There have been some brilliant performers over the course of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, but who deserves a place in the EA SPORTS FC 26 Team of the Season? Pick from 40 candidates, before the vote closes on 17 April...

Al-Nassr stands in a commanding position compared to Karim Benzema's Al-Hilal, but the final steps toward glory still demand precision and consistency. The pressure is building around Cristiano Ronaldo as the Saudi Pro League season approaches its decisive stretch, with the title race entering a critical phase. Al-Nassr stands in a commanding position compared to Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, but the final steps toward glory still demand precision and consistency. The club has placed itself at the summit of the table after a dominant campaign, showing authority in both attack and results. The margin at the top provides confidence, yet the title is not secured, and every remaining match carries weight. From the opening months, Jorge Jesus’ side has established itself as the most consistent side in the league. With 73 points from 28 matches, the Knight of Najd leads the standings with a five-point cushion over Al-Hilal and a further seven-point gap to Al-Ahli, placing it firmly in control. The numbers highlight a campaign driven by attacking firepower and resilience. A record of 24 wins and a goal difference of +57 underlines the club’s dominance, making it the benchmark for the rest of the league. However, dominance alone does not guarantee silverware, especially with six matches still to play. Saudi Pro League standings after Matchday 28 What it will take for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to become champion The key figure in this title race is 87 points. That number represents the maximum total Al-Hilal can reach if it wins all six of its remaining matches (68 + 18 = 86). Therefore, for Al-Nassr to guarantee the title regardless of other results, it must surpass that total. Currently, Al-Nassr needs 14 points from its remaining six matches to mathematically secure the title, a total that would take it beyond the maximum possible tally of its closest rival. This would take the team to 87 points, making it unreachable. There are multiple ways to reach that number, each carrying its own level of risk: Five wins = 15 points (more than enough) Four wins and two draws = 14 points Four wins, one draw, and one loss = 13 points (not guaranteed) Anything less than 14 points opens the door for Al-Hilal to potentially overtake Cristiano Ronaldo’s side. The road to the title is far from straightforward, with several challenging fixtures ahead. Matches against teams like Al-Ettifaq, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, and a crucial showdown with Karim Benzema‘s side will test the club’s resolve. ristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Three different scenarios Scenario 1: Al-Nassr takes care of business If Jorge Jesus’ players win at least five of their last six matches, the title is theirs; simple as that. Even four wins and two draws would be enough. Given their current form, 24 wins in 28 matches and a +57 goal difference, this is a very realistic outcome. Scenario 2: Slips open the door If Al-Nassr drops points, especially through defeats, the pressure shifts. For example, if it collects 12-13 points, it could finish on 85-86 points. That would allow Al-Hilal to catch or surpass it if the latter wins all remaining matches. In this case, goal difference could even come into play, although Al-Nassr currently has a strong edge. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal looks on. Scenario 3: Rivals drop points Al-Nassr may not even need the full 14 points if the club’s two rivals stumble. If Al-Hilal loses or draws even once, its maximum total drops below 86. That reduces the number of points Al-Nassr need to secure the title. For instance, if Al-Hilal drops three points (one loss), its maximum becomes 83. Al-Nassr would then only need 11 more points to guarantee first place. The same applies to Al-Ahli, who are slightly further back but still mathematically in the race.

Hansi Flick was full of pride for Barcelona’s display in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, as he turned his focus to winning LaLiga. Barca were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Atletico, despite winning Tuesday’s second leg 2-1. Diego Simeone’s side can now look forward to taking on either Sporting CP or Arsenal in […] The post Flick turns full focus to LaLiga after Barcelona slump out of Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool's star power can't match PSG's in Champions League espn.in

Hugo Ekitike looks set to face a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool lost 2-0 at Anfield on Tuesday, capping off a 4-0 aggregate defeat to the European champions, with Ousmane Dembele scoring twice in the second half. While PSG can now look […] The post Slot confirms Ekitike´s injury looks bad as Konate bemoans ´unfair´ Champions League exit appeared first on Soccer News.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has posed a pointed question to African football administrators, arguing that if domestic leagues offered decent salaries and proper structures, players would have little reason to flee to foreign competitions.Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Nwabali made it clear that the continuous migration of talent from West Africa to Europe, South Africa, and Morocco is a direct consequence of poor conditions at home."In West Africa, our leagues are not as good. We want to go to Europe, we want to come to South Africa, we want to go to Morocco," he said.But his most telling remark came when he turned the question back on league organisers:"If your league is nice, you're getting paid, you're getting sponsors, what are you leaving for?"Nwabali explained that only a handful of clubs can offer competitive wages, leaving most players with limited financial security during their short careers. He contrasted that with the more professional setups in Southern and North Africa, where better stadiums, stronger sponsorship, and consistent organisation make domestic football attractive and sustainable."The league, the pay is a little bit nice for a certain level of your team," he added, implying...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong support for the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, describing the decision as a step in the right direction.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was named Ghana’s new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo. Queiroz has signed a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana have qualified for the global tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.Speaking on the appointment, Norgbey praised Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline, expressing confidence that the veteran coach will command respect from the players.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating,” Norgbey said.He also commended the Ghana Football Association for making what he believes is a beneficial choice for the national team.“For once, the GFA has taken...

Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment. With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time. “Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS. “There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.” The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil. Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal. However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well. To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.” Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland. If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.