World Cup News

On the latest episode of The Captain presented by Verizon, Rog sits down with Bournemouth and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams to discuss the Cherries recent impressive win over league leading Arsenal. Plus, Tyler gives a first person account of how the anxious crowds at the Emirates impact Arsenal players directly. Then, Rog and Tyler discuss the impending departure of manager Andoni Iraola, including how the club reacted to the news and what it means for the rest of the Cherries' season. Finally, Tyler breaks down how the USMNT is preparing for the impending 2026 World Cup and how manager Mauricio Pochettino makes it clear that "no one is safe" to make the final squad. Presented by Verizon. Order Rog's new book We Are the World (Cup) today!: https://mibcourage.co/4brQpgG Watch our interview with Antoine Semenyo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcoXju-N-GE Come see us live in Philadelphia! Tickets available here: https://mibcourage.co/41ElMi5 Come see us live in Dallas! Tickets available here: https://mibcourage.co/41ImPxw See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The future at Real Madrid is all anyone is talking about at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite there being seven games to go in La Liga this season. Los Blancos are now out of all the cup competitions, and with a nine-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga, are on course for a second consecutive season […] The post Real Madrid settle on profile of manager they want to replace Alvaro Arbeloa appeared first on Football España.

After Real Madrid’s disappointing season, Álvaro Arbeloa’s future at the club appears to be uncertain. In response, José Mourinho emerges as a clear candidate to lead the team. However, the Portuguese has reportedly not been contacted by Los Blancos. Real Madrid are not enjoying a strong season, sitting nine points behind Barcelona in LaLiga and already eliminated from the Champions League. As a result, Álvaro Arbeloa’s future is reportedly in doubt, as he has not managed to get the most out of the squad. In this context, José Mourinho has emerged as a strong candidate to take over next season. However, the Portuguese manager has reportedly not been contacted by Los Blancos. According to Manuel Bruna, via Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid already approached José Mourinho in December 2025, when they dismissed Xabi Alonso, seeking for him to take charge of the team. However, he rejected the proposal, focusing on finishing the season with Benfica. Following their Champions League elimination, Arbeloa’s future is now in doubt, with the Portuguese manager once again emerging as a real option for the summer of 2026. Far from being a certainty, Los Blancos have not yet contacted Mourinho again, raising doubts about whether it is a concrete possibility. Nevertheless, the veteran coach would be open to listening to a potential proposal from Real Madrid, as he maintains an excellent relationship with president Florentino Pérez. Additionally, the Portuguese’s return does not generate full consensus within the front office, which further complicates his potential arrival. With a few months still ahead, Real Madrid may still be considering the possibility of reaching an agreement with Mourinho, hoping he can turn the team’s fortunes around. Furthermore, his experience is key, as Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa failed to impress due to their youth and lack of experience. However, the Portuguese coach is under contract with SL Benfica until June 2027, so his departure could prove somewhat complicated. Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, speaks to Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica. Report: Real Madrid coaching shortlist led by Pochettino and Deschamps Despite his short time at Real Madrid, Álvaro Arbeloa is reportedly highly appreciated by the squad, who support his continuity. However, The Athletic claims that the Spaniard will be dismissed at the end of the season. In response, Los Blancos are reportedly considering Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps as clear candidates to take over the head coach position for the 2026–27 season. According to Mario Cortegana, via The Athletic, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is highly regarded by Real Madrid’s front office. In addition, president Florentino Pérez greatly admires him, and with his contract set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. Alongside the Argentine, Didier Deschamps is also highly valued for his excellent impact with France and his vast experience in managing strong personalities within the dressing room.

Also in this week’s MLS weekend wrap, Messi saves Miami again, and the Columbus Crew simply can’t hold a lead Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter Twelve months ago, Diego Luna’s place on the US roster for the World Cup seemed as secure as anybody’s. He was an early favorite of Mauricio Pochettino, a player blending scrappy tenacity with a playmaker’s eye. Seventeen of his 18 senior caps have come under Pochettino, most recently scoring his fourth goal for the US in their 5-1 blowout of Uruguay in November. Nonetheless, Luna finds himself on the bubble of making this summer’s 26-man squad. An ill-timed knee injury sidelined him for Real Salt Lake until their fourth game, and his comeback process left him unavailable for Pochettino’s final pre-tournament window in March. Even though the US struggled against Belgium and Portugal, Luna – like any World Cup hopeful on the fringes – had to restate his bona fides to ensure he’s in Pochettino’s plans.