World Cup News

An in-depth show about the U.S. men's national soccer team, the players who could one day make it better, and American soccer in general.

LEWIS STEELE: Arne Slot believes Liverpool can do 'special things' against Paris Saint-Germain and overturn a two-goal deficit at a stadium famed for nights like these.

► Subscribe to Sky Sports Premier League: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsPL ► Watch Sky Sports: https://bit.ly/BuySkySports Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane analyse Arsenal's performance in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth. #premierleague #arsenal #arsenalfc ► Premier League highlights: https://bit.ly/PLHighlights2526 ► MNF, FNF, SNF & Super Sunday analysis: https://bit.ly/SkyMatchAnalysis ► Gary Neville Podcast: https://bit.ly/GaryNevillePodcast ► Saturday Social: https://bit.ly/SkySaturdaySocial ► Buy this season’s shirts: https://bit.ly/SkySportsShop More from Sky Sports on YouTube: ► Sky Sports: http://bit.ly/SkySportsSub ► Sky Sports Boxing: http://bit.ly/SSBoxingSub ► Sky Sports Cricket: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyCricket ► Sky Sports Darts: https://bit.ly/SubSkySportsDarts ► Sky Sports Football: http://bit.ly/SSFootballSub ► Sky Sports F1: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1 ► Sky Sports Golf: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsGolf ► Sky Sports News: http://bit.ly/SkySportsNewsSub ► Sky Sports Retro: http://bit.ly/SkySportsRetroSub ► Sky Sports WSL: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsWSL ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkySportsFootball ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skysportsfootball ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skysportsfootball ► X: https://x.com/SkySportsPL ► Website: https://www.skysports.com ► To enquire about licensing Sky Sports content, you can find out more here: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/31754/11434270/license-sky-sports-footage

Steve Crossman hosts this week's Monday Night Club alongside Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Nedum Onuoha. With a game in hand and six points to make up, can Manchester City catch Arsenal? The team discuss the role that mentality plays in a title race, how fan nervousness might be affecting Arsenal on the pitch, and what Arteta's side seem to be lacking from open-play. Is it fair to say Arsenal are 'bottling' it? On the other hand, a free-flowing Manchester City are relishing the chase, and with Arsenal visiting the Etihad this Sunday, could that result prove to be a decider? Then, the panel react to Spurs losing their first match under new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi. With Tottenham now in the relegation zone for the first time since 2015, and two points from safety, can "big brother" De Zerbi save the club? Timecodes: 01:12 Is it fair to say that Arsenal are 'bottling' it? 12:13 Do Arsenal really have a style-of-play problem? 20:24 Arsenal a "masterpiece of coaching", but is it time now for psychology? 28:17 Are the fans affecting the players, & should they have booed the team off? 37:07 A first loss for "big brother" De Zerbi as Spurs manager; can he save them?

Are Arsenal bottling it, can Arteta afford to finish 2nd & will De Zerbi's Spurs survive?

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has reportedly suggested the signing of Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The 29-year-old is… The post Romano: Spalletti seeking Juventus reunion with Bayern Munich defender appeared first on Juvefc.com.

While hoping for his presence in the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal addressed Neymar's influence on Barcelona's preparation for the comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Lamine Yamal has been the loudest voice coming out of FC Barcelona over the past week as the club gears up for a potential historic comeback against Atletico Madrid in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With the second leg just one day away, the 18-year-old star drew on the influence of Neymar as a source of inspiration and made a heartfelt plea for the Brazilian to be at the World Cup. Before nodding to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback, another landmark reversal closer to Barcelona’s own history was the one engineered by Neymar against PSG in the 2016-17 season. By scoring a brace and delivering the winning assist for Sergi Roberto, the Blaugrana completed one of the most iconic comebacks in sports history, and the scenario Barcelona now face against Atletico carries a strikingly similar feel. At Monday’s press conference, Yamal was asked whether he had revisited that iconic Neymar performance for inspiration, and the young star was effusive in his praise for his idol: “I have seen it many times; I have seen it live as well. Neymar is a player who defined my entire childhood—he is my idol—and I will always be grateful for what he has given to football.“ Yamal then went a step further, expressing his hope that Neymar would be part of the 2026 World Cup. “I believe he inspires us all. He is the kind of player you pay for a ticket to see; three days would pass after a match, and you’d watch it again just to see his plays. I want to thank him for what he has given to the game, and I hope he can be at the World Cup,” he concluded. Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate against PSG in 2017. Despite frequently drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his playing style, Yamal has consistently been eager to highlight Neymar’s influence on his development. The Spanish teenager had the chance to meet his idol in person back in June 2025, just before the start of the current season. Although Yamal was Barcelona‘s brightest spark in the first leg, Atletico stayed compact and goalkeeper Juan Musso produced a series of outstanding saves to keep him off the scoresheet. Now heading to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Blaugrana must wipe out a two-goal deficit from the opening whistle, a challenge Yamal is embracing with the same belief that has fueled some of the great comebacks in the club’s history. Yamal eager to make his mark in the second leg Despite being reduced to ten men for the entire second half of the first leg, Barcelona still dominated possession and created chances, with Yamal often at the center of their most dangerous moments. Far from feeling weighed down by the pressure of being the team’s go-to player, the teenager sees it as fuel. Yamal shared his mindset heading into the match and made clear just how much he is relishing the moment: “I’m very excited. I’ve always said that at the start of the season, my level was questioned a lot because of my pubalgia, and I like it when these moments arrive because this is when the real players show up. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.“ Yamal has already proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, scoring against France and setting up the winner against England in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, and leading Barcelona’s attack in last season’s Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan despite the eventual defeat. With the weight of the occasion on his shoulders at just 18 years old, Yamal appears ready to rise to it once more.

'If they slip up here, they'll never forgive themselves.'

Many questions will be answered during the UCL quarterfinal second legs, and here are the most pressing

The Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He [...] The post Carlos Queiroz appointed Black Stars head coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup first appeared on Sahara Football.

Slot: ‘There is a belief we can do special things’ Luis Enrique tells his players to beware ‘pitfalls’ Arne Slot has said Liverpool do not face an impossible task against Paris Saint-Germain but must produce the perfect performance to overcome the European champions in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Liverpool require another stirring Anfield comeback in Tuesday’s second leg to salvage their hopes of silverware having lost 2-0 at Parc des Princes last week. PSG were vastly superior in the first leg and should have won more comfortably, although their head coach, Luis Enrique, described such talk as “a trap” and claimed there will be “pitfalls” for his team at Anfield.

► Subscribe to Sky Sports Premier League: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsPL ► Watch Sky Sports: https://bit.ly/BuySkySports Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane analyse and reflect on Spurs' defeat to Sunderland, Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge, and their relegation battle. #premierleague #spurs #tottenhamhotspur ► Premier League highlights: https://bit.ly/PLHighlights2526 ► MNF, FNF, SNF & Super Sunday analysis: https://bit.ly/SkyMatchAnalysis ► Gary Neville Podcast: https://bit.ly/GaryNevillePodcast ► Saturday Social: https://bit.ly/SkySaturdaySocial ► Buy this season’s shirts: https://bit.ly/SkySportsShop More from Sky Sports on YouTube: ► Sky Sports: http://bit.ly/SkySportsSub ► Sky Sports Boxing: http://bit.ly/SSBoxingSub ► Sky Sports Cricket: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyCricket ► Sky Sports Darts: https://bit.ly/SubSkySportsDarts ► Sky Sports Football: http://bit.ly/SSFootballSub ► Sky Sports F1: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1 ► Sky Sports Golf: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsGolf ► Sky Sports News: http://bit.ly/SkySportsNewsSub ► Sky Sports Retro: http://bit.ly/SkySportsRetroSub ► Sky Sports WSL: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsWSL ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkySportsFootball ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skysportsfootball ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skysportsfootball ► X: https://x.com/SkySportsPL ► Website: https://www.skysports.com ► To enquire about licensing Sky Sports content, you can find out more here: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/31754/11434270/license-sky-sports-footage

‘They look paralysed with fear’ It can’t happen again, can it? Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League was reduced to six points after Bournemouth came away from the Emirates with a win, and Manchester City strolled to victory at Stamford Bridge. With Arsenal set to visit City, and Pep Guardiola’s men having a game in hand, the Gunners’ ambition to win their first title in 22-years is under serious threat. Will they get over the line, or are they set to finish second again? Subscribe to The Guardian Football Weekly ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Support the Guardian ► https://support.theguardian.com/ Guardian Football Weekly podcast: Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/football-weekly/id188674007 Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/6w8qWe0kjgHEHSWDSDGoLW?si=231c666f7f5a4453 Follow Guardian Football Weekly: Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian_footballweekly/ TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian_footballweekly #arsenal #city #premierleague #football #soccer

Following a big win in the first leg, Atlético Madrid are the clear favorite to secure another victory in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Moreover, captain Koke has sent a strong message to Barcelona ahead of the match, reveling their tactical approach. Atlético Madrid stunned Barcelona with a 2–0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou. Far from adopting a defensive mindset, Los Colchoneros came out to impose their attacking strength, taking advantage of Barcelona’s lack of control in midfield. Rather than considering the tie settled, captain Koke issued a warning to the Blaugranas ahead of the second leg, offering hints about their tactical approach ahead the Champions League quarterfinals second leg. “This is a match that could go down in Champions League history. It’s a historic game for the club, and we are focused on this match, not the Copa final. We’re approaching it like a final. We’re going there to win it… My teammates are highly motivated. It’s normal that they (Barcelona players) believe they can come back. The opposite would be strange…with the desire to play a great match against a strong opponent, in our stadium,” Koke said in the latest press conference. Even though they hold a comfortable advantage on the scoreboard, Koke’s words suggest they will not sit back and defend. Unlike in previous seasons, Los Colchoneros have shown that their best version comes when they take an aggressive, high-risk approach, with Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone dominating the flanks. With this in mind, they will look to extend their lead rather than protect it. While Lamine Yamal has opted to challenge coach Diego Simeone over his dominance in one-on-one situations, they have decided to stick to their approach: Securing the victory. However, Los Colchoneros could look to apply tight marking on the 18-year-old star, limiting his ability to make an impact in attack. In addition, they will aim to exploit the space behind Barcelona’s defenders with their quick counterattacking style. Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone faces key absentees vs. Barcelona Ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Atlético Madrid arrive with a clear advantage, holding a two-goal lead on aggregate. In addition, coach Diego Simeone regains Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Jan Oblak, providing a significant boost. However, they also face a major setback, as they will be without three absences that could prove decisive in the match against Barcelona. Coach Diego Simeone will be without three high-level center-backs: Marc Pubill due to accumulated yellow cards, as well as José María Giménez and David Hancko, who did not take part in the latest training session due to fitness issues. Without them, Los Colchoneros lose defensive reliability, leaving everything in the hands of Robin Le Normand and Clément Lenglet, who have tended to make mistakes from game to game. Taking advantage of these absences, the Blaugranas could look to apply sustained high pressing. In doing so, they may force errors in the build-up, putting Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in prime positions to score and chase the comeback. However, Los Colchoneros could also aim to reduce their opponent’s influence by adopting an attacking approach that forces Barcelona to proceed with caution.

'It's madness. Common sense isn't always common, is it?'

► Subscribe to Sky Sports Premier League: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsPL ► Watch Sky Sports: https://bit.ly/BuySkySports Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discuss Michael Carrick's Manchester United future ahead of their game against Leeds at Old Trafford. #premierleague #manchesterunited #manutd ► Premier League highlights: https://bit.ly/PLHighlights2526 ► MNF, FNF, SNF & Super Sunday analysis: https://bit.ly/SkyMatchAnalysis ► Gary Neville Podcast: https://bit.ly/GaryNevillePodcast ► Saturday Social: https://bit.ly/SkySaturdaySocial ► Buy this season’s shirts: https://bit.ly/SkySportsShop More from Sky Sports on YouTube: ► Sky Sports: http://bit.ly/SkySportsSub ► Sky Sports Boxing: http://bit.ly/SSBoxingSub ► Sky Sports Cricket: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyCricket ► Sky Sports Darts: https://bit.ly/SubSkySportsDarts ► Sky Sports Football: http://bit.ly/SSFootballSub ► Sky Sports F1: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1 ► Sky Sports Golf: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsGolf ► Sky Sports News: http://bit.ly/SkySportsNewsSub ► Sky Sports Retro: http://bit.ly/SkySportsRetroSub ► Sky Sports WSL: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsWSL ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkySportsFootball ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skysportsfootball ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skysportsfootball ► X: https://x.com/SkySportsPL ► Website: https://www.skysports.com ► To enquire about licensing Sky Sports content, you can find out more here: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/31754/11434270/license-sky-sports-footage

Danny Murphy can’t see Arne Slot being given any say in a summer rebuild at Liverpool this year. After romping to the Premier League title last season, the Reds haven’t come close to de…

Arne Slot says Liverpool believe they can "do special things" when they welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Far from feeling pressure to stage a comeback, Lamine Yamal has appeared quite confident in Barcelona ahead of the match against Atlético Madrid. The Spaniard star has even warned Diego Simeone about his strong form in one-on-one duels. Despite arriving as clear favorites, Barcelona suffered a surprising defeat against Atlético Madrid. As a result, the Blaugranas find themselves in a difficult position for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit. Nevertheless, Lamine Yamal has shown strong confidence in a comeback, warning Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone about putting him in one-on-one duels. “Barça have been chasing the Champions League for many years, we’re eager to get through to the next round, and we are Barça—we’ll give it everything… I feel very good, really looking forward to tomorrow’s match. I’m motivated for it and hope I can make the difference. Let’s see if Cholo does me a favor and sets me up for a one-on-one with a defender—I hope so,” Lamine Yamal said in the latest press conference. Facing a two-goal deficit, Lamine Yamal knows they’ll need to mount a powerful offensive against Atlético Madrid. Far from being intimidated by this challenge, he has already made it clear that he’s looking forward to one-on-one situations to showcase his offensive prowess and shine. Incidentally, he implies that if los Colchoneros opt for an offensive approach, his team will have the advantage in one-on-one matchups with their players. Looking ahead to the second leg, the Blaugranas have decided not to rely solely on Lamine Yamal, revels the youngster in press conference. “There are some really talented players—world-class veterans who prove it year after year. I don’t think it’s just about me, and even if it were, I wouldn’t care.” While he is their most influential player, they are counting on veterans like Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo to step up. Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, of FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick may bench Marcus Rashford to restore midfield dominance Although Barcelona suffered a surprise defeat against Atlético Madrid, they managed to remain the dominant team on the field, though they showed serious problems in midfield. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal dominated down the wings, though they failed to convert their scoring opportunities. Given this, coach Hansi Flick might bench the Englishman, opting instead for a lineup he has used in previous games. At the latest press conference, Hansi Flick revealed key details of his game plan for the second leg against los Colchoneros. “Everyone on the team needs to be involved and connected, and defend as a unit. When we don’t have the ball, we need to close down spaces and stay compact—that’s how we want to play soccer.” With this in mind, Marcus Rashford starting spot might be in danger to Dani Olmo. Even though the Englishman had several runs and occasions in the first leg, he constantly lost the possession of the ball. For that reason, Atlético Madrid got the chance to dominate in the counterattack. To avoid this, the German coach may bet for Dani Olmo, coupled with Fermin Lopez to bolster midfield dominance, with numerical superiority. Moreover, they could help Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in the base.

By: Ben Dixon This afternoon, Carlo Pellegatti revealed what happened when AC Milan tried to sign Rasmus Hojlund in the summer, even stating that it was a done deal. How Milan operate in the mercato is of great interest for many. Indeed, the spending is often scrutinised and the sales even more so. Today, there have been renewed […] The post ‘But the club said’ – Pellegatti uncovers Milan’s chaotic mercato strategy appeared first on SempreMilan.

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is open to joining, provided the right circumstances. The Red Devils are planning to make at least one addition to their attacking ranks in the summer. The priority is to sign a player who would seamlessly fit on the […] The post Sky Sports: £80m ‘nightmare’ ready to join Man Utd on one condition appeared first on Stretty News.

By: Ben Dixon This afternoon, a report has given a rather scathing look at AC Milan under the RedBird management, questioning how much longer it can continue. It is no secret that RedBird have not been winning popularity contests around Milan in recent years. In fact, protests against the ownership quietened through the good times this season. However, […] The post MN: Milan ‘held hostage’ by RedBird as questions arise about the longevity of the project appeared first on SempreMilan.

Musa and Ryan begin with Union Berlin appointing Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of their men’s team until the end of the season (02:46). Eta becomes the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues, but is no stranger to the Union dugout, having already been a trailblazer for many years already. So, they chat about why the appointment makes so much sense and how it could pave the way for other clubs to do the same in the future. They then move onto the Premier League title race (15:05), after a weekend where Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal, following the Gunners’ home defeat to Bournemouth and City’s win away at Chelsea. And not to say Ryan’s taking it badly, but he did volunteer to go to the moon and has talked about starting a golf podcast. Down the other end of the table, it got worse for Spurs, as they slipped into the relegation zone on Friday night, thanks to West Ham’s impressive win over Wolves, and stayed their following their own defeat to Sunderland. Don't forget to check out Musa's piece for the Kickback Soccer newsletter here. For more podcasts, ad-free and in full, plus access to the Stadio Social Club and much more, you can become a Stadio member by signing up at patreon.com/stadio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite his strong start to the season, Rafael Leão is not going through his best moment at AC Milan, having gone more than a month without scoring. Following this, fans booed him in the latest defeat, which has reportedly led the Portuguese to decide to leave the Rossoneri. At the start of the 2025–26 season, Rafael Leão emerged as the team’s most decisive player, leading the scoring charts following Christian Pulisic’s drop in form. However, the Portuguese is not going through his best run, having more than one month without scoring. After having received boos from the fans in the team’s latest defeat, he has reportedly decided to leave AC Milan at the end of the season. According to Andrea Ramazzotti, via La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rafael Leão felt very mistreated by the boos from the fans. Not only has he been playing several matches with pubalgia, but he is also playing out of position. Despite this, the Portuguese does not feel valued by the supporters for his great efforts for the team, further opening the door to a potential departure in the summer of 2026. While Leão shone as a world-class left winger, Massimiliano Allegri has not managed to fit him into his system. With his 3-5-2 setup, he has had to adapt to playing as a center forward or second striker—positions that are not natural for him and are being used for the first time in his career. With no indication that the system will change, the coach seems determined to stick with it, leaving the Portuguese without an ideal role at the Rossoneri. Despite his poor form at the Rossoneri, coach Allegri has chosen to publicly defend him, highlighting his improvements in the game. However, Rafael Leão has not been able to return to his best version, as he has no way of playing with the same prominence as a left winger, something that does not seem likely to change. For this reason, he could force a departure, seeking a team where he can thrive with his pace and dribbling. Rafael Leao of AC Milan Report: Rafael Leão is attracting interest from the Premier League Throughout his professional career, Rafael Leão has proven to be one of the best left wingers in the world. Under head coach Stefano Pioli, the Portuguese was in peak form, excelling both as a dribbler and a goalscorer, surpassing 10 goals and 10 assists. While he has not managed to shine under coach Allegri, he is still reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League, where his playing style would stand out. As a fast player with outstanding dribbling ability, Leão is attracting attention from Manchester United, as he is seen as an ideal complement to their attack. In the event of a €40–50M offer (around $46–58M), the Rossoneri would be open to his transfer to the Red Devils, as he is no longer considered untouchable and his relationship with the fans is not at its best, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. If he were to regain prominence as a left winger, Rafael Leão could once again become one of the most impactful players in soccer world. In addition, the high tempo of the Premier League could suit his style of play, giving him opportunities to rediscover his best version. However, the Portuguese is also reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, presenting another potential option.

By: Ben Dixon The loss to Udinese was the third suffered by AC Milan in four games. An unsustainable issue that needs fixing. If it’s not, there will be issues Throughout this season, Massimiliano Allegri has focused on the Champions League. Even when the Scudetto was a faint possibility, he instead looked at the numbers required for a […] The post GdS: Allegri’s ghosts and unluckiness – Milan in ‘free fall’ after Udinese defeat appeared first on SempreMilan.

Coventry City’s dominant EFL Championship season has them on the verge of returning to England’s top-flight. Frank Lampard’s squad can clinch promotion to the English Premier League on Friday by earning at least one point from a road trip to Blackburn Rovers. It would seal the Sky Blues’ return to the top-flight since last being ... Read more

BAYERN MUNICH thrashed St. Pauli 5-0 at the Millerntor-stadion and edged towards the Bundesliga title, but the visitors’ resounding victory also pushed one of Germany’s cult clubs a little closer to relegation. St. Pauli are third from bottom and are four points clear of 17th-placed Wolfsburg, but with two points from their last five games, … Continue reading European Round-up: Premier League twist, Real Madrid stutter, St. Pauli thrashed by Bayern

Expansion and political influence have made soccer’s showpiece too big for one region to handle responsibly Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter In retrospect, the 2018 World Cup in Russia looks like a gentle genuflection, a dainty little bow before its strongman leader. Vladimir Putin and his Russian project of gradual conquest were most definitely centered and validated eight years ago: the tournament showcased his nation and awarded its leader prominence of place. This summer, we will see something altogether different, as the runup to this edition of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting event has become a monument to Donald Trump. This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond, helmed this week by Leander in Jonathan’s absence. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email [email protected], and he’ll answer the best in a future edition. Leander Schaerlaeckens is a Guardian US contributor whose book on the United States men’s national soccer team, The Long Game, is out on 12 May. You can preorder it here. He teaches at Marist University.

In our weekly series, the Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings as young stars and one Premier League captain give Thomas Tuchel much to ponder

'We're in a good place with it.'

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! They say that if you’re expecting a kick in the swingers but only receive a punch in the face, you can probably consider it a good result. Because he probably wasn’t expecting his Arsenal players to ship a hoof to the collective crown jewels from Bournemouth on Saturday, Mikel Arteta understandably failed to find any positives as he told one post-match interviewer after another that his listless side’s thoroughly deserved defeat felt like “a big punch on the face”. Whatever about their toothlessness up front, devotion to sideways and backwards passes and an at times almost comical inability to beat the Bournemouth press, the manner in which Arsenal’s players seemed genuinely paralysed by terror will be of the greatest concern to their equally terrified fans. Whether the sight of an extremely agitated Spaniard bouncing around his technical area like Basil Fawlty thrashing his Austin 1100 with a tree branch does much to alleviate the cloud of anxiety that has descended upon the Emirates Stadium is open to extremely one-sided debate. Manchester City’s luminous monstrosity of a kit at Stamford Bridge made them look like 11 operatives in search of their missing bin lorry. Maybe Chelsea thought the same too, which would explain why they were rubbish in the second half” – Phil Taverner. Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly said he’s going to stay with Spurs until they win the Premier League. Maybe he should share his secret on eternal life” – Andrew Bryant. Has the Spurs/Brighton game next Saturday been given a nickname yet, or is ‘Ze De Zerbi Derbi’ still an option? Assuming he’s still in charge by then, of course!” – James Vortkamp-Tong Re Friday’s Memory Lane (full email edition): I’m sure many readers will have fretted away the weekend wanting to know more. Marks & Spencer played Invictas twice in June 1933. The first game, a trial match on 21 June, was played at Oakley Road and the Invictas won 4-0 ‘but did not necessarily prove themselves the better team’, according to the Bromley and West Kent Mercury. A week later at Queen’s Mead, M&S took revenge with a 1-0 win in the Broom-Day Gala match. The goalscorer, L Hallam, is second from the right in Friday’s photo” – Jon Gregory. This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport ‘neutrals’ comments, following on from Newcastle United losing 2-1 at Crystal Palace. Sunday afternoon’s defeat leaving United in no man’s land in the... You can click here to read the full article.

The modern footballing machine is manufacturing efficiency at the cost of the soul. We are witnessing the death of the “unique being”—the player whose individuality is not a flaw to be coached out, but how the game turns. From the underproducing academies of “advanced” nations to the viral robot drills on social media (imagine a… The post Italy’s missing the World Cup is the Fault of Modern Football first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

For Irish football fans, Olympique Lyonnais (often simply referred to as Lyon or Les Gones) holds a special place in recent memory. It was in Lyon, during the heady days of Euro 2016, that tens of thousands of the Green Army descended upon the city, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and cementing a bond between the… The post Les Gones: A Guide to Olympique Lyon’s Players first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Liverpool will hope for another memorable European night at Anfield when Paris Saint-Germain visit in the Champions League. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia goals have the Parisians 2-0 up on …

With just a few months to go before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback with Argentina, as Cristian Romero appeared to have picked up a serious injury. However, he has received an injury update that gives him hope of making it to the anticipated tournament. After shining in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina stand out as one of the national teams favored to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second consecutive title. However, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback, as Cristian Romero went off injured in tears in Tottenham Hotspur’s latest match. Despite this, the Argentinean defender’s injury extent has reportedly been revealed, keeping his hopes of reaching the anticipated tournament alive. According to Martín Arevalo, covering ESPN Argentina, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been diagnosed with a knee injury, leaving him out for 5–8 weeks. Moreover, Gastón Edul, specialist covering Argentina national team, reports that he does not have collateral ligament tear, avoiding surgery. Nonetheless, the defender will not play with the English team this season, leaving them in a sensitive spot. CUTI OUT VARIAS SEMANAS @CutiRomero2 tiene una lesión en la rodilla que le demandará entre 5 y 8 semanas de recuperación. Dentro de la mala noticia que es que un futbolista se lesione, para la Selección es una buena noticia porque uno de sus mejores jugadores llega al Mundial. pic.twitter.com/U4SM4Czdoy — Martin Arevalo (@arevalo_martin) April 13, 2026 As a defensive cornerstone for Lionel Messi’s national team, his potential participation in the anticipated tournament would be a significant boost. Not only was he key to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also remains one of the leaders in the dressing room. However, coach Scaloni will be the one to decide whether to call him up, as his match fitness could become an issue for the opening games of the tournament. Alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero has led a great era for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup with them at the back. In addition, Lisandro Martínez also emerges as a key figure for Lionel Messi’s side, providing stability to the team. For this reason, head coach Scaloni could opt to call him up, aiming to give him minutes so he can reach full fitness, as he is key both on and off the pitch. Cristian Romero of Argentina fights for the ball with Jonathan Osorio of Canada. Cristian Romero’s absence may truly affect Tottenham Hotspur Unlike previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are going through the worst moment in their history. After dismissing Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igli Tare, they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. Because of this, Cristian Romero’s absence could prove to be the definitive blow to their season, leaving everything in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven. In case his injury extend is confirmed, Cristian will miss the remainder of the season with his club. With only five matches left, the Argentine may not return in time to help avoid relegation under Roberto De Zerbi. As a result, they will have to place their season in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, moving closer to the EFL Championship than to staying in the Premier League. Cuti Romero no tiene rotura del ligamento colateral pero tiene una lesión. No necesita operación pero si recuperación. Por lo menos seis semanas. Van a ir evaluando su evolución. No va a jugar más en Tottenham en esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/Oji1tSrCul — Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) April 13, 2026

By: Ben Dixon This weekend, AC Milan saw another disappointing result play out in front of them, seemingly with nothing to stop it from happening. After the frustrations from Naples, Milan had to return to San Siro and get three points. If nothing else, to help morale but also to re-establish some form of dominance in the race […] The post CorSport: Mental then physical – ‘psychiatrist’ Allegri must help Milan recover before calamity appeared first on SempreMilan.

Manchester City fan Tal Rehman insists he had no idea he would become a viral sensation after his Arsenal taunting antics were captured during Sunday's win over Chelsea.

There is a concept in ancient Stoic philosophy called Amor Fati. Love of fate. The idea that a person of true character does not merely tolerate what the world throws at them. They do not grit their teeth and endure it. They embrace it. They walk toward the fire and find it warm. Marcus Aurelius… The post Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Paulo Fonseca arrived in Lyon after a negative experience at AC Milan, one that was not entirely his fault, but rather the fault of a nonexistent club, one of the worst in AC Milan’s history, and of a number of players who had never been with him from the start. Despite having proven himself a… The post How Paulo Fonseca got his groove back at Lyon first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

When Gary Lineker compared Rio Ngumoha to Kylian Mbappé, it felt like familiar territory — another wave of early hype surrounding a promising teenager. However, this comparison points to something more precise — not output or raw numbers, but profile. And within Liverpool’s current tactical phase under Arne Slot, that profile is not just exciting… The post Rio Ngumoha and the Mbappé Comparison — Why Liverpool’s Teenager Matters Now first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Denzel Dumfries’ journey at Inter Milan has never been short of drama, drive, and decisive moments. Since arriving in 2021, the Dutch right wing-back has faced scrutiny and praise in equal measure. But the 2024–25 season was arguably his most complete and defining campaign yet — a year that combined physical dominance, tactical maturity, and… The post Denzel Dumfries: The Relentless Engine Powering Inter’s Right Flank first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

In football, success is often measured in trophies and results — but by the time those arrive, the real work has already been done. Long before dominance becomes visible, it is constructed through structure, repetition, and identity. What appears as success is often just the final outcome of a system that has been built over… The post Built Before Success: How Football Identity Shapes Long-Term Performance first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is not just the biggest sporting event of the decade. For the online gambling industry, it is a structural inflection point — one that is reshaping betting markets, accelerating casino cross-sell strategies, minting millions of first-time bettors, and forcing operators to think… The post How the 2026 World Cup Is Shaping the Future of Football Betting and Online Casinos first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

By: Oliver Fisher Join Oli, Anthony and ‪Bdair as they recap the disaster against Udinese, discuss the formation change and preview the must-win Verona match. This week’s topics include… ↳ Udinese run riot at San Siro ↳ Why the 4-3-3 failed ↳ Leao jeered: end of an era? ↳ Verona (A) preview Want more Milan content? Check out […] The post SempreMilan Podcast: Episode 409 – Be Careful What You Wish For appeared first on SempreMilan.