

Since May 11, the day Argentina submitted their preliminary roster to FIFA, reports indicate the coaching staff has narrowed its consideration down to around 35 players. Now comes the final cut to determine the 26 names that will compete in the World Cup, although that decision has not yet been made.

The deadline set by FIFA is June 1, and Scaloni and his assistants intend to wait as long as possible. That is due to the large number of players dealing with physical issues — around 10 in total — including Lionel Messi.

“We will confirm the roster in the coming days. We’ll wait until the very end to do it, honestly. I think it’s a decision that deserves that,” the head coach said regarding the timing of the final choice.

Scaloni explains how he wants Argentina to play at the World Cup

In the same conversation, Lionel Scaloni was clear about the style he wants Argentina to display during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: “I want my players to respect the culture and tradition of this jersey: always try to have the ball and, when we don’t have it, try not to concede goals. Get angry when we don’t have the ball, encourage teammates.”

He also sent a message to Argentina’s fans. “People identify with the team when they see the players giving everything and feeling it the same way they do,” Scaloni said. “Every player who wears this jersey gives everything, and we will go to this World Cup the same way, leaving everything for this jersey, respecting our culture, tradition, and the people who will spend a lot of money traveling to support us.”

Key dates for Argentina ahead of the World Cup

No later than June 1, Lionel Scaloni must confirm the 26-player roster that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From there, the team will travel to the United States for two friendly matches: June 6 against Honduras and three days later against Iceland. After that, Argentina will have a week off before opening their tournament against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.

According to Turkish transfer insider Erdal Bozkurt, Al Nassr have submitted an official €30 million ($32.6 million) package to Galatasaray for Sara. The lucrative proposal also reportedly includes a 20% sell-on clause, ensuring the Turkish giants would profit from any future transfer involving the player.

Securing the signature of the former Norwich City standout will be no easy task for the Saudi champions, however. Sara is currently attracting intense interest from a handful of elite English Premier League clubs eager to lure him back to the UK.

Per reporting from London-based outlet Football Insider, Sara has long been established as the primary transfer target for Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side prepared to push aggressively to finalize a deal this summer.

Additionally, the report indicates that Leeds United are closely monitoring the situation. Despite the competing interest, Sara’s personal transfer priority is reportedly a move to Aston Villa, following the Birmingham club’s recent triumph as UEFA Europa League champions.

How could Sara help Ronaldo at Al Nassr?

Injecting a player with Sara’s rare tactical flexibility would be a massive coup for the Al Nassr hierarchy. His consistent productivity in the Super Lig since joining Galatasaray—tallying seven goals and 12 assists across 58 appearances—highlights a dynamic skill set that would instantly elevate the Riyadh club’s midfield engine room.

The Brazilian’s elite playmaking vision makes him an ideal partner for Cristiano Ronaldo. Sara’s exceptional passing range and lethal ball-striking remain his greatest attributes.

As a proven specialist over long-range free kicks and corner deliveries, his precision from set-pieces would serve as a constant aerial weapon for Ronaldo inside the penalty box.

Al Nassr currently rely heavily on Croatian veteran Marcelo Brozovic as the anchor of its midfield. Sara would provide the squad with a much younger alternative who shares those exact same elite distribution qualities.

Fleshing out a deep midfield roster has become an absolute necessity for Al Nassr. Brozovic was sidelined with an injury during the critical final stretch of the season, forcing him to miss both the heartbreaking AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka and the triumphant Saudi Pro League title-clincher against Damac.

“Neymar is our idol. I have always had enormous affection for him, and he always defended me a lot too. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me: ‘damn it, Ancelotti didn’t call me up again, I’m really sad.’ But I would always tell him that the old man trusted him and that when the time came, he would take Ney… He always gave us a lot of morale. Being able to play with him again is going to be an honor,” Vinicius Jr. revealed, via Caze TV.

Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May 2025, Neymar Jr. has not been called up on any occasion, with Lucas Paquetá, Rodrygo, and Raphinha being preferred as attacking midfielders, leaving no place for the 34-year-old star. However, the head coach has decided to call him back to the national team, making it clear that he considers him fit for top-level competition and praising his strong role in the dressing room.

Unlike previous World Cup editions, Neymar is expected to have a secondary role with Brazil. Both Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá have proven to be key figures for Carlo Ancelotti, contributing defensive commitment and scoring power. However, the 34-year-old star still offers a level of creative quality that no one else in the squad provides, meaning he could still play an important role from the bench.

Neymar Jr.’s presence could boost Vinicius Jr. impact with Brazil

Vinícius Júnior has become one of the best players in the world, shining for Real Madrid. However, he has not managed to stand out with Brazil, scoring only eight goals and providing eight assists in 47 matches. Although the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti seemed key to boosting his best version, he has not significantly improved his impact either. Because of this, the presence of Neymar could be decisive in unlocking his best form.

Neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have managed to establish themselves as truly differential creative hubs for Brazil. In contrast, Neymar is a player who attracts multiple defenders, freeing Vinícius Júnior on the wing so he can operate with more freedom. In addition, the 34-year-old star can deliver precise through balls and brilliantly identify passing lanes. With this, the 25-year-old star would have better scoring opportunities.

In what Modric has described as his childhood club, the 40-year-old made an immediate impact in his debut season, revitalizing Milan’s midfield in a way that surprised many who had doubted his ability to perform at that level. However, the 2-1 defeat to Cagliari on the final day cost the Rossoneri their Champions League qualification spot, and with the veteran set to turn 41 in September, speculation about his next move is already swirling.

According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, Modric is “oriented to announce” his retirement from professional soccer once his participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes. The immediate priority remains representing Croatia at what would be his fifth World Cup, with a formal announcement expected to follow.

La Gazzetta dello Sport‘s Marco Guidi has also reported that Modric could have played his final game for AC Milan, grouping him alongside Rafael Leao among players whose futures at the club are genuinely uncertain. Had Milan secured Champions League play, a contract extension would have been almost a foregone conclusion, but without it, the Croatian veteran will carefully consider his options.

The broader situation at the club adds further complexity. Milan have gone through a sweeping overhaul in the front office and coaching setup, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who had a close relationship with Modric, among those departing. Starting over from scratch under a new structure holds little appeal for a player who arrived in Milan driven by competitive ambition.

In his debut season, Modric made 37 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists, and remarkably returned for the final game against Cagliari even after suffering a cheekbone fracture, donning a protective mask to show his commitment to the club. Yet that cameo, as symbolic as it was, could prove to have been the final act of his club career.

Arguments in favor of Modric staying at AC Milan

With virtually the entire executive structure at Milan set for a reset and only Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining as a familiar face, the absence of Champions League revenue will further constrain the club’s financial flexibility. On the surface, that environment would seem unattractive for a player of Modric’s ambition, but several personal factors could still tip the balance toward one final season in Italy.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric has settled happily into life in Milan, where the unwavering affection of the supporters has meant a great deal to him, and his daughter has even joined the club’s youth setup. The 2026-27 season in the Europa League could be framed as a “redemption year” at the club of his idol Zvonimir Boban, and the dream of winning a trophy with Milan, something he has spoken about repeatedly since his arrival, has not yet been realized.

Fabregas said in a press conference after the celebrations: “We have started talking recently, not much, but a little bit (…) Let his people work, let our people work, and let’s talk with Real Madrid.”

Paz was not part of the team that beat Cremonese on Sunday because he was dealing with a knee injury. With an Argentina World Cup call-up looking likely, he did not want to take any risks. Even though Como won the match, their future looks brighter with him.

Fabregas on Paz’s intention

A player choosing to stay on the bench instead of playing in an important match in order to avoid risks does not seem like a good sign for any club, but that concern was probably left behind after Como finished the season the way it wanted to.

Playing in Europe’s top competition was a major reason to hope they could keep the talented midfielder for one more year, which appears to be his intention, according to what the coach described.

Fabregas said: “You can see how much he cares, and the way he was on the bench the other day, even without playing, he felt it more than anyone. That speaks for itself, doesn’t it? So… we will see what happens.”

Paz’s buyback clause

Fabregas was referring to Real Madrid because they still control Paz’s future, even over Como. The reason is simple: the Spanish giants included a buyback clause when they sold him to Como. This summer, the price to bring him back would be just 9 million euros, which looks like a bargain. The player’s market value is around 60 million euros.

The momentum behind Mourinho’s appointment hit a pause when Perez called for elections, with candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly committing to sign a Spanish player from the World Cup squad if elected. While that political dimension has introduced some uncertainty into the process, Mourinho is reportedly already analyzing the squad and identifying the areas that need reinforcing.

According to Diario AS, Mourinho’s assessment of the current Real Madrid setup has led him to push for one or two center backs, one or two fullbacks, a defensive midfielder and a creative midfielder, with the emphasis placed on roles rather than specific names. While some positions are considered higher priority than others, these six areas are viewed as the structural foundation of the project Mourinho wants to build in Madrid.

The Spanish outlet reports that the defensive midfielder and the creative midfielder are the two positions Mourinho considers most urgent. In the holding midfield role, Aurelien Tchouameni remains the only natural option in the squad, meaning a new signing would offer both depth and direct competition for the position.

The creative midfielder is arguably the bigger concern. Real Madrid have lacked that profile since the departure of Toni Kroos and now the exit of Luka Modric, leaving a void that has never been properly filled. AS reports that Mourinho is eager to bring in a player of the mold of Fredrik Aursnes, whom he managed at Benfica.

On the defensive side, the departures of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have created openings at center back and right back, while the futures of Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga and Fran García remain unresolved. Should any or all of them leave, the list of positions requiring reinforcement would expand further across a squad Mourinho believes needs rebuilding in every line except goal and attack.

Mourinho would force Real Madrid to spend €15 million before a single player is signed

With the 2025-26 Portuguese season already concluded, Mourinho is expected to depart Benfica, though his contract running through June 2027 remains a complicating factor. Real Madrid will need to resolve that situation before any coaching appointment can be formalized, and the cost of doing so has already increased significantly.

As reported by Diario AS, Mourinho’s release clause at Benfica was set at seven million euros but expired on May 26. With the process having stalled, the applicable compensation has now risen to 15 million euros, equivalent to the manager’s gross salary at Benfica, though that figure could be subject to negotiation in direct talks between the two clubs.

Riquelme said: “Real Madrid does not have a single player in the Spanish national team. In the 16 World Cups that have taken place, there have always been Real Madrid players involved. As a Madrid fan, that frustrates me, but there is a solution. If I become Real Madrid president, there will be a Spanish national team player at the World Cup who belongs to Real Madrid.”

While Riquelme did not name any player, the clue offers a big hint about who he may have been referring to after promising to sign two top players. From the list of 26 players, eight are from Barcelona, so those can be ruled out unless there is another Luis Figo-type betrayal, which does not seem very likely.

The player Riquelme may be referring to

The goalkeepers, apart from Joan García, can also be ruled out, with Real Madrid already having Thibaut Courtois. Among the defenders who do not play for Barcelona, the names that stand out are Marcos Llorente and Marc Cucurella, but they would not be major-impact signings for a club like Real Madrid.

Martín Zubimendi is another name that fits the profile. However, Arsenal are unlikely to sell a player they just bought for 65 million euros. Mikel Merino is also on the list and plays for an English club, but he occupies a position Real Madrid already have covered.

The answer may be in midfield, with the player every fan wants: Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder has been linked with the club recently and would fill a position the team lacks. Even if Riquelme did not name him, his words could point in that direction.

The forwards include some interesting options as well. With Lamine Yamal ruled out, Nico Williams looks like the strongest possibility, but his preferred role on the left wing would not fit Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius. Mikel Oyarzabal is another possible name, albeit he is unlikely to be the one, since it would not represent a major impact for the club.

The manager

The other major task for the new president is choosing the right manager to replace Álvaro Arbeloa. Most see José Mourinho as the main candidate for Pérez, but Riquelme’s words also fit the Portuguese coach, especially when he was asked about his preferred option. Riquelme said: “He is not free. We finalized the manager before announcing the candidacy.”

Match Overview

Already assured of first place in the group, Flamengo enter their final group-stage match looking to stay sharp and continue their dominant run after collecting 13 points through five games. Meanwhile, Cusco arrive with only one point and no chance of advancing.

But the Peruvian side will still be motivated to chase a historic result against one of South America’s biggest clubs. Even with the standings already decided, this matchup promises plenty of intensity, so make sure not to miss the action live.

Match Overview

The final Matchday in Group D of the Copa Sudamericana promises major drama, with all four teams still alive in the race to advance. Deportivo Cuenca can still fight for first place with a win and some help elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Santos sit bottom of the table with four points but remains in contention for second place depending on the result between San Lorenzo and Recoleta FC. With so much at stake, this matchup is shaping up to be a must-watch showdown.

Güler said: “The truth is that we had a great relationship, and I felt like he had handed me the keys, which was exactly what I was looking for, honestly. Now he has signed for Chelsea, and I wish him all the best. Of course, we still keep texting each other.”

The midfielder was an important player for Alonso during his time there, even if the team never seemed to click as a unit. Albeit Güler showed flashes of his talent, including his goal against Elche from near the halfway line, he was not able to stay consistently influential under Alvaro Arbeloa.

Alonso congratulated Güler

Even after the manager had left the club, the player recalled how Alonso congratulated him for his performance in the team’s loss to Bayern Munich. Güler said: “After the match, he told me he was very proud of me, and I was really happy to see the message. I hope God clears the path for him. I think he is a truly great manager.”

One part of Alonso’s leadership that may be difficult for star players to handle is the tactical discipline he demands from everyone, but that was never a problem for Güler, who also had positive things to say about him in that regard.

Güler said: “When he calls you into his office and explains something about tactics, it’s very hard not to be convinced. He knows exactly what you are capable of and exactly what he can bring to your game. He was probably someone who woke up every day thinking about how to improve that player and how to communicate with him.”

Güler on Carlo Ancelotti

The player also had the chance to be coached by Carlo Ancelotti. Since he had just arrived at Real Madrid, it was natural that he would not play many minutes in a squad full of talent. Still, the manager told him something very encouraging. Güler said: “Ancelotti told me, ‘You will be one of the best midfielders of the future.’”

Inter Miami’s official medical update on Monday, which diagnosed the superstar with a muscle overload, brought a collective sigh of relief to both fans and the Argentina camp, effectively ruling out a severe structural tear. However, Messi’s availability for Argentina‘s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies and their highly anticipated tournament opener against Algeria on June 16 remains a looming question mark that will be resolved in the coming days.

In an interview with Argentine outlet DSports, Scaloni recounted the exact moment he witnessed Messi’s injury scare, striking a direct and composed tone: “The coaching staff and I were watching the Inter Miami match against Philadelphia here at the training ground, and we saw that he asked to be substituted and wasn’t doing well. The first reports aren’t that bad. We hope nothing serious has happened to him, and now we will see exactly how his recovery progresses.“

The reigning world champions have already launched preliminary preparations, with several players reporting to the Ezeiza training complex in Buenos Aires before the delegation flies to Kansas City to officially open their World Cup base camp on June 1. With less than a week until the full squad converges, Scaloni is taking a cautious, day-by-day approach to managing Messi’s workload ahead of the summer showcase.

Reflecting on the physical toll of a grueling club season, Scaloni expressed disappointment that his talisman—along with several other key figures—won’t be starting the international window at peak health. “I imagine they will run medical examinations on him. We all would have liked him to arrive without any kind of issues. But that isn’t the case; most of the players who had problems are still not fully recovered, and the goal is to try to get Lio recovered so he arrives in the best possible shape,” he added.

With as many as 10 players currently navigating injuries and fitness concerns, Scaloni has yet to finalize the definitive 26-man roster that will defend Argentina’s crown at the 2026 World Cup. While several of the tournament’s heavy favorites have already begun unveiling their rosters, the Argentine tactician intends to maximize his timeline, holding out until the official June 1 deadline to lock in his squad.

Scaloni keeps door open for roster surprises ahead of World Cup

While only 26 players will ultimately make the trip to the World Cup, Scaloni opted to name an expanded 30-man provisional roster for the upcoming exhibition matches against Honduras and Iceland. Crucially, with standard right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel both sidelined with injuries, the Argentina manager confirmed that Palmeiras’ Agustin Giay and Hamburg’s Nicolas Capaldo will join the squad for the warm-up tour.

When pressed on whether these late additions have a legitimate shot at making the final cut, Scaloni didn’t hesitate to validate their standing. “There are more than three. There’s Agustin Giay, Capaldo… They can contribute to us as well. They are kids we think could be on the 26-man list. The other three, too. Beyond the fact that they are young and we are thinking about the future, everything we do is with the mindset that they can contribute to us in case something happens after the first list is finalized up until the first match, when we still have time to make changes,” he expressed.

During an interview with FCBayernESports shared on Instagram, Olise took part in a game that involved naming the best player from six different national teams. When it came to Portugal, the winger made a surprising choice by not selecting Ronaldo.

“Let me say… Bruno,” Olise replied, referring to Fernandes. It is a logical choice considering the attacking midfielder’s outstanding season with Manchester United, where he established himself as the Premier League’s top performer. Still, the answer also reflects how time is gradually moving CR7 away from the dominant role he held with Portugal for nearly two decades.

North America 2026 will almost certainly be Ronaldo’s final major international tournament, as it is difficult to imagine him continuing much longer with the national team, let alone reaching UEFA Euro 2028. In that inevitable generational transition, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Ruben Dias appear set to become the new leaders of the squad.

Olise’s other selections

In addition to naming Bruno Fernandes over Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, Michael Olise also selected the best players from several other countries. For Germany, the decision was easy, as he chose his Bayern Munich teammate Joshua Kimmich. The same happened with England: “Harry” was his response, referring to Kane.

Lamine Yamal was chosen by Olise as Spain’s standout player, while Lionel Messi earned that recognition for Argentina, as expected. Interestingly, when asked about Brazil, the French winger hesitated before admitting: “I don’t know.”

Olise prepares for his first World Cup

With 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 matches for Bayern Munich across all competitions this season, Michael Olise arrives at his first major international tournament in outstanding form.

He made his debut for France less than two years ago, shortly following UEFA Euro 2024, having decided against representing England internationally. Since then, his performances have earned him an increasingly important role under Didier Deschamps. At this point, it appears clear that France’s attacking trio at the World Cup will feature him alongside Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.

Ronaldo will secure the first milestone the moment he steps onto the pitch. By making a single appearance, he will become the first player in soccer history to feature in six different World Cup editions, building on his previous campaigns in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), and Qatar (2022).

However, he likely won’t hold this distinction alone. International rivals Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa enter the tournament with the exact same opportunity, having matched Ronaldo’s appearances across those same five historical editions.

In pushing to lead his country to international glory, Ronaldo could also establish a record that may never be broken. If Portugal secure their first-ever star, Cristiano would become the oldest player to ever win a World Cup.

He would surpass the iconic benchmark held by Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who was 40 years and 133 days old when he lifted the trophy in 1982. Ronaldo will be 41 years old by the time the 2026 final kicks off.

Ronaldo aims for scoring records

While the Al Nassr forward sits too far back to challenge the all-time tournament scoring record—where Germany’s Miroslav Klose sits at the summit with 16 goals compared to Ronaldo’s eight—the Portuguese marksman still has an impressive individual scoring milestone in his sights.

To date, Ronaldo stands as the only player in history to score at least one goal in five different World Cup tournaments. That exclusive record is currently under direct threat from Messi, who could equal the feat by finding the back of the net in North America. However, a single goal from Ronaldo would instantly elevate him into a stratosphere of his own as the only player to score in six consecutive editions.

The legendary forward could also cement his status as Portugal’s ultimate international icon. A single goal during the tournament would allow Ronaldo to equal the long-standing benchmark set by the legendary Eusebio, who scored nine goals to establish himself as the highest World Cup goal scorer in Portugal’s history.

Ronaldo battling Messi for one final mark

The final milestone within Cristiano’s reach currently belongs to Messi. While the Portuguese icon has logged 22 World Cup appearances over his historic career, the Argentine playmaker sits atop the all-time category with 26 matches played. Messi’s record is locked in to increase to 29 matches before the knockout rounds, while Ronaldo’s tally is projected to reach 25.

This head-start makes the all-time appearance record an incredibly steep mountain for the Portuguese forward to climb, as overtaking Messi would require an elite tournament run from Portugal coupled with an unprecedentedly early exit for the defending champions.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, formerly Twitter, the Citizens have secured the arrival of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach. With a contract until 2029, the Italian manager returns to Manchester City after his brilliant spell at Chelsea to lead a long-term project. In addition, he will reportedly have a very important role in the club’s transfer strategy, being a decisive factor in his arrival.

Enzo Maresca has already had two spells at Manchester City, with his first coming between 2020 and 2021 with the U-23 team, and the second as assistant to Pep Guardiola between 2022 and 2023. With this in mind, the Italian manager arrives already knowing the sporting structure, making him a continuation of the sporting project. In addition, he has already shown brilliant managerial talent, leading Chelsea to be 2025 FIFA Club World Cup winners.

Although the Citizens took a fairly safe step, replacing Pep Guardiola is not easy at all. Following this, Bernardo Silva and John Stones have left the team, while Rodri is reportedly pushing to leave for Real Madrid. Along with this, Joško Gvardiol is reportedly seeking a transfer to Bayern Munich. With this in mind, Enzo Maresca has the difficult task of convincing players to remain at the club, shaping a promising project after Guardiola’s expell.

Report: Manchester City eye Elliot Anderson as Maresca’s priority

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Bernardo Silva has remained a key pillar of Manchester City, providing structure and distributing the ball brilliantly. Despite having a renewal offer on the table, he has decided to leave as a free agent. With this in mind, Manchester City have already decided to pursue his replacement in midfield, identifying Elliot Anderson as a priority target for Enzo Maresca.

According to Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs via teamTALK, the Citizens are pushing for the signing of Elliot Anderson. Following Bernardo Silva’s departure, the English midfielder could become the new creative hub in midfield, offering a balance between defense and attack. However, Nottingham Forest are demanding a €140 million transfer fee, while Manchester City are offering €107 million, creating a significant gap in negotiations.

Alongside Elliot Anderson, Manchester City face the difficult task of convincing Rodri to stay at the club, and they are already working on his renewal. However, Nico González is reportedly considering a departure via transfer in the summer of 2026, as he has not enjoyed much playing time. Because of this, Enzo Maresca appears to have a serious problem in defining his midfield, making it the main issue to solve before the start of the 2026–27 season.

Pérez said: “From Figo to Mbappé, none arrived alone. They were the result of a vision and a determination we cannot lose. The arrival of the world’s best players will not be a dream. It will continue to be a reality.”

That was just part of a long message Pérez delivered in a video narrated by himself, with Real Madrid’s anthem playing in the background, in which he highlighted everything the club has improved and won during his tenure.

The full message

“Running the world’s biggest club isn’t something you can improvise. You need to think long-term and be able to stay the course. We have transformed Real Madrid into the world’s most valuable club, with the highest revenue, the best reputation, and the most valuable brand on the planet.

But the world changes every day, and leadership cannot be taken for granted. We must keep working day by day. The greatest era in the history of world football is not over. Sixty-six titles, including seven Champions League trophies, set the standard for everything still to come. New nights that will seem impossible, but that we will experience together once again.

From Figo to Mbappé, none arrived alone. They were the result of a vision and a determination we cannot lose. The arrival of the world’s best players will not be a dream. It will continue to be a reality.

The new Bernabéu is the most advanced stadium on the planet. It is proof that this club thinks in decades, not seasons. Every stone in the upcoming expansion of Valdebebas carries the same commitment: building the best environment for always winning.

Madrid’s greatness is not measured only by titles. It is measured by the children who learn, and by the people this club helps shape. The same jersey used to win Champions League trophies is also a commitment to living by values. This is the Real Madrid Foundation. This is the Real Madrid University. This is who we are.

Remaining the best club in the world means continuing to work tirelessly in management, technology, and fan experience. Every year, without stopping. While others watch, we continue creating new ways to lead the world of sports and entertainment.

Real Madrid does not belong to any president. It belongs to its members. To those who, since childhood, have cried and laughed wearing the same jersey. It was always you, and it always will be.

Because greatness cannot be improvised or inherited. And because the best club in the world never stops.”

The elections

Pérez remains the favorite to win the election, which will appoint a president for four years, but this time he will not be the only person seeking the role. The other candidate Real Madrid fans can vote for is businessman Enrique Riquelme, 37. The election is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, one day before Pope Leo XIV visits the Santiago Bernabéu.

The USMNT’s official World Cup squad was released on Tuesday, May 26, with the 26 players who made the cut. The decision to bring 10 defenders, five of them center backs and five fullbacks, drew immediate attention given that it left the squad with six midfielders and seven forwards, prompting questions about the balance of the group.

When asked to explain the fullback selections, Pochettino pointed to the positional versatility many of those players bring. “(Some fullbacks) can be wingers too. Sergiño Dest plays more as a winger or midfielder. And Tim Weah is more of a winger or striker and can play in different positions,” he said, referencing a group that also includes Max Arfsten, Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman and Joe Scally.

On the five center backs, Pochettino cited both tactical logic and injury risk management as driving factors behind the decision to select Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson and Auston Trusty. “It’s important to have enough bodies at center back, that’s why we have five, for different reasons. In the way that we assessed the situation of the 54 players on the provisional roster, we decided to include five because we wanted to be sure that we don’t take any risks,” the head coach said.

Noting that players like Tyler Adams, Cristian Roldan and Sebastián Berhalter could cover midfield roles, Pochettino further reinforced his point about positional flexibility across the squad. “Sergiño Dest in his club plays there, Alex Freeman as well. When we played against Jamaica, we used Antonee Robinson as a midfielder, and Tim Weah played as a winger there,” he added.

Pochettino seeking maximum flexibility in his squad

Across his 24 games in charge of the USMNT, Pochettino has consistently shown a willingness to change his shape and personnel depending on the opponent. While he has most frequently deployed a back four, the Argentine has also used a back three in significant matches against Uruguay, Ecuador and Japan, among others.

That tactical adaptability is something Pochettino views as central to the team’s World Cup approach. “I think of plenty of possibilities to play. What we wanted to provide to the team is to have the best players and the right players to make the roster, and have this flexibility with different players so as not to give the opponent the ability to say, ‘We know exactly how they’re going to play,‘” he said.

With friendly matches against Senegal and Germany on the horizon as final preparation, Pochettino believes that versatility will be a defining asset for the United States in the tournament itself. “We want to be flexible in a tactical way, and this roster gives us the possibility to play with a back four, a back three, with one holding midfielder, or without a holding midfielder and with more offensive players in front of the back three,” he added.

“Lamine has a lot of desire and a lot of hope. We have to take advantage of the moment, and this is his moment… We don’t know if he’ll make the next World Cup,” De La Fuente said during a recent interview with RTVE.

That final sentence, as striking as it may sound, makes sense in the context in which the coach said it. He was discussing how to manage the physical workload of the players in the squad, especially those who have recently dealt with injuries, considering the demands of a World Cup schedule.

“The necessary risks will be taken when it comes to a World Cup,” Luis explained, making it clear that, in the case of a decisive match, there will be no hesitation about using players coming off injuries given the importance of the FIFA tournament. “Our focus goes beyond the first match.”

De La Fuente praises Yamal

In the same conversation, Luis De La Fuente was asked whether Lamine Yamal is the best player among the 1,248 players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “He has great talent, above average, and a desire to be important,” the coach began. “Lamine will be better if his teammates help him.”

He also referenced the winger’s young age and how that often creates extra scrutiny around everything he does, even away from the field: “The least important part of him is what gets sold, the more frivolous side. An 18-year-old kid who trains three hours a day, has a personal trainer, a recovery specialist… How is he not going to go out and celebrate one day? That’s not what matters. After doing all that work, of course you can enjoy yourself.”

Spain’s injury concerns ahead of the World Cup

In addition to Lamine Yamal’s situation, with the Barcelona star sidelined for several weeks, other Spanish stars have also reached the end of the season dealing with physical issues. The clearest case is Mikel Merino, who was included in the 26-player roster despite having played only 28 minutes for Arsenal since January.

“We’ve spoken with the doctors from every club. In England, with Athletic regarding Nico (Williams). The relationship with all the clubs is good,” the coach explained. “These players are progressing well physically in terms of recovery. I think they can be ready for the first match, but we’ll evaluate whether it’s best for them to play in that opening game.”

Spain will make their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 15 against Cape Verde, while six days later they will face Saudi Arabia. However, their first major test will come in the final Group H match, when they take on Uruguay on June 26. By then, the team’s biggest stars are expected to be available.

The AC Milan forward is set to be the undisputed face of the program once again, reprising the leading role he played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Stars and Stripes were eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands.

Pochettino’s attacking arsenal features plenty of in-form firepower, including Coventry City striker Haji Wright, who played a monumental role in guiding his club to Premier League promotion with a spectacular 17-goal campaign. Joining Wright and Pulisic in the final third are dangerous scoring threats Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Alejandro Zendejas.

However, the roster announcement is not without its heartbreak. Chief among the major absences is Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who was ruled out after suffering a high-grade right ankle sprain accompanied by joint damage and a partial ligament tear.

On the tactical side, Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann stands out as the most prominent healthy snub, missing the tournament entirely due to a direct coaching decision by Pochettino.

Official USMNT 2026 World Cup roster

• Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
• Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
• Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille)
• Forwards: Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

The USMNT’s World Cup group stage path

The United States enter the tournament securely placed as the top-seeded team in Group D, drawing competitive matchups against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.

The host nation’s journey officially kicks off on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with a crucial opening match against Paraguay. The Americans will then travel north to Seattle’s Lumen Field for their second group fixture against Australia on June 19, before returning to Southern California to wrap up the group stage against Turkey on June 25.

According to La Repubblica, head coach Luciano Spalletti is pressuring Juventus to complete the signing of Mohamed Salah. After helping him shine at AS Roma, the Egyptian star could once again have more prominence in Serie A, while also competing in the UEFA Europa League. Nevertheless, they would have to compete against Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and even the Saudi Pro League, which can offer a higher salary.

Despite not having his best season, Mohamed Salah has managed to post solid numbers, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 41 matches with Liverpool. With this, he surpasses the performances of Kenan Yıldız, showing that he could deliver a differential impact at Juventus. In addition, the Egyptian star could be key to developing the potential of Francisco Conceição, who has yet to fully take a step forward.

Juventus do not have an easy task in securing the signing of Mohamed Salah. While they have a highly competitive sporting project, they might not be able to offer an astronomical salary. Unlike them, Fenerbahçe are reportedly open to offering him a contract valued at €60 million. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old star might not accept any offer until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Report: Juventus plotting moves for Alisson and Andrew Robertson

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, Juventus are determined to give a radical turn to their sporting project, making it more competitive. For this, head coach Luciano Spalletti appears to be targeting veteran players capable of making an immediate impact, led by Mohamed Salah. Nevertheless, the Italian side are also reportedly pursuing two of his former teammates from Liverpool: Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson.

Despite being an undisputed starter for Arne Slot, Alisson Becker reportedly wants to leave Liverpool toward Juventus, according to Fabrizio Romano. With this in mind, Tuttosport reveals that Damien Comolli, executive of the Bianconeri, has submitted an offer of €5 million plus bonuses to the Reds. In addition, they have reportedly offered the 33-year-old star goalkeeper a three-year contract worth €4.5 million per season.

While the deal for Alisson Becker continues to progress, the Vecchia Signora appear to be losing the signing of Andrew Robertson. According to Nicolò Schira, the 32-year-old left-back has reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur on a contract until 2028. While Juventus showed interest in his services, their salary offer was reportedly not as strong, causing them to miss out on his signing.

For years, the number has represented greatness, legacy, and leadership. From Pele to Kaka, and Ronaldinho, Brazil’s No. 10 has carried enormous weight, and the discussion intensified again after Vinicius publicly addressed the issue while preparing for the upcoming tournament.

Brazil’s number 10 shirt has always stood apart from ordinary squad numbers. Legends such as Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka transformed it into one of soccer’s most recognizable symbols across generations.

After Neymar suffered a devastating ACL injury against Uruguay in October 2023, the shirt temporarily changed hands inside the Selecao setup. During his absence, players including Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Raphinha all wore the number at different moments.

That naturally created speculation about whether a new era had officially begun. Vinicius, now one of the biggest stars in world soccer after his rise with Real Madrid, appeared to many fans as the logical long-term successor.

Vinicius finally addresses the situation

The uncertainty surrounding the shirt continued until Vinicius finally made his feelings clear in an interview with CazeTV. Rather than pushing for the number himself, the Brazilian forward openly showed respect toward Neymar and his place in the national team hierarchy. “I don’t know what number I’ll wear at the World Cup, but the No. 10 belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious,” Vinicius said.

The statement immediately attracted attention across Brazil and beyond. Many supporters praised the winger for recognizing Neymar’s importance to the national team despite growing calls for a generational transition ahead of the World Cup.

Neymar set to make history if he appears at 2026 World Cup

After spending nearly three years away from major international action due to injury problems, Neymar has finally returned to full fitness. His strong form with Santos convinced Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The timing of that comeback changed the conversation around the No. 10 shirt almost instantly. Vinicius’ comments effectively confirmed that Neymar will reclaim the number once the national team begins its campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Neymar personally, the moment carries enormous historical significance. If he wears Brazil’s No. 10 at the 2026 World Cup, he will become the first Brazilian player ever to use the iconic shirt in four different World Cups.

At the center of the speculation is a standout La Liga season in which Milla has elevated his reputation as one of the most consistent creators in Spain. His passing range, set-piece delivery, and vision have made him a key figure for Getafe, attracting attention from multiple clubs across Europe and the Middle East.

Reports from Spain indicate that Al-Nassr is prepared to activate a $7 million clause to bring Milla to Riyadh. The figure stems from an earlier agreement between the player and Getafe, reduced from a much higher release clause due to his contract situation.

“Al-Nassr is closing in on the signing of Getafe central midfielder Luis Milla for a fee of around €6 million ($7m)”, Spanish newspaper Marca has reported. The move is being described as a potential career-defining contract for the 31-year-old midfielder, who is weighing one of the biggest decisions of his career.

The appeal of joining a squad built around Cristiano Ronaldo is significant, with Milla also potentially linking up with players such as Joao Felix, Marcelo Brozovic, and Ínigo Martinez. The idea of becoming part of a title-winning project in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly a strong factor in his decision-making process.

Contrasting reports cast doubt

While early reports suggested a deal was nearing completion, new claims have complicated the narrative. Some sources in Saudi Arabia have directly denied the transfer links, creating uncertainty around the entire story.

“The rumours linking Luis Milla to the club are completely false. The Spanish midfielder from Getafe is not heading to Riyadh this summer”, Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). This statement has fueled confusion, especially given how advanced earlier reports appeared to be.

When there are a lot of middlemen and different marketplaces at play, the transfer story can change very fast, as this conflict shows. What initially looked like a near-done deal now appears far less certain.

Defining decision ahead

Milla is expected to make a final decision in the coming days after completing what has been described as the best season of his career. Despite the reported Saudi interest, Milla is not short of alternatives. Clubs such as Villarreal, Real Betis, Olympiacos, and Como have all been linked with the midfielder.

The key attraction for Villarreal is the opportunity to remain in La Liga while also competing in the UEFA Champions League. That option is seen as a major sporting incentive, contrasting sharply with the financial pull coming from Saudi Arabia.

FIFA has officially partnered with Lenovo, naming the tech giant the Official Technology Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The company is actively developing several major visual upgrades for the North American showcase, with its main innovations directly impacting the VAR ecosystem.

The centerpiece of this collaboration is the integration of advanced, generative AI-enabled 3D avatars built from the real physical likenesses of the players. With these 3D models, semi-automated offside VAR replays will showcase the actual digital twins of the players involved, completely replacing the generic, computerized mannequins used in previous tournaments.

Additionally, Lenovo will infuse AI technology into the referees’ body cameras, optimizing their operating systems to ensure stability. The technology partnership also extends into the fan experience, designing immersive tools for live match broadcasts and interactive city-guided applications for traveling supporters.

“We believe the upcoming 2026 World Cup will be the event with the deepest AI integration in sports history,” explained Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang. “We are going to see AI integrated into the fabric of the sport, focused on the most famous players, and we will also see the referee’s camera in action, which will be incredibly engaging for the viewing public”.

The 13 rule changes set for the 2026 World Cup

Beyond the broadcast upgrades, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved 13 comprehensive regulation adjustments scheduled to debut at the tournament. These updates focus heavily on increasing the pace of play, expanding VAR protocols, and refining the game’s foundational laws.

Pace of play initiatives

• Throw-in countdown: Players will face a strict five-second countdown to take a throw-in. Exceeding the limit results in the throw-in being awarded to the opposing team.
• Goal kick delays: Goalkeepers will have a maximum of five seconds to execute a goal kick. Unjustified delays will penalize the team by awarding a corner kick to the opponent.
• Timed substitutions: Substituted players must completely exit the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so forces the incoming player to wait on the sideline for one full minute of active play before being allowed onto the field.
• On-field medical treatment: If a player receives medical evaluation or treatment on the pitch, they must leave the field and remain on the sideline for exactly one minute (with the game clock running) after play has resumed.

VAR protocol adjustments

• Second yellow cards: VAR is now authorized to intervene in red-card situations that result from a clearly incorrect or erroneous second yellow card.
• Mistaken identity: Video officials can directly correct the head referee if a yellow or red card is accidentally shown to the wrong player.
• Corner kick reviews: VAR can alert the referee if a corner kick was clearly and wrongly awarded, provided the review is immediate and does not disrupt the flow of play.

Modifications to the Laws of the Game

• Law 3 (The players): Teams will be permitted up to eight substitutions in senior ‘A’ international friendly matches, with the option to extend that number to 11 if both nations reach a mutual agreement prior to kickoff.
• Law 4 (The players’ equipment): The use of non-dangerous protection gear or apparel is permitted, provided it is properly covered.
• Law 5 (The referee): Referees are officially cleared to wear body cameras (bodycams), subject to the approval of the individual tournament competition.
• Law 8 (The start and restart of play): During a dropped-ball scenario, the ball will be deemed automatically lost for the team that would have otherwise maintained or won possession had play not been halted.
• Laws 10 and 14 (Determining the outcome of a match & the penalty kick): Official clarification has been added to outline the exact protocol if a penalty taker accidentally double-touches the ball during a run-up.
• Law 12 (Fouls and misconduct): If the referee applies the advantage during a “Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity” (DOGSO) and the phase of play ends in a goal, the offending defender will no longer receive a yellow card, as the foul did not ultimately prevent the goal.

Following Inter Miami’s release of an injury update on Messi, the forward’s availability for the pre-tournament friendly against Honduras has been thrown into serious doubt. The Argentine is dealing with a mild hamstring strain in his left leg resulting from a muscle overload, though his participation in the World Cup itself is not considered at risk.

While most of the other major contenders, including France, Spain, England and Brazil, have already confirmed their official squads, Argentina’s final list is still pending. Reports from Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati indicate head coach Lionel Scaloni is targeting a May 28 or 29 announcement as the deadline approaches.

Argentina managing fitness issues across multiple positions

On the positive side, none of the injuries currently affecting the Argentina squad are expected to jeopardize anyone’s participation in the World Cup itself. The concern is rather that Messi and several key teammates will arrive at the tournament below their peak physical condition, with some others still working their way back from more significant setbacks. Eight of the ten players on the injury list were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad.

Emiliano Martinez

Martinez revealed he suffered a minor fracture to the ring finger on his right hand during the warmup ahead of the UEFA Europa League final, which Aston Villa won over SC Freiburg. While the injury is not serious, his recovery is expected to take approximately 20 days.

Nahuel Molina

Molina sustained a Grade 1 hamstring tear in his right leg during the Atletico Madrid match against Celta Vigo on May 9, sidelining him for the remainder of the club season. Given the nature of the injury, the right back is expected to arrive at the World Cup in time but will be short of peak fitness.

Gonzalo Montiel

Like his right back counterpart, Montiel is also dealing with a muscle tear but in his left quadriceps. While sidelined for the last games with River Plate, his condition is more optimistic from Molina, with his call-up to the World Cup should not be in danger.

Cristian Romero

Romero suffered a ligament injury to his right knee during Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Sunderland on April 12 and did not feature again for the club, which narrowly avoided relegation on the final day. He is expected to recover in time for the tournament, though he will arrive with a significant lack of match sharpness.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez dealt with a soleus injury to his left leg that ruled him out for a stretch of Manchester United games in late February and throughout March. He has since appeared to come through the issue, completing the club’s final three fixtures without any setbacks, though he managed just 19 appearances across the entire 2025-26 season.

Marcos Acuña

Acuña was substituted during the second half of the Argentine league final between River Plate and Belgrano. Reports from ESPN Argentina suggest he is dealing with only a minor muscle overload in his right hamstring, though he will need careful management in the weeks ahead.

Nicolas Gonzalez

Gonzalez suffered a muscle tear during a training session in late April, ruling him out of Atletico Madrid’s end-of-season fixtures including the Champions League semifinal. He is expected to be fit for the World Cup but will arrive with limited recent match time.

Nico Paz

Paz picked up a small hairline fracture on the edge of his knee in early May following a collision with Hellas Verona defender Nicolás Valentini. He missed one match and was an unused substitute in another, and while the pain has subsided, the timing of the injury is likely to affect his sharpness heading into the tournament.

Julian Alvarez

Alvarez suffered a minor ankle sprain during the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal, an injury that limited him to 66 minutes in the second leg on May 6. He has not featured for Atletico Madrid since that game, meaning he will head to the World Cup without competitive minutes under his belt.

Lionel Messi

Messi was substituted as a precaution during Inter Miami’s final MLS game against Philadelphia Union due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. His reported recovery window is between 10 and 14 days, which should make him available for the tournament opener, though his participation in the friendly against Honduras remains a significant doubt.

“Here is our National Team’s final squad list for the FIFA World Cup 2026! Let the adventure begin,” Morocco announced Tuesday through their official X account, alongside a creative reveal of the 26 selected players styled as a sticker album.

Among the biggest names included in the roster selected by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is, naturally, Achraf Hakimi, the team captain and one of the few players whose club season has not yet ended. This Saturday, he will attempt to win the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain in the final against Arsenal.

Brahim Diaz is probably the most important addition to the national team compared to Qatar 2022. After choosing to represent Morocco instead of Spain, the country of his birth, the Real Madrid winger has become a key piece of the squad, something he already demonstrated during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

A new generation for Morocco

Compared to the players who competed in Qatar four years ago, 16 of the 26 players now selected by Mohamed Ouahbi are newcomers. A talented young generation has joined the national team in recent years, boosted in part by the country’s success at the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

The generational transition is so significant that 10 of the newly added players are under 25 years old. Among the standouts are Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, along with RC Strasbourg talents Samir El Mourabet, 19, and Gessime Yassine, 20.

The players remaining from Morocco’s fourth-place finish in 2022 are Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Azzedine Ounahi, Abde Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss. On the other hand, some of the most notable absences include Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco’s path at the 2026 World Cup

Morocco did not get much luck in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, landing in what appears on paper to be one of the tournament’s toughest groups. They are part of Group C alongside Scotland, Haiti and Brazil. The South American giants will be their opening opponent on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The race between Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney, and Julian Quinones became one of the defining stories of the Saudi season. While Al-Nassr eventually lifted the league title, the battle for individual scoring honors produced drama until the final matchday, with Quinones remarkably stealing the spotlight.

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season ended with one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. Heading into the final round, Ivan Toney led the scoring chart with 32 goals for Al-Ahli, while Quinones followed closely with 30, and Ronaldo remained within reach with 26. Everything changed in the closing hours of the campaign. 

Quinones exploded with a hat-trick in Al-Qadsiah’s 5-1 victory over Al-Ittihad, finishing the season with 33 league goals in 31 appearances. Meanwhile, Toney failed to score during Al-Ahli’s final match against Al-Khaleej. Ronaldo scored twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-1 win over Damac, but his final tally of 28 goals was not enough to secure a third consecutive Golden Boot.

Ronaldo still protects a historic record

Even though Ronaldo missed out on the individual award, his influence over Saudi soccer continues to dominate the league. The Portuguese forward still owns the all-time single-season Saudi Pro League scoring record with 35 goals, a mark established during the 2023-24 campaign.

That record survived another intense challenge this season. Neither Quinones nor Toney managed to surpass the extraordinary total Ronaldo produced at the age of 39, further strengthening the Al-Nassr captain’s legacy in the region.

Ronaldo also achieved a long-awaited milestone by helping Al-Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2019. After years of frustration and near misses, the Portuguese superstar finally lifted the domestic trophy that had previously escaped him in Saudi Arabia.

Quinones makes official decision on his future

As speculation around his future intensified following his Golden Boot triumph, Julian Quinones officially signed a contract renewal with Al-Qadisiyah until 2029, ending rumors about a potential departure.

The Saudi club confirmed the extension through a high-profile social media announcement, presenting the Mexico international as one of the central figures of its long-term project. The club revealed the agreement was finalized alongside CEO James Bisgrove at the club’s headquarters in Khobar.

The renewal represents a massive statement from Al-Qadisiyah, especially after Quinones established himself as one of the league’s elite forwards. Since arriving from Club America in 2024, he has reportedly contributed 62 goals and 12 assists for the club.

His performances throughout the season consistently delivered results in decisive moments. The striker collected 14 Man of the Match awards during the campaign, underlining his importance to the club.

The timing of the discussion immediately drew attention across Portuguese soccer circles. Reports have resurfaced suggesting that Jorge Jesus is strongly interested in taking over as head coach of the Selecao after Roberto Martinez’s expected departure after the 2026 World Cup.

After helping Al-Nassr win its first Saudi Pro League title in seven years, Jorge Jesus confirmed that his chapter in Riyadh may soon come to an end. The Portuguese coach delivered exactly what he had promised when he first arrived at the club: bringing silverware to Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: ‘I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.’ That’s it. For me, the mission is complete,” the experienced boss said after Al-Nassr’s decisive victory over Damac.

Those words immediately fueled speculation about what could come next for the veteran coach. His departure announcement arrived only moments after emotional scenes involving Ronaldo, who celebrated his first major Saudi domestic title since joining Al-Nassr in 2023.

What did Jorge Jesus say about Portugal rumors?

The strongest rumors now point toward the Portugal national team. Multiple reports have linked Jorge Jesus with a possible move after the 2026 World Cup, when Roberto Martínez’s current cycle with the national team is expected to conclude.

According to reports from Portuguese and Brazilian media, including ESPN Brasil, coaching Portugal has long been considered Jorge Jesus’ dream destination. The idea of leading his country at international level appears to be one of the few remaining ambitions in his lengthy managerial career.

When journalists approached him at the airport in Portugal following the Saudi Pro League celebrations, the 71-year-old did little to silence the speculation. Instead, his comments added even more intrigue to the situation. “Who can refuse joining the national team? I already turned down one of the best national teams in the world, so I can’t reject another one,” he said while speaking to reporters, via Record.

The coach then tried to calm the growing excitement around the possibility. “We’ll see what happens until June, but I’m not thinking about that possibility right now. The World Cup is just around the corner, and Portugal needs calmness and stability. The coach also needs calmness and stability. And I don’t want to get involved in this chaos.”

Portugal could face major decision after 2026 World Cup

The biggest question now concerns timing. Roberto Martínez remains under contract through the 2026 World Cup, meaning any potential move involving Jorge Jesus would likely happen only after the tournament.

That timeline has increased speculation about a final international chapter involving Cristiano Ronaldo as well. By the end of the World Cup, Ronaldo will be deep into the final years of his legendary career, yet his importance to Portugal continues to remain enormous.

For Jorge Jesus, the national team job could represent the final major challenge of his coaching journey. He has already enjoyed success with clubs like Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Flamengo, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr, but leading Portugal would carry entirely different emotional significance.

To this day, the standard belongs exclusively to former German striker Klose. The clinical frontman racked up a staggering 14-year legacy, netting 16 goals across four consecutive tournament editions (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014).

Messi enters the tournament with the German icon firmly in his crosshairs. The Argentine captain has accumulated 13 World Cup goals across four editions (2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022). Remarkably, his tally stands where it is despite a surprising scoreless campaign in 2010, when Argentina was unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament by Germany in the quarterfinals.

To officially draw level with Klose, Messi needs to find the back of the net three times. That historic target feels well within the maestro’s reach, especially considering Argentina’s highly favorable draw in the group stage.

Placed in a Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and tournament debutants Jordan, the stage is perfectly set for Messi to score three or more goals before the knockout rounds even begin.

Where does Cristiano Ronaldo stand?

The historical outlook is significantly more daunting for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar faces a much steeper uphill climb to reach Klose’s peak, sitting considerably further down the all-time charts with just eight goals scored across five different World Cup iterations (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022).

While capturing the ultimate tournament record may be statistically out of reach for Ronaldo, the Al Nassr forward still commands a massive opportunity to rewrite his nation’s history books in North America. Should Ronaldo manage to score just a single goal at the 2026 tournament, he will equal the legendary Eusebio’s long-standing benchmark of nine goals to become the joint-highest World Cup goal scorer in Portugal’s history.

World Cup scoring record under threat

While Messi is positioned to potentially equal or surpass the standard set by Klose, he isn’t the only modern elite marksman breathing down the neck of soccer history. Fellow superstar forwards Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are also aggressively tracking the feat.

The French phenom has already weaponized his international career to score an astonishing 12 goals in just two World Cup appearances (2018 and 2022), while England’s captain has struck eight times across those exact same tournaments.

The primary threat to Messi’s potential hold on the record lies in longevity; while the Argentine icon is almost certainly playing in his final showcase, a 27-year-old Mbappe and a 32-year-old Kane have multiple tournaments left in the tank to eventually eclipse Klose and establish an entirely new golden era.

After shining in the second leg against PSG in the UEFA Champions League, Alphonso Davies suffered a muscle tear. With this in mind, he has suffered his fifth injury of the 2025–26 season, generating numerous doubts about his presence at the 2026 World Cup. While Bayern Munich reportedly insist that he completes his recovery at the club, Canada men’s national soccer team are pushing to take him to the tournament.

At the most recent press conference, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that Alphonso Davies will play in the 2026 World Cup, but cast doubt on his availability for the opening match. “I don’t think he’ll be ready quite on June 12… We spoke with Bayern and thought that the best thing was to continue his initial recovery treatment until the (May 28th). Then we’re giving him a few days to get away, and then (on the) 31st and we’ll pick up his rehab from there.”

Without Davies available for the debut, Jesse Marsch could repeat his bet on Richie Laryea. Shining with Toronto FC, the 31-year-old star has earned a place in the national team. While he does not have Alphonso’s pace and dribbling ability, he has shown consistency to shine at the FIFA World Cup. In addition, the head coach’s idea is reportedly to have the 25-year-old available for the second or third match.

Alphonso Davies may not fit at Bayern system under Kompany

Vincent Kompany has managed to turn Bayern Munich into one of the best teams in the world. For this, Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić have been key to the playing idea, as they are not only strong defensively, but also contribute to the midfield and inside areas as inverted full-backs. With this in mind, Alphonso Davies might not fit into this new system, making his possible departure not ruled out.

Unlike Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić, Alphonso Davies shined as one of the best offensive left-backs. Having the entire flank to himself, the Canadian emerged as one of the most dominant players in his position. Nevertheless, the presence of Luis Díaz limits his best offensive version, as he is already seen struggling to adapt to Kompany’s defensive and creative demands for full-backs.

Despite his injuries, Alphonso Davies still has a strong market, being closely followed by several Premier League teams. With Manchester United reportedly among the clubs interested in signing him, the 25-year-old star could take on a much bigger role under Michael Carrick, regaining the undisputed starting spot that he seemingly no longer has under Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich.

After years of frustration and near misses, Cristiano Ronaldo finally guided Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title. The Riyadh club secured the championship with a decisive 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season, edging out fierce rival Al-Hilal in the standings. The 41-year-old ace once again stepped up in the biggest moment.

The forward scored twice during the match, continuing a remarkable scoring run that has defined his career across several countries and generations. The title carried huge meaning for both the player and the club. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in early 2023, Ronaldo has faced constant pressure over the lack of major domestic silverware despite his individual brilliance and influence on the league’s global growth.

Following the final whistle, emotional scenes unfolded inside the stadium. Ronaldo celebrated with Georgina and his younger children, posing for photos in Al-Nassr colors while supporters filled the ground with chants and fireworks.

Fans quickly noticed, however, that Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was absent from the celebrations. Considering how often he appears alongside his father during important moments, many wondered why he had missed such a historic occasion.

Where was Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.?

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was on international duty with the Portugal U16 national team during a UEFA youth competition, hence he was unable to attend the Al-Nassr triumph celebration.

While his father was securing the Saudi title in Riyadh, the teenager was in Europe representing Portugal at youth level. Apparently, Ronaldo Jr. was fully focused on tournament action and could not travel back in time for the celebrations.

Even more remarkably, he enjoyed a standout performance during the competition. Cristiano Jr. scored twice in Portugal U16’s 3-0 victory over Greece, continuing to attract attention as one of the most closely watched young players of his generation.

The timing created an extraordinary parallel between father and son. In the same week Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace to secure a league title, his son also netted twice while wearing Portugal’s colors.

How Ronaldo Jr. fared in the tournament

The similarities between the two performances immediately sparked discussion online. X (formerly Twitter) users pointed out the symbolic nature of both father and son delivering decisive displays at important moments for their teams.

While Cristiano Ronaldo continues competing at the highest level late into his career, Cristiano Jr. is beginning to build his own reputation within Portugal’s youth system. The teenager has already spent time in the academies connected to his father’s former clubs and is gradually gaining international experience.

Portugal later faced Italy in the tournament final. Although Ronaldo Jr. started the match, the Selecao eventually lost on penalties after previously winning the competition several times in past editions.

The Portuguese superstar had played a decisive role in securing the championship, scoring twice during the crucial victory. However, while attention initially focused on Ronaldo’s emotional celebrations and Al-Nassr finally ending its wait for league glory, another development quietly unfolded behind the scenes.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee officially announced sanctions against Al-Nassr after incidents that occurred during the club’s final league match of the season against Damac.

According to the committee’s ruling, the club received a financial penalty of 60,000 Saudi riyals ($16,000). The decision came shortly after Al-Nassr celebrated winning the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the Middle East.

The reason behind the punishment revealed

The mystery surrounding the disciplinary action was eventually clarified in the committee’s official report. Al-Nassr was fined because supporters threw three water bottles onto the pitch during the match against Damac.

Authorities confirmed that the objects did not injure any players, referees, or staff members. The match itself also continued without interruption despite the incident inside the stadium. Still, the committee concluded that the behavior violated the league’s disciplinary and conduct regulations.

As a result, the financial punishment was formally imposed on the club. According to reports from Saudi media and the official committee statement, the incident was classified as a breach of competition regulations despite causing no direct harm.

Celebrations mixed with controversy

The disciplinary case arrived during what should have been one of the happiest moments in recent Al-Nassr history. The club had just completed a dramatic title race, finishing ahead of Al-Hilal after an intense battle that lasted until the final round. Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive under pressure.

The forward scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Damac, helping Al-Nassr secure the championship in front of its home supporters. The achievement carried huge importance for both player and club.

Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has regularly faced criticism over the lack of major domestic trophies despite producing extraordinary individual numbers. Now, after years of setbacks and painful defeats in finals and title races, Al-Nassr finally had the league trophy it had been chasing.

According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews.it, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly believe that Rafael Leão’s time at AC Milan has reached its end. With this in mind, they are open to letting him leave, valuing him at around €40 million. With only two years remaining on his contract and a strained relationship with the fanbase, both sides could look to secure a swift exit before the situation becomes more complicated in 2027.

Unlike the Portuguese winger, Christian Pulisic appears increasingly likely to remain with AC Milan. As per multiple Italian outlets reports, Gerry Cardinale is keen for the USMNT star to continue at the club despite a dip in form during the second half of the season. They reportedly value his adaptability and ability to fit into different tactical systems, viewing him as an important piece of the project. As a result, a contract renewal may reportedly take place in the near future.

Despite Zlatan Ibrahimović appearing to have a very clear vision for AC Milan’s sporting project, he may avoid making immediate decisions. With they still needing to appoint both a sporting director and a head coach, Pulisic and Leão’s futures could be shaped once the club’s staff structure is fully in place. In addition, strong performances from either player at the 2026 World Cup may attract renewed interest from several European clubs.

Iraola’s possible arrival would give Rafael Leão a boost at AC Milan

Looking ahead to next season, Zlatan Ibrahimović and AC Milan appear to be targeting Andoni Iraola as the next head coach. Set to leave AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager could prove to be an ideal appointment thanks to his dynamic playing style and ability to bring consistency to the team. In addition, Iraola could push for the continuity of Rafael Leão, potentially helping him rediscover his best form on the left wing.

Under Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Leão did not have chances to shine as a left winger, as his formation only had two forwards. Nevertheless, Andoni Iraola always relied on two fast wingers in the Premier League, something he could repeat at AC Milan. Being one of the most skillful dribblers and differential players in the world, Rafael could be seen by Andoni as a key piece to boost the team’s offense.

Despite his possible continuity, AC Milan would have to negotiate a contract renewal, as they would seek to avoid him entering his final contract year in 2027. In case of not accepting a new contract, Rafael Leão could be sold without question, having several approaches from the Premier League, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via X, formerly Twitter, Antonio Rüdiger and Real Madrid have reached an agreement over a contract renewal. As a result, the German defender would remain at the club until 2027, reinforcing his importance under José Mourinho due to his experience and consistency. After playing 2,190 minutes during the season, he appears set to once again play a key role in the defensive transition alongside Éder Militão and Dean Huijsen.

With Éder Militão struggling through defensive inconsistencies and Dean Huijsen yet to fully establish, the continuity of Rüdiger appears to be a smart decision for Real Madrid. However, he is coming off a season heavily affected by injuries, meaning he could enter a more structured rotation. As a natural dressing-room leader, Antonio could also prove essential during the managerial transition, especially if major tactical changes are introduced.

Antonio Rüdiger reportedly had opportunities to continue his career before reaching an agreement with Real Madrid. According to Nicolò Schira, Juventus pursued the German defender as a free agent due to him strong relationship with Luciano Spalletti. Alongside them, two Premier League clubs and one Saudi Pro League side were also said to be monitoring his situation. However, Real Madrid’s renewal proposal changed everything.

Real Madrid may still need to sign a world-class defender

Real Madrid struggled significantly at the defensive level, with several of their defenders suffering major injuries. In addition, David Alaba has officially departed the club, while Raúl Asencio could leave either on loan or through a permanent transfer. With Éder Militão continuing to battle injury concerns and showing vulnerability to long absences, Los Blancos may need to sign a reliable center-back capable of providing quality depth throughout the season.

While Aurélien Tchouaméni and Joan Martínez could provide additional cover at center-back, Real Madrid still appear determined to strengthen the defensive department. According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, José Mourinho has requested four reinforcements for the summer of 2026: one center-back, one full-back, and two midfielders — one defensive and one creative. Nevertheless, midfield additions could reportedly become the club’s immediate priority.

“The Argentina national team will bring more than 26 players on the pre-World Cup tour for the friendlies against Iceland and Honduras,” journalist Gaston Edul, an Argentina national team insider for TyC Sports, said Tuesday through his official X account. “More than 30 are going.”

In that group, in addition to the stars who are usually part of every call-up, there will also be several young players who could be options for training sessions and even for the two friendlies. “Capaldo, Aranda, Freitas and Santiago Beltran have been called up… Ignacio Ovando of Rosario Central and Simon Escobar of Velez will also travel with the squad,” Edul added.

Three of them were part of the 55-player preliminary list Argentina submitted to FIFA two weeks ago: Santiago Beltran, goalkeeper for River Plate; Nicolas Capaldo, a right back/defensive midfielder for Hamburger SV; and Tomas Aranda, a forward for Boca Juniors.

Joining them are Joaquin Freitas, a 19-year-old forward who has seen significant playing time with River Plate in recent months, as well as Rosario Central defender Ignacio Ovando and Velez Sarsfield left back Simon Escobar. However, they were not part of the preliminary roster, making them ineligible for the World Cup.

Argentina’s doubts ahead of the World Cup

Many of the world’s top national teams have already confirmed their squads for the 2026 World Cup in North America, including England, Spain, France, Germany and Brazil. Argentina, however, are still waiting, with FIFA’s deadline set for June 1.

The delay in Lionel Scaloni’s final decision regarding the 26-player World Cup squad is tied to the status of several important players who are dealing with injuries, with their recovery being monitored daily by the coaching staff.

The biggest issue is in defense. Argentina’s two main right backs are currently injured: Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel. That creates uncertainty regarding the final roster construction, especially because of the potential need to include a third player at the position if necessary.

Juan Foyth could have been the ideal candidate for that role, since he can also play as a center back, but his serious Achilles tendon injury ruled him out. That is why Nicolas Capaldo was included on the 55-player list, along with Union Saint-Gilloise’s Kevin Mac Allister.

Adding to the situation are the injuries suffered by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and center back Cristian Romero, although there are no doubts about their availability for the World Cup. And, on top of that, there is also the muscle fatigue that forced Lionel Messi to leave Inter Miami’s most recent match against Philadelphia Union.

Argentina’s upcoming matches

Before making their FIFA tournament debut against Algeria on June 16, Argentina will play two friendly matches. The first will be on June 6 against Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, while the second against Iceland will take place three days later at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.

Heading into the season finale against Damac, the Portuguese tactician made it clear that his primary mission was helping Ronaldo claim silverware in the Gulf. After a painful defeat in the AFC Champions League Two final against Japan’s Gamba Osaka, Jesus and Ronaldo found immediate redemption by locked down the league championship.

Following the trophy celebrations, the 71-year-old manager initially confirmed in an interview with Canal GOAT that the match against Damac would be his last at the helm of Al Nassr. However, global transfer news insider Ekrem Konur completely shifted the narrative, providing fresh hope to the Riyadh-based fans by revealing that Jesus is now likely to stay.

The insider reported that Al Nassr and Jorge Jesus have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend the manager’s contract for an additional year. The breakthrough follows official comments from club president Abdullah Al-Majed, who pushed for Jesus to stay and had recently confirmed that the front office was actively launching ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay.

Portugal National Team on the horizon

The sudden contract drama comes amid intense speculation linking Jorge Jesus to the Portugal National Team job. While Roberto Martinez currently serves as Portugal’s head coach, the Spanish manager is widely expected to step down following the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Addressing the rumors upon his arrival at a Portuguese airport, Jesus admitted to reporters that turning down his country’s top job would be a monumental challenge.

“Who can say no to the national team? I have previously declined one of the best teams in the world, and I cannot say no to another,” Jesus stated, referencing his past decision to reject an official approach from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to manage the Seleção.

Nevertheless, Jesus was quick to downplay any immediate distraction, emphasizing that Portugal needs a calm environment just days away from the tournament kicking off in North America.

“I am not considering this possibility now. The World Cup is approaching, Portugal needs calm, the coach needs calm, and I do not want to get involved in such chaos,” he concluded.

According to UOL Esporte, Neymar was absent from Santos FC training due to edema in his calf. As a result, the Brazilian star is expected to miss the club’s final two matches against Deportivo Cuenca and Esporte Clube Vitória. With this development, the 34-year-old’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil could reportedly come into question, as the severity of the injury may prove more serious than initially expected.

Despite his likely absence for Santos FC in the upcoming matches, Brazil have reportedly decided to wait for Neymar until the squad’s training camp on May 27. As per Pedro Ivo Almeida via ESPN, both parties are expected to assess the extent of the injury before deciding whether the veteran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly open to Neymar missing both friendlies, provided he follows a specific physical conditioning plan.

Amid the growing reports surrounding his injury, a potential appearance by Neymar in one of Santos FC’s final matches would likely silence many of the concerns regarding his fitness. However, the 34-year-old’s absence from training and his possible unavailability for upcoming games could force Brazil to begin preparing alternative scenarios for the final squad, potentially reopening the door for João Pedro to earn a place in the setup.

Vinicius Jr. set to hand Neymar Brazil’s No. 10 for 2026 World Cup

Throughout his professional career, Neymar has become as one of the greatest players in the history of Brazil, surpassing Pelé as the nation’s all-time leading scorer. Because of this, his potential presence at the 2026 World Cup would provide a major boost to the dressing room. Amid growing concerns over a possible serious injury, Vinícius Júnior revealed that he will hand back the iconic No. 10 shirt to the veteran star for the tournament.

In an interview with CazéTV, Vinícius Júnior revealed : “I don’t know what number I’ll wear at the World Cup, but the No. 10 belongs to Neymar, that’s obvious.” With this gesture, the 25-year-old star demonstrates that the 34-year-old is set to remain as the leader of the dressing room, making his presence crucial. Nevertheless, the veteran star still needs to secure his presence in the anticipated tournament, depending on his fitness on May 27th.

After dominating the global soccer landscape for nearly two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Lionel Messi, 38, are undeniably approaching the final chapters of their legendary careers. Yet, the narrative of being in their twilight years clearly hasn’t penetrated their mindsets, a fact validated not just by their staggering on-field production, but by the teammates they continue to inspire daily.

During a recent interview with Spanish YouTuber TheGrefg (19.8 million subscribers), the influencer casually suggested that sharing a locker room with Messi meant playing alongside someone at the absolute end of his career. Reguilon was quick to push back, offering an assertive correction: “That’s what you say. That’s just what people believe in their heads.“

When pressed on the fact that Ronaldo and Messi are undeniably playing out their final years in professional soccer, the Spanish defender stood his ground. “Well, not in their heads, mate. Not in their heads. The thing is, all of you think it, but not in their heads. I mean, those guys still see themselves playing well. I mean, they make a difference. Leo makes a difference. Leo is decisive in every single match; in everything, he is decisive.“

A product of Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy, Reguilon only briefly crossed paths with Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain before the Portuguese icon departed for Juventus. Now in his debut season with Inter Miami, the 29-year-old left back finds himself completely awestruck by Messi, who continues to prove both in match play and behind closed doors at training that his competitive drive remains as fierce as ever.

Reguilon blown away by Messi’s impact in Miami

Following Jordi Alba’s surprising decision to hang up his boots last season, Inter Miami signed Reguilon with the specific intention of filling that massive vacancy on the left flank. While his tenure in Florida got off to a rocky start due to injuries that sidelined him for nine matches, he has since cemented his place in a surging Miami side fueled primarily by Messi’s brilliance.

Reflecting on his transition to MLS with TheGrefg, Reguilon spoke candidly about how reality shattered his expectations: “Messi is the footballer who surprised me the most. Not just me, but everyone. Defending him is impossible; you can’t take the ball off him even in three days. In training it’s the same: when he wants to, he does whatever he wants. He does things in training and you say to yourself, ‘how did he do that?’. Whenever I see him, even if I have a teammate right next to me, I tell him: ‘here, take it, paint a picture, make things happen.‘”

Reguilon even revealed that prior to landing in Miami, he reached out to Alba, who passed down some invaluable tactical advice on how to share the pitch with the Argentine star. “He told me: ‘you just run and always look at Leo. He’s going to put it right where you’re running, and when you have it, just look at him. With that, you’re set.’ A very valid piece of advice,” Reguilon added with a laugh.

Currently under contract through June 2030, Alvarez has developed into one of the marquee centerpieces at Atletico Madrid over his two seasons with the Colchoneros. With veteran talisman Antoine Griezmann set to depart, the Argentine was widely expected to be the face of the frontline for years to come, prompting the board to spend months trying to lock him down to an improved, long-term deal.

According to a report from Marca, Alvarez has no intention of signing the contract renewal tabled by Atletico Madrid. The proposed extension featured a net salary of 10 million euros (around $11M), a figure that would have comfortably established him as the highest-paid player in the squad, but Alvarez would reportedly prefer to anchor a more ambitious sporting project.

When it comes to his preferred landing spot, transfer expert Matteo Moretto reported that Alvarez has not only informed Atletico of his desire to leave, but has explicitly named FC Barcelona as his top choice. Although Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League heavyweights remain in the hunt for the star striker, joining the Blaugrana while maintaining his lifestyle in Spain has reportedly become his ideal scenario.

Following Atletico’s regular-season finale against Villarreal, head coach Diego Simeone was pressed on Alvarez’s future and whether he would remain in Madrid, offering a spiky response that raised more questions than answers: “That is not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian. He is certainly old enough to know what he is going to do, and I imagine he will surely have his decision made.“

Across his highly decorated career with River Plate, Manchester City, and the Argentina national team, the 26-year-old Alvarez has blossomed into an elite forward, capturing 17 major trophies. Since joining Atletico Madrid in 2024, he has racked up 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 appearances, but a lack of recent hardware at the Metropolitano has reportedly fueled his desire for a change of scenery.

Barcelona’s steep financial hurdles to clear for Alvarez

With Robert Lewandowski announcing his upcoming departure, Barcelona will soon clear a massive wage burden off their books, freeing up crucial financial capital to pursue a flagship replacement. While Alvarez sits firmly ahead of Chelsea’s Joao Pedro as the preferred successor to the Polish icon, the economic obstacles required to pull off the deal remain staggering.

Marca reports that Alvarez’s contract includes a prohibitive 500 million euro release clause, and Atletico Madrid is expected to demand at least 150 million euros to open the negotiation doors. While local outlets like El Chiringuito have revealed that Barcelona and Atletico are already in preliminary talks regarding a transfer, meeting those hefty capital city demands will test the limits of a Barcelona hierarchy still navigating strict financial constraints.

Iran had originally been assigned a base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran created significant uncertainty around the delegation’s security on American soil. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj explained to CBS News that the decision to relocate was driven by the need to ensure the safety of the entire Iranian party throughout the tournament.

On Sunday, Taj confirmed that Iran’s base camp has officially moved from the United States to Mexico, a decision that has received FIFA‘s approval. The new training site will be located in Tijuana, just south of the San Diego border crossing, a location the federation believes will help mitigate potential visa complications when crossing into the United States for matches.

Since tensions escalated in 2026, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has consistently resisted calls to remove Iran from the tournament, and the governing body has worked to put conditions in place that would allow the federation to participate. Reports have indicated that Iran submitted seven specific conditions to FIFA as prerequisites for their involvement in the competition.

On Monday, Iranian Minister of Sports Ahmad Donyamali spoke to the assurances Infantino has provided regarding U.S. entry visas for the Iranian delegation. “The president of FIFA promised us that all of our players would receive a visa. There is no reason why our players should not receive a visa,” the minister declared, as quoted by the Iranian news agency Isna.

Drawn into Group G, Iran will need to cross the border from Mexico into the United States for each of their three group stage matches. Their opener against New Zealand on June 15 and the second game against Belgium on June 21 are both scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, while their final group stage fixture against Egypt on June 27 will take place at Lumen Field in Seattle.

All 48 base camps for the 2026 World Cup confirmed

With Iran’s situation now resolved, FIFA has officially confirmed the base camp locations for all 48 nations participating in the 2026 World Cup. The vast majority of teams, 39 in total, will be based in the United States, while two have been assigned to Canada, and Iran will join six other national teams in Mexico.

Alongside Iran, Colombia, South Korea, South Africa, Tunisia, Uruguay and host nation Mexico are confirmed as the seven participating teams based in Mexico. To the north, Panama will join Canada at The Great White North, while the remaining 39 nations will be spread across locations throughout the United States.

The reality at Atlanta United this season has been a difficult one. Currently sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference with just 11 points from 14 games, the team’s performance under Martino’s second stint in charge has been underwhelming, and significant activity in the summer transfer window is widely expected.

Following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew, Martino was asked by Bolavip about the prospect of Martinez returning to the club: “We haven’t sat down with the front office yet to know in which situation we find ourselves in. It’s a position where we already have Emmanuel Latte Lath as DP, we have other strikers in Cayman (Togashi) and Sergio Santos, and I also use Aleksei Miranchuk as striker.“

While acknowledging the depth already in place at the position, Martino stopped short of ruling out a return for the Venezuelan striker, citing both their history together and Martínez’s continued activity at the professional level. “I won’t rule it out because Josef is a natural-born goalscorer. He’s a player I know well and he’s active in an important league like the Mexican league,” Martino added.

Having departed San Jose Earthquakes on a free transfer last season, Martinez joined Club Tijuana in January, where he managed just 13 minutes across the final seven games of the Liga MX Clausura. According to The Athletic‘s Felipe Cárdenas, Martinez and Tijuana have since parted ways by mutual agreement, making him a free agent once again and a realistic option for clubs looking for proven MLS firepower, with a return to Atlanta not out of the question.

Atlanta United and an underperforming attack

As The Athletic recently reported, Atlanta United rank third among MLS clubs in total spending for 2026 at $27.9 million, trailing only Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at $54.6 million and Son Heung-min’s LAFC at $32.7 million. That investment, however, has not translated into results on the pitch, particularly in the attacking third.

Atlanta currently sit as the lowest-scoring team in MLS with 14 goals, tied with Sporting Kansas City. Russian midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk leads the team with five goals, while three other players are level on two apiece.

Of the forwards Martino specifically mentioned, Designated Player Emmanuel Latte Lath is among those stuck on two MLS goals. Brazilian striker Sergio Santos, in three appearances, and Japanese forward Cayman Togashi, in six, have yet to score in the league, with Togashi’s only goal coming in the U.S. Open Cup.

Now 33 years old, Martínez is far from the form he showed during his peak years at Atlanta United, having managed just one goal in nine appearances with Tijuana. That said, with his place in the top ten of MLS’s all-time goalscoring list and a familiar face back in the dugout, the prospect of one final chapter in Atlanta remains a genuine possibility.

In the game between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium on Sunday, Messi was spotted clutching his left hamstring and asking to be subbed off around the 71st minute. Once the ball came out, the forward got replaced by Mateo Silvetti in the 73rd minute and headed straight down the tunnel to the locker room in scenes that looked far from optimistic.

Head coach Guillermo Hoyos then brought some calmness to the Argentina national team by stating that the substitution was due to fatigue, avoiding exposing Messi to a major setback. Argentine journalist and insider Gastón Edul then reported that he had a muscle overload and wasn’t dealing with a structural muscular injury.

Almost 24 hours after the event, ESPN Argentina has revealed some more details, stating that after undergoing medical examinations, Lionel Messi is dealing with a mild strain in the hamstring of his left leg. The recovery timeline suggested by the outlet addressed that the Argentine legend will require between 10 and 14 days of recovery.

This timeline has a direct conflict with not only the beginning of Argentina’s training camp on June 1st, but also the first friendly prior to the start of the World Cup. The game against Honduras at Kyle Field in Texas is scheduled for June 6th, meaning that Lionel Messi would have exactly 12 days to recover prior to the game against the CONCACAF side.

This timeline puts Lionel Scaloni and Argentina’s coaching staff in need of making a decision over Messi and his fitness. Argentina will have another friendly against Iceland on June 9th, three days after the Honduras one, and its World Cup debut on the 16th against Algeria. With such limited time for Messi to reach his peak condition once again, the Argentine No. 10 seems likely to be rested, though it remains to be seen if it’ll be for one or both friendly games.

Memories of a similar scenario back in 2022

Compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar, the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA has returned to the basics, with the competition being played at the end of the season and not in the middle as it happened four years ago. Still, a similar scenario of physical bewilderment has been around the Argentina national team, including Lionel Messi.

Back on November 5th in 2022, Paris Saint-Germain released a statement revealing that Messi suffered an inflammation in his Achilles tendon just 15 days prior to the beginning of the World Cup in Qatar. The Argentine missed the game on the 6th against FC Lorient, but was able to return and perform 75 minutes on the 13th against Auxerre, and then went on and took part of every minute during the World Cup starting from the debut against Saudi Arabia on the 22nd.

“I think Bowen is the absolute perfect replacement for Mo Salah at Liverpool. If an opportunity came along for him like that, to play for Liverpool, then even the most ardent West Ham fan couldn’t begrudge that. Instead of playing in the Championship, go to one of the best teams in the world and fill Mo Salah’s boots, it’s really exciting for him,” Owen said, via talkSport.

As one of West Ham United’s biggest stars, Jarrod Bowen remains under contract with the club until 2030. Nevertheless, relegation to the EFL Championship could force his departure, as the English forward continues to rank among the Premier League’s standout performers. In addition, the Hammers reportedly need to raise more than £100 million (around $135 million) through player sales, making Bowen’s potential exit a crucial part of their financial restructuring.

Despite already being 29 years old, Jarrod Bowen has continued to become as one of the Premier League’s standout performers, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 appearances. However, Liverpool would likely face competition from clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United, potentially pushing his transfer fee into the €50–60 million range. Given his proven ability to deliver immediate results, the Reds could make a smart move by pursuing his signing.

Yan Diomande emerges as Liverpool main target as Salah’s replacement

Despite the opportunity to sign Jarrod Bowen, Liverpool do not appear to view his arrival as an absolute priority, potentially allowing rivals such as Manchester United and Chelsea to gain ground in the race. Instead, Liverpool’s front office reportedly seems determined to pursue younger players in an effort to secure long-term performance and sustainability. With this in mind, Yan Diomande has reportedly emerged as the Reds’ top transfer priority.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via X, formerly Twitter, Yan Diomande remains the absolute priority for Liverpool, as he is capable of playing on both wings and offers valuable tactical flexibility. Under contract with RB Leipzig until 2030, the Ivorian star could command a transfer fee exceeding €100 million, especially with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly pushing to secure his signature.

According to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter, the Rossoneri have identified Andoni Iraola as their next head coach after Allegri. Coming off a successful spell with AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches of the summer of 2026. After guiding the English side to qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League, Iraola has reportedly decided to pursue a new challenge, departing as a free agent.

As one of the Premier League’s standout managers, Iraola is attracting interest from far more than just AC Milan. As per Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, via teamTALK, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing strong interest in securing the Spanish coach. With this in mind, Zlatan Ibrahimović could face a major challenge in convincing him to join the Rossoneri, potentially needing to present a long-term sporting vision backed by significant reinforcements.

With his children reportedly settled in London, Iraola reportedly prefers taking charge of a club based in or near the city. In addition, he could be tempted by the opportunity to manage in the UEFA Champions League, meaning Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool may also influence his next move. Nevertheless, the Rossoneri may not have much time to wait, as they are expected to move quickly in appointing a new head coach ahead of a crucial rebuild.

AC Milan may need to reshape the roster ahead the 2026-25 season

AC Milan failed to maintain consistent performances under Massimiliano Allegri throughout the season. With very limited squad depth and few players truly suited to his tactical system, the Rossoneri struggled for stability. Lacking a world-class goalscorer and reliable backups for Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, they often fell short when trying to change matches from the bench. As a result, the Rossoneri could now be forced into a significant squad rebuild.

With their defensive solidity and strong quality in midfield already in place, the Rossoneri may need to focus their efforts on strengthening the attacking department. Not only will securing the continuity of Leão and Pulisic be crucial, but also finding reliable backups capable of providing greater rotation. In addition, signing world-class striker could become a priority, as Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku failed to meet expectations.

If AC Milan manage to secure Iraola’s arrival, the club’s younger players could receive a major boost, as the Spanish coach is known for trusting and developing emerging talent. As a result, players such as Davide Bartesaghi, Francesco Camarda, and Yunus Musah could have a strong opportunity to shine under his system. In addition, Luka Modrić’s departure could open the door for Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to take on larger roles.

Following Thursday’s title-clinching victory over Damac FC, Jorge Jesus shocked reporters by using his post-match press conference to announce he was stepping down, stating he had fulfilled the exact promise that led him to accept the vacancy in the first place. With his current deal expiring in June 2026, the manager remained tight-lipped regarding his next destination, noting only that he was headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a well-deserved vacation.

Yet, the separation might not be a done deal just yet. In a statement compiled by Saudi outlet Al-Wyam, Al Nassr club president Abdullah Al-Majed made the board’s aggressive stance abundantly clear: “At the current moment, there are ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay, and we will convince him, God willing.“

Alongside high-profile arrivals like Iñigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, Jorge Jesus masterminded one of the most dominant campaigns in Al Nassr history. The 71-year-old manager orchestrated the best start to a season in SPL history with 11 consecutive wins, while also shattering the club record with a 20-match win streak across all competitions (16 in league play, four in the AFC Champions League Two).

Having already experienced immense success with arch-rivals Al Hilal, Jesus was personally targeted for the job by Ronaldo, eventually guiding the club to the finals of both the Saudi Super Cup and the Champions League Two. Over his 49-game tenure, he accumulated an outstanding 40-2-7 record, averaging a staggering 2.49 points per match.

Al-Majed also established clear timelines and expectations for Al Nassr’s upcoming 2026-27 campaign. “Work on the next season will begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday (in June), focusing on preparing the squad and securing upcoming transfers… the work ahead will be very substantial,” the club president concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pressuring management to finalize renewal

By declaring his mission accomplished at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus immediately sparked rumors linking him to high-profile roles at Fenerbahce, a return to Brazilian club soccer, or potentially taking over the Portugal national team after the World Cup. With the manager’s future hanging in the balance, Ronaldo is reportedly eager to flex his immense institutional leverage to force a change of heart.

According to 365 Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is heavily pressuring Al Nassr’s executive board to iron out the details and lock Jesus down to a one-year contract extension. The timing of the contract is critical; Ronaldo is currently tied to the club through June 2027, meaning Jesus would have the opportunity to manage the iconic forward through what could realistically be the final season of his legendary professional career.

As it stands, Jesus holds all the leverage in negotiations and will likely demand significant backing from the hierarchy to reconsider his exit. Reports suggest the manager’s list of demands includes a substantial salary increase paired with a guarantee of six major summer signings, a clear effort to avoid the squad depth issues that plagued the club during the 2026 winter window, when a lack of transfer activity reportedly prompted a frustrated Ronaldo to go on a brief two-game strike.

According to Gastón Edul, a well-known journalist covering the Argentina national team, via X, formerly Twitter, Lionel Messi requested to be substituted during Inter Miami’s most recent match as a precautionary measure. After feeling tightness in his hamstring, the Argentine veteran decided not to risk a more serious injury. With this in mind, he could still be available to play at the 2026 World Cup, pursuing his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Even though Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the World Cup, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala revealed that the veteran would be called up if he wants to be part of the process. Still performing at a high level with the Herons, Messi could once again emerge as the central figure of the national team to pursue another title. With the anticipated tournament drawing closer, Lionel continues to shine thanks to his all-around impact.

Throughout the season with Inter Miami, Messi has remained one of the standout players in MLS, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists, ranking among the league’s top contributors in both categories. In addition, he has continued to prove crucial for Argentina, scoring eight goals to finish as the top scorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. After avoiding a serious injury setback, he appears poised to once again play a key role at the anticipated tournament.

Rodrigo De Paul shares Messi’s physical plan for 2026 World Cup

At 38 years old, Lionel Messi has chosen not to reveal whether he will be present at the 2026 World Cup, preferring instead to focus on day-to-day progress. Nevertheless, Rodrigo De Paul has revealed details that could hint at the veteran star’s presence with Argentina at the tournament. Not only has Messi continued to shine physically in MLS, but he has also reportedly maintained an intense preparation routine outside regular training sessions.

“We are both pushing ourselves physically to arrive in the best possible shape; we set a double-shift routine for ourselves and we have our own trainer—we’re putting in the work and doing well. It’s separate work from the club with the World Cup in mind,” De Paul said, via Lo del Pollo on YouTube. With this in mind, the 38-year-old star is near to play his sixth edition in the tournament history.

After wrapping up the Ligue 1 title, PSG played their last league fixture on May 17 against Paris FC, leaving a 13-day gap before the final on the 30th. With no competitive matches to maintain sharpness, coach Luis Enrique has had to design a carefully managed preparation program to keep the squad in peak condition.

On Saturday, PSG held a public training session at the Poissy campus featuring a 40-minute internal scrimmage between mixed teams of first-team players and academy prospects, followed by a fan meet-and-greet. Hakimi and Dembele were the two most notable absentees from the session, with fewer than six days now remaining until the Budapest final.

Hakimi in serious doubt

Hakimi has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury during the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich on April 28. The Moroccan right back missed the second leg against the Germans and the final four Ligue 1 matches, meaning he will arrive at the final with a significant lack of competitive minutes.

According to L’Equipe, Hakimi has been limited to individual training sessions, with a return to full group work expected on Wednesday, May 27. However, the French outlet reports that it is unlikely the right back will be fit enough to start against Arsenal in Budapest.

PSG cautious over Dembele

Ousmane Dembele’s situation is more recent, having been substituted off in the final Ligue 1 game against Paris FC with what was described as tightness in his right calf. Like Hakimi, he was working through an individual session on Saturday rather than joining the main group.

Speaking to RMC Sport in the days since, Dembele was upbeat about his prospects. “I’m doing very well. I had a little scare against Paris FC, but I’m fine and I’m going to be ready for the final. I believe I will be at 100%. I’ve had so many scares and serious injuries in my career, whether here at PSG or before, right before massive matches. With this final ahead, I chose to stop and, above all, not take any risks,” the Ballon d’Or winner said.

While Nuno Mendes and William Pacho have both recovered from their respective injury concerns, Dembele and Hakimi have yet to rejoin full team training. With PSG set to return to the training pitch on Tuesday following two days off, if Dembele is still working separately by then, he will join Hakimi as a genuine fitness doubt, and with the 2026 World Cup set to begin just days after the final, the stakes could not be higher for both players.

Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has decided to make only minor adjustments to his squad, maintaining consistency with the group that went through the qualifiers. With this in mind, Luis Díaz emerges as the undisputed leader of the team, having finished as Colombia’s top scorer. In addition, the left winger has shined with Bayern Munich, becoming a key creative force that he hopes to replicate at the anticipated tournament.

Alongside the 29-year-old winger, James Rodríguez remains part of the national team despite his limited playing time with Minnesota United. Nevertheless, Néstor Lorenzo has made it clear that the 34-year-old star remains a cornerstone of his sporting project. “James arrived in great shape; he’s been training hard. Then he had a minor injury that kept him out of a couple of training sessions, but he’s doing great now,” he said in the latest press conference.

Compared to the 55-man preliminary squad, several notable names have been left out of Colombia’s World Cup roster, with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado among the most surprising omissions. Despite impressing with Pisa SC, the 37-year-old veteran has been excluded. In addition, Jhon Jader Durán and Rafael Santos Borréhave also been left out, as Néstor Lorenzo opted to keep faith in Juan Camilo Hernández, Jhon Córdoba, and Luis Javier Suárez up front.

Colombia’s full 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup

Unlike many other coaches, Néstor Lorenzo has not made surprising changes to the roster, as he has shown a very clear understanding of both his starting lineup and overall game plan. Because of this, Colombia will maintain continuity with most of its core players despite the team’s recurring struggles in front of goal. In addition, Juan Camilo Hernández returns to the national team in strong form after impressive performances with Real Betis.

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina and Álvaro Montero.
Defenders: Johan Mojica, Deiver Machado, Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumi, Yerry Mina and Willer Ditta.

Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodríguez, Juan Fernando Quintero, Gustavo Puerta Juan Camilo Portilla, and Jamilton Campaz.

Forwards: Carlos Andrés Gómez, Luis Suárez, Jhon Córdoba, Juan Camilo Hernandez, Jhon Arias, and Luis Diaz.

The Rossoneri have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri, as the team’s performances have failed to meet the standards of the sporting project. Alongside him, Igli Tare, Giorgio Furlani, and Geoffrey Moncada have been dismissed with immediate effect as an emergency measure following the club’s failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. In response, AC Milan are now preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the 2026–27 season.

“After the disappointment of last season, the mandate defined by the Club’s ownership was clear: to return to the Champions League… The time has come for change and a profound reorganization of the Club’s sporting structure. Effective immediately, the careers of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada at AC Milan have come to an end,” posted AC Milan on their website.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Massimo Calvelli will be tasked with finding AC Milan’s new CEO, while Ibrahimović will be responsible for deciding who becomes the next sporting director and next head coach. With this change, the Swedish executive is set to take on a far more influential role, emerging as the leader of the Rossoneri’s long-term sporting vision and placing the development of young players at the center of the strategy, as he has stated on several occasions.

AC Milan shake-up sparks doubt over Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic

Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Rossoneri appeared to have Christian Pulisic’s continuity firmly planned, while Rafael Leão seemed destined to leave in the summer of 2026. However, the departures of Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri have put all major decisions on hold. As a result, Zlatan Ibrahimović’s choices regarding the new sporting director and head coach will shape the futures of both the Portuguese star and the USMNT standout.

While Ibrahimović reportedly wants both Pulisic and Leão to remain at the club, either player could still be sold to generate funds. In addition, the USMNT star could be motivated to leave due to their absence from the UEFA Champions League, a move that could provide the Rossoneri with key financial resources. Nevertheless, they may define the new leaders of the sporting project before the 2026 World Cup, decisions that could ultimately shape the futures of both stars.

Despite Dean Huijsen having been part of Luis de la Fuente’s process, his poor performances at Real Madrid and inconsistent displays with the national team left him out of the 2026 World Cup. Likewise, Dani Carvajal has been excluded from the 26-man roster, as Pedro Porro and Marcos Llorente have overtaken him in the pecking order. In addition, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, and Gonzalo García have also been left out by Spain.

For the first time in World Cup history, Spain have left out Real Madrid players, reflecting an imminent shift in the sporting project. Unlike Barcelona, Los Blancos have leaned toward international stars such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and other foreign players. While Asencio, Carreras, and García usually receive playing time, they have failed to become as the best players in LaLiga in their respective positions.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente made his stance on not calling up Real Madrid players clear: “Fortunately, I am the national team manager. I do not look at where any player comes from… I only look at whether he has the possibility of playing with us. To me, they are players of the Spanish national team… I do not have the localist mentality that some fans may have,” he said at the latest press conference.

Real Madrid move away from Spanish pillars in squad rebuild

Throughout history, Real Madrid have consistently focused on signing the best players in the world. Without a philosophy centered on developing players, they have instead turned to the transfer market to build the core of their project, featuring players such as Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Endrick.

Los Blancos have not typically prioritized the development of domestic talent, with the signings of Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras being the only exceptions. Nevertheless, neither of them are regular starters, being outperformed by teammates. While Barcelona seek to build a core of Spanish players, Real Madrid pursue signings of any nationality, a contrast reflected in their absence from the 2026 World Cup.

Spain’s full 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup

Unlike previous Spain call-ups, head coach Luis de la Fuente has made surprising decisions in different areas of the field. With the strong form of Joan García, Álex Remiro, usually the national team’s third goalkeeper, was left out despite being a key part of the process. Likewise, Dean Huijsen, Pablo Barrios, and Pablo Fornals have been excluded despite playing prominent roles in the qualifiers.

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal) and Joan García (FC Barcelona)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Eric García (FC Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) and Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Rodrigo Hernández (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Pedri (FC Barcelona), Fabián Ruiz (PSG), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pablo Gavi (FC Barcelona), and Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid).

Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Ferran Torres (FC Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona), Victor Muñoz (CD Osasuna), Nico Williams (Athletic Club Bilbao) and Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace).

After delivering a pair of brilliant first-half assists, Messi’s afternoon was cut short due to lower-body discomfort midway through the second half. In the 71st minute, the Argentine icon drifted toward the touchline and signaled to the bench while play was still live; once the ball finally went out of bounds, Mateo Silvetti subbed on in the 73rd minute for Messi, who was seen clutching his left hamstring on the field.

When pressed during his post-match press conference about the severity of the injury, Hoyos struck a cautious yet generally optimistic tone regarding his captain’s status: “As far as I know, we don’t have a medical report on that yet. We will have one shortly, but he was truly fatigued in that regard.“

When reporters pushed for further details about the exact moment Messi approached the sideline to ask for a substitution, Hoyos doubled down on his initial assessment. “It’s fatigue, fatigue… He was tired, the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, what you always do is try to make sure he doesn’t take any risks,” he added.

Optimistic update follows initial post-match scare

At first glance, the optics surrounding Messi’s exit were far from ideal; seeing the star head straight down the tunnel with his head down alongside an Inter Miami staff member sparked immediate concern. However, as soon as the final whistle blew, incoming reports offered a massive sigh of relief for the Argentina coaching staff.

According to Argentine journalist and national team insider Gaston Edul, Messi requested the substitution strictly as a precautionary measure after feeling tightness and an overload in his left hamstring. Edul, who famously embedded with the squad during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup run, ruled out a structural muscle tear, confirming that the No. 10’s exit was simply a calculated decision to avoid jeopardizing his summer.

Argentina’s training camp kicks off next week

Sunday’s clash against Philadelphia marked Messi’s final official club match before shifting his focus to international duty, meaning he will join Argentina’s camp in the coming days. While the sudden injury scare briefly sent shockwaves through the Albiceleste camp, early indications suggest the Miami captain should be fit to participate fully in the pre-tournament build-up.

The Argentina national team will officially kick off its primary training camp on June 1 in Kansas City with its full roster, which head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to finalize ahead of the May 30 deadline. Meanwhile, European-based players are scheduled to fly into Argentina during the final week of May for preliminary training sessions at the Ezeiza complex before the delegation makes the trek to North America.

La Albiceleste will open their pre-tournament friendly slate on June 6 against Honduras, giving Messi nearly two weeks to rest and regain fitness before a final preparation match against Iceland on June 9. From there, the reigning champions will travel to their tournament base ahead of their highly anticipated World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, officially launching their title defense.

The match got off to a nightmare start for the hosts, with Milan Iloski netting a brace inside the opening ten minutes. Messi responded by setting up German Berterame to cut the deficit in the 13th minute, before Bruno Damiani added a third for the Union after Dayne St. Clair was unable to hold a shot in the 20th, though Inter Miami continued to battle back.

Ian Fray delivered a pinpoint cross for Luis Suarez to reduce it to 2-3 with an acrobatic finish in the 29th, and Messi then turned a loose ball into another assist for Berterame to level in the 41st. Suarez completed his brace from a rebound off a Rodrigo De Paul effort in the 44th, only for Iloski to restore Philadelphia’s lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time to complete a stunning hat-trick.

After an extraordinary 4-4 first half, Inter Miami pushed for a winner but could not convert their chances, before the afternoon took a worrying turn. Messi grabbed at his left hamstring in the 73rd minute and signaled to the bench, leaving the field in visible discomfort to be replaced by Mateo Silvetti.

Upon leaving the pitch, Messi headed straight down the Nu Stadium tunnel toward the locker room, escorted by a member of Inter Miami’s staff. The scene left little room for optimism, as the Argentine captain kept his head down, looking at the ground; even though he didn’t appear to be severely limping, the No. 10’s body language was far from promising.

Massive setback for an otherwise durable Lionel Messi

Aside from a March 14th clash against Charlotte FC where he was rested entirely, Messi has been a fixture in Inter Miami’s lineup throughout the 2026 campaign, logging the full 90 minutes in each of his previous appearances (13 in MLS play and two in the CONCACAF Champions Cup). In fact, the only time he saw limited action across the first five months of the calendar year was during Argentina‘s friendly against Mauritania in March, when he was brought on as a halftime substitute to play the final 45 minutes.

Sunday’s tilt against Philadelphia marks the first time all season that Messi has been unable to finish a match for Inter Miami—and more concerningly, it was triggered by a muscular ailment rather than a tactical substitution. The Argentine legend concludes a spectacular month of May with four goals and six assists across five MLS fixtures, but all eyes now pivot to his medical evaluation and how this sudden injury could impact his World Cup preparations.

Having already claimed the Bundesliga title and Golden Boot with 36 goals in 31 league appearances, Kane and Bayern capped their season on Saturday, May 24, with the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart. After a goalless first half, Kane opened the scoring in the 54th minute, added a second in the 79th and converted from the penalty spot in the 90th to seal a 3-0 victory and complete the domestic double.

That hat-trick pushed Kane’s season tally to 61 goals across 51 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich, a figure that carries unmistakable historical significance. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has now matched the single-season goals record set by Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, and did so in three fewer games.

In the 2014-15 season, Ronaldo managed an astonishing 61 goals and 23 assists in 54 matches despite winning only the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup that year. More than a decade later, Kane has reached the same landmark in considerably more efficient fashion.

Harry Kane’s goal breakdown

Kane’s 61 goals across all competitions in the 2025-26 season break down as follows:

• Bundesliga: 36 goals in 31 games.
• UEFA Champions League: 14 goals in 13 games.
• DFB Pokal: 10 goals in 6 games.
• Franz Beckenbauer Supercup: 1 goal in 1 game.

Kane still far short of Messi’s record

Sixty-one goals in 51 games equates to a scoring rate of nearly 1.2 per game, an almost implausible level of consistency. Yet the all-time single-season record, held by Lionel Messi, remains 12 goals beyond Kane’s reach.

Messi set that benchmark during the 2011-12 season, netting 73 goals in 60 games for FC Barcelona. That campaign helped the Blaugrana win the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, though they fell short in both La Liga and the Champions League, a reminder that even the most prolific individual seasons do not always translate into the sport’s biggest prizes.

Top single-season goalscorers in history

1. Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona: 73 goals in the 2011-2012 season.
2. Gerd Muller, Bayern Munich: 67 goals in the 1972-1973 season.
3. Dixie Dean, Everton: 63 goals in the 1927-1928 season.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid: 61 goals in the 2014-2015 season.
5. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich: 61 goals in the 2025-2026 season.
6. Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona: 59 goals in the 2015-2016 season.

Lionel Messi has been included in the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine icon has logged the full 90 minutes in each of his last 10 MLS appearances, and with the World Cup just around the corner, he is looking to accumulate valuable competitive minutes to ensure he enters tournament play in peak form.

The Herons enter the weekend riding the momentum of a convincing 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers last Sunday. That result snapped a frustrating winless drought at Nu Stadium, securing their historic first win at the new venue after an initial stretch of three draws and a loss. Backed by a three-game MLS winning streak, Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings with 28 points through 14 matches, trailing only league leaders Nashville SC, who pace the conference with 33 points.

Conversely, the Philadelphia Union have devolved into a mere shadow of the squad that captured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. Hampered by the high-profile departures of Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, and Jakob Glesnes, head coach Bradley Carnell has struggled to find answers with a depleted roster. Currently anchored to the bottom of the table with just seven points through 14 games, the Union are desperate to break out of a brutal seven-match winless slide that includes four draws and three defeats.

Messi puts up staggering numbers in May

Following a string of disappointing setbacks in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and early MLS action, Javier Mascherano made the decision to step down as Inter Miami’s manager. Under the guidance of new boss Guillermo Hoyos, the Herons have shown immense improvement, largely fueled by Messi’s spectacular individual tear throughout the month of May.

Beginning with the Florida Derby against Orlando City on May 2nd, and stretching through matches against Toronto FC, FC Cincinnati, and Portland, Messi has racked up four goals and four assists. With eight direct goal contributions over that span, another standout performance on Sunday could very well secure MLS Player of the Month honors for the legendary playmaker.

Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineups (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.

Philadelphia Union’s confirmed lineups (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Frankie Westfield, Geiner Martinez, Nathan Harriel, Ben Bender; Cavan Sullivan, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Agustin Anello; Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani.
Head coach: Bradley Carnell.

Heading into Matchday 38 of the 25-26 Serie A, Milan sat fourth in the table with 70 points, right on the edge of the qualification zone. Hosting 16th-placed Cagliari, who had 40 points and very little left to play for, a home victory would have confirmed the Rossoneri’s place in Europe’s premier club competition.

Alexis Saelemaekers gave Milan an ideal start by opening the scoring in just the second minute, but Gennaro Borrelli leveled for Cagliari in the 20th. Pulisic came on as a substitute for Santiago Gimenez, but Juan Rodriguez completed a stunning comeback for the visitors in the 57th minute, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan producing a series of important saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.

Final 2025-26 Serie A standings

The defeat sent Milan tumbling from fourth to fifth, costing them a Champions League spot and dropping them into Europa League territory instead. Inter Milan finished as champions with Napoli as runners-up, while AS Roma claimed third with 73 points and Como secured fourth with 71, earning UEFA Champions League soccer for the first time in the club’s history. Milan in fifth and Juventus in sixth claimed Europa League berths, while Atalanta in seventh will compete in the Conference League.

Pisa, Hellas Verona and Cremonese were the three relegated sides, with Pisa and Cremonese returning to Serie B after just one season in the top flight. Their replacements will come from Venezia, Frosinone and the winner of the ongoing playoff between Monza and Catanzaro.

Milan’s difficult second half of the season

Milan broke into the top four as early as Matchday 4 and remained there with Champions League qualification as the stated goal under Allegri from day one. Through the end of 2025, they were running neck and neck with Inter at the summit, separated by just one point with 16 games played.

Pulisic had even been named Serie A Player of the Month in September, and the addition of Luka Modric in midfield had raised genuine expectations for a deep run. However, form collapsed throughout 2026, and the final two months of the season were particularly brutal, with Milan collecting only two wins from eight games between April and May, suffering five defeats and one draw in that stretch.

That collapse cost Milan their top-four place for the first time since Matchday 4, and the financial consequences will be significant. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the failure to qualify for the Champions League will reduce Milan’s transfer market firepower by roughly €100 million ($117M). Modric is now widely expected to move on, a broader squad rebuild is anticipated, and Pulisic’s future, having gone scoreless throughout all of 2026, will also be subject to serious scrutiny.

According to Ben Jacobs, a well-known journalist within the Premier League, via X, the Red Devils have identified Ederson of Atalanta as a marquee reinforcement for midfield. Despite being under contract until 2027, the Brazilian star appears determined to leave the club in the summer of 2026. In light of this, Michael Carrick’s team and the 26-year-old star have reportedly reached an agreement on a five-year contract.

Despite the reported agreement between Ederson and Manchester United, the club still must negotiate with Atalanta over a transfer in the summer of 2026. According to Sportitalia and Gianluca Di Marzio, the Brazilian would leave the Serie A side in a deal worth around €50 million, a relatively affordable operation for the Premier League club. Although the 26-year-old star is not among the most widely recognized names, he is regarded as one of Serie A’s best midfielders.

Like Casemiro, Ederson is a highly complete defensive midfielder. Not only is he very consistent defensively, but he also makes an impact going forward, possessing excellent vision, something that is key for Carrick. In addition, he has already been linked with clubs such as Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, making Manchester United’s move to get ahead in the race for his signature appear to be a major success.

Report: Carrick is set to receive two midfielders at Manchester United

Even though the Red Devils have decided to pursue Ederson’s arrival as a key reinforcement in midfield, the departures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte mean they will need to strengthen the squad much further. With this in mind, the Brazilian would not prevent the arrival of another marquee signing, as Manchester United appear determined to reinforce the roster to compete in the UEFA Champions League, with four key players emerging as targets.

According to Ben Jacobs, via X, formerly Twitter, Manchester United have made the signing of Elliot Anderson their top priority, while maintaining active negotiations with Nottingham Forest. Alongside him, they continue to closely monitor Sandro Tonali, although his high price tag could prevent a move. Nevertheless, they are also keeping a close eye on Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott, as they are determined to sign at least two world-class midfielders.

Kylian Mbappé recorded 25 goals in 31 LaLiga matches for Los Blancos, winning the Golden Boot. Despite standing out in front of goal, the French star has experienced a noticeable drop in his overall level of play, as he won the award last season with 31 goals, making it clear that there are still areas to improve. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old continues to prove he is a decisive player for Real Madrid despite the numerous controversies surrounding him.

By winning his second consecutive Golden Boot, Kylian joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the only Real Madrid player to achieve the feat since 2015. In addition, they form part of the exclusive list of players to have won the award in back-to-back LaLiga seasons, alongside Lionel Messi. With this in mind, Mbappé makes it clear that he aims to become the undisputed leader of Los Blancos’ sporting project, shining through his efficiency.

Heading into the 2026–27 season, Los Blancos are aiming for Mbappé to elevate his performances on the pitch, improving his on-field chemistry with Vinicius Jr., which proved to be his Achilles’ heel this season. With no other clear goalscoring benchmark in LaLiga, Kylian could set his sights on a third consecutive Golden Boot, something Cristiano Ronaldo did not achieve at Real Madrid and which could help him build a historic legacy at the club.

Messi still leads Mbappé and Cristiano in LaLiga Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappé has emerged as one of the most impactful players in recent years, consistently standing out in front of goal. Nevertheless, the French star still has a long way to go to catch Cristiano Ronaldo, but especially Lionel Messi. While the Portuguese icon is widely recognized for his goalscoring dominance, the Argentine star remains the player who has won the most Golden Boots in LaLiga history.

With eight LaLiga Golden Boot awards, Lionel Messi is the most successful winner of the trophy in the league’s history, including a run of five consecutive titles. Although Cristiano Ronaldo shined as a goalscorer at Real Madrid, he remains far behind on the list, having won the award on three occasions: 2010–11, 2013–14, and 2014–15. With this in mind, Kylian could tie the Portuguese star if he manages to repeat as winner in the 2026–27 season.

Bruno Fernandes scored a goal and provided an assist in the Red Devils’ victory over Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. With this, the 31-year-old star reached 21 assists in the Premier League during the 2025–26 season, becoming the league’s standout player in that category. In addition, he surpassed Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry who previously held the record with 20 assists, writing his name into the history of the league’s greats.

Since his arrival at Manchester United in 2020, Bruno has become the team’s best player year after year, standing out amid the storm. Through his historic impact, the 31-year-old star has already recorded 107 goals and 108 assists in 327 appearances, making it clear that he has been one of the best signings in the club’s history. With a contract running until 2027, along with an optional extension, he looks set to further grow his legacy at the club.

Not only has Bruno surpassed Henry’s record, but he has also overtaken him in total Premier League assists. While the Portuguese midfielder now has 108 assists, the French legend recorded 79. However, the 31-year-old star still remains behind Kevin De Bruyne, who has registered 121 assists in 288 appearances, underlining his enormous impact on the league’s history.

Michael Carrick’s tenure at Man United pushes Bruno Fernandes to stay

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Bruno Fernandes’ future was a major topic of debate, as Manchester United’s sporting project was marked by significant instability. Nevertheless, Michael Carrick has transformed the team into one of the most competitive sides, giving them a clear playing style that has led them back to the UEFA Champions League. With continuity now secured, the Portuguese midfielder’s future could remain at Old Trafford.

Although he is under contract until 2027, Bruno has reportedly requested a significant improvement in the squad’s competitiveness. With them set to compete in the Champions League, the Red Devils may need to strengthen both midfield and the wings, as they currently lack depth in those areas. With these changes and Carrick in charge, the 31-year-old star could, for the first time in many years, see a truly competitive team capable of fighting for titles again.

After a disastrous previous campaign in which the club sank to the lowest Premier League finish in their history and missed out on European soccer entirely, United redirected all of their focus toward securing a return to the UEFA Champions League. Fernandes was the engine behind that mission, posting eight goals and 20 assists heading into the final matchday.

On Matchday 38, United traveled to Brighton with Fernandes needing just one more assist to break the all-time record. In the 33rd minute, he delivered a precise corner from the right that Patrick Dorgu met with a header to find the net, giving Fernandes the record-breaking 21st assist of his campaign.

With that, Bruno Fernandes became the first player in the history of the Premier League to register 21 assists in a single season, surpassing the long-standing benchmark of 20 shared by Thierry Henry with Arsenal in 2002-03 and Kevin De Bruyne with Manchester City in 2019-20.

Fernandes joins Messi and Müller in a league of their own

Fernandes wrapped up the 2025-26 Premier League season with nine goals and 21 assists, a campaign so dominant that he was named the Players’ Player of the Season for the first time in his career. Beyond the individual honor, his record-setting tally has placed him in a category occupied only by two of the greatest players of the modern era.

With 21 assists in the Premier League, Fernandes has become just the third player in the history of Europe’s top five leagues to reach that mark in a single season, joining Messi and Muller, who both achieved the feat during the 2019-20 campaign.

In the 2019-20 La Liga season, Messi delivered 21 assists alongside 25 goals for Barcelona, while Muller matched that assist total in the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign, adding eight goals for Bayern Munich. Those figures had stood as the ceiling for any player across the continent’s elite leagues until Fernandes matched them on Sunday.

Single-season assist records across Europe’s top five leagues

• Premier League (England): Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, 2025-26 — 21 assists.
• La Liga (Spain): Lionel Messi, Barcelona, 2019-20 — 21 assists.
• Bundesliga (Germany): Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich, 2019-20 — 21 assists.
• Ligue 1 (France): Angel Di Maria, PSG, 2015-16 and Jerome Rothen, Monaco, 2002-03 — 18 assists.
• Serie A (Italy): Federico Dimarco, Inter Milan, 2025-26 — 18 assists.

Looking ahead to the future of the Citizens, Guardiola decided to issue a stern warning to his successor as the team’s head coach. “It doesn’t work to copy and paste in this kind of job. You have to be unique, natural and yourself and the new manager will be himself. The moment it starts to be a copy for another one … Everyone is everyone. It has to be like that. And that’s why everything is going to be good,” he said in the latest press conference.

Despite deciding to leave Manchester City, Guardiola claims to maintain an excellent relationship with the club and its board, making it clear that his departure is driven by personal reasons. In light of this, Enzo Maresca appears to be the ideal candidate to replace the Spaniard as the Citizens’ head coach. Not only does he have Premier League experience, but he also served as Pep’s assistant at the club, already being familiar with the team’s methods.

Far from being a jab at Maresca, Pep Guardiola’s words were valuable advice, as his legacy in Manchester could be quite difficult to live up to. With this in mind, the Italian’s potential arrival would bring a change to the team’s style of play, because while they share the same philosophy, their approach is quite different. Furthermore, the Spaniard has proven himself to be one of the best in history, so replicating his ideas are very difficult.

Pep Guardiola to stay involved in Manchester City’s future

As one of the greatest managers in soccer history, Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City has excited numerous clubs and national teams pursuing his arrival in the summer of 2026. Nevertheless, he has already stated that he will not return to the touchline anytime soon, as he plans to take a sabbatical, something he has done before in his professional career. In addition, the 55-year-old coach will not leave the City Football Group structure.

As announced by Manchester City, Guardiola will take on the role of Global Ambassador for the City Football Group. In this position, he will provide technical guidance to clubs under the ownership structure such as Manchester City, Girona FC, Palermo FC, ESTAC Troyes, Lommel SK, New York City FC, Esporte Clube Bahia, Montevideo City Torque, Yokohama F. Marinos, Melbourne City, Mumbai City, Shenzhen Peng City FC, and Club Bolívar.

After suffering a serious knee injury against Sunderland, Cristian Romero has remained sidelined since April 12, 2026, missing the remainder of the season. While he is expected to return just in time for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he will miss Tottenham Hotspur’s decisive match for Premier League survival. In addition, the 28-year-old defender’s future appears to be in serious doubt, with numerous transfer rumors.

In recent days, Romero’s commitment to the Spurs has been heavily questioned, as he was spotted training at the facilities of Club Atlético Belgrano in Argentina. As captain of the English side, fans expected him to be with the team, leading to widespread criticism. However, head coach Roberto de Zerbi revealed that the team and the player decided to have him undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of Argentina and their medical staff.

Even though he had permission from Tottenham Hotspur to continue his recovery process in Argentina, Cristian Romero decided to return to London, even being seen at a barber shop through social media posts. Following this, Ben Jacobs, well-known journalist within Premier League, reported that the 28-year-old defender will be present in the stands to support his team, demonstrating his commitment to the dressing room.

Tottenham Hotspur lineup vs Everton

Tottenham Hotspur enter as clear favorites to defeat Everton, as they are fighting for their survival in the Premier League. In the absence of Cristian Romero, head coach Roberto De Zerbi will once again rely on Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, who have impressed in recent matches. In addition, Richarlison and Mathys Tel will expected to lead the attack, looking to make the difference against David Moyes’ team.

With this in mind, Spurs will lineup as follows: Antonín Kinský; Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha; Pedro Porro, Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel; Richarlison.

Everton lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur

Unlike Tottenham, Everton no longer have anything at stake in the Premier League, as they are neither at risk of relegation nor able to qualify for European competitions. However, head coach David Moyes will still field his strongest roster, as they have not enjoyed a particularly impressive season and would look to finish with a solid victory. To achieve this, the goalscoring presence of Thierno Barry and the contribution of Iliman Ndiaye could prove completely decisive.

Considering this, Everton will play as follows: Jordan Pickford; Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitali Mykolenko; James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam; Merlin Röhl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; Thierno Barry.

Match Overview

Arsenal heads to Selhurst Park as newly-crowned Premier League champions, having ended a monumental 22-year wait for the title. With celebrations in full swing and a Champions League final against PSG on the horizon, this match serves as a victory lap for Mikel Arteta‘s squad. While the pressure is off, the Gunners will be determined to cap their historic domestic campaign with a statement win and maintain momentum heading into their European showdown.

For Crystal Palace, this final league match is a strategic necessity rather than a competitive priority. Sitting comfortably in 15th place, the Eagles have their entire focus on the upcoming Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Manager Oliver Glasner‘s primary objective will be to avoid injuries and rest key players, making this London derby an opportunity for fringe players to step up in a low-stakes environment.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This match presents a stark contrast in season trajectories. Arsenal‘s campaign has been a masterclass in defensive discipline and relentless consistency, culminating in their first league title since 2004. Their success was built on a league-best defense that conceded just 26 goals. In contrast, Crystal Palace‘s league form has faltered, with the club winless in their last six matches as they channeled all their energy into their historic European run.

The tactical battle will likely be decided by motivation and squad depth. Arsenal‘s system is built on control and defensive solidity, a style they are unlikely to abandon even with a rotated squad. Palace, free from the pressures of the league, may use this match to experiment ahead of their final. Expect a clash between Arsenal’s organized, second-string unit and a Crystal Palace side playing with freedom but a clear lack of urgency.

Ultimately, the motivations for both clubs are entirely external to the Premier League table. Arsenal‘s players will be auditioning for a spot in the Champions League final lineup, eager to impress Arteta. For Crystal Palace, the goal is simple: get through the 90 minutes without any injuries to key personnel before the most important match in the club’s recent history. This dynamic sets the stage for a potentially open and unpredictable encounter.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Arsenal has thoroughly dominated this fixture. The Gunners enter this match undefeated in their last nine meetings with Crystal Palace, a run that includes seven victories. The last time the Eagles defeated their London rivals was a 3-0 home victory back in 2022, a result they’ll be hoping to replicate against a festive Arsenal side.

While Arsenal‘s long-term record is dominant, recent encounters have been much tighter affairs. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a narrow 1-0 win for the Gunners, and an EFL Cup match required penalties for Arsenal to advance after a 1-1 draw. This suggests that even a heavily-favored Arsenal team has found Palace to be a resilient opponent lately.

Despite their unbeaten streak, Arsenal has managed only one clean sheet in their last five games against Crystal Palace. This trend is notable given that the Gunners have kept the most away clean sheets (8) in the Premier League this season. Goal-scoring has also been inconsistent; while the five-game average is 3.6 goals, the last two clashes have produced a total of just three goals combined.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

With both teams facing massive European finals, expect significant squad rotation from both managers for this Premier League finale.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner will undoubtedly prioritize the Conference League final, resting his most important players. The team is already dealing with injuries to Chris Richards, Borna Sosa, and Cheick Oumar Doucouré, which further limits his options and ensures several backup players will feature from the start.

Similarly, Mikel Arteta will protect his key assets for the Champions League final. Jurriën Timber and Ben White remain sidelined with injuries, while Mikel Merino is not yet fit enough to start. This match provides a crucial opportunity for squad players to prove their worth ahead of the massive clash with PSG.

Crystal Palace Projected XI (3-4-3): Henderson; Riad, Canvot, Lacroix; Devenny, Hughes, Lerma, Clyne; Guessand, Johnson, Strand Larsen.
This is a heavily rotated lineup designed to preserve the core squad for the European final. It offers a chance for fringe players to gain valuable minutes in the last league match of the season.

Arsenal Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Mosquera; Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Trossard, Eze, Saka; Jesus.
While some stars like Rice and Saka may start to maintain rhythm, this lineup features several backups. Arteta will use this match to rest key players and give others a final chance to stake their claim for the Champions League final squad.

More details on how to watch

The Crystal Palace vs Arsenal match is available on DirecTV Stream. You can watch on your computer, phone, tablet, and smart TV, making it easy to catch the action from anywhere.

In addition to the Premier League, a subscription to DirecTV Stream gives you access to a wide array of other top soccer competitions, including La Liga and Liga MX.

A subscription to DirecTV Stream costs $69.99 per month, providing comprehensive coverage of world soccer all season long.

The service also includes extensive non-soccer content, from blockbuster movies and hit TV series to other live sports, offering a complete entertainment package.

SEE MORE: View the complete Premier League TV schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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Tottenham have spent 48 consecutive seasons in England’s top division. Their last relegation came during the 1976-77 season, when they finished 22nd in the Football League First Division and were sent down to the Football League Second Division.

That nightmare did not last long, though. The following season, they finished third in the standings and secured an immediate return to the top flight of English soccer. Since earning promotion in 1978, the Spurs have never been relegated again, a streak that covers the entire history of the Premier League, which was founded in 1992.

The closest they came to relegation was in 2024-25, when they prioritized the UEFA Europa League — a tournament they ultimately won by defeating Manchester United in the final — and finished 17th in the Premier League standings.

How many times have Tottenham been relegated?

Tottenham’s first participation in an English league competition came during the 1896-97 season in the Southern Football League. They remained there for more than a decade before joining the Football League Second Division in 1908 and reaching the First Division one year later.

From that point on, the Spurs suffered four relegations in total. The first came in 1915, just before league competitions were suspended because of World War I until 1920. After returning to England’s top flight, they were relegated again in 1928, then once more in 1935 and, for the last time, in 1977.

The longest period Tottenham spent in the second division came after their third relegation in 1935. At that time, the London club needed 15 years to return to the First Division, a span that also included the interruption caused by World War II between 1939 and 1946.

The English clubs with the longest active stay in the top flight

Tottenham’s importance in English soccer is reflected in the ranking of clubs with the longest uninterrupted runs in the first division. The Spurs currently rank fifth on that list with 48 consecutive seasons since 1978. Arsenal tops the ranking with 106 straight seasons since 1919, followed by Everton with 72 since 1954, Liverpool with 64 since 1962, and Manchester United with 51 since 1975.

“If I’m in his shoes now, I’d be very worried,” Donovan said during a recent interview with Fox Sports’ First Things First. He was referring, of course, to the struggles Pulisic has faced at club level this year, which stand in sharp contrast to the form he showed throughout 2025.

The forward had been AC Milan’s main attacking weapon during the first half of the season, scoring 10 goals across Serie A and Coppa Italia. Since January, however, that streak has completely disappeared, to the point that Pulisic is now on an 18-match scoreless run.

“I’ve been through long stretches in my career where it just won’t go in,” Donovan added, relating to his countryman’s struggles. “I watch a lot of his games where in the right spot, he makes the right play the right moment, and then he just can’t hit the goal for some reason or the goalie makes an amazing save.”

Donovan believes Pulisic’s drought should be a priority for the USMNT

The USMNT will make its debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in the opening match of Group D. That game will be followed by two more group-stage clashes against Australia and Turkey, which will determine the team’s fate in the tournament.

“What needs to happen, guys, is between now and June 12, we need to find some way, and I don’t know what the hell it is, but for the ball to hit him somehow and go in the net one time,” Donovan said regarding Pulisic’s scoring drought. “I promise you, if it goes in one time, it’ll be done.”

The opportunities for that to happen will be limited. Most leagues around the world will wrap up action this weekend, meaning national teams will soon begin gathering to start preparations for the World Cup.

The USMNT will have two friendlies as final tune-ups before facing Paraguay. The first will come on Sunday, May 31, against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Six days later, they will face Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Even if their position may be the same as last year’s, the gap separating them from the Championship is just two points, which means they are facing the most crucial match in their recent history. Everton are 12th in the standings after an inconsistent performance but could still be a challenge for this weak Tottenham side in their new stadium.

The team they are competing with to avoid relegation is West Ham, who end the season against 14th-place Leeds at home with very little margin. On top of the points difference, Tottenham are much better in goal difference with -10 compared to their rivals’ -22, an aspect that could prove decisive.

How Tottenham’s win vs. Everton affects their Premier League relegation battle

The good thing about this final match in Tottenham’s case is that they do not need to wait to see what happens with West Ham. As the team that sits ahead, a victory over Everton secures their place in the top division.

How Tottenham’s draw vs. Everton affects their Premier League relegation battle

While mathematically only a victory guarantees safety, in practice a draw against Everton also secures Tottenham’s place in the Premier League. The reason is goal difference, because West Ham would have to win by 12 goals to overtake them after tying them on goal difference and goals scored.

How Tottenham’s loss vs. Everton affects their Premier League relegation battle

This scenario sets up a dramatic finish. The only result that could realistically send Tottenham down is a loss to Everton. In that case, the door opens wide for West Ham, who would only need a win over Leeds to reach 39 points, while Tottenham would remain on 38 after a defeat.

Following a cagey opening 45 minutes that offered virtually zero goal-scoring threats, Middlesbrough initially looked like the better side, enjoying vastly superior control of the possession compared to their rivals. However, they were unable to break the deadlock, leaving the match scoreless as both teams headed down the tunnel at halftime.

The second half was almost a mirror image of the first, with all signs pointing toward the promotion battle heading into extra time. Yet, in the dying embers of the match, Oliver McBurnie emerged as the ultimate hero, popping up in the 94th minute to net the winner and secure promotion for his squad. The goal triggered absolute scenes at a roaring Wembley Stadium, sending the Tigers back to the Premier League for the first time in 10 years.