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

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

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

Bradley Barcola tipped to replace Luis Díaz at Bayern Munich

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vinicius Jr. would thrive with a move to Arsenal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Honestly, no, we didn’t [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, wasn’t the last season, but two seasons ago… He came to the World Cup after injury and he didn’t play for like eight weeks so it’s tough if you don’t play eight weeks and you have to start playing in the World Cup, then you don’t have time for the training just from game to game,” Lewandowski said, via ESPN.

After suffering a muscle tear, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup far from fully fit. In fact, head coach Luis de la Fuente did not use him in the opening match, as he missed the game against Cape Verde. As the tournament progressed, he gradually regained his fluency in play. However, he was unable to impose his goalscoring ability.

Robert Lewandowski’s words are not a direct criticism of Lamine. Instead, the veteran striker points to the lack of continuity after the injury as the main cause. Amid the criticism, the 19-year-old star remained irreplaceable at the 2026 World Cup, playing a key role in the team’s collective play. In addition, teammates such as Unai Simón and Rodri Hernández praised his work on the field.

Lamine Yamal’s impact goes beyond the scoring side

Throughout his career, Lamine Yamal has surprised the soccer world with his goalscoring ability. As a fast, skillful winger, he has been the centerpiece of Barcelona over the last two seasons. By failing to translate that impact to Spain, he is being heavily criticized by the fans. However, the 19-year-old star has shown that his impact goes far beyond the goalscoring aspect.

As the team’s most decisive player on the ball, both Spain and Barcelona build their play around him. Therefore, he often attracts defenders and creates space for his teammates. In addition, he has excelled in the creative aspect, delivering key passes that allow his teammates to shine. Whether he scores or not, he always contributes collectively, making him the most dangerous player with or without the ball.

At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal still has many things to improve in his professional career. Not only will enhancing his goalscoring ability be key, but also managing his runs to preserve his physical condition. As a key player for both Spain and Barcelona, he is expected to be the focal point of UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, silencing the critics of his performances at the international level.

According to Ben Jacobs, via X, formerly Twitter, Al Hilal and Karim Benzema are in constant talks, discussing his role for the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season. While the veteran striker expects an important role, the team is open to his departure this summer in case it receives an offer. However, a scenario in which he would be included only in the Asian Champions League has been ruled out by the striker.

In his first season at Al Hilal, Benzema did not have his best performance. After arriving midway through the season, he was only able to play 13 matches, in which he scored only 9 goals. Being one of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, his performances received a lot of criticism from the fans. Therefore, they would be open to the veteran striker’s departure, despite the fact that he is under contract until June 2027.

Since the arrival of head coach Simone Inzaghi, Marcos Leonardo has been the team’s best player. Despite not having much spotlight on his name, he has once again been the team’s top scorer, scoring 19 goals in 39 matches. At just 22 years old, he appears to be the cornerstone of the team, being undisputed under every coach he has had. Because of this, Karim Benzema appears to have one foot out of Al Hilal.

Karim Benzema has enjoyed a strong run in Saudi Arabia

After establishing a historic spell at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema decided to make the move to the Saudi Pro League. During his time at Al Ittihad, the veteran striker enjoyed great success, scoring 54 goals and providing 17 assists. After two successful seasons, the 38-year-old striker left as a free agent, joining Al Hilal. During his short spell, he has recorded 14 goal contributions, consisting of 9 goals and 5 assists in 13 matches.

Throughout his three years in the Saudi Pro League, Karim has already managed to win the league title in the 2024-25 season with Al Ittihad. In addition, he has won two more trophies, lifting the Saudi King’s Cup on two occasions: In the 2024-25 season with Al Ittihad and in the 2025-26 season with Al Hilal. With this in mind, he has already left a great legacy during his time in Saudi Arabia.

“I try to be fair when I see criticism with bad intentions. Life then gives you opportunities, which is why I am especially happy for Ferran. His story reminds me of Morata’s. Faced with injustice, he has said: here I am… When Ferran scored, I felt the closest thing to happiness; and when I lifted the Cup, I felt happy, satisfied, and proud,” Luis de la Fuente revealed, via Diario AS.

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal established as the starting striker, scoring five goals. After this, the criticism toward Ferran Torres became very strong, as he had failed to score in the tournament. However, Luis de la Fuente highlights something key by comparing him to Morata: He is very underrated, as his impact on the field always goes beyond the goalscoring aspect.

Like Morata, Ferran is a striker who helps bring out the best version of his teammates. Without being prodigies in the goalscoring aspect, they are capable of dropping into a creative role and even playing on the wings. As a result, their teammates usually receive more space to score. Although the 33-year-old striker has scored 37 goals for the national team, the 26-year-old star has 25 and could look to surpass him in the coming years.

Spain captain Rodri Hernandez also praises Ferran Torres

Amid a style of soccer in which Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland shine in the goalscoring aspect, a striker profile like Ferran Torres is viewed quite unfairly. Although he was not a starter at the 2026 World Cup, he scored the goal that ended Spain’s drought, leading them to their second title in the tournament. Because of this, national team captain Rodri Hernández decided to praise the 26-year-old striker.

“Today I would like to remember a person (Introducing Ferran) who is very important to this group, very special to me. Perhaps a player who has been unfairly criticized many times… Today he is part of Spanish soccer history,” Rodri said during the celebrations following Spain’s 2026 World Cup title. With those remarks in mind, Ferran is expected to remain part of the project ahead of the 2028 UEFA Euro as a key figure in the dressing room.

Where does Ferran Torres rank on Spain’s all-time scoring list?

Even though Ferran Torres does not stand out as a prolific goalscorer, he already has 25 goals for Spain, which is a very respectable tally. However, he still is not among the national team’s top five all-time goalscorers. Not only is Álvaro Morata ahead of him, but also David Villa, among other historic players.

FC Barcelona revealed, via X, that De Jong returned from the World Cup with a tear of the medial collateral ligament in the right knee, facing a recovery longer than four months. According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario Sport, the Blaugrana are reportedly very upset with the player over how he has handled his injury.

The Blaugranas face a major dilemma with Frenkie de Jong. In the return leg of the Champions League vs Atletico Madrid, the medical staff gave him the approval to play. However, he refused to play, stating that he did not want to take the risk. After this incident, Hansi Flick is very upset, completely losing confidence in him, reports Gerard Romero, via Jijantes FC.

Marc Bernal could pave the way for Frenkie de Jong’s Barcelona exit

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Barcelona could decide not to pursue a signing to cover Frenkie de Jong’s absence. Although his absence is long-term, they are reportedly determined to cover every position with the players already available in the squad. With this in mind, head coach Hansi Flick could give Marc Bernal a bigger role, which could pave the way for the Dutchman’s departure in the short term.

If Marc Bernal shines in midfield, he would become Flick’s undisputed starter. At just 19 years old, he has already played 1,313 minutes, being an essential part of the team’s collective play. He could take advantage of this opportunity to push the 29-year-old star out of the starting lineup. With this in mind, Barcelona could look to sell him in the winter of 2027 or the summer of 2027, as he would no longer be a central part of the sporting project.

Barcelona could struggle to part ways with Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong is coming off being an essential player in Barcelona’s sporting project. Amid injuries, he managed to play 2,569 minutes, establishing as one of the best players in the world. Despite this, the emergence of Marc Bernal and his reportedly poor relationship with Hansi Flick could force his transfer. With a contract until 2029, the Blaugrana may not find it easy to secure a transfer for the 29-year-old star.

According to Què T’hi Jugues of SER, Frenkie de Jong receives an annual salary of between €9-10 million net per season. Because of this, he is one of the highest-paid players on the team. Therefore, Barcelona could find it quite difficult to find a team that wants to pay a multi-million transfer fee, together with a multi-million salary.

To convince Frenkie to leave the team, Hansi Flick would have to show him that he is a secondary player, betting on Marc Bernal. With this, he could force a departure from the team, facilitating any possible negotiation. Therefore, Barcelona could need at least one more season to look for his departure, complicating the situation.

According to DAZN, Kylian Mbappé became the first player since 1966 to finish as the top scorer in the World Cup (10 goals), the UEFA Champions League (15 goals), and the domestic league (25 goals) in a single season. The only player to achieve it before him was Portuguese legend Eusébio. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star has already established as one of the greatest players in history.

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players in history, but he never managed to finish as the top scorer in all three competitions in a single season. The closest he came was in the 2009-10 season, when he scored 34 goals in LaLiga and 8 goals in the Champions League. However, he failed to score a single goal at the 2010 World Cup, missing his greatest chance. Despite becoming a legend, he never came close to achieving it again.

With nearly 1,000 goals in his professional career, Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest goalscorers in history. However, he also failed to equal Eusébio’s record during his professional career. In the 2013-14 season, the veteran striker came very close, finishing as the top scorer in LaLiga with 31 goals and in the Champions League with 17 goals. However, he scored only one goal at the 2014 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé’s impressive season overshadowed by collective struggles

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Kylian Mbappé established as one of the best players in the world. He led Real Madrid’s attack, scoring 42 goals and providing 7 assists, making him the team’s standout player. In addition, he carried his excellent form over to France, becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. However, the lack of collective success for his teams could leave him without individual awards.

France and Real Madrid being two of the biggest powers in soccer world, neither of them managed to win a single title during the 2025-26 season. As a result, he appears to be losing ground in the Ballon d’Or race to Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and other players. Despite being one of the best players of recent years, individual awards continue to slip through his hands, as he is not considered the favorite this season either.

According to Elisabetta Esposito, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, his advisor, have returned to Italy with very little optimism. Pep Guardiola is not very willing to accept a new job as a coach, as he wants to take a break to spend time with his family, something he has not been able to do for years. In addition, he is requesting an annual salary of €20 million, while Italy’s offer is €10 million.

Despite this situation, Italy are reportedly remaining in the negotiations, looking to improve their offer and convince him over the coming weeks. Needing a deep restructuring, the possible arrival of Guardiola would be the ideal move, as he develops young players. In addition, the Spaniard coach would be key to adjusting the playing style toward a more modern and competitive approach.

Italy reportedly shortlist three Pep Guardiola alternatives

Amid the negotiations with Pep Guardiola, Italy do not seem willing to stand still. Although Silvio Baldini is the coach currently in charge, they are determined to appoint a manager with extensive experience and a more suitable profile. While they still maintain active hopes of landing the Spanish coach, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) is reportedly considering only three names as alternatives to become the new head coach.

Even though he has not managed a European club since 2024, Andrea Pirlo is the ideal candidate to take over as Italy’s head coach as backup for Pep Guardiola, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite being under contract with United FC of the UAE Pro League until 2027, he could leave without much difficulty to take charge of the national team.

Alongside Pirlo, the FIGC and Paolo Maldini are also considering Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, in that order, Elisabetta Esposito reveals. However, they are viewed as emergency options rather than priorities, as the FIGC is looking for a fresh direction for the national team. While both coaches have already succeeded at the highest level, they represent continuity in the sporting project, something they do not fully want to pursue.

As one of Italy’s best prospects, Samuele Ricci joined AC Milan in August 2025 for €23 million from Torino FC. However, he played only 1,498 minutes, raising serious doubts about his ability to be a starter in midfield. Despite Ruben Amorim being the club’s new head coach, the future of the 24-year-old star appears to lie away from the Rossoneri, calling out the attention of two Serie A sides.

According to Nicolò Schira, via Tuttosport, the Rossoneri want to transfer Samuele Ricci this summer. However, they want to receive a transfer fee of between €18-20 million, ruling out any type of loan deal. As a result, Atalanta and Bologna have shown interest in signing him. However, several Premier League clubs and Olympique Marseille could become interested in him again.

Considering the reported renewal of Luka Modrić and of Adrien Rabiot’s key role, Ricci is no longer central to AC Milan’s plans. In addition, Ruben Amorim does not believe he fits into his system, opting instead for alternatives such as Ardon Jashari and sign Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as backup, reports Nicolò Schira. At just 24 years old, Samuele still has plenty of room for growth, as he could become a central figure in Italy’s future.

AC Milan may also offload Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

With the arrival of Ruben Amorim, AC Milan are preparing to significantly reshape their roster. While they are keeping Modrić and Rabiot, they are open to parting ways with the rest of their midfielders. With this in mind, Samuele Ricci may not be the only player to leave, as Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also be transferred in an effort to improve the team’s competitiveness.

After several training sessions, head coach Ruben Amorim has decided not to count on Youssouf Fofana or Ruben Loftus-Cheek. With this in mind, both stars could be on their way to the Premier League, where they have a strong market, reports Nicolò Schira. However, neither of them has received formal offers, so their departures may not be straightforward, forcing them to be included in the friendly games.

Amid his tribute as a 2026 World Cup winner, Fabián Ruiz was asked whether he would consider returning to Real Betis. He responded bluntly: “The truth is yes. I’ve always said it. I never hide it. I want to come back. It gets closer every time. I’m a Betis fan, and one day I hope to return to Betis,” he said, according to Marca. Nonetheless, his comeback may not be an easy path due to his renewal status.

Fabián Ruiz remains a central figure at PSG, serving as an undisputed starter under head coach Luis Enrique. For that reason, he has agreed to a contract extension through 2029, with an option for an additional year, according to Fabrizio Romano. While the 30-year-old midfielder has hinted at a return to Real Betis, the French side may not let him leave easily complicating matters in the near future.

As one of the most experienced players for PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has established among the best players in the world. During the 2025-26 season, he won absolutely everything, making him a potential Ballon d’Or candidate, something he made clear would be a great honor for him. In addition, he reached 50 unbeaten matches with La Roja, marking a historic milestone that demonstrates his importance to the team.

Fabian Ruiz is one of the most well-rounded players at PSG and Spain

Throughout the last few years, Fabián Ruiz has been one of the most underrated players in Europe. At PSG, Vitinha and João Neves steal all the spotlight, while Pedri does the same with Spain. However, he has managed to carve out a unique place in both squads, becoming a cornerstone of every title they have won. His importance comes down to one key aspect: He is one of the most complete players in his position.

Despite having world-class competition, Fabián has earned the trust of all his coaches by excelling in both defense and attack. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and physical presence, he stands out as one of the most solid central midfielders defensively, playing a key role in balancing the lineup. In addition, he offers an incredible creative side, controlling the tempo and distributing the play.

Amid the very young squads at PSG and Spain, Fabián Ruiz has emerged as one of the leaders of both teams. Although he is only 30 years old, he is one of the most experienced players, making him a clear leader in the dressing room and an example on the pitch. Despite this, his career does not usually receive much spotlight, making him one of the most underrated players in the world.

According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Sergio Busquets has decided to return to Barcelona after attending the 2026 World Cup. He has decided to take steps forward to become a coach in the near future. Instead of joining Hansi Flick’s coaching staff, he is negotiating to join Juliano Belletti’s staff, who coaches Barça Atlètic. With this move, he is looking to learn from the day-to-day work before taking a bigger step.

As he has not yet obtained the required coaching license to work as a head coach, Busquets has decided not to waste any time, joining La Masia as an apprentice, the same place where he began his career as a professional soccer player. As a result, he could begin his coaching career in FC Barcelona’s youth ranks before making the jump to any first-division team.

Barcelona highly values Sergio Busquets’ influence in the youth ranks, reveals Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport. Becoming one of the best players in the club’s history, he is an ideal ambassador for the possession-based style of play and his experience makes him a role model. However, he appears to be focused exclusively on learning from Belletti, seeking a slower transition toward becoming a head coach.

Sergio Busquets may eye different coaching route than Xavi Hernandez

With Sergio Busquets’ reported return to Barcelona, many already compare him to Xavi Hernández, anticipating a possible failure. However, the story of both legends is totally different. Unlike the previous years, the Blaugranas already have a very stable sporting project, something that Xavi did not get to experience. In addition, his training was very different.

Xavi Hernández trained as a coach, completing his internships and taking his first professional steps at Al Sadd SC in Qatar. Without having gone through La Masia, he had a quite mixed spell, as he won titles but ended up being dismissed. This is very different from the path that Sergio Busquets reportedly wants to take, as he first wants to learn the day-to-day work in Barcelona’s youth ranks before taking a bigger professional step.

Sergio Busquets seems to have a clear path to becoming a coach: Taking slow steps to learn the fundamentals properly. Although this does not guarantee success, it does allow him to better measure his professional decisions before becoming Barcelona’s head coach. However, he appears destined to replace Hansi Flick in the future if he shines in the youth ranks.

“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro. The five-time UEFA Champions League-winning midfielder joins the Club as a free agent and will remain under contract through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an extension option until June 2029“, reports the Herons on their website.

Despite already being 34 years old, Casemiro was an undisputed starter for Manchester United during the 2025-26 season. Demonstrating his high level, he scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists, becoming one of the team’s pillars. However, he has decided to make a change in his professional career, motivated by Inter Miami’s sporting project, he revealed during his presentation.

Casemiro opens up on excitement for Inter Miami’s arrival

While Casemiro reportedly had offers to remain in Europe, he has decided to choose a different path: Joining MLS. He arrives at Inter Miami to become a key part of the squad alongside Yannick Bright in midfield. Despite being a veteran, he has already publicly expressed his excitement about playing for Guillermo Hoyos’ team in the coming days.

“I’m incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust—not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well. All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the Club has shown me,” Casemiro said via Inter Miami’s website.

Casemiro and Lionel Messi: Rivalry, admiration unite at Inter Miami

Throughout their professional careers, Lionel Messi and Casemiro have always been rivals. The Brazilian has faced the Argentine legend in 20 matches, recording 8 wins, 4 draws, and 8 defeats. However, he has always expressed his deep admiration for the 39-year-old veteran star, something that could be very important now that they will be teammates at Inter Miami.

In an interview on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Casemiro described Messi as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career. “You need help, you can’t stop him alone… I foul him, I apologize, it’s impossible. I need help… I remember one match: 0-0, Messi was on the bench until the 80th minute; he came on and within a few minutes it was 2-0. Only him,” he confessed.

For the first time in their professional careers, Casemiro and Messi will be teammates, something that will seek to give Inter Miami more solidity. With complementary playing styles, they aim to build a strong connection on the pitch, as they have known each other for many years. In addition, the Brazilian joins the select group of players who have shared the field with both the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours.

According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all.

Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open.

Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future

Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30.

With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.

Robert Lewandowski is starting for Chicago Fire today, as he has no injuries and has trained normally. As the team’s biggest star, head coach Gregg Berhalter could look to build the attack around him in order to maximize his goalscoring ability. It also remains to be seen how he will fit him into his tactical setup.

Alongside Lewandowski, head coach Gregg Berhalter is keeping Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel as his attacking partners. However, Maren Haile-Selassie would have a bigger role in midfield, as he needs to be the central playmaker, distributing the ball and finding the Polish striker.

Inter Miami will be without their biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. After the 2026 World Cup, both players will take a few days off to avoid physical discomfort. As a result, all eyes will be on Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame, who will need to be at their best in front of goal. In addition, Micael and Gonzalo Luján could be responsible for providing defensive solidity to the team.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Chicago Fire

As one of the best teams in MLS, Inter Miami return from the break looking for a convincing victory. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to make changes to his starting lineup following the absences of Messi and De Paul. As a result, David Ruiz returns to the team, playing a key role alongside Yannick Bright. In addition, Luis Suarez and Germán Berterame lead the attack.

The Herons lineup as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti; German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Chicago Fire confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami

Chicago Fire are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the MLS Cup title. To achieve this, head coach Gregg Berhalter will rely on Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the main challenge will be defensive, as they need to be more solid to keep the team balanced. In addition, they will face the Herons and their outstanding attack.

With this in mind, Chicago Fire may play as follows: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Andrew Gutman; Anton Saletros, Dje Tah D’Avilla; Philip Zinckernagel, Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie; Robert Lewandowski.

According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid are closely monitoring Ferran Torres’ future, as they have been following him since his days at Valencia. However, they have not submitted an official offer, instead viewing him as a low-cost opportunity. With the poor relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a direct transfer would be very difficult. Therefore, they could be keeping an eye on signing him as a free agent in the summer of 2027.

Recognizing his importance to the team, FC Barcelona are looking to secure Ferran Torres’ contract renewal soon. However, he is reportedly unhappy with the club, as he expected to receive a new contract much earlier. As a result, the Blaugrana are open to selling him for €50 million, as he is a world-class striker whose contract expires in June 2027, reports L’Equipe.

Amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ferran Torres appears to have a preferred destination: Paris Saint-Germain. Over the past few weeks, head coach Luis Enrique has reportedly already spoken with the striker, and he has greatly appreciated the interest. In addition, they sold Gonçalo Ramos for €60 million, so they have room in the squad to accommodate his arrival.

Ferran Torres may face uncertain role under José Mourinho

Ferran Torres has gone from being a heavily criticized striker to becoming Spain’s hero. After scoring the winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final, he has attracted the attention of Real Madrid. However, the 26-year-old striker may not play a leading role in head coach José Mourinho’s plans. Instead, he could be limited to a secondary role, something far less appealing compared to Barcelona or PSG.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham are expected to be the cornerstones of José Mourinho’s team. As a result, Ferran Torres would likely become a rotation player, competing with Rodrygo Goes, Brahim Díaz, and Endrick. This could significantly complicate his potential move to Real Madrid, as he is looking for a club where he can be an important starter or a frequent part of the rotation.

According to Andrea Ramazzotti, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Luka Modrić has decided to end his international career with Croatia. He has decided to announce it at the beginning of October 2026, after the match against Spain in the UEFA Nations League. With this, he establishes as one of the greatest legends of the national team, writing his name alongside Davor Šuker and Zvonimir Boban.

Despite his international retirement, Modrić has reached an agreement to extend his contract with AC Milan for one more season, joining the club’s tour in Australia, reports Andrea Ramazzotti. With this, Ruben Amorim keeps the central figure of his midfield, as he had already expressed his desire to continue working with him. However, the head coach has already made it clear that he may not play every match.

Luka Modrić has proven to be a truly outstanding player at 41 years old. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all four matches Croatia played. Not only was he key in his national team’s two victories, but he also provided an assist. Despite his age, he remains in excellent physical condition, making his presence at AC Milan a guaranteed reinforcement for the 2026-27 season in the rebuild of the roster.

Modric may be key to unlocking Ricci and Jashari at AC Milan

Luka Modrić was a key figure for AC Milan in the most recent season. Under Massimiliano Allegri, he played 2,864 minutes across 37 matches. As a result, he was the team’s oldest player to record the most minutes played. Amid the reconstruction under Ruben Amorim, the Croatian veteran could be key to helping develop Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari at the Rossoneri.

During the 2025-26 season, Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari had very little prominence, as they raised serious doubts in several aspects of their game. With this in mind, Luka Modrić can serve as a mentor to both players, helping provide them with more tools to make a greater impact. In addition, they would once again have the opportunity to gradually take on more responsibility, allowing for a slow transition.

After winning the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has joined Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María as the only players to have won a continental competition—either the UEFA European Championship or the Copa América—an Olympic Games gold medal, and the World Cup. Having played a central role in all three titles, he has written his name into soccer history.

Álex Baena has established as one of the best wingers of the 2026 World Cup. While he scored just one goal and provided one assist, he was essential to Spain’s collective success. As a creative winger, his role on the pitch is quite similar to that of Ángel Di María. He won the 2024 Olympic gold medal as a starter, as well as the 2024 UEFA Euro, completing a remarkable career that still has plenty of room for growth.

Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María have become two of the greatest players in Argentina’s history, something Álex Baena has yet to achieve. Both legends shared the same squad in 2008, when they won the Olympic Games gold medal. In addition, they were also key figures in Argentina’s two Copa América titles and the World Cup, leading a golden generation that dominated for several years.

Alex Baena’s next challenge is winning over Atlético Madrid

Despite emerging as one of Spain’s best players, Álex Baena did not have a good season at Atlético Madrid. After paying €42 million to Villarreal, he arrived as an undisputed starter for head coach Diego Simeone. However, he rotated frequently with Ademola Lookman and Thiago Almada, finishing with just two goals and three assists in 46 matches.

After becoming a starter at the 2026 World Cup, Álex Baena has the best opportunity to establish at Atlético Madrid. Following the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, the 25-year-old star would have every chance to become a cornerstone of the team. To achieve this, he would need to improve his attacking output, looking to match his greater impact in the creative phase.

With Griezmann’s departure still not fully addressed, head coach Diego Simeone could deploy Baena as his new second striker. Thanks to his tactical intelligence and creative contribution, he would enhance the goalscoring output of Alexander Sørloth or Julián Álvarez. However, he must maintain his defensive contribution, something that is essential to succeeding at both Atlético Madrid and Spain.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente made Aymeric Laporte his undisputed starter in defense. Despite coming off a fairly inconsistent season, he formed one of the best defensive partnerships alongside Pau Cubarsí. He played 729 minutes across eight matches, helping Spain finish as the team with the fewest goals conceded. After this outstanding level, Barcelona are reportedly pursuing his signing this summer.

According to Carlos Monfort, via Diario Sport, Barcelona are determined to contact Aymeric Laporte’s camp in the coming days. As one of the best left-sided defenders, they consider the 32-year-old star to be a world-class player. Even though the relationship between Athletic Club and the Blaugrana is not the best, the defender has a €15 million release clause, making him quite affordable.

Aymeric Laporte could be the ideal solution to Barcelona’s defensive inconsistencies. Having already developed a good understanding with Pau Cubarsí, this partnership could provide the team with the stability it had with Iñigo Martínez. As a 32-year-old veteran, he would not block Gerard Martín’s development; instead, he would be key to helping him improve his level.

Aymeric Laporte potential deal could force Barcelona to offload stars

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Barcelona reportedly have three untouchable defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, and Gerard Martín. However, head coach Hansi Flick would be open to bringing in Aymeric Laporte, as he fulfills the role of a veteran, offers quality in building out from the back. If they secure his arrival, the Blaugrana could need to part ways with some stars in their defensive line.

Both Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo could be transferred if Laporte’s arrival is completed. Although neither of them wants to leave, they could be relegated to having little or no playing time, making a departure a real possibility. With the departure of both defenders, Barcelona could reduce their defensive unit to just four players, looking to give all of them significant playing time during the season.

Aymeric Laporte’s arrival would not be directly linked to the departures of Araújo and Christensen. Instead, the signing of the 32-year-old star could push both defenders to leave the club if they want regular playing time. However, Barcelona have not yet managed to complete the signing of the 2026 World Cup winner, so these are still only speculations.

Paris Saint-Germain won everything again during the 2025-26 season, making its stars candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. However, France and Portugal disappointed, not even reaching the tournament final. Although Ousmane Dembélé left his mark with his goalscoring, he seems to be falling out of the race after failing to lead his national team to the final. Instead, Harry Kane could take the lead in the rankings.

Harry Kane has completed a truly outstanding season. At Bayern Munich, he managed to score 61 goals and provide seven assists, winning three domestic titles. In addition, he led his team to the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Carrying that form into the 2026 World Cup, he led his national team to a third-place finish, scoring six goals and providing one assist. With this in mind, he is the leader for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, as per Bleacher Report.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi set for 2026 Ballon d’Or podium

Despite not shining in the scoring side, Lamine Yamal stood out as one of Spain’s best players. Through his dribbling and passing, he helped end his national team’s 16-year trophy drought. Luis de la Fuente made him the central figure of the attack. In addition, he is coming off a solid season with Barcelona, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists. Because of this, he is expected to be in the 2026 Ballon d’Or podium.

Lionel Messi surprised everyone with his performances at the World Cup. Despite being 39 years old, he was an undisputed starter, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. Following his outstanding performances with Argentina and Inter Miami, he is tipped to return to the Ballon d’Or podium, according to several outlets such as Bleacher Report, and others. However, he does not emerge as the leading candidate to win the trophy.

Updated 2026 Ballon d’Or top 5 ranking

After the World Cup concluded, the 2025-26 season came to an end, leaving very little time to determine the Ballon d’Or winner. According to Bleacher Report, Harry Kane emerges as the leading favorite after shining in every competition he has played in. While Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are expected to complete the podium, there are two other players who could gain more importance in the coming days.

“I dreamed that we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. The truth is, the pain is difficult to explain. Now it’s time to reflect on many things and see how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I really gave everything I had to help my country and my teammates,” Emiliano Martinez said on his Instagram profile.

Despite Emiliano Martínez remaining one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has decided to reflect on his future. Already 33 years old, he would be 37 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, possibly no longer at his best. Coming off a heroic performance in the current tournament, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste does not seem to make much sense, as he is still superior to the backup options available.

Emiliano Martínez was Argentina’s best player at the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of Spain‘s attacking onslaught, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was the player who touched the ball the most and completed the most passes for his national team. In addition, he kept the team alive for 106 minutes, making numerous saves. Therefore, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste would be a major blow.

Emiliano Martínez eclipsed Unai Simon at the 2026 World Cup

At the end of the 2026 World Cup final, Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award in recognition of his outstanding performances. Having conceded just one goal, he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, allowing him to break an all-time tournament record. However, the fans do not seem to agree with FIFA’s award, as Emiliano Martínez had a better performance throughout the tournament.

According to Opta Analyst on its website, Emiliano made 20 saves throughout the World Cup, facing more chances than Unai Simón, who made only nine saves during the tournament. In addition, Argentina faced major defensive problems, while Spain had one of the best defenses in the tournament. With this significant difference, the 33-year-old star was considered the clear deserving winner of the Golden Glove award.

Who could replace Emiliano Martinez in Argentina’s future?

Throughout the last few years, head coach Lionel Scaloni has had Emiliano Martínez as his undisputed starter. In the middle of his possible retirement, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli emerge as the clear options in the short term for the 2028 Copa América. However, both are over 31 years old, making them unlikely for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, Argentina set their sights on a promising goalkeeper.

Santiago Beltrán emerges as Argentina’s biggest prospect for the future. At just 21 years old, he is already River Plate’s starting goalkeeper, delivering solid performances. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni already called him up for two friendlies: vs. Honduras and vs. Iceland before the 2026 World Cup. If he continues his progress, he could be the great hope to be the starter in the 2030 edition, where they will look to win the title again.

According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario Sport, Ferran Torres is an absolute priority for PSG, at the express request of head coach Luis Enrique. After the sale of Gonçalo Ramos, the 26-year-old striker would occupy the role of backup striker, alternating with Ousmane Dembélé. With a higher salary offer, he is tempted to leave, and the French side hopes to complete the deal in less than two weeks.

Despite PSG’s interest in signing him, Barcelona are reportedly already pushing to complete Ferran Torres’ contract renewal. With his contract running until 2027, he is entering the final year of his deal. However, he is reportedly not very happy with the way he has been treated, as they had promised to renew his contract alongside Jules Koundé. Therefore, he would be looking to leave the club, either this summer or as a free agent.

Ferran Torres could be tempted to leave Barcelona not only because of the salary increase. Luis Enrique’s presence is essential to his decision. During his time as Spain head coach, the 26-year-old striker was the first-choice option up front, filling him with confidence. Therefore, he would be willing to play under him again, looking to reach his best version and fight for a starting spot.

Not only PSG: Ferran Torres is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar

After his major impact off the bench at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ferran Torres has further established as a world-class player. Both Barcelona and PSG are battling strongly over his professional future. However, the 26-year-old striker has attracted the attention of Liverpool, which is looking to strengthen its attack. Therefore, he could make a return to the Premier League, aiming to become a starter in the immediate future.

Neither PSG nor Barcelona seem able to guarantee Ferran Torres a starting role, leaving the financial aspect as the main difference. Therefore, Liverpool have expressed interest in securing the signing of the Spanish striker, reports Loïc Tanzi, via L’Equipe. With this in mind, the 26-year-old star could decide his future based on the level of prominence he is offered, as he has been a substitute for several years.

Ferran Torres is coming off a very solid 2025-26 season with Barcelona. Beyond his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he managed to score 21 goals and provide three assists. Therefore, his arrival at Liverpool would be key to strengthening the team’s goalscoring output, as Hugo Ekitike will be sidelined for several months. In addition, he can play on both wings, which would make him a key player for head coach Andoni Iraola.

At the end of the match, Leandro Paredes was involved in a fight with Gavi and more Spain players. Following this, he received a straight red card and faces a possible suspension, as it was such a direct act of aggression. Alongside him, Nicolás Otamendi was involved in a tense exchange of words with Rodri Hernández, reproaching him for his statements during the week. Following this, Dani Olmo decided to make a very direct criticism.

“We don’t care that they didn’t look at us during the medal ceremony. In the end, I think what matters is the values you want to convey to the outside world. We are role models for many generations, for many boys and girls, and I think they should also set an example in every way, and for the better,” Dani Olmo said in the post-game interview.

Unlike Argentina, Spain relied on a collective style of play, based on long possession and high pressing. Demonstrating their superiority on the pitch, they did not usually make aggressive tackles, relying instead on showing it with the ball. This was even reflected in the match, as Enzo Fernández was sent off toward the end of the second half after a strong challenge on the opponent, something that was heavily criticized by the Spanish players.

Leandro Paredes could face a severe sanction by FIFA

After the final whistle from referee Slavko Vinčić, Leandro Paredes was involved in a major fight with Eric García and Pablo Gavi. Following this, the 32-year-old midfielder received a straight red card. However, FIFA could impose a significant suspension if it officially opens disciplinary proceedings. For this, the referee’s match report will be crucial, as it could determine the situation.

According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code: “Players and officials shall be suspended as specified below, and may also be fined accordingly… (i) at least three matches or an appropriate period for assaulting (including elbowing, punching, kicking or biting; spitting at or striking) an opponent or any other person other than a match official.”

Leandro Paredes could face a suspension of more than three matches if FIFA considers it a serious act of aggression against two direct opponents. In addition, this could also be extended to Ramón Ayala, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant coach, and even Nahuel Molina. Therefore, Dani Olmo’s comments appear to be based on real events; rather than being simple criticism, they are a reflection on aggressive play.

According to Sky Sports Italy, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) has met with Pep Guardiola to convince him to take over as the national team head coach. Paolo Maldini, the new technical director, and Leonardo, his advisor, traveled to Barcelona to speak personally with him. However, Guardiola has not given the FIGC a definitive answer, but it is pushing hard to convince him.

Even though several candidates have already been linked with Italy, Pep Guardiola is the only one considered the absolute priority. If he accepts the offer, he would arrive as a complete manager, looking to implement a young and promising project. However, the Spaniard coach would need long-term backing, just as he had at Manchester City, or he could reject any offer from the Azzurri.

Throughout his successful managerial career, Guardiola has not yet coached a team in Italy, but he did have a spell in Serie A during his playing career. After leaving Barcelona in 2001, he joined Brescia as a free agent. There, he played 25 matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Therefore, he is already familiar with Italy, and his arrival would be key to rebuilding the entire national team project.

Guardiola’s potential arrival would not recover Italy Euro 2028 hopes

Over the past few years, Italy have played with a very direct style of soccer, focused on pace and counterattacks. In case Pep Guardiola were to arrive as the new head coach, he would look to implement a more dominant, possession-based style, moving away from a three-man defensive line. As this would be a fairly drastic change, the Azzurri might not be immediate contenders for UEFA Euro 2028.

At both Barcelona and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola needed one or two full seasons to implement his style and build a world-class squad. In Italy, this would be no different, as he would have to reshape the approach at the youth levels. In addition, Italy’s young stars would need time to adapt to his playing philosophy. This does not mean they would be unable to win UEFA Euro 2028, but rather that they would not arrive as top contenders.

Instead of targeting UEFA Euro 2028, Guardiola’s Italy could focus on returning to the 2030 World Cup and reaching the knockout stage once again. If his appointment is completed soon, he would have four full years to work and implement his ideas, an ideal scenario. Therefore, the greatest expectations would be placed on that tournament, where they would aim to win the trophy again, something they have not achieved since 2006.

Argentina were top contenders, but they failed to break down Spain’s high press. During the 120 minutes, the did not managed to make a single shoot on target, being completely dominated. While Lionel Messi had a great performance in the tournament, he did not manage to lead his team to the victory. Nevertheless, he leaves behind an enormous legacy, as the one of the all-time leading goalscorers and the winner of the 2022 edition.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the greatest players in history. Excelling as a goalscorer, he won five Ballon d’Or awards and is closing in on the 1,000-goal mark. Despite this, he did not leave a major legacy in World Cup history, scoring only 11 goals. In addition, he was also unable to lead Portugal to a World Cup final. His legacy in soccer is historic, but he is no longer one of the leaders of the new era.

Neymar Jr. left an enormous legacy with Brazil and in soccer history. After arriving in Europe at a very young age, he amazed fans at FC Barcelona with his technique. In addition, he surpassed Pelé as the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals. Despite dealing with injuries, he arrived at the tournament hoping to shine. Nevertheless, he did not become a starter, and Brazil were eliminated, making it clear that a new era is beginning.

Mbappe, Haaland, Olise, Bellingham, Lamine lead World Cup’s new era

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 World Cup was full of surprises, with national teams such as Egypt, Norway, and Belgium advancing to the final stages. In addition, young players have taken over the new era. After scoring 22 goals across three World Cup editions, Kylian Mbappé is the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. In addition, he has continued to shine in European soccer, having already scored 435 goals at the age of 27.

Erling Haaland led Norway to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history. In his first edition, he scored seven goals, leaving huge mark in his first edition. Not only has he shone with his national team, but also with Manchester City, where he is the leader of the project. In addition, he has already scored 359 goals and, at just 25 years old, is on track to become one of the greatest players in history.

Jude Bellingham overtook Haaland to become the third-highest scorer at the 2026 World Cup.While they were tied on seven goals, the Englishman provided one assist, giving him the edge. Having established himself as the national team’s top scorer, he has also cemented his place as a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel, putting any doubts to rest. At just 23 years old, he is set to have a legendary career.

While Michael Olise did not stood out as goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup, he has excelled as the tournament’s assist leader. Contributing with 7 assists, he surpassed Brazil legend Pele as the player with more assist in a single tournament. With only 24 years old, he has established as a regular starter for France and his team, already shining in the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and other tournaments.

Even though Lamine Yamal did not have his best performances, he remained among the most important players of Spain. With only 19 years, he is an undisputed starter for head coach Luis de la Fuente. Moreover, he has already won nearly every tournament that he has played, just missing the UEFA Champions League. In case he keeps progressing for the 2030 edition, he may compete for the MVP or even the Ballon d’Or.

According to Guinness World Records, via X, formerly Twitter, Spain have managed to break four World Cup records: Most clean sheets – 7, Fewest goals conceded – 1, Oldest Manager to win the World Cup – Luis de la Fuente, and Longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s matches – 38. With these records, they highlight their greatest strength: They do not rely on a single player, but rather on a solid collective.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built his team very differently from the others. While some prioritized building an attacking side, he decided to focus on defensive solidity. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they became the team with the fewest goals conceded. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri also contributed greatly to the team’s stability. Alongside them, Unai Simón returned to shine as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Spain’s undefeated streak puts them ahead of Italy

After losing the UEFA Nations League final on penalties, Spain appeared to lose their status as favorites ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente managed to establish a winning dynamic, accumulating 38 consecutive matches without defeat in regulation time. Following this, they have surpassed Italy, the last national team to establish such a streak for several years.

From 2018 to 2021, Italy accumulated a run of 37 unbeaten matches. While Luis de la Fuente’s team had already matched that record after defeating France, they have now extended it, setting a new mark. Spain’s last defeat came on March 22, 2024, when they lost 1–0 against Colombia in a friendly match in London.

Luis de la Fuente: The mastermind behind Spain’s youth rise

After the dismissal of Luis Enrique, the supporters foresaw a somewhat bleak future for Spain. However, the Spanish Soccer Federation decided to turn to Luis de la Fuente. Without extensive experience in clubs or senior national teams, he took charge of the national team. Demonstrating his knowledge of the youth ranks, he rebuilt the roster, winning UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro and World Cup, a historic path.

Luis de la Fuente based much of his sporting project on Spain’s youth categories. After coaching every level of the national setup, he got to know first-hand all of the young talents such as Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, and more current stars. Relying on a possession-based style built around the wings, he excelled, maintaining a solid defense that allowed them to shine.

Despite not arriving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with much recognition, Luis de la Fuente is already considered by many supporters to be the greatest coach in Spain’s history. Not only did they win every trophy, but he also gave the team a highly dominant style of play, something that will remain in history. While the players are hugely important, it was the head coach who shaped the history of the national team.

According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Rodri is the fourth player in history to win the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, the UEFA European Cup/Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or. With this achievement, he joins Zinedine Zidane, Gerd Müller, and Franz Beckenbauer, making it clear that he is already a true soccer legend.

Rodri has not had an easy run in recent seasons. After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he was sidelined by an ACL tear, followed by knee discomfort, a hamstring injury, and a groin injury. Amid these concerns, he did not arrive as one of the favorites to shine with Spain. However, he proved Pep Guardiola right, as he had predicted the midfielder would return to his best form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rodri remained the central pillar of Spain’s tactical balance. With his tactical intelligence, he was the player who made Luis de la Fuente’s side the team that conceded the fewest goals in the tournament. In addition, he served as a creative hub, dictating play and distributing the ball. With this achievement, he further cements a legendary career that still has the potential to grow in the years ahead.

Rodri surpasses Dunga with World Cup passing record

Without being a player who stands out through goals and assists, Rodri’s performances have gone unnoticed by some. He has even faced criticism after receiving the tournament’s MVP award. However, he established as the central figure in head coach Luis de la Fuente’s collective system. Reflecting his importance to the team, he has surpassed Dunga and his all-time FIFA World Cup passing record.

According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Rodri has completed 1,343 passes across his FIFA World Cup appearances. With this, he surpassed Brazil legend Dunga, who had held the record for several years with 1,306 passes. This milestone highlights the 30-year-old star’s importance to Spain, serving as the key to controlling possession, slowing the tempo when needed, and dominating the team’s overall play.

Rodri Hernandez faces uncertain future in Manchester City

As a cornerstone of Manchester City, renewing Rodri’s contract remains a top priority. He is currently under contract until June 2027, meaning he is entering the final year of his deal. Far from agreeing to an extension, the 30-year-old midfielder has continued to delay talks over his future, making it clear that he has not yet made up his mind amid ongoing transfer speculation.

Over the past few months, Rodri’s future has been surrounded by speculation with a potential return to Spain. As a result, he has been heavily linked with Real Madrid under head coach José Mourinho. However, the midfielder has yet to make a decision about his future, which will likely need to be resolved this summer: Either a contract renewal or a transfer.

Fabián Ruiz has reached 50 appearances for Spain, remaining unbeaten in every match. He has recorded 35 wins and 15 draws, making it a unique statistic. In addition, he regained his place in the starting lineup ahead of Pedri, who had emerged as the starter in the opening matches. Even though he is not a player who attracts much of the spotlight, he was vital to Spain’s tactical balance.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has managed to bring out the best version of Fabián. Having known him since the Spain U-21 setup, he decided to make him a central figure in the team. Alongside him, Rodri Hernández also returned to his best form, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Together, they were responsible for dominating Argentina, limiting their creative play and forcing Lionel Messi to drop deeper to create chances.

Fabián Ruiz completes a historic 2025-26 season

After arriving at Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in 2022, Fabián Ruiz initially looked like a rotation player in the squad, being reliable but failing to make a major impression. However, head coach Luis Enrique transformed his career, elevating him into a world-class all-around midfielder. Following Spain’s victory at the 2026 World Cup, the 30-year-old has cemented a historic 2025–26 season and arguably the best campaign of his professional career.

With Paris Saint-Germain, he won Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive time, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Adding the 2026 World Cup, Fabián has won every competition he has played in, serving as a key figure in every title. With that in mind, he could emerge as a leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, as he is the only Spain player to have won every competition he has competed in.

Amid rumors of a possible departure from PSG, Fabián Ruiz appears set to remain with the club for the long term. He is under contract until June 2027, but he has reportedly reached an agreement to sign a new three-year deal, with an option for an additional year, reports Fabrizio Romano. As a result, the 30-year-old midfielder seems committed to staying, with the goal of once again playing a key role for Spain at UEFA Euro 2028, where he would be 32 years old.

In the last two editions of the World Cup, the trophy was presented solely by the president of the organization. Although the heads of state of the host countries were on the pitch, they did not take part in handing the trophy to the winning team. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has decided to return to the tradition established before 2018, meaning he will no longer present the trophy on his own.

United States President Donald J. Trump will accompany Infantino in presenting the trophy to the winning team. Even though Mexico and Canada are also co-hosts, their heads of state will not take part in this protocol, being relegated to a secondary role. With this decision, FIFA returns to its history, as from 1934 until 2014 this was usually the norm, with a few exceptions.

“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together. We are together all the time. That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president,” Gianni Infantino revealed, as per The Guardian.

Which country presidents have presented the FIFA World Cup?

Following FIFA’s decision, many fans have expressed their strong dissatisfaction, describing it as a political move rather than one related to the sport. However, this change is actually a return to a tradition that had been part of the organization for many years. As a result, United States President Donald J. Trump will not be the first to do so, but rather joins a long list of heads of state who have presented the World Cup trophy.

Even though this practice was the norm for many years, there was a 32-year gap from 1934 to 1966. Rather than being the result of a decision by the organization, it was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as World War II, from 1938 to 1949. In addition, from 1950 to 1962, FIFA chose to present the trophy on its own to avoid political involvement, but this decision came in the aftermath of the war.

Just as in the match against England, Lionel Scaloni’s team was largely dominated by Spain. After losing control of the midfield, they looked quite outmatched, running only to defend and not to attack. They had zero shots on goal in 120 minutes and even became the first national team to fail to register a single shot on goal during regulation time in a tournament final. Furthermore, Lionel Messi was largely invisible.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has built the most well-rounded team in the world. Not only do they shine on offense, but they’re also formidable on defense. Rodri, Pedri, and Fabian Ruiz shone in midfield, but it was Dani Olmo who stood out on offense. In addition, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were key to breaking down the opposing defense. However, Ferran Torres was the standout player for the team, as he scored the game-winning goal in heroic fashion.

Ferran Torres turned into a hero for Spain

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, head coach Luis de la Fuente decided to start Mikel Oyarzabal as his starting forward. While he delivered in some games, his overall performance was lackluster. In light of this, Ferran Torres decided to seize his opportunity, making a fantastic impact on the game. By adapting perfectly to the team’s style of play, he was essential in helping the wingers shine. Furthermore, he became Spain’s hero.

Lamine Yamal led a great counterattack down the right flank, finding Pedro Porro. With his first touch, Porro sent a precise cross toward Nico Williams. He met the ball first time and headed it forward. Seizing the opportunity, Ferran Torres finished on the first touch, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Far from taking the opportunity to praise himself, Ferran Torres decided to put a different spin on his comments. “This goal, I didn’t score it, it was scored by 47 million Spaniards! It’s for all Spaniards. for Spain,“ he said in the post-game interview.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked 1st, with 1,970.37 points. With their latest victory, they reclaim the top spot that was previously held either by Spain or France. Having a shinning offense, they emerge as top contenders for back-to-back World Cup championships. Unlike many other national teams, they have remained among the best for four years.

While Luis de la Fuente’s team have increased their competitiveness, Argentina still remain in a stronger position than their rivals. Spain hold 2nd place in the ranking, with 1,965.61 points. Not only does their versatile attack stand out, but so does their solid defense. Unlike many of their rivals, they are highly competitive, making them an extremely difficult team to beat. Moreover, Lamine Yamal is expected to be the difference-maker.

Amid their evident defensive problems, head coach Lionel Scaloni has managed to make his team competitive. Thanks to their strong midfield, they recover the ball with ease and prevent opposition counterattacks. In addition, they could once again rely heavily on Lionel Messi, who could arrive motivated to score or provide assists, something that proved decisive against England and could happen again against Spain.

Lionel Messi could lead Argentina’s scoring in the World Cup final

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi has led Argentina’s goalscoring. After scoring eight goals, he has established as one of the best players of the tournament. Despite arriving in outstanding form, he has now gone two consecutive matches without scoring. With what could be his final World Cup final, the 39-year-old star could arrive highly motivated to end his goal drought and fight to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Taking advantage of the spaces left by Marc Cucurella, Messi could launch counterattacks into space and cut inside, something he has been doing throughout his career. In addition, his powerful long-range shot makes him a difference-maker when it comes to breaking down the opposition defense. Following Kylian Mbappé’s brace, he needs to score at least two goals to draw level with him in the race to become the tournament’s top scorer.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Spain are ranked 2nd, with 1,965.61 points. Although they remain unbeaten, they have dropped one place compared to previous weeks. However, they are still among the world’s best national teams and have a great opportunity today to reclaim the top spot. Arriving in excellent defensive form, they are expected to deliver another strong performance in the World Cup final.

Unlike Luis de la Fuente’s team, Argentina emerge as the top-ranked national team in the current ranking. Sitting 1st with 1,970.37 points, they arrive as the favorites for today’s final. While they have occasionally shown defensive vulnerabilities, their attack remains the team’s biggest strength. Moreover, head coach Lionel Scaloni has built a well-balanced midfield that could disrupt Spain’s possession-based style of play.

Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, Spain have become the best defensive team at the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they provide solidity at the back, but they are also key figures in the build-up play. In addition, Marc Cucurella and Rodri are essential in stopping opponents’ counterattacks, something that could hurt Lionel Messi’s team. Alongside their defense, the versatility of their attack could be key to creating space in Argentina’s defense.

Lamine Yamal aims to be Spain’s game-changer for World Cup final

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Spain have not relied on a single reference point in attack. Instead, they have opted for a more versatile offense, with Mikel Oyarzabal standing out. In addition, Pedri and Rodri are essential, as they are the ones who open up the play and find space on the wings. With this in mind, Lamine Yamal is expected to be essential for Luis de la Fuente’s team.

Lamine Yamal faces the most difficult challenge of his career: Defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The 19-year-old star has not made his best contribution in terms of goals and assists, but he has been key collectively. Nevertheless, he could arrive highly motivated, looking to take advantage of the huge spaces that Lionel Scaloni’s team leave behind their defensive line. With that, he will look to score in the final and lead the team to their second World Cup title.

According to OptaJoe, via X (formerly Twitter), Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are the only two players to complete 20 or more dribbles at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine legend has completed 25 dribbles, while the Spanish youngster has completed 22. While they are close in this statistic, the 39-year-old’s performance is particularly remarkable, as he is no longer expected to be in his physical prime.

Despite Lionel Messi already being a veteran player, he remains the cornerstone of Argentina. With the freedom to roam, he has been one of the standout players of the tournament. In addition, he serves as the team’s creative focal point. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, his clash with Lamine Yamal is expected to become one of the most memorable matchups in World Cup history.

At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal is already one of the best players in the world. However, he has not been at his best physically. Despite these issues, he remains Spain‘s key difference-maker and bringing out the best in his teammates. He now faces the greatest opportunity to elevate his legacy: Winning the 2026 World Cup by playing a decisive role against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The tournament’s two best dribblers are looking to take center stage.

Messi has edge over Lamine before World Cup final

Despite being the oldest player in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi arrives with a clear advantage for the clash against Spain. As the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals, alongside Kylian Mbappé, he is competing to be MVP. He has also elevated his teammates, as he is the tournament’s second-highest assist provider. This stands in contrast to Lamine Yamal and his current form.

Lamine Yamal came into the tournament after enjoying the best season of his career, but he has not shone at the 2026 World Cup. In the seven matches he has played, he has scored just one goal and has not provided a single assist. While his collective impact is undeniable, he could once again fall short in terms of end product, something that could reflect poorly on him. Therefore, he needs to step up and silence his critics.

According to L’Équipe, Ousmane Dembélé spoke in the France dressing room at halftime. In an attempt to turn the game around, he strongly criticized the way his teammates were pressing. He emphasized that they were uncoordinated, something that greatly annoyed his teammates. They considered the criticism unjustified, as the 29-year-old star was also having problems in that aspect.

Dembélé has been one of France’s best leaders in recent years. Contributing with his collective play, he has been one of the team’s standout performers. However, he did not have his best match against Spain, failing to create space in the defense or drive the team’s collective play. As the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, his performance was far from brilliant, causing his team to remain without a clear attacking presence.

While Dembele is in the eye of the storm over his alleged criticism, his performance was not to blame for France’s defeat. Facing a team that was brilliant collectively, they were outplayed. Players such as Adrien Rabiot, Kylian Mbappé, and Lucas Digne looked clearly inferior, making mistakes and failing to be effective. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup third-place match, head coach Didier Deschamps may need to make some adjustments.

Ousmane Dembélé’s advice could be key for France vs. England

Didier Deschamps has not achieved his objective with France at the 2026 World Cup. Although they entered the tournament as top contenders, they never managed to shine as a solid collective team. Instead, they were a group of stars who stepped up in key moments. Because of this, Dembélé’s reported advice could be the key for Les Bleus as they pursue victory against England in the third-place match.

If France manage to organize their pressing after losing possession, England could be significantly limited on the counterattack. With this step, they would immediately improve their collective play. Therefore, the head coach could make some changes in midfield and even in defense. Because of this, Ousmane Dembélé has acted as a natural leader of the team, speaking truths that may be uncomfortable but necessary for the team.

According to OptaJoe, via X, formerly Twitter, Alexis Mac Allister has become the player with the longest unbeaten run in World Cup history. Of the 13 matches he has played, he has won 11 and drawn 2, with both draws ending in penalty shootout victories. He made his debut in the competition at Qatar 2022, where he established as an undisputed starter.

Without being a player with much spotlight, Mac Allister has already scored two goals and provided two assists in the 13 World Cup matches. However, his impact goes far beyond the statistics. Providing balance between defense and attack, he is one of Argentina’s most complete players, making him a regular starter under Lionel Scaloni.

Analyzing the evolution of soccer, Alexis Mac Allister revealed that the sport is becoming more and more physical, making talent essential to reaching the final. In addition, he was the player who covered the most distance against England, 75.5 kilometers, as per Liam Bekker. Thanks to his physical prowess, he has started and has not been substituted in Argentina’s last four matches.

Alexis Mac Allister may play a key role for Argentina vs. Spain

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, all eyes will be on the attacking players. With Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi on the pitch, both will look to create space for their teams and find the back of the net. However, the real battle should take place in midfield, as possession could determine the winner. With that in mind, Alexis Mac Allister could emerge as a key figure for Argentina against Spain.

As Argentina’s most complete midfielder, head coach Lionel Scaloni could once again rely on Mac Allister to provide balance to the team. If he manages to impose his all-around talent, they could take control of possession away from Spain. To achieve that, Enzo Fernández’s presence will also be crucial. However, the 27-year-old star will be the one under pressure to once again bring stability to the team.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the English Soccer Association (FA) has decided to keep Thomas Tuchel as England’s head coach. Despite their 2026 World Cup defeat disappointing all the fans, he will continue to honor his contract until UEFA Euro 2028, having recently signed a contract extension. However, he now needs to deliver his first major success since taking charge of the national team.

Thomas Tuchel has not enjoyed a standout spell with England. Since his arrival, he has been unable to implement his ‘gegenpressing’, with the team appearing heavily dependent on individual talent. Their main strength has been the presence of Harry Kane, who helped unlock several matches. However, they never managed to develop a strong collective identity, often looking very limited.

Looking ahead to UEFA Euro 2028, Tuchel could rethink his approach to England’s squad. After leaving out talents such as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team looked very limited when trying to adjust the game from the bench. In addition, he needs to improve the team’s collective fluidity, meaning several players could make way in favor of a more cohesive, team-oriented style of play.

England’s Tuchel hails his team’s performance, stats disagree

Amid numerous injuries and suspensions, Tuchel managed to surprise everyone by leading England to the semifinals. However, they never managed to dominate possession, relying heavily on Harry Kane. Their weaknesses were exposed against Argentina, leading to criticism from the fans. Despite that, head coach decided to praise the team’s performance, even though the statistics contradict him.

“I don’t regret anything. The team gave everything, and we came very, very close. We played one of our best matches, perhaps the best given the circumstances. The team was outstanding… We came very close, but we became too passive after scoring; we conceded too many chances and couldn’t regain control of possession,” Thomas Tuchel said after the defeat to Argentina.

Even though Tuchel does not regret anything about his approach with England, they looked quite poor against Argentina. In the final 30 minutes of the match, they had only 12% possession, being the lowest in the last 60 years at the World Cup, reports Opta Joe, via X. In addition, they had only two shots on target in the 90 minutes, making it clear that they were not going to be the protagonists and were far from victory.

“It’s nice not to buy into that, and we were fortunate to have Diego, to enjoy him and love him very much. For all the joy he gave us. Today I’m living this moment and being able to help Argentina reach another World Cup final. You have to enjoy everyone in their own time. I never wanted to compare myself to Diego, not even close, and I never will. For me, he (Maradona) is the greatest of all,“ said Messi in the post-game interview.

Throughout his career, Lionel has always made it clear that without Maradona, there would be no Messi, making it clear that he was his greatest inspiration. Rather than creating a rivalry, the 39-year-old star has delivered a clear message: Both have elevated Argentina’s legacy. In addition, they have led the national team to become World Cup winners, ending long title droughts and leaving a lasting mark.

Diego Maradona was a player who left more than just a soccer legacy. With his strong sense of belonging, he became a cultural phenomenon, making Argentinians fully identify with him. This is quite different from Messi, who has always chosen to let his soccer do the talking, establishing as a natural on-field leader while staying away from cultural issues. Therefore, both figures have their place in Argentina, but in different ways.

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to historic back-to-back World Cup titles

Led by Diego Maradona, Argentina seemed destined to win back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time in their history. However, they were defeated 1-0 by West Germany in the 1990 edition, missing the greatest opportunity in their history after their 1986 championship. After many years, Lionel Messi now faces his best chance to achieve that feat for the first time, as he prepares to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

In pursuit of their second consecutive World Cup title, Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face Lamine Yamal’s Spain. If they manage to impose their attacking dominance, they will become the first back-to-back World Cup winners in Argentina’s history. As a result, the 39-year-old star would elevate his legacy with the national team to unprecedented heights, winning everything possible since Lionel Scaloni’s arrival.

“I didn’t make my decision until the last year, and I was constantly talking with Scaloni. I did everything I could to arrive in the best possible condition. I started preparing a full year in advance, and I was training constantly. I even spent December in Argentina, training in the morning and evening. I knew I would give everything I had to arrive in the best possible readiness, and to be able to enjoy the World Cup,” Messi said in the post-game interview.

Despite already being 39 years old, Lionel Messi has played 712 minutes across the seven matches he has featured in, starting six of them. He has been the team’s main protagonist, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. As a result, he is the most productive player at the 2026 World Cup, once again competing to be named the tournament’s MVP.

Lionel Messi has shown that he is in excellent physical condition, having played the full 90 minutes in most matches and even 120 minutes when required. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni has built a team that plays for and around the 39-year-old star, allowing him to conserve energy. As a result, they ensure that he remains decisive in the build-up play.

Lionel Messi is rewriting World Cup history with Argentina

Lionel Messi is not only the best player at the 2026 World Cup, but he is also rewriting records in the tournament. Throughout his career, he has played in six editions of the competition, leaving his legacy in several aspects. After surpassing Kylian Mbappé and Miroslav Klose, he remains the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. However, the 39-year-old star’s legacy does not end there.

After recording four assists in the current edition, Messi has accumulated 12 assists, making him the undisputed leader in the all-time ranking. Ten of those 12 assists have come in the knockout stages. In addition, Lionel equals Pelé as the only player to register four assists in a single tournament. On top of that, he draws level with Cafu as the player with the most World Cup final appearances, with three.

England seemed destined to surprise in the tournament, but they were defeated by Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Unable to establish dominance in midfield, they lost all control of the game. Although the wings performed very well, they were unable to create space, being outplayed by the opposing full-backs. In addition, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham could not find the space needed to impose their goalscoring threat.

France came into the match in excellent form, establishing as one of the highest-scoring teams. However, Spain neutralized their attacking threat, constantly limiting them. In addition, they lacked creativity, as their midfield looked very rigid and Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best game. Moreover, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were unable to find space to launch counterattacks.

When and at what time will France vs England be played?

France will face England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18, at 5:00 PM ET. Unlike previous editions, both sides were expected to reach the final, making this one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. However, all the pressure will be on Didier Deschamps’ team, as they are coming off two consecutive World Cup final appearances. Their biggest challenge will be rediscovering their scoring prowess.

Despite both teams being among the most outstanding on the offensive side, they continue to have serious problems. On one hand, Didier Deschamps’ team continue to have serious creative problems in midfield, struggling to find collective fluidity. On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel’s team have been unable to be effective on the counterattack, relying exclusively on Kane’s brilliance and on Bellingham having a good goalscoring day.

Which stadium will host France vs. England?

The venue for France vs England 2026 World Cup third-place match will be Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium. Having a total capacity of 64,478 spectators, it is not one of the largest in the tournament. However, this venue has been one of the most frequently used, hosting the 2024 Copa América, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and several more games.

“When Spain national team takes the ball, they do give you the ball back. You have to go and get it. You need to press a bit better. We couldn’t take the ball off them. The second shot on target was Dembele only… I want to give credit to the whole system and what they put in place because Spain never used to win like that and now they win at every level… So well done Spain, sorry for my country,” says Thierry Henry, via Fox Sports.

Although statistically the possession was fairly even, the reality is that Spain were the team that dictated the tempo of the game. They controlled possession throughout the match, creating space and limiting France’s attack. After scoring the two goals, they dropped their pressing line, allowing Didier Deschamps’ team to have the ball but without effectiveness.

Thierry Henry highlighted the quality of Spain’s tactical system, as they clearly know how to dominate possession, but also how to sit back and stop their opponents’ progression. Led by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, they were rock-solid in defense, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella also excelling in that aspect. In addition, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz kept Mbappé’s team under control, limiting the spaces they needed to shine.

France shone individually, but failed as a team at the 2026 World Cup

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, France established as one of the tournament’s highest-scoring teams. Led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, they shone in the goalscoring department. However, they never became a solid team collectively, relying heavily on individual actions. This was precisely what prevented them from reaching the tournament final for the third consecutive time.

Didier Deschamps trusted Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni completely in midfield. While they were solid defensively, they contributed very little in the creative aspect. Unable to impose a collective style of play, France depended on their wingers to drive the team forward. In addition, Ousmane Dembélé did not have his best collective performance, looking short of ideas, and the head coach decided not to make changes to improve that area.

Looking ahead to UEFA Euro 2028, France have one task: To go from being a team full of stars to becoming a team that shines collectively. They would need to strengthen their midfield with players who are more creative, better organizers, and more effective in possession. By learning from Spain’s collective style of play, they could begin a new sporting project, as Didier Deschamps appears to be close to leaving the national team.

Noni Madueke is fully fit, remaining free of injuries and suspensions. Despite this, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to leave him on the bench for purely tactical reasons vs Argentina. As a player who excels in dribbling and is decisive in tight spaces, he seemed like the perfect option to launch counterattacks. However, Tuchel has decided to pursue a very different creative approach from previous matches.

Looking to strengthen their control of midfield, head coach has decided to start Morgan Rogers on the right wing. Although he is naturally an attacking midfielder, he is very quick and could give the team greater control in possession. With him on the pitch, England enjoyed much more control against Norway, something they will hope to replicate against Argentina while providing greater support for Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

England have decided to make changes in attack, but they have recovered two stars: Reece James and Declan Rice, who will start. While the right back was absent, the midfielder played only 45 minutes in the previous match. Against Argentina, both will be able to shine, giving Thomas Tuchel more tools to secure the victory. However, Bellingham and Kane are the ones who need to be clinical in front of goal.

Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon set to play key roles for England

After failing to shine in the collective aspect of the game, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided to make major tactical adjustments. Without a dribble-oriented right winger, they will look to emphasize their play through the middle, giving greater importance to midfielders such as Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Along with this, Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon may have essential roles for the Three Lions.

Both Spence and Gordon will be responsible for stretching the pitch and taking advantage of Argentina’s spaces. As the team’s most dangerous players in terms of dribbling and pace, they will be essential in creating openings in the rival’s defense. While the goalscoring threat will not come from them, they will create the space for Kane and Bellingham to shine. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze could also play important roles, but coming off the bench.

Jarell Quansah is in full physical condition with England. However, he will be absent after receiving a straight red card in the match against Mexico, being suspended for two matches. Even though they tried to appeal, FIFA rejected it, upholding his suspension. If the Three Lions advance to the tournament final, he could return to the roster, having the chance to start or come off the bench.

While Reece James returns to the roster from his injury, he could be a starter despite that he is reportedly not at full fitness. However, he will look to make an impact and regain his playing continuity. Therefore, Thomas Tuchel could once again be forced to readjust his lineup during the game, giving Ezri Konsa or John Stones a chance to play in the at right back.

England lose a major attacking asset without Reece James in plein form or Jarell Quansah at right back. Therefore, Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke need to take on a bigger role out wide, as they will be on their own to create space. In addition, Elliot Anderson or Jude Bellingham will be key in providing support and creating a possession triangle that allows them to break down Argentina’s defense. Nevertheless, the key remains Harry Kane.

England’s key to beating Argentina lies in the midfield

Argentina are one of the best national teams at the 2026 World Cup. Led by their midfield, they press high and dominate the attacking phase. With this in mind, England come into the match with a clear objective: To dominate the midfield in order to limit their opponent. If they manage to do so, they would shine with their play down the wings, taking advantage of the space in behind to look for goals.

To secure the victory, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson need to shine again, as they struggled quite a bit against Norway and were very limited. Not only do they need to return to their best form, but so does Harry Kane, who has a more creative role on the pitch. With them performing well, Jude Bellingham could shine again in front of goal, dominating possession and taking advantage of space or mistakes in the build-up play.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Argentina are ranked in the 3rd spot, with 1943.47 points. They have lost two positions, despite their consecutive victories in the tournament. While some criticisms were towards their consistent defensive gaps, they have been shinning in the offense, with Lionel Messi leading again the way. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 1st in June of 2026.

While Lionel Scaloni’s team have dropped positions in the rankings, they have remained above England. Thomas Tuchel’s team are ranked 4th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, with 1,889.42 points. They have not excelled in build-up play, but they remain one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides, with multiple offensive options. With their talented wingers, they may look to exploit Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities on the counterattack.

Unlike England, Argentina have shown to have one of the most solid midfields of the 2026 World Cup. Having an ideal combination of solid defending and creativity, they usually press their opponents high and control the tempo of the game. In addition, Lionel Messi is key to creating space, allowing Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez to shine up front, with both needing to be very effective in front of goal.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina chase first-ever back-to-back World Cups

Argentina are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Not only are they coming off winning the 2022 edition, but they also won the 1978 and 1986 editions. Far from relaxing their winning ambition, they arrived at the 2026 edition in top form with a run of consecutive victories. Now, Lionel Messi’s team are chasing their first-ever back-to-back World Cups.

Not only because of the historical importance of this match, but they can also make history at the World Cup. Lionel Messi could lead Argentina to their first back-to-back titles, something that would make his legacy as the most important in his country’s history grow even more. In addition, Scaloni’s team have shown that they know how to adapt to their opponent, dominating or sitting back depending on the match, something that can give them an edge.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, England are ranked in the 4th spot, with 1889.42 points. While some criticisms were towards their playing style, they have been solid in the results, keeping the same spot in the last stages of the tournament. Nonetheless, they have not reached their best position yet, as they ranked 3rd in November of 2023.

While Thomas Tuchel’s team are among the highest-ranked national teams, they are still behind Argentina. The 2022 World Cup winners are ranked 3rd, with 1,943.47 points. Although they are coming off a major victory over Switzerland, they have dropped two places and need a win today to challenge Spain, the current leaders, for the top spot. With Lionel Messi in peak form, Argentina once again emerge as one of the top contenders.

England have proven to be one of the most efficient teams in attack. Led by Harry Kane, they create space against tough midfields, using the wings as the central focus of their play. In addition, Jude Bellingham has taken advantage of the space up front, arriving from the second line to finish chances. However, they still have not been dominant in midfield, and their main challenge will be to remain consistent.

England close in on ending their 60-year World Cup drought

England are one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history. Led by legends such as Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst, they won the 1966 title. After that historic triumph, they remained relevant, producing legends such as Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and many others. However, they have gone 60 years without winning the title, with today representing their best chance.

Since their victory in 1966, they have reached the semifinals in 1990 and 2018, where they were eliminated. Therefore, they face another golden opportunity to pursue a place in the final by defeating Argentina in a match full of history. Afterwards, they would face Spain, one of the best collective teams in the world. If they manage to do so, Thomas Tuchel’s team would write their name into history.

“Don’t put any pressure on yourself and don’t decide anything right now. There’s no need. No one needs to decide anything out right now… We cannot forget that he is coming off two years of serious injury, He arrived as a sacrifice for this World Cup. He will catch the rhythm again. He will play 10, 15 games in a row. He will get back to scoring goals, he will regain his confidence,” said Ronaldo Nazario, via TNT Sports Brazil.

Neymar Jr. played a completely marginal role for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. He only played in two matches, coming off the bench in both, and scored just one goal, which came from the penalty spot. Far from his limited involvement being due to physical reasons, he revealed that he was in full physical condition, meaning it was purely a tactical decision by Ancelotti.

Despite the fact that Neymar was clearly affected, he has reportedly not made a decision yet regarding his international retirement. Instead, he has decided to take a break, spending time at poker tournaments and purchasing a yacht. The 34-year-old star still has plenty of time to decide his international future, as he first needs to return to Santos and secure a new contract extension with solid performances.

Neymar Jr. faces an uncertain future in Brazil under Ancelotti

Throughout Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, Neymar Jr. has not even been a secondary player, but rather a marginal one. While he was called up for the 2026 World Cup, Lucas Paquetá and Matheus Cunha established as the preferred options in the attacking midfield. With Ancelotti under contract until 2030, it appears that the 34-year-old star will not change his status within the national team.

If Neymar Jr. decides to continue with Brazil, he would have the same role: The third option in the rotation. As the national team’s all-time leading scorer, he could decide not to force his return unless he is able to compete on equal terms for a starting spot. To achieve that, the 34-year-old star needs to shine again at Santos, while regaining physical consistency and rediscovering his goalscoring form.

At 34 years old, Neymar may no longer be aiming for the 2030 World Cup, but rather for the 2028 Copa América. Therefore, he still has several months to regain his motivation and earn a starting spot through his performances. To do so, he needs to arrive at the next call-up free of physical problems, something he was unable to achieve at the current World Cup. Even so, the task of convincing Ancelotti appears to be a difficult one.

According to José Félix Díaz, via Diario AS, Luka Modrić closely followed Slaven Bilić’s negotiations with Croatia. During those talks, the veteran midfielder told the new head coach that he was considering continuing to play for the national team under his management. With Bilić’s appointment now confirmed, Modrić has the door open to further extend his international legacy.

Croatia’s new head coach, Slaven Bilić, has already worked with Luka Modrić during his professional career. From 2006 to 2012, he managed the national team in 65 matches, with the midfielder featuring in 50 of them, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. In addition, José Félix Díaz revealed that the coach and Modrić would often meet in Madrid, highlighting the excellent relationship they share.

Luka Modrić already became the oldest player to represent Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, at 40 years and 296 days old. Far from being satisfied with his already remarkable legacy, he is aiming to continue adding to his achievements, having been the country’s most influential player of the modern era by a considerable margin. With UEFA Euro 2028 on the horizon, he could leave the door open to continuing his international career.

Ruben Amorim also opens the door to AC Milan for Modric

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Luka Modrić remained one of AC Milan‘s best players. Despite being the oldest player in the squad, he finished among the team’s most-used players in terms of minutes played. However, the veteran midfielder has yet to renew his contract with the club. As a result, head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly opened the door for him to continue with the team.

“Modrić is a player we absolutely want to keep because of his experience. I have spoken with him twice and, if necessary, I will do so again. He is a key figure, especially in the early stages, to help us keep more possession of the ball. He may not play every match, but we really want to have him with us next season,” revealed Ruben Amorim in early July, as per Diario AS.

Amid the Rossoneri project renewal, Modrić could once again be decisive. Not only would he be key in helping the young players, but also in the Europa League. In addition, Luka would maintain his great importance in the rotation, something that would be key to motivating him. If he does not opt for professional retirement, he could be open to continuing with the team for at least one more season.

Declan Rice had been dealing with stomach issues that left him significantly limited in recent days. He was forced to stay almost three days in bed before facing Norway, head coach Thomas Tuchel reported. Despite this, the Three Lions have received a positive update, as the 27-year-old star is now fully fit and available to start against Argentina, according to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter.

Being a cornerstone of Tuchel’s system, he is expected to start again alongside Elliot Anderson. With this duo in midfield, England may look to dominate Argentina by controlling the midfield battle and imposing their own rhythm on the game. Nonetheless, they may need Reece James’ contribution from right-back to provide additional defensive solidity in midfield.

While Declan started the previous match, he was only able to play 45 minutes because of his physical issues. Unlike it, he is expected to be available for the full 90 minutes against Argentina, looking to make the same kind of impact he had in earlier matches. As in previous games, head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to make very few changes to his lineup, with the main uncertainty remaining on the wings.

England will still be without two players vs. Argentina

England have had to adapt to the absences of Reece James, Declan Rice, and several other players, all of whom have significantly affected their tactical approach. However, Thomas Tuchel will have both players available again. That does not mean they will not have to make adjustments to their squad, though, as they still have two key absences ahead of the match against Argentina.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel will be without Jarell Quansah, as he was handed a three-match suspension following his red card against Mexico. As a result, England lose a valuable defensive backup who could also cover at full-back, forcing them to adapt. Jordan Henderson will also be unavailable after suffering a fractured arm during the celebrations, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Nico Williams arrived at the 2026 World Cup with a thigh issue that prevented him to start in the opening matches. However, he recovered a few weeks ago, as both the player and Luis de la Fuente have acknowledged. Despite this, the head coach has decided to stick with the tactical approach that has taken Spain to the semifinals, opting to keep the 24-year-old star on the bench.

Instead of Williams, Alex Baena returns to the starting lineup for Spain on the left wing to face France. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, he has been Luis de la Fuente’s preferred option, as he complements Marc Cucurella perfectly. While he has scored just one goal and provided one assist, he has been vital to the team’s play through the middle, creating space for his teammates, who have taken full advantage of it.

Despite once again being listed as a substitute for Spain, Nico Williams could be essential off the bench against France. Facing a very dominant team, he could be key in launching efficient counterattacks and creating space with his dribbling. In addition, he has shown a strong goalscoring instinct, so he could surprise Mike Maignan as an impact substitute, as he has yet to score in the tournament.

Nico Williams face uphill battle to recover his starting spot in Spain

Unlike a few years ago, Nico Williams is no longer considered one of the best wingers in the world. After his numerous physical problems, he has lost his place as an undisputed starter for Spain. While Luis de la Fuente considers him a key part of the squad, the reality is that Alex Baena has been the preferred option and has performed brilliantly. For this reason, the 24-year-old star faces a very difficult task in trying to regain his starting role.

If Spain manage to advance to the 2026 World Cup final, Nico Williams would not be expected to start. Head coach Luis de la Fuente does not usually make many changes to his starting lineup, especially when the team has put together several consecutive victories. However, the 24-year-old star will need to make a decisive impact against France and lead his team to victory if he wants to change his current situation with the national team.