World Cup News

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Arsenal star Mikel Merino could return from injury earlier than expected, boosting his chances of being available for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting closer, Spain are increasingly optimistic about the possibility of having Mikel Merino available. The Arsenal midfielder is progressing well in his recovery, and the initial timeline could be shortened. “He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery. He’s got no pain,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Friday during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. Merino underwent surgery in early February after suffering a fracture in his right foot during a training session with the Gunners. Initial reports pointed to a lengthy recovery process of around four months, ruling him out for the rest of the season with Arsenal and putting his World Cup participation in serious doubt. However, his recovery has progressed very well so far, and the midfielder could return to the pitch sooner than expected. “It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter,” Arteta admitted. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again,” the Arsenal manager added, showing full confidence in Merino and assuring that he “is going to push every boundary.” Merino is key for Arsenal Mikel Merino’s injury came at the worst possible time, as he had been a key piece for Arsenal in their pursuit of both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles this season. Before being sidelined in early February, the Spain international had recorded six goals and three assists in 33 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions. In addition, his versatility and attacking instinct led Arteta to deploy him not only as a midfielder, but also at times as a ‘false 9,’ providing solutions in crucial moments. Spain closely monitoring Merino’s recovery Like Arsenal, the Spain national team are closely monitoring Mikel Merino’s recovery. In Luis de la Fuente’s system, he is a key presence in midfield and, when fit, has consistently been part of the squad. Merino started every match for Spain in the World Cup qualifiers and also played an active role in their run to the UEFA Nations League final, which they lost to Portugal. That momentum was interrupted by his foot fracture, which ruled him out of the March international break.

Police investigate chants heard at Barcelona friendly Spain’s coach and justice minister condemn behaviour Lamine Yamal has criticised chants by Spain fans during a friendly against Egypt in Barcelona that police are investigating for Islamophobia and xenophobia. Spain supporters chanted “who doesn’t jump is a Muslim”, prompting Yamal to respond on Instagram. He wrote that the chanting “was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable. To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente gave an "absolute and total rejection against xenophobic and racist attitudes", calling it "not tolerable".

Charlie Davies, Tony Meola and Brian McBride take a deep dive into the names being linked with the United States men's national team's head coaching vacancy. But first, we welcome in The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas who was on the ground to witness thousands of ticketless fans storm the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday ahead of the Copa América final. Is Conmebol solely to blame for the security issues? And can we expect to see similar scenes at the 2026 World Cup? Then, the guys work their way through the potential candidates to become the next USMNT boss beginning with two Spaniards - Luis de la Fuente and Rafa Benitez. What qualities should Matt Crocker be looking for and do the likes of Wilfried Nancy, Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Joachim Löw fit the bill? Is Max Allegri too pragmatic? Could Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate or Hervé Renard get the best out of the Stars and Stripes? And does Steve Cherundolo enough experience and buy-in from fans to lead the team? Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X: @JimmyConrad, @CharlieDavies9, @BMcBride20, @TMeola1 For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com as well as Paramount+. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to Paramount+ Sign up to the Golazo newsletter, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker is joined by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe to give us the inside track on players such as Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Rodri and Lamine Yamal. In particular Sid tells us the extraordinary family story of Nico Williams, whose brother Iñaki plays for Ghana. Plus how has national coach Luis de la Fuente changed Spain from a team obsessed with possession to a team with flying wingers? Sid Lowe is co-host of The Spanish Football Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-spanish-football-podcast/id687671367 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Euro 2024 kicks off this evening with Germany vs Scotland being the opening match of the tournament. The hosts are one of the bookies favourites this year but they have stiff competition from the likes of England, France, Belgium, and Spain. Spain head into the tournament under the management of Luis de la Fuente and a

Jimbo welcomes the esteemed panel of James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo and Daniel Storey to take a look at the big hitters at Euro 2024. Has England’s moment arrived with the talent at Gareth Southgate’s disposal? Or is he not the right man to make the most of that talent tactically? Are France the only team that can beat France? Or do Portugal have the strongest squad at the tournament? Elsewhere, we’re looking forward to seeing a Spain side with a different dimension of exciting young wide players. And will Italy’s good record at the Euros in the 21st century continue? Plus how Toni Kroos has changed everything for Germany and can Xavi Simons become a star for the Netherlands? Produced by Charlie Jones. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: How are holders Italy holding up? (02.40) • PART 1b: Speedy young Spain look to make an impact (10.30) • PART 2: England deserved favourites? (20.00) • PART 3a: Or will France strike again? (31.00) • PART 3b: Michiel Jongsma on the Netherlands (40.00) • PART 4a: Seb Stafford-Bloor on Germany (44.00) • PART 4b: Jose Delgado on Portugal (50.00) SIGN UP TO THE ATHLETIC TODAY FOR £2 A MONTH FOR 12 MONTHS • theathletic.com/totally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France are commonly appearing frightening onetime again, England surely hold the talent to wrap up their hold on for a 1st international trophy since 1966, while Portugal are absolutely winging under new trainer Roberto Martinez. Obviously, Spain and Belgium will dream their casualties, too, but what about the hosts, Germany- can Julian Nagelsmann recharge a squad has been in weakening for some time now? Below, thing species and rates the top contenders to triumph at Euro 2024 ahead of the group- stage draw on Saturday, December 2. 10. Netherlands ⇑ A 4- 0 beating in Paris and a 2- 1 loss at home to a Kylian Mbappe- encouraged France have beat home the actuality that this isn't a retro Netherlands side, and cast respectable reservation on whether convincing Ronald Koeman back for a alternate spell as trainer was truly the exact call. At the end of the day, however, qualification was the direct object, and it was realised with one game to spare thanks to a 1- 0 win over Ireland. The Dutch aren't low on strenght- Cody Gakpo was unsettled at the World Cup, Xavi Simons is one of the most supercharged talents to come out of Netherlands in the last 10 years, while captain Virgil van Dijk looks back to individual coming up his talent better. But if you are depending on Wout Weghorst for score, all is certainly not easy, so we'll simply find out in Germany where they are covering to be a third- seed squad- if Koeman's hand are genuinely suitable of combining it with the big giants. 9. Albania ⇑ Arguably the feeling-good short story of the qualification stage, Albania picked up the point they demanded in Moldova to the reach the European Championship finals for the just the 2nd time in their lifetime. What is remarkable is that the Eagles, who are guided by ex Arsenal and Barcelona full- back Sylvinho, were defeat in their 1st game, defeating 1- 0 to Poland. still, they also gained 15 points from a achievable 21, with a sensational 3- 0 rout of Czech Republic the undoubted highlight of a major seven- game unbeaten drift in GroupE. Quietly, while Albania similarly beat Poland at home in the qualifiers, and boast some ethical Serie A players, like as Etrit Berisha, Elseid Hysaj, Berat Gjimshiti and Nedim Bajrami, it would be a huge surprise to see them form the knockout stages in Germany. 8. Turkey ⇑ Turkey's opportunities of passing a third successive Euros showed up in real threat of covering up in steam after a 1- 1 tie with Armenia. still, the judgment to sack Stefan Kuntz as trainer after a 4- 2 friendly defeat to Japan documented a masterstroke, with Vincenzo Montella guiding his new squad to a heavy 1- 0 win over Croatia in Osijek the latter's earliest- ever home beating in a Euro qualifier. Turkey followed that upward with a 4- 0 rout of Latvia that looked them progress through with one game left, as Montella turned the first foreign trainer to qualify the country for a major competition, and a 3- 2 friendly victory over Germany in Berlin has just hardened the uncertainty that Turkey might exactly set in a surprise or two at Euro 2024. 7. Hungary ⇑ They may have rather slipped over the finishing range, but there is no rejecting the unbelievable process Hungary have formed since skipping out on the 2022 World Cup. Marco Rossi's men nailed qualification for a third straight European Championship by picturing 2- 2 in Bulgaria thanks to a last- minute own goal from Alex Petkov. Still, star player Dominik Szoboszlai rolled on the manner in his homeland's final group match, with the elegant Liverpool midfielder scoring two times in a 3- 1 victory over Montenegro that put the seal on an unbeaten movement. Hungary surely do not have the hardest team, but home- and- away wins over Serbia proved that they should not be underrated. 6. Austria ⇔ After a hard beginning to life under Ralf Rangnick that contained deportation to the 2nd tier of the Nations League, Austria have grow an entirely dissimilar lookout under the ex Manchester United boss and picked qualification for a third successive Euros in October by beating Azerbaijan 1- 0 thanks to a penalty from Marcel Sabitzer. The Austrians, who are bossed by Real Madrid's David Alaba, purely gained one point from their two matches against Belgium, which suggests that they are doubtful to be title expectants in Germany. still, right now, Rangnick is being cracked up for not only the results he has gained, but the provoking and broad approach he has embraced, which has performed in the fans fallin back in passion with a squad they had raised bored of eyeing under ex boss Franco Foda. 5. Belgium ⇔ Belgium's 2022 World Cup Tournament was a grand tragedy, with star player Kevin De Bruyne causing quite the difference by effectively bouncing some of his squad- mates as too old before the competition started. The unescapable dressing- room divide sported a big part in the Red Devils' humiliating group- standings elimination- as did Romelu Lukaku's weak finishing, in beauty. Still, the Roma striker is fitted and firing again, with Lukaku scoring a history- breaking 14 goals in qualifying. New trainer Domenico Tedesco is also doing a fine job of refreshing the team, with the Belgians unbeaten since he delivered Roberto Martinez after the Qatar tragedy. All effects counted, De Bruyne might truly enjoy returning to the national- squad set- up once he recovers from a long- term hamstring injury. 4. England ⇓ Is football eventually going to come' home'? Well, you clearly wouldn't go against Gareth Southgate's side winning in Germany coming year. They have got the genius and, at this stand, they have also got the skills, having played the final of the last Euros. Qualification was secured with two games to spare after a veritably emotional, come- from- behind palm over Italy at Wembley. still, after concluding their crusade with two dire performances, against Malta and North Macedoinia, and there are still some dubieties, substantially girding the director. Southgate has long been criticised for his felt die-hardism and he is allowed himself that they have not somewhat been at their high performed in 2023, which is reality of a concern given they boast arguably the most exciting crop of attackers in world football. There are also fears that Southgate's clashing picking policy might see in- form players like Raheem Sterling left out of the team for Euro 2024. Still, if England can keep Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane fit, anything feels possible for the Three Lions. 3. Spain ⇑ Enormous credit must go to Luis de la Fuente for the way in which he’s managed Spain’s qualifying movement. Some allies and scholars maintained that the ex Under- 21s trainer demanded the top- level skills to lead the country squad after a shock 2- 0 defeat at Scotland that Rodri and uncounted others didn't take well. still, after picking up the Nations League trophy in June, La Roja also went on a six- game winning band in Group A and accumulated qualification after growing payback over the Scots before winning 1- 0 in Norway. Self-confidence in De la Fuente has now been revived, and while the loss of Gavi to a season- ending injury is a disaster that could have fluently been escaped, Spain will still tour to Germany with an charged young side highlighting budding stars Pedri, Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal, the brilliant defensive midfielder Rodri and captain Alvaro Morata, who's adoring one of his purple patches up front. 2. Portugal ⇑ Effects could not be covering any more for Portugal after substituting Fernando Santos with Roberto Martinez succeeding a unfortunate World Cup movement that closed with the familiar presence of a frustrated and teary Cristiano Ronaldo bristling down a stadium gallery. Truly, the Seleccao won all 10 of their Euro 2024 qualifiers, scoring 36 goals( Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes bagged 16 between them) and allowing only twice. Given their capital of attacking appliances, Portugal just have to be counted serious hopefuls to achievement in Germany coming summer. Still, it's worth pointing out that their qualifying group was absolutely awful, while it also remains to be seen if Martinez is honestly fit of delivering in a major competition, given the way in which he blew Belgium's' Golden Generation'. 1. France ⇔ The highest- placed European squad in the world right now- and with logical reason. France boast a verily ridiculously deep pool of players, a big blend of outrageously supercharged stars and evergreen stagers who have seen, suited and won it all. 1st- selectionNo. 9 Olivier Giroud may be turning on a bit but there are no simply imperfections in this team goalkeeper Mike Maignan is a phenomenon- hand, the defence is so good that William Saliba still is not a unspecified starter, an formerly fearful midfield has been boosted by the emergence of generational genius Warren Zaire- Emery, link- man Antoine Griezmann is in the shape of his life, while Kylian Mbappe is relatively just the most intimidating attacker in world football. Greece may have ruined France's hopes of finalizing with a perfect history in qualifying by holding a important- changed Bleus to a 2- 2 tie in Athens, but after exceeding Netherlands both home and away with impactful alleviation, the 2022 World Cup runners- up are genuinely much the squad to beat at Euro 2024.

La Liga will be extremely well represented when the final round of 2024 European Championship qualifiers are played in November. Spain’s squad for their recent matches against Scotland and Norway included 16 La Liga players, many of whom featured in the starting XI. They included Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, Barcelona midfielder Gavi and Real […]

Fresh off the back of covering yet another World Cup, Graham Hunter joined Joe Molloy on The Football Show. Football with Sky Ireland.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague joins Ger and Shane on #OTBAM as Spain are once again knocked out of the World Cup in a Round of 16 penalty shootout... Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

Who exactly is coaching Argentina? What's Brazil's best XI? Is it really worth being annoyed at France's approach? Is there cause for concern with Spain? Is Germany doomed? These questions and more answered by the two Mikes in an episode brought to you by The Athletic Soccer. Double Pivot listeners users can go to theathletic.com/doublepivot to receive 40% off their first-year subscription. Check it out for even more great world soccer coverage.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

The World Cup has arrived and we go in. It hasn't even been a week and so much has happened. Spain fired their manager two days before the World Cup. Before any ball was even kicked, there were already a dozen things to discuss! You'll also get to hear our interview from the Red Bull Neymar Jr's Fives in Miami with eMLS athlete Mike LaBelle & your favorite former USMNT star, Jimmy Conrad! Segment 1: This World Cup is nuts. Like fuhhreal. What is happening? Segment 2: Interview w/ @MikeLaBelle & @JimmyConrad Segment 3: South Korea will use your racism to win the World Cup! Sponsors: The Athletic. Go to theathletic.com/cooligans to receive 40% off a year subscription to some of the best sports and specifically soccer coverage from great journalists all around the globe. SeatGeek! Download the SeatGeek app and use the promo code "COOLIGANS" for $20 off your first order! Birddogs: Get yourself the greatest pair of high quality shorts you will ever wear at birddogs.com and use the promo code "COOLIGANS" to get a free dad hat with your purchase! @notalexis @chrispolanco @soccercooligans @ogpodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices