While much of the focus was on the Saudi Pro League, with several rotations along the way, Al Nassr’s record shows total dominance, as they won all 10 matches they played in the competition.

Gamba Osaka took a different path, with more difficulty along the way. They won all six group-stage matches, edged Pohang Steelers by just one goal in the round of 16, and needed extra time against Ratchaburi in the quarterfinals.

Al Nassr’s international run forced them to play their Matchday 33 fixture early, a couple of weeks ago against Al Shabab. That victory gave them a five-point lead over their closest challengers, Al Hilal. As a result, Karim Benzema’s team entered Saturday needing a win to take the title race into the final round of the season.

And they delivered. Simone Inzaghi’s side earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Ruben Neves from the penalty spot and Sultan Mandash. With the win, Al Hilal cut the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings to two points, keeping their title hopes alive heading into Tuesday.

Al Nassr remain atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 83 points, meaning they still control their own destiny in the title race. However, any slip-up next week could allow Al Hilal to snatch the trophy away from them.

What’s next for Al Nassr and Al Hilal?

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League will conclude next Tuesday with Matchday 34, the final round of the season. Final standings will determine relegation, qualification for continental competitions, and, of course, the league title.

League leaders Al Nassr will face Damac in a match with major implications at both ends of the table. While Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be chasing the win needed to secure the trophy, their opponents will be fighting to avoid relegation. Right now, they sit just two points above the drop zone, currently occupied by Al Riyadh.

Al Hilal, meanwhile, appear to face a tougher challenge on paper. Instead of meeting a team near the bottom of the standings, they will take on a side that has enjoyed a more stable season. Al Fayha currently sit 11th in the table, although having nothing left to play for in the final matchday could affect their intensity.

Possible scenarios for the Saudi Pro League title race

All Matchday 34 games in the Saudi Pro League will kick off simultaneously on Tuesday to prevent teams from gaining an advantage by knowing other results beforehand and adjusting their strategy accordingly.

For Al Hilal, the mission is clear. Sitting two points behind leaders Al Nassr, their only chance of overtaking them is by defeating Al Fayha. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win their own match, they will have no chance of lifting the trophy.

Al Nassr, meanwhile, have a wider range of possibilities in front of them. A victory would secure the Saudi Pro League title regardless of any other result. But if they fail to win, they will need to keep a close eye on what happens elsewhere.

If Al Nassr draw or lose against Damac and Al Hilal fail to win, Cristiano Ronaldo would still lift the trophy. If Al Nassr lose and Al Hilal win, Benzema would claim the league title instead. However, if Al Nassr draw and Al Hilal win, both teams would finish level on points. In that case, the tiebreaker would come down to head-to-head results during the season, where Al Hilal hold the advantage after winning one meeting and drawing the other.

For Manchester City, the victory secured an eighth FA Cup title and completed a domestic cup double following the club’s earlier Carabao Cup success. Chelsea, meanwhile, once again left Wembley empty-handed after another painful defeat in a major final.

The match opened with Manchester City dominating possession and forcing the Blues deep into their own half. Pep Guardiola’s side pressed aggressively from the opening whistle, with Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, and Omar Marmoush all finding dangerous spaces around the edge of the penalty area.

Chelsea struggled to settle early on and relied heavily on defensive interventions from Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, and Moises Caicedo to survive the pressure. The London side attempted to threaten through counterattacks led by João Pedro and Cole Palmer, but City’s defensive structure remained composed throughout the first half.

An early breakthrough almost arrived in the 27th minute when Haaland turned home a low delivery from Matheus Nunes. However, celebrations were cut short after the assistant referee flagged for offside, denying the striker what initially looked like the opening goal. Despite the disappointment, City continued to dictate the rhythm of the contest and repeatedly pushed Chelsea backward with quick combinations and movement in the final third.

The moment Haaland finally ended his negative streak

As the game moved into the second half, Guardiola introduced fresh attacking energy, with Rayan Cherki helping increase the tempo around Chelsea’s penalty area. The pressure finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Haaland delivered the decisive contribution of the afternoon.

The Norwegian forward collected possession inside the box before cutting the ball back toward Antoine Semenyo, who produced a clever backheel finish past Robert Sanchez. That assist marked Haaland’s first goal contribution in a final for Manchester City after 10 appearances, ESPN confirms.

The moment instantly ended months of discussion surrounding Haaland’s performances in major finals. While the striker had scored regularly across league and European competitions, he had previously failed to directly contribute to a goal in Wembley showpieces and other finals for City.

Semenyo delivers the decisive blow

Semenyo’s finish immediately became one of the defining images of the final. The Ghana international reacted brilliantly under pressure from Chelsea defenders and guided the ball beyond Sánchez with a sharp flick that sent the Citizens’ supporters behind the goal into celebration.

The goal secured Manchester City’s first FA Cup triumph since 2023 and added another trophy to Guardiola’s remarkable spell in charge. City has now won multiple domestic honors again this season and continues to build one of the most dominant eras in English soccer.

While the focus was on the Saudi Pro League earlier this week, attention now shifts fully to this final. Al Nassr want to keep their perfect record after reaching this match by winning all 10 of their games.

The road was a bit longer for Gamba Osaka, as they had to play two more matches than their rivals. Even so, their run was impressive, with 9 wins in 12 matches and only one loss.

Al Nassr vs. Gamba Osaka lineups

The lineup chosen by Jorge Jesus was: Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Iñigo, Ayman; Alhassan, Saad; Ghareeb, Mané, João Félix; Ronaldo.

As for the Japanese club managed by Jens Wissing, the players he selected were: Araki; Miura, Kishimoto, Nakatani, Hatsuse; Suzuki, Mito; Meshino, Jebali, Yamashita; Hümmet.

Their league positions

Al Nassr are on the verge of winning the Saudi Pro League, which they could do today if Al Hilal do not beat Neom. If that happens, they would only need a win over Damac in the final match. Gamba Osaka are in a different situation, as they have played 17 matches so far and currently sit third in the J1 League.

The development has quickly become one of the biggest talking points in German soccer. Nagelsmann reportedly views Neuer as Germany’s number one goalkeeper again, despite the 40-year-old initially bringing his international career to an end less than two years ago.

Speculation intensified following Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match against Cologne. Neuer started the match as Bayern cruised to a 5-1 victory, but his afternoon suddenly took an unexpected turn when he signaled toward the bench before being substituted shortly after the hour mark. The veteran goalkeeper attempted to calm fears after the final whistle. 

“I felt a slight twinge in my calf; I didn’t want to take any risks with next week in mind,” Neuer explained after the match. Even with questions surrounding his Germany future continuing to grow, the shot-stopper avoided giving direct answers. “Ask the coach. For me, this is not a topic right now,” he said when asked about a possible return to the national team.

The Bayern captain repeatedly shifted attention toward the upcoming DFB-Pokal final instead. His refusal to deny the reports, however, only fueled further speculation that discussions behind the scenes had already taken place.

Julian Nagelsmann reportedly makes his decision

According to reports from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Julian Nagelsmann has already decided to bring Neuer back as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Plettenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “World Cup return decided: Julian Nagelsmann brings Manuel Neuer back as Germany’s No.1 – DONE.”

The report also claimed that positive talks between Neuer, Nagelsmann, and sporting director Rudi Voller convinced the goalkeeper to reverse his retirement decision. The DFB-Team is expected to announce its final World Cup squad next week, with the veteran reportedly already included in the preliminary selection.

That decision would represent a remarkable comeback story. Neuer retired from international soccer in August 2024 after another major tournament with Germany, but the door now appears wide open once again.

The one issue that could change everything

Despite the growing confidence surrounding his return, one concern still threatens to derail Germany’s plan: Neuer’s calf problem suffered against Cologne.

The goalkeeper pointed toward his left leg before leaving the field and later walked toward the dressing room alongside Bayern doctor Peter Ueblacker. Reports in Germany suggested immediate concern because Neuer has dealt with recurring calf problems throughout the season.

Florian Plettenberg’s report specifically stated that Neuer’s return would happen “provided his substitution against Cologne has no serious consequences.” That detail has suddenly become the key issue hanging over Germany’s preparations.

For now, Bayern and Germany both appear hopeful that the problem is only minor. Neuer was later seen celebrating Bayern’s Bundesliga title triumph with teammates and showed no major visible signs of discomfort during the celebrations.

The opening stages saw City dominate possession and test Chelsea’s defensive shape with quick combinations in the final third. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku were both involved in early attacks, though Chelsea’s back line held firm under pressure. The Blues came closest through set pieces and a few half-chances, but clear opportunities remained limited in the first 45 minutes.

The second half started with Chelsea’s renewed energy and immediately created pressure around the City penalty area. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernendez both tested the defensive structure with shots and forward runs that forced quick reactions.

Pep Guardiola’s side, however, eventually found the breakthrough through a moment of quality, with Antoine Semenyo producing a composed backheel finish inside the area. It was a decisive moment in a match that had remained finely balanced until that point.

Late pressure and final whistle

The closing stages saw Chelsea commit numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but City managed the game well under pressure. Caicedo, Palmer, and Neto all had late opportunities, yet none could find the final touch needed.

After five minutes of added time, Darren England brought the match to an end, confirming City as FA Cup winners once again. Guardiola added another trophy to his record at the club, while Chelsea was left to reflect on missed chances and fine margins.

Missed chances cost Chelsea in FA Cup Final

The match was defined by small moments rather than sustained dominance from either side, with City taking their chance when it mattered most. Chelsea showed enough quality to trouble the champions but lacked the finishing edge in decisive situations.

For City, it is another Wembley triumph built on discipline and efficiency in key phases of the game. For Chelsea, the performance showed progress in spells but also highlighted the gap in consistency at this level.

The 145th edition of the FA Cup final carries enormous weight on both sides. Manchester City has the chance to complete a domestic cup double after already lifting the Carabao Cup. At the same time, Chelsea hopes to end years of frustration at Wembley and finally bring silverware back to Stamford Bridge. The Citizens have already secured their place in the history books before the final even begins. 

Pep Guardiola’s side became the first club ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals.  However, City lost the previous two finals against Manchester United and Crystal Palace after defeating United in the 2023 showpiece, meaning the squad arrives at Wembley eager to avoid a third straight final disappointment.

On the other hand, Chelsea’s campaign has unfolded very differently. The London outfit has struggled badly in the Premier League and has already gone through major managerial upheaval during the season. Interim manager Calum McFarlane now finds himself with an unexpected opportunity to deliver silverware. 

Chelsea has lost its last three FA Cup finals, and another defeat would extend a miserable recent Wembley record even further. The Blues have shown flashes of quality in the competition, however. They scored 21 goals on their journey to the final and edged past Leeds United in the semi-final thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s winner.

Will Erling Haaland play?

Erling Haaland will start for Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The Norwegian striker was rested during the midweek victory over Crystal Palace and will return fresh for Wembley.

Guardiola has also restored several important players to the lineup, including Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki. Haaland’s inclusion is especially significant given his strange record at Wembley, where he has struggled to score in major finals despite his remarkable numbers elsewhere.

Speaking about Haaland’s Wembley drought, Guardiola joked: “On Saturday, he will score.” The striker’s return gives City a major boost. Haaland, Doku, Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo will form a dangerous attacking unit, with City having scored three goals in each of its last three matches.

Chelsea vs Manchester City: Confirmed lineups

Chelsea confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.

Manchester City confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.

Saturday’s final arrives during an emotional moment for both sides. Chelsea is attempting to rescue a disappointing season with silverware, while Manchester City is chasing another historic achievement under Pep Guardiola after once again reaching Wembley.

Chelsea searches for redemption at Wembley

The Blues head into the final under interim manager Calum McFarlane after a turbulent campaign that has left supporters frustrated. The club’s inconsistent Premier League form has increased the pressure surrounding the FA Cup, especially with European qualification still uncertain through league position.

The London side has enjoyed a productive run in the competition despite domestic struggles. Victories over Charlton Athletic, Hull City, Wrexham, Port Vale, and Leeds helped Chelsea reach its 17th FA Cup final, with Enzo Fernandez playing a key role throughout the journey.

Chelsea’s recent record in finals has been difficult, however. The club has lost three consecutive FA Cup finals since lifting the trophy in 2018, and its recent form against Manchester City offers little encouragement after a long winless run in this fixture.

Manchester City eyes another piece of history

Manchester City arrives at Wembley with momentum and experience on its side. The Citizens have now reached four consecutive FA Cup finals, becoming the first side ever to achieve that feat. The Manchester side has already claimed the EFL Cup this season and remains involved in the Premier League title race.

Guardiola’s squad has looked sharp in recent weeks, collecting important victories while rotating key players carefully ahead of the final. City’s route to Wembley included a remarkable 10-1 victory over Exeter City before wins against Salford City, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Southampton. It has also dominated statistically in the FA Cup era under Guardiola, recording the most wins, goals, and clean sheets since his arrival in 2016.

There is also growing attention around several senior players who could be approaching the end of their time at the Etihad Stadium. Bernardo Silva and John Stones are among the names linked with departures, making this final potentially emotional for the squad.

FA Cup 2025–26 prize money breakdown

Beyond the prestige and silverware, there is also a substantial financial reward attached to the competition. The winner of the FA Cup final will earn £2.12 million ($2.8 million), while the runner-up will receive £1.06 million ($1.4 million).

The figures become even larger when the full tournament earnings are combined. Because prize money accumulates round by round, the eventual champion will take home more than £4.14 million ($5.48 million) across the entire competition.

The total payout for the FA Cup winner exceeds £4.14 million ($5.48 million), while the losing finalist still earns roughly £3.08 million ($4.08 million).

Match Overview

Chelsea enters the FA Cup Final with a desperate need to salvage a disastrous season. After occupying a Champions League spot in January, a calamitous run of form has seen them plummet to 9th in the Premier League table, with just two wins in their last eleven matches across all competitions. The FA Cup represents their only remaining chance at silverware and a positive conclusion to a turbulent campaign under interim management.

In stark contrast, Manchester City arrives at Wembley as a well-oiled machine on the verge of another domestic double. Having already secured the EFL Cup, Pep Guardiola‘s side has been nearly invincible, losing just one of their last 33 domestic fixtures. For City, this final is not just about another trophy; it’s about cementing their dynasty and continuing an era of unprecedented dominance in English soccer.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Chelsea‘s campaign unraveled following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca, leading to a freefall in the league standings and a crisis of confidence. Manchester City, meanwhile, has navigated a demanding schedule with ruthless efficiency, maintaining their elite standards while competing for both the Premier League and FA Cup titles.

The tactical battle is expected to be a classic clash of styles. Manchester City will likely control the tempo, dominating possession and using their high press to suffocate Chelsea. The Blues, under interim boss Calum McFarlane, are expected to concede possession, organize into a compact defensive block, and look to exploit City‘s high line with quick counter-attacks. The game will be won or lost based on Chelsea‘s defensive resilience and their ability to be clinical in transition.

For Chelsea, the motivation is clear: win a first domestic trophy under the new ownership and bring a silver lining to an otherwise forgettable season. For Manchester City, the objective is to add another piece of silverware to their collection, securing a domestic double and reinforcing Pep Guardiola‘s legacy. The pressure is immense on both sides, but for entirely different reasons.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Recent history heavily favors Manchester City in this fixture. The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 13 encounters with Chelsea, securing ten wins and three draws. The Blues have not tasted victory against City since their triumph in the 2021 Champions League final, a run of dominance that underscores the gap that has emerged between the two clubs.

Looking at the last five meetings, the pattern becomes even clearer. City has kept three clean sheets and conceded only two goals, while scoring ten themselves. This includes a commanding 3-0 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge just a month ago and a narrow 1-0 win in the 2024 FA Cup semi-final, showcasing their ability to control these high-stakes matches both defensively and offensively.

Historical data from FA Cup finals at the new Wembley also points towards a tight affair. A remarkable 16 of the 19 finals held since 2007 have featured fewer than four goals. Furthermore, the ‘Both Teams To Score – No’ outcome has been successful in four of the last six head-to-head clashes, suggesting that goals may be at a premium on Saturday.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Chelsea heads to Wembley grappling with a significant injury crisis, while Manchester City reports a nearly clean bill of health.

The Blues are facing major selection headaches. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is a doubt due to a concussion, and a host of attacking players, including Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, are also dealing with knocks. With Mykhaylo Mudryk suspended, interim manager Calum McFarlane may be forced to deploy players in unfamiliar roles to field a competitive side.

Manchester City‘s primary concern is the fitness of midfield anchor Rodri, who has been dealing with physical discomfort. Should he be unavailable, Nico Gonzalez is expected to step in. Otherwise, Pep Guardiola has a full-strength squad to choose from, allowing him to field a formidable lineup capable of executing his game plan.

Chelsea Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Jörgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernández, Cucurella; Pedro
This lineup reflects Chelsea‘s injury woes, with Jörgensen potentially starting in goal and Marc Cucurella pushed into an advanced role on the wing out of necessity. The team will rely heavily on the creativity of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández to create chances against a dominant City side.

Manchester City Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Khusanov, Guehi, Nunes; Gonzalez, Silva; Doku, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland
This is City‘s powerhouse formation, designed to control possession and overwhelm opponents. Erling Haaland will lead the line, supported by the creative force of Rayan Cherki. The only significant question is in midfield, where Nico Gonzalez may deputize for Rodri.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Chelsea vs Manchester City FA Cup Final on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

In addition to the FA Cup, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Enjoy coverage of leagues like La Liga, Premier League, and other major tournaments.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99/mo, offering incredible value for soccer fans. The plan includes access to all live matches, on-demand content, and exclusive studio shows.

Beyond soccer, the service offers a deep library of movies, TV series, and other live sports, making it a comprehensive entertainment package for the entire household.

SEE MORE: For a complete rundown of games, check out the FA Cup TV schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

The exact prize for the Saudi Pro League champion has not been disclosed. The most recent disclosed figure was in 2023, when Al Ittihad earned SR5 million, which would be about $1.33 million if that amount remained the same. The team will not be playing for the Saudi Pro League title on Saturday. However, it could still become champion if Al Hilal fail to beat Neom. The five-point margin Al Nassr currently has would be enough, since there would only be one match left.

If Al Hilal win, everything would go to the final match, with just two points separating the teams and everything still to be decided next Thursday. In that game, Al Nassr will face Damac, a club trying to avoid relegation. Their rivals will take on Al Fayha, a team in mid-table.

Al Nassr’s final

Saturday may not bring a Saudi Pro League appearance for Al Nassr. However, they could still win a trophy on the field as they face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final in Riyadh.

Even with the disappointment from their most recent match on Tuesday, they now have a chance for revenge and a title within reach, which may make it easier to stay focused.

Al Nassr have been perfect in their continental run. They reached the final against the Japanese club after winning all six of their group stage matches, both of their round of 16 matches, the quarterfinals and the semifinals, for a total of 10 victories.

Ronaldo’s numbers

Ronaldo has continued to score as his team closes in on its first titles in some time, even after his arrival was expected to deliver them sooner. He has played 29 Saudi Pro League matches and scored 26 goals, one King Cup match without scoring, three AFC Champions League Two matches with one goal, and two Saudi Super Cup matches with one goal. That leaves him on 35 matches and 28 goals across those competitions.

Mendieta said: “To me personally, Mourinho going back to Real Madrid is a surprise. I think sometimes a second spell is risky. In my experience, there are not many cases where it works. A third time, I do not think it is appropriate. I also think he is not the same Mourinho he was years ago, the first time. I think a lot has changed for Mourinho himself.”

The former midfielder has plenty of experience in the sport, having starred for Valencia before moving to Barcelona, while also playing for Spain’s senior team. Mendieta’s thoughts also included his preferred replacement as manager.

Mendieta picks Raúl as Real Madrid manager

The former player chose a club legend as the best possible manager: “I think that if Florentino Perez called him, he would obviously go, but that is not going to happen. And Raúl is not waiting by the phone because he knows that his moment probably passed years ago, maybe just before Xabi Alonso.”

Hiring a Real Madrid legend like Raúl could create a big reaction in the dressing room, which may seem like the main issue. Even so, that looks almost impossible, as the former striker has not been in the running.

Mendieta said: “It was then that he thought it was his moment. I would have loved to see him there. I think he was ready, especially when they made a managerial change that was not new to the team, like what happened with Arbeloa.”

The future manager

There are many things the new manager will need to succeed. Tactical knowledge is a must, while being able to manage players with difficult personalities may be even more important. For the former left-footed midfielder, the squad should also be heavily revamped.

Mendieta said: “There are two sides to it. One is that they have not won a title in two years and the manager they hire must do better than the others. But at the same time, it is a risk because it is clear the club needs to sign players, almost one for each line. That is what Alonso wanted.”

Japan’s progress over the past few years has been clear. That is reflected in the clubs these players represent, with only three of them, including two goalkeepers, playing in the domestic league.

Bad news for Hajime Moriyasu came with the absence of Mitoma, mainly because the midfielder picked up an injury while playing for Brighton last weekend. The manager said: “The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to return to fitness during the tournament.”

The list

Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki (Parma), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima)

Defenders: Yuto Nagamoto (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truidense), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Junnosuke Suzuki (Copenhagen), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord)

Midfielders: Kaishu Sano (Mainz), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Ao Tanaka (Leeds), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Junya Ito (Genk)

Forwards: Kaito Nakamura (Stade Reims), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Koki Ogawa (NEC), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Iori Suzuki (Freiburg), Kento Shiogai (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truidense), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kaoru Ueda (Feyenoord)

The group

Japan was placed in Group F for the World Cup, where it will face three strong opponents: the Netherlands on June 14, Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26.

“You’re not going to the World Cup,” a Coritiba supporter shouted at Neymar during the closing minutes of this week’s match at Couto Pereira Stadium, where Santos earned a 2-0 victory to advance to the sixth round of the Copa do Brasil.

The 34-year-old forward, who was leaving the field after being substituted for Gabriel Barbosa in the 84th minute, did not react angrily as he has in previous incidents involving fans. Instead, he responded with a smile: “You’ll be staying at home.”

From his past controversies, Neymar has likely learned that getting involved in arguments with supporters — whether opposing fans or even Santos fans, as happened a few weeks ago — is rarely worthwhile. However, the calm way he handled the moment also probably reflects a much more optimistic mindset regarding his chances with Brazil.

Although there has been no official confirmation, reports indicate Neymar was included in the preliminary 55-man roster submitted to FIFA earlier this week. If true, it would mark the first major sign of confidence from Carlo Ancelotti toward the forward since taking over the national team nearly a year ago, although it obviously does not guarantee him a place in the final squad.

Neymar finding strong form with Santos

Neymar’s ambition to finish the first half of the season in top condition and reclaim his place with the Brazil national team has pushed him to work intensely to rediscover his best physical and sporting form. And that effort is beginning to pay off.

For the first time in more than three years, the forward has been able to play regularly without injury setbacks. In fact, he has started 12 of Santos’ last 18 matches across the Brazilian Serie A, Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana, while also completing the full 90 minutes in most of them.

Ancelotti speaks about Neymar

With Neymar continuing to improve physically and on the field, the final decision now rests with Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach must determine whether Neymar can provide solutions during the World Cup and whether he will be physically capable of handling such a demanding tournament and packed schedule.

“Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown,” Ancelotti admitted during a recent interview with Reuters. “But he has had problems and is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. It is, obviously, not such an easy decision for me. We have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.”

“I was lucky enough to play with one of the greatest in Cristiano, and on Sunday I’ll be out to coach against one of the greatest, which is an honor,” Neville said during Friday’s press conference in Miami, shared by reporter Jose Armando on X.

The former English defender played alongside Ronaldo between 2003 and 2005 during his final seasons at Manchester United, when the Portuguese forward had just arrived from Sporting CP as a teenager. Together, they won the 2003-04 FA Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Neville later praised Messi’s commitment since arriving at Inter Miami and explained how it has positively impacted MLS. “I love, and I loved it with the other stars here like Sergio Busquets and Alba, that when they score, they celebrate. They’re not here for a holiday. They’re not here just to pick up whatever money they’re earning. They’re here to win,” the Portland coach said.

“There was a game, I think it was in Orlando, they were maybe 2-0 down, and the greatest player in the world is arguing with maybe the goalkeeping coach from Orlando on the bench,” Neville recalled. “That, for me, inspires the whole league. What them guys are doing shows their hunger, their desire to be the absolute greatest every single day.”

Phil Neville reflects on his time at Inter Miami

When Lionel Messi agreed to join Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, the club had decided to hire Gerardo Martino just one week earlier. The Argentine coach arrived as the replacement for Phil Neville, who had held the position since January 2021.

Asked whether he regrets not having the opportunity to coach Messi at Inter Miami, Neville was completely honest: “I had incredible relationships with the owners, so it didn’t just happen in seven days. At the start of the season, I was under no illusions that probably, if he came in, I wouldn’t be here. And that’s totally fine.”

The coach then discussed his relationship with David Beckham, his former Manchester United teammate and an Inter Miami executive: “One of the best friends of my life is the owner of the football club, so it’s not as if we kept secrets from each other during that period.”

Inter Miami searching for first home victory

Despite enjoying a strong 2026 MLS season and currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings, Inter Miami still have unfinished business: earning their first win at their new home.

Since the official opening of Nu Stadium in early April, the Herons have played four matches there, recording three draws and one loss. On Sunday, they will look to end that streak against the Portland Timbers. If they fail to do so, they will have another opportunity seven days later when they host the Philadelphia Union in their final match before the break.

Arbeloa wrote: “Mbappé is like young Luke Skywalker. You know that sooner or later he’ll dominate the world. He’s a beast!” Fans dug it up because it was posted on June 20, 2018, when the Frenchman was dazzling as a teenager at the World Cup his country won with him as the main attacking player.

It was a curious reminder of what Arbeloa thinks of Mbappé as a player. However, it is very possible that the manager is now tired of the player’s antics, especially after the two gave different versions of the conversation they had before the match against Real Oviedo.

Arbeloa-Mbappé incident

This was not a dispute like the one last week between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, which left the Uruguayan out for 10 to 14 days. It was a difference in what they told the media after the win.

The player said Arbeloa left him out of the lineup because he was the fourth forward behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo García, which was a question for the manager.

When Arbeloa was asked about what Mbappé had said minutes earlier, he reacted with surprise and said he did not say that phrase to Mbappé, turning it into another scandal.

The final matches

Real Madrid must finish the season in a more respectable way after failing to win a title despite the club’s history. While they will not move from second place behind Barcelona, they need to get wins to calm their fans a bit. Their final matches are against Sevilla away and Athletic Club at home.

The title race looked almost over after Al-Nassr’s dramatic Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal earlier in the week. However, a late equalizer kept the defending challenger alive in the race and ensured the championship battle would continue into Matchday 33.

Al-Nassr currently sits at the top of the table with 83 points from 33 matches, while Al-Hilal remains second with 78 points from 32 games. Simone Inzaghi’s side still has two matches left to play, beginning with Saturday’s home encounter against NEOM before a final-day trip to Al-Fayha. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr has only one remaining league fixture, a home meeting with Damac on Matchday 34.

The Blue Waves’ campaign has been extraordinary despite trailing in the title race. The club remains unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League, recording 23 wins and nine draws through 32 matches while scoring 82 goals and conceding just 27. The dramatic 1-1 draw against Ronaldo’s side extended the club’s unbeaten league streak and kept faint hopes alive.

Had Al-Nassr held on for victory in that derby, the title would already have been mathematically secured. Instead, Al-Hilal now enters Matchday 33 knowing that only a victory against NEOM can keep pressure on the leader.

What happens if Al-Hilal wins?

A victory is the only result that keeps the championship race alive. If Al-Hilal defeats NEOM, it would climb to 81 points, cutting Al-Nassr’s lead to just two points ahead of the final weekend. That would send the title race into Matchday 34 and place huge pressure on Ronaldo’s side before facing Damac.

In that scenario, Al-Hilal would still need help. The club would have to beat Al-Fayha in its final game while also hoping Al-Nassr fails to win against Damac. The pressure would become enormous because one slip from its city rival could completely change the destination of the trophy at the last possible moment.

What happens if the match ends in a draw?

A draw would be enough to hand the title to Al-Nassr. Should Al-Hilal collect only one point, it would move to 79 points with one game remaining. Even a victory against Al-Fayha on the final day would only take the team to 82 points, still below Al-Nassr’s current tally of 83 points.

That means a draw at Kingdom Arena would mathematically eliminate Al-Hilal from the title race. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr would then celebrate the championship before kicking a ball against Damac.

For Al-Hilal, such a result would be especially painful considering the club’s unbeaten season. Going through an entire league campaign without defeat and still failing to win the title would be a cruel ending.

What happens if Al-Hilal loses?

This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Hilal loses at home to NEOM, the club would remain on 78 points with only one match left to play. That would leave Simone Inzaghi and his players unable to catch Al-Nassr’s current total of 83 points.

In that case, Al-Nassr would officially be crowned Saudi Pro League champions before even facing Damac on the final matchday. Ronaldo’s side would secure the trophy without needing another result. Such an outcome would complete a remarkable campaign for Al-Nassr, which has spent much of the season battling constant pressure from its Riyadh rival.

At the same time, the Portuguese duo remains fully focused on delivering success in both domestic and continental competition. With the Saudi Pro League title race still alive and an AFC Champions League Two final approaching, the timing of the speculation surrounding Jorge Jesus has created even more intrigue around the club’s immediate future.

According to reports from ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade, Jorge Jesus does not intend to renew his contract with Al-Nassr beyond the current campaign. Although the veteran coach is said to be happy with life in Saudi Arabia, his ambitions reportedly stretch far beyond club soccer.

“Jorge Jesus does not intend to renew his contract with Al-Nassr for the next season,” the report stated, while also revealing that the Portuguese tactician is already thinking about another dream role in soccer management.

The update comes as a major surprise considering the strong season Al-Nassr has produced under Jesus. The club remains in contention for a domestic and continental double, while Ronaldo himself has enjoyed one of the most productive campaigns of his career despite already being 41 years old.

Jesus’ dream destination comes to light

The report has also revealed the deeper motivation that lies in Jesus’ future. Apparently, the 71-year-old’s preferred destination is the Portugal national team job after the 2026 World Cup, with current coach Roberto Martinez expected to leave after the tournament. That option instantly alters the context of his current situation in Al-Nassr.

Rather than negotiating a new long-term contract in the Middle East, Jesus reportedly wants to position himself as a leading candidate to guide Portugal into the 2030 World Cup cycle, especially with the tournament set to be hosted partly by Portugal. “The coach has the ambition to take over the command of the Portugal national team after the World Cup,” ESPN Brasil added.

For Portuguese soccer, the possibility carries enormous significance. Jesus has built one of the most decorated managerial careers in Portuguese club history, and managing the national team would represent the final major challenge of his coaching journey. And with Jose Mourinho nearing a return to Real Madrid, the path ahead of him is all but paved.

Defining summer approaching for Al-Nassr

The next few weeks could reshape the future of the club entirely. Ronaldo may finally secure the league title he has chased for years, while Jorge Jesus could potentially leave after delivering one of the most successful seasons in recent Al-Nassr history.

At the same time, the possibility of him becoming Portugal manager after the 2026 World Cup adds another fascinating layer to the story. For now, though, the veteran boss appears determined to finish the season strongly before making any official move.

“It had to be him. Bruno Fernandes has been crowned our Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for a record fifth time,” Manchester United announced Friday through a social media post.

Since the creation of the trophy in 1988, no player had ever won it five times, highlighting the enormous impact Fernandes has had on the club since arriving from Sporting CP. He previously won the award in his first season in 2020, as well as in 2021, 2024 and 2025.

Until now, Bruno shared the top spot in the rankings with two other players. Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea had each won the award four times. The Portuguese forward earned it in 2004, when he was just 19 years old, as well as in 2007, 2008 and 2022, while the goalkeeper won it in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

As a result, Bruno Fernandes not only surpassed Ronaldo and De Gea for the most trophies won, but also matched the Spanish goalkeeper’s record by becoming just the second player to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award three consecutive times.

What is the Sir Matt Busby award?

Created in 1988, the Sir Matt Busby trophy is an award presented to Manchester United’s fans’ player of the season. Voting takes place near the end of each campaign and is open to anyone registered on the club’s official website. That allows supporters from around the world to express their opinion and help select the team’s standout player.

Originally, the trophy was called the MUFC Members Player of the Year award, but in 1995 it adopted its current name in honor of Sir Matt Busby, the legendary head coach who managed the Red Devils from 1945 to 1969, and then briefly from 1970 to 1971.

In addition to Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and David De Gea, other stars to receive the award over the decades include Brian McClair, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Marcus Rashford.

The latest controversy erupted after Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo, when Mbappe openly questioned Arbeloa’s handling of him. The French forward revealed he had been left frustrated after starting on the bench despite believing he was fully fit.

“I didn’t play because the coach told me I’m the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vinicius, and Gonzalo,” Mbappe said after the match. “I accept it and play the time I’m given. I think I played well. I was ready to start.” Those comments immediately created headlines across Spain.

Arbeloa responded publicly soon afterward and firmly denied ever telling Mbappe he was fourth in the pecking order. “I certainly didn’t say anything like that to Mbappe,” the Spaniard insisted. “Perhaps he didn’t understand me. I’m the coach, and I’m the one who decides who plays and who doesn’t.”

During an era of instability for Madrid, the dispute revealed deeper divisions inside the team. Reports in Spain have described a fractured atmosphere around the squad following disappointing performances, dressing-room disputes, and growing pressure from supporters.

Mourinho publicly backs Arbeloa

The story became even more significant when Mourinho addressed the controversy during a press conference with Benfica. The Portuguese coach, heavily linked with the Madrid job, chose to publicly support Arbeloa rather than defend Mbappe. “It saddens me because Arbeloa is a friend,” Mourinho told Diario AS. “He is one of those who gave everything for me when he was a player of mine.”

The former Madrid manager also reflected on the difficulties coaches face at elite clubs. “Being a player is always easier than being the manager,” he added while discussing the pressure surrounding his former player.

Those comments immediately caught attention because Mourinho is widely expected to become Madrid’s next permanent coach once Benfica’s season ends. Fabrizio Romano recently suggested that negotiations are already advanced, with Florentino Perez viewing Mourinho as the figure capable of restoring order at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid decides on Mbappe’s future amid fans’ dissatisfaction

Amid the growing speculation, Real Madrid has reportedly reached a clear internal decision regarding Mbappe’s future: the club does not intend to sell him and instead expects him to remain as a central figure under Mourinho.

According to TEAMtalk, Mourinho himself views the Frenchman as a crucial part of Los Blancos’ long-term project despite the recent controversy. The club reportedly believes the Portuguese coach can rebuild discipline inside the dressing room while helping the French star rediscover his best form.

That stance arrives despite growing criticism from sections of the fanbase. Mbappe was loudly booed by supporters during the Oviedo match, and reports even claimed an online petition demanding his exit gathered enormous traction online.

Still, Madrid’s leadership appears determined to continue building around him. It is said that Florentino Perez sees the 27-year-old as one of the pillars of the club’s future, even while negotiations over Vinicius Junior’s contract renewal remain unresolved.

There is still not much clarity about the midfielders’ future, but it would not be surprising if the club decided to sell one or both of them. In that context, Paris Saint-Germain would be willing to make a move for Valverde.

While the Uruguayan would prefer to stay at the club, people around him may be considering other options. According to El Chiringuito and As, Paris Saint-Germain has already contacted his camp to let them know they would be interested in Valverde if he becomes available.

English clubs are interested

The situation with Tchouameni was somewhat surprising, since the Uruguayan is one of the team captains. His performances in a very poor season for Real Madrid have still been solid, with the hat trick against Manchester City in the first leg of the round of 16 standing out as his best moment.

His ability to play in any midfield role gives him a long list of interested clubs, but his stamina, age and ability to also play at right back make him a target for only a select group of teams.

England seems like the most likely destination for a player like him. Manchester United had already been interested in Valverde in the past and could be again. Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are the other three clubs that reportedly want him, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The contract

Signing Valverde from Real Madrid would not be cheap for any club. Even if the club decides to sell him, which has not been confirmed, they would demand a high fee because his contract runs until 2029, so an exit would not be a simple decision. His transfer fee could be between 80 and 120 million euros.

For months, controversy surrounding VAR has dominated discussions across the league, with supporters, managers, and former players all questioning whether the technology is improving the game. Yet despite FIFA’s determination to expand the system at the World Cup, the Premier League now looks set to resist making major changes next season.

According to reports from The Guardian, Premier League clubs are expected to vote against expanding VAR authority during next month’s annual general meeting. The proposed changes would allow officials to review corner-kick decisions and second yellow-card incidents, powers that have already been approved by IFAB earlier this year.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) introduced the rule adjustment in February after FIFA requested broader VAR intervention for the upcoming World Cup. Referees at the tournament are expected to use the extended system, especially during high-pressure knockout matches where one incorrect call could decide an entire campaign.

However, the Premier League has received strong advice from PGMOL against implementing those changes domestically. The refereeing body reportedly believes wider VAR intervention could create even more disruption during matches, something clubs are increasingly worried about after another chaotic season of controversy.

Why the Premier League is resisting FIFA’s approach

The Guardian explained that PGMOL fears additional reviews would significantly extend the length of games, while also increasing pressure on referees and frustrating broadcasters. That concern has become central to the league’s thinking as criticism surrounding VAR continues to intensify across England.

The Premier League already experiences some of the longest VAR delays in Europe. According to data collected by Snickers in collaboration with Opta, English soccer suffers more than 1,100 minutes of stoppages per season because of VAR interventions, more than La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga.

Supporters have grown increasingly vocal as well. One survey from March claimed 75 percent of fans oppose VAR in its current form, while many believe the technology has slowed the pace and emotion of matches too dramatically.

FIFA pushing ahead for the World Cup

While the Premier League remains cautious, FIFA has taken the opposite stance ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina and FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly believe one missed corner decision or unpunished foul could unfairly determine a World Cup result.

That fear becomes even more significant in knockout soccer, where a single moment can define an entire nation’s tournament. FIFA officials are especially focused on dangerous grappling situations inside the penalty area during corners and set pieces.

Former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, who now works with FIFA’s Technical Study Group, warned that officials will closely monitor physical battles at set pieces throughout the tournament. “What has happened, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal, this is a trend, yes, but I am sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there,” he explained.

“After 6 months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left,” the Dutch defender wrote Friday in a post published on his official Instagram account, alongside a photo of himself in a hospital bed.

“I’m disappointed I couldn’t help the team the last 6 months and obviously missing out on the World Cup,” De Ligt later added, referring to his lengthy absence with Manchester United this season and the missed opportunity to play for the Netherlands this summer in North America.

Finally, the 26-year-old shared an optimistic message regarding his future after undergoing back surgery on Friday: “I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again.”

De Ligt appeared in just 14 matches for Manchester United this season across the Premier League and Carabao Cup, scoring one goal. In December, he began dealing with back problems that ultimately prevented him from returning to the field, effectively ending his club season.

Bad news for the Netherlands

Matthijs de Ligt had not been a priority for head coach Ronald Koeman in recent years, especially while playing a secondary role at Bayern Munich. However, after arriving at Manchester United, the defender had regained importance, to the point of starting in the Netherlands’ final match of 2025, a 4-0 victory over Lithuania in November.

However, because of his back issues, De Ligt was unavailable for the March FIFA international break, and now surgery has officially ruled him out of the 26-man squad that will compete in the World Cup. It marks the second major loss for Koeman, as Xavi Simons was also ruled out weeks ago because of a serious knee injury.

Japan also dealing with injuries

The Netherlands will compete in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Tunisia, Sweden and Japan. The Asian side also suffered a significant setback this week that will affect preparations for the tournament in North America.

“Kaoru Mitoma will not be part of Japan squad for the World Cup 2026, decision confirmed,” reporter Fabrizio Romano wrote Friday on his official X account. “Brighton winger, out due to hamstring injury suffered recently as he won’t recover in time.” In addition, another of Japan’s stars, Takumi Minamino, has also been ruled out because of a knee injury suffered in December.

“I talk a lot with Leo about the World Cup and the excitement we have,” De Paul said during a recent interview on Lo Del Pollo. “For the last two or three months, we’ve been preparing for it with a training plan beyond what we do at the club level, thinking about the World Cup.”

The Inter Miami midfielder then provided more details about those preparation sessions: “The two of us push ourselves physically to arrive in the best possible shape. We’re doing double sessions that we planned ourselves, and we have our own fitness coach. We’ve been working hard and things are going well.”

This is closely connected to the doubts Messi had publicly expressed whenever he was asked about the 2026 World Cup. Considering that he will turn 39 during the tournament, his main concern has always been whether he will feel physically capable of competing in the most demanding soccer event in the world.

“I’m very excited. I think Argentina will once again be one of the main contenders,” De Paul assured. “I see conviction and hunger in my teammates to keep achieving things. This team is fully committed to giving everything it has.”

The mental aspect of preparing for the World Cup

During the same conversation, Rodrigo De Paul spoke about how he and Messi are preparing not only physically, but also mentally for this summer’s tournament in North America. “You live constantly thinking about the World Cup. As it gets closer, those thoughts come into your head much more often. You live with fear, uncertainty, excitement and a lot of emotions that come with the World Cup,” the midfielder explained.

“I motivate him a lot, I build him up all the time,” De Paul admitted while describing his relationship with Messi. “He motivates me too, but he’s more steady than I am. I’m more up and down, so I have a lot of low moments and he helps me. When I go low, I really go low. He stays balanced and consistent. We complement each other well.”

True to his personality, Rodrigo also joked about what those training sessions with Messi are like. “I record everything. ‘No, stop it, why are you filming me?’ he tells me. ‘Well, Shorty, maybe things work out for us, we make a documentary or something and make some money,’” De Paul revealed.

Argentina’s final roster is getting closer

Argentina were one of the few national teams that publicly released the 55-man preliminary roster submitted to FIFA earlier this week. Lionel Scaloni now has two more weeks to make the final cuts and confirm the official 26-man squad.

Reports indicate that the head coach will take as much time as possible before making the announcement, considering the deadline is June 1 and club competitions will not conclude until May 30 with the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Amid the speculation, Mourinho has now publicly addressed his situation for the first time in detail. The Spanish giant is currently living through a chaotic period after another disappointing season that ended without major silverware.

Pressure has increased on current coach Alvaro Arbeloa following internal tensions, inconsistent performances, and reports of dressing-room fractures. Florentino Perez’s explosive recent press conference also intensified the sense that major changes could soon arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Several reports in Spain suggest Mourinho has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge once again. His previous spell at Madrid between 2010 and 2013 brought a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, while also reshaping the squad’s mentality during one of Barcelona’s most dominant eras.

Mourinho finally reveals his stance on his future

The experienced coach explained that he does not want distractions ahead of Benfica’s final domestic fixture against Estoril. Despite intense rumors surrounding Madrid’s managerial search, Mourinho insisted his immediate focus remains entirely on finishing the campaign properly.

“Yes, I received a contract renewal offer from Benfica on Wednesday. The offer was given to my agent, but I didn’t want to see it, find out about it, or analyze it. I’ll only do that starting Sunday, I’d say Sunday,” Mourinho told Diario AS. The former Madrid coach also revealed that Benfica officials never directly pushed him to decide during the crucial final days of the season.

According to Mourinho, even if the club had approached him earlier, his response would have remained the same. “They never told me they had an offer to show me. Not the president, nor any important person in the organisation. But if they had told me, I would have answered exactly the same way.”

What’s more, he openly admitted that next week could define the next chapter of his career. Although he stopped short of confirming any move, his words strongly suggested that an important decision is approaching. “Next week will be important for me, for my future, and also for Benfica,” Mourinho explained.

The 63-year-old tactician then delivered a statement many interpreted as leaving the door open for a possible departure. “Benfica is much bigger than me; there’s no comparison. It’s bigger than everyone, any coach, player, president, anyone. Therefore, as far as my personal situation is concerned, I think there’s no reason to worry, because the club is bigger than everyone, and there’s no need to worry if someone leaves.”

No contact with Real Madrid, yet links persist

Despite the mounting reports, Mourinho insisted he has not spoken directly with Madrid officials. The coach firmly denied receiving any approach from Florentino Perez or other senior figures at the Spanish club. “I have had no contact whatsoever with Real Madrid—not with the president, nor with any other key figure at the club,” he stated during a press conference.

He repeated the same position later while discussing the rumors once again. “As for Real Madrid, they never told me they had an offer to put to me. Neither the president nor anyone else in a position of authority.”

Even so, speculation has continued to intensify across Spain and Portugal. Multiple outlets claim that behind-the-scenes negotiations are already advanced, with Mourinho reportedly requesting significant authority over transfers and sporting decisions if he returns.

The Rossoneri travel to Genoa knowing that anything less than victory could severely damage their hopes of returning to Europe’s top competition next season. With Roma level on points and Como still chasing from behind, every moment now carries enormous weight for a club that only weeks ago looked comfortable inside the top four.

Milan’s recent form has transformed what once appeared to be a secure Champions League qualification push into a nerve-racking fight. Defeats against Sassuolo and Atalanta, combined with a damaging draw against Juventus, have left Allegri’s side vulnerable heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

The pressure around the club has intensified as Inter celebrated success on the domestic stage while Milan stumbled badly at the worst possible moment. The team has collected only four points from its last six Serie A matches, marking its poorest run since 2019.

Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated as performances dipped dramatically in the second half of the season. According to Sky Italia, Milan has earned 17 fewer points in the second half of the campaign compared to the first, the sharpest decline among Italian clubs.

Pulisic’s injury sparks concern ahead of 2026 World Cup

Much of the attention in recent days has centered around Pulisic after the American international missed the Atalanta defeat because of a glute strain suffered during training. The timing immediately triggered anxiety among both Milan supporters and USMNT fans, with the 2026 World Cup only weeks away.

Pulisic’s importance stretches far beyond club action right now. He remains the face of American soccer heading into a World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, placing enormous focus on his fitness and form.

The injury scare came during a difficult personal stretch for the 27-year-old. Pulisic has not scored in Serie A since December 28 against Hellas Verona, enduring the longest league goal drought of his career.

Still, there was finally positive news from Milanello. MilanNews.it and La Gazzetta dello Sport have confirmed that the injury wasn’t serious, and the winger returned to training ahead of the Genoa clash.

Pulisic recovers, but a surprise decision emerges

While many expected Pulisic to walk straight back into the lineup after recovering, the situation appears more complicated. Despite being fit again, the American is currently expected to begin the match on the bench. Italian outlets report that Allegri is leaning toward starting Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug in attack instead.

Both players impressed off the bench against Atalanta, and the coach reportedly wants to reward their recent impact. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that “the favored attacking pairing to start at Marassi is Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug.”

Pulisic has had a rough go of it at club level as of late, and this decision shows that. Once among Milan’s most influential attacking players, he has struggled badly in 2026 as confidence and consistency disappeared alongside the club’s broader collapse.

FIFA set June 1 as the deadline for each federation to confirm its final 26-man roster once all club competitions have concluded. However, some countries chose to announce their squads earlier, as France did.

The same happened with Belgium, who officially unveiled their final World Cup squad this Friday during a press conference held by head coach Rudi Garcia. Courtois and De Bruyne stand out as the team’s biggest stars and among the few remaining members of the golden generation that elevated the national team into Europe’s elite more than a decade ago.

The presence of both players is especially significant considering they each dealt with physical issues this season. Courtois missed eight Real Madrid matches between March and April because of a muscle injury, though he recovered in time to play in last week’s El Clasico against Barcelona. De Bruyne, meanwhile, suffered a considerably more serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for four months with Napoli before returning in early March.

Romelu Lukaku will play in the World Cup

Much like Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku also battled physical issues this season that limited his playing time with Napoli. However, his situation was far more severe than that of his Belgium teammates.

The 33-year-old striker appeared in just seven matches during the 2025-26 campaign across Serie A, Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League because of recurring muscle injuries. That obviously impacted his performances, as he scored only one goal over the last nine months.

His lack of playing time at club level naturally created uncertainty around his place with the national team. Lukaku appeared in only two of Belgium’s last 10 matches, with his most recent appearance coming in June 2025. Nevertheless, head coach Rudi Garcia trusted his experience and quality enough to include him in the World Cup roster.

“Romelu has recovered, but he’s out of shape, and I’m not sure he’ll be able to start the matches. But he’s our best striker, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer,” said Garcia during Friday’s press conference. “We have five weeks to get him back to full fitness so that little by little he can help the team.”

Belgium roster for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg)

Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Maxim de Cuyper (Brighton), Koni de Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)

Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)

PSG head into the game as the defending champions and with a deserved reputation for being one of the most well-rounded teams in Europe.

By contrast, Arsenal are functional rather than spectacular, with their progress to the final built on defensive solidity and effectiveness from set-pieces.

With that in mind, read on as we identify three key battles which will play a key role in determining the outcome of this season’s Champions League.

Nuno Mendes vs. Bukayo Saka

Nuno Mendes is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world, with his defensive solidity and attacking prowess often proving too hot for opponents to handle. His head-to-head with Bukayo Saka in Budapest will be a matchup that will go a long way in determining which team eventually lifts the trophy.

Mendes missed PSG’s recent Ligue 1 game against Brest with a thigh problem, but he is expected to be fully fit for the showpiece final at the end of the month.

He has featured in every game for PSG in the competition this season, recording an 89 percent passing accuracy (802 out of 894) and recovering the ball on 83 occasions.

Mendes has also completed 13 out of 19 clearances and won 14 out of 26 tackles, highlighting his willingness to undertake his defensive duties. The 23-year-old is hugely effective in attacking areas, making 30 runs into the attacking third. He has weighed in with two goals and two assists.

While Saka’s statistics in this season’s Champions League are respectable, injuries have impacted the influence he has had on Arsenal’s run to the final. He has bagged three goals and two assists in 10 appearances and will be desperate to improve his tally against the defending champions.

Saka has made just 20 runs into the penalty area and eight runs into a key play area, which suggests he has not been playing with the freedom he is renowned for.

He heads into the final with a point to prove, having produced two anonymous performances against Mendes in last season’s semifinal. If the Portuguese full-back dominates their latest matchup, Arsenal’s hopes of knocking PSG off their perch will be diminished.

Ousmane Dembele vs. Gabriel

Injuries have prevented Ousmane Dembele from hitting the same heights as last season, but he is still one of PSG’s most potent attacking weapons.

Dembele has bagged seven goals and two assists in 12 Champions League appearances this term. His tally includes three goals in the semifinal against Bayern Munich. The Ballon d’Or winner has flourished since Kylian Mbappe left the club, and his unselfishness undoubtedly puts his former teammate to shame.

Having run himself into the ground in the second leg against Bayern, the Frenchman’s unbridled enthusiasm on the sidelines was a sight to behold. He will fancy his chances of causing Arsenal’s defense problems in Budapest, having scored against them in the first leg of last season’s semifinal.

Dembele swept home a low finish from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s delivery early in the game. His sweet strike bore similarities to the goal he scored against Bayern in their second meeting this season.

If Arsenal are to have any chance of featuring on the Champions League winners list for the first time, Gabriel will need to keep the Frenchman quiet. He has been a standout performer for the Gunners in this season’s competition, completing 33 out of 45 clearances and making 14 blocks.

Gabriel has recovered the ball on 55 occasions, completed 463 out of 514 passes, and coordinated Arsenal’s set-pieces at both ends of the pitch. Defensive partner William Saliba will also need to be wary of Dembele, but the onus for keeping him under control will fall primarily on Gabriel’s shoulders.

Arsenal have conceded just six goals in 14 Champions League games this term, but the Frenchman unquestionably has the ability to cause them problems.

PSG’s midfield vs. Arsenal’s midfield

Individual battles are only part of the equation in determining the outcome in the final. The midfield will have a huge influence on which team lifts the trophy.

Last season’s semifinal meeting between the two sides will likely cause Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta plenty of headaches in the run-up to the final. PSG trio Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz left the Gunners chasing shadows, making a mockery of pre-semifinal predictions rating Arsenal as the favorites to win the tie.

Declan Rice produced a strong display in the previous round against Real Madrid, sparking talk that he had finally justified the sizable fee Arsenal paid to secure his services. However, PSG’s midfield ran rings around him in the semifinal, and it is not unreasonable to imagine that the same thing could happen in Budapest. Their recent victory over Bayern highlighted why their midfield is levels above anything Arsenal can put out on the field in the final.

They produced a devastating attacking display in the first leg before demonstrating their willingness to dig deep defensively in the reverse fixture.

By contrast, the Gunners are heavily reliant on functionality in the middle of the park. In simple terms, they lack PSG’s penchant for flair in that area. Rice looked like a long season was catching up with him at West Ham United on Sunday, and the strain could prove to be telling in the final.

PSG’s midfield looked fresh against Bayern, with their players running as hard at the end of the game as they had at the start. When factoring in their greater levels of creativity, PSG could give Arsenal’s midfield an extremely torrid time later this month.

Match Overview

Aston Villa enters this critical home fixture with their domestic form in a freefall, having secured just eight points from their last nine Premier League matches. A recent 2-2 draw with relegated Burnley has put their top-five position under serious threat, creating immense pressure to deliver a statement win at Villa Park to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive through league position.

Liverpool arrives in a similarly precarious state. While sitting fourth, they are level on points with Villa and have shown significant weakness, winning only three of their last nine games across all competitions. A disappointing 1-1 draw at home against an out-of-form Chelsea highlighted their struggles, and with their margin for error now gone, the Reds face an urgent need to secure points on the road to guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season’s final stretch has been unkind to both clubs. Aston Villa‘s focus has clearly shifted to their UEFA Europa League final, causing their Premier League performance to suffer dramatically. Liverpool, on the other hand, has no such excuse for their slump, which has seen them drop crucial points and look defensively vulnerable. Both teams are limping toward the finish line, making this clash a test of resilience as much as skill.

Tactically, both sides favor a possession-based game, but Liverpool has been far more effective in the final third. The Reds are also more aggressive without the ball, allowing fewer passes per defensive action than Villa. This high-pressing style could force errors from a Villa side that has adopted a more passive defensive approach, potentially leading to an open, goal-friendly contest.

The motivation for both squads is clear: secure their place in the next Champions League. A draw could theoretically be enough for both, but that depends entirely on other results. For Villa, the upcoming Europa League final provides an alternative qualification route, which may influence their team selection. Liverpool has no such safety net, making this match a must-not-lose scenario for them.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been dominated by Liverpool. The Reds are unbeaten in their last eleven encounters with Aston Villa, claiming eight wins and three draws. This long-standing dominance gives them a significant psychological edge heading into the match.

However, recent results at Villa Park tell a different story. The last two times these teams met on Villa‘s home turf, the matches ended in a draw, suggesting Unai Emery‘s side knows how to neutralize Liverpool‘s threat at home. In the last five meetings overall, Liverpool has won three, with two ending in shared points.

The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory for Liverpool at Anfield. While the last five encounters have averaged an exciting 3.4 goals per game, it’s worth noting that all three of Liverpool’s recent clean sheets against Villa came at home, indicating Villa‘s attack is far more potent at Villa Park.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant injury lists that will heavily influence their team selections for this high-stakes showdown.

Unai Emery may choose to rotate his squad to keep key players fresh for the upcoming Europa League final. Aston Villa is already without crucial midfielders Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara due to injury, which will force a tactical shuffle in the center of the park.

Liverpool‘s injury crisis continues to be a major storyline. Manager Arne Slot will be without several key starters, including goalkeeper Alisson Becker, influential forward Mohamed Salah, and midfielder Wataru Endo. Ibrahima Konaté is a doubt but is expected to be fit enough to start in a depleted defense.

Aston Villa Projected XI (4-2-3-1):

Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Lindelöf, Tielemans; McGinn, Barkley, Rogers; Watkins

With a European final on the horizon and key midfielders sidelined, Emery will likely opt for a balanced and resilient lineup. Lindelöf could provide defensive cover in midfield, while the attack will rely on the consistent threat of Ollie Watkins, supported by the creative engine of McGinn and Barkley.

Liverpool Projected XI (4-2-3-1):

Mamardashvili; Jones, van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Gakpo

Forced to adapt due to extensive injuries, Slot‘s lineup is a testament to the squad’s depth. Mamardashvili will continue to deputize for Alisson in goal. In the absence of Salah, the offensive burden will fall on Cody Gakpo to lead the line, with Dominik Szoboszlai pulling the strings from the attacking midfield position.

More details on how to watch

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According to Saudi outlet Al-Wiam, Al Nassr officials are in advanced discussions over the signing of Goncalves. Currently at Sporting CP, the club where Ronaldo was raised and made his professional debut, the winger would represent the marquee addition of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Goncalves is contracted with Sporting through June 2030 and carries a release clause of 80 million euros. With his market value estimated at €28 million by Transfermarkt, Al Nassr have reportedly tabled an official offer of €30 million, approximately $35 million, in an attempt to get the deal over the line.

The 27-year-old has been a regular presence in Portugal’s recent squads under head coach Roberto Martinez, including the team that lifted the 2025 UEFA Nations League. While his role has been limited, totaling just 24 minutes across the last 18 matches, he has consistently featured among the substitutes for the side led by Ronaldo up front.

On the club level, Goncalves has already claimed seven trophies with Sporting CP, including three Liga Portugal titles. In the 2025-26 season, he has appeared in 39 games, registering 15 goals and eight assists, with two fixtures remaining including the Taca de Portugal final against Sport Clube Uniao Torreense.

How could Goncalves fit into Al Nassr’s system?

The potential signing of Goncalves comes as something of a surprise, not because of any doubt about his quality, but because Al Nassr’s attack has been functioning at an exceptionally high level this season. Under Jorge Jesus, the club has scored 132 goals across all competitions, with Ronaldo accounting for 28 of them, while Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman have all contributed significantly to reduce the team’s dependence on any single player.

The issue becomes apparent, however, when one of those key figures is unavailable. Mane in particular has proven to be a decisive variable: Al Nassr have suffered just one defeat in the 34 games he has started this season, but have lost five of the 13 matches in which he was absent through injury or international duty.

Finding a reliable replacement for Mane has been one of Jorge Jesus’ most persistent challenges, and at 34 years old with his Al Nassr contract running through June 2027, planning for the future on the left wing is becoming increasingly urgent. Goncalves, who can also operate in the No. 10 role behind the striker in a similar fashion to Joao Felix, offers a versatile and internationally proven solution to that problem in the medium to long term.

Mbappé said: “I was not there. I was not there when it happened. I cannot confirm whether anything happened or not because I was not there. I left the Ciudad Deportiva without knowing what happened because I was injured. I was not training with the team.”

This was a topic that drew attention last week, as El Chiringuito published a video of Mbappé leaving in a car, laughing in the middle of a scandal. While his injury was real, it may also suggest that he is somewhat disconnected from the team.

Mbappé on his injury

The forward is not known for recurring injuries throughout his career. If anything, he has played too many matches for his age. However, this season was different, as he had to deal with a few.

Most notably during the most important stretch, when his team was in the Champions League, he was not able to be at 100 percent. The report at the time about his knee injury was that the club had examined the wrong knee, something the forward denied.

Mbappé said: “Real Madrid never make mistakes. It is the best club in the world. It is hard when you have an injury. What hurts the most is people who think I did not want to play. At first, people said I was playing too much, that I wanted to play every match. That is the only thing that does not make sense.”

Mbappé on his trip to Italy

Before the many scandals that put Real Madrid in the news for reasons unrelated to matches, the forward was the first to be involved in one. As he was recovering from an injury, Mbappé traveled to Italy. The issue for fans was his commitment, because even though he was not going to play against Espanyol, he arrived in the country almost at kickoff time.

Mbappé said when asked about his trip: “You do not know what I did in Italy. You do not know whether I was on vacation. That is your opinion. People do not know the context or whether it was authorized by the club, which it was. That sells newspapers and affects people. But the only thing that matters to me is winning titles, and we did not do that.”

Mbappé said: “I am at 100%. I did not play because the manager told me I was the fourth forward on the team behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo [García]. I was ready to start. It is his decision and you have to respect it. I am not angry.”

This was another unnecessary scandal involving Real Madrid players after the fight between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. The week was not very calm either after Florentino Perez called elections in a press conference. All of this makes the club look even worse than not winning titles.

Mbappé on his relationship with Arbeloa

The French forward spoke to the media to respond to criticism about several issues: “I prefer to talk here, with my mouth, so it is clearer. My only responsibility is to play well and give everything for the badge.”

But the most controversial thing he said was about Arbeloa’s decision, even though he made it clear he has no issue with him. Still, his explanation for being on the bench caused a scandal.

Mbappé said: “I do not have any issue with Arbeloa. You have to respect him. You have to accept the manager’s philosophy, and I need to improve to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono. I do not watch his press conferences. I have French TV at home, not Spanish TV.”

Mbappé on Xabi Alonso

The quick exit of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid in January left the player as the main person responsible for not following what the manager wanted. While he did not confirm any problems with him, his answer was striking given how his spell at the club ended. Mbappé said: “I have a great relationship with Alonso. But that is in the past. We should look forward.”

Real Madrid were hosting Real Oviedo on Thursday in a La Liga fixture, with FC Barcelona already crowned champions following their El Clasico victory over the weekend. Mbappe, who had been absent from the squad for the Barcelona match, was included in the group for the Oviedo game but was left out of the starting lineup by Arbeloa.

The coach opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior leading the attack and Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono operating on the wings. Mbappe came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Gonzalo and made an immediate impact, assisting Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 80th minute to seal a 2-0 victory, but his mood in the aftermath was anything but celebratory.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Mbappé explained his position on the bench directly: “I’m doing very well. At 100%. I didn’t start because the coach told me that, for him, I am the fourth forward in the squad, behind Vinícius, Mastantuono, and Gonzalo. I accept it and I play the time that I’m given. We played well, and I gave an assist to Jude. We won, and it’s important to win at home.“

When pressed on whether he had any issue with being assigned that role, Mbappe directed the question back to the manager. “Ask the ‘mister’ (the coach). What do you want me to tell you? I was ready to be a starter, but it’s his decision and I cannot be angry with him. You have to respect it. I have to work together and work hard to be a starter,” he declared in the mixed zone.

Mbappe on missing El Clasico and the reception from fans

Mbappe’s Italian getaway during his injury recovery had already drawn criticism in recent weeks, forcing him to address the situation publicly. His last-minute withdrawal from El Clasico only deepened the frustration among supporters, who made their feelings clear when he came on against Oviedo, greeting his entrance from the bench with a cascade of whistles from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

Addressing the moment directly, Mbappé did not shy away from the subject: “It was a shame for me not to play in the Clásico. That’s life. We cannot change people’s opinions. It’s just how they see things, and I don’t take it personally. I’ve had moments in my career where I’ve been whistled. It’s part of the business and part of life. Sometimes they aren’t happy, but they are always here (supporting).“

Arbeloa denies Mbappé’s account

Because Mbappe’s comments came before Arbeloa’s post-match press conference, the coach was given a direct opportunity to respond, and he wasted no time doing so.

“I did not say such a phrase to him; he must not have understood correctly. I decide who plays as long as I am sitting in this chair; I don’t care if they disagree, no matter what their name is. And if not, let them wait for the next coach. I wish I had four forwards; I don’t know what to tell you because I don’t even have four forwards, nor have I said such a phrase to him,” Arbeloa said as soon as he sat down in the Bernabwu press room.

The Spanish coach also emphasized that just four days earlier, Mbappe had not even been fit enough to make the bench for El Clasico, underscoring how quickly the situation had shifted. While Arbeloa kept his focus on the team’s next fixture three days away, the episode adds yet another combustible chapter to what has been a deeply turbulent end to Real Madrid’s season.

The club officially announced what Perez had warned about a few days earlier: “The Electoral Board, in accordance with the provisions of Article 38 of the clubs’ bylaws, has decided to call elections for President and Board of Directors. This Electoral Board, under the provisions of Article 40 of the aforementioned bylaws, makes this call public and announces the start of the electoral process.”

Many dates are important, but these are the key ones. From May 14 to May 23, the period to submit candidacies will remain open. The following day, it must be announced whether a new candidate has submitted a candidacy.

If no candidate other than Perez submits a proposal, the current president will remain in his position. If that does not happen, the Electoral Board will call an election. However, the date for the election has not been established. According to Mundo Deportivo, it could take place on June 7. A simple majority would be enough to win the election.

Enrique Riquelme, the other candidate

Fans are not used to voting for the Real Madrid president lately, as nobody has challenged Perez in recent years. This may not change, since the requirements to become a candidate are very restrictive, as the Spanish outlet explains.

A seniority of 20 years as a club member may be a difficult requirement to meet, but the financial one is even tougher, since presenting a guarantee worth 20% of the budget would reportedly amount to around 187 million euros.

That leaves the list of possible candidates very short, with Enrique Riquelme as the main alternative. Riquelme is the 37-year-old CEO of Grupo Cox and a longtime supporter of the club. His emergence came after an open letter in which he said the club needs time.

Riquelme wrote: “Time to discuss how to preserve the values that have made this club eternal: exemplary conduct, institutional elegance, respect for opponents, excellence, unity, and the ambition to continue being the global reference point of sport.”

The fan voting

Vote by mail: members included in the electoral roll may cast their vote by mail, in accordance with the requirements and conditions established in the electoral regulations.

Electoral roll: members may check their inclusion or exclusion in the electoral roll from May 14 to May 18, 2026, inclusive, through the Online Member Support Office (2026 Presidential Elections), or at the Member Support Offices, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Claims regarding the electoral roll: members may submit claims to the Electoral Board regarding their inclusion or exclusion in the electoral roll from May 14 to May 18, 2026, inclusive, in writing via email or at the Member Support Offices, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Riyadh side stands on the edge of a potentially historic weekend. Al-Nassr could secure continental glory in front of its own supporters at Al-Awwal Park, while events elsewhere in the Saudi Pro League could also hand the club another major celebration before it even kicks off against the Japanese side.

The AFC Champions League Two final arrives at a critical moment for Al-Nassr. Jorge Jesus’ side is still recovering emotionally from a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, a result that delayed what could have been an immediate domestic title celebration. A costly mistake from goalkeeper Bento prevented the club from wrapping up the league crown in midweek.

Even so, the Knight of Najd remains in a commanding position domestically and still controls its destiny heading into the final round against Damac. Before that decisive league fixture, however, attention shifts fully toward Asia. The clash against Gamba Osaka represents a huge opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to finally lift his first major trophy with Al-Nassr after several near misses in both domestic and continental competitions.

The final also carries enormous symbolic weight for Ronaldo personally. After conquering Europe with five UEFA Champions League titles during his time at Real Madrid, the Portuguese forward now has the chance to add another continental crown on a different stage.

Injury concerns create difficult situation for Jorge Jesus

Preparations for the final have been far from ideal. According to reports from Arriyadiyah, several important players missed training and instead underwent treatment sessions at the club’s medical facility. “The injured group included Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Abdulelah Al Amri, and Kingsley Coman.”

The report added that Brozovic is currently considered the least likely player to recover in time for the final against Gamba Osaka. That development creates a major headache for Jorge Jesus, especially given the Croatian midfielder’s importance in controlling matches and dictating tempo.

Coman’s absence is equally concerning because the French winger has been one of Al-Nassr’s standout performers throughout the AFC Champions League Two campaign. The former Bayern Munich attacker scored six goals during the tournament and became one of the club’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

To compensate for the growing injury problems, Jorge Jesus reportedly promoted several players from Al-Nassr’s under-21 squad into first-team training. Abdulmalik Al-Jaber, Awad Aman, Saad Haqawi, and Sami Al-Najai all joined preparations ahead of the final.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo could start on the bench

The biggest surprise, however, involves Cristiano Ronaldo himself. Despite the importance of the final, reports suggest Jorge Jesus is seriously considering rotating several star players, including the 41-year-old forward.

Arriyadiyah adds that Abdullah Al-Hamdan has been prepared as a possible starter in Ronaldo’s place. The Saudi striker is the player most frequently used as Ronaldo’s replacement during matches. “The coach is concerned about player fatigue and possible injuries, as well as the possibility of the match going into extra time, with only five days remaining before the final round of the Saudi Pro League”, the report says.

That concern appears to be driving every major decision inside the Al-Nassr camp. Jorge Jesus reportedly fears exhausting key players before the title-deciding clash against Damac, where victory could officially secure the Saudi Pro League crown.

“Cristiano continues to have a great desire to win and I see no sign that his level has dropped since he came to Saudi Arabia,” Martinez said during a recent interview with the German Press Agency (DPA) after attending the Saudi Pro League clash between Al Nassr and Al Hilal.

In that match, CR7 was in the starting lineup and remained on the field for 82 minutes before being replaced by Abdullah Al-Hamdan. It marked his 35th club appearance of the season across the domestic league, the King’s Cup, the AFC Champions League Two, and the Saudi Super Cup. Overall, the 41-year-old forward has recorded 28 goals and five assists.

“He is playing exceptionally well and has proven his importance to the Portuguese national team. His passion continues, even after all the successes and achievements he has reached, and having that hunger is quite remarkable,” Martinez later added.

That level of form has not only been evident with Al Nassr, as Ronaldo has also remained a key player at the international level. This season, he has played in five of Portugal’s eight matches across World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, scoring five goals. His absences came because of suspension and a hamstring injury suffered earlier this year.

Ronaldo has no special privileges with Portugal, Martinez says

Despite his superstar status and having firmly established himself as the greatest player in Portugal’s history, Cristiano Ronaldo does not receive special treatment within the national team setup, according to Roberto Martinez.

“Achievements alone are not enough to guarantee a place in the national team. It is also necessary to contribute to the team’s success,” the coach said during the same interview. “Although he is the captain and has achieved unprecedented success that demonstrates his exceptional talent, he has the same responsibilities as any other player on the national team.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s upcoming challenges

While the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up as the biggest event of the year, and the tournament is now less than a month away, Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused on important club objectives before then.

Saturday could become a historic day for Al Nassr, as the club has a chance to secure two titles. On one hand, they will face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, while in the Saudi Pro League they will also be monitoring Al Hilal’s result against Neom. If Karim Benzema’s side fails to defeat Neom, Al Nassr will automatically be crowned league champions. Otherwise, the title race will be decided on Tuesday.

For much of the campaign, Ronaldo appeared capable of adding another individual accolade to his growing collection. Instead, a dramatic late-season surge from two unexpected challengers transformed the Golden Boot race and denied the Al-Nassr forward a place in one of the league’s most exclusive historical groups.

The biggest twist came through the performances of Ivan Toney and Julian Quinones. The Al-Ahli striker produced an extraordinary run of goals late in the season, eventually climbing to the top of the standings with 31 league goals.

Quinones, meanwhile, emerged as one of the revelations of the season for Al-Qadsiah. The Mexican forward pushed Toney all the way after scoring 30 goals, turning what once looked like Ronaldo’s race into a two-man battle that barely involved the Portuguese star by the final weeks.

Ronaldo’s remarkable streak finally ends

Despite another strong individual season with Al-Nassr, with one game to go, Ronaldo could only reach 26 league goals, leaving him behind both Toney and Quinones in the final standings. That outcome has officially ended one of the most impressive scoring streaks of his Saudi Pro League career.

After winning the Golden Boot in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Ronaldo failed to capture the award for a third consecutive campaign. The missed opportunity carries additional significance because Ronaldo was chasing a rare piece of Saudi soccer history. Had he secured the top scorer award again, he would have joined a tiny group of players to win three straight Golden Boots in the Saudi top flight.

The exclusive group Ronaldo narrowly missed

Only a handful of names have achieved that feat in Saudi soccer history. Omar Al Somah remains one of the best-known examples after winning three consecutive Golden Boots between 2014 and 2017 with Al-Ahli. Before him, Al-Nassr legend Majed Abdullah also accomplished the achievement during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Ronaldo now falls just short of joining that exclusive company.

The disappointment feels even bigger considering how dominant he looked in earlier seasons. Ronaldo shattered records during the 2023-24 campaign by scoring 35 league goals, setting one of the greatest attacking seasons Saudi soccer has ever seen.

After his contract with Mexican side Club Leon expired in December 2025, Rodriguez became one of the most coveted free agents on the market. While he spent the winter training on his own, Minnesota emerged as the winner in the sweepstakes for his signature, officially pulling off the blockbuster move in early February.

Due to the timing of his arrival, Rodriguez missed Minnesota’s first three matches before making his highly anticipated MLS debut on March 15 in a disappointing 6-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Exactly two months later, the Loons announced that Wednesday’s clash with the Colorado Rapids served as the Colombian’s farewell performance.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure: “Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the world’s biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament.“

Rodriguez now heads to training camp under manager Nestor Lorenzo, meaning he will miss Minnesota’s upcoming fixtures against the New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. With his current deal set to expire in June 2026, it is highly likely that the midfielder has played his final minutes in a Loons uniform.

Expected to captain Colombia this summer, Rodriguez has stated he isn’t considering retirement just yet, claiming he still has “a couple of years left” in the tank. Despite that optimism, his club future remains a massive question mark as he prepares to hit free agency for what would be the seventh time in his storied career.

A look back at James Rodriguez’s brief tenure with the Loons

Despite the massive expectations surrounding his short-term deal, Rodriguez struggled to find his footing during his stint in the Twin Cities. The Colombian featured in only eight of Minnesota’s 15 matches this season, logging six MLS appearances and two in the US Open Cup while failing to find the back of the net.

His time with the club was plagued by fitness issues, largely due to his lack of a proper preseason. The situation worsened in March when a call-up to the national team resulted in a severe case of dehydration that required hospitalization, a setback that prevented him from ever reaching peak match fitness with Minnesota.

According to The Independent, the Blaugranas have decided to reopen negotiations next week with Manchester United over the future of Marcus Rashford. Despite having a €30 million purchase option, they are looking to revise the agreement due to a restricted budget for the summer of 2026. Although the Red Devils are seeking a permanent sale, they are not opposed to another loan move, as they aim to free up space on the wage bill.

In case they manage to secure another loan deal, Barcelona would find in Rashford one of the best affordable options to strengthen the attack. Even though he experienced a dip in form, he still managed to score 14 goals and provide 14 assists in 48 matches, making him one of the team’s most productive players. With this, the Englishman could have another opportunity to fight for a starting spot in Hansi Flick’s team, once again becoming a key impact substitute.

Following his brilliant performances with the Blaugrana, Marcus Rashford appears to have more options regarding his professional future. Both Bayern Munich and Arsenal are willing to pursue his signing, hoping he can replicate the same level he showed under Hansi Flick. If Rashford fails to secure a move to Barcelona, he would be open to joining either of those two clubs permanently, as he wants to compete in the UEFA Champions League.

Rashford’s future could hinge on the 2026 World Cup with England

After several seasons filled with inconsistency, Marcus Rashford managed to recover his best form at Barcelona, reclaiming his place with England. Because of this, head coach Thomas Tuchel has included him in his 55-man list, having chances to make the final list for the 2026 World Cup. With this in mind, he could define his future at the highly anticipated tournament if Barcelona fail to reach an agreement with Manchester United soon enough.

If Rashford manages to become as a starter for the national team and shines as a scorer, he could convince more clubs to pursue his signing, this time to make him a key starter in their sporting projects. After spending several years as a substitute, the Englishman could be facing the greatest opportunity of his career, pushing himself once again to become a decisive player for a team. Nevertheless, he still has to surpass Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon in the rotation.

Guardiola answered simply “No” when asked whether Rodri would miss the big event. When the reporter replied, “Thank you,” the manager joked that there was still one way it could happen: “Only if Luis de la Fuente doesn’t call him up.”

Rodri’s availability for next Saturday is still a different matter. In his press conference after the win over Crystal Palace, Guardiola was less certain and said he “doesn’t know. We’ll see in the next few days.”

Pep Guardiola on the Premier League

While the FA Cup could still give Manchester City a trophy in an uneven season for Guardiola, the Premier League race is still open, with Arsenal two points ahead and two matches left to play.

The debate over the last few days has centered on Crystal Palace’s role in deciding the title, since they are the final opponent on the schedule. Their UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano has also sparked criticism over the idea that they might field a reserve team.

Asked about Oliver Glasner potentially rotating his squad, Guardiola said: “Leave the managers to do what they have to do. The less the Premier League is involved in those decisions, the better for all of us.”

The final matches

Manchester City need to make up two points on Arsenal in two matches, so they also need help from their rivals. Their fixtures are Bournemouth away and Aston Villa at home, while Arsenal face Burnley at home and Crystal Palace away before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

“Massive news for Morocco: Ayyoub Bouaddi has decided to represent Morocco as national team over France,” reporter Fabrizio Romano wrote Thursday on his official X account. “Plan confirmed… as Bouaddi did not appear on Deschamps’ list.”

Bouaddi was one of Lille’s standout players during the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season, with the club currently sitting third in the standings with 61 points, behind only champions Paris Saint-Germain and Lens. Lille will close out its league campaign this Sunday against Auxerre.

Across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Europa League, the defensive midfielder made 41 appearances this season and recorded one assist. Those performances, combined with the fact that he is only 18 years old, have made him the subject of transfer rumors ahead of the summer window, with PSG, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich among the reported suitors.

Morocco could add a high-quality player

According to Fabrizio Romano’s report, Ayyoub Bouaddi “will be in Morocco’s World Cup list.” That means that, beyond his personal decision to represent the national team, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi plans to include him in the roster.

Born in Senlis, France, on October 2, 2007, Bouaddi is of Moroccan descent, giving him the option to represent either country under FIFA rules. At the youth level, the midfielder previously played for France’s U-21 team, including appearances in March of this year against Luxembourg and Iceland.

Morocco aiming to make World Cup history again

The addition of Ayyoub Bouaddi would give Morocco even more depth heading into the 2026 World Cup. In recent years, the team has benefited from recruiting talented players with Moroccan roots who were born and raised abroad, particularly in Europe.

Using that formula, Morocco built a competitive squad featuring stars such as Bono, Achraf Hakimi, and Sofyan Amrabat, who helped lead the national team to a historic fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022. More young talents could now join that core, including several players who won the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year. With that combination of experience and youth, Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad is shaping up as a serious contender for this summer’s tournament in North America.

Match overview

After surviving a dramatic quarterfinal series against Club America, Pumas UNAM now turn their attention to a high-stakes Liga MX semifinal matchup with Pachuca. Pumas advanced after a wild 6-6 aggregate draw, moving on thanks to their higher regular-season finish.

Meanwhile, Pachuca regained momentum by cruising past Toluca with a dominant 3-0 aggregate victory after ending the regular season with back-to-back losses. With a place in the Liga MX final on the line, both teams are expected to deliver another intense battle that fans won’t want to miss.

According to Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner, via The Guardian, Chelsea’s players believe Xabi Alonso’s arrival would be ideal for the club’s sporting project. With such a young roster, the Spaniard could elevate several players, just as he did at Bayer Leverkusen. Being a free agent and having the support of the players, the 44-year-old coach has emerged as the frontrunner ahead of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, and Filipe Luís.

As a true Premier League legend, Xabi Alonso would immediately command the respect of the Blues dressing room. Far from being a minor aspect, this could make the difference in reversing the club’s poor situation and raising the team’s morale. Nevertheless, the Spaniard would face a highly complex task, as he must restore balance to the team and take control of the dressing room, something he failed to achieve at Real Madrid.

Recognizing Chelsea’s widespread instability, Xabi reportedly requested several conditions before signing a contract with the club. As a priority, the Spaniard coach wants to have a strong voice in player signings, avoiding being forced to work with players he does not want. In addition, the 44-yar-old coach could ask for a long-term project, something neither Liam Rosenior nor Enzo Maresca had, reports The Guardian.

Xabi Alonso’s move to Chelsea may become a career gamble

Xabi Alonso became one of the most promising managers in the world following his historic impact at Bayer Leverkusen. Nevertheless, his spell at Real Madrid was quite disappointing, as he was dismissed just over six months after his arrival. With it being his first experience at a club competing for every title, his dismissal generated certain doubts about his career. Because of this, his possible move to Chelsea would be a highly risky decision.

Throughout the last few years, the Blues have been characterized by very short sporting cycles, dismissing managers without giving them a long-term project. Because of this, Xabi Alonso would risk being fired within a short period, something that has already happened at the club and which would mark his second consecutive dismissal. As a result, his professional career could stall, creating doubts among top clubs around the world that may wish to hire him.

Now, however, the mood around Brazil’s camp has changed significantly. Neymar’s recent performances for Santos, combined with developments behind the scenes inside the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), have reportedly pushed the veteran attacker closer than ever to one final World Cup appearance.

Few players in modern soccer have generated as much debate as Neymar. Despite criticism throughout his career, his numbers remain extraordinary, with 377 goals and 232 assists in 632 club matches, while he also stands as the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals.

Injuries, though, have repeatedly interrupted his career at crucial moments. The Brazilian star missed major stretches after suffering a serious knee injury against Uruguay in 2023, and many supporters feared his international journey had quietly reached its end.

His return to Santos offered a fresh opportunity to rebuild momentum. Since coming back to his boyhood club, the 34-year-old has shown flashes of his old brilliance, registering six goals and three assists in 13 matches during 2026.

Ancelotti originally took a hard stance

Earlier this year, Ancelotti made it clear that fitness would determine every World Cup decision. The Italian coach publicly refused to guarantee Neymar a place in the squad when the forward missed earlier international fixtures.

“If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 percent, he can be at the World Cup. Why is he not on this list now? Because he is not 100%,” Ancelotti explained at the time. Those comments created widespread concern in Brazil, especially because Neymar’s body had continued to struggle with recurring muscular and knee problems over recent seasons.

Still, the door remained slightly open. The Santos star underwent intensive recovery work, including platelet-rich plasma therapy, while focusing entirely on rebuilding rhythm and consistency with the club.

Neymar’s inclusion now looks increasingly likely

According to multiple reports in Brazil, Ancelotti has already decided to include Neymar in his final squad, although only a small number of people inside the federation reportedly know the decision. Globo Esporte’s sources close to the national team suggest the Italian coach has become increasingly convinced by Neymar’s recent improvement, while injuries to other attacking players have also changed the situation.

Rodrygo and Estevao, both dealing with fitness concerns, reportedly strengthened Neymar’s chances further. Brazilian media now describes the Santos star as one of the likely surprises in the final list that will be revealed on May 18.

The hidden factor influencing Ancelotti’s thinking

As speculation intensified, reports from Brazil revealed another important reason behind the veteran forward’s growing importance inside the squad. According to Brazilian outlet R7 Esportes, several Selecao players strongly support Neymar’s inclusion and believe his presence changes the entire atmosphere around the team.

The report claimed that having Neymar in the squad acts like a protective shield for the rest of the team, diverting external pressure and attention during difficult moments at major tournaments. Recent public comments from players like Casemiro and Raphinha reportedly reinforced that idea internally. While Ancelotti is unlikely to admit it publicly, Brazilian media believe the dressing-room dynamic has become a major factor in the decision-making process.

The timing of his latest comments has raised eyebrows across soccer because they sharply contrast with the enthusiasm he previously showed toward FIFA’s expanded tournament project. What once appeared to be a competition Perez proudly championed has now become, in his eyes, a major reason behind Madrid’s physical collapse.

The campaign spiraled out of control for Real Madrid over several months. The club crashed out of the Copa del Rey in the round of 16, suffered elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals, and watched Barcelona secure La Liga with games remaining.

The pressure on Perez became even stronger after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, something that had not happened at the club in nearly two decades. Injuries became a recurring nightmare throughout the year, affecting key stars including Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao.

According to Transfermarkt’s data, Los Blancos have suffered 28 injuries during the campaign, something Perez believes was closely tied to the congested schedule created by the Club World Cup and the lack of a proper preseason.

Perez suddenly blames the Club World Cup

Speaking after announcing new presidential elections at Real Madrid, Perez openly pointed to the FIFA competition as the root of the club’s struggles. His comments immediately created tension around the tournament promoted heavily by FIFA president Infantino. “The root of this is the Club World Cup. We haven’t been able to recover physically; we were playing every three days and we didn’t take care of our fitness,” Perez said.

The stark difference between his new stance and his previous one caused that comment to go viral across European soccer. Only 11 months ago, Perez was one of the loudest supporters of the competition and publicly praised FIFA for making it happen.

That was not Perez’s stance back in summer 2025

Back in June 2025, Perez could hardly hide his excitement about the tournament. Speaking before Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal, he described the competition as a dream project he had personally fought to create. “I fought the hardest to make Club World Cup a reality,” Perez declared at the time.

He also praised FIFA and the broader vision behind the tournament. “I want to thank FIFA for making this possible. It gives all the best clubs in the world a chance to compete in one tournament.” He went even further by calling the event a major step toward soccer’s future: “Football is the most global sport in the world. Because it’s free to watch, kids from all over the planet can see teams like Real Madrid play. That matters.”

Following Madrid’s disappointing season, his remarks appear very different now. The contrast has created an awkward situation for Infantino, whose flagship competition is suddenly being blamed by one of its strongest political allies.

“For the first time in RSL history, two players hit the 30+ goal mark in the same season,” the Saudi Pro League announced Thursday through a social media post alongside photos of Toney and Quinones.

The English striker remains at the top of the league scoring chart thanks to the 31 goals he has scored for Al Ahli, an impressive achievement considering he has played only 30 matches. He crossed the 30-goal mark last week with a hat trick against Al Fateh before adding another goal Monday against Al Taawoun.

Quinones, meanwhile, sits second in the rankings with 30 goals. He reached that total on Thursday after scoring Al Qadsiah’s opener in a 2-0 win over Al Hazem. The Colombia-born player, who represents Mexico internationally, has maintained a perfect ratio this season with the same number of goals as matches played.

Cristiano Ronaldo falls behind

In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League scoring standings, Cristiano Ronaldo sits in third place behind only Ivan Toney and Julian Quinones. With Al Nassr, the Portuguese star has recorded 26 goals in 29 matches, highlighting his enormous impact on a team that is one step away from winning the title.

It is worth noting that Ronaldo missed four Al Nassr matches during this Saudi Pro League season. Two of those absences came in February, while the other two occurred in March because of a hamstring injury that also kept him out during the FIFA international break with Portugal. Those missed matches proved decisive in the race to finish as the league’s top scorer.

Has Cristiano Ronaldo ever reached 30 goals in the Saudi Pro League?

The Saudi Pro League highlighted Ivan Toney and Julian Quinones on Thursday because it marked the first time that two players have surpassed the 30-goal mark in the same season. However, there have been previous cases of players individually reaching that milestone, and Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously one of them.

The Portuguese forward delivered his best Saudi Pro League campaign during the 2023-24 season, when he scored 35 goals in 31 matches. That remains the only time he has crossed the 30-goal barrier. His first appearance in the league came during the 2022-23 campaign, when he arrived midway through the season and still managed to score 14 goals. In 2024-25, Ronaldo had what has so far been his least productive season, recording 25 goals in 30 matches.

In a high-production reveal video, head coach Didier Deschamps named the 26 players tasked with conquering North America this summer. Les Bleus find themselves in Group I, widely considered one of the tournament’s “Groups of Death,” where they will battle Sadio Mane’s Senegal, Iraq, and Erling Haaland’s Norway.

France will lean heavily on 2024-25 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele to spearhead the hunt for a third star. Along with Lucas Hernandez, this duo will be the only players on the roster to feature in three consecutive World Cups, a run that includes the 2018 title in Russia and the 2022 final in Qatar.

The omission of Eduardo Camavinga stands as the most glaring storyline of the selection process. “I imagine his disappointment. He is coming off a difficult season where he played less and dealt with injuries. I have choices to make, a squad structure (to maintain),” commented Didier Deschamps on TF1.

In a move that caught many by surprise, RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser earned a spot on the final 26-man roster. The 21-year-old’s inclusion marks his first-ever call-up by Deschamps, as he beat out the likes of PSG’s Lucas Chevalier and West Ham’s Alphonse Areola, both of whom struggled for consistent minutes this season.

France’s full 2026 World Cup roster

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (RC Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennes).
• Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Vila), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Wiliam Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
• Midfielders : N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (AS Rome), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG).
• Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).

More than half of the 2022 squad will miss the 2026 trip

France entered the 2022 World Cup aiming to become the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1962, but those dreams were dashed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in an epic final. Since that heartbreak, Deschamps has overseen a massive rebuilding process for what is expected to be his final World Cup on the French touchline.

The turnover is staggering; of the 26 players who traveled to Qatar four years ago, 14 will not be joining the team in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Most notably, the entire 2022 goalkeeping core of Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, and Alphonse Areola has been completely phased out in favor of new blood.

The following 14 players from the 2022 squad were excluded due to international retirement or tactical decisions:

• Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, and Steve Mandanda.
• Defenders: Axel Disasi, Benjamin Pavard, and Raphael Varane.
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Jordan Veretout.
• Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, and Randal Kolo Muani.

Salah has been heavily linked with a possible move to San Diego FC, as owner Sir Mohamed Mansour is open to pushing for his arrival. Although the club has always prioritized the development of young talent, the Egyptian’s arrival would represent a world-class reinforcement, reveals Ben Jacobs via talkSPORT. Nevertheless, the emergence of Fenerbahçe could shake up his potential move to MLS.

According to the Turkish outlet A Spor, Mohamed Salah has become Fenerbahçe’s main target, with the club holding ongoing talks with the Egyptian’s agents. In addition, the Turkish side would be willing to offer him a €20 million contract in a three-year deal, for a total package worth €60 million. Alongside this, the 33-year-old star could compete in the Champions League, as they have secured a spot in the tournament’s playoffs.

Mohamed Salah could prioritize remaining in the European leagues, as he has proven he still has the talent to shine. Despite going through an inconsistent season, he has managed to score 12 goals and provide 9 assists while competing in the Premier League and the Champions League. With this in mind, the Egyptian could still be a starter for Fenerbahçe, a club that regularly competes in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.

Mohamed Salah may decide his future after the 2026 World Cup

At 33 years old, Mohamed Salah is facing what could be his final World Cup with Egypt. Unlike previous editions, he would arrive as a free agent, as he does not appear to be in a hurry to decide his professional future despite receiving numerous offers from Fenerbahçe, MLS, and the Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, he could bet on his performances at the 2026 edition becoming the springboard to secure better offers.

In case he manages to emerge as a prolific scorer at the 2026 World Cup, he could approach negotiations with clubs from a different position, as he would be coming off shining on one of the biggest stages in the world. Nevertheless, Fenerbahçe’s offer appears to be the most attractive, as it not only includes an extremely high salary, but also a three-year contract, something very few clubs would be willing to offer.

Mbappe will begin today’s match on the bench due to a tactical decision by manager Alvaro Arbeloa. While the Frenchman has officially recovered from the last-minute injury that kept him out of El Clasico against Barcelona, Arbeloa has opted to ease the superstar back into action rather than handed him a starting role.

After battling back from a torn muscle fiber, Mbappe reportedly felt minor discomfort in the final training session before the duel with Barcelona, according to Marca. He has since resumed full training with the squad at Valdebebas and is said to be eager to see the field as the season reaches its final days.

Per reports out of Spain, Mbappe is determined to play a part in Real Madrid’s final three fixtures against Oviedo, Sevilla, and Athletic Club. With the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, the forward is focused on regaining his match fitness and sharpness before joining the French national team in June.

The move to include him in the squad comes as a surprise following reports from The Athletic suggesting Mbappe wanted to skip the remaining home games to avoid the hostile atmosphere and jeers from the Bernabeu crowd. However, it appears his priority has shifted toward being physically ready for France’s World Cup defense.

Real Madrid deal with two more significant absences

Arbeloa is still fielding a competitive side, with regulars like Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Vinicius Junior all named to the starting lineup. However, with Real Madrid mathematically out of the La Liga title race, the manager is taking some notable risks with his team selection.

The most shocking exclusion alongside Mbappe is Jude Bellingham, who will also start the match on the bench. Furthermore, Federico Valverde, a pillar of the squad this season and frequent captain, is missing from the squad list entirely following the training ground clash with Tchouameni.

After missing the Herons’ most recent matches, the Argentine player’s situation was addressed by the club through an official statement published on its website this week: “Forward Tadeo Allende will travel to Barcelona, Spain to undergo a specialized evaluation of his right knee by Dr. Ramón Cugat at the Instituto Cugat.”

Inter Miami later provided additional details regarding the next steps in the forward’s recovery. “In the coming days, the appropriate course of treatment will be determined in coordination with the Club’s medical staff once the player returns to Miami,” the statement added.

However, regarding the timeline, the news is not encouraging: “At this time, Tadeo Allende will be unavailable for the team’s upcoming matches, and his recovery progress will determine the timeline for his return to sporting activity.”

When will Allende be able to play again for Inter Miami?

The confirmation that Tadeo Allende will miss Inter Miami’s upcoming matches means he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Regardless of the severity of his knee issue, the schedule itself will keep him out of action for an extended period.

The Herons will face the Portland Timbers this Sunday, and one week later they will close out the semester by hosting the Philadelphia Union. Once that match is completed, the 2026 MLS season will enter a break due to the World Cup.

The league will not resume until after the FIFA tournament final is played. Inter Miami’s first scheduled match after the break is set for July 22 against the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium. That means Allende is facing at least two months without official matches.

Allende’s importance to Inter Miami

While Lionel Messi is clearly the undisputed star of Inter Miami, a significant part of the club’s 2025 MLS title run was due to Tadeo Allende. The Argentine forward was the team’s most decisive player during the playoffs, recording nine goals and two assists in six matches.

During the postseason, Allende and Messi formed a highly effective partnership that helped the team make the difference in crucial matches. After the break, Inter Miami made a $5 million investment to permanently acquire Tadeo, but so far he has not been able to replicate those performances. This season, Allende has played 11 matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup without registering a goal or an assist.

On Thursday, May 14, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) released an official statement announcing the four-year extension for Ancelotti. While his initial agreement was only set to carry the national team through the 2026 tournament, he is now fully integrated into the federation’s long-term vision for the program.

In a video released by the CBF, Ancelotti reflected on his first year in South America and the significance of the role: “I arrived in Brazil one year ago. From the first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For a year, we have been working to bring the Brazilian National Team back to the top of the world. But the CBF and I want more. More victories, more time, more work.“

Now officially leading the project that will take Brazil into the World Cup’s centennial celebration, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the fans. “We are very happy to announce that we will continue together for four more years. We are going together to the 2030 World Cup. I want to thank the CBF for their trust. Thank you, Brazil, for the warm reception and for all the affection,” he added.

In less than a year in charge, Ancelotti has overseen ten Brazil matches, including the final stages of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers and six friendly fixtures, compiling a record of five wins, two draws and three defeats. Beyond the 2026 World Cup, his remit now includes the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

How old will Ancelotti be at the 2030 World Cup?

More than 30 years have passed since Ancelotti first stepped into the dugout with Italian side Reggiana in 1995, a journey that has made him one of the most decorated managers in the history of the game. The Brazil role holds a unique distinction in that history, representing his first experience managing a national team, and the extension means he will now lead that project for the better part of a decade.

Born on June 10, 1959, Ancelotti will turn 71 by the time his new contract concludes. The 2030 World Cup will feature inauguration matches in South America before shifting to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and the Italian has made clear his intention to add to the Pentacampeões’ legacy before his tenure is done.

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad announcement imminent

The extension announcement comes at a critical moment, with Ancelotti set to reveal his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in just days. The official unveiling is scheduled to take place at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro on May 18.

A preliminary list of 55 players has already been submitted to FIFA, with Neymar’s inclusion among the most closely watched names on the longlist. While the former Barcelona and PSG star’s potential participation has captured significant public attention, Ancelotti has been unambiguous in stating that fitness will be the deciding factor for every player on the list, Neymar included.

According to Nil Solà, via Què T’hi Jugues, the Blaugrana have decided not to offer Robert Lewandowski a contract renewal. Given this, he could officially announce his departure after the upcoming match vs Real Betis. While he had offers from Europe, he is reportedly aiming to play in Saudi Arabia, as he has proposals to become a marquee signing with a massive salary. With this, the Spanish team has accelerated negotiations for João Pedro.

After the difficulties in completing the signing of Julián Álvarez, Barcelona have decided to change targets, now prioritizing the arrival of João Pedro from Chelsea FC. Like the Argentine star, the Brazilian striker could be involved in a €100 million transfer. In addition, sporting director Deco is reportedly delighted with his player profile, having already contacted the player’s camp, which is open to leaving the Blues in the summer of 2026.

Far from being a straightforward signing, the Blaugranas face a major obstacle, as Chelsea consider the Brazilian striker untouchable as they paid €63.7 million for him in July 2025, reports The Athletic. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old striker could push for an exit if the club fails to qualify for European competitions. In addition, Hansi Flick’s team wants to finalize negotiations with the Blues and secure João Pedro’s signing before the 2026 World Cup.

João Pedro may thrive alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha at Barcelona

Despite João Pedro being a recent signing for Chelsea, he has managed to prove himself as a truly game-changing player. After playing 48 matches, the Brazilian striker has scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists, making him the team’s top scorer this season. Beyond his statistics, he has shown himself to be a modern striker, making his potential fit alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha at Barcelona seem ideal.

João Pedro has proven to be a highly versatile striker, capable of changing levels and creating space for the wingers. With Raphinha and Lamine Yamal as the team’s biggest stars, the Brazilian striker would not arrive to interrupt their development, but rather to enhance it, as his tactical intelligence would allow him to combine very well with both players while maintaining a strong scoring rate, resembling Luis Suarez’ role at Barcelona.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, when the Herons will be hosting Portland Timbers in the MLS at the Nu Stadium. The Argentine legend enters the fixture after netting two goals and delivering one assist to complete a thrilling 5-3 comeback against FC Cincinnati.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th.

The 2026 MLS campaign has just begun for Messi, who has featured in 14 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 12 goals with 4 assist registered thus far. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

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

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

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

“The world’s biggest stage. An even bigger purpose. On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, curated by Coldplay‘s Chris Martin!” FIFA announced this Thursday through a post on its official social media accounts.

This represents a crucial innovation for soccer, as matches traditionally do not include halftime shows. The organization of major sporting events in the United States in recent years has helped change that, adopting decisions inspired by events such as the NFL’s Super Bowl.

To make this possible, however, traditional soccer rules for these matches had to be adjusted. The standard 15-minute halftime break was extended to 30 minutes to allow for the stage setup on the field, the performance itself, and the removal of the structure before play resumed.

Other soccer events that featured halftime shows

These recent innovations in soccer had their first major test during the 2024 Copa America final, the first time a halftime show was included in a major international soccer final. When Argentina and Colombia completed the opening 45 minutes of that match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Shakira took the stage to perform a short concert for the 65,000 fans in attendance and the millions watching on television.

The same happened again in the United States during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In the final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems performed during halftime.

The 2026 World Cup halftime show will also support charitable causes

Beyond bringing together world-famous artists to entertain the millions of fans watching the final around the globe, the 2026 World Cup halftime show will also serve a charitable purpose.

“A FIFA World Cup first, the Halftime Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world,” FIFA announced. “Throughout the tournament, USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated to the Fund.”

Match Overview

Real Madrid head into the closing weeks of the 2025/2026 season looking to recover from a disappointing campaign that has been marked by poor results and growing tension within the club. Following another painful El Clasico loss to Barcelona, Los Blancos are now focused on finishing the La Liga season on a stronger note.

Meanwhile, Real Oviedo could be playing some of their final matches in Spain’s top flight and will be eager to deliver a memorable upset against Madrid. With both teams fighting for pride, this matchup promises plenty of intensity—don’t miss it.

Throughout Néstor Lorenzo’s tenure, Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez have been the essential foundation of Los Cafeteros, shining during the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Because of this, both headline the 55-player list, securing their presence at the tournament. While the 34-year-old star is no longer one of the best players in the world, it is the 29-year-old left winger who emerges as the central figure of the national team.

While James Rodriguez has not had plenty minutes, Nestor Lorenzo remains trustful on him, revealing an additional task that he will have: “I’ve known James for a long time… It has been difficult for him to find his rhythm… if you don’t play many minutes, you’ll have to do extra work…He’s working separately, he has a personal trainer because he wants to arrive in the best possible condition… He’s still lacking physically, but he’ll get there in good shape,” he said in press conference.

Unlike Brazil or Argentina, Colombia have not surprised with their preliminary squad, consistently keeping all the players who have been part of the national team process, including Yerry Mina, Kevin Castaño, and David Ospina, who are not currently in their best form. While Juan Guillermo Cuadrado has already gone several national team camps without being called up, he has been included again as he shines in Europe.

Luis Díaz emerges as Colombia’s scoring hope amid striker doubts

Despite Colombia managing to become as a standout national team in CONMEBOL, they have faced serious problems in attack. Jhon Jader Durán seemed to be the ideal player, but his inconsistencies appear to leave him with few chances. Given this, Luis Suárez emerges as the best option, as he shines at Sporting CP, although he has not had a strong impact under Néstor Lorenzo. Because of this, they are pointing to Luis Díaz as their only hope.

Although the 29-year-old star excels as a left winger, the entire national team now revolves around him. As a leader at Bayern Munich, Colombia hope he can replicate his performances at the 2026 World Cup, as they lack players who stand out in attack. Despite this, Luis Suárez, Jhon Córdoba, and Rafael Santos Borré are expected to form the offensive line, as they have the full confidence of Néstor Lorenzo, but the focus remains on Luis Díaz and his full fitness.

Colombia’s full preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Camilo Vargas, David Ospina, Álvaro Montero, Kevin Mier, Andres Mosquera Marmolejo, and Aldair Quintana.

Left-backs: Johan Mojica, Álvaro Angulo, Deiver Machado, Cristian Borja and Junior Hernandez.
Right-backs: Daniel Muñoz, Santiago Arias, Andrés Felipe Román, and Edier Ocampo
Centre-backs: Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Willer Ditta, Yerson Mosquera, Carlos Cuesta, Juan Cabal and Jhohan Romaña.

Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Juan Camilo Portilla, Nelson Deossa, Gustavo Puerta, Kevin Castaño, Jhon Solís, Gustavo Puerta, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodríguez, Jhon Arias, Juan Fernando Quintero, Yaser Asprilla, Sebastian Gomez, Juan Manuel Rengifo, Jordan Barrera, Wilmar Barrios, Jorge Carrascal, and Juan Cuadrado, Johan Rojas.

Forwards: Luis Díaz, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Johan Carbonero, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suárez, Jhon Córdoba, Rafael Santos Borré, Neiser Villareal, Jhon Arias, Kevin Viveros, Edwin Cetre, Juan Camilo Hernandez, John Steven Mendoza, and Sebastian Villa.

According to Monica Colombo, via Corriere della Sera, the relationship between Allegri and Ibrahimović is completely broken following an argument in early April 2026. During that dispute, the Swedish executive and the Italian manager clashed over the selection of the third goalkeeper for next season. In addition, Zlatan spoke directly with Youssouf Fofana and Rafael Leão to offer tactical advice, which further escalated tensions with Massimiliano.

Coupled with Ibrahimović’s struggles, the lack of transparency with the transfer strategy annoyed Allegri. At the early January 2026, the Italian requested some reinforcements, but those requests were rejected due to a lack of funds. Later, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s signing emerged, handled without his knowledge or sporting director Igli Tare. For this, Allegri is said to be determined to leave the Rossoneri at the end of the season, reports Corriere della Sera.

Following Allegri’s possible departure at the end of the season, the Rossoneri are reportedly considering dismissing Igli Tare as sporting director, according to Matteo Moretto. As his replacement, they are supposedly targeting Tony D’Amico, who has a very good relationship with Giorgio Furlani, AC Milan’s CEO. With these changes, the Rossoneri aim to reshape their sporting project once again, as this season’s results were not particularly impressive.

Massimiliano Allegri reportedly considers taking Italy head coach spot

AC Milan failed to win the Serie A title and still has work to do to secure its spot in the UEFA Champions League. Despite this, Massimiliano Allegri’s impact has been notable, transforming the team into a highly competitive side in just one season. Amid his possible departure from the Rossoneri, Giovanni Malagò, a candidate for president of the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC), is seeking to convince Allegri to become the national team’s head coach.

According to Nicolò Schira, via X, formerly Twitter, Giovanni Malagò is trying to convince Massimiliano Allegri to become Italy’s head coach as part of its rebuilding process. If he is elected president, Claudio Ranieri would reportedly join Allegri as technical director to rebuild the sporting project, which appears to be in decline after missing three World Cups in a row. While neither has accepted the offer yet, both are reportedly quite open to the possibility.

Jorge Jesus and his players will face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final at Al-Awwal Park, knowing continental silverware is within touching distance. At the same time, Benzema’s Al-Hilal will play NEOM in a Saudi Pro League clash that could unexpectedly hand Ronaldo and his teammates another major celebration before the night even ends.

Al-Nassr has spent much of the campaign battling on two fronts, chasing both domestic and continental success under enormous pressure. Ronaldo’s arrival in winter 2023 transformed expectations around the club. However, the Portuguese superstar has yet to lift a major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

Now, that wait could finally be over in spectacular fashion. If Al-Nassr defeats Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final and Al-Hilal fails to beat NEOM, Ronaldo’s side would secure both the continental title and the Saudi Pro League crown on the exact same day.

That scenario would create a remarkable moment in soccer history. Al-Nassr could become the first Asian and Saudi side to officially win two trophies in one day, despite not even playing a league match themselves. In fact, it is the unusual schedule overlap that has created this rare possibility.

Ronaldo’s biggest night since leaving Europe

For Ronaldo, the stakes are enormous. The veteran forward has produced goals consistently for Al-Nassr, but critics have repeatedly pointed to the absence of major silverware since his move from Europe. The AFC Champions League Two final offers him the opportunity to silence many of those doubts.

Al-Nassr enters the match as a heavy favorite against Gamba Osaka, especially with the final taking place in Riyadh in front of a home crowd expected to create a hostile atmosphere. The club’s journey to the final has been dominant throughout the tournament.

Jorge Jesus rotated heavily during the group stage, yet Al-Nassr still finished with six victories from six matches while scoring 22 goals. The Knight of Najd’s knockout performances were equally convincing: Ronaldo scored against Al-Wasl in the quarter-final, while Kingsley Coman’s hat-trick inspired a crushing 5-1 victory over Al-Ahli SC in the semi-final.

Why Al-Hilal could decide everything

Ironically, Al-Nassr’s destiny may partly depend on one of its fiercest rivals. Al-Hilal still remains mathematically capable of overtaking Ronaldo’s side in the Saudi Pro League standings. However, the pressure is now entirely on Benzema’s Al-Hilal heading into the match against NEOM.

If it fails to win, the title race would immediately end in Al-Nassr’s favor regardless of what happens in the final league round later in the week. The unusual timing adds another layer of drama. Al-Hilal’s game begins shortly before Al-Nassr kicks off against Gamba Osaka, meaning supporters inside Al-Awwal Park could potentially learn that the league title has already been secured while the AFC final is still being played.

How rare is this kind of soccer timing?

Soccer history does contain moments where teams have celebrated multiple achievements in quick succession. However, cases where a trophy win and a league title are confirmed on the same day through separate matches are far less common.

In some leagues, clubs like Manchester City and Inter have clinched a championship while competing elsewhere, with results from other fixtures confirming the title during the same matchday. However, the potential Al-Nassr creates a particularly rare and highly symbolic double-trophy moment in Saudi and Asian soccer context, even if similar cases have occurred elsewhere in the game.

Milan remains locked in a tense battle for a Champions League place after a dramatic collapse in form since February. With only two Serie A matches remaining, the Rossoneri know there is almost no margin for error if they want to avoid missing Europe’s biggest competition next season.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side once looked comfortably positioned to secure Champions League qualification after a strong first half of the campaign. However, a disastrous run of results has thrown everything into uncertainty.

The pressure has intensified after the Italian giant managed only one victory in the last six matches. Defensive mistakes, midfield instability, and a lack of control in key moments have left the club vulnerable at the worst possible time of the season.

Pulisic continues struggling to carry the attack through difficult stretches, but Milan’s overall performances have become increasingly inconsistent. The upcoming trip to Genoa and the final home match against Cagliari are now being treated like cup finals inside the club.

Luka Modric reportedly refuses to give up despite Allegri’s pessimism

Much of the recent concern surrounding Milan centered on Luka Modric’s injury against Juventus. The Croatian midfielder suffered a fractured cheekbone after a collision with Manuel Locatelli and required surgery shortly afterward. At first, many inside the club believed his season was immediately over.

Milan’s official communication even suggested the midfielder would focus entirely on recovering in time for the 2026 World Cup. Allegri himself recently admitted the situation looked bleak. “Even if Modric comes to Milanello to work, it’s almost impossible that he’ll be on the pitch on for the final game,” Allegri recently said. Still, the Croatian veteran appears unwilling to accept that outcome quietly.

The one key thing that will decide everything

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric wants to return as early as Sunday’s match against Genoa rather than waiting until the final game against Cagliari. The midfielder is reportedly preparing for another round of medical examinations this week to evaluate how well the fractured cheekbone is healing.

If the results are positive, Milan would immediately begin preparing a special protective face mask for him. However, the final decision will not belong to the 40-year-old maestro himself. The medical staff must determine whether the injury is stable enough for him to safely return.

Modric’s perseverance throughout his recuperation has allegedly impressed others at the club. Despite his swollen face still being clearly visible, the Croatian recently visited the dressing room before Milan’s match against Atalanta to support his teammates. The veteran midfielder understands exactly what is at stake.

UEFA Champions League qualification could influence not only the Red and Blacks’ future plans, but also his own future at the club. Journalist Matteo Moretto claims that if the club secures a place in the Champions League, the chances of Modric staying for another season increase significantly. His leadership has already earned enormous respect inside the squad despite arriving only recently after leaving Real Madrid.

Visiting Cincinnati for a regular-season MLS match, Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute by pressing high, winning the ball from a poor Matt Miazga pass and finishing clinically. After the hosts fought back to lead 2-1, Messi restored parity with a composed finish set up by a key cross from Rodrigo De Paul.

Evander put Cincinnati back in front at 3-2 in the 64th minute, but Messi quickly responded, this time as a creator, threading an assist to Mateo Silvetti to level the score. Then, in the 89th minute, after a defensive miscommunication in Cincinnati’s backline left German Berterame with a rebound, Messi capped off the comeback by sliding home after a Silvetti cross to complete what many in attendance believed was a hat-trick.

A hat-trick denied by MLS

With the comeback sealed, all eyes turned to Messi, who had contributed three goals and an assist to guide Inter Miami to victory, a result that lifted the Herons to second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 13 games. But MLS moved to clarify the official record.

On its official website, the league attributed the 89th-minute goal to an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The ball had deflected off the post and appeared destined to stay out, but Celentano made slight contact with it on the way through. Because the ball was not crossing the line without his touch, he was credited as having turned it into his own net, stripping Messi of what would have been a historic moment.

Messi keeps producing, but his hat-trick tally stands

The performance moved Messi to 12 goals and four assists in 14 appearances during the 2026 MLS season, a run of form that bodes well for Argentina’s title defense at the upcoming World Cup. His all-time career totals now stand at 909 goals and 411 assists across 1,153 games, though his official hat-trick count remains frozen at 60 following MLS’s ruling.

Messi currently sits second among active players in career hat-tricks, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads with 66. Wednesday’s performance would have trimmed that gap to five, but with the goal officially credited to Celentano, the chase will have to wait for another night.

The match had started well for Inter Miami, with a link-up between Messi and Berterame that ended in a goal from the left-footed star, but it was ruled out for offside. However, he did not miss the next chance.

Preferring to combine down the left side, Inter Miami moved up the field and created danger, but their goal came from a mistake by Miazga. A through ball by Rodrigo de Paul was slightly too long, and the defender tried to clear it, but the deflection bounced off Messi’s right leg and into the net.

Cincinnati came back through a Kevin Denkey penalty late in the first half, before Pavel Bucha made it 2-1 early in the second. However, Inter Miami responded quickly with a move down the right that ended in a de Paul assist for Messi, who only had to steer the ball in for the equalizer.

The celebration did not last long as Evander restored the lead for the home side. However, there was still more from the Argentine, as he assisted Mateo Silvetti for the 3-3 equalizer.

Quickly after, goalkeeper Roman Celentano dropped the ball following a collision with Andrei Chirila, allowing Germán Berterame to score Inter Miami’s 4-3 near the end. To cap it all off, Messi completed his hat trick with a right-footed finish from the penalty spot after a good pass from Silvetti.

The two players first formed a bond as teammates with the Argentina national team, a friendship that has endured to this day. When De Paul parted ways with Atletico Madrid last summer, Inter Miami moved quickly to secure one of the most expensive signings in MLS history, but it appears the board may eventually be bracing for a double departure down the line.

As reported by ESPN Argentina‘s Tomas Davila, De Paul has made a personal decision that he will leave Inter Miami once Lionel Messi retires from professional soccer. While that timeline is not in his hands, it is a development the club’s front office will need to keep in mind as it plans for the future.

Davila, who is also a well-connected insider at Racing Club de Avellaneda, reports that the motivation behind De Paul’s eventual exit is a long-awaited return to his boyhood club. An academy product of Racing, De Paul left in 2016 and has spent his career since in Europe, across spells at Valencia, Udinese and Atletico Madrid, before his arrival in MLS, with a homecoming always on his mind.

Currently 31 years old, De Paul is set to line up alongside Messi at the 2026 World Cup as Argentina defend their title, in what could be his final major tournament in the Albiceleste jersey. His contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2029, by which point he will be 35, but it is increasingly clear that Fort Lauderdale will not be his final destination in professional soccer.

When could De Paul leave?

Whether on the Argentina national team or at Inter Miami, Messi and De Paul share a connection that extends well beyond the pitch, and the report suggests the midfielder intends to follow his captain’s lead when it comes to the timing of his own exit.

Messi is currently balancing his first half of the 2026 MLS season with preparations for the upcoming World Cup, though the physical demands of professional soccer at the highest level will inevitably catch up with him in the years ahead. His current deal with Inter Miami runs through December 2028, when he will turn 41.

If Messi chooses to retire at the end of that contract, De Paul could walk away alongside him, cutting his own stay at Inter Miami short by at least a year despite being the club’s third-highest-paid player. Should Messi decide to call it a career even earlier, De Paul’s timeline would shorten accordingly, but either way, his time in Fort Lauderdale appears to have an expiration date firmly attached.

The timing could hardly be worse for Jorge Jesus and his squad. Al-Nassr is preparing for one of the biggest nights in the club’s recent history, while Gamba Osaka arrives in Riyadh sensing an opportunity to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the home side.

The AFC Champions League Two final represents far more than another cup match for Jorge Jesus and his players. The club has not won a major continental title since the late 1990s, and Ronaldo now stands just one game away from adding another international trophy to his legendary career.

The pressure around the match has intensified after Al-Nassr’s dramatic Saudi Pro League draw against Al-Hilal earlier in the week. Ronaldo and his teammates were seconds away from celebrating a potentially decisive victory before a late goalkeeping error changed the entire mood around the club.

Despite that setback, the Riyadh outfit still remains in a strong position domestically. However, attention has now shifted completely toward Saturday’s continental showdown at Al Awwal Park.

Injury crisis hits Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus

What initially appeared to be minor concerns quickly turned into a major selection headache for Jorge Jesus. Reports from Saudi Arabia confirmed that Marcelo Brozovic, Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, and Abdulelah Al-Amri are all expected to miss the final due to injury problems.

The injuries reportedly stem largely from the physically demanding Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal. Several players suffered muscle issues during the intense contest, forcing Al-Nassr’s medical staff into emergency recovery mode before the final.

According to the Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Marcelo Brozovic, Kingsley Coman, and Abdulelah Al Amri underwent MRI scans to determine the severity of their injuries. The report added that Portuguese club doctor Carlos Miguel ruled out the trio, along with Angelo Gabriel and goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, because of the severity of their muscle injuries.

That news has delivered a huge blow to Al-Nassr’s preparations. Brozovic has been one of the midfield leaders throughout the campaign, while Coman’s pace and creativity played a massive role during the knockout rounds.

Among the missing names, the Frenchman’s absence may hurt the most emotionally for the Knight of Nadj’s supporters. The French winger was sensational in the semi-final victory over the Qatari team Al-Ahli SC, producing a stunning hat-trick that pushed his team into the final. Without him, much more responsibility now falls on Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix.

Jorge Jesus searching for solutions

The injury crisis has forced Jorge Jesus into difficult decisions only days before the final. Arriyadiyah also suggests that the Portuguese manager is now considering rotating heavily and relying on younger or less experienced players to protect the remaining stars from further physical problems.

The report stated that the Portuguese manager is worried about fatigue, possible extra time, and the short turnaround before the final Saudi Pro League fixture against Damac. Several reserve players have reportedly been prepared to start if needed, including Hayder Abdulkareem, Abdullah Al Hamdan, Ali Al Hassan, Sultan Al Ghannam, Saad Al Nasser, and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

Even so, Al-Nassr supporters remain hopeful that Ronaldo can inspire one more unforgettable night. The atmosphere inside Al Awwal Park is expected to be electric as the club chases a continental crown that has eluded it for nearly three decades.

Crystal Palace travelled to the Etihad with little pressure compared to the home side, but the London club still has plenty to play for late in the campaign. Manchester City knows anything less than victory could hand Arsenal a massive advantage in the race for the title.

The buildup to the match had already been intense following Arsenal’s controversial victory over West Ham United. That result left City needing all three points to reduce the gap at the top of the table and keep the title fight alive heading into the final weeks of the season.

Pep Guardiola also had one eye on the upcoming FA Cup final, with concerns surrounding player fitness and workload beginning to grow. Several important names had recently dealt with knocks, including Rodri and Josko Gvardiol, while others had played heavy minutes during a packed schedule.

Reports before kickoff hinted that Guardiola could rotate his side heavily against Crystal Palace. Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden and Savinho were all pushing for starting roles after impressive recent performances from the bench.

Why Haaland, Cherki and Doku were not starting

The mystery surrounding the absence of Haaland, Cherki and Doku from the starting lineup was eventually explained shortly before kickoff. Manchester City decided to rest all three attacking stars ahead of the FA Cup final, with Guardiola choosing to protect several key players during one of the busiest stretches of the season.

The official lineup confirmed the changes. Haaland, Cherki and Doku all began the game on the bench, while Marmoush, Savinho and Antoine Semenyo were handed opportunities in attack instead.

City also welcomed back Josko Gvardiol after a lengthy absence, with Guardiola making six changes overall to the starting XI. Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Phil Foden also returned to the side for the crucial encounter.

The decision highlighted how carefully Guardiola is managing his squad during the closing weeks of the season. Manchester City still has a realistic chance of winning the Premier League, but the FA Cup final also represents a major opportunity for silverware.

Barcelona entered the season expecting Lewandowski to remain a central figure, but recent developments have raised serious doubts over his long-term future at the Catalan club. The Polish forward has remained careful with his public comments, though multiple reports now suggest a major decision is approaching quickly.

Lewandowski recently admitted that he is keeping all possibilities open regarding the next chapter of his career. The veteran striker explained that both sporting ambitions and family considerations will play a major role before any final decision is made.

“That remains to be seen,” Lewandowski said while speaking to Canal+ Poland. “I will probably wait until different options arise and then decide what is best for me and my family – so it will probably take a little while.”

Barcelona future increasingly uncertain

Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s stance appears to have changed significantly in recent months. Fabrizio Romano has indicated on X (formerly Twitter) and Youtube that contract talks between the club and Lewandowski have stalled, with no agreement close despite previous expectations that he could remain for another season.

He also added that the Catalan side is only willing to offer the striker a reduced role and a significant salary cut. That proposal reportedly failed to convince Lewandowski, especially as he continues receiving interest from several clubs across Europe, MLS, and the Saudi Pro League.

The financial reality at Barcelona has also become impossible to ignore. The club is still attempting to balance its wage structure and comply with La Liga regulations, meaning removing one of the highest salaries from the squad would provide enormous relief ahead of the summer transfer window.

Saudi Arabia enters the race in spectacular fashion

The situation took another dramatic turn when reports emerged revealing the scale of Saudi Arabia’s interest. Al-Hilal reportedly presented Lewandowski with an extraordinary contract proposal that could completely reshape the final years of his career.

According to Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy, the Saudi club has offered Lewandowski a staggering $105 million per season deal as negotiations accelerate. What’s more, an additional report from another Polish journalist, Jaroslaw Kolinski, claims the striker is now seriously considering the move and could be close to accepting the proposal.

The attraction goes beyond finances alone. Al-Hilal continues building one of the strongest projects in Asian soccer and already features several internationally recognized names within the squad.

Karim Benzema’s arrival helped raise the profile of the Saudi league further, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at Al-Nassr created a rivalry that has captured worldwide attention. Lewandowski joining Al-Hilal would instantly add another superstar to that growing battle.

Saudi rivalry could enter a new era

If Lewandowski completes the move, the Saudi Pro League could enter another new phase in its global rise. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the face of Al-Nassr, while Benzema continues leading one of the league’s other major projects.

Adding Lewandowski to Al-Hilal would create another high-profile rivalry involving three of the greatest forwards of their generation. The possibility of seeing those names competing directly for trophies in Saudi Arabia would immediately attract worldwide attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Barcelona, meanwhile, may soon be forced to prepare for life after one of the most prolific strikers in the club’s recent history. Lewandowski’s legacy in Spain already includes multiple trophies and more than a century of goals, but the final chapter of his career now appears increasingly likely to unfold far away from Camp Nou.

The uncertainty has created intense debate across Brazil, especially because Neymar remains one of the most influential figures in the national team setup. While supporters continue to dream of one final World Cup run, Ancelotti has now made it clear that only one factor will determine the player’s fate.

The countdown toward the Selecao’s final squad announcement has placed enormous pressure on Neymar. The forward has entered what many inside Brazilian soccer consider the most important stretch of his comeback since returning to Santos.

The timing is significant because Ancelotti is scheduled to reveal his final squad in Rio de Janeiro shortly after the Peixe completes two crucial domestic fixtures. Those matches could heavily influence the manager’s final thinking before Brazil begins preparations for the 2026 World Cup. In the meantime, Neymar has already shown flashes of his old brilliance during recent weeks.

Since returning from injury setbacks, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has contributed six goals and three assists in 13 matches during 2026. That return has reignited hope among supporters who still view him as the player capable of inspiring Brazil toward a sixth World Cup crown. However, questions surrounding his readiness have never fully disappeared.

The one condition Neymar must satisfy

Ancelotti addressed the issue on Tuesday directly while speaking to Reuters, admitting that Neymar’s situation represents one of the toughest decisions facing the coaching staff. However, the former Real Madrid coach insisted that emotions alone will not influence his decision in another interview. On Thursday, the Brazil manager admitted that the forward’s physical condition is the single decisive factor in whether he reaches the final World Cup squad.

“The call-up of Neymar depends only on him. It depends on what the player demonstrates on the field,” he stated in comments reported by The Guardian. The veteran coach then delivered the clearest explanation yet about how Neymar is being assessed internally.

“This is a very clear criterion, and it does not apply only to Neymar. With most players, you have to evaluate talent and physical condition. With Neymar, we only need to evaluate physical condition, because his talent is indisputable. It depends on him, not on me”, Ancelotti said.

Those comments immediately intensified attention around Neymar’s performances for Santos. Every appearance now carries enormous weight as Brazil’s coaching staff studies whether the 34-year-old can physically cope with the demands of another major tournament.

Brazil balancing romance and reality amid Neymar’s fitness woes

The debate surrounding the 34-year-old’s fitness reflects a larger dilemma inside the Brazil camp. On one side stands the emotional appeal of giving the nation’s all-time leading scorer another chance on soccer’s biggest stage. Moreover, on the other side lies the reality of recent injury struggles.

Neymar has endured multiple physical setbacks over the last two years, including serious knee ligament damage suffered during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023. According to Transfermarkt, the Santos captain suffered three separate hamstring injuries in a row during 2025, forcing him to miss 85 days of action and a total of 14 games.

For months, the expectation around the German national team was clear. Julian Nagelsmann had moved forward with a new generation, while Bayern veteran Neuer repeatedly insisted his chapter with Germany was over. Yet behind the scenes, reports in Germany suggest the situation may no longer be so straightforward.

According to reports from Kicker and multiple German outlets, Manuel Neuer’s name is believed to have been included on Germany’s provisional 55-man World Cup list submitted to FIFA. The list itself remains confidential, but the growing speculation has reignited debate over whether the Bavarians’ captain could make a sensational return.

The possibility is remarkable considering Neuer officially retired from international soccer after Euro 2024. At the time, the decision looked final, especially since the DFB-Team began preparations for a new cycle under Nagelsmann.

However, uncertainty surrounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s fitness and the mixed form of current No. 1 Oliver Baumann appear to have reopened internal discussions. Reports suggest the German federation is seriously weighing whether experience could become decisive at the biggest tournament in soccer.

The exclusive World Cup list revealed

The significance of Neuer’s potential return becomes even greater when looking at the historic company he could join in 2026. If Neuer makes Germany’s final squad at age 40, he would enter the exclusive list of some of the oldest outfield veterans to appear at this year’s edition of the World Cup alongside names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa.

Ronaldo is expected to captain Portugal at the tournament at the age of 41 in his record-breaking sixth tournament, while Ochoa continues fighting for a sixth World Cup appearance with Mexico. Neuer, meanwhile, would become one of the oldest German players ever to feature at the competition.

That possibility seemed almost impossible only months ago. Neuer himself recently appeared to shut the door completely when speaking after Bayern Munich’s victory over Leipzig. “Yes,” Neuer answered when asked if his international career was truly over. Despite those comments, speculation has refused to disappear.

When is Nagelsmann’s final decision?

The uncertainty has created one of the biggest storylines around Germany before the final squad announcement on May 21. While the Gertman manager publicly continues to insist Neuer retired on his own terms, reports indicate the issue is being debated “far more intensely” behind closed doors. “There are increasing signs behind the scenes that the national team coach could include the 40-year-old in his final World Cup squad,” Kicker reported.

The relationship between the duo also appears far healthier now than it was in 2023. At the time, tensions emerged after Bayern dismissed goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic, one of Neuer’s closest allies. German media now claims those problems have long since been resolved, and that renewed connection may ultimately become important in the final decision.

Pérez said: “I have never spoken with any player. I never talk about sporting matters. I have not spoken with Mbappé. If I see him, I greet him. He is our best player. The one who has scored the most goals.”

His answer was much less clear when asked about a possible signing of Haaland from Manchester City. While Pérez did not say the club is making a move for him, he also did not close the door on the idea: “Well, I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t give my opinion on these things.”

The manager search

A major topic around Real Madrid is who could be the next manager if Álvaro Arbeloa leaves. The name most often mentioned is José Mourinho, who was also addressed by Pérez. He said: “I like many managers. Mourinho gave us a lot. But the president does not choose the manager.” That also brought Xabi Alonso into the discussion.

The other name tied to the club’s chaotic period is Alonso, who was hired last year after major success with Bayer Leverkusen but was dismissed in January after the team failed to deliver the results expected.

Pérez said: “I was not wrong to appoint Alonso. We did not have a preseason and we collapsed physically. We had many injuries. We are running tests to fix that. It has been a very bad season. But it all starts with the Club World Cup. We did not have a preseason.”

Pérez on the Valverde-Tchouaméni scandal

Last week’s biggest topic was also a Real Madrid scandal, as Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni had a disagreement that ended with the Uruguayan in the hospital. For the president, the leak was worse than the incident itself.

Pérez said: “It is very ugly to whistle. They are our players and you should not boo them. There are always fights in teams. And leaking it is very ugly. We know who did it. Fights happen every year. It is something normal.”

“To the World Cup, without Morata or Carvajal. That’s how it will be. Because neither the defender nor the striker are included in the list of 55 players the RFEF submitted to FIFA on May 11,” Marca reported this week. “Performance and consistency have been burdens too heavy for both.”

Carvajal has been affected by a series of injuries — muscular problems, knee issues, and more recently a foot injury — that prevented him from playing regularly for Real Madrid this season. He has appeared in just 20 matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, while completing the full 90 minutes only three times during the current campaign.

Morata has played more matches despite suffering a muscle injury in December. However, his main issue has been performance, as he has struggled badly to stand out at Como 1907. In 28 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, the striker has recorded just one goal and two assists.

A new era for Spain

Without Daniel Carvajal and Alvaro Morata, and with Jesus Navas already retired, Spain are now without the three captains they had at Euro 2024 just two years ago. That reflects an ongoing generational transition within the squad, now increasingly built around a younger core led by Lamine Yamal.

Despite the muscle injury he suffered several weeks ago that prematurely ended his season with Barcelona, the 18-year-old winger is obviously included in the 55-player squad selected by Luis De La Fuente. He is also expected to remain part of the final 26-man roster.

The main doubts, however, concern Yamal’s availability. His physical recovery over the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether he will be ready for the opening group-stage matches or instead focus on being fully fit for the knockout stages, something the coach De La Fuente views as the priority.

De La Fuente discusses Spain’s roster decisions

Speaking with Europa Press, Luis De La Fuente explained the criteria behind both the preliminary squad and the final 26-man roster that will represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“These decisions are not made overnight or casually with friends. They are the result of 10 months of analysis and very rigorous study,” explained the coach. “When this list is finalized, which is the most critical phase of the work, you have to prepare for every possible situation that can happen during a match.”

In addition to sporting considerations, De La Fuente admitted he also values the human side of his players: “I’ve spent three years working with the best players in the world and also the best people. It seems like being a great player and a great person are mutually exclusive, and that’s not true… Between a good person and someone who is not as good, I choose the good person.”

Match overview

Cruz Azul head into this rivalry clash full of confidence after eliminating Atlas with a convincing 4-2 aggregate victory, but the road now gets tougher with a spot in the final on the line against Chivas Guadalajara.

Chivas earned their place in dramatic fashion, surviving a wild 3-3 aggregate battle with Tigres UANL and advancing thanks to a higher seed. After strong regular-season performances from both sides, the stakes and intensity rise even higher in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two Liga MX powerhouses.

“Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed Academy graduate Preston Plambeck to a contract running through the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season,” the Herons explained in a statement published on their official website Wednesday. The club also detailed that the deal includes options for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 seasons.

Plambeck is a 20-year-old midfielder who developed in Inter Miami’s academy and gradually climbed through the ranks before joining the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side in 2025. Since then, he has recorded three goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Inter Miami II.

Those performances earned Preston the opportunity to join the club’s senior squad this year and make his MLS debut under Guillermo Hoyos. The coach gave him his first chance on April 25, when he replaced David Ruiz in the 69th minute of a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution. Last weekend, Plambeck added another 12 minutes in the 4-2 victory over Toronto FC.

An interesting addition for Inter Miami

Preston Plambeck’s involvement with Inter Miami’s first team, along with the decision to sign him to a professional contract for the remainder of the season, is tied not only to the qualities the young midfielder has shown so far, but also to the need to solve an issue the Herons have faced this year.

After Sergio Busquets retired at the end of 2025, Inter Miami have struggled to rebuild their midfield. David Ayala arrived as a signing expected to fill that role, but injuries and inconsistent performances have complicated those plans. Yannick Bright has largely taken over those responsibilities, but the two-game suspension he served several weeks ago exposed the lack of depth on the roster in that area.

That forced Hoyos to experiment with Rodrigo De Paul, David Ruiz, and Telasco Segovia in deeper roles, something that did not work particularly well because it left Lionel Messi with less support in the creative phase. That is why having Preston Plambeck consistently available could become a useful option for Inter Miami moving forward.

Plambeck’s comments

In the same statement released by the club, Preston Plambeck shared his thoughts on becoming a professional soccer player. “I’ve worked my whole life to reach this moment, and I want to make my family proud,” said the young midfielder. “I think my pathway through the Academy and the Second Team helped shape me by teaching me discipline and helping me understand the Club’s style of play through all the coaches who guided me along the way.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, when they’ll be hosting Gamba Osaka for the AFC Champions League Two final at Al Awwal Park in a title-deciding game. The Portuguese legend heads to the match after a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal that denied him to lift the Saudi Pro League.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 28 goals and provided 5 assists in 35 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 971 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

Arbeloa said: “Of course. We all know what has happened over the last 20 years. Surely there are things we don’t know. It’s neither legal nor does it make sense to those of us involved in this competition. It’s unbelievable that only Real Madrid wants to uphold the law in football. It’s a feeling shared by all Madrid fans.”

This is a natural response from someone employed by the club, but his future is uncertain. While the club may already be looking at replacements, Real Madrid must try to improve its image with the fans.

Pérez’s claim

In an explosive press conference from the club president, many topics were discussed. Pérez announced that he is calling an election even if he still has time left after being elected, but he does not intend to leave his position for now.

The main point for him was what he sees as the referees’ repeated decisions against Real Madrid, mistakes that he believes cost the club seven titles in a very controversial period.

Pérez said: “I have been here for I don’t know how many seasons and I just won seven European Cups and seven La Liga titles that could be 14 because they were stolen from me. We made a video of the 18 points they took from us in this one.”

Real Madrid’s future

Real Madrid still have three matches left to finish a poor La Liga season that has them behind champions Barcelona. While those games will not change their position, they still need to improve in a very tense situation. Their remaining opponents are Real Oviedo, Sevilla and Athletic Club.

The Club World Cup held in the United States served as a testing ground for several matchday innovations, including these “NBA-style” walkouts. Under that format, every player was introduced individually, walking through the tunnel as their name was announced to the entire stadium, rather than appearing as a collective unit.

Traditionally, players from both teams emerge from the tunnel together, led by the officiating crew and accompanied by youth mascots. This classic presentation was temporarily shelved by FIFA during the Club World Cup trials as the organization looked for ways to modernize the game’s presentation ahead of its return to North America.

However, according to Ben Jacobs, FIFA has decided to move away from the individual walkouts for the upcoming tournament. While the concept generated significant crowd engagement during the Club World Cup, officials have reportedly deemed the approach impractical for a World Cup that features a massive 104-game slate across the entire competition.

The individual introductions certainly made an impact during the Club World Cup opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, particularly when Lionel Messi was announced to a deafening ovation. While that euphoria at Hard Rock Stadium suggested the format could be a hit for national teams, the idea has ultimately been shelved before reaching the world stage.

FIFA exploring new entrance protocols

Even though the NBA-style format is out, FIFA is still looking to break new ground regarding team presentations. Ben Jacobs also reports that the governing body is currently trialing an alternative walkout method, signaling a clear desire to move away from soccer’s traditional entry protocols.

The goal for FIFA is to highlight every player without the time-consuming individual introductions seen at the Club World Cup. For years, the V-formation entrance alongside children carrying national flags has been the standard protocol for the modern era, and fans are now waiting to see if the 2026 edition will finally break that mold.

Lionel Messi took part normally in the Herons’ latest training session. With him appearing to be in full form, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to start the Argentine, as he not only shines in front of goal but also creates chances for his teammates, making him the cornerstone of the team. Sitting three goals away from surpassing Hugo Cuypers as the league’s top scorer, he could arrive especially motivated.

Coupled with the Argentinean star, Inter Miami’s Guillermo Hoyos may bet on Luis Suárez and German Berterame in the offense. Unlike the start of the season, they have been able to shine, being crucial in the team’s recent victories. Nonetheless, Dániel Pintér may again have a chance to shine from bench as he did against Toronto FC, replacing the Uruguayan striker. That said, the Herons’ defense is the main concern, as they have not shined in the latest two games.

Like the Herons, FC Cincinnati also come into the match needing a victory, as they currently sit in sixth place, close to the play-in spots. Therefore, they are aiming for a win that would allow them to climb the standings and compete with Chicago Fire for fourth place. Facing one of the best attacks in the MLS Eastern Conference today, they could encounter serious defensive problems, as they have conceded goals in several consecutive matches.

FC Cincinnati predicted lineup vs Inter Miami

Ahead of today’s match, FC Cincinnati are dealing with three major absences: Alvas Powell, Teenage Hadebe, and Kristian Fletcher. Nevertheless, head coach Pat Noonan is relying on Kevin Denkey and Evander, who are the team’s two leading scorers. Just like in the previous match, they could opt for a three-man defense, seeking greater defensive consistency in an attempt to contain the impact of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in attack.

With this in mind, FC Cincinnati could lineup as follows: Roman Celentano; Nick Hagglund, Matt Miazga, Andrei Chirilă; Pavel Bucha, Gerardo Valenzuela, Samuel Gidi, Bryan Ramírez; Evander; Kenji Mboma Dem, Kévin Denkey.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami come into the match as the favorites to defeat FC Cincinnati, as they are currently in excellent form. Nevertheless, head coach Guillermo Hoyos has two clear absences: Noah Allen and Tadeo Allende due to injury. Despite this, they still have their biggest stars fully fit: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. With this, they are aiming for their second consecutive victory, which would move them closer to the top of the MLS standings.

Considering this, the Herons could play as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Germán Berterame.

Yuste said: “It’s pointless to bring up Negreira again when we’ve won two leagues with a project built around players from La Masia and others who came from elsewhere. We’re winning by 14 points, and this is just a smokescreen to justify poor management.”

In Pérez’s lengthy statement, he claimed that Real Madrid had been robbed of seven La Liga titles, which Yuste rejected. However, this may not be a problem for Barcelona as they celebrate another trophy after winning El Clásico.

Yuste questions his counterpart’s claims

The press conference was not expected by the media, as it was an emotional move from Pérez to defend his club. However, Barcelona’s response did not take long, as the club released a statement.

In that statement, the club told supporters it was reviewing everything the Real Madrid president said and would decide how to respond. Yuste also had strong words about Real Madrid’s position.

Yuste said: “Florentino’s words struck me as pathetic and full of falsehoods. The club already issued a statement yesterday considering legal action, but I want to say that this was a move to cover up a sporting disaster that has been going on for two years will get him nowhere.”

Barcelona statement

“Regarding the press conference held by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, we inform that our legal department is carefully examining his statements and accusations. They are currently being reviewed and the steps to be taken are being assessed. When considered appropriate, any positions and decisions that are adopted will be communicated.”

The biggest change in this year’s edition will be the increase in participating national teams. Instead of the traditional 32-team field used in recent decades, 48 countries will now compete in the tournament. Naturally, that expansion has forced a format change that will make the competition longer with the addition of an extra knockout round.

The group stage will begin on June 11. The 48 participating teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each, with every team playing three matches. Once all group-stage games are completed, the knockout stage field will be finalized.

The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the Round of 32, while the eight best third-place teams will also move on. That means qualification scenarios and knockout matchups likely won’t be determined until the final day of the group stage, as all third-place teams will need to be compared to decide the last spots.

The teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mexico, Canada, and the United States secured automatic qualification as tournament hosts. The other 45 teams earned their places through the World Cup qualifiers played across FIFA’s six confederations.

Europe has the largest representation in the tournament with 16 teams: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Africa follows with 10 teams: Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. The AFC will have nine representatives: Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, New Zealand qualified from Oceania.

In CONMEBOL, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay secured their places in the tournament. Meanwhile, CONCACAF will have six representatives: alongside Canada, Mexico, and the United States as hosts, Curacao, Haiti, and Panama earned their spots through the World Cup qualifiers.

The groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C. There, the 48 teams were divided into 12 groups, a crucial factor for the development of the tournament. The group composition not only determines the opening stage, but also shapes the potential knockout-stage matchups.

The knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Once every team completes its three group-stage matches, the knockout stage field will be set. The action will begin with the Round of 32, whose opening match is scheduled for June 29.

From that stage onward, every match must produce a winner. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, teams will play 30 minutes of extra time. If the match remains level after extra time, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout. The same format will apply in every knockout round, including the final, which will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

How to watch the 2026 World Cup

Fans in the United States will have several options to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup live. While broadcast details may vary by match, games will air on FOX, Telemundo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, Tubi, and FS1.

The United States are the tournament’s main host nation, meaning most of the matches will be played on U.S. soil. As a result, 11 of the 16 venues are located in the country. In addition, most of the tournament’s marquee games will take place there, including the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The largest stadium at the World Cup will be AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which has a capacity of 94,000 spectators. Behind it is Estadio Azteca in Mexico, which was completely renovated for the tournament and, with a capacity of 83,000, will become the first stadium to host three different World Cups after previously doing so in 1970 and 1986.

On the other end of the scale, the smallest stadium in the tournament will be BMO Field in Toronto — one of only two venues in Canada alongside Vancouver. The stadium is home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, and it has a capacity of 45,000 spectators.

Venues in the United States for the World Cup

On the West Coast, three cities will host matches during the 2026 World Cup. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco will represent California, while Seattle will host games at Lumen Field, where four group-stage matches and two knockout-stage games will be played.

Texas will also feature two host cities during the tournament. Alongside AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Houston’s NRG Stadium will also host matches. In addition, Kansas City will stage six games, including Lionel Messi’s debut with Argentina against Algeria.

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which has a capacity of 65,000 spectators, will host several important matches, including the third-place game. Meanwhile, one of the semifinals will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The final three venues on U.S. soil will also be located on the East Coast. Along with the previously mentioned MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York, the tournament will also feature Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Gillette Stadium in Boston.

Venues in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup

Of the three host nations, Mexico are the country with the richest soccer tradition. Two of the most iconic World Cups in history were held there: the 1970 edition won by Pele’s Brazil and the 1986 tournament inspired by Diego Maradona’s Argentina.

Now Mexico will have the honor of hosting the opening match, which will feature Mexico and South Africa on June 11. The selected venue for that game is Estadio Azteca, which will also host two additional group-stage matches and two knockout-stage games.

The other two venues in Mexico will be Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Monterrey, which has a capacity of 53,500 spectators, and Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, where 48,000 fans can attend. Mexico will play their second group-stage match there against South Korea.

Venues in Canada for the 2026 World Cup

Unlike the United States and Mexico, this will be Canada’s first experience hosting a World Cup. They will play all three of their group-stage matches at home, traveling from one side of the country to the other.

Canada’s opening match will take place on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to that game, the venue will host four other matches, including one in the Round of 32. The country’s other venue is BC Place in Vancouver, which has a capacity of 54,000 spectators and will host a Round of 16 matchup as its marquee game.

The 16 venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Match Overview

After bouncing back from a dramatic 4-3 Florida derby loss to Orlando City SC with an impressive 4-2 win over Toronto FC, Inter Miami climbed into third place in the Eastern Conference and now turn their attention to another key test.

Lionel Messi and company know a victory could be crucial in the race for the top spot, but standing in their way is a dangerous FC Cincinnati side currently sitting on 16 points. Despite this, Cincinnati remain one of the toughest teams in the conference and will look to make a statement on the road.

On May 8, ahead of the first leg between Middlesbrough and Southampton at the Riverside Stadium, Boro officials leveled charges against their rivals after allegedly being victims of an espionage attempt. The English Football League (EFL) promptly released a statement addressing the incident, though they stopped short of detailing potential disciplinary actions against the Saints.

“Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg,” the EFL statement confirmed.

Speculation regarding the consequences for Southampton has ranged from heavy fines and points deductions to the ultimate sanction of playoff expulsion. Despite the cloud of controversy, the semifinal series proceeded on the pitch, with Shea Charles netting a late winner to send Southampton through to the final against Hull City while the legal battle continues behind the scenes.

Middlesbrough awaits a potential EFL lifeline

Even though they were officially eliminated on the aggregate scoreline (2-1), Middlesbrough remain hopeful that the situation will be overturned, granting them a sensational second chance at Premier League promotion. As reported by The Telegraph, manager Kim Hellberg has given his Boro players two days off to recover from the Southampton clash, but the squad will return to training Friday to stay match-fit in case the EFL panel determines Southampton’s conduct warrants a forfeit.

According to reports, the next 24 hours will be critical for the resolution of the case, as the independent panel looks to expedite the hearing. With the final at Wembley scheduled for May 22, the EFL is working against a ticking clock to deliver a verdict that avoids a massive logistical and competitive setback for the teams involved.

Photos of alleged Southampton spy emerge

As this new “spygate” continues to draw comparisons to Marcelo Bielsa’s infamous 2019 incident with Leeds United, new evidence has surfaced online. One of the most significant developments involves a leaked photograph of a Southampton staff member who is allegedly at the center of the espionage case.

Images circulating on social media reportedly show Southampton performance-analysis intern William Salt loitering near a tree while recording a Middlesbrough training session. These images are being reviewed by the EFL panel to determine if the staff member was indeed filming tactical drills prior to the semifinals, a finding that would weigh heavily on the final decision.

In an interview with The Athletic, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about José Mourinho‘s possible return to Real Madrid, and he replied: “To be back at Real Madrid, I will be really happy for him… He can do a fantastic job, as he always did in all the clubs that he was at.” Having been one of the most successful head coaches at los Blancos, the Italian’s support is a huge boost for the Portuguese, whose task is difficult.

Far from all club legends supporting Mourinho’s return, Iker Casillas has spoken out against the Portuguese coach’s comeback, making it clear that dismissing Xabi was a mistake. However, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly determined to back José’s return, as he previously managed to put the team back on track between 2010 and 2013, building a project that competed with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

José Mourinho is not in the best years of his managerial career, having been heavily criticised by fans at his previous clubs. Nevertheless, the veteran Portuguese coach has nothing left to prove, as he has already succeeded in the Premier League, LaLiga, and has won the Champions League. With his vast experience, he could be the ideal candidate to reverse Los Blancos’ situation, as they have now gone two years without winning a trophy.

Mourinho holds a big challenge: Fitting Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius

Real Madrid have decided to make major financial investments, aiming to remain among the best teams in the world. While Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. did manage to develop a strong on-pitch connection, the same has not happened with Kylian Mbappé. Neither Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, nor Álvaro Arbeloa managed to integrate the Frenchman with the Brazilian star, as while one has excelled in terms of goal scoring, the other has experienced a dip in form.

Both Kylian and Vinícius tend to operate in the same area: The left side. While the Frenchman starts as a centre forward, he moves with great freedom, clashing with the Brazilian and leaving the team without a fixed reference. Because of this, José Mourinho faces the difficult task of adapting both to the tactical system, whether by adjusting their roles or responsibilities on the pitch, aiming to create automatisms that allow both to shine equally.

With the 2025–26 season nearing its end, Los Blancos could announce José Mourinho’s return after the team’s final match, a reported requirement from the Portuguese coach, who wants to conclude his spell at Benfica in a calm manner. With no strong pursuit of any other manager, the Portuguese coach appears to emerge as the club’s only solution, given the magnitude of the challenge of restoring the team’s competitiveness.

According to Marco Ruiz, via Diario AS, Los Blancos have decided to pursue the appointment of José Mourinho as their new manager, with Álvaro Arbeloa expected to leave at the end of the season. If president Florentino Pérez officially calls elections and no other candidate steps forward, he would remain in charge on May 24, 2026. As a result, he could activate the Portuguese coach’s release clause from SL Benfica, which will reportedly remain valid until May 26, 2026.

As a fan favorite at Real Madrid and one of the best coaches of this era, Mourinho would arrive to take control of the sporting project. In addition, the Portuguese manager would be key in taking charge of the dressing room, putting an end to all controversies. Alongside this, the veteran coach would face the difficult task of restoring stability to the team, which has been suffering significantly in midfield.

Mourinho reportedly set three conditions for a return to Real Madrid

Unlike in previous years, Los Blancos now appear to require a structural improvement of the squad and a new coach capable of reversing the team’s poor situation. For this, the arrival of José Mourinho emerges as the key to the sporting project, as his experience and extensive trophy record back his impact. However, the Portuguese coach has reportedly set three requirements for Real Madrid to accept his return after several years.

As reported by Diario AS, Mourinho would only agree to return to Real Madrid under three conditions: 1. He wants to have influence over transfers and club decisions. 2. The veteran wants his opinion on positions to reinforce to be prioritized over the “chosen ones,” something that was already the case during his spell with Luka Modrić, Mesut Özil, and Sami Khedira. 3. José wants his managerial hierarchy to be respected, with the club backing him over the players.

With these requirements, José Mourinho is not seeking to be the sole decision-maker at Los Blancos, but rather to have his opinions heard and backed, something that reportedly did not happen with Xabi Alonso and several previous coaches. In addition, this would help him secure profiles that he truly believes can fit his playing system, avoiding wasted spending on players who are “direct bets from the board.”

The fixture was originally scheduled for March 21 but had to be moved after the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal was played at Wembley the following day. With the trophy secured, City and Palace now finally meet in one of the final fixtures of the season for both clubs.

City head into the game having not lost a Premier League match since their defeat to Manchester United on January 17, posting nine wins and four draws since that result. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have been prioritizing their run in the UEFA Conference League, where they are at the final stage, and have struggled domestically, managing just one win in their last five league games while sitting 15th in the standings.

How a Man City win affects the Premier League title race

A victory over Crystal Palace would cut Arsenal’s lead to just two points, with City moving to 77 points from 36 games while the Gunners sit on 79. The gap would be tight, but the situation would still favor Arsenal.

In that scenario, City would need the Gunners to drop points in at least one of their two remaining games, as Guardiola’s side would not control their own destiny. Goal difference could also come into play as a tiebreaker, but one thing is clear: Manchester City cannot win the 2025-26 Premier League on their own. That power rests entirely with Arsenal.

How a Man City draw affects the Premier League title race

A draw against Crystal Palace would be a significant blow to City’s already slim title chances. It would leave them on 75 points from 36 games, four behind Arsenal, and needing a near-perfect combination of results to have any hope of overtaking them.

In that scenario, a single Arsenal win from their final two matches would be enough to clinch the title for the first time since the “Invincibles” season of 2003-04. The Gunners close out the league campaign against Burnley on May 18 and Crystal Palace on May 24, before the Champions League final against PSG, and they are heavy favorites in both fixtures.

How a Man City loss affects the Premier League title race

If Crystal Palace pull off an upset at the Etihad, City’s title hopes would be all but mathematically extinguished. A defeat would leave them on 74 points from 36 games, five behind Arsenal, and dependent on a remarkable sequence of events to have any chance of catching up.

To still have a theoretical shot at the title without relying purely on goal difference, City would need to win both of their remaining matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, while Arsenal would need to lose both of theirs. For goal difference to become the deciding factor, City would still need two wins while hoping Arsenal lose one game and draw the other, a scenario that, given the Gunners’ run-in and current form, borders on the unrealistic.

With the championship seemingly seconds away from being secured, Al-Nassr collapsed at the final moment against its fiercest rival. Jorge Jesus’ players had controlled large stretches of the match and looked prepared to finally end a years-long wait for league glory before chaos erupted deep into stoppage time.

Now, with one game remaining for Al-Nassr and two for Al-Hilal, the title race remains alive; although the numbers still heavily favor Ronaldo and his side. The hosts entered the Riyadh derby knowing victory would officially crown the club as Saudi Pro League champion. Jorge Jesus’ side responded with intensity from the opening whistle and eventually took the lead through Mohamed Simakan in the 37th minute after sustained pressure.

The stadium erupted as supporters sensed history approaching. Ronaldo constantly pushed the attack forward, while Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman stretched the defense throughout the night. Yet the defining moment came almost at the very end.

In the 98th minute, goalkeeper Bento failed to properly deal with a long throw into the box and accidentally turned the ball into his own net. The dramatic own goal handed Al-Hilal a 1-1 draw and delayed Al-Nassr’s title celebrations in devastating fashion.

Ronaldo remains one step away from history

Despite the emotional collapse, Al-Nassr still sits top of the table with 83 points, five ahead of Al-Hilal, although the rival still has a game in hand. The equation remains simple for Ronaldo’s side heading into the final round of the season.

If Al-Nassr defeats Damac in the final fixture, the title will belong to the club regardless of what Al-Hilal does. The title would represent the 41-year-old’s first domestic league triumph since arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2023. His arrival transformed the global attention surrounding the league and opened the door for stars such as Benzema, Neymar, and many others to follow.

Damac suddenly becomes the center of attention

After the draw against Al-Hilal, attention immediately shifted toward Al-Nassr’s final opponent. Damac now stands between Ronaldo and what could become one of the most emotional trophies of his later career. And there is one particular statistic that has supporters believing the club remains in control of its destiny.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played six matches against Damac and won all six. Even more impressively, he has scored seven goals in only four starts against the club and found the net in every start he has made against them.

The Portuguese forward also produced a hat-trick during his first meeting with Damac, establishing a pattern of dominance that now takes on enormous significance ahead of the title decider.

For Al-Hilal and Benzema, those numbers represent worrying reading. The rival still needs to win its remaining matches while hoping Al-Nassr slips at the final hurdle. Given the Portuguese veteran’s remarkable history against Damac, many now believe the advantage remains firmly with the league leader despite the recent setback.

Even after the painful late equalizer, Simone Inzaghi and his players remain mathematically alive in the title race. The club must defeat NEOM and Al-Fayha while depending on Damac to stop Al-Nassr.

According to Sky Sports Premier League, via X (formerly Twitter), the Red Devils have decided to target Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach. Due to his impressive impact on the team, the front office has opened negotiations with the Englishman, after receiving the approval from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. With this, they aim to build a long-term project, developing young players and competing for titles again.

Carrick not only delivered strong results for Manchester United, but also elevated several players. Since his arrival at the club, Benjamin Šeško and Kobbie Mainoo have regained their starting roles and rediscovered their best form, something that had seemed almost impossible under Rúben Amorim. In addition, Bruno Fernandes has regained his creative freedom, becoming the key attacking midfielder for the offense, alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Even though the Red Devils seem to be leaning toward Carrick, he was not the top choice for the head coach role. After the disappointing tenures of Erik Ten Hag and Amorim, the front office was reportedly seeking winning coaches with extensive experience, with Thomas Tuchel and Luis Enrique being the top choices. However, both decided to remain with their current teams, making Michael Carrick the most likely candidate due to his impact and willingness.

Manchester United may need signings to compete in Champions League

While Carrick has already managed to improve Manchester United’s squad, they could face significant challenges in balancing the Champions League and the Premier League at the same time. Because of this, they may need to make several adjustments to the roster, opening the door for multiple players to leave and even including Michael as part of the team’s incoming moves, in order to increase competitiveness ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Alongside the departures of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, the Red Devils could also be open to the exits of Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Tyrell Malacia, and even Marcus Rashford. Following this, they are targeting five reinforcements: Three midfielders, a left-back, and a backup striker, reports Samuel Luckhurst. With this, they aim to have greater capacity to compete in both competitions and fight for titles.

Match Overview

Fresh off securing the 2025/2026 La Liga title with a statement win over Real Madrid, Barcelona now look to finish the season strong against a desperate Deportivo Alaves side still fighting to avoid relegation.

Sitting on 37 points in the drop zone, Alaves got a boost after Girona were held by Rayo Vallecano, keeping survival within reach ahead of a massive test against the newly crowned champions. Don’t miss this compelling La Liga clash with pride and survival both on the line.

Match Overview

The Premier League title race heats up as Manchester City faces a must-win scenario at the Etihad Stadium. Currently trailing Arsenal by five points, this game in hand is their golden opportunity to close the gap and keep the pressure on the league leaders. Riding a formidable 13-game unbeaten streak in the league and having not lost at home since the opening weeks of the season, Pep Guardiola‘s squad enters this match with immense momentum and a clear objective: secure all three points, preferably with a dominant performance.

Standing in their way is a Crystal Palace side with its attention firmly fixed elsewhere. Having already secured their Premier League survival, the Eagles are now focused on their historic first-ever European final in the Conference League. With nothing left to play for domestically, manager Oliver Glasner is expected to rest key players, turning this fixture into a potential training ground exercise. However, Palace still has the power to play spoiler and dramatically impact the title race, making their approach a fascinating subplot.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Manchester City is in relentless pursuit of another league title, showcasing their offensive firepower and control in every match. Their systematic dismantling of opponents, particularly at home, has become a trademark. In contrast, Crystal Palace has navigated a challenging season, balancing domestic duties with a deep European run on a thin squad. Their recent league form has dipped, with their last win dating back to mid-April, a clear sign of their shifted priorities.

This match is set to be a classic clash of tactical opposites. Manchester City, boasting the highest possession average in the league at over 60%, will look to dominate the ball from the opening whistle, patiently probing for weaknesses in the Palace defense. Crystal Palace will likely adopt a deep, compact defensive shape, absorbing pressure and hoping to strike on the counter-attack. The key battle will be whether Palace’s defense can withstand the sustained pressure and if their forwards can exploit the space left behind by City‘s advancing lines.

Motivation will be the defining factor in this contest. For City, the stakes are absolute; anything less than a victory would be a catastrophic blow to their title aspirations. With the goal difference potentially becoming a tiebreaker, a comprehensive win is the target. For Palace, this match is an obligation sandwiched between their league survival and a chance at European glory. The challenge for Glasner will be to motivate a squad whose minds are understandably on the upcoming final in Leipzig.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Manchester City has had the upper hand in this fixture. An analysis of the last five meetings across all competitions shows City winning three times, with one draw and one victory for Crystal Palace. These encounters are rarely dull, often producing a flurry of goals and decisive moments that underscore City‘s attacking prowess.

Recent games have highlighted this trend. The last time these teams met, City secured a commanding 3-0 victory at Selhurst Park. Previous Premier League clashes have included a 5-2 and a 4-2 win for the Citizens, demonstrating their ability to overwhelm the Palace defense. While Palace did manage a 1-0 FA Cup win and a 2-2 draw in that five-game span, the momentum clearly favors the home side.

From a statistical perspective, goals are a common theme. The last five matchups have seen an average of 4.2 goals per game, with both teams finding the net in three of those contests. Erling Haaland has been a particularly potent threat, scoring eight goals in his five Premier League appearances against the Eagles. This history suggests that another high-scoring affair could be on the cards, especially given City‘s urgent need for goals.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers face key decisions regarding their starting lineups, albeit for very different reasons. Manchester City has a few injury concerns to navigate, while Crystal Palace is expected to heavily rotate its squad ahead of the Conference League final.

For Manchester City, defenders Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias are dealing with injuries, while Abdukodir Khusanov is a doubt. Despite these potential absences, Pep Guardiola has a deep and talented squad to call upon. Expect an attack-minded lineup designed to control the game, featuring the in-form Jérémy Doku and the prolific Erling Haaland leading the line.

Oliver Glasner is likely to rest several key starters for Crystal Palace to ensure they are fresh for their European final. The Eagles have their own injury list, including Nketiah and Guessand. This will provide an opportunity for fringe players to feature, but the core of the team that earned them safety will likely be preserved for their trip to Leipzig. The attack will probably be built around Ismaila Sarr, who has been in exceptional form this season.

Manchester City Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma; O’Riley, Khusanov, Guehi, Matheus Nunes; Nico Gonzalez, B. Silva; Doku, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
This formation allows City to maximize its attacking talent, creating overloads in wide areas while maintaining control in central midfield. Haaland will serve as the focal point, with creative players like Silva and Doku tasked with breaking down Palace‘s low block.

Crystal Palace Projected XI (3-4-3):
Henderson; Lacroix, Chadi Riad, Canvot; Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Munoz; Pino, Sarr, Mateta.
This 3-4-3 setup offers defensive stability with three central defenders while allowing the wing-backs to provide width. The front three, led by the pace of Sarr, will be crucial for any counter-attacking opportunities, aiming to exploit any space left by City‘s aggressive press.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Manchester City vs Crystal Palace live stream on DirecTV Stream. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and most smart TVs.

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Match Overview

Lazio enters the Coppa Italia Final with their entire season on the line. After failing to secure a European spot through their league performance, winning this trophy is their only path to the Europa League. The Biancocelesti have a strong history in this competition, having won seven of their previous ten finals, and will be looking to salvage a difficult campaign with a statement win at their home ground, the Stadio Olimpico.

Standing in their way are the newly crowned Serie A champions, Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri are chasing a historic domestic double, an achievement they’ve managed twice before. With a massive 34-point gap separating the two sides in the league table and an unbeaten streak of nine games against Lazio, Inter arrives as the clear favorite, aiming to cap off a dominant season by lifting another piece of silverware.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The 2025/26 season has told two very different stories for these clubs. Inter has been a force of nature, cruising to the Scudetto with commanding performances week after week. In contrast, Lazio has struggled for consistency, finishing with their worst points total in over a decade and looking lackluster in attack. The recent 3-0 league victory for Inter over Lazio perfectly illustrated this gap in quality and confidence.

The tactical battle will likely pit Inter’s fluid, high-possession style against a Lazio side that may be forced to play a more reactive, defensive game. Lazio‘s attack has been a major weakness, ranking 13th in Serie A for goals scored. They generated a meager 0.63 expected goals (xG) in their recent loss to Inter, highlighting their inability to create clear chances against top opposition. For Lazio to have any hope, manager Maurizio Sarri must devise a plan to stifle Inter’s potent offense while finding a way to make his own forwards more effective.

Motivation is crystal clear for both teams. For Inter, this is the final step in cementing a legendary season with a domestic double. For Lazio, this match is everything. It offers a chance at a major trophy, a spot in next season’s Europa League, and an opportunity to give their fans a moment of triumph in an otherwise forgettable year. The urgency lies squarely with Lazio, who must defy the odds to win.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Recent history heavily favors Inter Milan in this matchup. The Nerazzurri are undefeated in their last nine encounters with Lazio across all competitions, securing seven wins and two draws. This period of dominance underscores the challenge facing Lazio in this final.

Looking at the last five meetings, the trend is even more pronounced. Inter has won four of those matches, with the other ending in a draw. A key pattern has been Inter’s defensive solidity; they have kept a remarkable four clean sheets against Lazio in those five games, shutting down their attack completely. This includes the recent 3-0 league win and a 2-0 victory earlier in the season.

From a data perspective, Lazio’s offensive struggles against Inter are glaring. They have managed to score just two goals in the last five head-to-head clashes. This trend, combined with Inter’s formidable defense that kept 18 clean sheets in 36 league matches, suggests goals may be hard to come by for the designated home side.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are dealing with significant personnel issues that will shape their starting lineups for the final. Here’s how the two squads are shaping up.

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is expected to recall several key starters who were rested during the recent league fixture against Inter. Nuno Tavares, Taylor, and captain Mattia Zaccagni are all set to return to the starting XI. However, injuries to key midfielders like Cataldi and fitness concerns for Rovella could force an unconventional selection, potentially pushing Patric into a midfield role.

Inter faces a major blow with the news that striker Marcus Thuram is a serious doubt after picking up an injury in training. With Hakan Calhanoglu also sidelined, manager Cristian Chivu will be forced into a reshuffle. Piotr Zielinski is expected to step into the playmaker role, while Ange-Yoan Bonny could get the nod to partner Lautaro Martínez up front. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who has featured throughout the cup run, will start ahead of Yann Sommer.

Lazio Projected XI (4-3-3): Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Basic, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni.
This lineup sees Sarri return to his trusted 4-3-3 formation and his strongest available players. The attacking trio of Isaksen, Noslin, and Zaccagni will be crucial in trying to break down Inter‘s disciplined defense, a task they failed to accomplish just days ago.

Inter Projected XI (3-5-2): Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Bonny, Lautaro.
Chivu‘s hand is forced by injuries, but this lineup remains formidable. The midfield trio will be tasked with controlling the tempo, while much of the attacking responsibility will fall on Lautaro Martínez, especially with his regular partner Thuram likely unavailable.

More details on how to watch

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Julián Álvarez has supposedly become as Barcelona’s main target, as his tactical intelligence and profile seem to fit head coach Hansi Flick. Nevertheless, they do not appear willing to pay more than €100 million for his signing, something Atlético Madrid seemingly are not prepared to accept, as they are reportedly aiming for a transfer worth around €150 million, given that he is a cornerstone of the sporting project.

According to F.J. Díaz, via Diario Sport, Paris Saint-Germain are prioritizing the signing of Julián, as head coach Luis Enrique wants to make him a cornerstone. Seeking a deal worth more than €100 million, they are open to including Gonçalo Ramos and Kang-in Lee in the negotiations, along with a significant sum of money. With this, the Argentine forward would become a star in a completely winning sporting project.

Far from being a simple deal, Atlético Madrid are not particularly keen on letting their star striker leave. Although he is under contract until 2030, they are reportedly looking to increase his salary to €10 million per season, making him, alongside Jan Oblak, the highest-paid player on the team. However, both sides have not yet reached an agreement, so a move to the French side would be easier than one to Barcelona, as they are not direct competitors in LaLiga.

Julián Álvarez emerges as PSG’s top Ousmane Dembele replacement option

Paris Saint-Germain remain one of the best teams in the world, reaching their second consecutive UEFA Champions League final. While Ousmane Dembélé has produced his best version with the team, he has still not accepted his contract renewal, raising serious doubts about his continuity at the club. Following this uncertainty, they appear to have found in Julián Álvarez the ideal replacement for the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner.

In the event that Dembélé decides not to renew, the French side may look to make a decisive move similar to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s, with him being transferred to Manchester City, aiming to secure a major transfer fee and avoid losing him as a free agent. Given this, Julián Álvarez would be ideal, as his versatility and tactical intelligence would allow him to adapt alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.

If Ousmane Dembélé renews his contract and remains in the team, Julián may not have an undisputed starting role, making him a rotation star. For that reason, the Argentinean striker arrival may led the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner to be transferred as neither Kvaratskhelia nor Doué would be sold, as they have a long-term contract and are key for Luis Enrique.

Match Overview

The first leg of the latest edition of the Clasico Capitalino delivered everything fans could have hoped for, as Club America and Pumas UNAM battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw in a back-and-forth thriller. America created enough chances to leave with a victory on home turf, but the deadlock keeps the rivalry wide open heading into a decisive second leg.

With the series now shifting to their stadium, Pumas enter with a slight edge and the momentum of playing in front of their supporters, while America will be expected to push aggressively from the opening whistle in what shapes up as another intense, high-pressure showdown between two of Mexico City’s biggest clubs.

Al Nassr hosted a pivotal game against Al Hilal that ended in a 1-1 draw, denying Ronaldo the chance to lift the SPL trophy on the night. Mohamed Simakan had put the hosts in front in the 37th minute, but a costly goalkeeping error from Bento in stoppage time allowed Al Hilal to equalize, and a separate moment during the match raised alarm bells for Al Nassr’s immediate future.

Around the 68th minute, Brozovic began showing signs of discomfort in the groin area, noticeably unable to sprint at full speed while tracking back against Al Hilal’s attackers. Shortly afterward, with the opposition still in possession, the Croatian turned toward the coaching staff on the sideline and gestured to be replaced.

Brozovic was withdrawn in the 72nd minute, with Jorge Jesus sending on Nader Al-Sharari in his place. Up to that point, the former Inter Milan midfielder had completed 26 passes and won the ball back five times, once again demonstrating his value as a cornerstone of the team’s midfield structure.

What did Jorge Jesus say about Brozovic?

No official injury update has been issued on Brozovic’s condition, but the apparent groin complaint that cut his night short leaves little room for optimism. Jesus addressed the impact of his substitution in the post-match press conference without specifying an expected recovery timeline.

“After Brozovic’s injury, I brought on Nader, but after those substitutions the team became more defensive-minded,” Jesus said. “As a result, we were unable to attack and score the second goal. We tried to protect our lead, but everyone saw the way the equalizer was conceded,” he added.

A key injury at the worst possible time

Brozović has been one of Al Nassr‘s most consistent performers throughout his time alongside Ronaldo at the club. In the 2025-26 season, the Croatian has appeared in 40 games, contributing one goal and five assists, but his numbers barely scratch the surface of his true value. It is the structure and authority he provides in the midfield that makes him indispensable, both in build-up play and in the team’s defensive shape.

While Al Hilal’s late equalizer has kept the title race alive, Al Nassr have a crucial appointment on Saturday, May 16, when they face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, giving Ronaldo the chance to lift his first continental club trophy in the Middle East.

Then, on the 21st, Al Nassr host Damac FC in what could be the title-deciding game of the Saudi Pro League season, depending on how Al Hilal fare in their remaining fixtures. With midfielders Angelo and Abdullah Al-Khaibari already sidelined by hamstring injuries ahead of the Al Hilal derby, the prospect of Brozovic, who is also expected to feature for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, missing the run-in could represent a serious blow to Ronaldo’s hopes of completing the double.

Flick said in a press conference: “What can I say about Lewandowski? I won titles with him. I’m very proud of managing an incredible player like him, but things are what they are. We’ll see what happens.”

Barcelona are celebrating the title again with a match against Alavés on Wednesday. It may not matter much right now, but it could still mean a lot, as they need three wins to reach 100 points.

Flick on the injuries

Barcelona lost many players during the season at moments that had a major impact. The main one was probably when Raphinha got injured while playing for Brazil in an incident that kept him out of the Champions League matches against Atlético Madrid, which ended their run.

For the manager, that was a big reason the team could not go any further, but Flick praised how they still remained competitive until the end despite missing several important players.

Flick said: “It’s been a difficult season because of injuries. There have been key players who haven’t been available at times, like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, Frenkie [de Jong]. And it’s incredible the season we’ve had and how we’ve improved in the last two months in attack and defense. We’ve conceded the fewest goals, and nobody expected that.”

Barcelona want history

The title race is over after Barcelona opened up a 14-point lead over Real Madrid with three matches left. Even so, there is still huge motivation as they try to reach the 100-point mark in La Liga. They would become only the third team to do it, with Real Madrid doing so in 2011-12 before Barcelona matched it the following season.

Lingering fitness concerns have forced Ancelotti to omit Neymar from recent international windows, meaning the legendary attacker hasn’t suited up for Brazil national team since suffering a devastating ACL injury in October 2023. However, a vocal contingent of fans and teammates has aggressively lobbied for his return, putting the Italian manager in a delicate position where sentimental value and match fitness are at odds.

In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Ancelotti acknowledged the forward’s recovery while emphasizing that a final decision is still pending: “When you have to choose, you have to consider many things. Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. But he has had problems ​and is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. It is, obviously, not ⁠such an easy decision for me. We have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.“

While Ancelotti took the initial step of naming Neymar to the preliminary roster, he remains cautiously optimistic about the playmaker’s 2026 form. “He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches. He has played some very good matches lately. His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches,” he stated.

Since recovering from knee surgery in late 2025, Neymar has logged 13 appearances for Santos in 2026, tallying six goals and three assists. Most notably, between April 28 and May 10, Neymar featured in three out of four Santos games, scoring twice and logging 262 minutes, which are encouraging numbers for the demands of a World Cup schedule.

Ancelotti refuses to bow to outside influence

Raphinha, Casemiro, Lamine Yamal, and even Lionel Messi have recently joined a growing list of global stars eager to see Neymar suit up for the 2026 World Cup, backed by unwavering support from the Brazilian faithful. While Carlo Ancelotti has been repeatedly pressed for answers, his stance remains unchanged: if Neymar is fit, he will play.

The Italian tactician doubled down on his independence, insisting that the final roster will be his and his alone: “I haven’t been pressured by anyone to ​call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into account how he is performing as a footballer. Nothing else.“

While Ancelotti respects the immense affection for Neymar within the locker room, he is confident that his final decision, whatever it may be, won’t fracture the team’s chemistry. “I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice; I thank you all. But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me,” he stated.

Sneijder said: “There were decisions like going on vacation instead of staying with the team. That is not right, especially when Barcelona can become champions in El Clásico. That really hurts the fans. You need to be with the team.”

His behavior off the field has drawn criticism, but Mbappé did not stop there, as the forward posted smiling pictures the day after Real Madrid’s rivals lifted the trophy by beating them in an important match.

Sneijder on the next manager

Even if Álvaro Arbeloa has not been dismissed yet, it is almost certain he will not be Real Madrid’s manager for much longer. In Sneijder’s view, the best replacement would be José Mourinho because of his experience.

The former player had plenty of praise for the Portuguese manager, under whom he played at Inter when they won the treble and he enjoyed the best year of his career, with his personality standing out as his biggest strength.

Sneijder said: “Real Madrid are one of the teams that need a great manager, but also a manager capable of handling incredible players with very strong personalities. I think he is the ideal person for that role.”

Sneijder on managing too many players

One of the most important tasks for any manager is keeping all players ready to contribute whenever the team needs them. That could be the main thing the Portuguese coach brings to the club.

Sneijder said: “Mourinho knows exactly how to manage every player, because it is easy to manage the starting 11. Every manager in the world can do that, but it is not just about them. There are more players on the bench or even out of it.”

Mascherano attended an event in Mexico this weekend tied to El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, as a legend of the Catalan side. There, he spoke with reporters and, among other topics, was asked about how he has seen Messi in recent weeks.

“Good, good. Honestly, he always looks good,” Mascherano replied. While the coach did not explicitly say anything controversial and even smiled while answering the question, his unusually brief response drew attention and opened the door to further speculation.

Mascherano’s abrupt resignation was officially described as being due to “personal reasons” in the statement released at the time by Inter Miami, and so far neither side has provided further clarification. A similar situation occurred at the end of 2024, when Gerardo Martino also stepped down as the club’s head coach.

The relationship between Messi and Mascherano

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano were teammates with the Argentina national team between 2005 and 2018, playing together in four World Cups, four Copa America tournaments, and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. They also shared the field at Barcelona between 2010 and 2017.

That close relationship was considered one of the main reasons why Inter Miami chose him as head coach despite his limited managerial experience, which consisted mainly of his stint with Argentina’s U-20 national team.

Throughout those years, whenever Mascherano was asked about Messi, he consistently praised him heavily — something that was notably absent this time. “I’m fortunate because I get to enjoy Leo up close. Sometimes people see him on television, but I’m closer to him. Leo is the best player to ever play this sport. He keeps proving it, and I’m very happy with him,” the coach said last year, in stark contrast to his short response this week.

Mascherano speaks about Argentina and the 2026 World Cup

In addition to discussing Lionel Messi’s current situation at Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano also spoke about his expectations for Argentina with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just one month away.

“Argentina have a team that is in very good form, and that creates huge expectations,” Mascherano said before wishing Lionel Scaloni’s squad success. “Hopefully they can win the championship again. That’s what all Argentinians want.”

“(Bale) is the most complete player (that I have played with) in my career. Cristiano scores, Cristiano has 15 goals. Minimum 15 goals. But Bale attacks, defends, heads, scores, fouls. Cristiano is the best. Cristiano is the best. Cristiano is another one. Cristiano gives the… Take Cristiano off the conversation. But for me, Bale is the best, more complete. Everything, he does very good, very quick. Too strong,” Casemiro said, via Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Despite Gareth Bale being one of the most important Real Madrid players in recent years, he has often been a rather controversial figure among fans. Due to his lack of a charismatic public image and his numerous injuries, the Welshman was frequently viewed as a problem within the squad. Nevertheless, he recorded 106 goals and 68 assists, proving decisive in many finals and key moments—something very few have achieved at the club.

Far from Casemiro’s comparison being a criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian star was aiming to acknowledge Bale’s huge impact on the team. Although the Welshman was an attacking player, he contributed significantly to multiple phases of the game, becoming a key structural piece within the system. In doing so, he helped elevate Cristiano, as instead of competing with him, he complemented him, forming the iconic ‘BBC’ alongside Karim Benzema.

Cristiano and Bale do not compete for a legacy at Real Madrid

Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale managed to adapt to the team’s needs, becoming the perfect complement to Cristiano Ronaldo, who emerged as the club’s main figure. Having both players excelling through their pace, Los Blancos secured four Champions League titles with them leading the attack. Because of this, they are not competing against each other for a legacy at the club, as they have instead built a shared and highly successful one.

Cristiano and Bale played 157 games together at Real Madrid, which resulted in 41 combined goal contributions. Beyond the statistics and trophies, both managed to build strong on-field chemistry, developing several automatisms that allowed them to dominate for multiple years. While the Portuguese star is the club’s greatest legend, the Welshman stands out as a key player in a golden era for the team, being crucial for the club’s history, but at different levels.

“The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take!” Ronaldo wrote on his official Instagram and X accounts on Tuesday, just minutes after a bizarre mistake by goalkeeper Bento denied Al Nassr both the victory and the title.

“Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!” the Portuguese forward added, acknowledging the thousands of fans who backed the team during the crucial clash against Al Hilal, as well as the millions around the world who continue to follow him throughout every stage of his professional career.

Despite its brevity, the message reflected a dramatic shift in Ronaldo’s mindset within just a matter of minutes. In the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, he appeared deeply affected by the missed opportunity for Al Nassr, to the point that television cameras captured him still sitting on the bench while being comforted by members of the coaching staff.

Fans strongly rallied behind Cristiano’s words. Within just a few minutes, the Instagram post surpassed 500,000 likes and 15,000 comments, most of them containing messages of support for the 40-year-old star. The same happened on X, where the post also generated more than 80,000 likes and 7,000 comments.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s upcoming challenges

Cristiano Ronaldo’s optimistic message is fitting considering the challenges that await him in the short term. Al Nassr are just one step away from securing not one, but two titles this season — and it could happen as soon as next Saturday.

First, Jorge Jesus’ team will attempt to lift the AFC Champions League Two trophy when they face Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final at Alawwal Park. There, Ronaldo will have the opportunity to win the sixth continental trophy of his career, after capturing one UEFA Champions League title with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid.

That same day, he could also celebrate winning the Saudi Pro League title. While Al Nassr will not play, Al Hilal will face Neom. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win that match, they will no longer have a chance to compete for the league trophy, officially handing the title to Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr.

And even if Al Hilal win that game, Al Nassr will still remain top of the standings with a two-point lead. That means a victory next Tuesday against Damac would secure the trophy regardless of Al Hilal’s result against Al Fayha happening at the same time.

After being sidelined for 40 matches following an arthroscopy earlier this campaign, Gavi returned just in time to crack Barcelona’s starting XI for El Clasico. Following a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, the Blaugrana were crowned 2025-26 La Liga champions, with the young midfielder playing a central role in the celebrations at a rocking Camp Nou.

Speaking with DSports after the match, Gavi was asked about the top contenders for the upcoming tournament in North America: “In the end, obviously, Argentina won the last one; I believe they are the favorites because they won the previous World Cup.“

Beyond their status as defending champions, the midfielder was quick to cite his admiration for Argentina’s legendary captain. “For me, Leo Messi is the best; wherever he is, that will be the best national team—that’s just how it is,” Gavi added.

Messi and Gavi never officially shared the pitch in Barcelona, as the Spaniard’s debut came in August 2021, just months after Messi’s emotional departure. Nevertheless, the influence the Argentine left on the club’s next generation remains undeniable, as evidenced by Gavi’s glowing endorsement of the Inter Miami star.

Gavi still likes Spain’s chances on the world stage

While Argentina are the defending champions, they recently slipped from the top of the FIFA Rankings, overtaken first by Spain and currently by France. Now sitting as the No. 3 team in the world according to FIFA, Argentina still face a stiff challenge from a resurgent Spanish side.

Coming off a Euro title, Gavi believes La Roja have the talent to go all the way in North America. “But obviously, Spain also has very good players, and hopefully we can take home the World Cup,” said the midfielder, who was recently named to Luis de la Fuente’s preliminary roster.

Argentina’s World Cup path

Argentina headlines Group J as Messi prepares to make history by competing in his record-breaking sixth World Cup. The Albiceleste open their journey against Algeria on June 17, followed by a clash with Austria on the 22nd, before wrapping up group play against Jordan on June 28.

Spain’s World Cup path

Spain finds itself in Group H, kicking off their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15. They move on to face Saudi Arabia on June 21 and finish the opening stage against Uruguay on June 26. Interestingly, should one team win its group and the other finish second, these two heavyweights could meet as early as the Round of 32.

The former Barcelona striker, now playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, recently reopened the door to a possible return for Uruguay despite stepping away from international duty in 2024. At the same time, Spain continues preparing for a difficult group-stage challenge that could eventually place Yamal face-to-face with some of South America’s biggest names.

The rumors began after the MLS star publicly admitted he would still answer the call if Uruguay needed him. The 39-year-old forward made it clear that representing the national team remained deeply personal despite the controversy surrounding his departure nearly two years ago. “I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up,” Suarez revealed.

The veteran striker also reflected on the difficult period that followed his criticism of Marcelo Bielsa after the 2024 Copa America. Suarez previously accused the Argentine coach of creating divisions inside the squad, comments that sparked major debate throughout Uruguay. However, the Inter Miami star appeared eager to move beyond the situation. “At the time, I stepped aside to make way for the younger generation. I said something I shouldn’t have said. I have already apologized,” Suarez explained.

Those comments immediately fueled speculation that Uruguay could hand the country’s all-time leading scorer one final international opportunity. After all, Suarez remains one of the most iconic figures in the nation’s soccer history, having scored 69 goals in 143 appearances while helping Uruguay win the 2011 Copa América.

What is Bielsa’s reported decision?

Despite the emotional possibility of a farewell tournament, Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vazquez reveals that Marcelo Bielsa has not included Luis Suarez in the country’s preliminary 55-man World Cup squad.

The decision reportedly ends Suarez’s realistic hopes of appearing at a fifth World Cup unless an unexpected late change occurs before FIFA’s final squad deadline. Multiple outlets in Uruguay confirmed that the striker’s name was absent from the expanded list submitted ahead of the tournament.

The development represents a major moment for La Celeste’s generational transition under Bielsa. Since taking charge, the former Leeds coach has consistently pushed for younger attacking options and a more intense playing style centered around players such as Darwin Nunez and other emerging talents.

In addition, Diario Ole suggests that the relationship between Bielsa and Suarez never fully recovered following the striker’s public criticism in 2024. Although Suarez later apologized, Bielsa appears determined to continue reshaping the squad with the future in mind.

According to Uruguayan media, the coaching staff believes the team’s long-term evolution requires complete commitment to the younger core ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

No Yamal vs Suarez clash in Group H?

If the reports are confirmed officially, Suarez’s international story may already have reached its conclusion. His last appearance for Uruguay came in September 2024 during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.

While Uruguay’s squad drama unfolds, Spain continues focusing on its own World Cup ambitions, with Lamine Yamal expected to play a central role. The Barcelona teenager has quickly become one of the most feared attacking players in international soccer and is already viewed as one of the faces of the tournament.

Uruguay has been drawn alongside Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Spain in Group H, adding extra intrigue to the possibility of Suarez missing what would have been an emotional reunion with La Roja.

Casillas said: “I don’t have any problems with Mourinho. I think he’s a great professional. I don’t want him at Real Madrid. Other managers would be more prepared to manage the club of my life. Personal opinion. Nothing else.”

The former goalkeeper knows the club better than most, so his opinion carries a lot of weight. Even so, it would not be completely surprising if there were some personal issues between them, since Mourinho was manager during Casillas’ time at Real Madrid.

Casillas on the lack of titles

Casillas was part of Real Madrid from 1999 to 2015, a period in which the club added to its history with titles of all kinds. The goalkeeper himself won 18 trophies and was a major part of those successes.

Just a few hours before his comments about Mourinho, he had also given his opinion on Real Madrid’s lack of titles, backing the critical view shared by many around the club.

Casillas said: “When Real Madrid goes two seasons without titles, it is worrying. We should look at next year and forget this one. It is curious because I was just reflecting the opinion of a phenomenal former teammate like Toni Kroos. A soccer genius. My opinion, which copies 99% of his, is attacked by a certain sector of the darker side of madridismo, but I don’t care.”

Mourinho’s time with Real Madrid

Mourinho’s spell at the club was not especially memorable because he had to compete with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. He was in charge from 2010 to 2013 and managed 178 matches. His trophy haul was limited, with one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de España.

Ronaldo could still win the title with Al Nassr without even playing, as his next chance comes on Saturday. If Al Hilal fail to beat Neom, the championship will be secured with the current five-point gap and only two matches remaining for their closest rivals.

Saturday could become a celebration day for Al Nassr, as the club also has the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. If they do not secure the league before then, they will have to wait until May 21 for their final match. The team standing in their way would be Damac, which is fighting to avoid relegation, but if Al Nassr win, they will clinch the title regardless of how Al Hilal finish their match.

Al Nassr’s season

After several years in which inconsistency defined their performances, Al Nassr were much stronger this season. Their number of wins shows they were the most dominant side, with 27 victories.

Their fewest results were draws, with only two all season. That suggests they were a high-risk team, always going for the win, even if that sometimes led to defeats.

Al Nassr did not have a perfect season in that respect. Unlike Al Hilal, who finished without a loss, Ronaldo’s team lost four times. Still, the most important thing is that they got the result they wanted.

The goal difference

As is often the case with champions around the world, Al Nassr had a strong goal difference backed by their attacking power. They scored 87 goals and conceded only 27, finishing with a plus-60 goal difference on their way to the title.