Can Ronaldo

Kasey Keller's ssessment has stirred attention as he looks beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, focusing instead on a different set of contenders for the tournament. The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already filled with debate, and one of the most striking opinions comes from former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller. His assessment has stirred attention as he looks beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, focusing instead on a different set of contenders for the tournament. While both legends remain central to global soccer conversations, Keller believes the spotlight is shifting toward other nations. The American’s outlook is clear and direct when discussing the leading candidates for the trophy. He also expressed doubts about the traditional powerhouses led by Messi and Ronaldo, suggesting that their respective teams may struggle to match the intensity and depth of younger squads. His perspective reflects both experience and a cautious reading of current international form. “Can Ronaldo win the World Cup this summer? I don’t see Portugal winning the World Cup. I think they’re good. I look at a few teams. We look at the squad France has; if they get it together, then watch out. Obviously, Spain is very strong. I really like England’s squad-they have to be one of the favorites,” Keller said, via Tribal Football. Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring with Nico Williams. “I don’t see Argentina being able to repeat their success. With no expectations, can Brazil step up when they haven’t necessarily been playing well?” he added. “I personally look at Spain, France, and England. I just hope that with all this hype, it doesn’t become too much. We know English fans get a little excited when they start to have a bit of success,” he added. Why Argentina and Portugal are questioned Keller’s skepticism extends to the reigning champions and one of soccer’s most consistent contenders. He believes Argentina may struggle to defend its title, despite recent success and a strong squad identity. At the same time, Portugal faces similar doubts, with the 56-year-old openly questioning its ability to go all the way. The 2026 World Cup presents a unique contrast between experience and emerging talent. Messi, at 38, and Ronaldo, at 41, represent the last generation of global icons still competing at the highest level. Lionel Messi of Argentina shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal Keller’s analysis suggests that while experience matters, the physical demands of the tournament may favor younger, more dynamic teams. This shift is a key factor in his prediction, as nations like France, England, and Spain continue to evolve. Emerging powers ready to challenge? The teams Keller highlights are not only talented but also structured for sustained success. Kylian Mbappe’s France, with its depth and balance, remains a constant threat, while England, led by Harry Kane, continues to build one of its strongest squads in recent years. Spain, too, is evolving with a new generation of players who blend technical ability with tactical intelligence, starring Lamine Yamal. Keller’s confidence in these teams reflects their consistency in international competitions and their ability to perform under pressure.

Join Jimbo, Flo Lloyd Hughes, Daniel Storey, and Raf Honigstein for a look back at some sizzling transfer stories. A look ahead to a summer scorcher in England. And a trip down memory lane to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil... not sure why it's Raf's favourite... In the week where Salah stays put and Ronaldo wants out we bring the latest from the red sides of the North West. Ask Raf about the big red side of Germany and whether Bayern will still include Robert Lewandowski in their line up next season - and if not where will? We get the lowdown on the lionesses' bid to "bring it home" and who is standing in their way. Plus Joey D'Urso joins to talk crypto, and there's memories of Gazza's tears and Brazil 1-7 Germany. RUNNING ORDER PART 1a - Women’s Euros Preview (03.00) PART 2a- Transfer news: Salah stays, Lewandowski off, and where can Ronaldo go?(16.00) PART 3a - Listener questions (30.00) PART 3b - England are European Champions (36.00) PART 3c - Derby saved (39.00) PART 4a - On This Day (41.00) PART 4b - Brazil 2014 (44.00) PART 5a - Crypto with Joey D’Urso (58.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest Football Essential Podcast, host Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh, Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom and Sky Sports Football data editor Adam Smith ahead of a weekend where the eyes of the Premier League will be on Manchester. PART ONE | How do Manchester United turn the tide from such a woeful defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the season – and how does Cristiano Ronaldo get back into form? Could this be a ‘statement win’ for City, and perhaps a ‘statement performance’ from £100m man Jack Grealish too? Then again, could Riyad Mahrez prove the difference? PART TWO | Who needs the victory more? Will Manchester United’s April, facing City and Liverpool, hold the keys to the title race, and will they make it into the top four? Can City lift the treble, and are they better placed than Liverpool to rack up a trophy haul this season? Plus, our combined XI – including one big absentee. Listen to every episode of the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast here: skysports.com/sky-sports-premier-league-podcast You can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast". For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/premier-league For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another fascinating weekend of Premier League action... Can Ronaldo outscore Man City and is Liverpool's trip to West Ham actually the game of the weekend? Plus, why Saints are quietly impressing George and Dan's ready to give Arsenal (and Ramsdale in particular) some overdue credit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe, Jay, and Adam and back for the Paddock Podcast where they will be chatting about the weekends results and the recent Pogba news! They also look ahead to United's return to the Champions League! Stretford Paddock has content out EVERY DAY, make sure you’re subscribed for your Man United fix! - https://bit.ly/DEVILSsub 📱 Follow us over on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StretfordPaddck 📷 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretfordpaddck/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://podfollow.com/stretfordpaddock/ 👕 Merchandise: http://www.paddockmerch.com Go ahead and subscribe to get all of the latest Man United news, academy updates, transfer news, Manchester United fan reactions, podcasts, top 5’s on all things Man Utd, live watchalongs of Premier League, Champions League and Europa League, Highlights, Review and Analysis. Stretford Paddock began in 2019, but in July 2020 merged with Full Time Devils - the original and best Man United YouTube fan channel - which is why you may see old videos from FTD on this channel, but it’s still the same place to get all the MUFC content you know and love, from Howson, McKola, Jay Motty, Joe, and the gang! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices