Following back-to-back frustrating losses (a 3-2 defeat against Inter Miami and a 3-1 setback against NYCFC in which Lewandowski was held off the scoresheet), the Fire returned home to face Charlotte FC. Although the visitors opened the scoring in the 18th minute, the Polish legend stepped up to spearhead a quick comeback.

In the 20th minute, Lewandowski netted the equalizer following a crisp team buildup, hitting a low shot from the edge of the box to log his first official MLS goal. He then completed his brace in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a sequence that originated with goalkeeper Chris Brady to coolly finish past the Charlotte keeper.

Marking his home debut at Soldier Field, Lewandowski’s two-goal performance propelled the Fire to a comeback victory and three valuable points, lifting Chicago to fourth place in the standings. In the process, he became the first Fire player to win Player of the Matchday since Tom Barlow and the first Polish international to earn the honor since Karol Swiderski in 2022.

Messi’s road to his first Player of the Matchday honor

Arriving as a marquee free-agent signing following his stint at FC Barcelona, Lewandowski needed just three matches to assert his superstar status in MLS. Lionel Messi has reigned as the undisputed face of the league since his arrival in 2023, but his journey to his first domestic matchday award took longer than expected.

Messi made his official MLS debut on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls, appearing in only six league matches during the second half of that campaign due to nagging injuries. The Argentine legend made his biggest initial mark in the 2023 Leagues Cup, scoring in all seven matches to lead Inter Miami to the title over Nashville SC.

Entering the 2024 MLS campaign, Messi hit the ground running following a full preseason in South Florida. He bagged a brace in a 5-0 derby victory against Orlando City early in the season, though he was narrowly edged out for the matchday recognition for that specific fixture.

Messi’s first MLS Player of the Matchday award eventually arrived on April 13, 2024, following Matchday 9. He earned the accolade after registering a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-2 road victory over Sporting Kansas City in front of 72,610 fans at Arrowhead Stadium.

From his debut against the Red Bulls, it took Messi 11 MLS matches to capture his first Player of the Matchday recognition. Since breaking through, however, he has cemented his league dominance by collecting a record 14 Matchday honors, including two already during the 2026 campaign.

The push comes after Alvarez publicly made clear his desire to leave during the 2026 World Cup, a declaration that piled pressure on Atletico Madrid and reinforced the Catalan club’s belief that the forward remains their top target to reinforce the attack.

Barcelona already tested the waters with a €100 million offer during the World Cup, which Atletico rejected, and Wednesday is shaping up as a key date, with the club reportedly preparing a new, higher bid in an attempt to finally break the deadlock.

Atletico‘s resistance, however, has been unmistakable. CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has drawn a hard line in recent weeks, stating flatly that they don’t want to sell Alvarez and rejecting the idea of a sale outright: “We won’t accept an offer of 100 million euros, nor one of 150 or 200“.

The meeting with Hidalgo is not expected to bring the deal any closer to completion, nor does it signal a radical shift in the situation — its purpose is to revisit the roadmap drawn up months ago, maintain contact between the parties and stay ready to react if the picture changes in the coming weeks.

Still, with Joan Laporta and Deco unwilling to give up while any opening remains, the summit is another sign that Barcelona intend to exhaust every option to land Alvarez as their marquee signing of the summer.

Alvarez makes his desire to leave clear and loud

Alvarez’s own words did plenty to fuel Barcelona’s pursuit. Speaking to ESPN after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria at the 2026 World Cup, the striker broke his silence on his future, admitting he had already discussed the situation internally at Atletico.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I can’t hide or pretend otherwise either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at the club, with those I needed to talk to,” Alvarez said. “I think a transfer is best for everyone, and I want to fulfill my dream“.

The comments landed like a bombshell in Madrid, with Atletico fans reacting angrily to a player effectively asking out of the club in the middle of a World Cup. Alvarez did not name Barcelona directly in his remarks, but the destination has been an open secret, with the Argentine widely reported to see a move to Camp Nou — potentially as long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski under Hansi Flick — as the fulfillment of that dream.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo’s post-World Cup vacation has come to an end. The forward had been enjoying extended time off following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, spending quality time with family on the island of Mallorca.

On Tuesday, Ronaldo stopped by the team’s training facility at the Cidade do Futebol, the national sports complex managed by the Portuguese Football Federation. He reconnected with his teammates on-site and held his first formal meeting with newly appointed head coach Ange Postecoglou.

He then watched the preseason match against Almeria, the Spanish second-division club in which he holds a 25% ownership stake. Observing the match alongside former Al Nassr manager and current Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo saw Al Nassr wrap up its overseas tour with a 2-0 defeat.

Following the loss in Lisbon, Al Nassr will continue sessions in Portugal before returning to Riyadh. Per A Bola, Ronaldo is now cleared to integrate back into full squad training, making his return to the pitch after last appearing professionally in Portugal’s Round of 16 World Cup elimination against Spain on July 6.

Ronaldo’s upcoming wedding remains a focal point

Al Nassr opens its official 2026-27 campaign on Saturday, August 15, taking on Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League opener, leaving Ronaldo with only a brief window of squad training before matchday. Meanwhile, details surrounding his upcoming wedding will also remain a major headline throughout the week.

Reports from The Sun indicate that Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez will tie the knot in Madeira, the island where the legendary goalscorer grew up, selecting his hometown of Funchal for the ceremony. The wedding is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, at the historic Funchal Cathedral, followed by a reception at the five-star Savoy Palace hotel, where two complete floors and exclusive lounge areas have been reserved across Friday and Saturday for high-profile guests.

US Soccer confirmed that the USMNT will play four friendlies during the merged September-October FIFA window: Peru on September 26 at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando, Chile on September 29 at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Mexico on October 3 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, and Canada on October 6 at Allianz Field in St. Paul.

These will be the USMNT‘s first matches since their 2026 World Cup run ended in the Round of 16, where the U.S. fell 1-4 to Belgium. Much was expected of Pulisic, whose own tournament was hampered by injury throughout.

He was electric in the opener against Paraguay, picking up an assist, before a calf knock forced him off at halftime, and while he returned for the following matches, his form dipped noticeably by the time the U.S. faced Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium — a drop-off later explained by a bone bruise and microfracture he was playing through.

Pochettino locked in through 2030

These friendlies also double as the first fixtures of a newly extended era. Despite the underwhelming World Cup exit on home soil, Mauricio Pochettino agreed to a new USMNT contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup, a deal U.S. Soccer framed as a long-term bet on continuity rather than a reaction to a single tournament.

“Working together with U.S. Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the Men’s National Team program even stronger,” Pochettino said. He also pointed to ambitions beyond results on the field, saying the goal is to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country that has welcomed him so warmly.

US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone backed the extension, pointing to Pochettino’s experience as a boost not just for the senior team but for the broader player development pipeline, and citing the long tenures of coaches like Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps as models for sustained success across multiple World Cup cycles.

In a statement published across its social media channels, Trabzonspor confirmed an agreement with Salah to join on a free transfer. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the 34-year-old winger is set to sign a two-year contract through June 2028, officially bringing an end to his iconic nine-year tenure at Anfield.

The club statement addressing supporters read: “Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at the Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5, at 12:00 PM. The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon in the evening hours of the same day.“

The announcement concluded by noting that specific details regarding the welcoming ceremony “will be shared with the public through our club’s official communication channels during the day.” Alongside the press release, Trabzonspor unveiled a teaser video featuring the Egyptian pyramids set against the backdrop of Papara Park, the club’s home stadium.

Since beginning his professional career at FC Basel, Salah has represented Chelsea, Fiorentina, AS Roma, and Liverpool, making Trabzonspor the sixth club of his senior career and his first foray into Turkish football. By opting to remain in Europe, the veteran winger will compete in the UEFA Europa League for the 2026-27 campaign as Trabzonspor targets a return to Champions League qualification.

Salah rejects massive Saudi and MLS overtures

Prior reports linked Salah to a blockbuster move to Al-Ittihad, where Saudi Pro League executives were prepared to offer an annual salary in the neighborhood of $25 million, turning into one of the biggest earners alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) had long targeted Salah to capture Egyptian viewership and expand broadcast rights across the Middle East, but Trabzonspor ultimately won the race.

According to Turkish sports journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, Trabzonspor secured Salah with a contract worth €325,000 per week (roughly $355,000 USD). The package totals €16.9 million annually (nearly $18.5 million USD), allowing the star winger to maintain elite compensation while continuing to play in European competition.

Back in early July, The Athletic reported that Sporting Kansas City had emerged as the primary MLS contender attempting to lure Salah to North America. However, the Egyptian icon’s desire to remain in European competition ultimately proved to be the decisive factor.

The Uruguayan striker is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension, a ban issued after a spitting incident that followed Inter Miami‘s defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 final.

The suspension stems from an ugly scene that unfolded after the final whistle of the 2025 Leagues Cup final, which the Herons lost 3-0. As tempers flared in a post-match brawl near midfield that saw players shoving and grabbing, Suarez approached a member of the Sounders’ staff — later identified as the club’s head of security — and spat in his face.

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee came down hard days later, banning Suarez for six matches in the competition alongside lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets.

Suarez is enjoying a great streak

The timing makes the absence sting even more, since Suarez is enjoying one of his best stretches with the club. He has scored in four consecutive matches, racking up seven goals over that span, and has been directly involved in a goal or assist in each of Inter Miami’s three games since the World Cup break.

His latest outing came in the 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, when he opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a strike from near midfield and later set up Inter Miami’s stoppage-time equalizer.

That performance earned Suarez his fourth straight nod to the MLS Team of the Matchday, and it also pushed his season tally to 12 goals and two assists through 14 regular-season appearances, putting him in the mix for the league’s Golden Boot race.

Inter Miami’s attack for the Leagues Cup

Suarez’s absence leaves head coach Guillermo Hoyos with a thin frontline to work with heading into the tournament. Compounding the issue, German Berterame will also be unavailable, at least for the opener, after suffering a hard collision during Inter Miami’s match against CF Montreal. While Hoyos has given encouraging updates on his recovery, no firm return date has been set.

Adding to the crunch, Tadeo Allende is not an option either. The forward underwent arthroscopy on his right knee back in May 2026, and while he has been working his way back, he was still absent when Inter Miami resumed training, leaving his availability for the Leagues Cup opener ruled out.

With Suárez, Berterame and Allende all sidelined, Hoyos is expected to build his attack around Lionel Messi, who is set to start after coming off the bench in his first match back from the World Cup, alongside options like Mateo Silvetti and Daniel Pinter up front, giving Inter Miami a very different look than the one that has powered their MLS form in recent weeks.

As Barcelona‘s preseason preparations continue, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski departed the club as a free agent to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, while transfer negotiations for River Plate standout Julián Álvarez have stalled. For now, Torres stands as the roster’s only proven central striker, making his potential departure an urgent dilemma for the front office.

In an interview with sports business outlet Sportico, Torres addressed swirling transfer reports linking him to Paris Saint-Germain, refusing to rule out an exit: “It’s always good when these teams want you. It’s good, but in the end I have a contract with Barcelona. It’s true that in soccer you never know what’s going to happen, but the good part is the fact that, since I have a contract, I can wait and decide on my own account.“

When asked what the Blaugrana would need to do to secure his long-term commitment, Torres was direct. “Barca has to show that they want me. They can come to negotiate and, in the end, everything will be discussed,” the former Manchester City forward stated.

Torres’ current contract at Barcelona expires at the end of the 2026–27 season in June, meaning the club must either agree to an extension or facilitate a transfer to avoid losing him as an uncompensated free agent. Following his World Cup heroics with Spain, the 26-year-old forward has yet to report to preseason camp, taking extended leave before rejoining the squad on Aug. 12.

While PSG’s interest continues to build, a formal opening bid has yet to materialize. However, according to a report from Diario Sport, Barcelona is seeking at least €55 million (roughly $63 million USD) to sanction a transfer, a figure that would allow the club to recoup its initial investment when signing him from Manchester City.

Yamal to cover the central striker role?

With many international stars still away on mandatory post-World Cup leave, Flick finds himself severely short on options through the middle. While Barcelona boasts depth along the wings, the German manager addressed the squad’s tactical flexibility as preparations ramp up.

Speaking to reporters outside St. James’ Park during the team’s English tour, Flick was asked whether utilizing Lamine Yamal as a central false nine was under consideration: “Lamine has already played (there) in one of two games with us. I think he’s a fantastic player, a world-class player so he can also adapt to this. But at the end, the focus is more as a seven (down the wing), but we’ll see what happens.“

During the 2025-26 season, Yamal earned two starts in a central false-nine capacity, featuring against CD Guadalajara and Real Betis in December. In both instances, the teenager operated out of the central channel while orchestrating play behind Marcus Rashford or Torres as the focal point up front.

While noting that summer additions Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi “can both feature as a No. 9,” Flick acknowledged that tactical adjustments will depend heavily on transfer developments. “Ultimately, it comes down to the final squad construction, so we have to be patient. I have complete faith in Deco and our sports direction. We know adjustments are necessary, but much of it hinges on Ferran’s situation,” Flick added.

The FIFA president’s attempt to introduce private investment into the World Cup’s commercial structure sparked an immediate backlash from soccer authorities around the world. While Infantino eventually abandoned the plan, the damage to his reputation and relationships with several national teams and confederations appears far from resolved.

The controversy began after Infantino pushed forward a proposal to create a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would manage some of FIFA’s biggest revenue streams, including World Cup broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals and ticket sales.

The plan reportedly aimed to raise around $4.2 billion by selling approximately 20 percent of the company to private investors, based on a valuation of nearly $20 billion. However, the idea immediately divided soccer leaders, with many accusing FIFA of attempting to commercialize the sport’s biggest tournament without sufficient consultation.

Infantino then revealed in a statement that the proposal had caused too much disagreement among soccer stakeholders, so he decided it was better to abandon it rather than allow further divisions that could harm FIFA’s original goals. The FIFA president apologized for the controversy and confirmed the project would no longer move forward. However, the decision did little to calm the growing criticism, with several major federations distancing themselves from his leadership.

What did Arsene Wenger say about FIFA’s controversy?

Amid the growing uncertainty, Arsene Wenger finally addressed his position on the failed proposal, making it clear that he had no involvement in the controversial project and only learned about it through media reports.

Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, explained that his responsibilities focus on soccer development, youth programs and improving the global structure of the sport. He emphasized that his role had nothing to do with the proposed commercial changes. “I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” Wenger said in a statement.

The former Arsenal manager then delivered his strongest message regarding the proposal, supporting the decision to abandon it: “The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity,” Wenger added.

Wenger’s statement became one of the most significant reactions from within FIFA because of his status as one of the organization’s most recognizable figures. However, he stopped short of directly calling for Infantino to resign or criticizing the FIFA president personally.

Infantino’s future at FIFA under pressure

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and built significant support among many smaller national associations through development funding programs. His opponents, however, argue that the failed investment proposal damaged trust among some of soccer’s most powerful institutions.

The FIFA president still retains support from several countries, including Morocco, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Sri Lanka. However, the loss of backing from major European federations represents one of the biggest challenges of his presidency.

FIFA’s 211 member associations will ultimately decide the organization’s future leadership, but opponents would need significant support from different regions to challenge Infantino’s position.

Amorim has wasted little time making his presence felt at Milanello. His methods, training philosophy and tactical approach have already impressed the squad, creating optimism that a new era is beginning as Milan looks to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it took Ruben Amorim only a week to earn the confidence of the players through his modern coaching methods and high-intensity sessions. Although preparations are still in their early stages, those already training under the Portuguese coach have spoken positively about his approach.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that players appreciate the constant involvement with the ball throughout training, from warm-ups to tactical drills. Every exercise is designed to reinforce positioning, decision-making and teamwork while keeping the tempo high throughout each session.

The training schedule also differs from previous years. Instead of multiple daily workouts, Amorim has opted for a single morning session, believing that concentrated, mentally demanding training provides better results while avoiding unnecessary physical overload during the summer heat.

Amorim’s preferred system brings tactical changes as Pulisic’s new role revealed

At the heart of Amorim’s project is his well-known 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that brought him considerable success during his time at Sporting Lisbon. Unlike more traditional midfield structures, this formation places different responsibilities on nearly every position across the pitch.

Wing-backs become essential in both attack and defense, while attacking midfielders operate between defensive lines to create space and overload central areas. The tactical adjustment may appear small on paper compared to other formations, but it significantly changes how individual players move both with and without possession.

One of the biggest tactical changes involves Christian Pulisic, whose position is expected to evolve under Amorim’s system. Rather than continuing primarily as a traditional right winger, the Portuguese manager plans to deploy Pulisic in the left-sided attacking midfield role within his 3-4-2-1 formation.

Operating from the center-left channel would allow the American to receive the ball between defensive lines before cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this role should allow Pulisic to exploit half-spaces more effectively after spending recent seasons alternating between winger and second-striker duties.

Amorim explains why Pulisic fits his philosophy

Amorim has made it clear that he views Pulisic as one of the key pieces in his long-term plans. “Pulisic is a really talented player; of course, he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess,” the Portuguese boss said.

The Milan coach believes the American possesses qualities that perfectly suit Serie A’s tactical demands. “He is perfect for the way I think about football, especially here in Italy, where sometimes the teams defend so well there is less space between the lines; he is a player who can make the difference in that kind of space.”

Amorim also dismissed suggestions that recent criticism or transfer speculation had altered the club’s plans: “I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him, he will be supported in our club. I know he had some criticism after the World Cup elimination, but I am here to say we believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us.”

One of the marquee attractions during the tournament was Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Portugal national team played two matches at NRG Stadium, driving massive crowds and fan engagement across the city. Beyond the Portuguese global icon, the overall tournament generated remarkable momentum, drawing sellout crowds across every single fixture hosted in South Texas.

In an exclusive interview with World Soccer Talk, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee, reflected on the logistics and operational triumphs of the North American tournament, the lasting legacy for domestic soccer, and his upcoming career transition.

The post-World Cup momentum and operations

Two weeks have passed since the conclusion of the largest World Cup in history, spanning record numbers of host cities, venues, participating nations, and total matches. While event operations have naturally scaled back, Canetti emphasized that “there’s so much momentum here in the United States and in Houston from this World Cup,” noting that post-tournament operations remain active.

The journey to bring World Cup action to Space City began with the initial united bid back in 2018, receiving formal venue confirmation in June 2022. For Canetti, it represented the culmination of an eight-year campaign that reached its operational peak during match execution.

“I think it was very busy leading up to the first day of the World Cup, which for us was the 11th of June, which was the opening of the Fan Festival. And then we had a couple of days where we had our first match, which was June 14th, Germany-Curacao. So those were very busy times building up to that. And then we eventually got into a routine, because nobody’s done this before,” Canetti stated.

While Houston’s match hosting concluded with a Round of 16 battle between Canada and Morocco, local operations continued running at full speed: “The busiest times were around when we had the matches here in Houston. We had 21 days when there were matches in Houston, and very, very busy because again, the matches themselves, but also all the different fan bases and the team movements, and all the things that go along with the matches. Then it quieted down a little bit after we played our final match here in Houston on July 4th. But we still had the Fan Fest for two more weeks that kept us going.”

Record attendance figures and seamless operational execution

Houston hosted seven total World Cup fixtures, with every single match playing to a full-capacity crowd at NRG Stadium for a cumulative attendance of 480,186 spectators, according to the host committee’s official post-tournament report. The venue’s match lineup and official attendance figures included:

• Germany vs. Curacao: 68,021
• Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of Congo: 68,777
• Netherlands vs. Sweden: 68,777
• Portugal vs. Uzbekistan: 68,777
• Saudi Arabia vs. Cabo Verde: 68,278
• Brazil vs. Japan: 68,777
• Morocco vs. Canada: 68,777

Out of nearly half a million ticket holders inside the venue, 81% traveled from outside the greater Houston area, representing domestic out-of-state visitors and international travelers. Meanwhile, citywide activations and fan spaces generated over one million total engagements (specifically 1,086,499 participants across official events like the Fan Festival).

Reflecting on the final numbers, Canetti noted that stadium turnout aligned with internal projections: “So the numbers at the matches met our expectation. We did expect every single match to sell out. We knew it was the World Cup and how big and global it was. So it’s not a surprise to us that the seven matches reached their capacity.“

However, turnout across community fan zones far exceeded initial estimates. “We really didn’t know what the numbers would be for anything else, right? For the Fan Festival or the fan walks or any of those kind of things. So I would say when you put it all together and it went over a million people, yeah, that probably exceeded our expectation. It ended up being more than we expected,” he added.

Managing those massive crowds required extensive inter-agency coordination across local infrastructure, with Canetti describing the overall execution as “flawless operationally“: “500,000 visitors coming into the city required a lot of coordination at the airports to be able to move people through, we have two airports here in Houston. It required a lot of coordination on transportation, getting people around town to and from the airports, to and from Fan Festival, to and from downtown to the matches. So big coordination there. And of course, a big coordination at the stadium to be able to put on the events and to get people in and out smoothly.“

Hosting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal

Among the seven fixtures hosted, welcoming Portugal for two group stage matches added extra star power, marking what was widely anticipated to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance. The presence of the Real Madrid icon generated heightened interest and public attention during Portugal’s stay in Texas.

Canetti noted that while public excitement spiked during Portugal’s stay, host operations maintained a consistent protocol across all visiting delegations: “They’re pretty similar to be honest. But I know that, of course, when Cristiano Ronaldo comes through there’s a heightened excitement and interest and people around the hotels and the buses and things like that. So we did have to work with everybody to step up security and just make sure that everything worked the way it needed to. But for the most part, I would say it was fundamentally pretty similar.“

The long-term legacy of domestic soccer in Houston

Much like the 1994 World Cup sparked the modern era of American soccer, the 2026 edition has elevated the sport’s profile to unprecedented heights across North America. The focus now shifts toward capturing that momentum for sustained domestic growth.

With tournament fan engagement establishing new benchmarks, Canetti believes the responsibility now falls on domestic league executives to convert casual World Cup interest into long-term support: “The sport is bigger here in the US and in Houston than maybe some people outside understand or get, but it still has a long way to go for growth. Probably where the impact will be felt the most is in the domestic leagues here. Can Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League and other leagues, even the second division USL, see growth and development from the World Cup? See fan bases grow? I think that’s where the main hope is going forward.“

City coordination and Canetti’s next career chapter

Drawing on over three decades of sports executive experience (including nearly 13 years as president of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash), Canetti stepped away from club management to lead Houston’s World Cup bid and execution. Reflecting on the campaign, he pointed to public-private alignment as the key driver behind the city’s success:

“If we’re talking about keys to success in putting on these events as a host city is absolute coordination at the highest level across multiple agencies in one city. I mentioned before, you need government support. You need support at the public safety level, police, fire. You need the airports, the metro transit lines, the stadiums, the training facilities, the Fan Fest sites, and all the different people that tie into those things to make those things happen. To really pull it off you just need an absolute coordinated effort across the board.”

While the matches have concluded, host committee duties remain active through administrative reporting, financial audits, and sponsor recognition events.

Following the close of the Fan Festival on July 31, Canetti revealed his plans for his next professional chapter. “So there’s plenty of work to do. But for me personally, I’m planning to launch my own sports-themed management agency. So, when we get done with the World Cup here, we’ll turn to that as the next step in life,” he concluded.

Messi already made his comeback for Inter Miami on August 2, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, a match in which he twice went close but could not find the net.

That appearance was largely about managing his return to action after the tournament, but Hoyos is now expected to hand him a starting role for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener, lining him up alongside Rodrigo De Paul.

Speaking in a press conference, Hoyos addressed the state of his squad ahead of the tournament. “Everyone is available. Obviously (German) Berterame still isn’t. We now have more or less the recovery of all the players, and that’s very important,” the coach said.

Heavy absences up front for Miami

As Hoyos already noted, German Berterame will not be part of Miami’s Leagues Cup debut. The Mexican forward is still recovering from a left shoulder and nose injury sustained in a hard collision during a match against CF Montreal, which required an overnight hospital stay before he was discharged.

While Inter Miami have not set a firm return date, Hoyos gave an encouraging update, saying Berterame is “spectacularly well” and hinting the forward could be back on the field before long.

Things look far less promising for Luis Suarez, who will be unavailable for the entire tournament. The Uruguayan is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension handed down after a spitting incident following Inter Miami’s 2025 final defeat to Seattle Sounders, ruling him out of the whole 2026 edition.

With Hoyos forced to navigate at least the Leagues Cup opener without Berterame and Suarez, Tadeo Allende will not be an option either. The forward successfully underwent arthroscopy on his right knee in May 2026 and remains in recovery. With so many absences up front, the coach is likely to pair Messi with Mateo Silvetti in attack for the Herons.

The latest concerns come at a time when FIFA is already facing pressure following the fallout from its abandoned proposal to sell a stake in its competitions to private investors. Now, with the next Club World Cup still years away, questions are already emerging about whether the tournament can proceed as originally envisioned.

The expanded 32-team Club World Cup debuted in the United States in 2025, with Chelsea defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final to lift the inaugural trophy under the new format. FIFA hailed the tournament as a major success and viewed it as the foundation for an even bigger global competition moving forward.

However, plans for the 2029 edition have become increasingly uncertain, despite interest from several countries hoping to stage the event. Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Mexico and England have all expressed interest, while Qatar and the United States are widely regarded as the leading candidates.

Two major obstacles stand in FIFA’s way

As discussions continue behind the scenes, two significant issues have emerged that threaten the progress of the 2029 tournament. The first concerns the absence of an agreement between FIFA and Europe’s leading clubs regarding participation in the competition. According to the Daily Express, European soccer remains frustrated by recent disputes with FIFA, and negotiations over the next Club World Cup have yet to produce a breakthrough.

The second issue is the lack of a confirmed host nation. Although several countries have signaled their willingness to organize the competition, FIFA has not finalized a venue, leaving another major piece of the tournament unresolved.

European clubs consider next move

Relations between FIFA and European soccer have continued to deteriorate following the collapse of Infantino’s private investment proposal. According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, senior UEFA officials and representatives from the European Club Association (ECA) recently met in Salzburg to discuss the growing dispute.

Among the options reportedly being examined is a possible boycott of the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, although reports also stress that no formal decision has been taken. European clubs are said to be evaluating every available option as frustration grows over FIFA’s recent governance decisions.

Some reports even suggest discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of creating an alternative international club competition outside FIFA’s control, although those conversations remain in the early stages.

Financial dispute deepens the rift

The political disagreements have been accompanied by growing financial concerns. Several clubs have reportedly complained that solidarity payments linked to the 2025 Club World Cup have still not been distributed, damaging confidence in FIFA’s commitments. The Athletic reports that approximately $250 million earmarked for clubs that did not participate in the tournament remains unpaid.

FIFA had promised solidarity payments to leagues and clubs around the world after the tournament generated substantial commercial revenue, but months later many organizations are still waiting. The situation has become another source of tension between FIFA and Europe’s clubs, adding to broader concerns about transparency and financial management.

FIFA is also facing questions in the United States following reports concerning financial commitments made during the 2026 World Cup cycle. The Athletic adds that executives representing several host cities claim they were verbally assured that each city would receive a $1 million contribution, similar to payments announced during the 2025 Club World Cup. The report states that the promised funds have yet to arrive.

“The four executives said this promise was made verbally by members of FIFA’s senior management, and reiterated to cities in meetings, but it has not been paid,” The Athletic reported.

The dispute has opened fresh divisions within the global game, with the national teams, the confederations, and the governing body all weighing their next move. What began as a commercial initiative has quickly become a broader argument about transparency, governance and trust in FIFA’s leadership.

The strongest challenge has come from UEFA, whose members have increasingly distanced themselves from Infantino. In recent days, Wales, Finland, Sweden and Serbia publicly withdrew their support for his re-election campaign, while England’s Football Association has also indicated it no longer backs another term.

According tothe Swedish Football Association: “The decision is based on recurring shortcomings in governance, transparency and management, which means that trust in Gianni Infantino’s leadership no longer exists.”

The Welsh federation used similarly strong language in explaining its decision. “Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” the Football Association of Wales stated.

These moves represent more than symbolic protests. They are the clearest sign yet that Infantino’s previously unchallenged path toward a fourth term is now under genuine threat.

The proposal that changed everything

The turning point came after FIFA unveiled a plan to create a new commercial entity linked to the World Cup and other major competitions. The project aimed to attract private investment and raise billions of dollars that would later be distributed among FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was expected to raise up to $4.2 billion through the sale of a minority stake in the new structure. FIFA argued that the money would help develop soccer worldwide, particularly in smaller nations.

The backlash was immediate. UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded, while other confederations also voiced concern about the lack of consultation.

Infantino abandons the plan

Under mounting pressure, Infantino announced that the project would not go ahead. “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions that are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” he said. He added: “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

The withdrawal was intended to calm the situation, but it has not stopped the criticism. UEFA welcomed the decision while insisting that confidence in FIFA’s leadership had already been damaged. UEFA said: “This is a victory for the whole game. But it must not be the end of the story. The proposal has gone. The task of rebuilding trust in FIFA has only just begun.”

Africa and Asia send mixed message

The criticism has placed additional pressure on Infantino ahead of the March 2027 FIFA presidential election in Rabat. While Europe has become the centre of opposition, the response elsewhere has been far less unified. Several African and Asian federations have publicly backed Infantino, including influential countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Morocco.

Their support matters because every FIFA member association has one vote, regardless of the size or strength of its soccer system. Smaller nations that benefit heavily from FIFA development funding can therefore play a decisive role in any election.

The picture in Asia is particularly complex. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) initially criticised the World Cup proposal, yet a number of its member associations later expressed support for Infantino personally, suggesting that opposition to the project does not automatically translate into opposition to his presidency.

Countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco have expressed support for the FIFA president. Their statements generally emphasized the importance of dialogue, consultation, and continued financial support for football development.

Inter Miami hosts Atletico de San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium for Matchday 1 of the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage, followed by fixtures against CF Monterrey on the 8th and Club Leon on the 12th. However, Suarez is expected to miss the entirety of the tournament, even if the Herons make a run back to the final.

The veteran Uruguayan striker is serving a six-game tournament ban resulting from a postgame altercation in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. Following Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, Suarez clashed with opposing staff and spat on Sounders security chief Gene Ramirez, drawing a severe tournament suspension alongside a three-match MLS ban he already served.

Following Saturday’s match against the Columbus Crew, head coach Guillermo Hoyos lamented the striker’s absence despite his scorching form: “It’s a shame because Luis’s level is very high, and he doesn’t just help us with goals, but with assists and hard work too. Just like with the world’s great players, you are going to miss him—he is irreplaceable and those gaps often can’t be filled.“

Berterame still recovering from head injury

In Berterame’s case, the forward will also sit out Wednesday’s opener as he remains in the club’s medical protocol following a head injury suffered nearly two weeks ago against CF Montréal. Although he has returned to light training with Inter Miami, he has yet to receive full medical clearance, having already sat out Saturday’s draw against Columbus.

During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Hoyos offered an update on the forward’s recovery progress. “Berte is doing well, I would say spectacularly well, and we are waiting out the required days for the medical clearance to be cleared up. Let the days pass, and I believe Berte will soon be back on the pitch, which will bring us great joy, not just as a player, but as a human being,” the Argentine boss added.

Who will replace Suarez and Berterame up front?

The double absence creates a tactical dilemma for Inter Miami, especially with Suarez having notched seven goals over his last four MLS outings. With Berterame out and Tadeo Allende also sidelined, Messi faces a reshuffled supporting cast in the attacking third.

Hoyos is expected to stick with his reliable 4-3-3 formation, which has underpinned Inter Miami’s current seven-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. Lionel Messi will operate in his usual role on the right flank, while Mateo Silvetti is projected to shift centrally into the main target role, with Daniel Pinter slotting in on the left wing to complete Miami’s frontline.

The 34-year-old remains under contract with Santos until the end of 2026, but uncertainty continues to surround what will happen after that agreement expires. While his father believes there could still be another chapter ahead, Neymar himself has made it clear that the final decision will belong to him.

Part of the uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s future comes after he officially ended his international career following Brazil‘s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Muscular problems limited his involvement during the tournament, restricting him to only two appearances before the Selecao suffered an earlier-than-expected elimination.

That World Cup became the final chapter of his remarkable international career, ending with Neymar as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals. Although the international chapter has closed, his club career remains undecided.

Neymar refuses to commit to life after Santos

The biggest talking point from the sixth Neymar Jr. Institute Auction in Sao Paulo came when the Brazilian icon was asked about his club future.

Neymar admitted he has not decided whether he will continue playing after his Santos contract expires in December, leaving every possible scenario open, including remaining at Santos, joining another club or even retiring from professional soccer. “I don’t know how long I’ll keep playing. I’m not thinking about stopping, nor do I know how long I’ll carry on,” he explained during the charity event.

He also outlined the approach he intends to take over the coming months: “I have a contract with Santos until December. I intend to see it through, to honour the Santos shirt as best I can, and then I’ll think about it when my contract ends — whether I stay at Santos, leave, move on, stop playing or carry on. I really don’t know what I’m going to do. There’s still a long way to go until December, so let’s take it one step at a time.”

Focus remains on finishing the season

Rather than rushing into a decision, Neymar emphasized that his attention remains firmly on helping Santos through the remainder of the campaign.

The Brazilian returned to his boyhood club in January 2025 after an injury-plagued spell with Al-Hilal, hoping to rediscover both fitness and confidence. Since then, he has gradually worked his way back into the squad while contributing to the club’s efforts in domestic competitions.

The veteran forward has repeatedly stressed that every match is part of a longer rebuilding process after several difficult years interrupted by injuries. “I’m feeling good physically, more and more so, out on the pitch,” he said.

The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season.

Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play.

Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy.

On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora.

Why Ronaldo is missing the match

Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.

According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins.

Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins.

Ronaldo still expected to be involved

Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners.

His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad.

This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.

Al Ittihad have offered Salah an annual salary in the region of $25 million, and the 33-year-old has reportedly accepted those terms in principle, with the move said to be approaching its final stages.

However, the deal is not entirely in Salah’s hands. Al Ittihad had initially planned to sell Moussa Diaby this summer to make room for the Egyptian on the right wing, but the club reversed course in late July, confirming they had no intention of letting the Frenchman go.

That stance has since been complicated by Diaby himself, who has pushed to leave and is reportedly in direct contact with Inter Milan over a move to Serie A, while Bayer Leverkusen — his former club — are also working to bring him back to the Bundesliga on reduced wages. Until Al Ittihad resolve Diaby’s future, Salah’s arrival remains contingent on a spot opening up in the squad.

Should the move go through, Salah would find Ronaldo waiting on the other side of the Saudi Pro League table. Ronaldo, who signed a contract extension with Al-Nassr through 2027, led the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season, and the prospect of Salah joining as a direct rival has added an extra layer of intrigue to a transfer saga that has dragged on for months.

Turkey also keeping tabs on Salah

Al Ittihad are not the only side being linked with Salah, and Turkey has re-emerged as a talking point in recent days. Trabzonspor were reported to have moved ahead of Besiktas in the race, with some Turkish outlets claiming the two sides were closing in on personal terms for a two-year deal.

However, Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan shut that down directly, stating, “there is no such agreement,” and adding that no talks had even been scheduled.

Besiktas, for their part, had already tabled an offer worth roughly €10 million net per season plus €2 million in bonuses on a 1+1-year deal, but that proposal has reportedly been shelved as talks with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia continue to advance.

The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date.

So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture.

The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club.

Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level.

The reason why Ronaldo is missing

The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh.

Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15.

Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix

Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.”

The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties.

With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.

Back in December 2024, after claiming the FIFA The Best award, Vinicius initiated contract discussions seeking to become the club’s highest-paid player above newly arrived Kylian Mbappe. Negotiations between the club and player hit a standstill, and with the winger struggling to maintain his peak form, contract talks have dragged on into the final year of his current deal.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Diario AS, Vinicius signed a five-year contract in 2022 valued at €75 million net (roughly $82 million USD) running through 2027. Structured as an escalating wage scale from €10 million up to €18 million net, the Brazilian has earned an average net salary of €15 million per season over the life of the agreement.

Mbappe commands a similar base take-home wage since joining Real Madrid in July 2024, earning between €15 million and €16.5 million net per season. However, the crucial financial distinction lies in Mbappe’s signing bonus (reported between €100 million and €150 million net spread over five years after arriving on a free transfer), coupled with retaining the majority of his commercial image rights.

Vinicius lowers his salary demands amid contract talks

Following his appearance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Vinicius and Real Madrid held a summit at the Valdebebas training complex, where the player’s camp signaled willingness to accept roughly €30 million annually, down from initial demands. However, pen was never put to paper, and friction with then-head coach Xabi Alonso slowed progress, leaving the club in a precarious position with just 12 months remaining on the contract.

As reported by Diario AS, Vinicius has now adjusted his target down to a net annual salary of €20 million, representing a modest increase over his current €18 million scale. However, secondary terms like a signing bonus and image rights distribution remain active sticking points, mirroring the complex negotiations required for Mbappé’s deal.

Image rights represent a vital revenue pillar for Vinicius, who maintains an extensive endorsement portfolio across 18 major international brands, including Apple, PlayStation, Nike, and Boss. In Mbappe’s case, retaining his image rights allowed Real Madrid to structure a competitive contract that might otherwise have proven financially unfeasible.

Adding another layer to the process is Vinicius’ representation team at Roc Nation (the agency founded by Jay-Z that is also navigating Yan Diomandé’s high-profile transfer dealings). With his deal expiring in June 2027, rival clubs can legally approach the Brazilian winger with a pre-contract agreement starting next January, forcing Real Madrid’s front office to either finalize an extension or explore a transfer before losing him for nothing.

As initially outlined by world soccer’s governing body, the proposal centered on creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a corporate subsidiary designed to commercialize major competitions, with the Men’s World Cup serving as its primary economic engine. FIFA aimed to unload a 20% to 21% stake to private investors, but fierce opposition led by UEFA and CONCACAF ultimately forced Infantino to pull the plug.

In an official statement addressing the reversal, Infantino stated: “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.”

While Infantino maintained that the project was structured to benefit global football development, financial watchdog groups and investigative outlets questioned those assertions. Financial analysis published by The Times revealed that the FIFA president stood to collect an estimated €30 million (approximately $35 million USD) in base pay and performance bonuses tied directly to the execution of the FIFA Forward Enterprise venture.

Initial documentation distributed by FIFA projected that FFE would generate up to $4.2 billion in upfront capital, claiming that all net revenues would be funneled back into global grassroots initiatives. However, the windfall allocated to Infantino under the proposal presented a stark contrast to his current FIFA presidential salary of roughly €3 million per year.

Infantino faces mounting opposition ahead of 2027 re-election bid

Fresh off the heels of the 2026 World Cup, Infantino attempted to capitalize on momentum by pushing FFE alongside several new commercial vehicles to dramatically increase FIFA’s balance sheet. Instead, the disastrous rollout ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election in Morocco has severely eroded his political standing among key voting blocs.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) formally rescinded its endorsement of Infantino on Monday, reversing a prior commitment to support his re-election bid. “The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” the FAW declared in a scathing statement.

Furthermore, as reported by ESPN, the English Football Association has also distanced itself from the Swiss administrator. The FA is understood to be drafting formal correspondence to FIFA clarifying that Infantino no longer holds its support, marking a dramatic shift after English football executives previously submitted letters of endorsement for next year’s elective FIFA Congress.

According to a report from The Sun, Ronaldo and Rodriguez are set to exchange vows this weekend in Portugal. The couple selected Madeira, the island where the legendary goalscorer was born and raised, specifically choosing his hometown of Funchal.

The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, at Funchal Cathedral, a landmark 16th-century historic site in the heart of the capital. Following the church service, celebrations will shift to the five-star Savoy Palace hotel, where two full floors and exclusive bar areas have been reserved through Friday and Saturday to maintain privacy for high-profile guests.

The upcoming nuptials come roughly a year after the couple became engaged on August 11, 2025. At the time, Rodriguez shared a photo on Instagram showing off a massive engagement ring estimated between $6 million and $12 million, captioning the post: “Yes, I do. In this life and in all my lives.“

In the lead-up to the reported ceremony, Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been vacationing in Mallorca alongside their children, sharing social media updates featuring family outings and time relaxing aboard a private yacht.

When will Ronaldo rejoin Al Nassr?

Newly appointed manager Ange Postecoglou has already begun steering Al Nassr through its preseason slate in Portugal, recording a 2-1 loss against Benfica B, a 2-0 victory over Merida, and a 4-2 setback against Estrela Amadora. The Saudi side is scheduled to face UD Almeria (the Spanish club recently acquired by Ronaldo) on Tuesday, though the Portuguese veteran will not suit up for the match.

Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al Nassr once the squad returns to Riyadh to complete its final regular-season preparations. The club’s European training camp wraps up Wednesday, August 5, giving players a brief window to rest before resuming formal sessions in Saudi Arabia.

During that transition period, Ronaldo is expected to rejoin the group, giving him roughly a week of full training before Al Nassr opens its 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign against Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park on Saturday, August 15.

The expanded 2026 World Cup forced domestic leagues to adjust their start dates, creating a ripple effect across the global soccer calendar that also reshaped international fixtures. To ease player workload, FIFA introduced a consolidated, extended international window running from September 21 through October 6, allowing European teams to play four Nations League matches while other confederations can schedule up to three international friendlies.

Under this new calendar format, Argentine news outlet Infobae reports that the Argentina Football Association (AFA) is working to organize three exhibition matches during the extended fall window. Plans call for two matches in China before concluding with a homecoming match in Argentina, tentatively set for October 1.

The AFA’s primary objective is bringing Messi back to domestic soil for a emotional reunion with supporters in the wake of the World Cup. The Argentine captain opted not to join the squad’s initial return flight to Buenos Aires, and while his availability for the Asian leg of the tour remains unconfirmed, bringing him face-to-face with home fans remains the federation’s top priority.

For the lone domestic fixture, the AFA hopes to stage the match in the capital city of Buenos Aires. While an opponent has not been finalized, federation officials are reportedly targeting an opponent from CONMEBOL or CONCACAF.

Meanwhile, China remains the primary destination for the team’s fixtures abroad. According to Infobae, host nation China is slated as one of the friendly opponents, and while discussions between the two federations are ongoing, no formal agreement has been signed.

Two foundational futures remain uncertain for Argentina

The upcoming window marks the start of a brand new international cycle as federations begin long-term planning for the 2030 World Cup. For Argentina, however, that rebuilding process remains on hold as two defining pillars of the program evaluate their futures.

Chief among them is the 39-year-old Messi, whose decision to travel independently to his hometown of Rosario (rather than joining the team flight to Buenos Aires for the public welcome ceremony) raised eyebrows across the country. Messi’s last interaction with supporters came on the pitch immediately following the World Cup final, where an appreciative crowd cheered the squad as the tearful captain could only stare at them in what may prove to be one of his final appearances in an Albiceleste shirt.

The other major question mark centers on head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also broke down in tears during a brief, emotional postgame press conference following the final. Scaloni’s current contract runs through December 2026, and while the AFA remains eager for him to spearhead the 2030 cycle, his long-term commitment remains uncertain, a factor that could heavily influence Messi’s decision on whether to continue playing internationally.

Reports from prominent transfer insider Fabrizio Romano stated that Real Madrid and RB Leipzig had struck an agreement exceeding €100 million for the Ivorian winger, with terms fully arranged. Diomande was scheduled to travel for his medical examination, but the proposed move hit unexpected roadblocks rather than reaching a swift conclusion.

Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, Schafer directly refuted the media reports: “It’s clear that some so-called transfer experts reported a few days ago that the deal was done or gave it the ‘here we go.’ That’s simply not the case. We’re not at that stage yet.”

After reporting back to RB Leipzig, Diomande was omitted from the club’s preseason training camp in Saalfelden. “Yan Diomande is also not traveling to Saalfelden due to an infection. As soon as he has recovered, he will follow the team,” the club announced on social media, though ongoing negotiations with Real Madrid make his arrival at camp increasingly unlikely.

Diomande’s representation dispute threatens Real Madrid move

While Schafer confirmed that negotiations between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig remain open, a complex legal dispute off the pitch has emerged as a potential hurdle. A conflict between Diomande’s former and current agencies could complicate his prospective move to La Liga.

According to Diario AS, Maxidel Management’s Max Gradel (Diomande’s former agent) filed an official complaint with FIFA alleging a breach of contract. The legal action follows Diomande’s recent transition to Roc Nation (the agency founded by Jay-Z that represents stars like Vinicius Junior), the entity Real Madrid negotiated with directly while unaware of lingering contractual issues with his former representative.

Gradel, who facilitated Diomande’s transfer from Leganes to RB Leipzig, maintains an active contract dispute with the player. With an official complaint now before FIFA, football’s governing body could grant Diomande a provisional transfer license to allow the move, delay the transaction pending review, or block the transfer entirely.

When asked by Sky Germany whether the dispute could cause the deal to collapse, Schafer downplayed the risk: “From my perspective, it’s a clear no. I’m not aware of that. There has been a change of agents. Our point of contact is now Roc Nation – that’s something Yan made very clear to us. (…) I don’t think a transfer would fall through because of that, if it even comes to a transfer in the first place.“

Following his initial appointment in 2024, a tax filing released in March 2026 revealed that Pochettino earned roughly $5 million in his first seven months on the job. Excluding a $2.5 million signing bonus, annual projections for his base salary and incentives pushed his earnings near $6 million per year, making him the third-highest-paid national team manager at the 2026 World Cup behind Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti ($11.3 million) and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann ($7.9 million).

While the exact financial terms of his new four-year deal have not been made public, a comparable salary structure would see Pochettino collect approximately $24 million over the full lifecycle of the contract through 2030.

Ken Griffin serves as main U.S. Soccer financial benefactor once again

Just as he did during Pochettino’s initial hiring, Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Miami-based Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst, has stepped up as the lead private donor behind the extension, alongside other high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors. U.S. Soccer confirmed the financial arrangement in an official press release:

“This appointment and broader investment in the U.S. Men’s National Team program is being supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Adam Freede, and several commercial partners.“

Griffin’s financial involvement with soccer in the United States spans nearly a decade, starting with a $3 million donation to the U.S. Soccer Foundation in 2017 to fund 50 urban mini-pitches in Chicago. In 2023, he pledged an additional $5 million to build 50 more mini-pitches across Miami-Dade County following Citadel’s corporate relocation to South Florida.

Pochettino sets expectations ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle

Under the new agreement, Pochettino is locked in through 2030, putting him at the helm for the 2026-27 and 2028-29 CONCACAF Nations League tournaments, the 2027 Gold Cup, the 2028 Copa America (expected to return to American soil), and ultimately the 2030 World Cup.

Having already capped 62 different players during his first two years in charge, Pochettino expressed optimism for the future in the federation’s announcement: “Working together with U.S. Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the Men’s National Team program even stronger,” said Pochettino on the press release.

“The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. We want to try to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country that has welcomed us so warmly and for that impact to extend beyond results on the field,” he added, seeking to build on the momentum generated by the team’s 2026 World Cup run.

Barcelona originally acquired Rashford on a one-year loan deal in the summer of 2025, complete with a purchase option to make the transfer permanent. Ultimately, the Blaugrana front office elected not to trigger the buyout clause, leading Rashford to publish a heartfelt farewell message to supporters across his social media channels.

Speaking at a press conference following a preseason friendly against Birmingham City, Flick addressed the decision to move on from Rashford: “What I can say about Marcus is that I appreciated a lot to work with him. Sometimes, you don’t know what happens with players who are on loan, and our situation is not easy for that.”

Rashford tallied 14 goals and 11 assists across 49 appearances in Spain, missing just eight matches due to injury or rotation while earning Flick’s deep respect. “But I appreciate working with him. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. The team miss him, I will miss him, but it is life,” the German boss stated.

Flick also reflected on how new arrival Anthony Gordon will fill the void left by Rashford’s departure: “This is what we have to accept. And in the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he is on fire with Barca and I’m really happy that he’s on our team.“

Back in June, Barcelona explored negotiating a reduced fee below the original €30 million ($35 million USD) purchase option or securing a second loan stint. However, permanent additions of both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi during the current transfer window definitively closed the door on Rashford’s potential return.

Who will replace Rashford at Barcelona?

Rashford featured primarily on the left wing for Barcelona (logging 37 appearances at the position), echoing his familiar role throughout his professional career. However, he also showcased valuable tactical flexibility, making seven appearances as a central striker and five on the right wing, highlighted by a stunning free-kick goal against Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Currently, Barcelona’s roster lacks a single utility forward capable of plugging into every attacking spot as a game-changing wildcard. That said, as the squad is currently constructed, Flick possesses plenty of elite individual options to cover every attacking role without needing a single jack-of-all-trades player.

Lamine Yamal remains Flick’s unquestioned starter on the right flank with Roony Bardghji serving as primary backup, while Raphinha and newly acquired Anthony Gordon will battle for starting minutes on the left wing. Raphinha can also slide inside as an attacking midfielder, a spot likely shared by Dani Olmo and Karim Adeyemi, while Ferran Torres gives Flick additional flexibility both out wide and through the center, but with Robert Lewandowski’s departure, he’s expected to be the striker.

When Casemiro was unveiled as Inter Miami‘s newest addition, MLS released a statement confirming a tampering investigation into the South Florida club. ESPN confirmed that the Galaxy filed the grievance because the Western Conference club held Casemiro’s Discovery Rights, alleging that Miami initiated unauthorized contract talks with the Brazilian star anyway.

During Casemiro’s introductory press conference, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas addressed the allegations and denied any rule violations: “In this case, the executives at Inter Miami, especially Alberto Marrero, respected the letter of the MLS law regarding the Discovery List. We did not enter talks until we settled with the LA Galaxy. We abided; we did not enter negotiations with Casemiro or his reps without talking to the Galaxy and the league until given the green light“.

While emphasizing that the Discovery List remains confidential (making it impossible to know beforehand if the Galaxy held his rights), Mas defended his front office’s actions. “If the Galaxy made a bona fide offer, that team retained the rights to Casemiro. In that case, there is a negotiation between clubs where the league gets involved…Supposedly, we violated the rule while we were negotiating with the Galaxy. There was an accusation made, which we did not tamper whatsoever,” Mas added.

Casemiro also acknowledged speaking directly with the Galaxy, stating he made his preference for Miami clear due to personal ties to the city. “When I spoke to them (the Galaxy), I made it very clear which team I wanted to join in MLS, and that is Inter Miami because of the project, the ambition, and of course to play alongside the greatest player of all time,” the midfielder noted.

LA Galaxy disputes timeline of Casemiro’s stance

Left without the star midfielder, the Galaxy front office pushed back publicly regarding the timeline of events. On Saturday, following a scoreless draw against FC Dallas, General Manager Will Kuntz met with media members to address ongoing club business, with the Inter Miami tampering dispute taking center stage.

In comments captured by The Galactic Tribune’s Alex Ruiz, Kuntz offered a pointed rebuttal: “Look, I know there’s been a few things said. The league is going to release their findings. It’s true that Casemiro called and said that he always wanted to play at Inter Miami. It’s also true that came two months after he told us that he only wanted to play for the Galaxy. So I think, do with that what you will.”

What lies ahead in the MLS tampering investigation?

Two weeks have passed since MLS launched its probe into Casemiro’s transfer to Inter Miami, though the league has yet to release its official findings or ruling. “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS stated in its initial release.

In the meantime, Casemiro has featured in Inter Miami’s last two fixtures against CF Montreal and the Columbus Crew, starting both matches (and accidentally scoring an own goal in the latter). He is expected to remain in the starting XI for upcoming Leagues Cup matches while the league’s review, along with any potential sanctions against Inter Miami or the player, remains pending.

As reported by Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiah, Al Nassr reached an agreement with Brazilian Serie A side Cruzeiro for a one-year loan deal for Wesley. Despite having no plans to feature him in the rotation, the Saudi club will absorb a portion of his salary throughout the loan spell.

The decision, backed by club executives, was also signed off by newly appointed head coach Ange Postecoglou. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager does not view Wesley as part of his tactical plans for the 2026-27 campaign, and with the player prioritizing regular minutes, another temporary exit proved mutually beneficial.

Wesley’s departure carries minimal roster impact, as he spent the previous campaign away on loan due to limited playing time. During the January 2026 winter window, La Liga side Real Sociedad acquired the Brazilian on loan, but the winger managed just five appearances (one start, four substitute entries) while remaining stuck on the bench as an unused sub in 15 fixtures.

Wesley stands as a costly gamble in the Cristiano Ronaldo era

Following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr prioritized aggressive investments in young, dynamic talent capable of creating service and bringing physical energy around the Portuguese icon. Wesley fit that archetype when he arrived in August 2024, but his tenure in Saudi Arabia fell well short of expectations.

After paying Brazilian club Corinthians an estimated €18 million (around $20 million USD), Al Nassr saw Wesley tally just five goals and five assists across 40 appearances. The 21-year-old’s market value on Transfermarkt has plummeted to €4 million, and with a contract running through June 2028, he stands as one of the costliest missteps of the Ronaldo era as the front office seeks to recover a fraction of its initial investment.

Wesley departure clears foreign player slot for Samu Costa, additional roster moves

While Postecoglou intends to preserve the veteran core established by former manager Jorge Jesus (anchored by Ronaldo alongside Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman), Al Nassr remains active in the transfer market. Jhon Duran has officially departed, Wesley is finalizing his exit, and Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa is expected to join the squad next.

Clearing Duran, Wesley, and Marcelo Brozovic off the books frees up critical foreign-player slots under Saudi Pro League registration rules, clearing the runway for Costa to team up with his national team captain. Additionally, Al Nassr recently secured its Financial Compliance Certificate, granting the club formal clearance to register new signings after settling outstanding financial obligations.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, De Bruyne could be granted an exit route from Napoli during the current transfer window. Following a Scudetto-winning campaign in his debut season, the 2025-26 stretch proved challenging for the Belgian playmaker, who missed significant time between late October and late February due to a leg flexor injury.

A transfer during the current window represents Napoli’s cleanest path to securing a return on investment for De Bruyne, whose deal with the Italian side runs through June 2027. Under those terms, Mundo Deportivo reports that Inter Miami remains eager to pair the midfield maestro with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul.

Back in June 2025, both Inter Miami and expansion side San Diego FC submitted inquiries regarding a potential move to MLS, a destination that remains attractive to the player. While De Bruyne chose to remain in Europe at the time, the 35-year-old coming off his final World Cup run in 2026 is increasingly open to a North American transition.

Inter Miami faces domestic competition for De Bruyne

Sharing the pitch with Messi has emerged as Inter Miami’s ultimate recruitment tool, appealing to former Barcelona teammates like Suarez, international colleagues like De Paul, and former rivals like Sergio Reguilón and Casemiro. However, with all Designated Player spots currently occupied and General Allocation Money (GAM) capped, rival clubs are positioning themselves to swoop in.

Mundo Deportivo reports that the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are actively monitoring De Bruyne’s availability. Chicago holds an open Designated Player slot following the departure of leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, while San Diego could open a slot through a potential departure of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, giving both clubs a roster flexibility advantage over Miami.

Inter Miami holds crucial regulatory edge

Speculation surrounding De Bruyne intensified following reports from The Athletic that MLS owners are pushing for roster rule modifications, specifically moving toward a more flexible salary structure. While structural rule changes won’t offer immediate relief, the Herons still possess a major leverage point over their domestic rivals.

Inter Miami currently controls De Bruyne’s MLS Discovery Rights, positioning the club to lead any negotiations should the Belgian decide to make the move stateside. Miami filed for those rights following his departure from Manchester City, meaning both Chicago and San Diego would have to trade for those rights with South Florida before making a formal contract offer to the player.

Following the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, Messi took a brief vacation before reporting back to Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training facility on Wednesday. With only a couple of team sessions under his belt, the legendary forward suited up to aid the Herons in their ongoing quest for MLS hardware.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, Inter Miami hosted the Columbus Crew. Rather than watching from a luxury box as originally expected, Messi was named to the matchday squad as a substitute. The captain entered in the 53rd minute and made an immediate impact, firing four shots (one on target), though the Herons ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez scored an 84th-minute equalizer.

In his postgame press conference, Hoyos praised the dedication of his squad, singling out international stars Messi and Rodrigo De Paul: “I want to thank all the players for the effort they put in. I especially want to thank Leo and Rodri for traveling and showing up so soon after the World Cup. That was very important. This is a difficult, competitive league. We were winning in the 86th minute and wanted three points, but ended up with one. The game escaped us in the final minutes.“

Hoyos on what drove Messi’s accelerated return

Despite turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, Messi defied expectations by making his return to competitive play in less than a fortnight. Instead of waiting for the club’s upcoming Leagues Cup debut, the Argentine legend insisted on getting match minutes under his belt against Columbus.

When asked how Messi managed to stay fit and return so quickly, Hoyos offered a simple explanation: “Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“

Hoyos’ sentiment aligns with Messi’s actions during his abbreviated time off. While resting in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the star was spotted supporting Leones FC (the fourth-division club presided over by his brother, Matias) proving that even during his downtime, soccer remains front and center.

Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the 2026 Leagues Cup, opening tournament play against Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Nu Stadium. Following his cameo against the Crew, Messi’s participation is all but guaranteed.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, when the Herons host the game against Atletico San Luis at Nu Stadium for the 2026 Leagues Cup debut. The Argentine star heads to the game after making his return to the Herons on Saturday against the Columbus Crew following his World Cup campaign.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming international break in September. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

During their camp in the British Isles, Barcelona planned two exhibition matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Birmingham City and concluding with a Monday matchup against Preston North End. While the opener resulted in a 2-2 draw (followed by a 3-2 loss in a penalty shootout), Monday’s game against the Lilywhites was officially scrapped.

Preston North End, originally set to face Barcelona on Monday, Aug. 3, contacted the Spanish club to disclose that they lacked enough fit first-team players to fulfill the fixture. The Championship side is slated to open its competitive campaign Saturday in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town, prompting the coaching staff to protect their remaining senior squad from potential injuries.

Preston proposed playing the exhibition using their U-21 roster instead. As reported by Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Barcelona rejected the alternative, opting to replace the match with a standard training session and ultimately pulling the plug on the contest.

The matchup at St. George’s Park was scheduled to be Barcelona’s third preseason test and their final fixture in England. Under the circumstances, Flick will accelerate the team’s return to Spain to continue preparations while awaiting the arrival of several key international stars, most notably Spain’s World Cup winners.

What’s next on Barcelona’s preseason schedule?

Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, and Wojciech Szczesny headline the prominent veterans who traveled to England for the training camp rather than taking extended time off. Meanwhile, the club’s World Cup participants are expected to rejoin Flick’s squad once the team arrives back in Catalonia ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Upon returning to Spain, Barcelona’s next test comes Friday, Aug. 8, in a triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. Marking the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup in Udine, Italy, the Spanish, Italian, and English sides will face off on the same day in condensed 45-minute matches.

Barcelona will then cap off its exhibition calendar with the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy on Aug. 19 at Spotify Camp Nou against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. With five tune-up matches instead of the six originally planned, Flick’s squad will kick off its 2026-27 La Liga campaign on Sunday, August 23, traveling to face Elche for their league opener.

Inter Miami enters the contest in excellent form after winning six consecutive league matches, while Columbus Crew arrives hoping to pull off an upset and revive its playoff ambitions. The encounter also comes just days before the Leagues Cup begins, making every selection decision even more significant for both clubs.

The Herons have shown impressive resilience despite missing their biggest star since the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The club currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, just two behind conference leader Nashville, after collecting victories over opponents including CF Montréal.

Luis Suarez has led the attack during Messi’s absence, scoring six goals across the club’s last three MLS matches, including the winner against Montreal. New signing Casemiro also made his debut in that victory and is expected to play his first home match against Columbus Crew. The winning streak has given head coach Guillermo Hoyos the luxury of managing Messi’s return carefully rather than rushing him back into action.

Is Messi available for selection?

After days of speculation, Lionel Messi is available for Inter Miami’s match against Columbus Crew after returning to full training following his post-World Cup break. However, uncertainty remains over whether the Argentine captain will start the match or make his return from the bench.

The World Cup final only recently concluded, and Messi had been enjoying an optional recovery period before reporting back to the club. FIFA and FIFPRO guidelines recommend players receive time off following major international tournaments, although the rest period is not compulsory.

Speaking ahead of the match, Hoyos confirmed that discussions were still taking place regarding the forward’s role. “[Messi] got here a little bit ago so we haven’t had a chance yet to properly talk about it. But we’re happy (he and De Paul) are back.”

The coach later added: “We are talking in that regard. He just arrived recently, so we still haven’t had the chance to really talk things through, but we are very happy that he has returned.” Those comments suggest the coaching staff will make a final decision closer to kickoff after evaluating the veteran’s physical condition.

Why Inter Miami is being cautious

The timing of Messi’s return is particularly delicate because Inter Miami faces several crucial fixtures over the coming weeks, including MLS matches against Nashville, Philadelphia Union, Toronto, and Montreal, alongside the Leagues Cup campaign. Reports indicate the medical and coaching staff prefer to prioritize the long-term fitness of their biggest stars rather than rushing them back immediately after the World Cup.

Should Hoyos decide against giving Messi heavy minutes against Columbus Crew, the Argentine could instead be preserved for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de San Luis next week. That cautious approach reflects the importance of keeping Messi fresh for the decisive stretch of the season.

According to Diario AS Colombia, the Herons are among the options being considered for the 33-year-old, though there’s no confirmation yet of direct talks between the two parties.

If it materializes, the move would put Quintero in a locker room already stacked with Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Sergio Reguilón and new arrival Casemiro.

Quintero’s departure from River came after a turbulent final stretch of his third spell at the club, marked by open friction with head coach Eduardo Coudet. The midfielder didn’t hide his frustration before the split.

“I’m not a priority for Coudet. As a person, I have the utmost respect for him, but footballing-wise we think differently. I didn’t get much continuity under him; I played five minutes in the final,” Quintero told ESPN’s Equipo F.

Both sides ultimately agreed to terminate his contract following Colombia’s run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Tricolor were eliminated in the round of 16 on penalties to Switzerland in Vancouver.

What could Quintero bring to Miami

Quintero’s arrival would make sense from a pure squad-management standpoint. Inter Miami are juggling three competitions simultaneously this season: the MLS regular season, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they enter directly in the Round of 16 after clinching their first-ever MLS Cup title last year.

With that packed calendar and Messi, De Paul and others needing careful rotation after their World Cup runs, adding a proven creative midfielder like Quintero would give Hoyos real depth to manage fixture congestion without leaning too heavily on his older stars.

The latest developments arrive during a period of financial uncertainty for Al-Nassr, with the club facing mounting debts and restrictions on spending despite being home to one of soccer’s biggest stars. As a result, the expected ownership transition has become one of the most closely watched stories in Saudi soccer.

According to reports from Aawsat, Asharq and Okaz Sports, multiple investment groups have been preparing bids to acquire a 70% stake in Al-Nassr once PIF formally begins the sale process, which is expected to start in early 2027.

The biggest breakthrough came after competing groups reportedly agreed to merge their projects into a single proposal. Rather than continuing with rival bids, the parties decided to work together in an effort to strengthen their chances of completing the acquisition and providing greater stability for the club.

A private meeting in London reportedly brought together representatives from the leading consortiums, resulting in an agreement to unite under one investment fund. A representative acting on behalf of Cristiano Ronaldo also attended the discussions.

Ronaldo joins high-profile consortium

The identities behind the project have now emerged, revealing a group featuring several prominent business and soccer figures.

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the consortium reportedly includes former Al-Nassr president Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib, Almería owner Mohammed Al-Khuraiji, Saudi businessman Sharaf Al-Hariri, and RedBird Capital Partners, represented by CEO Gerry Cardinale. The unified project also involves Prince Saud bin Hussam following the agreement to merge the competing investment groups.

If the acquisition succeeds, Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib is expected to return to a leadership role at the club, while the investment group would oversee Al-Nassr’s next phase following the anticipated reduction of PIF’s ownership. The move represents one of the strongest ownership bids yet assembled in Saudi soccer and reflects the growing commercial value surrounding Al-Nassr since Ronaldo’s arrival.

PIF prepares for another major club sale

The ownership developments come after reports that Al-Nassr’s debts have surpassed $213 million, prompting PIF to introduce tighter financial oversight.

According to multiple reports, the club has been unable to register new signings unless incoming transfers are fully financed through sponsorship income or independently generated commercial revenue. Financial, legal and commercial advisors have also reportedly been appointed to monitor spending and identify new revenue streams.

Should the proposed transaction proceed, Al-Nassr would become the second major Saudi club to undergo this ownership transition, following Al-Hilal. Earlier, PIF reduced its controlling position in Al-Hilal, with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company acquiring 70% ownership, while the remaining stake stayed with the sovereign wealth fund.

The same ownership structure is now expected for its city rival, with 70% transferring to the successful investor and PIF retaining the remaining 30%.

The numbers appear overwhelming at first glance, but they only tell part of the story. While Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has generated unprecedented soccer wages, Messi’s agreement in the United States follows a very different model that could reshape his wealth for years after retirement.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr at the beginning of 2023 transformed far more than one club. His transfer became the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s soccer project, attracting global attention and encouraging several elite players to join the Saudi Pro League. Since then, stars including Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, and Sadio Mane have followed similar paths, strengthening the league’s international profile.

The Portuguese veteran has frequently argued that the Saudi Pro League is growing rapidly and has the potential to compete with many of the world’s strongest competitions. His influence has also extended beyond the pitch through television audiences, sponsorship opportunities and worldwide commercial interest.

The earnings gap finally becomes clear

Reports indicate Cristiano Ronaldo has earned approximately $675 million to $730 million from Al-Nassr since 2023, while Lionel Messi has accumulated an estimated $210 million to $240 million from Inter Miami during the same period. That creates a difference of roughly $435 million in direct club earnings between soccer’s two greatest modern icons.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo’s income has been built through a combination of guaranteed salary and performance bonuses. The reported figures include approximately $695 million in base salary, plus additional rewards for goals, assists, Golden Boot victories and winning the Saudi Pro League title. Overall, his estimated total reaches about $730 million during his first three and a half seasons in Saudi Arabia.

The catch behind the numbers

The enormous difference comes with an important detail.

Ronaldo’s advantage exists primarily because his contract focuses on immediate guaranteed salary, while Messi’s agreement includes substantial long-term commercial partnerships and future business opportunities rather than matching Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking wages.

Inter Miami and Major League Soccer designed a package unlike any previous soccer contract. Instead of competing solely with annual salary, the agreement includes revenue-sharing arrangements with Apple through MLS Season Pass subscriptions, merchandise partnerships with Adidas and Fanatics, plus an option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami after retirement.

Those benefits are difficult to calculate today because their value could continue increasing for many years.

Messi chose different business strategy

When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, many expected him to receive one of soccer’s richest contracts. Instead, the Argentine accepted a base salary of approximately $25 million, with total guaranteed compensation rising above $28 million, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.

However, the real value of his agreement lies elsewhere. According to financial reports, Messi receives a share of revenue generated by new Apple TV MLS Season Pass subscriptions, while also benefiting from increased Adidas merchandise sales linked directly to his arrival in the United States.

The package also reportedly includes the opportunity to purchase a minority ownership stake in Inter Miami, an investment that could become increasingly valuable as the club’s market value continues rising.

Ronaldo’s contract keeps setting new standards

While Messi focused on long-term commercial growth, Ronaldo secured perhaps the richest playing contract soccer has ever seen.

His extension with Al-Nassr reportedly exceeds $235 million per season, while several outlets have suggested the agreement also contains luxury travel arrangements, commercial rights and even a reported 15 percent ownership stake in the Saudi club, although details surrounding that provision have varied between reports. Those extraordinary terms have helped make Ronaldo the highest-paid athlete in world sport.

Messi added a new layer of intrigue Saturday morning by posting an Instagram story referencing tonight’s match, fueling speculation that he could be involved in some capacity, even if only off the bench. The same situation applies to Rodrigo De Paul, who rejoined the squad alongside Messi and could see some action tonight.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET at Inter Miami‘s home stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with the stakes raised by the fact that a win would send the Herons to the top of the Eastern Conference.

If Messi and De Paul don’t feature tonight, both are expected to be available for Wednesday’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis, which lines up with the end of their mandated post-World Cup rest period.

Inter Miami projected lineup

German Berterame won’t be available for this match due to concussion protocol, sustained during the win over CF Montreal.

This would be the projected starting XI if Messi and De Paul begin the match on the bench: Ríos Novo; Reguilón, Micael, Fray, Mura; Ruiz, Casemiro, Bright, Silvetti; Plambeck, Suárez.

Columbus Crew projected lineup

For this match, Laurent Courtois is expected to send out the following side at Nu Stadium: Schulte; Zawadzki, Camacho, Moreira; Arfsten, Bangoura, Chambost; Farsi; Gazdag, Habroune; Thiaré.

Asked about the possibility of signing the Argentine, the German coach was blunt: “I focus on the team I have now and the players I have now, I don’t dream,” he said, before adding, “I’m here and what I see is that we have a lot of quality, also with the young players”.

The comments come amid persistent speculation linking Alvarez to Barcelona, driven largely by the club’s genuine interest in the forward following his runner-up finish with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

During the tournament, Alvarez himself requested to leave Atletico Madrid, saying “I spoke with the club, and I believe the best thing for everyone is a transfer,” while also revealing the desire to fulfill his childhood dream.

Barcelona have shown real intent to explore a move, but the situation runs into a hard wall in Atletico Madrid, who have firmly rejected any suggestion of selling their star striker regardless of the player’s own preferences.

For now, Barcelona have already completed the arrivals of forwards Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu, while the pursuit of the Argentine striker appears to have cooled amid Atletico Madrid’s resistance to letting him go.

Atletico Madrid file a complaint against Barcelona with FIFA

The standoff has escalated well beyond transfer talk. Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín confirmed the club will formally file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona, accusing them of negotiating with Alvarez while he remains under contract during the protected period, commonly known as “tapping up”.

Spain’s football federation has also opened an extraordinary proceeding against Barcelona and appointed an investigator to look into the alleged approach toward a player tied to Atletico until June 2030.

The case carries real teeth: under Article 93 of the Disciplinary Code, potential sanctions range from fines to a one-to-two-year suspension for the player himself, with a minimum four-match ban, while Barcelona could face partial or total stadium closures of up to three matches or two months, a points deduction, or a transfer registration ban.

“This recent unilateral and flagrant act of poor governance and leadership reflects a pattern of similar errors and conduct. It’s time for a comprehensive review of this leadership,” the confederation said.

The statement didn’t shy away from assigning blame either. CONCACAF argued that a proposal of this scale doesn’t get as far as it did by accident, calling it “the reflection of a leadership that has stopped putting football first,” and stressed that the concern isn’t unique to the confederation.

CONCACAF also pushed back on the idea that FIFA operates like a private business, laying out what it sees as a basic obligation that comes with running the sport’s governing body. “FIFA is not a private company. It is an institution that holds football and its members in trust,” the statement read.

The statement closed on a note of unity, praising the “courage and unity” shown by its member associations throughout the week and crediting the media for bringing the proposal “out of the shadows“.

CONCACAF’s intervention adds another heavyweight voice to the growing list of confederations demanding answers from FIFA’s president, layering fresh pressure onto the organization just as UEFA issued its own declaration of no confidence in Infantino.

Could Infantino lose the presidency?

Nothing is confirmed, and Infantino hasn’t resigned or announced any plans to step aside. But the fallout from the FIFA Forward Enterprise collapse has left him increasingly isolated, with reports suggesting even FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has been pushing internally for his resignation.

Infantino is still expected to seek re-election when FIFA’s presidency is decided in May 2027, but UEFA officials have reportedly been searching for a heavyweight candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president with deep ties across UEFA’s Executive Committee, had emerged as a name UEFA officials privately discussed as a potential rival. However, Al-Khelaifi has ruled that out entirely, with his spokesperson saying: “Nasser has absolutely no ambition, no intention, no interest in the FIFA role.”

The debate has intensified because both stars have transformed the profile of their respective leagues since arriving. While Ronaldo has repeatedly defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League, Messi’s influence has coincided with continued growth in Major League Soccer, leaving fans eager to see how both competitions measure up after the 2026 World Cup.

MLS climbs while Saudi Pro League slips

The mystery was cleared up when Global Football Rankings placed Major League Soccer in 10th place worldwide with an average rating of 79.3, while the Saudi Pro League fell to 36th with a rating of 75.1. The updated standings represent one of the biggest changes seen since the World Cup and have generated heated discussions across the soccer community.

According to the latest rankings, MLS has entered the world’s top 10 leagues for the first time, while the Saudi Pro League has slipped well outside the top 30. The results quickly spread across social media, where supporters began comparing the progress of both competitions. According to Kaishi Sport’s latest rankings, MLS earned an average rating of 79.3 to secure 10th place, while the Saudi Pro League finished 36th with a rating of 75.1.

Unlike rankings based purely on transfer spending or star players, Global Football Rankings evaluates leagues by examining their overall competitive level and the average quality across every club. Match results, league balance, and consistency throughout the competition all contribute to the final score.

That approach explains why a league with several global superstars may still rank lower if there is a significant difference between its strongest and weakest clubs. It also rewards competitions where a greater number of teams remain competitive throughout the season.

Different systems tell different stories

One important detail behind the debate is that league rankings vary considerably depending on the methodology used.

While Global Football Rankings places MLS inside the world’s top 10 and the Saudi Pro League in 36th position, several other organizations produce very different results. Opta’s Power Rankings, which focus heavily on club strength across an entire league, reportedly place MLS around 19th and the Saudi Pro League near 42nd.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) released rankings earlier in 2026 that positioned the Saudi Pro League 13th and MLS 40th, creating an almost opposite picture. Those differences highlight that there is no universally accepted league ranking.

The statement didn’t stop at expressing disappointment. UEFA went further, framing the whole saga as a breach of trust that demands consequences. “We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game. We must identify those responsible and hold them to account,” the organization said, signaling that it isn’t treating FIFA‘s retreat as the end of the matter.

UEFA also announced it plans to work with its member associations and other confederations in the coming weeks to examine how the proposal was allowed to advance as far as it did, describing the review as something that should be “thorough and fundamental” with “no option off the table“.

The plan, which had been unanimously rejected by UEFA’s national associations along with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), collapsed after mounting opposition from multiple continental bodies and the resignation of Infantino’s own senior advisor, Carlos Cordeiro.

Despite the sharp tone, UEFA framed the outcome as a shared win for the sport rather than a victory over FIFA itself, calling it “a victory for the whole game” while cautioning that “the task of rebuilding trust in FIFA has only just begun“.

What was Infantino’s plan?

The proposal at the center of the fallout was the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new company FIFA wanted to create to manage the commercial and event rights tied to its biggest competitions, including the World Cup.

The plan would have brought in private investors to take a minority stake in that structure, with J.P. Morgan valuing the venture at roughly $20 billion and the deal aiming to raise around $4.2 billion.

In exchange, Infantino promised to immediately raise the annual bonus each member federation receives from $8 million to $20 million. The proposal gave FIFA’s 211 member associations a tight window to weigh in aunque it was quickly rejected by UEFA, with CONCACAF and the AFC soon following suit, stripping the project of a significant chunk of votes right from the start.

The dispute quickly became one of the biggest governance crises of Infantino’s presidency. Opposition spread far beyond Europe, with multiple confederations, soccer associations, and senior officials questioning both the proposal itself and the way it was introduced.

In fact, UEFA‘s 55 member associations had voted to boycott future FIFA competitions if the investment project continued. That warning represented one of the strongest challenges to FIFA’s authority in decades.

The backlash did not stop there, as CONCACAF also rejected the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued its own criticism and demanded greater consultation on major initiatives affecting global soccer. The AFC warned that soccer’s future must always be shaped collectively rather than through decisions that appear to have already been finalized before discussions take place.

The uncertainty ended when FIFA confirmed it would abandon its proposal to sell minority stakes in its flagship competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The project, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), had been designed to place FIFA’s commercial and event operations into a new subsidiary reportedly valued at $20 billion.

Infantino explains FIFA’s decision

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino: “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.”

The governing body acknowledged that the proposal had become too divisive despite its original intention of generating additional resources for soccer development worldwide. Infantino insisted the proposal had never been intended to divide the sport and defended the project’s original purpose.

He stressed that FIFA believed the initiative could strengthen member associations, particularly those requiring greater financial support. Infantino added: “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

He also promised renewed discussions with soccer stakeholders in the coming weeks: “Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support.”

UEFA launches blistering attack on FIFA leadership

While UEFA welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal, the European governing body made it clear that the controversy had caused lasting damage. UEFA stated: “The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.”

The organization accused FIFA of pursuing major structural changes without meaningful consultation and criticized the process behind the proposal. UEFA continued: “We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game.” Its statement described the abandoned plan as lacking transparency and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

The race brings together elite performers from across Europe, but Yamal‘s presence has generated particular excitement after he came agonizingly close to victory last year. Having since added a World Cup title with Spain to his growing list of achievements, the teenage sensation enters this edition with even stronger momentum.

Yamal has been nominated for the 2026 Onze d’Or, the annual award presented by French soccer magazine Onze Mondial to the world’s best player. The youngster finished second in the 2025 edition, losing to Ousmane Dembele by a margin of just 2.5% of the public vote, a result that also mirrored his runner-up finish in the Ballon d’Or standings.

Unlike many major individual awards, the Onze d’Or places the final decision entirely in the hands of supporters. Fans vote directly through the magazine’s official website, giving global popularity and fan engagement a significant role in determining the winner.

The prestigious award and this year’s contenders

The Onze d’Or has been awarded since 1976, making it one of soccer’s longest-running individual honors. While journalists determine the Ballon d’Or winner, the Onze d’Or has traditionally relied on public voting, giving soccer supporters the final say.

This year’s shortlist features some of the biggest stars in world soccer. Alongside Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane, the nominees include Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, William Saliba, Vitinha, and Declan Rice.

The strength of the field reflects another highly competitive year in world soccer, with players representing some of Europe’s biggest clubs while also starring for their respective national teams throughout the season.

Trophy closely associated with Lionel Messi and Barcelona

Few players have left a greater mark on the Onze d’Or than Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon remains the competition’s most successful winner with four titles, cementing his place as one of the defining figures in the award’s history.

Barcelona has enjoyed exceptional success in the competition over the decades. Former Camp Nou legends including Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazario, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Hristo Stoichkov, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele have all lifted the trophy during their careers. That tradition gives Yamal another opportunity to continue Barcelona’s remarkable legacy in one of soccer’s oldest fan-voted honors.

The governing body has begun evaluating whether the 2030 World Cup could increase from 48 participating national teams to 64, a move that would mark another historic transformation only one edition after the competition expanded from 32 to 48 teams in 2026. While FIFA insists the process is still at the evaluation stage, the pace of developments has caught many stakeholders by surprise.

According to documents seen by multiple media outlets, including ESPN, FIFA has started a consultation process and plans to appoint an independent agency to assess the sporting, financial and logistical consequences of another expansion.

“FIFA wishes to appoint an independent agency to determine whether and how expanding the FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 participating national teams, starting with the 2030 edition, would impact on the tournament proposition”, states FIFA’s research brief.

Rather than making an immediate decision, the governing body wants the external study to examine whether the larger tournament would genuinely benefit world soccer or create more problems than opportunities.

Decision process moves quickly

One of the most striking aspects of the proposal is how quickly FIFA wants the review completed, ESPN, The Guardian and Doble Amarilla have revealed. The governing body has already distributed research documents to potential agencies and is aiming to select one by August 14, before receiving the completed analysis on September 11.

That accelerated timeline means FIFA could have the necessary information in hand well before member associations vote on other major proposals later in September, including the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project.

Why 64 teams are back on agenda

The idea of expanding to 64 national teams is not entirely new. South America’s governing body, CONMEBOL, officially proposed the format as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

The tournament is already scheduled to be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage a centenary match to honor the inaugural World Cup played in Uruguay in 1930.

Under a 64-team format, FIFA could revert to 16 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing directly to a round of 32. That structure would simplify qualification for the knockout stage compared to the current 48-team model, which introduced additional complexity. Expanding the competition would also create more matches, more ticket sales, additional sponsorship inventory and greater broadcasting revenue.

The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches, became the most commercially successful edition in tournament history. Increasing the field to 64 teams would raise the total number of matches even further, reportedly reaching 128 games.

With preseason already underway, the only major incoming deal on the table remains the pursuit of Samu Costa, leaving Ronaldo and the coaching staff still waiting on fresh reinforcements as the new campaign approaches.

However, Bento could leave the club to make way for a new signing. According to a report from 365Scores Arabic, head coach Ange Postecoglou is open to letting Bento leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, a move that would free up one of Al Nassr‘s limited foreign-player slots.

Under Saudi Pro League rules, clubs are capped to ten of non-Saudi players they can register, so parting ways with Bento would give the club room to pursue a new foreign full-back or midfielder, positions where, according to the report, Postecoglou wants to reinforce the squad.

Postecoglou puts his trust in Al Aqidi

Should Bento depart, Nawaf Al Aqidi is reportedly the leading candidate to step in as Al Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper, with the coaching staff increasingly comfortable trusting the existing squad options between the posts rather than bringing in a replacement from outside.

The move also fits into a broader pattern for Al Nassr this summer, which has so far centered more on reincorporating players from loan, such as Jhon Durán and Wesley, than on marquee outside additions. Freeing up Bento’s slot would give the club more flexibility to add proven talent from abroad as they build a squad capable of defending their first league title since 2019.

Samu Costa’s situation

Al Nassr have already reached an agreement with RCD Mallorca for Samu Costa, with the Portuguese midfielder specifically requested by Postecoglou to fill the defensive-midfield role left open by Marcelo Brozović’s departure.

The deal, initially reported in the $22 million range, is reportedly awaiting final approval from the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee before it can be formally announced, with Costa expected to link up with his new teammates once the paperwork clears.

Match Overview

The United States U20 have already secured a place in the CONCACAF U20 Championshipquarterfinals after a 3-0 win over El Salvador, but they’ll be chasing first place when they meet Cuba U20.

Cuba kept its hopes alive with an opening victory over El Salvador before falling 3-2 to Haiti, leaving them in need of at least a draw to boost their knockout chances. With both teams still playing for something important, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.

The sale went through American collectibles house Goldin as part of its “Global Football Auction Part 2,” a sale that also featured memorabilia tied to names like Lamine Yamal, Pelé, and Lionel Messi, and closed on July 25.

The piece up for grabs wasn’t the actual World Cup trophy, which stays in FIFA’s possession, but the identical replica FIFA and the French federation hand every world champion as a personal keepsake, standing roughly 38 centimeters tall. It was listed with a crack at its base and visible wear, and the winning bidder received a certificate signed by Mendy to authenticate it.

Mendy had a brief participation at the 2018 World Cup

Mendy, now 32, played a bit-part role in that Russia 2018 run under Didier Deschamps, coming on for 40 minutes in a 0-0 group-stage draw with Denmark while Lucas Hernandez started every other match at left-back.

France‘s path to the title included wins over Argentina in the round of 16, Uruguay in the quarterfinals, and Belgium in the semifinals before the final against Croatia.

Mendy’s career: a fall from the top

Mendy’s path to that World Cup medal ran through Le Havre, where he broke into the first team in 2011 after coming up through the reserves, before a move to Olympique de Marseille in 2013 for three seasons.

He then joined Monaco, where he won the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title as part of the young squad that also produced Kylian Mbappé, and that breakout campaign earned him a move to Manchester City in 2017 for a then-world-record fee for a defender.

His six years at City were repeatedly derailed by injuries and, later, a major legal setback that kept him out of football entirely for two years before he was cleared in 2023.

City released him following that ordeal, and his career never recovered its old level: a brief, appearance-less spell at Lorient came next, followed by a short stint at Swiss side FC Zürich, before he signed with Poland’s Pogoń Szczecin in September 2025, where he currently plays.

Besides MLS, the 37-year-old player revealed in an interview with DSports that he also has offers from Mexico and a club in Europe. “There are offers from the United States, from Mexico, and one from Europe that isn’t confirmed yet, but there are talks… Right now I’m waiting on proposals, but for the moment I’m not ruling out the FPC (Professional Colombian Football),” Cuadrado revealed.

While Cuadrado hasn’t revealed any of the clubs that have shown interest in him, Inter Miami could easily be one of the MLS sides in the mix for several reasons. The Colombian is currently a free agent, which would make any move straightforward from a contractual standpoint.

Since he wouldn’t need to be signed as a Designated Player, the Herons wouldn’t have to touch their salary cap structure to fit him in — a detail that matters given how tightly Miami already manage their DP slots around Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame.

There’s also a clear on-field need he could fill. Facundo Mura, the Argentine right back Inter Miami signed as a free agent from Racing Club, has yet to find the level he showed during his time in Argentina.

Cuadrado, who can also operate as a right-sided midfielder, would give Hoyos both direct competition for that spot and extra depth on the right flank, something the squad could use as the fixture list piles up.

Cuadrado brings a wealth of experience

Then there’s the experience factor. Cuadrado cuenta con muchos partidos con una alta carga de presión, having played in a Champions League final. There, he came on as a substitute for Juventus in the 2016-17 decider against Real Madrid, where they lost 1-4 in Cardiff.

On the international stage, he featured for Colombia at two World Cups, 2014 and 2018, and across five editions of the Copa America, helping the team to third-place finishes in 2016 and 2021 over more than 110 caps for La Tricolor.

None of that guarantees a move to Fort Lauderdale, but between the financial fit, the positional need, and the pedigree he’d bring to the dressing room, Inter Miami have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Cuadrado’s situation as he weighs his options between MLS, Mexico, Europe and Colombia.

In his resignation letter, posted to LinkedIn, Cordeiro didn’t hold back. “I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup. I want to be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It’s a bad deal for FIFA’s member federations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of this sport,” he wrote.

“…After careful consideration, I can no longer continue in my role as Senior Advisor to the FIFA President. I have therefore resigned with immediate effect,” Cordeiro added, making clear he is stepping down from his post effective immediately.

Cordeiro’s objections carry particular weight given his background. He served as U.S. Soccer Federation president from 2018 to 2020 before Infantino named him Senior Advisor for Global Strategy and Governance in 2021.

In his letter, Cordeiro pressed FIFA for answers on basic accountability questions, asking who stands to benefit from the deal, whether there was a competitive process, and why member federations are being asked to decide on something this consequential in just 50 days.

FIFA’s response to the backlash

The FIFA Forward Enterprise plan hasn’t gone over well with the different confederations. UEFA has already announced its national federations won’t take part in FIFA-run competitions if the plan goes through, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have voiced similar opposition.

FIFA pushed back on the criticism Friday, insisting the plan doesn’t amount to selling off the sport. “Nobody is selling football. This is something FIFA would never contemplate,” the governing body said in a statement, denying that private investors would gain control over the game.

FIFA framed the proposal as merely consultative, arguing no single confederation can decide on behalf of its 211 member associations and that any changes would require majority backing from that full membership.

The organization also brushed off some of the reporting around the plan as “erroneous information” that it said distorted the nature of the consultation. Still, FIFA acknowledged the concerns raised in recent days and said the discussion process remains open, even as UEFA’s boycott threat and Concacaf’s rejection continue to pile pressure on Infantino’s proposal.

The latest reports suggest UEFA officials have been searching for a heavyweight candidate capable of challenging Infantino when FIFA members elect their next president in March 2027. While one prominent name has repeatedly surfaced, new developments have now provided greater clarity about where the Paris Saint-Germain president stands.

The political landscape inside soccer has shifted dramatically following FIFA‘s proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary that would allow minority private investment in FIFA’s competitions.

The proposal has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA and several continental confederations, prompting European soccer leaders to begin discussing whether a credible rival should stand against Infantino at the next FIFA presidential election.

According to multiple reports, Nasser Al-Khelaifi quickly emerged as one of the preferred candidates because of his influence across European soccer and his long-standing relationships within UEFA.

Why Al-Khelaifi became UEFA’s preferred option

Al-Khelaifi has built one of the strongest profiles in modern soccer administration. Besides serving as president of Paris Saint-Germain, he also chairs Qatar Sports Investments, leads beIN Media Group, sits on UEFA’s Executive Committee, represents the European Soccer Clubs (EFC), and has attended FIFA Council meetings in recent months.

Those roles have made him one of the sport’s most powerful executives, leading some UEFA officials to believe he would have enough international credibility to mount a serious campaign against the current FIFA president.

Reports from several European outlets, such as Telegraph Sport and Politico, claimed senior soccer officials had privately discussed encouraging Al-Khelaifi to stand in 2027, especially after FIFA’s commercial proposal sparked widespread opposition.

Infantino’s proposal to open FIFA’s commercial business to outside investors has transformed what had appeared to be a straightforward re-election campaign. UEFA has strongly opposed the initiative, arguing that the World Cup should remain under the full control of soccer’s governing institutions rather than attracting private investment.

As criticism spread across Europe, the search for an alternative candidate accelerated, with Al-Khelaifi’s name consistently appearing near the top of the list. According to the reports, some officials believed “the stars have aligned” for the PSG president to enter the race.

Al-Khelaifi finally makes his position clear

Despite months of speculation, Al-Khelaifi has ruled out any intention of challenging Gianni Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election. His representatives moved quickly to dismiss growing reports linking him with the position.

According to his spokesperson: “Nasser has absolutely no ambition, no intention, no interest in the FIFA role, and he will continue to discreetly support all the institutions of world and European soccer.”

Another statement reinforced the message. “Mr Al-Khelaifi has no ambition, intention or interest in this position at FIFA or in all this media hype.” Those comments effectively ended speculation that the PSG president would become UEFA’s preferred challenger.

The growing conflict stems from FIFA‘s proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary designed to manage the governing body’s major competitions. While FIFA insists the project would generate billions for soccer development, critics argue the plan risks changing the identity of the World Cup and weakening trust between the sport’s governing bodies.

The controversy began after FIFA unveiled plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company valued at roughly $20 billion, which would oversee commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.

Under the proposal, up to 20% of the company could be sold to private investors, with FIFA hoping to raise approximately $4.2 billion. According to FIFA, the additional revenue would significantly increase financial support for its 211 member associations, with some federations eligible to receive as much as $40 million if they approve the proposal before the September deadline.

Spain and Portugal find themselves at the heart of the dispute

The situation has become especially sensitive because Spain, Portugal and Morocco are scheduled to host the 2030 World Cup, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the tournament’s opening centenary matches.

Although Spain and Portugal have not individually announced they are withdrawing, Spanish newspaper El Español indicates that both countries are considering abandoning their hosting role if FIFA refuses to change course.

The reports are directly connected to UEFA’s collective position, rather than independent decisions by the two countries. Because both federations belong to UEFA, they are expected to follow the confederation’s stance if the dispute remains unresolved.

UEFA threatens boycott as FIFA refuses to back down

The major turning point came when all 55 UEFA member associations unanimously voted to oppose FIFA’s proposal, warning they would boycott FIFA competitions if the project continues.

According to UEFA: “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.” The governing body added: “It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

That position means Spain and Portugal could ultimately be prevented from participating in, or even hosting, the very tournament they are preparing to stage, should UEFA carry out its threat and FIFA move forward with the proposal. Such a scenario would be unprecedented in World Cup history.

As criticism intensified, FIFA publicly defended the proposal and rejected suggestions that it intends to privatize the World Cup. FIFA stated: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”

The organization also insisted that the consultation process would continue despite widespread opposition. FIFA added: “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification, but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 Member Associations around the world.”

Morocco remains cautious

Unlike Spain and Portugal, Morocco is not a UEFA member and therefore is not bound by the European confederation’s collective position. The African nation has remained publicly silent throughout the controversy while continuing preparations for its first men’s World Cup.

Massive investments are already underway, including the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II and upgrades to stadiums, transport infrastructure and tourism facilities. That cautious approach leaves Morocco in a unique position if disagreements between FIFA and UEFA continue to escalate.

The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable.

The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.”

The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives.

Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant.

New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return

Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr.  While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture.

According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp.

Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season.

That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh.

Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together

Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee.

Earlier reports suggested the Portuguese captain could still arrive in Lisbon for the closing stages of preseason. Still, the latest update indicates that his return will instead happen once the club has completed its work in Portugal. The coaching staff appears willing to prioritize Ronaldo’s recovery rather than rushing him back, particularly after a long season that ended with another demanding World Cup campaign.

Match Overview

Haiti and El Salvador square off in a pivotal Group A clash at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship with knockout-round implications at stake. Haiti boosted its qualification chances with a key victory over Cuba and can secure a place in the next stage with another positive result.

El Salvador, meanwhile, is fighting to stay alive after back-to-back 3-0 losses to Cuba and the United States, leaving little room for error. With both teams carrying plenty to play for, this promises to be one of the most important matchups of the group stage and a game fans won’t want to miss.

Messi returned to training in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 29, but Hoyos stopped short of confirming his captain would be included for the visit of Columbus, leaving the door open without making any promises.

Speaking to reporters after the training session, Hoyos was asked directly about Messi’s chances of featuring. “We’re talking along those lines. He arrived not long ago, so we haven’t really had the space yet to talk properly, but we’re very happy that he’s back,” the coach said.

Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in an identical spot, having rejoined the squad at the same time as his compatriot, meaning his availability for Inter Miami’s next MLS clash is also in doubt.

Notably, Inter Miami haven’t needed either of them to keep winning. The club beat Chicago Fire 3-2, with Luis Suárez scoring a brace, and followed it up with a 1-0 win at CF Montreal with the Uruguayan finding the net again, stretching their run to six straight victories.

Messi’s potential return to the pitch with Inter Miami

If Saturday comes too soon, the more realistic target for Messi’s first appearance since the World Cup final is Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on August 5.

That date would also line up with games against Monterrey on August 8 and Leon on August 12 to close the group stage, giving Hoyos a clearer runway to manage Messi’s reintegration than a compressed turnaround against Columbus would allow.

The controversy has quickly evolved into a global debate over the future of the sport. While several federations believe the proposal could permanently alter the sport’s biggest competition, FIFA argues that every member association deserves the opportunity to study the plan before making a decision.

The governing body confirmed it would continue consulting its 211 member associations regarding the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed commercial subsidiary that would oversee the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.

The project would reportedly create a business valued at around $20 billion, with up to a 20% minority stake offered to outside investors. According to FIFA, Thrive Eternal, a fund linked to Thrive Capital founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the proposed investor group.

FIFA insisted recent reports had disrupted discussions but maintained that the consultation process would continue as planned. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA (Member Association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts,” FIFA said.

FIFA insists ‘nobody is selling football’

The governing body also directly addressed the growing criticism surrounding the proposal, rejecting suggestions that it intends to commercialize ownership of soccer’s biggest tournaments. “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the organization stated.

FIFA further emphasized that no final decision will be made without majority support from its member associations, arguing that every federation should have the opportunity to evaluate the proposal independently. “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world. Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future.”

UEFA leads unprecedented backlash

The strongest resistance has come from UEFA, whose 55 member associations voted unanimously to boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal moves forward. European soccer’s governing body believes the World Cup should remain entirely outside private investment, arguing the competition represents one of soccer’s greatest shared legacies.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.” The boycott threat could eventually affect several FIFA competitions, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, while uncertainty also surrounds youth tournaments scheduled later this year if the dispute remains unresolved.

Other confederations also raise concerns

UEFA is no longer standing alone. CONCACAF, representing 41 member associations, rejected the proposal during its own meeting, although it stopped short of committing to a boycott. Instead, the confederation cited concerns over governance, transparency and what it described as an unusually short consultation timetable.

Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued one of its strongest public statements in recent years, warning that the proposal could never succeed without support from all six continental confederations.

The AFC described the situation as damaging for the sport itself. “Football should never have been placed in such a position.” The organization also called on FIFA to review its consultation and decision-making process, arguing that such a significant proposal should have involved wider discussions from the beginning.

Despite headlines framing this as a “transfer ban,” the reality is far less immediate: Chelsea remain free to sign players right now, and understanding why requires breaking down exactly what the FA actually imposed.

The breaches themselves date back to a period between 2009 and 2022, largely concentrated during Roman Abramovich’s ownership of the club between 2010 and 2016.

When Chelsea’s current ownership group, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, took over in 2022, they inherited the club’s historical records and uncovered the irregularities themselves.

Rather than concealing them, the new ownership self-reported the misconduct to the FA, which formally charged the club and saw Chelsea admit to all 74 breaches before any hearing took place.

FA sanction explained

An independent Regulatory Commission initially responded with two penalties: a six-point deduction and a £10 million fine. Crucially, though, that points deduction was suspended until June 30, 2027, meaning it wouldn’t actually cost Chelsea anything in the standings unless the club committed further violations before that date.

Chelsea then appealed specifically against the points penalty, and an independent Appeal Board sided with the club, scrapping the suspended deduction entirely. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a different sanction: a registration ban covering two complete, consecutive transfer windows. But just like the points deduction it replaced, this ban is also suspended until June 30, 2027.

In practical terms, that means Chelsea can continue signing players normally through this window and beyond, as things stand. The ban only becomes real if the club breaches similar regulations again before the suspension period ends, at which point both this window ban and potentially further sanctions could be triggered.

The only part of the punishment that isn’t suspended, or appealable, is the £10 million fine, which the FA has confirmed will go entirely toward funding grassroots football.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City is targeting Rulli from Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille. The plan calls for the veteran Argentine to serve as the primary backup under manager Enzo Maresca while Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma holds down the starting job.

City’s interest in Rulli comes as secondary goalkeeper James Trafford nears a permanent transfer to Leeds United. As reported by The Athletic, the prospective deal carries a £40 million ($53 million USD) fee plus add-ons, a figure that would make Trafford the fifth-most expensive goalkeeper in history behind Kepa Arrizabalaga ($91M), Alisson Becker ($71M), Gianluigi Buffon ($60M), and André Onana ($60M).

Rulli, who currently serves as the primary backup for the Argentina national team, remains under contract with Marseille through June 2027. According to Argentine transfer expert Uriel Iugt, Manchester City has already agreed to personal terms on a two-year contract with the keeper, leaving Trafford’s formal departure and club-to-club negotiations as the final hurdles.

Rulli positioned for long-awaited City debut

Rulli built his European career through consistent stints in Spain, France, and the Netherlands. However, his history with Manchester City remains a notable curiosity: despite formally belonging to the club nearly a decade ago, he never played a single minute for the Sky Blues.

A product of Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata academy, Rulli completed a €3.5 million move to Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado in 2014, a club frequently utilized as a transactional bridge for player rights. That same window, he joined Real Sociedad on a two-year loan before Manchester City purchased his rights for €4.7 million in 2016, immediately loaning him back to the Spanish club.

During the January 2017 transfer window, Real Sociedad triggered a €7 million buy option to sign Rulli permanently, ending his first stint at Manchester City before he ever put on the shirt. The Argentine keeper came close to returning to the Etihad Stadium later that year, but a personal decision kept him in Spain.

Ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, Mundo Deportivo reported that Manchester City considered activating a €14 million buyback clause. Manager Pep Guardiola envisioned Rulli sharing goalkeeping duties with Claudio Bravo, but Rulli opted to remain at Real Sociedad to secure guaranteed playing time ahead of the 2018 World Cup, a tournament he ultimately missed following an untimely injury.

Following his starting run with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, Casemiro opted to join Inter Miami in free agency, providing the Herons with a proven defensive anchor in the wake of Sergio Busquets’ retirement. Although the 34-year-old made his club debut last Saturday, logging a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 road victory over CF Montreal, his formal unveiling took place Thursday at Nu Stadium.

During Thursday’s press conference, as reported by journalist José Armando, Casemiro spoke passionately about teaming up with Messi: “I am living a dream to play with one of the greatest of all time. I want to enjoy it, I want to help him continue winning because he is a winner. He teams up with another player who wants to win, who wants to compete. In the end, the margin between winning and losing is always very close, we know that, but we want to compete, and we want to compete.“

Casemiro expressed gratitude to managing owner Jorge Mas and co-owner David Beckham, noting that despite lucrative interest from European suitors, South Florida was his top priority. “I had many options—I had offers in Italy, I had many teams reaching out—but I am exactly where I want to be,” he stated.

He concluded by placing Messi among the most influential figures in sports history: “I want to enjoy that, being with him, making him win, making him greater; he is one of the gods, if not the god of football. So I want to enjoy it with him and keep winning with him.“

Since Busquets hung up his boots, Inter Miami struggled to replicate the midfield balance that drove their previous championship runs, a vulnerability Casemiro’s presence is expected to resolve. The five-time Champions League winner inked a deal through June 2027 that includes a club option through 2029.

Casemiro joins exclusive club to play alongside Messi and Ronaldo

During their prime years in Europe, Messi and Casemiro shared an intense rivalry on opposite sides of El Clasico, featuring in epic Barcelona–Real Madrid clashes alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as heated international battles between Argentina and Brazil. Now in the twilight of his career, the decorated midfielder finds himself partnering with the player he once spent years trying to suppress.

With the move, Casemiro becomes just the 28th player in soccer history to play alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also the eighth former Real Madrid player to subsequently share a locker room with Messi, joining Angel Di Maria, Sergio Ramos, Gonzalo Higuain, Achraf Hakimi, Keylor Navas, Pablo Sarabia, Fernando Gago, and Ezequiel Garay.

Complete List of Players to Play with Both Messi and Ronaldo

1. Angel Di Maria
2. Gerard Pique
3. Sergio Ramos
4. Paulo Dybala
5. Gonzalo Higuain
6. Carlos Tevez
7. Achraf Hakimi
8. Keylor Navas
9. Deco
10. Vitinha
11. Henrik Larsson
12. Martin Caceres
13. Miralem Pjanic
14. Arthur Melo
15. Nelson Semedo
16. Andre Gomes
17. Danilo Pereira
18. Nuno Mendes
19. Renato Sanches
20. Francisco Trincao
21. Pablo Sarabia
22. Alejandro Garnacho
23. Lisandro Martinez
24. Gabriel Heinze
25. Fernando Gago
26. Ezequiel Garay
27. Gonzalo Martinez
28. Casemiro

On Thursday, July 30, Santos inaugurated a newly designed wing honoring Neymar Jr. inside the Memorial das Conquistas (Memorial of Achievements), the museum located inside the club’s iconic stadium. The brand-new attraction showcases a bronze bust, a statue, and an autographed blue Santos No. 10 jersey.

It was a landmark day for soccer fans worldwide and a deeply personal homecoming for the former Menino da Vila (“Village Boy“). Santos FC officially opened the dedicated space to celebrate the career of the idol long affectionately referred to by local supporters as the “Prince of the Vila.“

Renato Guedes, the lead sculptor behind the artwork, reflected on the challenge of capturing the essence of a living legend. “The intention was always not just to portray the athlete, but to portray the role model he is for the new generation, for the boys who dream of playing football and will see in him the benchmark of futebol arte (beautiful game),” Guedes stated in the club’s official website.

Neymar expressed his gratitude in an emotional social media post following the ceremony: “Today I was caught by surprise… being honored by your beloved team is incredible. Being part of the history of Santos is an honor! I thank God first and foremost, my family, and the entire Santista nation that supported me from my first steps in SANTOS FC’s youth academy!“

He closed his message by reaffirming his devotion to the club that launched his career. “We’ve had many emotional and unforgettable moments… but we’ve also had bad times, and all of you were by my side. I’m a fan on the pitch, fighting, battling, and giving everything I can at every moment; I’ve made mistakes countless times and I’ll make mistakes again (hopefully not), but always wanting what’s best for Peixão! Thank you, SANTISTA NATION, for everything,” he wrote.

Engraved at the base of the bust are Neymar’s major achievements with Santos, including three consecutive Campeonato Paulista titles (2010–2012), the 2010 Copa do Brasil, and the 2011 Copa Libertadores. During his initial run with O Peixe, he also won the 2011 FIFA Puskas Award, scored 136 goals in 225 official matches, and secured the largest transfer fee in club history via his historic €88 million move to FC Barcelona.

The Prince joins the King

On its official website, Santos formally dubbed Neymar the Príncipe da Vila (“Prince of the Village“), the title bestowed upon him as the heir to O Rei Pele. While the museum features team exhibits honoring historic eras like the 1960s “Os Santásticos” squad and the “Sereias da Vila” women’s team, Neymar and Pele stand as the only two individual players with dedicated personal galleries inside the facility.

Pelé’s legendary gallery, known as “The King’s Space,” houses iconic memorabilia including game-worn jerseys, boots, personal trophies, and a symbolic crown and scepter honoring his status as soccer royalty. It also features his personal locker, which has remained locked and untouched since his final match for Santos in 1974, one of the most sacred sites at Vila Belmiro.

Announced on Tuesady, July 28, FIFA Forward Enterprise would function as a new commercial subsidiary consolidating FIFA’s tournament operations and commercial rights, including those tied to the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

According to valuations from J.P. Morgan, the entity would be worth roughly $20 billion, with FIFA looking to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling stakes to outside investors.

Among the private investors reportedly involved is Thrive Eternal, a firm launched by Joshua Kushner. Gianni Infantino has given national federations until September 19 to back the plan, reportedly sweetening the deal with a $40 million incentive for associations that agree to support it.

Amid the criticism arriving from Europe and Central America, FIFPRO president Sergio Marchi’s idea is to coordinate a meeting that allows the project to be properly analyzed, stating in the official announcement that “great transformations require great debates“.

FIFPRO’s official announcement

“As President of FIFPRO, I have learned, along with the entire football community, of the announcement made by FIFA regarding the project known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)…

“…Decisions that could influence the future of our sport must be debated with the participation of those who are part of its governance and those who contribute daily to its development: the confederations, the leagues, the clubs, and, of course, the footballers, the true protagonists of the game…

“…With that in mind, as President of FIFPRO, I have today proposed a multi-sector meeting with the top authorities of FIFA, UEFA, CONMEBOL, the European Club Association (ECA), and the World Leagues Association (WLA). Great transformations require great debates. And few initiatives have the capacity to influence the future of world football as much as the one announced today.”

Where the different confederations stand

The reaction across football’s governing bodies has been sharp and, so far, far from unified. UEFA has taken the firmest stance, stating that no European national team will participate in any FIFA competition while the proposal remains in effect, unless it is fully abandoned and FIFA provides binding guarantees that it will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.

The confederation already held an emergency virtual meeting with its 55 member associations, with a potential boycott of FIFA competitions reportedly on the table.

CONCACAF has aligned itself with UEFA’s opposition, with all 41 of its member federations voting to reject the project outright. CONMEBOL, meanwhile, remains the outlier: as of now, South America’s governing body hasn’t issued any public position on FIFA’s proposal.

According to reports from outlets like La Razón, more than 30 separate campaigns have popped up online calling for the foundation to reconsider or revoke the honor before its official ceremony in October.

It’s worth being clear from the outset: none of this is official. These are online petitions, not a formal review process, and as of now, the Fundación Princesa de Asturias haven’t issued any statement responding to the campaigns. Still, the scale is notable — one of the more prominent petitions has already surpassed 1,500 signatures in just over a week, and the sheer number of separate campaigns circulating suggests this isn’t a fringe complaint.

The 2026 World Cup final involved

The grievances cited in these petitions center on specific moments from the final and its aftermath: Messi appearing to push for a red card against Marc Cucurella and showing little concern after accidentally striking Mikel Merino in the head with the ball.

There is also broader frustration tied to the flag controversy that arose during Argentina’s semifinal win over England involving the Falklands Islands. Petitioners argue these episodes run counter to the values of respect and fair play the award is meant to recognize.

Messi joins a short list of honorees

Messi’s award makes him the only individual footballer to win the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on his own, joining Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez as the only other footballers to be recognized, though the two Spaniards received the honor jointly in 2012 rather than individually.

Football has also been recognized at the national team level twice before: Spain’s national side won the award in 2010 following their first World Cup title, and Brazil’s national team took the honor in 2002 after securing a record fifth World Cup crown.

FIFA officially unveiled plans this week for the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a corporate spin-off entity designed to oversee commercial and operational delivery for premier tournaments, including the World Cup. The proposal involves selling up to a 20% minority stake to private investors, valuing the new venture at roughly $20 billion. The move met immediate resistance from UEFA, whose 55 member associations signaled an outright boycott of FIFA competitions, including future men’s and women’s World Cups, should the project proceed.

CONCACAF, the governing body representing North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, issued a scathing statement Thursday formally rejecting the global federation’s proposal.

Echoing CONCACAF‘s stance, the U.S. Soccer Federation released a joint statement and amplified the message across its official X account, aligning itself directly with regional leadership. “U.S. Soccer stands with Concacaf and its members,” the federation posted.

In its sharp rebuke, CONCACAF emphasized that its member federations remain united “by the love of our game” as an “organization founded on service, transparent governance, and the long-term stewardship of football“. The statement served as a direct salvo toward Zurich: “History has shown FIFA and the football family what happens when the custodians of the game lose sight of these values“.

CONCACAF now becomes the second major confederation to publicly oppose Infantino and the FFE initiative alongside UEFA. However, unlike its European counterpart, North America’s governing body stopped short of issuing an explicit boycott threat regarding upcoming FIFA tournaments.

How many votes does Infantino need?

With UEFA and CONCACAF formally closing ranks against the proposal, the block of opposing member associations has grown to 90. Still, if Infantino can hold the line across the remaining confederations, the FIFA Forward Enterprise project could still secure enough support to pass.

FIFA currently comprises 211 member associations, meaning Infantino requires a simple majority of 106 votes to ratify the proposal. To officially block the project, the UEFA-CONCACAF opposition bloc needs to recruit at least 15 additional votes from rival confederations.

The voting breakdown across FIFA’s 211 member associations by confederation is structured as follows:

• UEFA (Europe): 55 votes
• CAF (Africa): 54 votes
• AFC (Asia): 46 votes
• CONCACAF (North America, Central America, Caribbean): 35 votes
• OFC (Oceania): 11 votes
• CONMEBOL (South America): 10 votes

While CONCACAF represents 41 total member associations, only 35 hold full FIFA voting privileges. Attention now turns to CAF, the AFC, OFC, and CONMEBOL, whose member federations have yet to release official statements or reveal how they intend to vote on the contentious proposal.

Match Overview

Mexico U20 have already secured a place in the next round and now look to wrap up the group stage with a perfect record. Guatemala U20, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for qualification after recovering from an opening loss to Costa Rica U20 with a victory over Antigua and Barbuda U20.

A draw could be enough to keep Guatemala’s hopes alive, raising the stakes for this decisive group-stage encounter. With advancement and momentum on the line, this is a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

Match Overview

A spot in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 is at stake as Boca Juniors and O’Higgins meet in a decisive second-leg clash in Chile. Boca, one of South America’s traditional powers, carries a 1-0 advantage after winning the first meeting following its Copa Libertadores exit.

O’Higgins, however, remains within striking distance and will have home-field advantage as it looks to overturn the deficit and secure a historic qualification. With everything on the line, expect an intense battle from start to finish.

According to SPORT journalist David Bernabeu, the renewal offer Barcelona plan to present to Torres doesn’t fully satisfy the forward. Ferran believes he deserves greater recognition after two strong seasons, in which he finished with 40 goals and 10 assists combined.

With his contract nearing its end, the forward’s situation is being closely tracked by several clubs. “Ferran knows that in a few months he could leave for free, and there are two clubs interested in him, above all, PSG and Atletico Madrid. The Atleti interest could be related to Julian, but as of today, I repeat, it seems most likely that he stays,” MARCA‘s Matteo Moretto explained.

This situation could actually work in both clubs’ favor, since a potential Torres move to Atletico Madrid could open the door for Julian Alvarez to arrive at Camp Nou. The Argentine forward made clear during the 2026 World Cup that he wants a transfer, though Madrid’s stance remains that any deal would need to meet his €500 million release clause.

However, Bernabeu noted that Barcelona don’t want to let go of Ferran Torres unless the forward himself requests to leave, and that the odds of the Spaniard staying or departing are now “50/50,” since the final decision rests with the player.

Atletico Madrid’s players reportedly pushing for Torres to join

The push for Ferran Torres to join Atletico Madrid isn’t only coming from the boardroom — it’s reportedly being driven from inside the locker room too.

“I’ll tell you that there are also Atletico Madrid players who are very close friends with Ferran Torres who tell him every day, ‘hey, come here, you’re going to be our number nine, you’re going to be our idol.’ But well, there are still things pending,” Moretto said in his report for MARCA.

PSG reportedly shift toward Maghnes Akliouche

PSG have also been mentioned throughout this saga as suitors for both players, adding a third club into the mix around Ferran’s future and, separately, around Alvarez’s.

However, the Parisians appear to have shifted direction in their pursuit of both forwards. PSG have reportedly made real progress on a separate deal for Maghnes Akliouche, with reports suggesting a fee close to €50 million to pry him away from Monaco.

While Ferran and Akliouche could be seen as two targets PSG want simultaneously rather than one replacing the other, the advancing talks for the French forward could still be read as a signal that PSG’s priorities are shifting elsewhere in the final stretch of the window.

After finding himself on the outside looking in under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Rashford emerged as a prime bargain on the transfer market. Barcelona jumped at the opportunity, securing the winger on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy. During his stay in Spain, Rashford rediscovered his form, worked his way back into the England national team picture, and delivered a strong statistical campaign, though Barcelona ultimately decided against triggering his permanent transfer.

With his return to the Camp Nou officially off the table, Rashford took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message to the fans: “I’m very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience. I’ve enjoyed every moment and will take many special memories with me.“

Accompanied by a pair of photos, one showcasing his shirt and another on the pitch, the winger closed his post by wishing the club well moving forward. “I wish the club and all its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead. Visca el Barça,” he wrote.

According to ESPN, Barcelona held a €30 million ($35 million USD) purchase option for Rashford that expired on June 15. However, after the Catalan club invested heavily to land Anthony Gordon for €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons alongside Karim Adeyemi, a permanent move for Rashford became financially unfeasible.

Rashford leaves Barcelona, the third club of his professional career following stints at Manchester United and Aston Villa, after making 49 appearances, tallying 14 goals and 14 assists. During his single year in Spain, he lifted two trophies, capturing the Spanish Super Cup and a La Liga crown, marking the first domestic league title of his career.

Could Rashford join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr?

Even with Michael Carrick now at the helm at Old Trafford, Rashford hasn’t completely closed the door on a permanent departure from Manchester United. Speculation briefly hinted at a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has previously lured high-profile European talent to Saudi Arabia. Recent reports from transfer insider Pedro Almeida claimed Al Nassr was preparing a formal bid for the English star.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quickly squashed those rumors, reporting that Rashford has no intention of leaving Manchester United for Al-Nassr, even if the Saudi club submits an official proposal. Romano revealed that a move to non-European leagues is simply not part of the forward’s short-term plans.

Instead, Rashford’s primary goal is to remain in Europe’s spotlight to safeguard his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. While remaining at Manchester United remains a distinct possibility, he will reportedly only consider a departure if a top-tier European contender comes calling.

At first glance, the contrast appears striking. One superstar has resumed training less than two weeks after the World Cup final, while the other continues to recover away from his club. However, the explanation goes far beyond commitment or motivation, with the circumstances surrounding each player’s return telling a much more complete story.

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami‘s training facility on Wednesday, ending a short break that followed Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The Major League Soccer club shared images of the Argentine captain arriving at the Fort Lauderdale complex alongside Luis Suarez, confirming that the 39-year-old had resumed preparations for the remainder of the season.

Before heading back to Florida, the 39-year-old spent time with his family in Rosario following one of the most emotional moments of his career. Argentina narrowly missed the chance to defend its World Cup crown after suffering a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in New Jersey.

The key difference between Messi and Ronaldo’s situations

The biggest difference between the two superstars is their respective club calendars.

Inter Miami immediately resumed competitive action after the World Cup, forcing the MLS club to continue its domestic schedule without Messi. During his absence, Miami played league matches against Chicago Fire and CF Montréal before preparing for another MLS fixture against Columbus Crew and the upcoming Leagues Cup.

Because the American season continues throughout the summer, Messi’s return to training became necessary even after such an exhausting international campaign. Major League Soccer also exempted him from the All-Star Game because of the short turnaround following the World Cup.

Ronaldo remains away as Al-Nassr follows another plan

Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation is very different. Although Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain on July 6, more than three weeks before Messi returned to Inter Miami, Al-Nassr has deliberately allowed its captain additional recovery time before integrating him into preseason preparations.

Rather than reporting immediately to training camp, Ronaldo has continued following an individualized recovery program after a demanding World Cup. According to reports, the decision was made jointly by the coaching staff and club management, who want him to begin the new campaign fully refreshed.

The Portuguese forward featured in four World Cup matches, scoring twice against Uzbekistan before Portugal’s tournament came to an early end. Instead of rushing him back, Al-Nassr has focused on carefully managing his workload ahead of another demanding domestic and continental season.

New coach prioritizes long-term fitness

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou has also influenced the approach. Reports indicate that the Australian manager has remained in regular contact with Ronaldo throughout his extended break, requesting physical tests and monitoring his conditioning remotely before welcoming him back to preseason training. Several other international players have also been granted additional rest after their World Cup commitments.

Ronaldo was absent as Al-Nassr opened preseason with a 2-1 friendly defeat against Benfica B and a 2-0 win over Merida, while the club continues preparations in Europe ahead of two remaining exhibition matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria. Current expectations suggest the August 4 meeting with Almería could become Ronaldo’s first appearance under Postecoglou, provided his recovery continues according to schedule.

The winger’s return comes with optimism despite the physical setback that ended his tournament. Milan remains confident that one of its most influential attacking players will be ready to make an impact early in the new campaign, although the club is taking every precaution before clearing him for competitive action.

Pulisic arrived at Milanello on Thursday morning, one day later than originally scheduled after being granted additional time by the club for logistical reasons. He underwent the customary medical examinations before beginning individual work aimed at rebuilding his fitness after the injury sustained during the World Cup.

The American international is not traveling with the Rossoneri on their preseason tour of Australia, instead remaining at the club’s training center to focus entirely on rehabilitation. Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez also returned to Milanello as he continues recovering from his own ankle injury suffered while representing Mexico.

Pulisic suffered leg fracture in World Cup defeat to Belgium

The recovery program follows an injury Pulisic suffered during the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.  According to The Athletic, the injury occurred when the American attempted a shot before colliding with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Although Pulisic initially tried to continue playing, he was eventually forced off the field after struggling with the pain. “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” the 27-year-old explained after the match.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed a bone bruise and a microfracture in his right leg, specifically around the tibia-fibula junction, with earlier Italian reports also describing a microfracture to his right fibula. Doctors reportedly believe the injury requires weeks rather than months of recovery, offering encouragement ahead of the domestic season.

Milan’s cautious recovery plan revealed

Rather than accelerating his return, Milan has opted for a carefully managed rehabilitation program designed to maximize Pulisic’s long-term fitness. Italian outlets including La Gazzetta dello Sport and MilanNews report that the initial phase focuses on rest before gradually introducing rehabilitation exercises and individual training sessions.

The winger is currently working separately from the main squad while recovering from bone edema around the tibia-fibula junction. The club has deliberately avoided placing unnecessary pressure on one of its most important attacking players. Instead of rushing him back into full training, Milan intends to increase his workload only when medical staff are fully satisfied with his progress.

Despite the cautious approach, there is growing confidence that Pulisic could be available for Milan’s opening Serie A fixture against Torino on August 23. Reports suggest new head coach Ruben Amorim expects the American to remain one of the team’s key attacking figures this season. However, neither the coaching staff nor the medical department is willing to compromise his long-term condition simply to accelerate his preseason preparations.

Italian media indicate the club is even prepared to delay his return beyond the opening weekend if additional recovery time significantly reduces the risk of recurrence during what is expected to be a demanding campaign.

Match Overview

Costa Rica U20 head into this key group-stage matchup knowing a victory would secure their place in the next round. Despite their recent loss to Mexico, they remain in control of their qualification hopes.

Antigua and Barbuda U20, meanwhile, are on the brink of elimination after a 4-0 defeat to Guatemala and likely need a convincing win to keep their slim chances alive. With both teams still playing for something important, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.

One week after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) officially announced Vincic’s retirement, celebrating his milestone assignment: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“

In an interview with Slovenian outlet Sport, Vincic admitted that hearing of his final assignment initially came as a shock. However, representing Slovenian officiating on the world stage was a profound honor, especially “when your entire refereeing career comes down to a single match.“

The match itself featured several critical refereeing moments, highlighted by Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card late in the second half following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi. Despite the high pressure, Vincic praised the officiating crew’s performance: “We were not the main topic of conversation after the match, which shows that we did our job well overall. I think our refereeing strategy was the right one.“

Vincic’s exchange with Messi

With Spain controlling the tempo, Argentina struggled to generate late momentum. One notable moment saw Marc Cucurella covering his mouth to speak to Messi, prompting the Argentine forward to call out the gesture to officials.

When asked about his direct interactions with Messi during the match, Vincic kept the specifics confidential while praising the superstar’s conduct. “I will leave that conversation on the pitch. But I can say that Messi behaved in a completely sportsmanlike manner,” he stated.

Messi’s tough luck with Vincic on the whistle

Despite a long international career beginning in 2010, Vincic rarely crossed paths with Messi in European club competitions. Vincic officiated a Barcelona match against Inter Milan in October 2022 after Messi had joined PSG, and later refereed a PSG-AC Milan fixture in October 2023 after Messi had already moved to Inter Miami.

Instead, the pair’s only encounters came on the World Cup stage, and both ended in heartbreak for Messi. Their first meeting occurred during Argentina’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022, followed by Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 final, marking the only two World Cup losses of Lionel Scaloni’s managerial tenure.

The Saudi champion has entered a new era following the appointment of Postecoglou, who is preparing the team for the 2026/27 campaign after replacing Jorge Jesus. Although the Australian coach has already started implementing his ideas during the training camp in Portugal, Ronaldo has yet to report back after being granted an extended break following international duty.

Al-Nassr opened its preseason schedule with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Benfica B in Lisbon, but the result was far from ideal. The Saudi side took an early lead through Abdulmalik Al-Jaber before conceding twice to suffer a 2-1 defeat in Ange Postecoglou’s first match in charge.

The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staffs to carefully manage workloads during the opening stages of preseason. Despite the disappointing outcome, the coaching staff viewed the fixture as an important opportunity to assess players and begin building fitness ahead of the new season.

Following the defeat, reports indicated that Postecoglou immediately ordered an additional training session, underlining his determination to quickly raise standards before competitive football returns.

Why Ronaldo has not returned yet

The biggest talking point surrounding Al-Nassr’s preseason has been Ronaldo’s absence. Rather than joining the squad immediately after the end of the World Cup, the 41-year-old has remained on vacation while continuing his recovery from a demanding international campaign with Portugal.

Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing another disappointing conclusion to Ronaldo’s pursuit of football’s biggest prize. Instead of rushing their star player back into action, Al-Nassr’s management and coaching staff have opted for a cautious approach, allowing him additional recovery time before beginning preparations for another long campaign.

According to the latest reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, starting July 27, where he will begin a specialized conditioning program designed to prepare him for the physical demands of the new season. The club believes the extra rest will leave its captain fresher for the months ahead.

The Saudi Pro League champion has already begun a new chapter following Postecoglou’s arrival, but the squad remains without several key names. As preseason gathers pace in Portugal and Spain, attention has shifted from the opening results to when Ronaldo will finally make his first appearance of the summer.

Al-Nassr entered preseason looking to build momentum after winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge following his appointment as the club’s new head coach.

The Australian manager’s first outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Benfica B in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. Despite Abdulmalik Al-Jaber giving Al-Nassr an early lead, Benfica’s reserve side responded with two goals to hand Postecoglou his first defeat since taking over.

The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staff to carefully manage workloads during the early stages of preseason. Reports also indicated that Postecoglou ordered an additional training session immediately after the defeat as preparations continued.

Why Ronaldo isn’t playing against Merida

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the friendly against Merida because he has not yet returned to Al-Nassr following Portugal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The veteran forward has been granted an extended post-tournament break and is continuing his scheduled recovery before rejoining the squad. Rather than rushing their captain back into action, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff has opted to prioritize his fitness ahead of another demanding season.

Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s international campaign to a close. With the summer schedule still in its early stages, the club believes additional recovery time will better prepare its biggest star for the months ahead.

Ronaldo’s expected return timetable

Current reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, where he will begin a carefully managed conditioning programme. The club has not officially confirmed the exact date of his return to match action, but the focus remains on gradually rebuilding his fitness rather than accelerating the process.

The aim is to ensure he is fully prepared once the competitive fixtures begin. Following the meeting with Merida, Al-Nassr still has two more preseason fixtures scheduled in Europe. The remaining matches are:

• August 1 – Estrela Amadora
• August 4 – Almeria

Based on current reports, Ronaldo’s availability for Estrela Amadora remains uncertain because of his conditioning programme. The friendly against Almeria on August 4 is widely viewed as the most likely opportunity for his preseason debut, assuming his recovery progresses according to schedule.

The proposal has triggered widespread criticism from governing bodies, leagues, player representatives and politicians, with many arguing that soccer’s most prestigious tournament should remain protected from outside commercial ownership. While FIFA insists the initiative is designed to strengthen the global game, opposition continues to grow as more details emerge.

Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled plans to establish a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee the organization’s major competitions, including the World Cup. Under the proposal, FIFA would retain majority ownership while selling up to 20% of the company to private investors, with the venture reportedly valued at $20 billion.

The governing body hopes to raise approximately $4.2 billion, arguing that the additional funding would be redistributed among its 211 member associations to improve soccer development worldwide. According to FIFA, every association would receive significantly increased financial support if the proposal is approved before the September deadline.

Infantino defended the initiative, insisting it remains optional rather than compulsory for member associations. “It’s part of a democratic process — a consultation process — and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation,” Infantino said. He also described the proposal as “a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”

UEFA’s historic decision revealed

The mystery surrounding Europe’s response ended on Thursday following an emergency virtual meeting involving all 55 UEFA member associations. Every single UEFA member voted unanimously to support a boycott of FIFA competitions, including future men’s and women’s World Cups, if FIFA proceeds with selling ownership stakes in its tournaments to private investors.

The unprecedented decision represents one of the strongest collective actions ever taken against FIFA by a continental confederation. Following the meeting, UEFA released a lengthy statement explaining why it believes the proposal threatens the future governance of soccer.

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of soccer’s greatest sporting legacies… No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

UEFA also confirmed the consequences if FIFA refuses to abandon the project. “No UEFA national team will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety.”

Europe warns soccer cannot become an investment asset

UEFA’s criticism went well beyond procedural concerns, arguing that allowing outside investors into FIFA competitions would permanently change how soccer is governed. According to the European governing body, investor involvement would place commercial expectations ahead of sporting priorities, influencing everything from tournament formats to scheduling decisions.

“The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, soccer changes forever,” UEFA wrote. The organization added that “football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return.”

According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“.

The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint.

Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons.

Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli

For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times.

Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026.

Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli

With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025.

Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.

The controversy centers on a proposal that FIFA says could unlock billions in new funding for the sport. While the governing body insists the initiative represents an opportunity to strengthen soccer worldwide, critics argue that the manner in which the plan has been introduced threatens the principles of transparency, consultation and collective decision-making.

FIFA recently announced plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity valued at approximately $20 billion that would oversee the organization’s commercial rights and flagship competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Under the proposal, FIFA would retain majority control while selling a minority stake, reportedly up to 20%, to private investors in an effort to raise around $4.2 billion.

According to FIFA, the additional funding would be redistributed across its 211 member associations, allowing more investment in soccer development around the world. Infantino has described the proposal as part of a wider strategy to expand opportunities for nations and grow the sport globally.

“This is about the democratisation of football worldwide,” Infantino said while defending the proposal. He later emphasized that the initiative was “an offer, not an obligation,” insisting the consultation process remains democratic.

CONCACAF and AFC reveal where they stand

As criticism intensified, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) both publicly voiced their concerns, focusing primarily on FIFA’s governance process rather than immediately rejecting the proposal itself.

CONCACAF stated that it first became aware of the initiative through media reports rather than direct communication from FIFA. “CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports… We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” the confederation said.

The organization added that decisions affecting global soccer should always be guided by good governance, robust consultation and long-term stewardship, expressing disappointment that such a significant proposal became public before discussions with soccer’s governing bodies had taken place.

The AFC echoed similar concerns while making clear that it supports innovation only when accompanied by proper consultation: “The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and is disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it through the appropriate and established governance channels.”

The continental body also stressed that initiatives of this scale should be based on transparency, meaningful consultation and sound governance before member associations are asked to take a position.

AFC president intensifies pressure on FIFA

Opposition grew even stronger after AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa circulated a letter to the confederation’s 47 member associations criticizing FIFA’s handling of the proposal. According to multiple reports, Sheikh Salman described the lack of consultation as “totally unacceptable” and questioned why member associations were given such limited time to evaluate a project that could reshape soccer’s commercial future.

He also warned that FIFA’s unilateral actions appear to undermine the foundations of continental soccer, arguing that the existing soccer structure depends on solidarity, cooperation and transparency between FIFA and its regional confederations. The AFC president reportedly advised member associations not to commit to the proposal until further discussions and legal, financial and governance reviews are completed with FIFA.

While CONCACAF and the AFC focused largely on governance concerns, UEFA adopted the toughest position among soccer’s continental confederations. The European governing body accused FIFA of crossing a fundamental line by exploring private investment in the World Cup and warned that soccer’s governing institutions should never treat the sport’s most prestigious tournament as a commercial asset available for sale.

His original contract only covered the buildup to this summer’s tournament, leaving his future as a subject of speculation even as talks with the federation had reportedly already begun before the World Cup kicked off.

According to Telemundo’s Andres Cantor, the extension is close to being finalized, a report subsequently confirmed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The deal is said to be in its final stages, though it still requires formal approval from US Soccer’s board of directors before it can be made official.

Federation president Cindy Parlow Cone has spoken publicly about the progress of the negotiations, describing conversations with Pochettino as “going well” and suggesting an announcement could come in the near future.

The push to keep Pochettino in place comes despite a tournament that ended in some disappointment on the pitch, with the U.S. eliminated in the Round of 16 by Belgium in a lopsided 4-1 defeat. That result, however, doesn’t appear to have shaken the federation’s confidence in the Argentine coach, whose overall body of work with the program has been used to justify locking him in for another cycle.

Pochettino’s numbers as USMNT manager

Since taking over, Pochettino has posted a 18-1-12 record across 31 matches in charge of the USMNT. His World Cup campaign specifically produced a string of historic results: the U.S. topped Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia, racking up six points, the most in a group stage in program history, and the first time the U.S. had won two group-stage matches since 1930.

That form carried into the knockout rounds, where a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 marked the team’s first knockout-stage victory since 2002.

Between those results, Pochettino became the winningest head coach in USMNT history at a single World Cup, with three victories in the tournament, while the team also set a new U.S. scoring record with 11 goals across five matches before finishing 12th overall.

The Portuguese superstar joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 after leaving Manchester United, a transfer that initially raised questions across the soccer world. Instead of marking the closing chapter of his career, the move became the spark for unprecedented commercial growth, worldwide exposure and a wave of elite talent heading to Saudi Arabia.

When Ronaldo signed for the Knight of Najd, the Saudi Pro League was largely followed within the Middle East and had only a limited international presence. His arrival immediately increased global interest and gave the league a platform it had never enjoyed before.

According to widely reported figures, league broadcasts expanded from just three territories to more than 140 countries, dramatically increasing worldwide visibility. Saudi Pro League chief executive Carlo Nohra also confirmed that league revenue experienced an extraordinary 650% increase, driven largely by new broadcasting agreements and commercial partnerships.

The financial growth was accompanied by a significant rise in sponsorship opportunities and international recognition. Reports also indicate that league revenue climbed by approximately $105 million, reflecting the commercial momentum generated after Ronaldo’s transfer.

The remarkable numbers behind Ronaldo’s influence

The statistics surrounding Ronaldo’s impact paint an impressive picture of how quickly the landscape changed after his arrival. Al-Nassr’s social media following exploded from fewer than one million Instagram followers to around 30 million, transforming the club into one of the most-followed teams outside Europe. Across multiple platforms, the club’s overall digital audience has continued to grow, further strengthening its global profile.

His move also inspired several of soccer’s biggest names to follow a similar path. Players including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane and N’Golo Kante all joined the Saudi Pro League after Ronaldo’s arrival, helping raise the league’s competitive level and international appeal.

Success on pitch matches commercial growth

Ronaldo’s influence has extended well beyond marketing, with his performances helping Al-Nassr achieve several important milestones. The Portuguese captain guided the club to its first Arab Club Champions Cup title, scoring twice in the final to secure the historic trophy. He also played a leading role as Al-Nassr captured its first league title since 2019, and reached its first AFC competition final since 1998.

Individually, the Portuguese superstar continued breaking records despite entering his forties. He scored 35 league goals during the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season, setting a new single-season scoring record while helping the club embark on a 20-match unbeaten run across competitions.

League transformed by global attention

Ronaldo’s presence helped the Saudi Pro League gain credibility among fans and players worldwide. One memorable moment came shortly after his arrival, when a Riyadh Season All-Star team faced Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile exhibition match featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Although PSG won 5-4, Ronaldo scored twice and was named Man of the Match, further reinforcing his ability to perform on soccer’s biggest stages.

His arrival also increased exposure for Saudi players, who suddenly found themselves competing alongside some of the biggest names in world soccer. Young domestic talents benefited from greater international scouting, while the league itself became part of soccer conversations far beyond the region.

Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions receive major boost

Ronaldo’s influence has extended into Saudi Arabia’s wider sporting strategy. The country has hosted several globally recognized events, including WWE, UFC and major boxing cards, with Ronaldo frequently appearing as one of the event’s most recognizable faces. His popularity has helped promote Saudi Arabia as an emerging destination for international sport and entertainment.

A dedicated CR7 Museum was also opened in Riyadh, celebrating the Portuguese star’s career and highlighting his connection with the country. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s visit to Iran during the AFC Champions League created extraordinary scenes, with thousands of supporters gathering simply to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo.

The Brazilian star leaves behind a career filled with unforgettable moments, individual records and emotional highs and lows. His influence stretched across more than a decade, helping shape an era for the national team while becoming one of the most recognizable faces in world soccer.

The 34-year-old officially ended any remaining speculation after Santos defeated Universidad Central 4-2 in the Copa Sudamericana. Speaking after the match, Neymar made it clear that he has no intention of returning to represent Brazil following the country’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” Neymar said.

His comments reinforced the emotional message he first delivered after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16. That match saw Neymar come off the bench to score a stoppage-time penalty, a goal that ultimately became the final strike of his international career.

Brazil prepares special farewell

Although Neymar insists his international days are finished, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is reportedly considering organizing an official farewell match to celebrate his contribution to the Selecao. According to O Globo, discussions are underway, although no date has been established because the forward remains an active player at club level.

The proposal remains in its early stages, but it reflects the enormous respect Neymar commands within Brazilian soccer. Rather than allowing his final appearance to come in the disappointment of World Cup elimination, the federation hopes supporters could eventually have the chance to celebrate his achievements on a dedicated occasion.

Career filled with records

Neymar’s international résumé places him among the greatest players ever to represent Brazil. After making his senior debut in 2010, he accumulated 130 appearances and scored a record 80 goals, surpassing Pelé to become the country’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer.

He also became only the second Brazilian after Pele to score in four different FIFA World Cups, finding the net during the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. Those accomplishments came despite injuries repeatedly interrupting his biggest tournaments.

His international journey also included one of Brazilian soccer’s most emotional victories. Neymar captained the national side to its historic first Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games, scoring during the final before converting the decisive penalty in the shootout against Germany.

Last week, Italy technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed during the search for a new head coach that Ancelotti manager was contacted alongside Pep Guardiola. “Guardiola? We can’t share any news; you have identified one of our targets, but we have also spoken with Ancelotti. It felt right to start with the best in the world, but we need to verify their overall availability,” Maldini said during a press conference with FIGC officials.

Ultimately, Andrea Pirlo emerged as a top candidate for the role, but controversial ties to a Russian betting company led FIGC president Giovanni Malago to walk away from negotiations, a dispute that prompted Maldini’s resignation. Claudio Ranieri was subsequently named technical director, with Roberto Mancini selected as the new head coach, leaving Ancelotti firmly rooted in Brazil.

Ancelotti’s reasons for turning down Italy

After a legendary playing career, Ancelotti got his coaching start as an assistant for the Azzurri under Arrigo Sacchi from 1992 to 1995, reaching the 1994 World Cup final. After conquering domestic titles across all of Europe’s top five leagues, the 67-year-old manager had the opportunity to come full circle by taking over as Italy‘s head coach.

In an interview with ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida, Ancelotti clarified his stance: “The truth is… why? Because it is not a contract issue, that’s not it. It is because I have a commitment to the CBF and to this country, because this country welcomed me so well during this first year. I want to continue here.“

While acknowledging the FIGC’s formal approach, Ancelotti reaffirmed his unwavering belief in the Brazil project. “And I obviously thanked the Italian Federation, but I want to stay here because I believe it is right and fair to stay in a country that welcomed me so well, at an institution that gave me the opportunity to work,” he stated.

Ancelotti currently ranks as the highest-paid manager in international soccer, commanding an $11.3 million annual salary alongside perks such as private aviation access. The Italian federation reportedly prepared a comparable package, but neither a lucrative contract nor the pull of his homeland was enough to lure the former Real Madrid manager away from Brazil.

Ancelotti remains under contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) through June 2030 after extending his deal prior to the 2026 World Cup. The commitment ensures the Italian tactician will oversee the Selecao’s transition into the post-Neymar era, guiding the squad through CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, the 2028 Copa América, and ultimately the 2030 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup was always envisioned as Neymar’s final international objective, an ambition so driving that he returned to Santos to escape the European spotlight and rebuild his match fitness. But a heartbreaking Round of 16 exit brought a abrupt end to his time with the Selecao, ushering in a changing of the guard as Ancelotti turns his focus toward a total program rebuild ahead of 2030.

Speaking Wednesday with ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida, Ancelotti made it clear that a new chapter has arrived for the five-time World Cup champions: “I think that players like Neymar, who already commented yesterday, and with all due respect to his decision. I believe that in history, one generation ends and another has to come, and it has to be better than the last one.”

Addressing Neymar specifically, Ancelotti offered a candid assessment of the frustration surrounding the forward’s physical condition heading into the tournament, particularly the lingering injuries that kept him sidelined for the group stage. “The only thing that bothered me is that Neymar could have prepared himself better during that lead-up period. He could have been ready for game one instead of game four. That was the only disappointing part.“

Arriving at training camp with muscle discomfort, an MRI revealed a Grade 2 calf strain that ruled Neymar out of Brazil‘s first two group matches against Morocco and Haiti. Still, Ancelotti praised the star’s professionalism, noting his attitude “was perfect,” highlighting his focus on rehab, support for younger teammates, and work ethic in training.

“I think he didn’t contribute on a technical level as it was hoped he could, because he couldn’t. But, in terms of attitude, it was a very positive attitude. I have a lot of affection for him, I thanked him for his attitude, for his behavior, and I think it was the right decision to include him on the 26-man roster,” Ancelotti concluded, maintaining that bringing the veteran to North America was no mistake.

Ancelotti hints at further roster turnover

Since taking charge in May 2025, Ancelotti has demonstrated a commitment to reshaping Brazil’s national team pool, blending emerging domestic talent with experienced veterans. With Neymar moving on, several other longtime pillars are approaching the end of their international careers; while a select few will be retained to provide veteran leadership, others will be phased out entirely.

While developing young talent remains the cornerstone of the 2030 cycle, Ancelotti confirmed that a select group of leaders will remain in the fold: “Some of these will be there, obviously. Marquinhos, for example. Alisson, we’ll see. Obviously, we have to look at the young goalkeepers, because there are young goalkeepers who are already playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro, and other very young ones who are playing who could be there.”

When asked specifically about stalwarts like Casemiro, Danilo, and Alex Sandro, whose international careers may have reached their natural conclusion in North America, Ancelotti didn’t mince words. “I think so. It is a period that is coming to an end. Obviously, we have to thank all of them, and I have a lot of affection for all of them. But I think the idea that a player over 30 is done means that we have to think about the future,” the Italian stated.

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not feature in the 2026 All-Star Game after receiving official load-management clearance from Major League Soccer. The decision stems directly from their grueling summer run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine duo played through the final on July 19, leaving them without an adequate offseason recovery window.

Having pushed through to the final against Spain, Inter Miami worked with league officials to coordinate an authorized rest period for the pair. Thanks to this special exemption, neither Messi nor De Paul will face disciplinary action or league-mandated suspensions, avoiding the situation Messi encountered last season following an unsanctioned absence.

Having been granted time off from the midsummer exhibition, both Argentine stars received extended downtime following their international duties. Messi officially returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday to begin his ramp-up period, while De Paul has yet to rejoin the squad under manager Guillermo Hoyos.

With the superstars sitting out, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright will serve as Inter Miami’s sole representative on the MLS All-Star squad. Even without Messi, the roster boasts plenty of star power, headlined by LAFC’s Son Heung-min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller making their All-Star debuts, alongside forwards Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) and Petar Musa (FC Dallas).

Noteworthy absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game

Messi and De Paul lead a high-profile list of missing marquee names for tonight’s exhibition, particularly notable given that Messi has yet to participate in an All-Star Game since arriving in MLS in 2023. However, several other featured stars from both leagues will also sit out tonight’s contest.

On the MLS side, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out following his World Cup run with South Africa. Liga MX suffered notable hits as well: Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas will miss out due to a knee injury setback, while 17-year-old Tijuana prodigy Gilberto Mora was dropped from the squad without an official explanation from his club or the league.

One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.

His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start.

Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting.

On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions.

MLS All-Star roster

• Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).

• Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC).

• Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC).

• Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).

• Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC).

Liga MX All-Star roster

• Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca).

• Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas).

• Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara).

• Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca).

• Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).

According to The Athletic, MLS owners are set to hear a presentation this week on a significant overhaul of the league’s roster rules, centered around a far more open salary cap structure.

The board of governors will meet Wednesday in Charlotte, just ahead of the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX, with the league’s sporting and competition committee expected to present a preliminary proposal that would remove many of the current restrictions on how teams spend across their rosters.

Reworking spending rules is being treated as the last, and arguably toughest, box left to check in that broader plan. “It’s a must-do; it’s not a maybe-do,” commissioner Don Garber told The Athletic in the run-up to the World Cup final. “… And that’s not ripping everything up that got us here. It’s evolving it. It’s making a couple of bold steps“.

There’s genuine urgency behind all this. As Messi’s runway in the league gets shorter, MLS has to show it can keep pulling in marquee international talent without hinging its visibility on one man.

Complicating matters, any rule changes will almost certainly need to be woven into a new labor deal with the MLS Players Association, whose existing agreement doesn’t expire until January 2028 — a tight runway if the league wants everything squared away before the calendar flip in 2027.

Keeping the Designated Player slot intact

Loosening the rules doesn’t mean scrapping everything, and there’s wide consensus that the Designated Player structure has to stick around in some fashion.

“You have to keep DPs, in my opinion, because you can’t have a rule structure that will prevent you from signing the next Messi or Son (Heung-min),” one chief soccer officer said in an anonymous survey conducted by The Athletic. “So you would need to keep that. But then, essentially, I would like to see the salary cap work where we can invest in players across our entire roster, rather than just a handful of players and then let teams pick their strategy“.

The wave of stars that followed Messi to MLS

Messi’s arrival back in 2023 kicked off a run of blockbuster signings that’s only accelerated since. LAFC broke the league’s transfer fee record to land Son Heung-Min from Tottenham for $26.5 million, while Inter Miami itself added Rodrigo De Paul for a $15 million fee and, more recently, Casemiro.

Thomas Muller joined the Vancouver Whitecaps and Robert Lewandowski made the jump to MLS as well, though he ended up at Chicago Fire rather than reuniting with Messi in Miami as many had speculated.

Antoine Griezmann has also made the move, joining Orlando City as another marquee name betting on MLS’s next chapter. Between all of that, the league has built exactly the kind of star-studded depth it hopes can carry it once Messi eventually moves on.

After a legendary nine-year run at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah‘s tenure with the Reds came to an end after player and club mutually agreed to part ways. Holding an estimated €22 million (around $25M)market value on Transfermarkt, the 34-year-old winger has drawn interest from the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, and several European contenders as he ponders his next chapter.

Despite his status, Salah ranks second on the market value leaderboards behind former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who tops the list at €35 million ($39 million USD). The 26-year-old Serbian international departed Turin after four seasons with La Vecchia Signora, and while recent reports out of Spain linked him to Beşiktaş and Barcelona, he has yet to finalize a deal.

Holding down the third spot is winger Jadon Sancho, who currently carries an estimated valuation of €18 million ($20.5 million USD). Sancho’s market value has suffered a dramatic steep decline over the past five years; Manchester United originally acquired him in 2021 when he was valued at €90 million, reflecting an 80% drop in market value over that span.

The profiles of seasoned veterans like James Rodriguez and Dani Carvajal present a stark contrast. The 35-year-old Rodriguez is currently valued at €1.5 million after a brief, quiet stint with MLS side Minnesota United, while 34-year-old decorated right-back Dani Carvajal stands at €4 million following his departure from Real Madrid.

One high-profile name off the board is English defender John Stones (€12 million / $13.7 million USD). According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the former Manchester City center-back has reached a verbal agreement with Inter Milan, with only a medical exam and final contract signatures remaining before the deal becomes official.

Top 20 Free Agents by Market Value

1. Dusan Vlahovic – €35M ($39M) – Juventus
2. Mohamed Salah – €22M ($25M) – Liverpool
3. Jadon Sancho – €18M ($20.5M) – Manchester United
4. Bamba Dieng – €15M ($17.1M) – FC Lorient
5. Julian Brandt – €15M ($17.1M) – Borussia Dortmund
6. Diogo Leite – €12M ($13.7M) – 1. FC Union Berlin
7. Franck Kessie – €12M ($13.7M) – Al-Ahli SFC
8. Fabinho – €12M ($13.7M) – Al-Ittihad
9. Leon Goretzka – €12M ($13.7M) – FC Bayern Munich
10. Yves Bissouma – €10M ($11.4M) – Tottenham Hotspur
11. Lorenzo Pellegrini – €8M ($9.1M) – AS Roma
12. Oleksandr Zinchenko – €8M ($9.1M) – Arsenal
13. Marcelo Brozovic – €8M ($9.1M) – Al-Nassr
14. Dani Ceballos – €7M ($8M) – Real Madrid
15. Dennis Cirkin – €6M ($6.8M) – Sunderland
16. Krépin Diatta – €6M ($6.8M) – AS Monaco
17. Musa Barrow – €6M ($6.8M) – Al-Taawoun
18. Ryotaro Ito – €6M ($6.8M) – Sint-Truidense V.V.
19. Adama Traore – €6M ($6.8M) – Fulham
20. Darlin Yongwa – €5M ($5.7M) – FC Lorient

The 2030 tournament will mark a century since the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. That competition featured only 13 teams, with Uruguay defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo to become the first world champions.

Since then, the tournament has grown dramatically, expanding from 13 teams in 1930 to 32 teams before moving to a 48-team format at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA is now considering another expansion that could increase the 2030 edition to 64 teams.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already discussed the possibility of a larger tournament after praising the success of the expanded format. “It will be examined and discussed,” he said when asked about the probability of increasing the number of participating teams.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has also supported the idea of a bigger tournament, describing the centenary edition as a major opportunity for soccer. “In 2030, the World Cup comes to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, a great opportunity for soccer to celebrate the World Cup Centenary with a 64-team tournament,” Domínguez wrote.

FIFA’s historic decision gives Argentina automatic qualification

The 2030 World Cup will be unlike any previous edition, as the tournament will be played across six countries and three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will serve as the main hosts, while the South American trio will receive a special role because of their historical connection to the competition’s origins.

Argentina will automatically qualify for the 2030 World Cup because it has been selected as one of the six host nations involved in the centenary edition of the tournament. While Spain, Portugal and Morocco will stage the majority of the competition, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will each host one opening-round match as part of FIFA’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.

Argentina’s automatic qualification comes from its involvement as a centenary host, even though it will only stage one match. Uruguay was selected because it hosted and won the first World Cup in 1930, while Argentina’s inclusion recognizes its role as the finalist in that historic tournament. Paraguay will also participate because it is home to CONMEBOL, the South American soccer confederation.

“Uruguay will host a match in recognition of staging the inaugural World Cup in 1930, while Argentina’s game will acknowledge its role as runner-up in that tournament. Paraguay will also host a game as the home of CONMEBOL, the only continental soccer confederation in existence at the time,” FIFA explained.

The decision means Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will join Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the first six nations confirmed for the 2030 World Cup. The remaining 42 places will be decided through the usual continental qualification campaigns.

Argentina’s place secured despite only one scheduled match

Traditionally, countries hosting the World Cup receive automatic qualification because they are responsible for organizing the competition. However, the 2030 edition has created a completely new situation because the hosting duties are split between multiple countries.

Argentina will not need to compete through South American qualifiers to reach the tournament. Instead, Lionel Messi’s national team has already secured its place four years before the competition begins because of FIFA’s decision to classify the centenary matches as official hosting duties.

The move has drawn comparisons with other international tournaments, particularly UEFA Euro 2028. England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will host that competition but are still expected to enter the qualification process rather than receiving automatic places.

The difference highlights how FIFA has approached the 2030 World Cup as a special anniversary celebration rather than a traditional single-country tournament. The governing body wanted the nations connected to the first World Cup to have a direct role in the historic event.

Match Overview

Canada U20 can secure qualification with another win after a dominant start to the tournament, defeating Panama U20 3-0 in what was considered its toughest group-stage test. Honduras U20 enters under pressure after a 2-1 loss to Jamaica U20.

The Central American team knows that another defeat could seriously hurt its knockout-stage hopes. With Canada looking to extend its momentum and Honduras fighting for survival, this is a matchup fans won’t want to miss.

Al-Hilal has continued to strengthen its squad in an attempt to challenge at the highest level, while Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest attractions in Saudi Arabian soccer with Al-Nassr. Dembele’s name has emerged at the center of the latest transfer speculation as the league looks to attract another Ballon d’Or winner.

According to reports from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, via Sky Sport Switzerland, Al-Hilal opened initial discussions with Ousmane Dembele’s representatives after identifying the Paris Saint-Germain forward as its top attacking target.

The Saudi giant has already completed the signing of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United but remains determined to add another elite attacker before the transfer window closes. Head coach Simone Inzaghi reportedly views Dembele as the ideal player to strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the new campaign.

With PSG enjoying another successful season under Luis Enrique, convincing one of the club’s biggest stars to leave was always expected to be a difficult challenge. Nevertheless, Al-Hilal explored the possibility of completing one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer.

Dembele makes his position clear

Now, in a recent update from Sacha Tavolieri, Dembele rejected Al-Hilal’s offer and informed club officials that he wants to remain at Paris Saint-Germain rather than pursue a move to Saudi Arabia. The journalist also reported that the France international is instead focused on extending his contract with the Ligue 1 champion, with negotiations over a new agreement expected to continue.

The development represents a major setback for the Blue Waves, who had hoped to convince the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner to become the latest superstar to join the Saudi Pro League. Instead, Dembele has chosen to continue his project in Paris, where he remains under contract until 2028. What’s more, the Ligue 1 champions reportedly have little interest in losing one of their most important players after another outstanding campaign.

Luis Enrique has built his attack around Dembele, who has become one of the club’s undisputed leaders both domestically and in Europe. The French international produced 20 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, playing a decisive role as PSG successfully defended its UEFA Champions League crown. He also impressed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, contributing six goals and two assists in eight matches for France.

After several injury-hit years earlier in his career, Dembele has developed into one of Europe’s most reliable attacking players. His resurgence has made him indispensable for PSG, explaining why the club is now eager to reward him with an improved long-term contract.

Al-Hilal forced to consider alternative targets

Missing out on Dembele means Al-Hilal must quickly reassess its transfer strategy before the market closes. The Saudi club remains determined to recruit another elite winger, with Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye among the leading alternatives under consideration, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Riyadh-based side has shown throughout the summer that it is willing to invest heavily in strengthening its squad. Even after completing the arrival of Summerville, club officials remain focused on delivering another marquee signing capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and continental competitions.

Since making the switch in late 2022, Ronaldo has become the face of Saudi soccer, helping the club attract worldwide attention while inspiring a wave of elite talent to follow. His impact stretches far beyond goals and trophies, influencing broadcasting, sponsorship, attendance and global interest in the competition.

When Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr, many viewed the transfer as the final chapter of an extraordinary playing career. Instead, it became the beginning of an entirely new era for soccer in Saudi Arabia.

His arrival immediately accelerated the country’s Vision 2030 sporting ambitions, turning the Saudi Pro League from a largely regional competition into one followed by supporters across the globe. The Portuguese superstar quickly became the league’s biggest attraction, encouraging several world-class players to make similar moves.

Among the stars who followed Ronaldo into Saudi Arabia were Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane, further strengthening the league’s reputation. Their arrivals helped validate the ambitious project that Ronaldo himself has often spoken about, with the veteran forward previously expressing his belief that the competition could eventually become one of the world’s strongest.

New earnings record emerges

Beyond his influence on soccer itself, Ronaldo has now reportedly become the highest-paid player in history through his Al-Nassr contract, setting a new benchmark for player earnings. According to multiple reports, the Portuguese legend has earned approximately $730 million in wages and performance bonuses during his first three and a half years with Al-Nassr.

The figure comes from a combination of guaranteed salary, goal bonuses, assist incentives, and rewards linked to individual and team success. The reported breakdown includes:

Together, those incentives have created what many describe as the most lucrative contract ever awarded to a soccer player.

Extraordinary contract keeps growing

The financial package became even more valuable after Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension in June 2025, keeping him at Al-Nassr until 2027. Reports indicate the agreement is worth well over $235 million per season, while also including commercial rights, signing bonuses, luxury travel arrangements and extensive support staff.

Several outlets have also reported that the deal includes a 15% ownership stake in Al-Nassr, although details surrounding that aspect have varied between sources. Those extraordinary terms underline how valuable Ronaldo has become to both the club and Saudi soccer as a whole.

Match Overview

North American soccer’s biggest annual showcase returns as MLS and Liga MX renew their growing rivalry in a clash featuring many of the region’s brightest stars. The competition could not be more even, with the leagues splitting the previous four meetings and each side claiming two wins.

Packed with high-level talent and plenty of attacking firepower, this edition is expected to deliver another entertaining battle from the opening whistle to the final minute. Which league will gain the upper hand and break the deadlock? Be sure to tune in and catch every moment of the action.

The beloved comedy has built its reputation on heartfelt storytelling, memorable characters, and soccer, and the upcoming season appears determined to preserve that winning formula. The club enters a completely different era, bringing new challenges while maintaining the warmth and optimism that made the series a worldwide success.

Season 4 premieres on August 5, with new episodes arriving weekly through October 7. After spending time back in the United States, Ted returns to England for what Apple describes as his biggest challenge yet, taking charge of a new project that changes the focus of the series.

Rather than continuing with the familiar men’s setup, the story now revolves around AFC Richmond’s newly formed women’s soccer team, marking a significant shift for the franchise. The decision follows the ending of Season 3, when the idea of launching a women’s side was first introduced.

Apple’s official synopsis explains that Ted will be “taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team.” The synopsis adds that the coach and his players will learn to take risks throughout the season as they embrace an entirely new journey.

The familiar faces staying at the heart of the story

Although the series is entering new territory, several of the show’s biggest stars are returning to guide Richmond into its next chapter.

Jason Sudeikis reprises his role as Ted Lasso, once again leading the series as the endlessly optimistic American coach. Joining him are Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton, Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, Juno Temple as Keeley Jones and Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins.

The trailer makes it clear that these characters remain central to the story, even as the soccer project changes direction. Their relationships, leadership and personal journeys continue to form the emotional backbone of the series.

Several Richmond favourites step away

One of the biggest surprises surrounding Season 4 is that many of the well-known men’s team players will no longer be regular cast members. Characters including Jamie Tartt, Dani Rojas and Sam Obisanya are expected to play little or no role in the new season as the focus shifts toward Richmond’s women’s side. While cameo appearances remain possible, reports suggest they will no longer drive the main storyline.

Sudeikis explained why conversations with departing cast members were especially difficult. “Because I didn’t want them to hear it on the internet,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “And because I love those guys and we all went through something together.”

Nick Mohammed’s Nate Shelley is also expected to appear in a reduced capacity rather than as a full-time regular. Cristo Fernandez, whose energetic Dani Rojas became one of the show’s most beloved personalities, is also expected to sit out the new season. The trailer even includes a touching callback to his famous catchphrase.

Coach Beard tells one of the new players, “But football is life,” before she replies, “No, life is so much more than football.” The exchange serves as both a tribute to Dani and a reminder that the series has always used soccer as a backdrop for larger themes about life, friendship and personal growth.

Meet the new generation of Richmond

The biggest additions to Season 4 arrive through Richmond’s new women’s team, introducing several fresh characters who are expected to become the emotional center of the club’s latest adventure. Among the most prominent newcomers is Tanya Reynolds, who plays assistant coach Alice Chilton. Reynolds described her character as someone struggling to hide her softer side.

“I think Alice is trying really hard to be a version of herself that she is not,” Reynolds explained. “She wants to be taken seriously to the point that she has lost all sense of humor and sense of softness.” She added that Alice’s journey gradually allows that protective shell to disappear. “Her journey on Ted Lasso is about her very, very gradually and gently peeling back a hard, outer shell to the softness that’s underneath.”

Joining Reynolds are Abbie Hern as ambitious striker Gemma, Jude Mack as goalkeeper Boots, Faye Marsay as determined defender Lizzie, and twins Niamh and Siobhan, played by Aisling Sharkey and Rex Hayes. The actresses underwent weeks of soccer training before filming began, working alongside professional coaches and experienced players to make the action feel authentic.

Following his campaign with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, Messi traveled back to his hometown of Rosario to spend extended downtime with his family. During his stay in Argentina, local news outlet TN reported that the superstar visited his father, Jorge Messi, and made a public appearance at a match for Leones FC, a local club presided over by his brother, Matias.

After spending a week recharging back home, Messi was spotted at the airport with his family Tuesday night, greeting fans before boarding his flight, as captured in video footage published by ESPN. The Argentine icon landed back on American soil Wednesday and immediately reported to Inter Miami‘s training facility, as confirmed by photos shared across the club’s social media accounts.

Having been granted extended rest by MLS following his World Cup run, Messi was excused from participating in Wednesday night’s MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game in Charlotte. As a result, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright stood as Inter Miami’s sole representative at the midsummer exhibition showcase.

Roster reinforcements arrive in South Florida

Beyond Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami received a major boost with the return of both German Berterame and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The news comes as a massive relief for the club; Berterame received medical clearance after a frightening head collision in his previous match, while St. Clair rejoined the squad following his World Cup stint with the Canadian national team.

The return of the trio comes at a critical juncture for an Inter Miami squad currently battling a depth crisis due to an injury bug that has sidelined David Ayala, Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Lujan, and Maxi Falcon. Meanwhile, status updates remain pending for Messi’s Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who has yet to rejoin the club following the World Cup final.

Will Lionel Messi play against the Columbus Crew?

Despite reporting back to the facility Wednesday, it remains unlikely that Messi will take the pitch Saturday, August 1, against the Columbus Crew. With Messi having not played a competitive match since July 19 and lacking recent training reps, the Herons’ medical staff is unlikely to rush the 39-year-old superstar back into action.

However, the outlook for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener appears far more promising. The Herons are set to host Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium, where a full week of training sessions should position Messi to return to the starting XI and anchor Inter Miami’s attack.

Match Overview

Liverpool and Wrexham meet in a preseason matchup as both clubs continue preparations for important campaigns ahead. Wrexham are aiming to reignite their push for a historic Premier League promotion after narrowly missing the Championship playoffs last season.

On the other hand, Liverpool are using these summer contests to sharpen a squad expected to compete for trophies on multiple fronts. Although it’s only a friendly, this game offers an early look at two teams with big ambitions. Don’t miss the action.

The Moroccan midfielder, still just 18 years old, has emerged as one of the standout young talents to come out of the 2026 World Cup, and City appear determined to get a deal over the line.

Bouaddi’s rise has been rapid. He featured in five of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament before the team was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals, and that performance has only intensified interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

City are said to have gotten ahead of their fiercest Premier League rival in the race, Arsenal, who previously were viewed as favorites to sign him but have reportedly shifted their attention toward Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes instead.

Whether Bouaddi arrives now or waits until June 2027 hinges largely on what happens with Rodri. According to Romano, if Rodri stays at the Etihad, City could delay Bouaddi’s arrival until next summer; but if Rodri departs for Real Madrid, City may move to complete the deal within the current transfer window instead, bringing the Moroccan in immediately rather than waiting a full year.

Where things stand with Rodri and Real Madrid

Bouaddi’s timeline at City is reportedly tied directly to what happens with Rodri, which makes the ongoing Real Madrid negotiation the key variable. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks over the Spanish midfielder have advanced, and Florentino Perez has now given the green light for the clubs to negotiate directly.

City, for their part, are said to be in no rush to accept, hoping PSG or Barcelona push the price higher before any deal is finalized. Manchester knows it will be very difficult to hold on to the Spanish midfielder, meaning he could depart either in this transfer window or next year, when his contract expires.

Match Overview

River Plate and Gimnasia will both be looking to recover after disappointing starts to the tournament when they meet with three important points at stake. River enters the match following a surprising home loss to Barracas Central, the first defeat against that opponent in club history.

On the other hand, Gimnasia suffered a hard-fought 2-1 setback against Racing in its opener. With both teams eager to get back on track and build early momentum, this showdown carries plenty of importance. Don’t miss this matchup between two rivals determined to respond after opening-round defeats.

In a statement released Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee launched an official investigation into the AFA for potential breaches across four separate articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The charges include “using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” “inappropriate behavior,” “discrimination and racist attacks,” and failure to maintain “order and security at matches.”

FIFA cited a series of infractions spanning the entire tournament, not just the chaotic scenes after the final whistle against Spain, including “discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kickoffs, non-compliance with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators across multiple matches,” such as a controversial flag displayed following their win over England.

Players, coaching staff face potential suspensions

FIFA also singled out key figures involved in the postgame scrum following the final whistle. The list of investigated individuals includes Argentine players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, universally known as Gavi, was the sole Spanish player named in the proceedings.

Paredes faces the most severe scrutiny, with proceedings opened for three counts of assault following his physical altercation with Eric Garcia and Gavi. Fellow Argentina defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was charged with one count stemming from a heated confrontation with Dani Olmo.

Beyond the assault allegations, FIFA initiated separate proceedings for potential violations regarding unsporting behavior. The governing body levied single charges of unsportsmanlike conduct against Molina, Almada, and Spain’s Gavi for their involvement in the melee.

No rulings issued yet as parties prepare defense

Despite opening formal proceedings, FIFA has not yet handed down any fines or suspensions to the players, coaches, or the AFA. Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine federation and the individuals named have been granted time to submit evidence, present their accounts of the incident, and file a formal response to the charges.

Once the Disciplinary Committee reviews the submitted defenses alongside broadcast footage and official match reports, FIFA will issue its final rulings and penalties. Potential sanctions will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.

The latest developments have placed FIFA under intense scrutiny, with several soccer associations, leagues and stakeholders questioning both the proposal itself and the way it has been introduced. UEFA has now escalated the conflict with a fresh public statement after learning of FIFA’s latest deadline, signalling that opposition across Europe is continuing to gather momentum.

FIFA sets September deadline for member associations

According to reports from The Times and multiple media outlets, Infantino has informed every FIFA member association that they have until 19 September to decide whether to support the organization’s proposed commercial restructuring.

Under the proposal, associations that back the project could receive funding packages worth up to $40 million each, while those rejecting it would instead receive funding through FIFA’s existing development programme, a significantly smaller package.

In a letter seen by The Times, Infantino wrote: “The decision on whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you.” He added: “Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.”

Infantino also outlined the alternative available to associations unwilling to support the proposal, writing: “Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme of $2.7 billion as previously presented.”

UEFA delivers fresh criticism after learning of FIFA deadline

UEFA had already condemned FIFA’s intention to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that would oversee broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing and other revenue streams linked to FIFA competitions. After learning that member associations had effectively been given a deadline tied to funding, UEFA issued another strongly-worded statement, arguing that the latest development reinforced its concerns about the entire project.

UEFA said: “Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”

The European governing body went even further, adding: “But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”

Those remarks represent one of UEFA’s strongest public attacks on FIFA in recent years, highlighting the growing divide between the organizations.

The debate centers on FIFA’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the World Cup, Club World Cup and other major competitions while selling minority stakes to private investors. With member associations facing a September 19 deadline to decide whether to support the project, the political battle surrounding soccer’s biggest tournament continues to intensify.

According to reports from The Associated Press, Sky News and several other outlets, FIFA is seeking approval from its 211 member associations to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company valued at around $20 billion. Under the proposal, FIFA would sell minority, non-controlling stakes worth approximately $4.2 billion, while maintaining overall control of soccer governance, international competitions and the global calendar.

In a letter to member associations, Infantino described the proposal as “a singular and unique funding opportunity.” He added: “It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members.”

Should the project receive majority approval, each member association could receive funding packages worth up to $40 million, significantly increasing the financial support available for infrastructure, grassroots soccer, coaching and national team development.

The first European association publicly breaks ranks

While UEFA has led fierce resistance to FIFA’s plans, the Czech Republic has emerged as the first European nation to publicly support Infantino’s proposal. David Trunda, president of the Czech Football Association, believes the additional investment could benefit soccer development in his country despite widespread criticism elsewhere across Europe.

Speaking to Sky News, Trunda said: “I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech soccer from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team.” He continued: “Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.”

Trunda also highlighted his own experience working alongside FIFA since taking office last year. He added: “I was elected a little more than a year ago and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European soccer.”

His comments represent the first major public endorsement of FIFA’s proposal from within UEFA’s membership, potentially complicating the confederation’s attempt to maintain complete unity.

Why FIFA believes the proposal is necessary

Infantino has consistently argued that the proposal is designed to benefit soccer globally rather than outside investors. According to FIFA, FFE would consolidate broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, ticketing, licensing and commercial operations, allowing the governing body to generate far higher income for member associations over the coming decade.

Infantino said: “Football is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development.” He also insisted that FIFA would retain exclusive authority over governance, competitions, regulations and the international calendar, even after outside investment enters the new company.

The report indicates Al Nassr are set to attempt an approach for the Manchester United forward, whose future at Old Trafford continues to look increasingly uncertain.

After a loan spell at Barcelona that ran through the 2025-26 season, the Catalan club opted not to activate the €30 million option that would have made the move permanent, and reports indicate United have no plans to negotiate a fresh loan arrangement either. That left Rashford with no clear role in the club’s plans, and little indication his situation will resolve itself without a transfer.

According to the report, Al Nassr are well-positioned financially to meet Rashford’s salary demands, and could offer him a prominent, guaranteed role in their attack. Notably, Al Nassr aren’t alone: According to The Telegraph, more clubs from the top of the Saudi Pro League are said to be monitoring Rashford’s situation.

There’s also an issue with the forward moving to Saudi Arabia: Rashford is reportedly prioritizing a move to a club competing in the Champions League, which raises the question of whether a move to Saudi Arabia fits what he’s actually looking for at this stage of his career.

Ronaldo and Rashford’s history at Manchester United

Rashford has long cited Ronaldo as his boyhood idol, having grown up watching him during United’s earlier era, and the pair actually got to share a locker room when Ronaldo returned to the club in 2021 for his second tenure in Manchester.

Across that stint, Rashford and Ronaldo played together 39 times, with Cristiano taking an active role in mentoring the younger forward on positioning and movement during that period.

When Ronaldo’s second spell at United came to an end, Rashford didn’t hide how much the experience meant to him: “It’s been an unbelievable experience to play with him. He’s one of my idols and someone I’ve always looked up to, so to have the opportunity to play with him was unbelievable,” he said during a 2022 press conference at England’s World Cup base in Doha.

Match Overview

Jamaica U20 and Panama U20 square off in a pivotal Group C clash with major implications for the knockout race. Jamaica boosted its chances of advancing with a 2-1 victory over Honduras U20 and can lock up a spot in the next round with another win.

Panama, meanwhile, is under pressure after a 3-0 setback against Canada U20 despite entering the tournament among the group favorites. With plenty on the line for both teams, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.

“We will begin putting together a new team, looking at young players, but without ruling out some of the soccer players who were at the World Cup and who still have a lot to contribute to the national team,” Ancelotti revealed in a CBF statement. With this in mind, not only will Neymar Jr. leave Brazil, but also some other veterans, betting on young stars as his new project.

Carlo Ancelotti could give prominence to Endrick and Rayan as the new future leaders of the attack, alongside Vinicius Jr. In addition, Ederson could have more importance as a defensive midfielder, as Casemiro could leave the project by moving to Inter Miami. However, the biggest changes could come in the full-back positions, as Brazil could bet on talent from the Brazilian league, since Danilo and Douglas Santos are already veterans.

Amid the transformation of the project, Ancelotti could keep certain veterans such as Marquinhos, Alisson Becker, and Raphinha. Playing in top European leagues, they remain among the best players in their positions ahead of the 2028 Copa América. However, their presence at the 2030 World Cup would depend on their physical continuity and the level they demonstrate.

Brazil’s scoring issues become Ancelotti’s biggest challenge

Since Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have notably improved their game, solidifying their defense and midfield. With this, they have recovered their impact in CONMEBOL, becoming difficult to score against. However, the Canarinha still have a major problem to solve: The lack of attacking power. With this in mind, there are very few key pieces to redirect the project.

Ahead of the 2030 World Cup, Brazil’s biggest hope would become Endrick. Despite still not managing to become a starter, he returns to Real Madrid looking to become a key figure in the future. If he becomes consistent, he could be the starting striker, as he has already shown he can be differential in the collective game and in his goalscoring ability. However, this scenario depends on his evolution throughout his professional career.

Matheus Cunha is the favorite option in attack, as he was Ancelotti’s choice at the 2026 World Cup. However, he is not the most prolific goalscorer, so his differential role would be more as an attacking midfielder. Therefore, Igor Thiago seems to have a new opportunity to shine. After disappointing, he can fight in friendly matches to earn his starting spot. For this, he needs to maintain the great level he demonstrated in the Premier League.

Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear. According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms between Rodri and Madrid were already fully agreed some time ago, and the next step has now been taken.

“Florentino Perez gave the green light to Real Madrid’s sporting management to open direct talks with Manchester City, starting formal negotiations. Until now, there was a total agreement between Rodri and Real Madrid on personal terms, now the clubs are negotiating,” Romano reported on Wednesday through his YouTube channel.

On the financial side, Romano indicated Madrid are prepared to go beyond the €50 million mark, closer to €60 million, though no formal bid has been submitted yet. “Real Madrid are willing to put forward a figure above €50 million, closer to €60 million, although there hasn’t been a formal offer yet. Manchester City is expected to ask for more than that €60 million, and will speculate on the possibility that other clubs also make formal offers,” he added.

That last point is central to how this is playing out. With Pep Guardiola no longer in the dugout and Rodri clearly on his way out sooner or later, City’s calculation has shifted entirely toward extracting the maximum possible fee rather than trying to convince him to stay.

Manchester City’s stance with PSG and Barcelona

City are well aware that keeping Rodri beyond this year is unlikely, whether it happens in this transfer window or next summer on a free. That reality has shaped their approach to Madrid’s interest: rather than rushing to accept an offer in the €50-60 million range, City are reportedly prepared to put it on standby, hoping PSG and Barcelona come forward with higher bids of their own.

The logic is straightforward — with limited time left on Rodri’s contract, City want to create competition among suitors to drive the price as high as possible before letting him go.