This week has centered on the discrimination scandal from Tuesday’s international friendly between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/egypt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egypt</a>. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamine Yamal</a> <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lamine-yamal-takes-stand-against-racism-with-emotional-statement-as-spain-risks-facing-fifa-consequences-ahead-of-2026-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was very critical</a> of the people who sang the controversial chant, and his father also spoke about the issue.



During a live broadcast on TikTok, Mounir Nasraoui said: “I don’t like what happened. Viva Spain. Viva the Muslims, the Catholics, the Jewish, and the entire world equally. What’s the problem? If you respect, you will be respected.”



Mounir sent a message of unity after an incident in which his religion was mocked. Yamal’s father was born in Morocco, while the player was born in Barcelona and follows the Muslim faith.



<h2>The context of the incident</h2>



During the international window, one match in particular sparked controversy. Spain was supposed to play the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/finalissima/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finalissima</a> against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentina</a>, but instead organized friendlies. Serbia and Egypt were the rivals, with the latter becoming the target of the incident.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/02151933/yamal-1-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-633284"><figcaption>Nasraoui has been very vocal (David Ramos/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/espanyol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Espanyol</a>. Unlike isolated moments where individual fans insult a player, this was a widespread show of disrespect.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/espanyol-issue-statement-after-spain-fans-chants-that-angered-lamine-yamal-anger/"></div>


During the match, a discriminatory chant was heard that said, “the one who does not jump is a Muslim.” This sparked anger, especially from Yamal, who left the field without taking part in the usual lap of applause to the fans.



<h2>Espanyol’s statement</h2>



The episode prompted criticism from many sides. Some pointed to Espanyol fans as responsible for the chant, which led the club to respond <a href="https://www.rcdespanyol.com/en/new/official-statement/20043?_gl=1*1tklfq3*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAxMjMxMTM3NC4xNzc1MTU3ODI3*_ga_TDLBQM0YTZ*czE3NzUxNTc4MjckbzEkZzAkdDE3NzUxNTc4MjckajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_9VKDH9GBWS*czE3NzUxNTc4MjckbzEkZzAkdDE3NzUxNTc4MjckajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a statement</a>: “RCD Espanyol also wants to express its deep concern over the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been affecting its fans in recent hours.”

Lamine Yamal’s father clears the air on discrimination scandal in Spain vs Egypt

Lamine Yamal’s father clears the air on discrimination scandal in Spain vs Egypt - World Soccer Talk

main

This week has been marked by a discrimination incident involving <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a>. In the match against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/egypt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egypt</a>, fans chanted a song, which led <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamine Yamal</a> to post <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lamine-yamal-takes-stand-against-racism-with-emotional-statement-as-spain-risks-facing-fifa-consequences-ahead-of-2026-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a strong statement</a> after his religion was targeted. It was also time for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/espanyol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Espanyol</a> to defend itself.



The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol. Criticism spread everywhere, from the country as a whole to those who pointed at the Espanyol fans as the only ones singing. Many also speculated that the chants against Muslims were aimed at Yamal, something the club condemned.



<a href="https://www.rcdespanyol.com/en/new/official-statement/20043?_gl=1*vdkhmd*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ1NjI5MDQ0MC4xNzc1MDgwNjM4*_ga_TDLBQM0YTZ*czE3NzUwODA2MzYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzUwODA2MzYkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_9VKDH9GBWS*czE3NzUwODA2MzYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzUwODA2MzYkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_JCP33L0FWW*czE3NzUwODA2MzYkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzUwODA2MzYkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The statement read</a>: “RCD Espanyol also wishes to express its deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has targeted our fans in the past few hours. It is worth remembering that the match, organized by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds.”



It then addressed the criticism the club received: “Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviors to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterized by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport. The club does not and will not accept having its reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase.”



<h2>Egypt will not complain about Spain to FIFA</h2>



The unfortunate act by the Spanish fans mainly affected the Egyptian team. This has led to criticism from different sides, with Egypt being the most important voice as the one targeted by discrimination.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/01183508/spain-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-633195"><figcaption>Spain and Egypt tied 0-0 in Barcelona (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



While the Egyptian embassy released a statement condemning these acts, the federation also issued a long communication expressing its thoughts. The curious thing is that it will not file a formal complaint.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/fifa-rankings-update-mbappes-france-move-to-no-1-ahead-of-yamals-spain-and-messis-argentina/"></div>


The report said: “The Egyptian Football Federation wants to emphasize that what happened by a minority of fans in the stands at Espanyol’s stadium will not affect in any way the strong relationship between the Egyptian and Spanish football federations.”

Espanyol issue statement after Spain fans’ chants that angered Lamine Yamal anger

Espanyol issue statement after Spain fans' chants that angered Lamine Yamal anger - World Soccer Talk

In the international friendly in Orlando, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil</a> got back on track after losing to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a> a few days ago. It was an important 3-1 victory against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/croatia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croatia</a> that left good feelings.



The better team won on Tuesday night as Brazil were sharper than Croatia. In the first half, they had a few clear chances that Dominik Livakovic stopped. However, a great counterattack from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/vinicius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinicius</a> left Danilo open in the box for the opening goal.



Not much happened in the second half until a long pass allowed Croatia to tie through Lovro Mayer, with the help of Bento’s poor intervention. Luckily for Brazil, they responded quickly with a penalty scored by Igor Thiago, after a foul won by Endrick, who also assisted Martinelli for the final goal to give the fans some relief.

Brazil get back on track with victory over Croatia (3-1)

Brazil get back on track with victory over Croatia (3-1) - World Soccer Talk

These teams meet again after <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/croatia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croatia</a> pulled off a major upset by eliminating <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil</a> in the quarterfinals of the last <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a>. For this match, which is being played today at 8 PM ET in Orlando, there could be several absences.



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/23914624?irmp=330866&amp;irad=596299&amp;sharedid=USA_Soccer_Mens-International-Soccer-Friendlies_Brasil-vs-Croatia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Watch Brazil vs Croatia live on Fubo</a>



The Brazil team that left a few days ago was not a good one in its loss to France. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raphinha/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raphinha</a>’s injury, which is expected to keep him out for more than a month, adds to the absences, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/carlo-ancelotti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carlo Ancelotti</a> also without Alisson and Gabriel, who had been called up but did not travel with the team due to injuries.



It was a different showing for the other side, with Croatia beating Colombia 2-1 in convincing fashion. Luka Modrić came off the bench in that match, but the veteran midfielder could be in Zlatko Dalić’s lineup this time.



<h2>Brazil vs Croatia lineups</h2>



Ancelotti chose these players, with several key names out: Bento; Ibañez, Marquinhos, Leo Pereira, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Danilo; Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Vinicius; João Pedro.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/31171024/raphinha-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-632676"><figcaption>Raphinha is injured (Michael Owens/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Dalić opted for this lineup with three defenders: Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Duje Caleta-car, Luka Vušković; Josip Sutalo, Martin Baturina, Petar Susić, Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić; Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/raphinha-injured-during-brazils-pre-2026-world-cup-friendlies-barcelonas-anger-boils-over-as-fifas-compensation-revealed/"></div>


<h2>Brazil and Croatia World Cup groups</h2>



The group stage picture is now set for both sides as they look ahead to the World Cup. Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, while Croatia are in Group L alongside England, Panama and Ghana.

Brazil vs Croatia: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly

Brazil vs Croatia: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly - World Soccer Talk

The buildup has grown more intense for both teams, especially with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> ruled out of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/portugal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a>’s trip to face the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usmnt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT</a>. This international window is the last chance for managers to evaluate which players they will take to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> soon, and the match in Atlanta at 7 PM ET offers a major test for both sides.



The USMNT will be looking to move on from a disappointing performance after fans were left unhappy with the 5-2 loss to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/belgium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belgium</a>. Mauricio Pochettino had ruled Chris Richards out for this window, but the defender could be back. Jonny Cardoso is not available after returning to Madrid with an injury.



Much of the attention will be on Ronaldo’s absence from the squad. The forward was not called up for this window because of a lingering issue with his right hamstring, which led Roberto Martínez to give him more rest. Players such as Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva are also out of the team because of physical issues.



<h2>USMNT vs. Portugal lineups</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mauricio-pochettino/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pochettino</a> elected this lineup: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty; Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Antonee Robinson; Sebastian Berhalter, Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/31152837/pulisic-1-2-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-632577"><figcaption>Pulisic couldn’t stand out in the friendly match against Belgium (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Martínez opted for this lineup: José Sá; João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio; Samú Costa, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes (C); Francisco Trincão, Pedro Neto; Gonçalo Ramos.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/cristiano-ronaldos-portugal-future-beyond-2026-world-cup-uncertain-says-roberto-martinez/"></div>


<h2>USMNT and Portugal World Cup groups</h2>



With the World Cup approaching, both teams already know the path they will need to navigate in the group stage. The USMNT will be in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, while Portugal are in Group K alongside Uzbekistan, Colombia and either DR Congo or Jamaica.

USMNT vs Portugal: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly without Cristiano Ronaldo

USMNT vs Portugal: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly without Cristiano Ronaldo - World Soccer Talk

The buildup continues for one of the sport’s biggest events. These teams are headed toward the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> with different goals, but this match still matters to both sides. Unfortunately for fans, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> will not play for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/portugal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a> against the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usmnt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USMNT</a> at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.



Ronaldo’s absence was not a last-minute decision from manager Roberto Martínez. The forward was not even called up for the international window because he is dealing with a lingering right hamstring injury that led the staff to give him some rest.



Portugal did not have Ronaldo in Saturday’s match against Mexico, which ended in a scoreless draw. His place in the team could go to João Félix or Francisco Conceição as they look to make an impact in attack.



<h2>A huge task for the USMNT</h2>



As for the other side of this match, the USMNT still have plenty to prove after ending a promising stretch with a heavy defeat. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/belgium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belgium</a>’s 5-2 win put the spotlight on the team’s defensive issues, as they conceded four goals in the second half.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/31142943/belgium-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-632531"><figcaption>The USMNT was defeated by Belgium last Saturday (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The person who needs to improve quickly is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mauricio-pochettino/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mauricio Pochettino</a>, who has not been able to push the team to deliver the performances many were expecting. For the manager, there could be an interesting decision ahead as he may choose a more cautious approach.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/bruno-fernandes-makes-captain-debut-for-portugal-vs-mexico-who-else-wore-the-armband-in-cristiano-ronaldos-era/"></div>


A player who could help bring more solidity at the back is Chris Richards, who may be available after Pochettino initially ruled him out. The absence to keep in mind is Jonny Cardoso’s, who returned to Madrid with leg discomfort that forced him to leave the team early.

Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against USMNT today at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against USMNT today at Mercedes-Benz Stadium? - World Soccer Talk

<a rel="attachment wp-att-643" href="http://www.serieatalk.com/is-capello-leading-beckham-to-milan/642/beckham-acm-jersey/" title="beckham-acm-jersey"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" vspace="10" align="right" width="262" src="/files/2008/11/becks75.jpg" alt="beckham-acm-jersey" height="299"></figure></div></a>Beckham’s international future is in doubt after England manager Fabio Capello confirmed his lack of competitive action was of primary concern and&nbsp;reasoning behind Beck’s omission against Germany on Wednesday.
One cap short of Bobby Moore’s total of 108 the English midfielder hopes to prolong his international career until the 2010 World Cup.&nbsp; Beckham has recently arranged a loan deal at AC Milan beginning in January to further the 2010 goal.
Clearly&nbsp;his move to MLS soccer has affected negatively Beckham’s English chances and reports out of England and Italy&nbsp;suggest making a permanent move to Serie A could be on the radar screen.
After naming the England squad for the Wednesday friendly, manager Capello confirmed the LA Galaxy’s poor results had prevented Beckham’s selection.
Capello said: “This is my system. If you are fit and you are playing, it’s possible to be in the squad. He played his last game three weeks ago. If he had played in the MLS play-offs, it would have been OK”
All this leaves one wondering, is Signor Capello or “El Mister” (as&nbsp;known in Spain), subtly suggesting&nbsp;a permanent move to Capello’s old club, AC Milan, is a better option for future international aspirations?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Capello plied his trade both as manager and player with AC Milan. During his&nbsp;Rossoneri&nbsp;years Capello&nbsp;was awarded pretty much everything&nbsp;including,&nbsp;five Scudetti (Serie A Championships), 3 Italian SuperCups, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 European Super Cup and 1 UEFA Champions League title.&nbsp;
Capello’s managerial time at the club in the early 90s helped lead&nbsp;“The Invincibles” to four Serie A titles in five seasons.&nbsp; Under Capello, Milan remained unbeaten for 58 league games. The winning squad included the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi hence the knickname, “Il Invincibles”.
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
Serie A Talk – <a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/beckham-speaks-out-on-loan-to-milan/543">Beckham Speaks Out On Loan To Milan</a> 
Serie A Talk – <a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/more-on-beckhams-move-to-milano/521">More On Beckham’s Move to Milano&nbsp;</a> 
Serie A Talk – <a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/beckham-to-milan/519">Beckham To Milan?</a> 
Serie A Talk – <a href="http://www.serieatalk.com/beckham-poll-how-long-will-beckham-stay-at-ac-milan/552">Beckham Poll, How Long Will Beckham Stay At AC Milan?</a>

Is Capello Leading Beckham To Milan?

Is Capello Leading Beckham To Milan? - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from international friendly. Find out about all the news related to international friendly on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "international friendly"

News

Lamine Yamal’s father clears the air on discrimination scandal in Spain vs Egypt

News

Espanyol issue statement after Spain fans’ chants that angered Lamine Yamal anger

News

Brazil get back on track with victory over Croatia (3-1)

News

Brazil vs Croatia: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly

News

USMNT vs Portugal: Confirmed lineups for 2026 international friendly without Cristiano Ronaldo

News

Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against USMNT today at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

News

Is Capello Leading Beckham To Milan?