Like some other players, Lewandowski’s absence is solely related to his country failing to qualify. Poland finished second in their group behind the Netherlands, which sent them to the playoffs.

This new format included 16 teams divided into four groups, with a semifinal and final in each group for a spot in the tournament. In the first match, Poland beat Albania before losing to Sweden on a late goal that eliminated them.

Poland’s World Cup history

Poland has a strong World Cup history, having appeared nine times since the tournament began. While they have not been close to their best in recent years, they were a regular presence in the 20th century, with the exceptions of 2010 and 2014, when they did not participate.

Even if the present has not been great for them, that does not mean their history was irrelevant. Poland were a strong team in several editions during a golden period that began in the 1970s.

With the expanded version of the competition, it was hard to imagine Poland being eliminated early, but their recent lack of success was driven by the inability to produce more talent in quantity outside of Lewandowski, who may leave a void for the future.

Their best performance

Poland’s history in the tournament includes two bronze medals, which shows how good they used to be. In 1974, they finished second behind West Germany in the final round group of four, where the winner advanced to the final and the runner-up went to the third-place match, which they won against Brazil. In 1982, they lost to Italy in the semifinals before defeating France.

While they no longer have names like Gareth Bale, Wales came close to earning a place. They did not perform well enough in their group, finishing behind Belgium, but they were able to reach the playoff round introduced for this edition.

A total of 16 teams were part of this round, divided into four groups that each offered one spot, with a semifinal and a final. Wales were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semifinal, which they lost on penalties.

Wales’ World Cup history

It has not been very common for Wales to take part in this competition when looking at their record of just two appearances in their long history since the sport was created. That makes it more understandable not to see them often in the final rounds.

Their first appearance came a long time ago, when far fewer countries were able to take part in the competition, since it was in 1958 in Sweden, when just 16 teams competed for the prestigious trophy.

Their qualification for the edition played in Qatar was celebrated across the country. Their participation in the latest tournament ended a 64-year drought at the highest level.

Their best performance

Their first appearance in this competition also brought their best performance, even in a strong run in their debut. They were able to move on from the group stage as the second team behind Sweden after beating Hungary in a tie-breaker match. Wales lost 1-0 to Brazil, with a goal from Pelé.

The reasons why such a traditional country is not taking part may be structural, but the format explanation is very simple. Italy finished behind Norway in their group, which forced them into a playoff for a spot.

This time it was a 16-team round divided into four groups, with a semifinal and a final to determine the last places. Italy were able to beat Northern Ireland before losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

Italy’s World Cup history

For new fans, it may feel normal to see Italy out of the competition, as they have missed every edition since 2018. That sounds hard to believe for older fans who grew up watching excellence from them.

Their four titles are second only to Brazil’s five and tied with Germany among the countries with the most trophies, which makes this absence even more painful given their history.

They won titles early after the competition was created, lifting the trophy in 1934 and 1938. It took some time before they won it again, as their next title came in 1982 with a brilliant Paolo Rossi making his name unforgettable.

The record in finals

The tradition this country carries is clear from the six times they reached the final. In 1934, they beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in extra time, and in 1938 they won 4-2 against Hungary. In 1970 came their most famous final, when they lost 4-0 to a legendary Brazil.

In 1982, they finished a glorious run that included Brazil and Argentina with a 3-1 win against West Germany. In 1994, they faced Brazil again in a 0-0 draw that ended in a penalty shootout loss, with Roberto Baggio’s miss still remembered by many. In 2006, they beat France in a penalty shootout in a match remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to a red card.

In the first half, England looked much sharper, with a stronger focus on scoring goals. Even though they could not break through many times, they took the lead after Gordon made a good run down the left and set up Rice, who finished with his left foot.

The same rhythm continued in the second half as England dominated possession for most of the period until they were awarded a penalty for a handball, which Gordon converted into a goal. Later, Watkins added the third after a rebound inside the box, sealing the win.

The reason Szoboszlai will not be in the competition is that his country did not qualify. Hungary was a major part of the sport in its early days, with some memorable names, though not so much in recent years.

In UEFA qualifying, they finished third in their group behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. With only the group winner earning a direct spot and the runners-up reaching a playoff, Hungary were out of contention after a very poor campaign.

Hungary’s World Cup history

In the modern era, it is normal to see Hungary outside the World Cup after they have not been able to produce teams good enough in recent years, failing to qualify since 1986. However, that is not the full story of a country that once dominated the sport.

When looking at the list of finals since the tournament was created in 1930, Hungary is probably the most surprising country to feature in it given how often they have failed to qualify in recent decades.

Their nine appearances show that they were not always absent. During the 1950s, Hungary was the most dominant team, as Ferenc Puskás showed his talent, but he was not alone in the lineup of the Mighty Magyars, who revolutionized the way the game was played at the time.

The best performance

Their best performance came in 1954, when they made a brilliant run highlighted by an 8-3 group-stage win over strong Germany, only to lose to them in the final by 3-2 in the match known as the “Miracle of Bern”. They were also finalists in 1938 before losing 4-2 to Italy.

The national team that represents Cameroon finished second in their final-round group. Only the winners of each of the nine groups qualified directly, with the best four runners-up heading to a playoff for a place in the intercontinental matches.

Their 19 points in 10 matches were behind Cape Verde’s 23, but enough for the next round. This brief playoff of four teams saw them eliminated in the semifinals against DR Congo, who ended up qualifying after an extra-time victory over Jamaica in the interconfederation playoff.

Cameroon’s World Cup history

This country has mostly been seen as a tough rival for anyone, as it is the African team with the most World Cup participations. Their total of eight appearances began in 1982 and gave them the record.

In the last editions, they have been plagued by inconsistency after qualifying, which can be seen in how early they returned from the competition, with only one run beyond the group stage.

They were especially notable in 1990, not just because of the presence of Roger Milla, who was 38 years old and had his famous celebrations, but also for defeating the defending champions Argentina in their opening match and putting themselves on the map for casual fans.

The best performance

Getting out of the group only once means that is their best performance, but it was not just a good one. Cameroon’s run in 1990 should remain in the history books for everything they did after their first match. They were able to reach the round of 16, where they beat Colombia with two Milla goals in extra time. This was followed by a 3-2 defeat to England in the quarterfinals also after extra time.

The game 7a0, or Sete a Zero in Portuguese, has taken over social media lately because it is so entertaining. The obvious goal is to become champion with a record of 7-0, which may seem outdated now that the expansion to 48 teams has added one more match.

To play this game in a browser or on mobile, you just have to go to 7a0.com.br. People can start playing right away with no need to create an account, which is another advantage, along with the fact that it is free.

The game

There is a very important background element because it features a lot of information. A total of 52 countries are part of it, with 250 teams and 5,729 players who were rated based on their performance at that moment.

The game itself is pretty simple. As with any team you build, you must choose a tactical setup between 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-2-4, 3-5-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1, and 3-4-3, along with a defensive, balanced, or offensive style of play.

You must then roll a dice that selects a specific team like Brazil 1970. A full group of players appears for you to choose from. After selecting the player, users must click the position where they want to place him. Then comes the final part, which is the simulation of matches.

The bonus

Another part that adds some skill to counter the luck is the three bonus changes that are possible. If you do not like the team, you can choose to change the country or the year. For example, if France 1994 is rolled but you do not like it, you can change the team, which would select another team from 1994, or change the year, which would give another year for the same country that was rolled.

As has often been the case over the years, there are two names to watch when it comes to records: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whether for longevity or pure talent, both legends could add new marks in this edition.

They are not the only players who could reach historic heights in the coming weeks. The main name after them chasing history is Kylian Mbappé, while Harry Kane and even Guillermo Ochoa could also leave their mark on the tournament.

Most all-time World Cup goals

This may be the most interesting record to watch. It is currently held by Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals for Germany in his career. The main challengers are Messi with 13 and Mbappé with 12.

Most World Cup match appearances

This record should be broken if nothing unusual happens, because it is held by Messi with 26 appearances. That means every time Argentina take the field with him in the lineup, the record grows.

Most individual World Cup match wins

While soccer is not usually viewed as an individual sport, it can still be revealing to see which players have won the most matches. Before the competition begins, the record is held by Klose with 17 wins for Germany, but Messi is right behind him with 16.

Most World Cup tournaments played

Player longevity has increased so much in recent years, thanks in part to advances in sports science and technology, that this record has two players ready to make their sixth World Cup in Messi and Ronaldo. Ochoa was called up for a sixth tournament, but he did not play in 2006 or 2010. This record also includes Lothar Matthäus, Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado.

Oldest goalscorer in a knockout match

This record could be challenged by several players, because Pepe was 39 years and 283 days old when he scored for Portugal against Switzerland in the round of 16 in Qatar. However, this edition features several big names who could break it, including Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Edin Džeko. With the addition of an extra knockout round after the group stage, this record looks more reachable.

Most players over 40 in a single tournament

In the past, it was not common to see players over 40 at the biggest stage. However, that has become more normal. The record was just one in different editions, and it should be shattered this time. The players over 40 are Ronaldo, Modrić, Džeko, Manuel Neuer, Craig Gordon, Ochoa, Vozinha, and Fernando Muslera.

Oldest outfield player in a World Cup final

Goalkeepers were historically the position that allowed players to stay active until later ages. When focusing only on outfield players, Nílton Santos stands out. The legendary left back was in Brazil’s lineup in 1962 at 37 years and 32 days. Messi and Ronaldo are the obvious names that could break this record, while Otamendi would need a Messi absence in a hypothetical final.

Captaining back-to-back World Cup titles

This record could only be broken by Messi, as Argentina are the defending champions. There were two teams that repeated as champions in the past, but their captains did not remain the same for different reasons. Italy’s 1934 title was captained by Giampiero Combi, who retired afterward and passed the armband to Giuseppe Meazza. Brazil’s captain in 1958 was Hilderaldo Bellini as the central defender. For the country, it is traditional that only a player in the starting lineup can be captain, so even though he was in the squad in 1962, the captain that year was Mauro Ramos.

Winning the Golden Boot twice

No player in World Cup history has ever won the Golden Boot twice, which could happen in this edition. The list includes three players who could do it, as the active former winners are Mbappé, Kane, and James Rodríguez, the last three holders of the prize.

After narrowly missing out on the previous edition, Peru did not qualify this time because they finished ninth out of 10 teams in CONMEBOL. Six countries earned direct spots, while one more place went to a playoff.

Their qualifying run was so poor that they could not put together a strong campaign even with one of the easiest paths in the region’s history. They finished with just 12 points in 18 matches, leaving them only ahead of Chile in the standings and seven points behind seventh place.

Peru’s World Cup history

Peru have not been regulars in this competition. Since the World Cup began in 1930, they have only appeared in five editions, which makes their presence a rare one.

Their best spell came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when players like Teófilo Cubillas helped them qualify for the 1970, 1978, and 1982 tournaments, out of a possible four editions in that period.

They were also one of the few countries to take part in the 1930 edition. Their most recent appearance ended a long drought, as they returned in 2018, which was a major moment for the country’s younger fans.

The best performance

Their best performance came during the golden era led by Cubillas, when Peru reached the quarterfinals in 1970, their deepest run in World Cup history. Officially, they finished seventh, which was one place better than in 1978, when they also reached the quarterfinal stage, then called the second-round group.

The reason for their elimination is simple: Costa Rica did not qualify because they finished in their group in the final round. Only the three group winners advanced directly, while the two best runners-up moved on to a playoff for the remaining spot.

Costa Rica could not do enough to secure even a playoff place after six matches. They finished behind surprising group leaders Haiti, who had 11 points, and Honduras, who finished with 9 points and still did not reach the playoff round. Costa Rica’s 7 points were better than Nicaragua’s total of 4 points.

A great run that ended

For this edition, it was expected to be an easier path to the World Cup than before because the three biggest teams were not taking part. With the United States, Mexico, and Canada out of the competition, smaller teams had a chance to make history.

That led to changes in the format, but Costa Rica’s strong run came to an end after three straight World Cup appearances, giving them six in total.

This century has been a strong one for Costa Rica, who first appeared in a World Cup in 1990. However, from 2000 to the present, they had only missed out in 2010 before this one, which came as a surprise to fans.

The best performance

While their debut in 1990 was especially strong, with a run to the round of 16, what they did in 2014 is still hard to match. Not only did they win a group that included Italy, Uruguay, and England, they also beat Greece in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw that stayed level through extra time. Their quarterfinal ended in a penalty shootout loss to the Netherlands after another draw in regulation.

Gavi said: “I went in thinking I would be out for four or five weeks, and when I came out of the anesthesia, they told me it would be four or five months. I remember even the doctor had to leave because I was about to explode.”

The midfielder went through a two-year stretch in which he barely played. The injury he was referring to was a torn meniscus suffered in a training session with Barcelona last August before returning in March, but he had also torn his ACL in November 2023 with Spain. Gavi getting back to the highest level proved worth all the time he spent recovering from injuries that could have ended his career.

The call-up for Spain

For the midfielder, the sport has many great things, but also some tough ones: “Soccer is the best thing there is, but there are injuries that can easily end your career. I have always had that ambition in my mind and that dream that no one can beat me.”

The player could be the clearest example of resilience through injury, because he had been expected to be called up for the Euro that Spain won in 2024 during his rise, until he got hurt, which made this call-up an anxious wait for him.

Gavi said: “I didn’t want to watch the call-up because I always get nervous. I saw it there with the physios. When I heard my name, it was a huge rush of happiness. Representing Spain at the World Cup is one of the greatest things there is. Being called up to my second one is a huge pride.”

Gavi’s season with Barcelona

It was just the beginning for Barcelona when Gavi went down in a training session after two La Liga matches, with a future that did not look promising. Even if he was not able to play too much, it was enough to convince de la Fuente. The midfielder finished with 13 matches, with 0 goals and 1 assist.

The match featured the usual rotations from both teams, with many substitutions, especially from England, who lined up an entirely different side in the second half. As expected, it was a slow-paced match.

In the first half, England tried too many times from outside the box without much precision, failing to trouble the goalkeeper until Spence cut back on the left and sent in a cross with his right foot that Kane slightly redirected into the net in the final minute of the half. There was not much happening in the second half, with England threatening through the wings but without much danger.

Argentina confirmed it officially on their social media accounts: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad for the World Cup.”

While it could be a long tournament with the expansion to 48 teams, the injury will take three weeks to heal. With so many players already dealing with fitness issues, Scaloni could not risk adding one more to the list.

The replacement

The injury happened too recently to know who will replace Balerdi on the 26-man list. However, there are a few names that could be called up until a day before their first match, on June 16. The main candidate may be Marcos Senesi, since he is also a center back.

For the defender, it would be a great opportunity after solid years with Bournemouth that led to a free transfer to Tottenham for next season, in what should be a step forward in his career. One major difference with Balerdi is that he is left-footed.

There is a clear weakness at right back in this team, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina not arriving in great condition. That is why Scaloni made Agustin Giay and Nicolás Capaldo travel with the team, as they could also be added. An outside chance could go to left back Marcos Acuña.

Argentina’s next match

While many teams have already played at least one friendly during the week, Argentina are about to make their first appearance. The match is today against Honduras at 8 PM ET in Texas, with a lineup that is not expected to feature many starters after the team only got together a few days ago.

Alba said when asked who made things most difficult for him: “Ángel Di María. He was very good. I liked him because he didn’t just attack, he defended a lot as well. He followed me all over the field and worked incredibly hard.”

The left back made those comments on Mario Suárez’s podcast, and Suárez also had major battles in those years as Atlético Madrid often went toe to toe with the two giants, even knocking them out of the Champions League and playing a key role in midfield.

Alba on the rivalry with Real Madrid

Alba returned to Barcelona as the club was rebuilding after Pep Guardiola left. His strong performances at Valencia convinced the club where he had developed to bring him back, and it proved to be a great move for both sides.

His time at Barcelona was marked by the rivalry with Real Madrid in matches packed with quality in every position, games that often helped decide the La Liga title, as the former defender explained.

Alba said: “El Clásico matches are special. It’s your biggest rival, and you grow up experiencing them from a young age. Many times, those matches were the ones that decided the championship.”

Alba on Barcelona’s mindset

During the 12 years Alba spent with the first team, the club was almost always chasing records. At a team used to winning nearly every match, a draw was rarely welcome. That was very different from his earlier experience, where only three points felt acceptable.

Alba said: “I remember that first year when we were on our way to winning the 100-point league title, and we were 10 or 12 points ahead of Real Madrid. We drew at Mestalla, and the next day when we got back to the locker room, I walked in as usual and everyone was quiet. I asked one of the veterans, ‘What’s going on?’ and they told me, ‘We drew.’“

From the opening minute, it was clear that Paraguay were the better side. While they built a two-goal lead in the first half, the main story of the day was Enciso’s reaction. The creative midfielder stopped play, punched the grass in pain, and grabbed the back of his right leg before leaving the field in tears with an injury that could be a tear or it may just be a knock.

Manager Gustavo Alfaro opted to make 10 substitutions at halftime to spread the minutes around. Even with the changes, Paraguay did not lose their attacking intent, as the bench players looked eager to show their quality. That helped complete a clear 4-0 win and give the fans reason to feel optimistic.

Yuste said: “Atlético de Madrid’s posts? I thought they were in very bad taste. We have a very clear way of acting as a club. I believe education comes above everything, and therefore we must continue giving an example, from the president to the last member of the board.”

In the posts of the matter, Atletico Madrid joked they offered “4 tickets for Bad Bunny’s concert, an annual subscription to ABC, and a bag of sunflower seeds” for the right winger after what they considered a low offer for Alvarez. They also made similar posts involving Pedri and Raphinha.

Yuste on Alvarez

The reported offer from Barcelona was 100 million euros, according to Marca. Even if this may not be enough for Atletico Madrid, it wasn’t a disrespectful one. However, they responded to all the pressure they think is being put on them claiming they have been “suffering a smear campaign against one of our players”.

Purchasing a forward seems to be the priority for Barcelona in this transfer window after the void left by Robert Lewandowski, who’s replacement solution isn’t being commanded by the acting president.

Yuste said when asked about the possible arrival of the Argentine forward: “Deco is managing the sporting plans very well, and we want him to continue with this great work he has been doing.”

Yuste’s role

While Yuste remains in one of the highest ranks in the club’s organization, he’s only the acting president, so it makes total sense he isn’t following these types of negotiations firsthand as he must take a back seat to Joan Laporta. The winner of the elections has a date to officially become the president of Barcelona on July 1.

In the first half, it was a good start for Mexico, who dominated possession and created goal-scoring chances, but they were ineffective until a fortunate play gave Serbia the lead through Stanić. However, Mexico stayed on track and tied it with a goal from Vásquez. Just before halftime, a very obvious mistake by Serbia on a back pass ended in an own goal.

It was a different story in the second half, as Mexico pulled away from a very young opponent that struggled throughout the match. Jiménez got what he wanted with the third goal, before another own goal and a goal from Chávez put the game away with a 5-1 final score.

Riquelme said: “I want to see Barcelona in the second division. I’d love that. I wouldn’t have any problem with it, and I’d be happy about it. And that’s not meant as any disrespect. I’d also like Barcelona to disappear. I wouldn’t have any problem with that.”

This should be a very important weekend for the fans voting after a long stretch in which Pérez had presented himself without anyone challenging him as Sunday marks election day.

Riquelme accuses Pérez of helping Barcelona

While the current situation between the clubs is very tense, there were other times when they were allies. That was not on the sporting side, but on the business side when they were discussing deals involving broadcasting rights and similar matters.

That is where Riquelme continued to speak about Barcelona, except this time he also said that Pérez helped their archrivals get back on their feet during difficult times.

Riquelme said: “At every celebration when they were down and out. If I had been there, I can assure you that not only would I not have helped them, but I wouldn’t have extended a hand either. It’s a healthy rivalry, but if you’ve competed in a way that involved using money to pay the vice president of the referees.”

Riquelme on Pérez

A lot has been said about each other during this short campaign. Riquelme also pointed to the people around Pérez as the ones making the decisions, while adding that many of the negotiations the club has been involved in have included personal interests.

Riquelme said: “Through his personal company, as well as other new businesses he owns, he bills Real Madrid directly and indirectly for everything. He’s involved in the Super League because he’s a shareholder in the company that created it, and also in the privatization process he’s carrying out on his own.”

Each time this competition comes around, a new round of debate begins. Because the album is released many weeks before managers confirm their final lists, there is always discussion about which players may not take part but still appear in the stickers.

The main change for this edition is tied directly to the new format, with FIFA approving an expansion to 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. With that change, collectors face a bigger challenge and will need more time to complete the album.

How many stickers are in Panini’s 2026 World Cup album?

The album contains 980 stickers, making it the largest Panini World Cup sticker collection ever released. The expanded size reflects the new 48-team format being used for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It includes players, logos, and special stickers such as the stadiums.

How much does the Panini 2026 World Cup album cost?

In the United States, the standard album costs $5. Starter kits and multipack boxes are also available, with prices varying depending on the number of sticker packs included.

What’s new in the 2026 World Cup sticker collection?

The 2026 collection is the biggest in Panini World Cup history. It includes all 48 participating national teams, dedicated pages for stadiums and tournament moments, special-edition stickers, and seven stickers per pack instead of the traditional five. Collectors can also take advantage of digital sticker-swapping options.

Which players are featured in the album?

The collection includes many of the biggest stars in world soccer, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal. The album also features players from all 48 qualified nations. As with every World Cup collection, some inclusions and omissions have generated discussion among fans, particularly regarding Neymar, who was not included in the original list because the stickers had to be finalized months before the tournament, when he was not considered a likely participant, as well as veteran stars and players returning from injuries.

How much does it cost to complete the album?

In theory, collecting all 980 stickers without receiving any duplicates would require 140 packs, since each pack contains seven stickers. At $2 per pack in the United States, that comes to exactly $280. In reality, duplicates significantly increase the cost. Depending on luck, trading opportunities, and purchasing habits, completing the album can cost several hundred dollars and potentially exceed $2,000 for collectors who rely solely on buying packs.

Where can fans buy the Panini 2026 World Cup sticker album?

Fans in the United States can purchase the album through Panini’s official online store as well as participating retailers, hobby shops, and major retail chains while supplies last.

Why Panini stickers remain a World Cup tradition

For generations of soccer fans, collecting Panini stickers has been one of the most recognizable traditions associated with the World Cup. The excitement of opening packs, trading duplicates, and trying to complete the album has connected fans across different countries and generations for more than five decades.

Klement’s model, which previously predicted the World Cup titles won by Germany, France, and Argentina, has been put to work once again. In his projection, Portugal win their group ahead of Colombia, while Argentina finish first in theirs ahead of Austria.

That would set up Portugal against Ivory Coast and Argentina against Uruguay in the Round of 32, with both teams advancing. In the next round, Argentina defeat Turkey with a goal from Messi, while Portugal overcome Switzerland if Roberto Martínez does not start Ronaldo, according to Klement.

The quarterfinals are where the model predicts a meeting between the two legends. What could be a memorable matchup ends with Portugal advancing in extra time to reach the semifinals, where they would defeat England before eventually falling in the final.

The champion

Portugal’s run in this projection would be historic, but it would not end with the trophy they are seeking. In the final, they would face the Netherlands, who are predicted to win the World Cup for the first time despite a tournament with very few goals.

The Dutch are projected to win their group before facing a difficult challenge in the newly introduced round, where they would edge a strong Morocco side by a narrow margin before taking on Canada.

In the quarterfinals, the prediction becomes very specific, as Klement forecasts the Netherlands defeating France 1-0 through an own goal. A rematch of a previous World Cup final would then follow in the semifinals against Spain. The run would conclude with a victory over Portugal in the final to lift the trophy.

United States’ path

In Klement’s 20-page publication, there is a prediction for every team. That includes the United States, whom the economist does not expect to make a deep run.

While the group-stage projection has the Americans finishing third behind Australia and Turkey, they still appear in the knockout stage. However, their journey would be short, as they are projected to lose comfortably to Germany in the Round of 32.

Koundé said: “I have a contract until 2030. It’s pretty clear in my mind. Right now, with the French national team, those things are taking a back seat. I’m focused on the competition until further notice. I hope to stay at Barcelona.”

While the versatile defender has been an important player for Barcelona since arriving from Sevilla, his last few months were not at the same level. That led reporters to ask about his situation, but he made it clear that he would like to remain with the club.

Koundé on the World Cup

Even though playing for the biggest clubs in the world is a major motivation, representing your country can be an even greater source of inspiration. That appears to be the case for Koundé, who was included by Didier Deschamps in France’s 26-man squad.

Ahead of France’s match against Ivory Coast on Thursday in Nantes, the center back turned right back acknowledged that he was not at his best during the season while focusing on what lies ahead.

Koundé said: “Personally, it was a season below my standards. It’s a new competition now, and I feel good. I want to finish by contributing as much as possible to the French national team. We have a fairly balanced locker room in terms of age, and everyone can express themselves. It’s good to have many different leaders.”

Koundé’s year with Barcelona

Koundé may not have had his strongest individual season, but he remained an important contributor for the team. During the campaign with Barcelona, he recorded three goals, six assists, and seven yellow cards with no red cards across 47 official appearances and 3,530 minutes played, in a season in which the club won both the La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.

Casillas said: “I think the national team has a great squad right now, but if it is Spain vs Portugal, I think it is an even matchup, just like Spain vs Argentina or Spain vs France. I think anything can happen. The small details are going to decide the World Cup. It will not be as comfortable as people think, those details will make the difference. I see very balanced matches. We will also have to see how the bracket shapes up, because the best third-place teams advance.”

This comment was made to the local press during the presentation of his collection called “Casillas: el legado de una leyenda” (“Casillas: The Legacy of a Legend”) at Museo Legends in Madrid.

Casillas on Real Madrid elections

While winning trophies remains the main objective for everyone involved, Real Madrid are getting ready for a very important day. The club is preparing for Sunday’s elections, the first time members will get to vote for their president in 20 years.

While much of the attention is naturally on Florentino Pérez trying to remain in charge in a contest with Enrique Riquelme, Casillas also spoke about the club where he became a legend, with another icon like Raúl potentially becoming sporting director.

Casillas said: “I have not been approached for any role. I am looking forward to it as a member and a Real Madrid supporter. As for Raúl becoming sporting director, we are talking about Raúl. There is not much more that needs to be said, he is 100% Madridista. They must have thought it through carefully. Anything that is good for Real Madrid is fantastic.”

Casillas on his career

There may be very little left for someone like Casillas to accomplish after winning every major trophy in the sport. His achievements include one World Cup, two UEFA European Championships, three Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies among the highlights of his career, yet he still wanted more.

Casillas said: “I would have liked to win more trophies, but I cannot complain. I have achieved everything you dream about as a kid. I became a European champion with both my club and my national team. I used to watch those moments at home when I was young and thought they were impossible to reach.”

His first full year with the club has not been what was expected, with the player even missing the World Cup after mostly serving as a backup. This led River Plate to start talking with people around the player to see whether a loan move would be possible, according to ESPN Argentina.

There is no doubt that Real Madrid could look very different next season after two years without trophies. Their plan is to loan him out so he can get more minutes, albeit they would prefer to send him to a La Liga club, according to Diario AS.

La Liga regulation

The extra advantage of signing the player from River Plate when he was just 17 was that Real Madrid could register him as a Castilla player, their youth team that competes in lower divisions than the first team.

That helped then manager Xabi Alonso keep one of the 25 available senior squad spots open in case the club wanted to add more players, but that is no longer the case because of the minutes Mastantuono has played with the first team.

As the Argentine has passed the 30% mark of matches played for Real Madrid, he is no longer eligible to be registered with Castilla, details Juan Castro. This puts more pressure on whether he stays with the first team or goes out on loan.

Mastantuono’s season with Real Madrid

In his first year at Real Madrid, Mastantuono could not show his best version, as he finished with 35 appearances, 1,482 minutes, three goals, and no assists in all competitions for Real Madrid. The left-footed player recorded 23 appearances, 1,036 minutes, one goal, and no assists in La Liga.

Mastantuono made eight appearances in the Champions League, played 292 minutes, and scored one goal. He also featured twice in the Copa del Rey, totaling 143 minutes and one goal, while in the Super Cup he made two appearances and played 11 minutes without registering a goal or assist.

The company announced it will launch an interactive site for fans featuring the calendar, along with direct links to stream matches on the Telemundo App and Peacock.

As is usual with a tournament like this, fans will also be able to make their predictions and see whether they can guess the winner correctly. “La Quiniela” makes it easy to create a bracket challenge for those who want to enjoy the competition that way.

Live Watch Party

As part of a tournament this big, there is also room for younger generations to follow it in a way that feels more in line with how they consume content. At Telemundo Center, fashion influencer Daniela Duran and sportscaster Fernando Fiore will be live on YouTube, TikTok and X.

They will interact with other social media figures broadcasting from stadiums, including Dave Balyeat, Sebastián Berón, José Cabo, Juan Guarnizo, Nuni Joya, Mercedes Roa and Davo Salazar.

To close out each day with the best match recaps, there will also be a show called “Copa Mundial After Dark,” designed mainly for Gen Z fans who are more used to getting their sports coverage through digital content. The show will cover the day’s biggest topics in 30 minutes.

The duration

All of this coverage will run throughout the tournament, from June 11 to July 19. Telemundo says it will offer more than 700 hours of programming, including all 104 matches live. Luis Omar Tapia will also host six episodes of the “Mi Mundialista Favorito” podcast, featuring the stories of players like Tim Ream, Dayne St. Clair and Cristian Roldan, among other names.

The player who may miss the World Cup entirely is Giorgian de Arrascaeta. His road to the tournament was already complicated after he suffered a fractured right collarbone while playing for Flamengo on April 29 in a Copa Libertadores match against Estudiantes.

That injury was not expected to be a major issue because of the recovery time available, but a new problem has now appeared. During Tuesday’s training session with Uruguay, the midfielder left with calf pain and Uruguayan journalist Gonzalo Ronchi reported it could be a tear. If that diagnosis is confirmed, he would likely be replaced on the squad.

Replacement candidates

FIFA only requires federations to publicly announce their final 26-man squads. Teams were also required to submit provisional lists of up to 55 players beforehand, but those lists were not made public. However, reports from local media have provided clues about some of the players who were under consideration.

Like several other national teams, Uruguay left some notable names out of the final roster, with a few experienced players surprisingly missing from the squad.

One midfielder omitted by Bielsa was Lucas Torreira. While the Galatasaray player offers a different profile than de Arrascaeta, the coach could view him as an experienced alternative. Nahitan Nández was the most notable absence from the final squad and could become an option if Bielsa were to make a significant change in approach. Facundo Torres is another player who was believed to be close to making the team and could also be considered.

The replacement deadline

Even though the final 26-man squads have already been announced, changes can still be made under certain circumstances. FIFA’s regulations state: “A player in the final squad may only be replaced by a player from the provisional squad in the event of a serious injury or illness, no later than 24 hours before their team’s first match at World Cup 2026.” For Uruguay, that deadline falls on June 14.

Yamal said: “I think he knows he’s going to play for Spain. I don’t know if he knows exactly what a World Cup is, but he knows he’s going to play for Spain. He likes Neymar, he likes Pedri, he likes Raphinha, he likes me. And well, Cristiano Ronaldo.”

This came in an interview recently shared by the Spanish Federation, where Yamal also explained that he always tries to take pictures with kids because when he was younger he would do anything for that.

Luis de la Fuente on Yamal’s injury

Everyone in Spain was worried during Barcelona’s match against Celta in La Liga because of the winger’s injury in a 1-0 victory with Yamal’s goal. However, after taking the penalty, he grabbed his left hamstring before being substituted on April 22 with an injury that Luis de la Fuente could only hope would not cause problems.

There was enough time for him to recover properly, but it was still a tense moment because there was not much certainty at first. To calm everyone down, the manager made it clear that he expected him to be available soon.

De la Fuente said to Mundo Deportivo: “We knew Lamine was going to arrive in perfect condition, and I would even risk saying that he will be for the first match. But we will see how his recovery continues to evolve now he is here with us, having previously been in daily communication with the club.”

The debut

The recovery time from his partial tear of the biceps femoris in his left leg left plenty of time, as Spain’s World Cup debut comes on June 15 against Cape Verde. Yamal did not return for Barcelona in the season after the muscle issue, so there was a 54-day recovery period.

Yamal said when asked about the best match: “The match against Real Madrid, the 4-3. I scored a goal and I gave an assist to Ralphinha with the outside [Ralphinha missed the header]. And the ‘worst match?’ The one against Portugal in the Nations League.”

The forward shared a video on his YouTube channel about a day in his life that showcased many things he did. Among them was a short chat with his cousin Moha and childhood friend Soha, who are usually around him, where this conversation occurred.

The matches

Those matches Yamal talked about were memorable ones. The one he listed as his best came on May 11, 2025, in a La Liga match against Real Madrid, when he scored in Barcelona’s 4-3 win after the team had fallen behind 2-0.

In his career, there have not been many bad matches so far, since Yamal has been a big reason behind Barcelona’s rise. With Spain, he has also been very important, even if he was not at his best in every game.

The match against Portugal was the Nations League final from last year, played on June 8. Spain took the lead through Martín Zubimendi, but Nuno Mendes equalized for Portugal. Mikel Oyarzabal then restored Spain’s advantage before Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-2. Portugal eventually lifted the trophy after winning the penalty shootout in Munich.

A Ronaldinho interaction

Part of the video also shows the player doing a promotion for McDonald’s. In that section, Ronaldinho appears to greet him. While the two were keeping the ball up for the camera after apparently talking about the Camp Nou renovation, Yamal praised the Brazilian over him: “He’s not dropping the ball. Maybe I will.”

Many teams have repeated the title in the past, but only 10 managers had done it, and Luis Enrique has now joined that group. Since the competition was rebranded as the Champions League for the 1993-94 season, he is only the second manager to achieve the feat.

This had previously been done by Zinedine Zidane, who remains the only manager to win the title three times, doing so with Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018. Surviving a dramatic penalty shootout was worthy of recognition for a manager joining a group that many notable colleagues were unable to reach.

The nine who did it in the European Cup

It is not expected to see many managers doing this in the current era, since the competition is newer. The European Cup years saw legendary clubs win the title in consecutive seasons, which seems harder to see these days.

What makes up this list is a set of iconic teams that often changed managers even in successful seasons, with Real Madrid being the clearest example of their dominance in the 1950s, while Bayern Munich and Milan also did it in their glorious eras.

This leaves the total of managers who repeated as European Cup winners at nine: José Villalonga (Real Madrid, 1956-1957), Luis Carniglia (Real Madrid, 1958-1959), Béla Guttmann (Benfica, 1961-1962), Helenio Herrera (Inter Milan, 1964-1965), Stefan Kovács (Ajax, 1972-1973), Dettmar Cramer (Bayern Munich, 1975-1976), Bob Paisley (Liverpool, 1977-1978), Brian Clough (Nottingham Forest, 1979-1980), and Arrigo Sacchi (AC Milan, 1989-1990).

The failed third consecutive trophy

The other times there was a chance for a third straight title came in 1958 for Villalonga. Real Madrid won that year, but under Carniglia, who could also have done it in 1960 when his club won the European Cup again. However, Muñoz was the manager then. In 1963, Guttmann guided Benfica to back-to-back titles before they were beaten by Milan in the final.

In 1966, Herrera took Inter to the semifinals, where they lost to Real Madrid. In 1974, a surprising second-round defeat to CSKA Sofia prevented Kovács from completing the feat. In 1977, Cramer was chasing history with a fantastic Bayern Munich side until they lost to Dynamo Kyiv in the quarterfinals.

In 1979, Paisley could not repeat because of a first-round loss to Nottingham Forest led by Clough. However, he would have his revenge when Liverpool won the title in 1981, with Clough then chasing a third straight crown. Sacchi came close to a third trophy in 1991 with a legendary team before they fell to Olympique de Marseille in the quarterfinals.

There is no denying they should see many of their players next month. The one leading the way is obviously Ousmane Dembélé, who was picked by Didier Deschamps to seek revenge for France after the last edition’s loss. His presence will not be the only one.

In the French team there are more players who come from Paris Saint-Germain, with Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola joining the Ballon d’Or winner.

World Cup players from out of France

A top team like Paris Saint-Germain logically has players from different countries who are worthy of their national teams. The other player of huge importance for Luis Enrique is Vitinha, who was a secure presence in Portugal’s list.

The strong list of players from that country includes a decisive piece for Paris Saint-Germain like left back Nuno Mendes, who may share a team with João Neves, with Gonçalo Ramos also called up.

From the starting lineup of the final, only winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and goalkeeper Matvey Safonov will not be at the World Cup, with Achraf Hakimi representing Morocco and Marquinhos leading Brazil as captains.

More players called

There are more PSG players who will continue into the tournament, with Willian Pacho representing Ecuador and Fabián Ruiz part of Spain’s squad. Lee Kang-in has also been called up for South Korea, while Ibrahim Mbaye completes the group after being selected by Senegal.

It was logical that there would not be the same kind of difference as last year, when Paris Saint-Germain beat Inter 5-0 in the final. This was much different, to the point that they had to come from behind after Havertz gave Arsenal the lead in the opening minutes with a great goal.

In the second half, Paris Saint-Germain continued pushing until Kvaratskhelia was brought down by Mosquera in the box for a penalty that Dembélé converted to level the score. Not much happened after that and they finished tied. With key players being substituted on both teams because of how tired they were, not much was left in action, so they went to penalties.

In the shootout, Eze missed for Arsenal and Nuno Mendes missed for PSG. The series continued with PSG leading 4-3, and Arsenal needed to score their final kick to stay alive, but Magalhães sent his effort high over the crossbar, and Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League.

Forbes listed Real Madrid as the most valuable soccer club in the world with a $9.5 billion valuation. This was the fifth consecutive year the publication placed them at the top, with revenues continuing to grow thanks to the Santiago Bernabéu renovations.

Not too far behind in the ranking is Barcelona, who were listed as the second most valuable club. Even if they are next to each other on the list, there was a huge gap, as $7.5 billion is the figure for the club that has been returning to its best form.

Manchester United follow them

There is no secret that the most popular clubs in the world are also the most valuable ones. Manchester United have been a shadow of what they were during their glory years in recent seasons. However, that did not prevent them from ranking third with a $7.2 billion valuation.

As has often been the case throughout English soccer history, Liverpool are listed right next to their rivals in what has been the club’s return to the spotlight with several outstanding teams.

Rounding out the top five is Paris Saint-Germain. The reigning Champions League winners, who are looking to repeat, ranked fifth with a $5.8 billion valuation.

MLS teams on the list

A surprising conclusion from the Forbes list is that the Premier League, with 11 clubs in the top 30, is followed by MLS with seven. While none of them are in the top 15, their presence on the list is undeniable.

As expected following their rise after the signing of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami lead the MLS teams in 17th place with a $1.35 billion valuation. LAFC follow in 18th place with a $1.32 billion valuation. The list is completed by LA Galaxy (20th at $1.08 billion), New York City FC (21st at $1.02 billion), Atlanta United (22nd at $1 billion), Seattle Sounders (29th at $860 million) and Austin FC (30th at $855 million).

Williams said: “I’m taking things step by step and I’m feeling much better now. The timeline is evaluated day by day and week by week. We’ll see what the national team doctors say when they assess me. I’ll try to be back as soon as possible, and we’ll see if that can be for the first match.”

The first match de la Fuente has ahead of him may not be the toughest test, as their opponent is Cape Verde. That is set for June 15, which means the manager could choose to give Williams a few more days of rest.

Williams on Spain’s favoritism

It was a very long season for the winger as injuries affected his performances. An early groin issue kept him from starting well, but a sports hernia later in the year forced him to finish the season in less than ideal fashion for Athletic Club.

Even though he managed only six goals and three assists in 25 La Liga matches for his club, there is no doubt he is an important piece for de la Fuente, whose team has a very clear identity.

Williams said: “We know how we play and what we want to do. We have a fantastic coach, and I think the soccer we showed at the Euros will be on display again at the World Cup. We like to stay calm. People can say whatever they want, but we always remain humble.”

Williams on de la Fuente’s role

The importance of the winger has been a huge factor for Spain, with his performances on the left side during Euro 2024, which they won, being outstanding. His goal in the final against England proved his value to the team, which was crucial in the manager’s decision to call him up despite a difficult club season.

Williams said: “The manager has always given me a lot of confidence, and I’m very grateful for everything he has done for me. I want to be in the best possible shape to join him and show that I can earn my place, because I’m far from being an undisputed starter. I’m eager to show what I’m capable of.”

Gordon said: “If I had to choose, I think I’m more similar to Raphinha: a lot of intensity, speed and technical ability. I always like to score goals. I think that helps the team win games and trophies.”

While it is not clear what role Gordon will have in a team that already includes Raphinha and Lamine Yamal and is also looking for an elite forward, he brings a quality Hansi Flick was missing. His pace on the wing could be a major factor in different situations.

Gordon on Hansi Flick

After his presentation was delayed a bit, the English winger said he learned Spanish because he wanted to play for Barcelona. Gordon said: “Believe it or not, I started learning Spanish because I wanted to play for Barcelona. I’ve learned it over the last two years.”

This Barcelona move is a major step forward in Gordon’s career, and it also gives him a new type of manager in Flick, who has already shown his motivational skills in the conversation he had with the player.

Gordon said: “Yes, I spoke with Flick. I was already excited, but after talking to him, I’m even more excited. He’s an incredible coach and has achieved a lot in a short period of time. I hope we can win many trophies together.”

Gordon wants the Champions League

The main obstacle for the player in this year’s Champions League was Barcelona itself, as they crushed Newcastle 7-2 in the second leg of the round of 16 after a draw in England had kept the tie close. This is the main trophy the winger wants to win at his new club, and he makes no secret of it.

Gordon said: “I’ve only won one trophy, and I’m eager to win more. If I could choose just one, it would be the Champions League, number six. But I want to win everything. Winning any trophy with Barcelona is special, but the Champions League is the ultimate prize. It would be an iconic moment that I would never forget, especially if I could achieve it in my first season.”

Luis Enrique said: “It’s a final and there are no favorites in a final. Finals are always difficult games. Last year was exceptional and we did dominate against Inter, but in tomorrow’s final, I don’t think there is a favorite.”

The favorites in the final against Inter were Paris Saint-Germain, who produced perhaps the best performance ever in a final of this level with a 5-0 victory. However, even if experts see them as slight favorites, the manager believes that should not be repeated.

Luis Enrique praises Arsenal

Even if it is an eye-catching style for most, Arsenal have been very productive. After missing out on the Premier League title by a small margin in the past with Mikel Arteta, this time they were able to finish the job.

While the architect of this outstanding Paris Saint-Germain team was able to change their mentality in a very short time, he was also an admirer of what his compatriot has done at his club.

Luis Enrique said: “It has been maybe six and a half years that Arteta has been at Arsenal, so he knows the team inside and out. Arsenal are absolutely worthy of winning the Premier League. They were the best team, consistently the best, even with Man City on their tails, so they deserve the title.”

Luis Enrique on the teams’ styles

It is clear that Paris Saint-Germain have been the most attacking team this season, with a great combination of players in that area, while Arsenal have a strong group of defenders that can stop most opponents. However, the manager still believes it will be a very dynamic challenge for them.

Luis Enrique said: “We are both very attacking teams who score lots of goals. We both want to reach the same destination, but we have taken different routes. We know the opponent very well. We played against them last year and before; there are always things we can tweak, at the back and up front as well.”

Arteta said: “I remember him very well for the way he treated young players and for what he represented as a player. As a coach, he has shown the leadership to stay true to his path despite all the noise around him, and he ended up winning the way he did. He is an example for everyone.”

Saturday is the day Arsenal could cap off their best season ever if they win their first Champions League title after claiming the Premier League in historic fashion. The clash of styles between the two Spanish managers only adds to the appeal.

Arteta on injuries

Arsenal were the clear favorites to win the Premier League because of how they played in the first half of the season. However, their form dropped so sharply this year that Manchester City pushed them all the way until the race was tied with a few matches left.

In the end, Arsenal finished on top as they did not even need the final match to secure the trophy, but for their manager, it was not far from becoming a different ending because of the many injuries he dealt with.

Arteta said: “If I put all the injuries into a machine and asked it for the probabilities of winning the Premier League, it probably would have given me 2%. My job is to find new formulas to end up winning.”

Arteta on pressure

Winning the Premier League was not easy for Arsenal after leading for so long and losing the previous two titles by a narrow margin. That could have added a huge burden to this final if they had also lost the league race. Instead, it may become a major boost for their confidence.

Arteta said: “There is a part of joy and another of relief. We now have to use that as a tsunami of emotion, excitement and hunger to win the Champions League. I’m very confident. For 90 minutes, this will be showtime.”

Fernández-Pardo said: “I think the decision would have been the same if I had had the conversation earlier and not just a few weeks before the World Cup. You have to think long term. I never said I wanted to play for Spain and, if it was understood that way, my words were distorted. The national team coach understood my story well.”

A trend that has been growing in recent years is players representing countries they were not born in because of their roots. In this case, Fernández-Pardo could have played for Spain or even Argentina, but he chose Belgium.

García’s role

Representing a country often means a great deal to players. In this case, Fernández-Pardo’s final decision was to wear Belgium’s colors.

That was heavily influenced by the conversations he had with Garcia, who helped convince the young player to represent Belgium and later included him in the 26-man squad.

Fernández-Pardo said: “What triggered everything was my conversation with Vincent Mannaert (sporting director of Belgium) and Garcia. They convinced me: my mentality is more Belgian than Spanish. And I went through all the youth levels with Belgium. After that conversation it became clear, I said yes immediately and chose Belgium.”

Fernández-Pardo’s season with Lille

While he may not be one of the most famous names, his potential could soon take him to a bigger club. Fernández-Pardo has just completed a breakout season with Lille at only 21 years old, helping the club finish third in Ligue 1. The versatile attacking player scored eight goals and added five assists in 2,390 minutes.

Wharton said: “I’m not going to sit around crying. It’s not the end of the world. I’m still young and I hope there will be other tournaments I can go to. Tuchel told me I was close. But that’s football.”

What made the discussion grow even more was Wharton’s recent performance in Crystal Palace’s win over Rayo Vallecano, which secured the Conference League title. The midfielder was the standout player of the match and showed the kind of talent Tuchel may regret leaving out.

England’s midfielders

The era of elite England midfielders such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes may never be repeated. They are legends of the game, albeit they were never able to win a major tournament.

This squad still includes plenty of talented players, even if not at that level. The exception is probably Declan Rice, who has been excellent for several years and whose rise with Arsenal has put him above most of the current midfield options.

Tuchel’s decision was heavily criticized by many after he included Jordan Henderson. The former Liverpool midfielder has not been the same since leaving the club and is about to turn 36, but the manager valued his experience.

Wharton may have missed out because of Kobbie Mainoo’s rise, which was enough to convince the manager to leave the left-footed midfielder out. Another player competing for that spot, Elliott Anderson, did make the squad.

Among the other midfielders selected, there was little debate, with Jude Bellingham still an obvious choice despite a poor season with Real Madrid, and Morgan Rogers included after an excellent finish to the campaign with Aston Villa.

England’s missing names

Wharton was not the only notable omission from Tuchel’s squad as Harry Maguire is also absent despite Manchester United’s improvement. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are other creative players who missed out after disappointing club seasons. Trent Alexander-Arnold also joined them after dealing with injuries.

Guti said: “Something very serious happened for Alonso to leave like that. Xabi was not a five-month or one-year project. He was a long-term project. Knowing Florentino, he does not make this kind of decision unless something serious and major happened. I think something strange happened in the dressing room for this to end like this.”

The former midfielder knows what he is talking about, as he came through Real Madrid’s youth system before reaching the first team, where he stayed for 15 years. His view also comes from an era when managers had more time to work before clubs dismissed them.

Guti thinks this team lacks many things

Without question, this Real Madrid team is not the best by any means, with two years without a title being clear proof of that. Failing to be competitive in Spain and across Europe is something that alarms former players who won everything.

For the talented left-footed creator, the issues are not limited to the defensive side of the team, which is not very solid. He also sees major problems in attack, even with the stars available, when asked what this team lacks.

Guti said: “What doesn’t it lack? It’s a team that is missing many things. Defensively, it concedes too many goals. Offensively, almost all of its attacking production depends on Vinicius or Mbappé. Collectively, this team is lacking a lot.”

Guti on forming a cohesive group

The global nature of the sport means teams now have players from many nationalities, something the former player believes makes it harder to build a group. Guti said: “Having more local players made the group stronger. When there are players from all over the world, it is very difficult to build a group. Before, it was easier.”

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

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

Neuer’s call-up

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

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

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

Neuer not ruled out for USA match

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

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

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

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

Casillas on the goalkeepers

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

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

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

Casillas on the absence of Real Madrid players

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

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

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

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

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

Fabregas on Paz’s intention

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

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

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

Paz’s buyback clause

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

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

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

The player Riquelme may be referring to

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

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

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

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

The manager

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

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

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

Alonso congratulated Güler

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

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

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

Güler on Carlo Ancelotti

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

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

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

The full message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Del Bosque had a managerial style in which he gave players room to say what they thought, which sometimes drew outside criticism over a supposed lack of leadership, as he said: “Make it seem like they’re the ones in charge, but have things done the way you want.”

That champion team included major names in the history of the sport such as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, and Iker Casillas, among others. While de la Fuente does not have players with that much experience, he is managing a young, talented team that showed all its personality when it won the Euros.

Del Bosque’s hardest decision

For the former manager, there are not many people more accustomed to the spotlight than him, considering that almost his entire playing career was spent at Real Madrid. But that was not the only time he was at the club.

In his conversation with Spain’s current manager, Del Bosque admitted what the hardest decisions of his career were because they involved players like Raúl González, with whom he won everything at club level while at Real Madrid.

Del Bosque said: “There are three things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. One was not taking Raúl to the national team because he was a kid we had brought from Atlético Madrid when he was very young and we had a special affection for him. The second was not taking Marcos Senna to the World Cup after we had become European champions with him in 2008. And the third was Iker Casillas, when in that tournament we decided to play someone else.”

Del Bosque on Spain’s favoritism

There are a few teams that always seem to be considered favorites. While that has not happened to Spain many times in history, they look like a team to beat. As de la Fuente waits until Monday to provide the squad list, the former manager is measured in his approach. Del Bosque said: “We have to be cautious, despite being favorites.”

The left back originally started moving further up the field as a midfielder and became a revelation in the center of the pitch as a creative option. That change was made by Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg before he was hired and later fired from Chelsea.

This could be a promising signing for the future that could also be valuable in the present. While Barco, 21, did not show very much during his time at Brighton, his move to full-time midfielder could provide Alonso with youth in the most important part of the field.

Barco’s career

Barco broke through as a very talented player from the youth divisions of Boca Juniors before a contract dispute set him back. When he was able to establish himself again in the first team, it was mainly as a left-sided midfielder, which laid the groundwork for a $10 million sale to Brighton.

In England, he could not make a strong impact as he played just six matches. The next step was a loan to Sevilla, where he played just one more match than he did at Brighton, before being loaned to Strasbourg.

His performance there convinced the club to invest around $8 million to buy him. The switch to midfielder allowed him to use his ability on the ball without focusing too much on the defending side, which is his biggest weakness because of his slight frame. This move could also add international experience, as the player born in Veinticinco de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, has already been called up by the national team.

Chelsea-Strasbourg connection

Even if Barco has had a very good season with Strasbourg, he would probably not be bought by a club like Chelsea if he played for a different mid-level French club. It is clear that the connection between them helps facilitate the process.

The list of names that have moved from one club to the other is very long, with Rosenior’s recent hiring being the most notable besides the fact that the results were very poor for the manager.

Players like Ben Chilwell, Andrey Santos, Đorđe Petrović, Caleb Wiley, David Datro Fofana, Aarón Anselmino, Diego Moreira, Ángelo Gabriel, Mike Penders, Kendry Páez, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mamadou Sarr, Emanuel Emegha, and Mathis Amougou have moved between the clubs in transfers or loans recently.

This award, voted by fans and a panel of experts, has been available since the restructuring of the English First Division into the Premier League in the 1994-95 season, with many legendary players receiving it. With a successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson, it was clear that many of the winners came from that era.

Just five players were able to win it twice, two being Manchester United figures: Ronaldo in 2006-07 and 2007-08, and Nemanja Vidić in 2008-09 and 2010-11. Fernandes joined a list that also features Wayne Rooney (2009-10), Dwight Yorke (1998-99), Peter Schmeichel (1995-96), and Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002-03). The award marked the end of a 15-year drought for the club.

Fernandes’ record season

It was a contrast like many times seen before for Manchester United after they fired Ruben Amorim in January. What looked like another disastrous year turned into a comfortable third place with Michael Carrick, who was confirmed for the role.

While the midfielder had a great performance overall, it was evident that with the improvement of the team his numbers went up, so much so that he can surpass a fantastic record.

In last week’s victory over Nottingham Forest, Fernandes recorded his 20th assist of the season to tie two legendary players of the competition, Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. This could be improved as there is still a match left against Brighton on Sunday.

Most chances created

Fernandes’ creativity can be seen in his assists. However, his impact on the game is so much bigger than that of most players that he also leads the Premier League in chances created with 132 so far. To put his mark into context, that is 43 more than the nearest player, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai.

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

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

Flick wants to match Guardiola and Johan Cruyff

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

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

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

The other records

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