Last summer, the soccer world was shaken by the launch of the expanded Club World Cup, which for the first time featured multiple representatives from each confederation. With plans to stage the tournament every four years, FIFA is now reportedly considering another format shift—one that also hinges on UEFA’s stance.

Reports indicate that FIFA’s intention is to mirror what it did with the World Cup and expand the next Club World Cup to 48 teams instead of 32. Such a move would not only increase qualification opportunities, but above all ensure the participation of Europe’s biggest clubs. It’s worth noting that in 2025, giants such as Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United failed to qualify for the tournament.

“UEFA is ready to back FIFA’s proposed expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams for the next edition in 2029,” The Guardian reported this week, adding that the decision is seen as “a sign of improving relations between their respective presidents, Aleksander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino.”

If confirmed, the report would ease tensions between the two organizations, which in recent years have clashed over differing visions for the future of soccer, as well as the defense of their respective interests.

“The European football governing body had opposed plans to grow the Club World Cup over concerns an expanded tournament could threaten the status of the Champions League, but UEFA is now willing to back FIFA in return for an undertaking that the competition will not be held every two years,” The Guardian added.

Soccer’s increasingly crowded calendar

As has become clear, tensions among soccer’s governing bodies are tied to each organization’s plans to grow and expand its own competitions. After decades of maintaining relative balance in the structure of global tournaments, the sport’s marquee events have undergone significant changes in recent years.

The World Cup had kept the same 32-team format from 1998 through 2022, but beginning with the next edition it will expand to 48 teams with a revamped structure. Meanwhile, similar changes are being discussed for the Club World Cup, which had already introduced a new format in 2025.

At the European level, there have also been major adjustments. A decade ago, UEFA created the UEFA Nations League, giving European national teams a structured calendar of competitive matches against one another. As a consequence, other top national teams such as Brazil and Argentina now struggle to find high-quality opponents for friendlies during FIFA international breaks.

At the club level, the Champions League was also revamped last year after decades under the same structure. The number of qualified teams was increased, the traditional group stage was replaced by a league phase, and a playoff round—effectively a round of 32—was added. In some cases, clubs now play up to four more matches per season than they previously did.

Players are not happy with the changes

While FIFA and UEFA continue to seek ways to increase the scale and frequency of their tournaments to boost revenue, other stakeholders have been far less enthusiastic. For years, several players have spoken out to express their concerns.

They argue that the recent changes, along with future expansion plans, have led to an excessive rise in the number of matches. The result, they say, is greater physical wear and tear on players and, ultimately, a higher risk of injury. Even if that position appears reasonable, it has so far gained little traction at the decision-making level.

World Cup 2026 TV schedule

This World Cup TV schedule has everything you need to know about the biggest sporting event on Earth.

Where to watch the World Cup on TV?

World Cup 2026, like those of 2018 and 2022, is live across FOX and FS1 (English-language) plus Telemundo and Universo (Spanish-language). All World Cup games are shown live across streaming services Fubo, Peacock TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.

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As the 2026 World Cup nears, there will be new developments in regard to the full schedule. Teams and actual time slots are not confirmed until just months before the World Cup. However, the format should smooth out in the years leading up to the competition.

When is the next World Cup?

After Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup Final, heads already started turning to 2026. That tournament, hosted jointly by the USA, Mexico and Canada, kicks off in the summer of 2026. It is a return to the more traditional timing of June to July. The previous World Cup was the first to take place outside that time frame, as it went from November through December.

The 2026 World Cup also has a number of changes. There will be 48 teams competing, up from 32 in 2022.

It is the second time the United States is the host, and the third for Mexico. Canada, on the other hand, only has experience with a Women’s World Cup. Yet, that is valuable experience for a country hosting its first men’s World Cup.

2026 HOST CITIES

Sixteen host cities across the three nations have been selected and broken into three regions – East, Central, and West. Half of the venues usually use artificial turf, but will have natural grass playing surfaces installed for the tournament. 

Guadalajara (Estadio Akron), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), San Francisco Bay (Levi’s Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), and Vancouver (BC Place) make up the West region. 

Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Mexico City (Estadio Azteca), and Monterrey (Estadio BBVA) are the Central hosts.

And in the East, matches will be staged in New England (Gillette Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), New Jersey/New York (MetLife Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), and Toronto (BMO Field). 

Several of the host cities have hosted World Cup games in past tournaments. However only one stadium has been used before – Estadio Azteca. None of the stadiums from the 1994 World Cup are being used. Three no longer exist, and the rest were either not submitted as potential hosts and/or passed over in favor of more modern facilities. Toronto’s BMO Field will be the only World Cup venue that was specifically built for an MLS team. But four others are the regular home venues for MLS sides. And every stadium in the tournament has hosted high-level soccer matches in some capacity in the past.

Vancouver hosted matches at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but 2026 will be Toronto’s first World Cup games of any sort. BMO Field will be expanded for the tournament to meet seating capacity requirements.

World Cup History

For almost a century, the history of the FIFA World Cup captivated supporters across the world. It is, after all, the ultimate event in the world’s most popular sport. The competition began modestly with the goal of bringing people together through sport and has since grown into a massive spectacle that attracts billions of viewers.

Nothing in soccer can rival the prestige of the World Cup. While the UEFA Champions League may deliver games of similar quality, it falls short of the status earned by the World Cup due to its long-standing tradition and the unique aspect of one team representing an entire country.

Supporters journey from various corners of the globe to witness their preferred teams play against some of the world’s most skilled soccer players. Teams representing Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, and the Caribbean, Oceania, and South America compete in the World Cup. In addition, in terms of significance, no other sports event can compete.

The World Cup stands as the most prestigious soccer tournament globally, recognized as the most extensively watched and followed single sporting event across the world. The 2018 World Cup pulled in about 3.57 billion viewers, which is nearly half of the global population. In comparison, engagement with the 2022 World Cup hit 5 billion. Approximately 1.5 billion individuals tuned in for the final match.

Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, making it the most recent of 17 countries to host the competition. Mexico will hold the unique distinction of being the first nation to host games in three World Cups when it co-hosts the 2026 event with the United States and Canada.

The idea behind the World Cup

Scotland vs. England was the world’s first international soccer match, which took place in Glasgow in 1872. England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland competed in the first-ever British Home Championship, the first-ever international competition for nations held in 1884.

In the early 1900s, soccer gained popularity in various regions of the world. It was a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics, with no medals given out in 1900 and 1904.

FIFA attempted to set up an international soccer competition in 1906 in Switzerland amongst countries not affiliated with the Olympic Games after it was established in 1904. International soccer was still in its infancy during these times, and the first preview of what a World Cup could be was deemed a failure by FIFA’s official history.

Soccer gained formal Olympic status in 1908 during the Summer Olympics in London. The Football Association (FA) is responsible for overseeing soccer in England. The FA organized the event. Yet many viewed it as a show, not a competition. This tournament exclusively featured amateur athletes.

In 1909, Sir Thomas Lipton organized the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy tournament in Turin, although the Olympic event remained an amateur competition. Several clubs from various countries competed in the Lipton competition, each of which represented a whole nation – these clubs were not national teams.

It was contested by the most elite professional club teams from Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, and is frequently referred to as “The First World Cup.” The Football Association of England, however, turned down the invitation to send a professional squad and refused to be connected to the event.

Because of the Olympics’ ban on professional athletes, a global tournament featuring the best teams in the sport was badly needed. The game was going through a professionalization process in the 1920s that was not in line with the Olympic ideals. As a result, FIFA, the government organization, started planning to host a World Cup. On May 26, 1928, the decision to organize the inaugural edition was formally announced.

Inaugural tournament and how it came to be

Since its first event in Uruguay in 1930, the World Cup has been contested every four years. There were a pair of interruptions due to World War II. Now, the World Cup serves as a symbol of togetherness and joy for a host country. It welcomes the world to get a taste of its culture.

Contrast the magnificent event we know now with the humble beginnings of the World Cup. There were 13 teams in the tournament. Hosts Uruguay came out on top following a 4-2 victory against Argentina in the championship match.

In any case, the tournament’s triumph paved the way for a worldwide soccer revolution. Since then, the World Cup has become a scheduled event. Supporters rejoice in the spirit of teamwork and competition every four years.

The competition experienced an unexpected pause during World War II. Worldwide struggle canceled the 1942 and 1946 tournaments. The 1950 edition, held in Brazil, became a symbol of optimism and healing. The tournament pioneered a new group stage structure. In that same tournament, Uruguay famously upset Brazil in the final. Roughly 200,000 fans at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro watched the “Maracanazo.”

Before 1978, only 16 teams competed. In 1982, there were 24 teams; in 1998, that number doubled to 32. Starting in 2026, there will be 48 teams competing in one event. There will be a total of 16 groups, each with three teams.

From 1930 until 1970, the tournament’s winner took home the Jules Rimet Trophy. That commemorated the Frenchman who first came up with the idea for the competition. In 1970, Brazil became the first team to lift the trophy three times. Brazil ended up keeping the Jules Rimet trophy. Therefore, FIFA brought a new trophy to the World Cup.

World Cup: 21 century and modern history

Germany, Italy and France rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s. In 1998, with the increase to 32 teams, the tournament became more than just a soccer competition; it also served as a forum for diplomatic and cultural interaction.

South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup was the first time for an African country. Enthusiastic fanfare, the unmistakable sound of vuvuzelas and Spain’s innovative tiki-taka style brought an unforgettable tournament. This demonstrated the power of soccer’s World Cup to bring together people from all walks of life.

Nearing its centennial, the FIFA World Cup is a symbol of the power of sports to bring people together. The World Cup has grown from its humble origins in Uruguay to the worldwide spectacle it is today. Now, it is an indelible part of the fabric of human culture. Beyond the excitement of competition, it has functioned as a cultural bridge, building understanding and solidarity across cultures.

Conference League TV Schedule

On our Conference League TV Schedule, you’ll find how and when to watch every match.

Having launched as a brand-new tournament in the summer of 2021, the UEFA Conference League is Europe’s third-tier continental competition featuring top clubs who missed out on reaching the Champions League and Europa League tournaments. To qualify for the Conference League, the 32-team group stage will feature teams who primarily qualify by league place though it will also include the cup winners from lower-ranked leagues. The competition will also increase the likelihood of teams from other European countries (not in the Champions League and Europa League) competing in the competition.

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With games set to be played on Thursdays, the competition structure will be similar to that of the UEFA Europa League.

How to watch the Conference League

For viewers in the United States, all of the games (including select qualifying matches) will be featured on the streaming service Paramount+, which also includes all of the games from the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Paramount+ is currently offering a free 7-day trial so you can take the service for a test drive to see how it works.

We’re continually updating the TV schedule, so be sure and bookmark the page to keep up to date on the latest listings.

Annual Conference League Schedule

The UEFA Conference League has undergone significant changes since the 2024/25 season, introducing a new format aimed at enhancing the competition’s structure and providing fans with more engaging matches.

• Renaming: The tournament has been renamed from the UEFA Europa Conference League to the UEFA Conference League.
• Expanded League Phase: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single league phase featuring 36 teams, increased from the previous 32.
• Number of Matches: Each team plays six matches against six different opponents (three home and three away), instead of the previous six matches against three teams.
• Qualification to Knockout Stage:
  • The top eight teams in the league phase automatically advance to the Round of 16.
  • Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged playoff to compete for a place in the Round of 16.
  • Teams finishing 25th and below are eliminated from European competitions for that season.
• Scheduling: The league phase matches are spread over six matchdays, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

Scottish Premiership TV Schedule

If you’re looking for the Scottish Premiership TV schedule for fans in the United States, you’ve come to the right place.

CBS owns the rights to the Scottish Premiership as part of its extensive coverage of European soccer. Therefore, games in Scotland’s top division are regularly available on CBS’s streaming platform, Paramount+.

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For the 2025/26 season, CBS will carry at least one Scottish Premiership match per week on either CBS Sports Network or Paramount+. The network will also have coverage of select matches from the Scottish Championship, Betfred Cup (Scottish League Cup) and Scottish League Cup. The U.S. media rights include both English and Spanish to the Scottish Premiership, the top professional soccer league in Scotland.

The Scottish Premiership, previously known for sponsorship reasons as the William Hill Premiership, is the top division of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the league competition for men’s professional football clubs in Scotland.

Every week, we’ll update the TV schedules for you.

Primeira Liga TV schedule

The Portuguese Primeira Liga (Liga Portugal Betclic) is home to some of Europe’s most storied clubs, including the “Big Three” of Benfica, Porto, and Sporting CP. Known as a premier talent factory, the league provides a first look at the world’s next superstars before they move to the Premier League or La Liga.

As of January 1, 2026, the broadcast landscape for the Primeira Liga in the United States has entered a period of transition following the closure of GolTV, which previously held the exclusive rights. While the league moves toward a centralized rights model in 2027, the current 2025/26 season is currently spread across niche providers.

RTP Internacional (Select Matches)

RTP Internacional remains the most reliable legal option for fans in the U.S. to watch the league on television. The channel typically broadcasts one marquee match per week live, usually featuring one of the Big Three (Porto, Benfica, or Sporting).

Availability: RTP Internacional is available as an add-on via Fubo, Dish Network, and select cable providers.

Benfica TV (BTV) for Home Games

If you are a fan of SL Benfica, you can still watch all of the club’s home matches via their proprietary streaming service, BTV.

How to watch: BTV is available as a standalone subscription through the club’s website or app and is sometimes carried as a premium add-on by Portuguese-language specialty providers in the U.S..

NWSL TV schedule

America’s home to women’s club soccer is the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Launched in 2013 with eight teams, the league features many of the best and up-and-coming U.S. women soccer stars. Make sure you don’t miss a match by bookmarking our NWSL TV schedule, and visit often for the most accurate and comprehensive listings of games.

For viewers in the United States, multi-partner NWSL TV deal sees games on various platforms through 2027.

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Starting in 2024, the NWSL has a four-year national broadcast rights deal split between ESPN, CBS, Amazon, and Scripps Sports (ION).

Friday night games each week will feature on Amazon’s Prime Video service. Prime video will also carry one of the league’s playoff quarterfinals.

The CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network air a minimum of 21 games throughout the year, including a quarterfinal, semifinal, and the NWSL Championship all on the main CBS network. Games on over-the-air CBS will also stream on Paramount+, the network’s subscription video on demand and live streaming service.

20 games are televised on ESPN platforms (either ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and/or ESPN Deportes). All of these games will be simulcast live on the streaming service ESPN+.

And finally, 50 regular season matches are set to be aired on the ION TV network (available over-the-air and on most cable/satellite plans) as part pf 25 Saturday night doubleheaders.

The remaining regular season matches not part of the national TV schedule will be streamed directly by the NWSL.

NWSL Challenge Cup

Started in 2020 as a return-to-play event during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has evolved in its short history. After initially being a preseason event, in 2023 the tournament ran concurrently with the league season, becoming the equivalent of a “League Cup”. For 2024 and beyond, it is a single match between the previous season’s NWSL Shield (best record) and NWSL Championship (playoff) winners. If the same team wins both of those titles, the Challenge Cup will be a rematch of the Championship final.

NWSL TV Schedule: Devices

As far as devices go, Paramount+, Prime Video and ESPN+ can be streamed on your PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.

Real Madrid is now leading the La Liga standings after a victory against Real Sociedad was followed by Barcelona’s defeat to Girona. However, in a previous win over Rayo Vallecano there was a painful situation for Jude Bellingham that still is not resolved before the Osasuna match.

The midfielder had to leave the field early while trying to hold back tears after suffering an injury. For the England international, it was a muscle issue in his left hamstring that was expected to sideline him for a few matches, but this week he experienced a setback that rules him out of next Saturday’s game.

Bellingham will not be the only player unavailable for Álvaro Arbeloa. The manager knows that Rodrygo did not return in time from a muscle injury, with Eder Militao being the other confirmed absence for the team.

Bellingham’s potential return

The victory against Rayo Vallecano left a sour note because of Bellingham’s injury. That happened on February 1, and despite three weeks having passed, it appears he will not be returning any time soon.

What was initially expected to be a recovery that would have him ready by now has turned into an estimated five week window before he can rejoin the lineup. With this in mind, he could still be out for up to three more weeks if the club chooses to take a cautious approach.

Bellingham has already missed the recent victories against Valencia and Real Sociedad, as well as the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica. He is expected to return on March 14 in the match against Elche, after missing games against Osasuna, Benfica, Getafe, and potentially Celta.

Rodrygo should be ready soon

Rodrygo was expected to miss just 10 days when he was injured before the match in Valencia. The initial projection had him returning for Osasuna, but a setback in his recovery left him unavailable.

This delay is not as serious as Bellingham’s situation, so the Brazilian should be ready for the next La Liga match against Getafe. Arbeloa will not be able to use Rodrygo for the Benfica rematch because he remains suspended for one more match in the competition.

International Friendlies TV schedule

Standalone international friendlies are not as prevalent these days, with a more crowded calendar and the advent of things like the Nations League on both sides of the Atlantic, but we do see national sides still get together to stay fresh, test their squads, and tune-up for major competitions like the World Cup.

Of course, these summer friendlies do open the opportunities for clubs to meet unfamiliar foes. Exhibition games involve nations in North America playing teams from Africa, Asia or Europe. Generally, international friendlies happen between countries within the same confederation. That way, countries minimize travel costs.

However, in an intercontinental exhibition, the summer friendlies can welcome fresh faces and play styles.

Since they are not tied to any specific competition broadcast rights agreements, these standalone matches can be found across various TV channels and streaming services, so there is no one catch-all place to see everything. Historically even when talking about the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams, who do have rights deals for all of their games in the US, friendly games have often been split between several different channels throughout the year. For games on linear TV, Fubo is a great streaming option as it features a good variety of sports networks that often carry the games.

How To Watch International Friendlies on Fubo:

1. Click ‘Activate the offer‘ to get access to Fubo
2. Enter your email address and zip code
3. Scroll through the app to watch sports channels like FS1, ESPN, and more

As matches pop up on the calendar, we’ll add them here so you can see all the international action available to view in the US. Keep in mind, that international scheduling takes a back seat to the set-in-stone club schedule. Therefore, look for international breaks without continental tournaments for these international friendlies.

The 2026 edition of the Leagues Cup kicks off on August 4 and runs through September 6, 2025. This year’s tournament features a new format and updated broadcast coverage for fans in the U.S.

Leagues Cup TV schedule

Tournament format

The 2026 edition of the Leagues Cup will once again feature all 47 clubs from MLS and Liga MX. The tournament is designed as a World Cup-style competition that takes place during a summer break in both leagues.

• World Cup Pause: For the 2026 season, the Leagues Cup window serves as a major lead-in to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament designed to capitalize on the massive soccer momentum across North America.
• Qualification: The top three teams from the Leagues Cup will earn an automatic berth in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

How To Watch Leagues Cup

In a landmark move for the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and Apple have simplified how fans watch the Leagues Cup. The separate “MLS Season Pass” subscription has been concluded, and every match of the tournament is now integrated into a standard Apple TV subscription.

Apple TV

Apple TV remains the primary home for every Leagues Cup match. Subscribers in over 100 countries can watch every regular-season match and the entire Leagues Cup tournament with no blackouts.

• 2026 Pricing: Access to all matches is included in the standard Apple TV subscription, which costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year.
• Season Ticket Holders: If you are a full-season ticket holder for an MLS club, your Apple TV subscription is still included as part of your ticket package.

FOX Sports (English-Language TV)

FOX Sports continues to provide linear television coverage for a selection of the tournament’s biggest fixtures. Throughout the 2026 Leagues Cup, matches will air across FOX, FS1, and FS2.

TelevisaUnivision (Spanish-Language TV)

For Spanish-speaking fans, TelevisaUnivision holds the linear broadcast rights to 21 Leagues Cup matches each year. This includes 12 group stage matches, 8 knockout matches, and the Leagues Cup Final, which will air on Univision, UniMás, and TUDN.

Coppa Italia TV schedule

Italy’s prestigious cup competition, known as Coppa Italia, features club teams across the country battling it out for the distinction of being the national cup champions. To make sure you don’t miss a match, be sure to bookmark our Coppa Italia TV schedule and visit often for the most accurate and comprehensive listings of games.

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Paramount+ is $8.99 per month (or $89.99 annually) and features more than a thousand live matches each year across an extensive portfolio of soccer properties, including UEFA club competitions, NWSL, Concacaf Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, and more.

As far as devices go, Paramount+ can be streamed on your PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.

Coppa Italia History

The Coppa Italia is a dynamic part of Italy’s soccer environment that shows how much the country loves this sport. It is among Europe’s most storied cup tournaments.

Capturing the intensity, emotion, and unpredictability that characterize soccer, the competition has become an integral part of Italian soccer history. Throughout its history, the Coppa Italia has been instrumental in molding the stories of storied teams and unforgettable players.

The idea behind Coppa Italia and its early years

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) wanted to add a national cup competition to the mix in the early 1900s. That’s where the Coppa Italia had its start.

The first Coppa Italia tournament took place in the 1922-23 season and included clubs from throughout Italy. But it omitted the top teams at the time.

A spirit of innovation pervaded the tournament in its early years. The format changed many times, with different tournament structures and numbers of competing teams. Notwithstanding these ups and downs, the Coppa Italia continued to grow in popularity, capturing the hearts and minds of fans all across Italy.

Suspension and Post-war renaissance

The Coppa Italia was suspended when World War II broke out. Due to the wartime hiatus, the tournament did not restart until the 1945-46 season. That year marked a return to form for Italian soccer after the war.

When the war ended, interest in the Coppa Italia spiked again, and several teams wanted a chance to have their names engraved on the trophy. Because it brought pleasure and normality to war-weary people, the tournament was crucial in restoring the nation’s spirit.

Coppa Italia: 21st century and modern era

To keep up with the changing nature of soccer as the new century began, the Coppa Italia went through a number of changes. In the 2007-08 season, the competition was taken to the next level with the introduction of a two-legged semifinal format. This format brought more chances for underdog tales and incredible comebacks.

For fans in the country, the Coppa Italia has become not just another tournament; it’s a source of thrilling, emotional matches.

The 2017-18 Coppa Italia season saw the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, in keeping with worldwide trends. The tournament sought to guarantee both fair play and accurate decisions. Thus, the use of video assistant referees was a giant leap forward in the dedication to having the best officiating possible.

The champion of Coppa Italia automatically qualifies to compete in the following season’s UEFA Europa League. Champions and runners-up of the Coppa Italia are also entered into the Supercoppa Italiana.

Originally a two-team traditional super cup, from 2023 on the Supercoppa has expanded to a four-team format. The winners and runners-up of both the Coppa and Serie A now all compete in a mid-season mini-tournament.

As far as the modern Coppa Italia is concerned, there are seven separate rounds. All of these rounds are one-leg knockout contests, except for the semi-finals, which are two-leg affairs.

The first round of the Coppa Italia is when clubs from Italy’s second division, Serie B, and the 12 clubs with the worst records from the previous season’s Serie A compete. By the time the third round rolls around, the top eight Serie A teams will have entered the tournament.

Marc Cucurella has raised alarm bells within the Spain camp after suffering an injury that has sidelined him for Chelsea’s most recent matches. With the Finalissima against Argentina set to take place in about a month, the Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior provided a concerning update on the Spanish defender.

In the Premier League match against Leeds United on Feb. 10, Cucurella was forced off at halftime and replaced by Jorrel Hato. The coach noted afterward that the left back was dealing with hamstring discomfort, and following tests last Thursday, he was ruled out of Chelsea‘s most recent FA Cup match against Hull City.

Rosenior spoke at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the match against Burnley, and when asked about the defender, his response was far from optimistic: “I can’t give an exact timeframe on Marc. He suffered a hamstring injury just before half-time in the Leeds game. It’s a real shame because he’s an outstanding player, and one of the best left-backs in the world.“

Despite being unable to provide a recovery timeline, he expressed confidence in Chelsea’s depth and the players ready to step in. “It’s a shame not to have Marc available but we have Jorrel (Hato) and we have Malo (Gusto) who can play on that side, so we have really good players that can cover,” the 41-year-old coach stated.

Sitting fifth in the league with 44 points, one point outside the UEFA Champions League qualification spots, Chelsea will face Burnley on Saturday, and in two weeks they meet Arsenal in a key matchup, with one of the squad’s stars in serious doubt. “Of course, the sooner Marc gets back, the better,” he concluded.

Spain monitoring Cucurella’s fitness

Cucurella has become a key piece for Spain under head coach Luis de la Fuente, bringing his international totals to 22 appearances, one goal and two assists. While his scoring numbers for La Roja are modest, his defensive work and attacking support down the left flank alongside Nico Williams have established him as one of the top players in the world at his position.

BBC Sport‘s Nizaar Kinsella reports that Cucurella hopes to return in three to four weeks after undergoing a scan on his hamstring. With the Finalissima scheduled for March 27, the left back could be available in time, though likely short of peak form. While Alejandro Grimaldo presents another option at left back, the absence of Cucurella, a more defensively reliable presence, would still represent a significant blow for Spain.

Carlo Ancelotti faces the enormous challenge of leading Brazil in pursuit of its first World Cup title in 24 years. This summer’s FIFA tournament in North America will mark his first major test since taking over the national team, but he is already thinking about what comes next.

“I think I’m going to renew for four years with Brazil,” Ancelotti said during a recent interview with former Real Madrid icon Jorge Valdano on Movistar Plus. “It’s a new job, and I really like it.”

The Italian coach took over Brazil in May 2025 to finish the World Cup qualifiers after previous managers Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior were dismissed due to poor results and performances. Ancelotti secured qualification and later had the opportunity to coach several friendlies, experimenting with different options ahead of this year’s FIFA tournament.

Initially, his contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. However, his work in the first months appears to have satisfied the executives at the Brazilian Football Confederation, who had reportedly been negotiating an extension for months — something Carlo has now confirmed himself.

Ancelotti is the highest-paid national team coach in the world. He currently tops the list with a salary of €10 million per year (approximately $11.8 million), ahead of England’s Thomas Tuchel ($6.9 million) and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann ($5.7 million).

Ancelotti speaks about Vinicius

In another portion of the same interview, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Vinicius Junior, whom he coached for years at Real Madrid and now again with Brazil. “Brazilians are very humble; they are very different. The Vini who comes here is very different from the one at Real Madrid, speaking from a human perspective,” the coach said.

Those differences have also been noticeable on the field, and on more than one occasion they have drawn criticism toward the winger. Much like what happened for years with Lionel Messi in Argentina, Vinicius has been slammed for not delivering the same performances with Brazil that he does with Real Madrid.

The numbers support that narrative. While Vini ranks among the 17 leading scorers in Real Madrid history with 117 goals in 358 appearances, he has found it more difficult to stand out internationally. With Brazil, Vinicius has scored just eight goals in 45 appearances since making his debut in 2019.

Ancelotti comments on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid

Beyond being Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti remains a major figure at Real Madrid, where he managed in two separate stints and won three UEFA Champions League titles. During the interview with Jorge Valdano, the Italian coach addressed the recent departure of Xabi Alonso.

“Xabi encountered difficulties,” Ancelotti acknowledged, before pointing to a key aspect that Alonso may have struggled to establish. “The ability to adapt is a very important component in a coach’s job. Trying to recreate an environment takes time, and you can’t always achieve it.”

Paolo Vanoli admits Fiorentina have learned to put quality aside and focus on ‘a battling spirit’ to crush Jagiellonia 3-0 in the Conference League play-off and reboot in Serie A.

The Viola rotated the squad for this trip to Poland in sub-zero temperatures, aware that the focus had to be on climbing the Serie A table to escape the relegation zone.

Despite those changes, they put in a strong performance and emerged with a 3-0 victory over Jagiellonia, the team currently at the top of the Polish League.

Luca Ranieri’s header broke the deadlock, followed by a sensational Rolando Mandragora free kick and Roberto Piccoli penalty.

Vanoli sees new spirit at Fiorentina

“Since I’ve been here, I said that we care about this competition. Naturally, I have to make a lot of evaluations, we know what the situation is in Serie A, and we had hoped to be able to focus more on Europe at this stage,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have to say that this evening this group of players wanted to prove we are all part of something important. It was not easy to play here, we suffered and sweat for the shirt, the same way we did against Como, and this is the attitude that will keep us going forward in Serie A and the Conference League.”

Fiorentina left behind David De Gea, Moise Kean, Dodo, Albert Gudmundsson, Manor Solomon, Marco Brescianini, Daniele Rugani and Oliver Christensen.

However, it feels like they have turned a corner now, especially a few days after the Serie A win away to Como.

“Before beautiful football, you must build team spirit. I think recently we’ve actually taken a step back in terms of quality, but a significant step forward with our spirit,” explained Vanoli.

“This is an approach we must maintain, and it was not easy to turn things around at this club after that start, it took a lot of work, but I can count on everyone now and we need them all for what will be a battle to the end.”

The second leg will be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday February 26, to decide passage into the Conference League Round of 16.

“A lot of the criticism was entirely fair, but when you are an important club with big ambitions and find yourself in last place with five points, it’s a shock. Sometimes, just playing good football isn’t enough when you’re down there, you need to do battle.

“If we look at the games where we had the best performances, they were against the big clubs, whereas we dropped precious points against the sides closer to us in the table, which is where we really needed to get results.

“Next up there’s Pisa, so along with it being a local derby, it is also a relegation dogfight and a six-pointer, even a nine-pointer. We must behave like a provincial team, the way we did tonight, being ready to suffer and not be arrogant.”

Fiorentina made a lot of changes during the January transfer window, including the arrival of Giovanni Fabbian from Bologna.

“Fabbian has quality, pace, an eye for goal, but we are working to get him back into the role of mezz’ala, as in recent years he played mainly as a trequartista,” continued the coach.

“I want him in the midfield instead, and we had him a little deeper today for a 4-4-2 formation. I think he can do so much here, naturally it takes a little while to settle after changing club mid-season.”

There were also goals tonight for players who have been with Fiorentina for a while, but have been insulted by fans recently, namely Ranieri and Mandragora.

“I am truly happy for Luca, because I feel he was criticised too heavily, even if he did recognise his mistakes. He went through a tough time, but it helped him to grow and he is proving himself with this reaction.

“These are important players for Fiorentina and I’m really pleased for them,” concluded Vanoli.

Fiorentina have one foot in the Conference League last 16 after their 3-0 play-off victory away to Jagiellonia, with Luca Ranieri, Rolando Mandragora and Roberto Piccoli goals.

The Viola made the trip to Bialystok without injured David De Gea, Moise Kean, Dodo, Manor Solomon and Albert Gudmundsson, while Marco Brescianini, Oliver Christensen and Daniele Rugani are cup-tied. Luca Lezzerini therefore made his second UEFA appearance, after a 3-2 defeat to PAOK in November 2016. Jagiellonia were missing suspended top scorer Afimico Pululu and midfielder Taras Romanczuk, who will return for the second leg on February 26.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Nicolò Fortini risked an own goal getting into a terrible tangle dealing with the taught and low Jesus Imaz cross from the right.

Giovanni Fabbian’s cushioned volley with the inside of the boot on a Rolando Mandragora cross was well smothered by the local goalkeeper.

Fiorentina had a big chance on the stroke of half-time, as Fabbian controlled a cross from the left and hit the half-volley from 12 yards, forcing a tricky save at the base of the near post.

Cher Ndour also had two good efforts charged down, then on the resulting corner Jacopo Fazzini stood up a cross to the back post for Luca Ranieri’s header, bending back the goalkeeper’s gloves from a tight angle to give Fiorentina the lead.

Samed Bazdar nodded wide from a corner at the other end, but it was nearly 2-0 when the referee played the advantage after a foul and Fazzini dribbled into the area, but fired straight at the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Jagiellonia had the ball in the net when it was rolled across from the right, but Bartlomiej Wdowik was offside when sweeping in from close range.

Moments later, a Wdowik free kick bent around the wall and bounced off the base of the far post, beyond Lezzerini’s fingertips.

Instead, Fiorentina doubled their lead with a sensational Mandragora free kick into the top corner from just outside the box, laser-focused with the midfielder’s left foot.

Rolando Mandragora scores an INCREDIBLE free-kick for Fiorentina

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/TPkLYYzJoG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 19, 2026

Fazzini was cut off after a slalom past two defenders, but Piccoli was felled by Dawid Drachal on the rebound for a penalty. Piccoli converted it himself to give the Viola a 3-0 lead in Poland.

Jagiellonia 0-3 Fiorentina

Ranieri 53 (F), Mandragora 66 (F), Piccoli pen 81 (F)

19-02-2026 20:00

1/16 Final

Chorten Arena (Stadion Miejski Białystok)

Jagiellonia Białystok

Fiorentina

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Jacopo Fazzini
		41'		Rolando Mandragora

2nd half

		53'		Luca Ranieri (Assist: Jacopo Fazzini)
		65'		Rolando Mandragora
		76'		Luca Lezzerini
Bartlomiej Wdowik		78'
		81'		Roberto Piccoli

Jagiellonia Białystok

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

50

Slawomir Abramowicz

Goalkeeper

70

Andy Pelmard

Defender

27

Bartlomiej Wdowik

Defender

13

Bernardo Vital

Defender

7

Álex Pozo

Midfielder

86

Bartosz Mazurek

Midfielder

89'

11

Jesús Imaz

Midfielder

31

Leon Flach

Midfielder

60'

15

Norbert Wojtuszek

Midfielder

72

Kamil Jozwiak

Attacker

68'

14

Samed Bazdar

Attacker

89'

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

68'

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

84'

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

68'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

Substitutes

4

Yuki Kobayashi

Defender

66

Adrian Damasiewicz

Goalkeeper

53

Bartlomiej Krasiewicz

Defender

8

Dawid Drachal

Midfielder

60'

9

Dimitris Rallis

Attacker

68'

85

Eryk Kozlowski

Midfielder

89'

17

Youssuf Sylla

Attacker

89'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

64

Lapo Deli

Midfielder

67

Edoardo Sadotti

Defender

68

Gabriele Bertolini

Attacker

51

Mattia Magalotti

Goalkeeper

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

68'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

68'

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

84'

Chelsea are looking to improve their defensive unit at the end of the season and have identified South Korean international Kim Min-jae as a target. 

The 29-year-old could be on his way out of Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can get the deal done. According to Dean Jones, Chelsea are keeping tabs on him and are open to signing an experienced defender.

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Kim Min-jae wages could be an issue

The player earns £200,000 a week at the German club, and that could be a major problem for any club looking to secure his signature. It will be interesting to see whether the South Korean is willing to accept modest wages to move to the Premier League.

Dean Jones told TEAMtalk: “Kim Min-jae is being linked with Chelsea and while it is true there has been an element of interest, I’m told the prospect of a transfer is still quite slim.

“I do get the impression Chelsea are more open minded than when they were previously only looking at younger players. There is definitely a chance they look to sign someone with more experience and seniority.

“But at the moment I am told the Kim links are just one of a number of deals they have on their mind for the summer and ultimately they will still be looking for good value.

“From what I understand, Kim is on good money, in the top ten earners at Bayern, and that brings a layer of difficulty too for any potential deal that Chelsea would look at.”

More Stories / Latest News

“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star

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Newcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission

Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Chelsea could use Min-jae

Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back this season, and they need to improve there. Signing a quality defender could make a big difference for them. They are pushing for Champions League qualification and need to improve the team to challenge for league titles.

The South Korean defender has done well in Italy and Germany. He has the physicality for English football as well. The opportunity to play for Chelsea will be exciting for him.

The post “There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are interested in signing the Roma defender Saud Abdulhamid in the summer.

The 24-year-old defender is currently on loan at Lens, and he has done quite well for them. Newcastle scouted him in action recently, as per TEAMtalk, and it remains to be seen whether they come forward with an option to sign him at the end of the season.

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Lens also keen on Saud Abdulhamid

The French outfit is also interested in making the move permanent, and they have an option to do so. It remains to be seen where the 24-year-old ends up.

The Saudi Arabian right back will want to compete at a high-level and the opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for him. Newcastle have an ambitious project, and they have the resources to get the deal done as well. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

It is no secret that Newcastle need more depth in the full-back areas. Kieran Trippier is in the twilight stages of his career, and Newcastle will need to replace him properly. Signing the 24-year-old could prove to be a wise decision.

Convincing the player to join the club might not be too difficult for Newcastle. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be hard to turn down.

Newcastle particularly keen on €25m AFCON star to fix key weakness

More Stories / Latest News

“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star

Feb 19 2026, 21:40

Newcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission

Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Abdulhamid could fancy a move

Newcastle have an ambitious project and a talented squad. The defender will want to compete at the highest level in future, and joining a Premier League club could be ideal for him. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle can agree on a deal to sign him at the end of the season.

Even if Lens decides to make the move permanent and exercises the option available to them, Roma have a buyback clause in the deal. They could easily look to sign the player back and sell him for a profit.

Summer signing wants to leave Newcastle United and return to his homeland

The post Newcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are showing interest in signing the Wolves attacker Mateus Mane.

The 18-year-old has impressed in the Premier League with his maturity and versatility. He is capable of operating across the front three, and Mane has attracted the attention of Manchester United. They could use a versatile attacker like him, and he is likely to cost around £50 million.

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Liverpool also keen on Mateus Mane

Meanwhile, Liverpool is also interested in the player. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Both clubs could use more quality in the attacking unit, and the 18-year-old would be a solid future acquisition.

“Mateus Mane is being linked to United and I have had quite interesting reports on this one because people close to the club admit he is an interesting option and that his profile does make sense,” Jones told TEAMtalk.

“He obviously has a sense of versatility for the attack and midfield, but he also has potential to grow into a star.

“When we consider what they want to do in the summer, he would be quite a good player to go for because he is the kind of progressive talent they want to invest in.

“We all know they are looking at signing well-established stars from within the Premier League, but they would like to start signing players like this too.

“The fact that he could provide cover in various positions across the side means the stories linking him to United for the summer are worth paying some attention to.”

More Stories / Latest News

“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star

Feb 19 2026, 21:40

Newcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission

Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Mane could fancy a big move

The opportunity to play for Manchester United or Liverpool will be tempting for the young attacker as well. It could be the ideal next step in his career. Wolves are likely to go down in the summer, and he will want to stay in the top. The two clubs could provide him with that platform.

Both clubs have the financial resources to pay his asking price, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. Even though he has done nothing to justify the £50 million price tag at the moment, he could do so in the future.

The post Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ligue 1 TV schedule

You will often find the Ligue 1 schedule updated before the information is officially released. It includes the PSG schedule, among other teams.

Browse the Ligue 1 TV schedule below for games shown on US television and the Internet. They range across channels such as beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORT Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, Fubo and Fanatiz.

In the United States, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español are the home of French Ligue 1 soccer. For instance, the league features teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Lyonnais, Marseille, Saint Étienne, AS Monaco FC and others.

Watch Ligue 1 on Fubo:

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There are 18 clubs in the league, which is a change from years prior. Because of that PSG hegemony, much of the intrigue for Ligue 1 revolves around other teams vying for top four. That regularly features teams like Marseille, Monaco, Nice or Lyon. Yet, the French division has produced great stories like Lens qualifying for the Champions League after the 2022/23 season.

Unfortunately for Ligue 1, the league does not carry the same following as competitions like the Premier League, Serie A or LaLiga.

English League Two TV Schedule

The English League Two TV schedule in the United States can be something hard to come by.

For one, the league represents the final tier of professional English soccer. That is not to say the fifth tier and below are so far beneath League Two. It is simply a moniker to divide the top-four leagues and the rest of the English pyramid.

Therefore, League Two holds a significance to a number of clubs. This is the stage where teams are considered professional and truly part of the same system as some of England’s biggest clubs.

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Some League Two games are shown on Paramount+. CBS signed a rights deal with the EFL to broadcast games from the second, third and fourth divisions in England for viewers in the United States.

In terms of format, the competition follows suit with League One and the Championship. Both of these also trail the Premier League in England’s hierarchy. However, the number of teams going up or down differs from League One.

In League Two, there are 24 teams, just like League One and the Championship. The differences come from the turnover in teams. At the end of the season, the top-three teams guarantee promotion to League One. Then, the teams finishing fourth to seventh compete in a playoff to be the fourth promoted side. On the other end of the table, the bottom two teams face automatic relegation outside the English Football League. Not only do these clubs lose their status as a member of the professional leagues, but they lose certain privileges.

The English League Two TV schedule shows that a number of games appear on TV across the world. Clubs in the fifth tier and below do not. Also, clubs in League One and League Two have the opportunity to compete in the EFL Cup, known as the Carabao Cup now.

All English clubs, regardless of league, can compete in the FA Cup.

READ MORE: League Cup TV schedule and streaming links

English League One TV Schedule

The English League One TV schedule breaks down when and where you can find England’s third tier. While most casual fans focus on the Premier League or the Championship, League One offers a unique blend of historic clubs and fierce competition.

League One features 24 teams vying to earn promotion to the second tier of the English pyramid. Many of these clubs have a storied history and a dedicated fan base, making every matchday a showcase of passion and resilience.

How to Watch League One in the USA

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Starting with the 2024/25 season and continuing through 2027/28, CBS Sports and Paramount+ are the exclusive home of the EFL, including League One, in the United States. This multi-year deal has significantly expanded the accessibility of the third tier for American fans.

The English League One TV schedule updates throughout the season to keep you up-to-date on all the league’s games throughout the season.

Many fans may recognize a number of these clubs from cup competitions that pit teams from different tiers of England’s system against each other. Teams from League One are seen as clear underdogs against a number of these clubs. However, everyone loves an underdog story.

Breaking down League One

English League One is the third tier of the professional soccer pyramid in England. At the end of the 46-game season, the top two teams earn automatic promotion to the English Championship.

The teams finishing third to sixth enter a high-drama playoff for the final promotion spot. This involves a two-leg semifinal followed by a one-off final at Wembley Stadium. On the other end of the table, the bottom four teams face automatic relegation to League Two.

History and Underdog Stories

League One is known for its “Giant Killings” in domestic cup competitions, where third-tier teams often punch above their weight against Premier League giants. A notable example is Bradford City in 2015, which knocked out the eventual Premier League winners, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.

With each passing year, League One continues to establish itself as a vital part of English soccer, offering fans a chance to see historic clubs and developing players in action.

Match Overview

A compelling first-round showdown is on deck as the LA Galaxy step into the spotlight looking to reestablish themselves as a legitimate contender in this CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite their historic pedigree in MLS, Los Angeles is coming off a disastrous 2025 campaign that saw the club finish second-to-last in the Western Conference, a result that sparked major questions heading into 2026.

Now, the Galaxy have a fresh opportunity to reset the narrative against Sporting San Miguelito, the Panamanian underdogs eager to shock a marquee MLS opponent. While the odds tilt heavily toward LA on paper, Sporting San Miguelito will arrive motivated and fearless, aiming to turn this first-round matchup into an early statement.

League Cup TV schedule

If you’re looking for the English League Cup TV schedule for fans in the United States, you’ve come to the right place.

The Carabao Cup, also known as the English Football League (EFL) Cup, is the first major domestic trophy awarded in the English soccer season. Featuring all 92 professional clubs from the Premier League and the EFL, the 2025/26 tournament has been a showcase for high-octane drama and historic “giant-killings”.

The competition offers a fast-paced path to silverware and, crucially, a guaranteed spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round for the following season. For many clubs outside the traditional “Big Six,” the Carabao Cup represents their most realistic chance at domestic glory and European football.

How to Watch the Carabao Cup in the USA

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Starting with the 2024/25 season and continuing through 2027/28, CBS Sports and Paramount+ are the exclusive broadcasters for the Carabao Cup in the United States. This multi-year deal represents a major shift from previous years when the competition was found on ESPN+.

Paramount+

Paramount+ is the essential destination for EFL fans. The service streams the vast majority of matches from every round of the competition, including the high-stakes semifinals and the final at Wembley. During the early stages, dozens of matches are available live, typically on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 2:45 PM ET.

CBS Sports Network & Fubo

Marquee matchups and the later stages of the tournament frequently air on the CBS Sports Network. Since Fubo carries CBS Sports Network in its Pro and Elite plans, it is the premier choice for fans who want to watch on a traditional TV interface alongside other major European leagues.

CBS Sports Golazo Network

Select matches and whip-around analysis are also featured on the CBS Sports Golazo Network, a free 24/7 soccer channel available on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and the CBS Sports app.

Carabao Cup 2025/26 Format & Rules

The competition has undergone several changes to modernize the tournament and protect player fitness:

• No Extra Time: For all matches through the Quarterfinals, games tied after 90 minutes go directly to a penalty shootout. Extra time is only utilized during the Final at Wembley.
• Single-Leg Semifinals (New for 2025/26): Starting this season, the traditional two-legged semifinals have been replaced by single-leg matches to help alleviate the congested English football calendar.
• The 2026 Final: The Carabao Cup Final is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London.

History of the League Cup

Founded in 1960 by Alan Hardaker, the League Cup was initially created to provide clubs with a midweek revenue stream following the installation of floodlights across English stadiums. Despite early criticism, the event quickly gained momentum as teams embraced the opportunity to compete for prizes outside the conventional league and FA Cup.

The tournament’s prestige skyrocketed in 1968 when the winners were first awarded a spot in European competition. Over the decades, it has been known by various sponsored names, including the Milk Cup, Coca-Cola Cup, and Capital One Cup, before becoming the Carabao Cup in 2017.

While elite clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City have dominated recently—with Liverpool holding the record for the most titles—the competition is famous for its “Giant Killings”. Underdog stories, such as Birmingham City’s 2011 triumph over Arsenal, remain at the heart of the tournament’s allure.

Barcelona has many great players to form a remarkable lineup every weekend. However, at this time of year they need every player available. That made Thursday’s training session a positive one for Hansi Flick, as he received updates on Marcus Rashford and Pedri.

After the loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, which left them at significant risk of elimination, and the defeat at Girona that put Real Madrid in the lead in La Liga, these reinforcements could be decisive.

In Wednesday’s session, Flick saw Rashford and Pedri taking part in team drills again. Even if they only participated in parts of the workout, their return to group training is encouraging. The manager plans to include them in the squad for the Levante match even if they are used as substitutes, according to Marca.

Pedri would be returning after a long absence

There are players like Lamine Yamal whose skills are irreplaceable. Goals are hard to come by. However, Barcelona has other talents who can be useful as well. That may not be true for Pedri.

The midfielder has been a vital part of the team’s functioning. Missing a player who combines work rate with the quality to retain possession is why the team looked lost at times.

Pedri has been sidelined since January 21, when he suffered a muscle injury with about 30 minutes remaining in the Champions League match against Slavia Prague. Even though a month might seem like a safe recovery period, Flick may be cautious with Pedri’s minutes.

Flick ran a different training session

It was a long week for Barcelona that could cost them two titles after those defeats. That prompted Flick to give the players two full days of rest following the loss at Girona. The decision was reinforced by how they started the day.

Flick had the players watch video from the recent matches to analyze mistakes. For an hour, that was all the German manager chose to do. Avoiding the same errors as Barcelona enters the toughest part of the schedule was the focus of the meeting.

Match Overview

South American champions collide in a high-stakes first leg as Argentina’s Lanus look to defend home turf against reigning continental powerhouse Flamengo, who stormed through 2025 by lifting both the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A titles in a dominant run.

Meanwhile, Flamengo arrive as the team everyone is chasing and with more silverware in their sights, Lanus bring the grit and edge that have made them a dangerous threat to any heavyweight, setting the stage for an intense, statement-making showdown you won’t want to miss.

After several years of dominant performances from Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona are pointing toward an exit for the veteran as they look to rejuvenate their attack. In light of this, they have set their sights on several world-class strikers, but one Serie A star is emerging strongly. While it seemed they would face a difficult path, Hansi Flick’s team is reportedly the forward’s priority choice, further opening the door to his arrival in the 2026–27 season.

According to Tuttosport, Dušan Vlahović has informed those close to him that his priority is to sign for Barcelona. The Serbian striker is even waiting for a concrete move from the Blaugranas to secure his arrival at the club. However, Hansi Flick‘s team is not fully convinced about committing to the forward, as they remain in search of a profile with greater ability to link up with teammates and the physicality to press.

Given the limited approach from the Blaugranas, Vlahović is not closing the door on a contract renewal with Juventus, Tuttosport reports. Due to his reportedly strong relationship with Luciano Spalletti, the Serbian is open to working long term with the coach, as he seeks to rediscover the best version of himself that shone at Fiorentina. Moreover, he would prioritize renewing with the Italian side over offers from the Premier League.

With a season marked by injuries, Dušan is set to return to training with Juventus in early March. As a result, the Serbian could have around four months to recover his best form, aiming to find an ideal fit under Spalletti. Nevertheless, he has plenty to prove, as he has managed just six goals in 17 matches with the team this season. Should he rediscover his scoring rhythm, he could secure a lucrative contract renewal or a major deal with Barcelona.

Report: Juventus seek to offload two forwards, room for Vlahović

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Juventus have suffered significant instability in attack, as Lois Openda and Jonathan David have failed to meet expectations. On top of that, Dušan Vlahović’s injury left coach Spalletti with very limited options. Nevertheless, the Vecchia Signora are planning a revolution of their squad, looking to move on from two forwards. In doing so, they could be opening the door to a potential renewal for the Serbian.

According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri are looking to sell Arkadiusz Milik and terminate Openda’s loan deal, as neither has performed at the expected level. In this context, Vlahović has the opportunity to fight for a starting role and a contract renewal, as they want him to remain part of the squad. In addition, other players such as Federico Gatti, Juan David Cabal, Vasilije Adžić, Edon Zhegrova, Mattia Perin, and Filip Kostić are also expected to be on their way out.

Vincenzo Italiano is full of praise for Santiago Castro after Bologna won 1-0 away to Brann in the Europa League play-off. ‘I saw a mature performance this evening.’

The Rossoblu had an ideal start in the freezing temperatures of Bergen, as Santiago Castro’s angled drive surprised the goalkeeper to give them the lead after nine minutes.

There were more chances to bolster the scoreline with Riccardo Orsolini and Thijs Dallinga forcing saves, though Lukasz Skorupski also needed a difficult double save on the only real Brann chance.

Italiano feels Bologna turned a corner

“We had to adapt to the conditions, because we knew it would be difficult, and fortunately we did check the pitch even in the dark last night,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

The floodlights were switched off when the team arrived from Italy on Wednesday for their media duties.

“Clearly, we couldn’t do much more than this, as we didn’t want to run unnecessary risks. We managed to bring home the victory, but it only means we have a one-goal advantage.

“Now we hope to do better at the Dall’Ara, because it feels like every time we play at home, there is some sort of curse on us.”

It puts Bologna in a strong position going into the second leg of this play-off, which will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Thursday February 26.

The Rossoblu had struggled so badly at the start of 2026, winning just two out of 14 competitive games, but have now managed back-to-back victories after the 2-1 away to Torino in Serie A.

“We got a bit of enthusiasm with these two victories, because it’s tough to work when you have one defeat after another, playing every three days, it can damage the self-belief you built up over a year and a half,” continued Italiano.

“I saw a mature performance today, and hope that in future it can become a habit, starting with the right attitude and keeping concentrated.

“We aren’t conceding as much now compared to a few weeks ago, and that is making the difference. We’ve got to always be switched on.”

Castro has really found his form too, scoring in three consecutive games in all competition, and he ran over tonight to celebrate with his coach.

“Santi has something so important for this sport, which is the hunger he shows every day, every training session, every minute on the field. Even on the team bus, he’s the one talking about football,” explained Italiano.

“It is a pleasure to work with such young players who are so hungry, so eager to help their teammates. I’m very happy that he is now scoring regularly too.

“He really is very mature for his age, and a team player, who as a centre-forward makes enormous sacrifices for the squad with his work off the ball. I always tell him, that work will pay off, don’t worry.”

When these teams met back in November in the league phase, it ended 0-0, with Bologna creating far more chances despite being down to 10 men for over an hour.

It was one of several matches that left them with regrets, as they narrowly missed out on direct qualification for the Europa League Round of 16.

“We played a tough game against Torino last week, because we knew that we could not afford another mistake,” noted Italiano.

“The lads showed focus, solidity and spirit of sacrifice, that is all I ask for from now to the end of the season. We paid a heavy price at times for errors, and lost a lot of ground in the Serie A table, but we can change that trend, especially on home turf.”

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is loving life with the Seleçao and declares he expects to ‘extend my contract for another four years’ with the Brazil team.

The former Milan, Juventus, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain boss took on his first international job when called by Brazil last summer.

Even before experiencing his first real challenges in the role for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, he is already looking to the future.

Ancelotti won over by Brazil job

“It is a new type of work, I was honestly really struck by it,” Ancelotti told Movistar.

“I think that I will renew my contract with Brazil for another four years.”

The plan is therefore to build something ready for the 2030 World Cup, as well as the Copa America in 2028.

The 66-year-old has overseen two victories, one draw and one defeat since signing the contract in May 2025.

Many had been hoping that he would leave the Brazil job and one day take over his own national team, as Italy have struggled under a series of coaches and missed two consecutive editions of the World Cup.

Santiago Castro has given Bologna a precious 1-0 first leg lead in the Europa League play-off, defeating SK Brann in Norway.

These teams met in November during the league phase, the Rossoblu unlucky not to win that 0-0 draw despite being down to 10 men for over an hour. Charalampos Lykogiannis was sent off in that game, but injured here, with Lorenzo De Silvestri cup-tied. Norwegians Brann were on a winter break, so spent the last couple of weeks in a Spanish training camp, but Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson were out of action. The second leg of this play-off is at the Stadio Dall’Ara on February 26.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It took nine minutes to break the deadlock, as Federico Bernardeschi intercepted a wayward clearance and Niccolò Cambiaghi’s disguised pass sent Santiago Castro down the left for a precise angled drive.

Ingason had penalty appeals for a cross charged down by Martin Vitik, but his arm was under his body as he went sliding in.

Lukasz Skorupski made a desperate double save on a corner, getting a hand to the Urik Mathisen glancing header and then throwing himself in the way of a Jon Dagur Thorsteinssen tap-in.

Riccardo Orsolini came on at half-time and made an immediate impact, stinging the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post after a deflected Nikola Moro cross.

Cambiaghi and Orsolini had efforts charged down, while another trademark Orsolini curler was palmed away by Mathias Dyngeland.

Orsolini also shimmied away from two defenders to fire just past the far top corner, while Thijs Dallinga’s flick on a Juan Miranda cross looped up, forcing a tricky fingertip save under the crossbar.

Brann 0-1 Bologna

Castro 9 (Bo)

19-02-2026 17:45

Knockout phase play-offs

Brann Stadion

Brann

Bologna

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		9'		Santiago Castro (Assist: Nicolò Cambiaghi)
		14'		Federico Bernardeschi
Nana Kwame Boakye		30'

Match statistic

65

Possession %

35

4

Total shots

13

2

Shots on target

5

2

Shots off target

4

0

Blocked shots

4

7

Corners

4

4

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

20

Brann

Bologna

Starting lineups

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

79'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

79'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

69'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

79'

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

75'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

75'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

46'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

87'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

69'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

79'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

79'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

79'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

46'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

46'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

75'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

75'

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

87'

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici sees ‘a strong signal’ with the number of academy products against Jagiellonia in the Conference League and defends his ‘courageous’ decision to leave Tottenham.

It kicks off at Chorten Arena in Bialystok at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Brann vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.

The second leg will be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 26.

While the Tuscans have traditionally done very well in the Conference League, reaching the Final twice and then the semi-final, this season it feels like a distraction from the focus of avoiding Serie A relegation.

Paratici has faith in Fiorentina future

“We are going through a delicate period, but we must divide Europe from Serie A, giving our all in every game,” Paratici told Sky Sport Italia.

“This evening we want to send a strong signal of motivation to the youth academy, as 13 players in the squad today were developed within the club. We are also playing with nine Italians, and four of the five defenders were formed in our club.

“We want to set the example, hoping to create something lasting for the future of Fiorentina.”

Fiorentina have David De Gea and Albert Gudmundsson injured, Manor Solomon has flu symptoms, Moise Kean and Dodo didn’t make the trip as they are carrying knocks, while Marco Brescianini, Oliver Christensen and Daniele Rugani are not on the Europa League list.

“We are trying to build a team that is functional to what the coach wants to do tactically,” continued Paratici.

“We wanted to move from a three-man defence to four, with midfielders who could take players on and give more quality.

“I was only partly involved in the January transfer window, because I was still working for Tottenham. We tried to build the best possible squad for the vision of this coach.”

Circa 350 brave Fiorentina fans have made the trip, greeted by reported temperatures of -8C in Bialystok this evening.

Considering the difficult situation that the club found itself in this season, sitting in the bottom three, why did Paratici leave Tottenham for this role?

“It might’ve seemed a mad decision, but instead it was courageous,” insisted the former Juventus director.

“Being courageous means being aware of the risks you are taking. Even in this difficult situation, I was convinced Fiorentina had the resources to emerge from this moment and build something for the future too.

“This is why I signed a very long contract. I’ve always spent many years at clubs in my career, I’ve never been someone just passing through.”

England youth International George Jobling has been released from the Chelsea Academy this week, and Tottenham have now secured his signature.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the London club has secured the services of the England international, and he is expected to sign a professional contract with them when he turns 17. The teenage talent is highly rated at the youth level, and he has a bright future. He could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Tottenham.

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Chelsea have let George Jobling leave

It is unclear why Chelsea decided to let the player leave, but there is no doubt that Spurs will be delighted to sign the young defender. They are looking to build a team for the future, and Jobling could prove a useful acquisition for them in the long term. If they can help him develop and fulfil his potential, he could end up saving them millions in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, the young defender will be delighted to have joined one of the biggest clubs in the country. He will now focus on his development and force his way into Tottenham’s first team plans in the future. The defender will certainly look to prove that Chelsea has made a mistake in letting him leave.

Chelsea to greenlight sale as Man United & Tottenham eye move for 24-year-old

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Spurs need senior players along with Jobling

Meanwhile, Tottenham should also look to bring in players who are first-team ready and can help them improve immediately.

It has been a disappointing season for them, and they are closer to the relegation zone than they are to Champions League qualification. It will be interesting to see if they can turn things around in the coming weeks. They have brought in Igor Tudor as their new manager, and he will be expected to turn things around.

“Discussions” likely “going on” for Tottenham to hire popular choice for new manager

The post Tottenham capitalise on Chelsea decision to secure defender agreement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Karl Etta Eyong has been linked with a move away from Levante, and the Spanish club is willing to sanction his departure.

According to Ben Jacobs, Manchester United and Arsenal are showing ‘significant’ interest in the talented attacker, and it will be interesting to see if they are willing to make an official move in the summer.

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Karl Etta Eyong linked with exit

CSKA Moscow is interested in signing the player now and has submitted an offer in excess of €30 million. The Spanish club has already accepted their proposal and is forcing the player to leave. However, he has no interest in moving to Russia for now. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United and Arsenal step up to secure his signature.

They could use more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the 22-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. He will add goals and creativity to the team. At Manchester United, he could compete with Benjamin Sesko for the starting spot. The Slovenian needs more support in attack. More competition for places will help both players improve.

More Stories / Latest News

“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star

Feb 19 2026, 21:40

Newcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission

Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Eyong could be a useful addition

Eyong has shown his quality in La Liga, and he has the technical attributes to thrive in the Premier League as well. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can get the deal done. The Cameroon International has six goals and three assists in La Liga this season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal need more depth in the attacking unit. Eyong could compete with Viktor Gyokeres for the starting spot. The Swedish International has not been able to live up to the expectations, and Arsenal could use more cutting-edge in the final third. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to sign the La Liga forward.

It is clear that he could be signed for a fee of around €30 million. The deal could prove to be a bargain in future. He is a talented player with significant potential, and he could easily justify the investment.

The post Arsenal & Man United have ‘significant’ interest in €30m-rated African phenomenon appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Alejandro Balde has been linked with the move away from Barcelona in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old has not been at his best, and it will be interesting to see if the club is willing to sanction his departure. The player is reportedly losing prominence at Barcelona. The 22-year-old is still a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition in the right team.

Manchester United also tried to sign Balde at the start of the season.

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Man United keen on Alejandro Balde

According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester United are keeping tabs on his situation, and they are considering an offer of around €40 million for him. They could use more quality and depth at fullback, and Balde would be an excellent long-term investment for them.

He could be the ideal long-term replacement for Luke Shaw at Old Trafford. If Manchester United can sign him for €40 million, Balde could prove to be a shrewd investment for them. He has the potential to become a top-class player, and Manchester United would do well to sign him.

Manchester United have done well to groom young players, and they could help regain his confidence. Balde could justify the investment in future. He was a target under Ruben Amorim as well.

More Stories / Latest News

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Feb 19 2026, 21:40

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Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Balde could be keen on Premier League move

A move to the Premier League could be ideal for the young defender. He will aim to establish himself as an important player for the Red Devils and contribute on both ends of the pitch. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal across the line.

They have shown great improvement in recent weeks, but they need more quality in order to compete with elite clubs. They need to improve multiple areas of the squad in the summer, and signing a quality left-back will certainly be one of their priorities.

The post Man Utd plot €40m summer swoop for La Masia gem appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal remain interested in signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club Bilbao during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has done well in La Liga and is also a target for Arsenal. He has a €100 million release clause in his contract, according to Fichajes, and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal are prepared to pay up. It seems unlikely that the Spanish outfit will let him leave for a knockdown fee in the summer. They will look to recoup as much as possible from his departure.

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Arsenal could use Nico Williams

Arsenal need more quality on the flanks, and the 23-year-old would be the ideal acquisition for them. However, his release clause is quite high, and Arsenal will want to sign him for a more reasonable fee.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. Arsenal need more cutting-edge in the final third if they want to fight for major trophies. They need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in one-versus-one situations. They could use his explosive pace and technical ability in the final.

More Stories / Latest News

“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star

Feb 19 2026, 21:40

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Feb 19 2026, 21:20

Man United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’

Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Williams could be tempted

Meanwhile, Williams will look to fight for trophies and joining one of the biggest clubs in the world would be ideal for him. Arsenal have a tremendous team, and they are fighting for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They will be an attractive destination for the attacker.

Williams is entering the peak years of his career, and this is the right time for him to join an elite club. Arsenal could be the ideal step in his career right now.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard has been linked with a move away from the club, and Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot. Williams could prove to be an upgrade on both players.

The post Arsenal ready to complete attacking puzzle with move for €100m-rated speedster appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw Best Odds: 9/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Sunderland and Fulham will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this weekend. The match between the Black Cats and the Cottagers will be held at the Stadium of Light and is scheduled to kick off at 2pm UK time on […]

The post Prediction: Sunderland vs Fulham appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Sunderland vs Fulham appeared first on Soccer News.

Prediction: Over 3.5 goals Best Odds: 13/25 Bookmaker: Zetbet Barcelona and Levante will lock horns with each other in La Liga this weekend. The match between Hansi Flick’s side and Luís Castro’s team will be held at Spotify Camp Nou and is scheduled to kick off at 3:15pm UK time on Sunday. Barcelona Barcelona won […]

The post Prediction: Barcelona vs Levante appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Barcelona vs Levante appeared first on Soccer News.

Prediction: Real Madrid to win 3-0 Best Odds: 12/1 Bookmaker: Zetbet Osasuna and Real Madrid will lock horns with each other in La Liga this weekend. The match between Alessio Lisci’s side and Alvaro Arbeloa’s team will be held at El Sadar Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm UK time on Saturday. […]

The post Prediction: Osasuna vs Real Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Osasuna vs Real Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The 2026 Major League Soccer season is about to begin, but some clubs are still searching for players to finalize their rosters. That is the case for Los Angeles Galaxy, who will be without Riqui Puig this year due to a serious injury. In his place, they could add a midfielder who previously played for Barcelona and the Brazil national team.

According to Diario AS, Philippe Coutinho is being considered as a potential signing for this season by LA Galaxy after his recent departure from Vasco da Gama. “The 33-year-old midfielder reached an agreement with the Brazilian club and is now a free agent, sparking interest from several teams, including Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy,” the report states.

“LA Galaxy have not yet submitted a formal offer, but sources say the club is interested and a move could be discussed soon,” AS adds. In that sense, the California club has considerable time to advance negotiations, given that the MLS transfer window does not close until March 26.

However, to complete Coutinho’s signing, LA Galaxy will first need to address an important issue: they must free up or acquire an international player slot in order to register the Brazilian star. The cost to purchase an additional slot is reportedly around $500,000.

Additionally, even if the deal goes through, Philippe Coutinho would not be eligible as a Designated Player. LA Galaxy’s three DP slots are already filled by Joao Klauss, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil. Riqui Puig was removed from that list since he will not be ready to return to the field this season, still recovering from a second knee surgery after an ACL injury suffered in late 2024.

Coutinho could be a top-level addition in MLS

Philippe Coutinho has extensive experience at the elite level of soccer and could be an interesting addition to MLS. He shined for years at Liverpool until Barcelona paid more than $150 million for him in 2018, one of the most expensive transfers in soccer history. At the time, he was also a key player for the Brazil national team, appearing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three Copa America tournaments.

However, Coutinho’s star status gradually diminished over the years. He arrived in Spain tasked with replacing Neymar, who had moved to Paris Saint-Germain, but he never met expectations and spent the following years at various clubs—Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, and Al Duhail in Qatar—without ever fully settling in.

Coutinho’s current struggles

After moving between leagues around the world for years, Coutinho returned home in 2024 and joined Vasco da Gama, where he registered 80 appearances and 17 goals until early this year. However, last week the midfielder left the Brazilian club as a free agent.

He explained that the decision was due to the distress caused by criticism from Vasco da Gama fans, who were dissatisfied with his performance. “Being judged by countless people for something that is not part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I have never done that anywhere I’ve been,” he wrote on social media.

Finally, Coutinho clarified his main concern at the moment: “I felt and realized that my cycle at the club had ended, and I returned home to prioritize my mental health. That hurts a lot. The truth is, I am very mentally exhausted.”

Since José Mourinho’s arrival, Benfica have taken a step forward competitively, reaching the UEFA Champions League playoffs and competing for the league title. However, the coach’s impact has been pushed into the background, as his criticism of Vinícius Jr.’s goal celebration has sparked major controversy. Even legend Lilian Thuram decided to issue a rebuke of the Portuguese coach, leaving strong statements on his words.

“When you score a goal like that you celebrate in a respectful way… I told him that when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. And then, when he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing it is is racist, so if in his mind it was something in relation to that, this is Benfica. There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium,” José Mourinho said, via Amazon Prime.

Although Mourinho chose not to take sides in Vinicius’ accusations against Gianluca Prestianni, criticism of the Brazilian’s attitude did not go down well. Critics slammed it not only for poor timing but also for trying to limit how he wanted to celebrate. Far from being the first time, he has been through this before when he was criticized for celebrating by dancing. In response, legend Lilian Thuram joined the criticism to the Portuguese coach.

“In Mourinho’s judgment there is a sense of superiority and white narcissism: he is a great coach with an exceptional career, he has worked with many Black players, and that does not prevent him, first, from doubting the truthfulness of a racist act, and second, from questioning the victim’s responsibility—Vinicius in this case—because of the way he celebrates a goal…Who is Mourinho to allow himself to decide what Vinicius can or cannot do?,” Lilian Thuram said, as reported by Nicolò Schira.

Mourinho denounces referee corruption in Benfica vs Real Madrid game

With a victory in their previous match, Benfica approached the game with high hopes of defeating Real Madrid once again. While the contest remained evenly matched for much of the time, Vinícius Jr. ultimately tipped the scales with an impressive goal. Despite this, Coach José Mourinho issued strong post-match criticism. He not only took aim at the Brazilian’s attitude but also denounced corruption in officiating.

Speaking in the mixed zone to Movistar Plus, Mourinho revealed the reason behind his red card, accusing referee François Letexier of corruption: “I was sent off because I said something that is very obvious. The referee had a piece of paper that said: ‘Tchouaméni, Carreras, and Huijsen cannot be shown a yellow card.’ … I told the referee this because I’ve coached 1,400 matches with my backside on the bench.”

Following his comments directed at Vinícius Jr. and his accusations, the second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium appears to be surrounded by controversy. In addition, Gianluca Prestianni could be available for that match, as UEFA’s investigation may take considerable time. As a result, the potential presence of the Argentine could be surrounded by heightened tensions between both sides.

After retiring, many players choose to invest in or own clubs, but in recent years stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé have joined a growing group of active players holding ownership stakes while still competing. This time, another Real Madrid star has followed that trend, as Thibaut Courtois has become a co-owner of a European club while continuing his playing career.

Courtois announced that he will be involved in the ownership of Le Mans FC through his investment group NxtPlay, providing capital as part of the team’s long-term project. The French side has also unveiled a major internal restructuring, with a Brazilian investment fund Outfield, that was already involved, now becoming the club’s majority stakeholder.

Meanwhile, NxtPlay is an investment group that also includes stars from other sports such as tennis legend Novak Djokovic and former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen. That means all of these figures, including Courtois, are now minority owners and shareholders of Le Mans.

Le Mans have shown steady progress in France, finishing 15th last season before earning promotion to Ligue 2, where they currently sit fifth amid a 20-game unbeaten run. They also reached the Round of 16 in the Coupe de France, and with this new investment and the influence of Courtois and his partners, the club aims to push for promotion to Ligue 1.

Other active players who own clubs

Depending on the country and its regulations, active players may be restricted from owning or holding shares in clubs within the same domestic system, as it could raise integrity concerns. Still, some have found ways to invest, either abroad or under permitted structures.

Mbappé, for example, became the majority investor in SM Caen in 2024 for a reported €20 million. Because he had already completed his move to Spain by that point, the arrangement did not pose a conflict within French competition rules, making him one of the youngest club owners in the sport.

Another notable partnership is led by Inter Miami stars Messi and Luis Suarez. Founded in May 2025, the South American icons entered the ownership arena with Deportivo LSM, a club currently competing in the fourth division in Uruguay.

In Saudi Arabia, regulations appear different, as Ronaldo is reported to own 15% of Al Nassr, his current team. Other active players such as Vinícius Júnior (Alverca), Luka Modrić (Swansea City) and N’Golo Kanté (Royal Excelsior Virton) are also part of a growing trend of players expanding their influence in soccer from the ownership side while still active on the field.

CONCACAF Champions Cup TV schedule

The CONCACAF Champions Cup TV schedule is for the cup competition featuring teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean, which includes games televised across a range of networks. These include FOX Sports, Univision and TUDN. Plus games are sometimes available via the CONCACAF app and/or website.

The winner of this elite club competition will be crowned regional club champion and will represent the confederation at the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Historically, clubs from Major League Soccer have been outclassed by opposition, especially teams from Mexico’s Liga MX. But the competition is far more than just North American teams from the United States and Mexico. Teams also compete the club competition from Central America and the Caribbean.

We’re continually updating the CONCACAF Champions Cup TV schedule throughout the season, so bookmark the page and keep returning to stay on top of all of the latest listings.

CONCACAF announced a groundbreaking new format for its flagship club competition, the CONCACAF Champions Cup. From 2023 onwards a regionalized group stage will be introduced as part of a major revamp of the tournament that will boost club football across the confederation. The new CONCACAF Champions Cup group stage will be played in the fall each year and will include four groups of North American clubs, four groups of Central American clubs and two groups of Caribbean clubs.

Starting in 2024, the tournament reverts back to its original name. It has switched from CONCACAF Champions League (2008-2023) back to CONCACAF Champions Cup, which was used from 1962-2008.

It will be followed by a 16-team knockout stage played in the spring.

Cristiano Ronaldo has spent more than two decades redefining soccer greatness, and now his son is beginning to carve out a path that could extend the family legacy well into the future. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about young prospects in youth soccer, attracting global attention not just because of his surname but because of his growing influence on the pitch. Portugal has watched his development with increasing optimism, as his recent performances suggest a player capable of making his own mark on the international stage.

The teenage forward recently took part in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with the Portugal Under-16 team, delivering performances that justified the hype surrounding his development. Despite the weight of expectation, he showed composure and tactical maturity, contributing to his team’s success even without being the main goal scorer.

Cristiano Jr. made an immediate impact during the Algarve tournament, beginning with a standout cameo against Japan. He provided a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory, nearly scoring twice shortly after coming on as a substitute. He then started against the Netherlands, playing the first half of a 1-0 win, before coming off the bench in the final against Germany, where the Selecao secured a 3-1 victory to lift the trophy.

His most eye-catching moment came against Japan, when he produced a dazzling back-heel assist for Jose Garrafa, a moment that showcased both flair and soccer intelligence. Even without scoring, his contributions reinforced his growing importance within the youth setup and highlighted his ability to influence games in multiple ways.

The historic achievement revealed

Midway through his story, the scale of Cristiano Jr.’s early success becomes clear. At just 15 years old, Cristiano Jr. has already surpassed his father’s youth international trophy tally, achieving a milestone that even Cristiano Ronaldo did not reach at the same stage of his career.

While Ronaldo Sr. enjoyed a prolific youth career, he won only one international youth title—the Toulon Tournament (now the Maurice Revello Tournament) in 2002. In contrast, Cristiano Jr. already has three youth international trophies, marking a remarkable early achievement that places him ahead of his father in this specific metric.

His recent Algarve Tournament title adds to earlier successes, including the Confederations Cup in Turkey, where Portugal defeated England 2-1 in the final, and the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia, where he scored twice in a 3-2 victory over the hosts.

Forging his own legacy

With three youth international trophies already, Cristiano Jr. is no longer just following in his father’s footsteps; he is beginning to build a distinct legacy of his own. His performances for Portugal’s youth teams suggest a player with technical quality, composure, and an understanding of the game beyond his years.

While comparisons to his father are inevitable, this early achievement shows that the 15-year-old winger’s journey is already unique. If his development continues at this pace, the soccer world may soon witness another Ronaldo shaping the sport’s future, not as a shadow of the past, but as a new chapter in a legendary soccer dynasty.

Club Friendlies TV schedule

Frequently in the offseason, particularly in the summertime during the major European leagues’ breaks, clubs will get together for exhibition tune-ups, often against local teams here in the United States. Our Club Friendlies TV Schedule will make sure you don’t miss any of the action.

While essentially preseason matches lacking big stars for European sides, and schedule-congesting plays for big ticket sales and revenue for American opponents, these games can still be entertaining affairs. The exhibition games lack the ferocity of a cup final or a significant league game. However, there are certain instances of dramatic games happening in these summer friendlies.

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How to Watch Club Friendlies in the USA

Because club friendlies are not governed by centralized league broadcast deals, rights are sold on a tour-by-tour or match-by-match basis. This means the matches are spread across a wide variety of platforms. Here is the best way to ensure you don’t miss any of the action:

Fubo

For fans who want to avoid juggling multiple apps, Fubo is the most complete solution. Since many high-profile friendlies air on traditional linear networks, Fubo’s lineup provides the widest coverage:

• ESPN/ESPN2: The primary home for major tours involving giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
• FS1/FS2: Often used for major summer matches held in American NFL stadiums.
• beIN SPORTS: The exclusive home for Ligue 1 club friendlies and international matches held in the Middle East and Asia.
• CBS Sports Network: Frequently broadcasts preseason matches for Serie A clubs.
• USA Network/NBC: The home for any televised matches in the Premier League Summer Series.

ESPN+

While the biggest matches air on ESPN’s cable channels, ESPN+ often carries dozens of exclusive “digital-only” friendlies for La Liga, Bundesliga, and Championship clubs that are not shown on television.

Peacock

Peacock is the essential home for Premier League fans. It typically streams every match of the “Premier League Summer Series” in the US. In 2026, Peacock also serves as the streaming home for various international friendlies involving European and South American national teams.

Paramount+

CBS Sports has expanded its 2026 soccer portfolio. Paramount+ is now a frequent broadcaster for exhibition matches involving top UEFA Champions League participants and Italian clubs.

Club-Specific Apps

If a match isn’t picked up by a US broadcaster, many elite clubs stream games exclusively on their own platforms, such as LFCTV GO (Liverpool), MUTV (Manchester United), or City+ (Manchester City).

For years, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets were inseparable on the pitch, shaping eras, lifting trophies, and defining soccer’s modern tactical identity. Their partnership at Barcelona was the backbone of one of the greatest teams in history, while their reunion at Inter Miami offered a poetic late-career chapter filled with silverware and nostalgia. Now, their shared journey has produced yet another milestone that underscores their extraordinary longevity and chemistry.

The announcement from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) once again places Messi at the center of soccer history, this time alongside his longtime midfield ally. Barcelona and Inter Miami served as the two stages where their partnership reached historic heights, first in Europe, then in the United States. As they prepare for the next phase of their careers, their bond has been immortalized in a way few players ever experience.

Few partnerships in soccer history have lasted as long or been as influential as the one between Messi and Busquets. From Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka revolution to the MLS spotlight in Miami, their understanding of space, timing, and decision-making remained almost telepathic.

Their partnership began in 2008 at Barcelona and continued across 13 consecutive seasons, during which they played 569 official matches together. After a brief separation in the early 2020s, their careers reunited in 2023 at Inter Miami, where they shared 84 additional games in MLS and other competitions.

The historic record revealed

According to IFFHS, Messi and Busquets have played together in more matches than any other duo in the history of world soccer. Across Barcelona and Inter Miami, they accumulated 653 official matches as teammates, surpassing every partnership recorded in soccer history.

This milestone places them above other legendary pairings, including Busquets and Gerard Pique (620 matches), Gerd Muller and Sepp Maier (611), and Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer (611). Only a handful of duos in soccer history have ever surpassed the 600-match mark, making this achievement almost unparalleled in the modern era.

Trophy-laden years in Barcelona and Inter Miami

Their time together was not defined solely by appearances but by relentless success. Messi and Busquets won 33 official titles as teammates, an astonishing tally that reflects their dominance at club level. At Camp Nou, they captured eight LaLiga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and three Club World Cups, among numerous domestic and international honors.

Their reunion in Miami added a new chapter of success, with the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup completing a unique transatlantic legacy. These achievements illustrate how their partnership transcended leagues and continents, proving that elite soccer intelligence and chemistry can thrive anywhere.

The record was officially sealed on December 6, 2025, when Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final. Shortly after lifting the trophy, Sergio Busquets announced his retirement, bringing an end to their historic on-field partnership.

With the Spanish midfield maestro stepping away from professional soccer, Messi’s journey continues alone in Miami, where he is expected to play until 2028. Inter Miami, however, enters a new era without several iconic figures from its golden period, including Busquets and Jordi Alba, as it prepares to defend its titles and inaugurate a new stadium.

Fiorentina look to Roberto Piccoli, Jack Harrison and Giovanni Fabbian in the Conference League play-off away to Jagiellonia, as Luca Lezzerini returns after 10 years.

It kicks off at Chorten Arena in Bialystok at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Brann vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.

The second leg will be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi next Thursday evening, February 26.

The Viola are making no secret of their focus on avoiding Serie A relegation, despite having done so well in the Conference League in recent years.

Some squad rotation is also forced, as David De Gea dislocated a finger, while Manor Solomon has flu symptoms and Albert Gudmundsson is injured for a few weeks.

Moise Kean and Dodo are not fully fit and also left behind, plus Marco Brescianini, Oliver Christensen and Daniele Rugani are not on the UEFA squad list, so are ineligible.

It means goalkeeper Lezzerini gets his second ever UEFA appearance for Fiorentina, the first being a 3-2 defeat to PAOK Salonika in November 2016.

Piccoli leads the attack, with support from January signings Fabbian and Harrison.

The good news for Fiorentina is that Jagiellonia have to do without their top scorer Afimico Pululu, as he is suspended along with Taras Romanczuk.

Jagiellonia vs. Fiorentina line-ups

Jagiellonia: Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Bernardo Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Pozo, Flach, B Mazurek, Jozwiak; Bazdar, Imaz

Jagiellonia bench: Damasiewicz, Kobayashi, Drachal, Rallis, Sylla, Krasiewicz, Kozlowski

Fiorentina: Lezzerini; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Mandragora; Harrison, Ndour, Fabbian, Fazzini; Piccoli

Fiorentina bench: Leonardelli, Magalotti, Pongracic, Fagioli, Kouadio, Braschi, Balbo, Bonanno, Deli, Parisi, Sadotti, Bertolini

Ref: Gishamer (AUT)

19-02-2026 20:00

1/16 Final

Chorten Arena (Stadion Miejski Białystok)

Jagiellonia Białystok

Fiorentina

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Jacopo Fazzini
		41'		Rolando Mandragora

2nd half

		53'		Luca Ranieri (Assist: Jacopo Fazzini)
		65'		Rolando Mandragora
		76'		Luca Lezzerini
Bartlomiej Wdowik		78'
		81'		Roberto Piccoli

Jagiellonia Białystok

Fiorentina

Starting lineups

50

Slawomir Abramowicz

Goalkeeper

70

Andy Pelmard

Defender

27

Bartlomiej Wdowik

Defender

13

Bernardo Vital

Defender

7

Álex Pozo

Midfielder

86

Bartosz Mazurek

Midfielder

89'

11

Jesús Imaz

Midfielder

31

Leon Flach

Midfielder

60'

15

Norbert Wojtuszek

Midfielder

72

Kamil Jozwiak

Attacker

68'

14

Samed Bazdar

Attacker

89'

1

Luca Lezzerini

Goalkeeper

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

68'

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

84'

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

29

Niccolò Fortini

Midfielder

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

68'

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

Substitutes

4

Yuki Kobayashi

Defender

66

Adrian Damasiewicz

Goalkeeper

53

Bartlomiej Krasiewicz

Defender

8

Dawid Drachal

Midfielder

60'

9

Dimitris Rallis

Attacker

68'

85

Eryk Kozlowski

Midfielder

89'

17

Youssuf Sylla

Attacker

89'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

63

Piergiorgio Bonanno

Midfielder

64

Lapo Deli

Midfielder

67

Edoardo Sadotti

Defender

68

Gabriele Bertolini

Attacker

51

Mattia Magalotti

Goalkeeper

65

Fabiano Parisi

Defender

68'

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

68'

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

84'

Many were calling for video evidence to be used in punishing Como coach Cesc Fabregas for self-confessed ‘unsporting behaviour’ against Milan, but the rules wouldn’t allow it.

The incident caused controversy during last night’s rescheduled Serie A Week 24 match at San Siro, which ended 1-1.

Fabregas confessed to unsporting behaviour

At the 80^th minute, Alexis Saelemaekers was battling with two Como players for the ball on the touchline when he felt either a tug on his shirt or a push in the back.

It was Fabregas, but it made him turn around and react angrily, allowing Como to create a dangerous attacking situation.

The Saelemaekers response sparked a touchline row that saw Milan coach Max Allegri and Como team manager Davide Cattaneo sent off.

As there was no punishment for Fabregas, who confessed in his press conference and several post-match interviews to “unsporting behaviour” with Saelemaekers, many were calling for action to be taken using video evidence.

However, an analysis of the Lega Serie A rules show why that is not going to happen.

Article 61 of the sporting justice system clearly states that video evidence can only be used in situations where there is violent conduct, serious unsporting behaviour, or blasphemous phrases.

Serious unsporting behaviour is also clarified in the code of conduct as evident simulation to win a penalty or get a player sent off, scoring voluntarily with a hand, or denying a goal with intentional handball.

Violent conduct also cannot really be applied to this situation, because Saelemaekers was at most tapped on the back.

Fabregas therefore will not be punished, but it was an extremely unusual situation where a coach interfered with play while staying off the field.

Newcastle United are looking to improve the defensive unit with the signing of Odilon Kossounou.

The 25-year-old has done quite well for Atalanta, and he is a key player for his country as well. Kossounou was a target for Newcastle last year as well.

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Odilon Kossounou asking price revealed

According to AfricaFoot, the player is reportedly valued at €25 million, and it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle can get the deal done. They need more quality in the defensive unit. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are in their 30s, and Newcastle will need to replace them properly.

Signing the Ivorian would be a step in the right direction. He is a talented player with a bright future, and he is at the peak of his career. He has the physicality to succeed in the Premier League, and he could establish himself as an important player for Newcastle. The reported valuation seems quite reasonable for a player of his quality as well. He could easily justify the €25 million investment in future.

Newcastle are long-term admirers of Kossounou.

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Kossounou could be tempted

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the defender. It will be interesting to see if the Italian outfit is willing to sanction his departure. He joined them from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and he has a long-term contract with them. They are under no pressure to sanction his departure.

Newcastle have an ambitious project and aims to be capable of fighting for trophies and competing regularly in the UEFA Champions League. They need to plug the gaps in their squad, and improving their defensive unit will be a priority. They have looked vulnerable at the back this season, conceding 37 goals in 26 league matches. It remains to be seen whether they can get a deal done for the Ivorian international.

The post Newcastle particularly keen on €25m AFCON star to fix key weakness appeared first on CaughtOffside.

When Real Madrid walked into Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz on February 17, 2026, they expected a fiercely contested Champions League playoff match. What they did not expect was that the football itself would soon be overshadowed by a racism allegation that halted the match for nearly ten minutes and sent shockwaves throughout the sport. Real […]

The post Racism in Football: Why Lifetime Bans Must Be on the Table — But Only After the Truth Is Proven appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Racism in Football: Why Lifetime Bans Must Be on the Table — But Only After the Truth Is Proven appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Teamtalk, a number of Premier League clubs, namely Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea, are interested in signing Marco Senesi this summer. Juventus and Napoli have shown interest as well, as have Atletico Madrid. Chelsea are believed to have already held talks with the player’s camp, but the Bournemouth defender is […]

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

Arsenal suffered a shocking setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title on Wednesday at the Molineux. Goals from Bukayo Saka (5′) and Piero Hincapie had the Gunners in good stead, but Wolves fought back valiantly. Hugo Bueno pulled one back for the hosts with a fantastic shot in the 61st minute. Buoyed by […]

The post Hugo Bueno and Tom Edozie strike for Wolves to dent Arsenal’s title hopes (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Hugo Bueno and Tom Edozie strike for Wolves to dent Arsenal’s title hopes (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Teamtalk, a number of Premier League clubs, namely Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea, are interested in signing Marco Senesi this summer. Juventus and Napoli have shown interest as well, as have Atletico Madrid. Chelsea are believed to have already held talks with the player’s camp, but the Bournemouth defender is […]

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Teamtalk, a number of Premier League clubs, namely Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea, are interested in signing Marco Senesi this summer. Juventus and Napoli have shown interest as well, as have Atletico Madrid. Chelsea are believed to have already held talks with the player’s camp, but the Bournemouth defender is […]

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi eyes Barcelona move appeared first on Soccer News.

Argentine Primera División TV schedule

All times Eastern.

Our Argentine Primera División TV schedule features every match from one of the most storied and passionate leagues in world soccer. Now officially known as the Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF), the competition has returned to its classic Apertura and Clausura format for the 2026 season. Each tournament features a 30-team field divided into two groups, culminating in a high-stakes playoff stage to determine the champion.

How to Watch the Argentine Primera División in the USA

As of early 2026, the broadcast landscape for Argentine soccer in the U.S. has shifted significantly. Paramount+ and CBS Sports no longer hold the English-language rights for the league.

The best way to follow the league today is through specialized streaming services that offer comprehensive coverage of every matchday:

Fanatiz (Primary Destination)

Fanatiz is the most complete legal source for Argentine soccer in the United States. Through its “Front Row” plan (approx. $9.99/mo), fans gain access to:

• Every live match from the Liga Profesional de Fútbol (Apertura and Clausura).
• TyC Sports Internacional, which provides 24/7 coverage and analysis.
• AFA Play, the league’s official streaming platform, featuring highlights and classic matches.

Fubo

For cable-cutters, Fubo remains a top choice as it carries TyC Sports Internacional in its Latino and International sports packages. While it may not feature every single match produced, it consistently broadcasts the biggest fixtures of each weekend, including matches for Boca Juniors and River Plate.

ViX

Univision’s streaming service, ViX, continues to offer select Spanish-language broadcasts of Argentine league matches as part of its broader South American soccer portfolio.

Africa Cup of Nations TV Schedule

You arrived at the right place for the Africa Cup of Nations TV schedule.

Africa’s premier national tournament always has drama. And, now with consistent world class players coming out of the continent, it has the talent.

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco. The 2023 tournament was held in Ivory Coast in January and February 2024, marking the second consecutive time it took place in the calendar year after its namesake. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are scheduled to co-host the 2027 edition.

Watch AFCON on Fubo:

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Traditionally, the tournament is a biennial competition taking place in odd-numbered years. While that is not the case this time due to outside factors, the tournament still pulls in the best players from the continent to compete for their country.

AFCON Format

Technically speaking, every nation in Africa has a chance to win the Africa Cup of Nations. As we know, each tournament has its favorite. However, of the 24 teams in the final tournament, only the host nation gets a spot in the group stage. The other 23 teams came from the qualification stage where each team was in a group of four countries. The top-two teams after six games reach the final tournament.

The tournament follows a similar trajectory to the Euros. There are six groups of four teams. The top-two teams in each group advance to the knockout stages, and the top-four third-place teams also qualify for the knockout stages. From there, it is a single-elimination bracket involving 16 teams.

Egypt is the most successful team with seven Africa Cup of Nations triumphs. Secondly, Cameroon has five wins, while Ghana wraps up the podium with four tournament victories.

The competition is fairly diverse in terms of champions. Granted, Africa has a lot of countries with the ability to compete, but 15 different countries can say they won an Africa Cup of Nations.

Following the team’s disappointing performance this season, Manchester United decided to change its sporting project by appointing Michael Carrick as interim coach. While the Englishman is delivering very positive results, his continuity in a permanent role could be complicated. Ahead the 2026-27 season, the Red Devils are reportedly targeting a head coach who is preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup.

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils target Julian Nagelsmann as a leading candidate to lead their sports project. Holding contract with Germany that extends until 2028, he may not easily depart from the national team. However, his performance at the 2026 World Cup could be crucial; a disappointing result might result in his dismissal, potentially making him available for the English club.

Even though Julian Nagelsmann is considered one of the best candidates to manage the Red Devils, he has not had a successful career with clubs either. At 38, he has already been with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich. However, the German has only won a few titles, leaving much to be desired in the Champions League. Given this, his arrival may not be much better than Carrick‘s, who has already shone at Manchester United.

With the World Cup only a few months away, Nagelsmann may be unwilling to commit in any way to Manchester United. Because of this, they might have to wait until the tournament concludes to make any move, significantly slowing down the club’s project. With this in mind, the young coach may not have many chances to take charge of the Red Devils, opening the door for Michael Carrick to remain in the role.

Michael Carrick keeps impressing Manchester United with his impact

Although Michael Carrick has not had extensive experience at the professional level, his arrival as interim coach at Manchester United has proven to be a difference-maker. In just five matches, he has managed to remain impressively unbeaten, which led to him receiving the league’s Manager of the Month award. In addition, the Englishman has brought out the best versions of players such as Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and others, showcasing his talent.

In light of his growing impact, Carrick has garnered support from two key Manchester United players to extend his tenure. However, the front office has not decided to commit to him yet, as they are looking for candidates with more experience. Despite this, Carrick appears to be on the path to securing a permanent role with the club. If he maintains his current level of performance, his continued presence could become a reality.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Abdullah Al-Hamdan were both part of the narrative on a decisive continental night, even though only one of them stepped onto the pitch. As Al-Nassr faced Arkadag in a high-stakes knockout tie, the Saudi giant delivered a composed performance to secure progress, while its global icon watched from the stands. The victory not only sealed a place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Two but also sparked a message from the club’s winter signing that hinted at growing ambition within the squad.

For Al-Nassr, the clash represented another step in its continental project, blending global superstars with local talents. For Arkadag, it was a stern test against elite opposition, with their remarkable domestic record offering little protection against the gulf in quality on the night.

The decisive moment came almost instantly. Abdulrahman Ghareeb scored in the second minute, finishing a pinpoint cross from Nawaf Boushal to give Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead on the night and a commanding 2-0 aggregate advantage. From that point onward, the Saudi club controlled proceedings, limiting Arkadag to sporadic counter-attacks and ensuring qualification without unnecessary drama.

Jorge Jesus’s player’s tactical discipline was evident across both halves. The hosts dominated possession, managed the tempo, and prevented the Turkmenistan outfit from creating clear-cut chances. A late red card for Arkadag’s Gochmyrat Annaguliyev further eased the pressure, confirming the Turkmenistani side’s elimination.

The result booked Al-Nassr’s place in the quarterfinals, where a showdown with Al-Wasl awaits. The first leg is scheduled for March 3, marking another milestone in the club’s pursuit of continental silverware.

Ronaldo’s absence and strategic rest

While Al-Nassr celebrated on the pitch, Ronaldo remained a central figure in the narrative despite not playing. The Portuguese superstar was absent from the squad, watching the match from the stands as his teammates delivered the result.

Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed earlier that the Portuguese veteran was being rested to preserve him for Saudi Pro League fixtures and the later stages of continental competition. At 41, his workload is being carefully managed, with the club balancing his fitness against the demands of a congested schedule. The image of Ronaldo observing from the sidelines underscored the club’s evolving identity—no longer entirely reliant on its talisman but still shaped by his presence and influence.

What did Abdullah Al-Hamdan say?

Amid the celebrations, attention shifted to Al-Nassr’s winter signing, Abdullah Al-Hamdan. After the match, the Saudi international posted a short but powerful four-word message on social media, capturing the mood of the squad and the momentum of the campaign. The message was simple: “To the next round.”

The phrase symbolized the Knight of Najd’s ambition and belief, reflecting a squad that sees continental progress as a stepping stone rather than an end goal. For Al-Hamdan, it was a statement of intent as he seeks to establish himself in a star-studded team.

Al-Hamdan’s arrival has not been without controversy. Rival clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad lodged complaints regarding his contract termination and eligibility, arguing that the timing of his move violated league regulations. According to reports, his contract was terminated via email on the same day he featured for Al-Nassr, creating a legal gray area.

Despite the protests, Al-Nassr remained confident in its position. For now, the matter remains under scrutiny, but Al-Nassr continues to operate without fear of sanctions. The match also highlighted the Saudi giant’s broader strategy of blending international icons with emerging talents. Alongside Al-Hamdan, the club added Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem during the winter window, a signing driven by head coach Jorge Jesus.

With Milan chasing the Scudetto and Como proving to be a stubborn obstacle, the coach Massimiliano Allegri has delivered a subtle but pointed message to his American star Christian Pulisic as the season heads into its final stretch. Injuries, tactical compromises, and dropped points have shaped the campaign, but Allegri believes that decisive contributions from his key attackers could still define the outcome.

Milan, still second in the table, has navigated a turbulent season marked by constant physical issues among its attacking core. From Rafael Leao to Santiago Gimenez, Christopher Nkunku, and Pulisic, availability has been inconsistent, forcing Allegri to adapt his plans week after week. The recent draw against Como underlined both the resilience of the squad and the glaring shortcomings that threaten to derail their title ambitions.

The Rossoneri’s position near the top of the table has masked a series of structural problems. Leao missed six league games, Pulisic was ruled out of seven, including a preventive benching against Como, and Gimenez has missed 16 due to injury and surgery. In contrast, others, such as Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug, also struggled with fitness issues. The constant reshuffling of players prevented Allegri from establishing his preferred attacking partnerships and patterns.

As a result, Milan developed a cautious identity, often prioritizing defensive stability and patience over aggressive attacking play. The coach’s conservative approach helped secure an impressive unbeaten run, but it also limited the team’s offensive output and predictability. Milannews.it has noted that the lack of codified attacking plays and inconsistent pressing has made the team appear flat in key moments, especially in the first halves of matches.

Another frustrating draw

The clash with Como illustrated many of these issues. Milan entered the match needing three points but settled for a 1-1 draw, a result that left them seven points behind their city rivals with just 12 games remaining. Both goals came from goalkeeper errors, with Nico Paz capitalizing on Mike Maignan’s mistake before Rafael Leao responded with a stunning lob.

Despite moments of brilliance, the home side struggled to break down Como’s compact setup. The match also saw Allegri sent off after a heated touchline dispute, highlighting the growing tension as the title race intensifies. Pulisic, introduced late in the game, had an immediate impact by driving forward and testing the goalkeeper, though his effort lacked the clinical edge required.

Allegri’s warning to Pulisic revealed

In the middle of the debate about Milan’s attacking struggles, Allegri delivered a revealing assessment of his key players, Rafael Leao and Pulisic. “It depends only on Leao, on the condition he needs to improve, just like Pulisic needs to improve his condition as well. They are two technically important players who can be decisive at the end of the season,” he said.

This remark clarified the mysterious aspect Allegri believes the American must address: his physical condition and fitness levels. Throughout the campaign, the 27-year-old winger has dealt with recurring muscle discomfort, limiting his consistency and forcing the club to manage his workload carefully. The manager’s message suggests that full physical readiness could be the difference between Milan mounting a serious title challenge or falling short.

In just over a month, Argentina will gather for the first time this year to face Spain in the Finalissima, which will be their last major test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni is finalizing the squad for these matches, with Lionel Messi as the main star.

This week, TyC Sports revealed details about the Argentine coach’s plans for the March FIFA international break, which will be the final opportunity to test players before naming the 26-man roster for the World Cup. It is expected, of course, that Messi will be included.

The Inter Miami forward has avoided confirming his participation in the tournament this summer in North America, saying he first wants to ensure he is physically ready to take on such a challenge. For that reason, the matches against Spain in the Finalissima and the friendly against Qatar, both in March, will likely serve as his final step before making a definitive decision.

Beyond Messi’s situation, another 12 players appear to be confirmed as part of the roster, while a small group of others have strong chances, but depend on their performances in the coming months and on overcoming recent injury issues.

The players reportedly confirmed for Argentina at the World Cup

According to TyC Sports, Lionel Scaloni has confirmed one of the three goalkeepers who will travel to North America: Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa star has been a key figure for Argentina in recent years, and his starting spot is unquestioned. What remains to be decided are the two backup goalkeepers, with Geronimo Rulli and Walter Benitez as the main candidates.

In defense, five players appear to be confirmed. The regular full-backs in recent times have been Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico, with no other options challenging them for now. Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi are in the same situation, while Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martinez, who has fully recovered and is performing well in the Premier League, also adds depth.

Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes are the midfielders reportedly guaranteed a spot in Argentina’s roster for the Finalissima and the World Cup. In attack, alongside Lionel Messi, there are two more confirmed names: Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, despite the latter recently suffering a muscle injury with Inter Milan.

Other Argentine stars fighting for a spot

The 13 players mentioned form the core of Argentina’s lineup over the past two years and will likely continue to do so in the challenges ahead this year. Beyond them, there is a small group of players whose inclusion is very likely, though not entirely certain.

Some cases are due to physical issues, as with Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Gonzalez. Both have been important members of the team under Scaloni, but they missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to injuries and are currently still dealing with issues that put their participation in doubt.

Finally, there are players highly regarded by the coach who have played important roles for the national team in recent years, but whose current performances are not entirely convincing. This includes Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, and Thiago Almada. Nevertheless, all of them have strong chances of making the final list.

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Vincenzo Italiano reveals the injury problems forcing changes to Bologna in the Europa League play-off against SK Brann. ‘We must adapt to a pitch that is not in good condition.’

It kicks off at the Brann Stadion in Bergen at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action from this game and Jagiellonia vs. Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

The second leg will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara next Thursday, February 26.

These teams already met in the league phase during a 0-0 draw on November 6, when Bologna were unlucky not to get all three points, despite being down to 10 men for over an hour.

Italiano forced into Bologna changes

When Bologna arrived last night, they couldn’t have a proper pitch inspection, as the floodlights were switched off, so today was an unpleasant surprise.

“The pitch is not in good condition, so we must adapt immediately to what I think will become an increasingly muddy surface,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ll also see what their approach is, as often when they are under pressure, they start hitting long balls, so we need to be alert on the rebounds.”

The Rossoblu had been in a dire crisis during 2026, crashing out of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals to Lazio on penalties, managing two wins in 14 competitive games.

That was ended with Sunday’s badly-needed 2-1 Serie A victory away to Torino, which got them back on track.

It was somewhat surprising to see Santiago Castro start upfront rather than Thijs Dallinga, but there is a reason for that.

“Dallinga’s ankle is not in good shape, and in those final 20 minutes against Torino, we preferred to play Odgaard there because Thijs is not at 100 per cent.

“Other than that, with the pitch like this, we needed a bit more power and physicality in the side, especially on the flanks with Bernardeschi helping the full-back,” explained the coach.

“We need to get a result that leaves the second leg open for us, must avoid superficiality, and if there are any scoring opportunities, we’ve got to take them. That might mean leaving the ball to a teammate in a better position and not being egotistical.”

Juventus are preparing for an important Serie A match against Como on Saturday, when they host Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Allianz Stadium in what could prove to be a decisive six-pointer in the race for European football.

According to the latest reports from Alfredo Pedulla, Brazilian defender Bremer and Canadian forward Jonathan David trained separately from the rest of the team in the run-up to the match.

Both, therefore, are major doubts for the match against Como and Luciano Spalletti will have to adjust his squad accordingly.

Bad news piles up for Juventus as Bremer & David to miss Como match

Juventus have not had a good week – suffering a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray on Tuesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round.

Now, they must get refocused for Saturday’s league match – with Como just four points behind Juventus as both teams chase Champions League football.

With Italian clubs’ overall underperformance in Europe this season, it looks unlikely that there will be a 5th Champions League spot given to Serie A this campaign.

Therefore, fourth place becomes even more valuable and Juventus and Como are amongst the sides that will be tussling for that coveted spot until the campaign is over.

Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers last night in the Premier League, as the Gunners lost valuable momentum in the title race – with just a two point lead if Manchester City win their game in hand.

Riccardo Calafiori was at the centre of much of the drama yesterday evening, coming on as a late substitute for an injured Leandro Trossard before being involved in the stoppage-time equaliser that gave Wolves a prideful point against the league leaders.

After a mix-up between goalkeeper David Raya and centre-back Gabriel, Wolves youngster Edozie was quickest to react and fired a shot goalwards.

The shot flew past Raya, before bouncing off Gabriel and onto the post, before bouncing back into the goalmouth, off Calafiori, and over the line.

Initially the goal was credited as a Calafiori own goal before it was given to Edozie in the end.

In fairness, there was not much that the Italian could have done – his body weight was already where it was and much of the blame can be placed on Gabriel and Raya for their mix-up which allowed the chance to materialise in the first place.

And Arsenal fans have leapt to the Italian’s defence on social media.

Arsenal fans react to Calafiori

“I actually felt really sorry for Calafiori last night,” one user wrote on X, “his face said it all and he did everything he could to stop that goal.”

“Leave Riccardo Calafiori out of this,” said another, “it’s between David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Arteta.”

I actually felt really sorry for Calafiori last night. He’s face said it all and he did everything he could to stop that goal. pic.twitter.com/xOxWSmnLTs

— Sir Johnny OBE (@Farmer_Boycie) February 19, 2026

Leave Riccardo Calafiori out of this. It’s between David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Arteta pic.twitter.com/4NDzXmKmqO

— Triple M (@Tripple____M) February 19, 2026

Arsenal fans coming for Riccardo Calafiori for this goal need to chill. First of all look at Martin Zubimendi then David Raya and Gabriel Marghaleas. This goal has nothing to do with Calafiori pic.twitter.com/cYQKy2i4aS

— ISAAC (@Isaac_AFC_) February 19, 2026

Bologna face a tricky trip to Norway against SK Brann in the Europa League play-off, with Jens Odgaard, Riccardo Orsolini and Santiago Castro upfront.

It kicks off at the Brann Stadion in Bergen at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action from this game and Jagiellonia vs. Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

The second leg will be at the Stadio Dall’Ara next Thursday, February 26.

Curiously, these teams already met during the league phase and drew 0-0 at the Stadio Dall’Ara on November 6, despite the hosts being down to 10 men for well over an hour due to the Charalampos Lykogiannis red card.

He cannot replicate that, as he is out injured for this trip, with Lorenzo De Silvestri not on the UEFA list either.

The Rossoblu have been in a painful crisis period, crashing out of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals to Lazio, managing two wins in 14 competitive games.

That was ended with Sunday’s badly-needed 2-1 Serie A victory away to Torino.

Vincenzo Italiano rotates the squad to a degree, starting Nadir Zortea at right-back, with Ferguson, Niccolo Cambiaghi and Bernardeschi fanning out behind Castro.

They already won the Coppa Italia last season and now hope to reach the last 16 in Europe for the first time in 27 years.

SK Brann finished 24^th in the Europa League opening phase and the Norwegian league is on its winter break, so their only matches since mid-November were a 3-3 with Midtjylland and 1-0 loss to Sturm Graz on January 29.

They have been in a training camp in Spain over the last couple of weeks to stay in shape.

Niklas Castro and Saevar Atli Magnusson are on the treatment table, a big loss considering the latter is their top scorer this season with five goals in all competition.

Emil Kornvig has three goals in the Europa League this term, with Noah Holm on two.

Brann vs. Bologna line-ups

Brann: Dyngeland; De Roeve, Pallesen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Ingason, Sorensen, Myhre; Mathisen, Holm, Thorsteinsson

Brann bench: Vidtun Nilsen, Klausen, Finne, Dragsnes, Pedersen, Sande, Haaland, Eikrem, Remmem, Holten

Bologna: Skorupski; Zortea, Vitik, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Bernardeschi, Ferguson, Cambiaghi; Castro

Bologna bench: Ravaglia, Pessina, Pobega, Orsolini, Rowe, Heggem, Casale, Joao Mario, Odgaard, Sohm, Dallinga, Dominguez

Ref: Obrenovic (SVN)

19-02-2026 17:45

Knockout phase play-offs

Brann Stadion

Brann

Bologna

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		9'		Santiago Castro (Assist: Nicolò Cambiaghi)
		14'		Federico Bernardeschi
Nana Kwame Boakye		30'

Match statistic

65

Possession %

35

4

Total shots

13

2

Shots on target

5

2

Shots off target

4

0

Blocked shots

4

7

Corners

4

4

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

20

Brann

Bologna

Starting lineups

1

Mathias Dyngeland

Goalkeeper

21

Denzel De Roeve

Defender

3

Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen

Defender

17

Joachim Soltvedt

Defender

79'

4

Nana Kwame Boakye

Defender

8

Felix Horn Myhre

Midfielder

18

Jacob Lungi Sörensen

Midfielder

16

Jón Dagur Thorsteinsson

Attacker

79'

10

Kristall Máni Ingason

Attacker

69'

29

Noah Jean Holm

Attacker

14

Ulrik Mathisen

Attacker

79'

1

Lukasz Skorupski

Goalkeeper

26

Jhon Lucumí

Defender

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

75'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

75'

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

46'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

87'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

24

Mathias Engevik Klausen

Goalkeeper

43

Rasmus Holten

Defender

41

Lars Remmem

Midfielder

27

Mads Sande

Attacker

40

Jesper Nerhus Eikrem

Midfielder

12

Simen Vidtun Nilsen

Goalkeeper

23

Thore Pedersen

Defender

69'

11

Bard Finne

Attacker

79'

32

Markus Haaland

Attacker

79'

20

Vetle Dragsnes

Defender

79'

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

46'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

46'

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

75'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

75'

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

87'

Roma forward Paulo Dybala has been missing since the beginning of the month due to a knee problem but the latest reports from Italy claim that the Argentine will not require surgery and is progressing with his recovery ‘as originally planned.’

According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, there was initial speculation that the Argentine would have to undergo surgery on his knee. However, Roma’s staff are now considering other options.

Indeed, after an MRI scan revealed no issues that would be fixed with surgery, Roma decided against any extreme medical intervention.

No Dybala surgery required but Roma teammate Soule not so lucky

Instead, it appears that another of Roma’s forwards, Matias Soule, may not be so lucky.

The Argentine has been suffering from a pubalgia injury that has prevented him from playing a full ninety minutes since last October.

Surgery may help prevent any issues from reoccurring and could likewise help Soule manage the pain.

Roma will need all hands on deck as they prepare to battle for a place in the top four of Serie A. They currently lead 5th-placed Juventus by just one point, and will welcome the Bianconeri to the Stadio Olimpico in March 1 in what is a must-win game.

Liverpool are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Allan from Palmeiras. 

The 21-year-old is a promising young player with a bright future, and Liverpool is working to secure his signature. According to reports from Brazil, the deal could be completed in the coming weeks, with the player joining his new team after the World Cup.

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Liverpool close in on Allan

The report further claims that Liverpool could seal his signature for €35 million. The 21-year-old is a phenomenal player with a bright future, and he could develop into a key player for the club with the right guidance. He could justify the investment in future and establish himself as an important asset.

Allan is capable of operating on the flanks as well as in the attacking midfield role. He will add goals and creativity to the Liverpool attack. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. He will look to showcase qualities at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.

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Liverpool could nurture him into a star

Liverpool has done well to groom young players in the past, and they could help him develop further. It remains to be seen whether they can wrap up the move quickly. Multiple clubs have been linked with the talented young midfielder, but Liverpool are now in the driving seat to complete the move.

They have done well to improve the team in recent windows, and they are looking to build for the future. It is no surprise that they are keen on the South American prodigy.

It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old can adapt to English football quickly and establishment itself as an important first team player for Liverpool next season.

The post Liverpool in pole position as €35m sensation edges closer to post-World Cup switch appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is currently on loan at Bayern Munich and is expected to return to the club in the summer.

The German outfit is unlikely to sign him permanently, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. According to TEAMtalk, the player’s representatives are working to secure his long-term future, and top clubs are keen on him.

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Nicolas Jackson is in demand

Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are monitoring his situation. It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to make an official offer to secure the deal.

Chelsea believe that selling the player permanently in the summer would be in the best interests of all parties. It remains to be seen if they are ready to cash in for a reasonable amount of money.

The player has scored five goals for the German club since joining on loan, but has struggled for regular opportunities.

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Feb 19 2026, 21:40

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Feb 19 2026, 21:00

Jackson needs a fresh start

He should look to join a club that will offer him regular football next season. Manchester United and Tottenham could use more depth in the attacking unit. Jackson is more than just a goalscorer, and he will add creativity to the team as well. He could be the ideal second striker for them. If they can sign for a reasonable amount, the deal could be worth it.

The opportunity to play in the Premier League with Manchester United or Tottenham will be exciting for the player as well. He is at the peak of his career, and he will look to compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on the player as well, and they have been in regular contact with his representatives. It remains to be seen whether the player is ready to move to Spain.

The post Chelsea to greenlight sale as Man United & Tottenham eye move for 24-year-old appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, and the player has now reflected on his decision.

The 24-year-old has been with the club since he was eight years old, and he has committed to the club long-term. He has been a key player for Arsenal in recent seasons, and keeping him at the club for the long term will be a huge boost for them. They have built a quality team, and they will look to win major trophies. They need players like Saka at their disposal.

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The player has now revealed that signing a new contract with Arsenal was an easy decision for him, and that he decided to put pen to paper because Arsenal are back where they belong and regularly pushing for major trophies. He wants to win every major trophy in the coming seasons, and it remains to be seen whether he can help the Gunners win the league title this season.

Bukayo Saka on his contract decision

He said to the club’s official website: “I’m feeling amazing. I think it’s a fantastic moment for my family and for me. I feel immense joy to continue my journey at this club. For me, it was an easy commitment and I just hope to win everything here.

“The journey that I’ve been on, from where I started to where I am now, and the journey the team’s been on as well, is a special one. I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, and we’re able to win trophies and make history for this club. We’re back where we belong, fighting for everything.”

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Can Saka guide Arsenal to the title?

Arsenal are currently leading the Premier League title race, but Manchester City are breathing down their neck. They will need to be more consistent in the coming weeks if they want to go all the way. Saka ended his goal drought with a header against Wolves last time out, and with his long-term future sorted, he will look to recapture his peak form once again.

The post Arsenal star makes decision on Emirates future, explains why he made the choice appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have announced that Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term deal with the club. The 24-year-old, who came through the Arsenal academy, is now contracted to the club for another five years as he looks to win silverware under Mikel Arteta. His goal against Wolves on Wednesday was his 58th in the Premier League, […]

The post Saka signs new long-term deal with Arsenal appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Saka signs new long-term deal with Arsenal appeared first on Soccer News.

In the wake of Luis Diaz and Darwin Núñez’s departure, Liverpool decided to bring in Alexander Isak as a star signing. For €145 million, he promised to lead the team’s offense, having recently shone in the Premier League. However, not only did he deliver a disappointing performance, but he also suffered a serious injury. Now, Mohamed Salah could welcome him back soon, as Arne Slot gave an important update on Isak’s injury status.

“It will be somewhere around the international break. It depends on whether he (Alexander Isak) has a setback. It’ll be the end of March, start of April when he’s back with the group, but it doesn’t mean he’s ready to start playing straight away… We’re expecting a different player at the end of this season compared to what he has done up to now. Unforunately for him and us, we haven’t seen the best Alex. We will next season,” Arne Slot said as reported by ESPN.

After suffering a fibula fracture, Isak may not take on a direct, prominent role in Liverpool’s starting lineup. The Swede could even use these matches to regain his competitive rhythm and optimal physical condition. Nonetheless, he has proven to have a significant goal-scoring impact in the Premier League and could be important for the Reds’ run-in at the end of the season. As a result, Salah and Ekitike could receive a reliable boost to the offense.

Alongside Ekitike, Alexander is emerging as one of the Reds’ key bets for the club’s upcoming rebuild. With the potential departures of Salah and Federico Chiesa, both the Frenchman and the Swede are expected to lead the team as an attacking duo, especially given that both arrived in big-money transfers. However, Arne Slot still has to figure out how to deploy both players in the same lineup—something he could test upon Isak’s return.

Liverpool could bet big on more attacking reinforcements

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, Liverpool could need greater attacking reinforcements, as major departures may emerge. Despite having invested €365 million in Isak, Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, they could be preparing for significant exits from the squad. Not only are Salah and Chiesa expected to leave, but Cody Gakpo is also reportedly a potential transfer candidate. In response, the Reds could look to sign new attacking stars.

With this in mind, the Reds are reportedly targeting Morgan Rogers as a reinforcement, but they face strong interest from PSG. Additionally, coach Arne Slot has supposedly requested the arrival of dribbling wingers, which is why players such as Michael Olise, Yan Diomande, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola have reportedly been added to the priority list. Aiming for a squad rebuild, Liverpool are seeking to regain their competitiveness.

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has already turned into a global spectacle, not only on the pitch but also at the ticket office. Supporters across the world have reacted with disbelief as prices for the expanded tournament in North America reached unprecedented levels, sparking accusations of profiteering, frustration among loyal fans, and renewed debates over access to soccer’s biggest stage. Amid the storm, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has remained a central figure in defending the tournament’s commercial model, while insisting that demand has never been higher.

The debate is unfolding as the club and the national team prepare for the most ambitious World Cup in history, with 48 teams, 104 matches, and a tri-nation hosting format involving the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ticket pricing has emerged as one of the most controversial topics, with fans claiming the tournament is becoming inaccessible for ordinary supporters.

The controversy intensified after resale listings revealed staggering prices for major matches. Tickets for the opening match in Mexico City were listed at more than $5,300, compared with an original price of $895, while a single seat for the final in New Jersey reached a jaw-dropping $143,750 — more than 40 times its original value. Even the cheapest resale ticket for the final hovered close to $10,000, shocking supporters around the world.

Fan organizations accused FIFA of betraying its core audience, arguing that soccer’s biggest tournament is drifting further away from ordinary supporters. “These exorbitant prices, unfortunately, don’t surprise me… In the end, who pays the price? The passionate fans who end up with outrageous offers,” said France supporters’ group Irresistibles Francais. “We would prefer that this benefit real fans… but unfortunately, that’s not the case.”

FIFA attempted to soften the backlash by introducing a $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” ticket, but critics argued that the limited allocation — just 10% of tickets distributed through national associations — was symbolic rather than transformative.

What did Infantino say about the ticket demand?

While supporters questioned affordability, Infantino insisted the World Cup was witnessing historic demand, hinting that the tournament was on course to be one of the most attended sporting events in history. His comments fueled debate about whether soccer’s popularity could truly offset concerns about accessibility and fairness.

In the middle of the controversy, the head of the international governing body delivered a striking declaration. “The demand is there. Every match is sold out,” he said in an interview with CNBC.

According to the FIFA president, 508 million ticket requests were submitted in just four weeks for roughly seven million available tickets, with applications coming from more than 200 countries. “We’ve never seen anything like that — incredible,” he added, noting that FIFA deliberately kept some tickets in reserve for a final sales phase starting in April and running until the final on July 19.

Infantino also addressed the pricing criticism directly, suggesting that the tournament’s location was a major driver of demand. “I think it is because it’s in America, Canada, and Mexico. Everybody wants to be part of something special,” he said. He explained that although official ticket prices are fixed, dynamic pricing models and resale platforms allow prices to fluctuate based on market demand, adding, “That’s part of the market we are in.”

The business of the biggest World Cup ever

Beyond ticket sales, Infantino painted a picture of unprecedented economic impact. He estimated the tournament would generate more than $11 billion in revenue for FIFA, claiming “every dollar” would be reinvested in soccer across its 211 member associations.

He also projected that the World Cup could contribute around $30 billion to the US economy, driven by tourism, catering, security, and infrastructure investments. In addition, between 20 and 30 million tourists are expected, alongside 185,000 full-time jobs created by the event. “It’s a big impact… I hope this impact will not just be limited to the World Cup but for the future as well,” Infantino said.

Following the heavily criticized management of Josep Maria Bartomeu, Joan Laporta took over at Barcelona, aiming for an economic recovery and a rebuild of the roster. While he did manage to carry out a successful overhaul of the squad, the departure of Lionel Messi has decisively marked his presidential term. As he moves toward seeking re-election, Joan has received strong criticism from another candidate over the way Messi’s exit was handled.

Ahead of Barcelona’s presidential elections, Marc Ciria has decided to make Lionel Messi a central part of his project. By promoting the “Moviment 42,” he aims to bring the Argentine legend back, even going as far as placing a giant banner on the streets of Barcelona with the phrase, “Looking forward to seeing you again,” alongside an image of the Argentine. The candidate has also chosen to deliver strong criticism of Joan Laporta over his handling of the player’s departure.

“Every time we meet partners, they tell us that we have to give our all so that Leo Messi returns. Since 2021, we have been saying that one of the biggest strategic mistakes in the club’s history was expelling Leo Messi. This tribute is based on passion, emotion, and being clear that we are the good guys. Most members want to recover the excitement of having the best player in history at home, from where he never had to leave,” Marc Ciria as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Even though Laporta centered his election campaign on Messi, he couldn’t secure his continuity. Due to Barcelona’s dire finances, Joan decided to let him go, unable to accommodate his multi-million dollar salary. As a result, Lionel left the team without a triumphant farewell, sparking fury among fans and candidates like Marc Ciria. Despite this, the Argentine has no intention of commenting on his departure or his campaign banner, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Marc Ciria criticizes Laporta’s lack of investment in La Masia

Throughout Joan Laporta‘s tenure as president, Barcelona have undergone major roster rebuild. Letting veteran players leave, Laporta and the sporting directors placed their bets on players from La Masia. As a result, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, and even Gerard Martin took center stage. Despite this, presidential candidate Marc Ciria claims there has been a significant decline in investment in the youth academy.

During a meeting with Penya Barcelonista Matinera of Barcelona, Marc Ciria disclosed that investment in La Masia has dropped by 30% since Laporta’s arrival. Ciria, who identifies the academy as a cornerstone of his vision, seeks to overhaul this approach, recognizing it as one of the club’s most crucial assets. In this context, he advocates for increased and enhanced investment, with the goal of surpassing current performance levels.

Alongside this, Ciria announced that he will seek to strengthen loyalty among the club’s current members, avoiding situations like the resale of tickets against opponents such as Eintracht Frankfurt. To achieve this, the candidate stated that he will freeze season-ticket prices for five years, pushing back against the constant price increases implemented by Laporta since his arrival.

La Stampa reports that Tuesday’s heavy defeat against Galatasaray led to a change in Luciano Spalletti’s attitude towards his Juventus players.

• Read more – At least six Juventus players not part of Spalletti’s future plans

Safe to say Juventus coach Spalletti is highly disappointed following a 5-2 away Champions League defeat against Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Spalletti ‘ unusually shaken’ after Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus

As reported by La Stampa, Spalletti appeared unusually shaken and uncommunicative when the team resumed training at Continassa the day after the match.

The Italian tactician had praised his players in recent weeks, even after a 3-2 loss against Inter last weekend.

However, since Tuesday, his mood and demeanour have shifted dramatically, prompting the coach to call on his players to reflect deeply and take full responsibility for their roles.

Spalletti argued that it’s “useless to talk if actions don’t follow”, and, according to the report, the Tuscan tactician is considering a tactical switch in the upcoming games, with a possible return to a three-man defence.

Juventus’ next games in Serie A and UCL

The coach’s priority, however, remains rediscovering the team’s personality and strong spirit.

Next Saturday, the Bianconeri will host Como in Serie A before the return leg against Galatasaray next Wednesday.

Milan will breathe a sigh of relief this morning, after medical examinations revealed that Strahinja Pavlovic has not suffered a fracture after being forced off at half-time in Milan’s Serie A draw against Como yesterday evening.

According to what has been reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, Pavlovic underwent tests this morning which have confirmed no fractures but instead a hematoma in the soft tissue around his fibula in his left leg.

Therefore, a serious injury has been ruled out but it is one that may still keep the Milan defender out for a little while at least.

Pavlovic fracture ruled out as Milan prepare for absence in Parma clash

The Gazzetta reports claim that there’s some concern that the Serbian will be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Parma, whilst he will aim to return for the trip to Cremonese at the start of March.

With Pavlovic in doubt for Sunday, the reports suggest that Allegri will turn to Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Koni De Winter as his back three – as he did for the second half in the draw against Como.

Verona and Pisa have been struggling in Serie A this season and are desperate for points in the race for survival, but five more teams will fight to avoid the drop in Italy’s top flight this term.

Having just combined three victories in the opening 22 games, it comes as no surprise to see Pisa and Verona as the Unibet sports betting favourites to be relegated to Serie B this term.

Verona have only won two matches so far, while Pisa, who were promoted to Serie A in 2024-25, have just one victory in the current Serie A campaign.

Although the Tuscans have signed several new players in the January window and Verona sold one of their best footballers, Giovane, to Napoli, their record in the league is quite similar. Not only have they conceded 37 goals each, only Torino have more with 40, but they are also winless in the new year. Verona have earned two points in their last five games, and Pisa have just one more in the same period.

They remain nine points below safety after 25 rounds, so Verona and Pisa remain the most likely Serie A teams to get relegated this season.

Fiorentina are surprisingly fighting to avoid the same fate, sitting in the relegation zone below Lecce, Torino, Parma, Cremonese and Genoa.

Bookmakers see Lecce as the third most-likely candidate to go to Serie B, as Eusebio Di Francesco’s side only have a three-point lead over 18th-placed Fiorentina.

The Viola have the seventh-highest wage bill in Serie A and have made many new acquisitions to strengthen the team for their new coach, Paolo Vanoli, who replaced Stefano Pioli in November.

Fiorentina won two of their last five league matches, moving just three points below safety. One of their last home games against direct rivals Cagliari, however, saw the Tuscans suffer a painful 2-1 loss.

“We still have to work out how to face this type of match. We cannot concede two goals like that and throw the game away. We were too slow and scared when making choices,” Vanoli said after the match.

“I am disappointed, it was an important fixture, it can be a valuable lesson, if we learn it.

“Since I arrived, I’ve told the lads they need to not kid themselves when there are some positive results, because we are still in a very bad situation. In terms of mentality, this can be a lesson, because it’s the head-to-head clashes with the teams in the bottom half where we lost points.

“In that sense, there’s still a long way for us to go.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter ‘informally complained’ about Bodo/Glimt’s artificial turf before their Champions League game on Wednesday, and Lautaro Martinez’s injury further irritated the Serie A giants.

Lautaro Martinez’s calf injury during Wednesday’s Champions League clash away at Bodo/Glimt irritated Inter, as the Nerazzurri believe that the artificial turf in which the game was played contributed to their captain’s physical issue.

Lautaro to be assessed on Friday

Inter coach Cristian Chivu admitted at full-time that Lautaro’s injury was serious.

According to Gazzetta, the Argentine and Piotr Zielinski will undergo medical tests on Friday as the Nerazzurri only returned from Norway today.

According to the report, Lautaro dragged his right leg at the airport this morning, while Zielinski was walking ‘normally.’

Inter complained to UEFA before Bodo/Glimt match

Gazzetta reports that Inter directors feel the artificial turf fell far short of the standards expected at the highest levels of European football.

The pink paper adds that the pitch ‘looked like a poorly laid Subbuteo mat’ with strange wrinkles around the edges and that Inter had already informally complained to UEFA before the match, fearing for the safety of their players.

Lautaro was subbed off at minute 60 last night, while Zielinski replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan at minute 76. Zielinski played until the end of the match, but still needs to be assessed tomorrow due to a minor injury.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry praised ex-Milan talent Jens Petter Hauge and his Bodo/Glimt teammates after a stunning win over Inter in the Champions League: ‘You are all technically sound.’

Former Arsenal and Juventus striker Henry was full of praise for Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt after their 3-1 win over Inter in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Wednesday. 

Henry impressed by Hauge and Bodo/Glimt

Hauge, a former Milan starlet, scored a goal last night and then examined the match in a post-match interview with CBS Sports.

One of their pundits, Henry, praised Hauge and the Bodo/Glimt squad, and asked: “You are all technically sound; all the players, especially in attack, play with both right and left feet. You have awareness in and around the box. Is it something you develop at a young age in your country? It seems like you are all technically sound when you have the ball, especially up front.”

Check out Hauge’s reply and his full interview in the video below.

Jens Petter Hauge reflects on Bodø/Glimt’s magical #UCL run, and doesn’t mind taking a shot at @MicahRichards pic.twitter.com/NsmTNvrV8j

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 18, 2026

Former Serie A star Lilian Thuram says José Mourinho became a ‘small man’ by brushing off Real Madrid’s complaints about alleged racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior.

Tuesday’s Champions League encounter between Real Madrid and Benfica in Portugal was marred by claims that Benfica prospect Gianluca Prestianni aimed racist remarks at Vinicius Jr.

The Benfica player denied accusations, and his coach, Mourinho, protected him at full-time and appeared to blame Vini Jr. instead.

“I told him: ‘When you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.’ They [Vinícius and Prestianni] told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent,” Mourinho told Prime Video via The Guardian.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinícius plays, something always happens.”

Ex-Serie A star Thuram, a 1998 World Cup winner with France and the father of Serie A stars Marcus (Inter) and Kehphren (Juventus), hit back at the Portuguese in an interview with L’Equipe.

“The nature of his statements explains the reasons why progress isn’t being made. Mourinho is a great coach with an exceptional career,” Thuram said.

Thuram sees ‘sense of superiority and white narcissism’ in Mourinho’s comments

“He has worked with many black players, and yet that doesn’t stop him, first, from doubting the nature of a racist act and, second, from questioning the victim’s responsibility. Vinicius, in this case, because of the way he celebrates a goal.

“How can he say something like that? Who is Mourinho to decide what Vinicius can or cannot do? In Mourinho’s judgment, there is a sense of superiority and white narcissism.

“The racist act against Vinicius was not related to his behaviour, but to the colour of his skin,” Thuram continued.

“Mourinho suggested that Vinicius might be at fault, that he brought it on himself. This is total violence. His feeling of superiority that some white people have prevents them from putting themselves in the victim’s shoes. A bit more humility would be needed.

“A bit more humility would be needed. And how can Mourinho ignore what the players themselves say? Are Vinicius and Mbappé crazy? Are black people paranoid, inventing stories? It’s pathetic that Mourinho makes it seem as if Vinicius is responsible for the racism he endures.

“By doing so, he becomes a small man. As long as behaviours like this persist, we will not move forward together in this fight, and that is also part of the history of racism. Mourinho does not analyse the racist act as a human being, but as a white man.”

Manchester United have reportedly had some internal discussions about the potential transfer of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.

According to Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, the Red Devils have discussed the possibility of moving for Gordon, who could be available this summer.

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If Newcastle don’t qualify for the Champions League then they could be in a position where they need to make one “major” sale, according to Jacobs.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Gordon would be the one to go, but see below for what Jacobs had to say about it…

? Mateus Mané is not a priority target for Manchester United at the moment. Anthony Gordon has been discussed internally and if Newcastle miss out on Champions League qualification, a major sale could be considered in the summer to raise funds. [@JacobsBen, @UnitedStandMUFC] pic.twitter.com/eZolhBKDLE

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) February 19, 2026

“Anthony Gordon has been discussed internally and if Newcastle miss out on Champions League qualification, a major sale could be considered in the summer to raise funds,” Jacobs said.

Anthony Gordon eyed by Manchester United but also Liverpool

United surely won’t be alone in pursuing Gordon if this transfer opportunity does indeed emerge in the summer.

The England international is also understood to be on the radar of top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, as we recently reported here.

Our information is that Gordon’s asking price would likely be as high as £95m, so it won’t be easy for any of these clubs to get a deal done.

Newcastle showed last summer that they’re no pushovers as they eventually sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record transfer fee.

Anthony Gordon could be a fine signing for Manchester United

MUFC have made some progress this season, but they could probably still do with more depth in attack, as well as a more natural wide player than Matheus Cunha.

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Bryan Mbeumo has performed really well since joining from Brentford, and Gordon could offer something similar from the other flank.

Still, Liverpool might also do well to spend big money on Gordon as Mohamed Salah is not getting any younger and may face an uncertain future if his form doesn’t improve between now and the end of the season.

The post Report: Man Utd have discussed £95m Liverpool transfer target in case of “major” opportunity appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Como boss Cesc Fabregas could be a good option to replace Mikel Arteta.

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One imagines Arteta’s future as Arsenal manager will surely be a topic for the club to consider this summer if the Gunners once again finish trophyless despite looking in such a strong position to win the Premier League.

A surprise 2-2 draw away to Wolves last night means Manchester City can cut Arsenal’s lead to just two points, and Pep Guardiola’s side are still preparing to host Arteta’s men at the Etihad Stadium.

Petit says he can see Arteta one day being tempted by the Barcelona job, and named Fabregas as a good option to possibly replace his fellow Spaniard.

Mikel Arteta to Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas to Arsenal?

Fabregas is another former Arsenal player who was hugely popular during his time at the Emirates Stadium, and he looks like a promising coach from his relatively short managerial career so far.

It’s easy to imagine Arsenal being keen to bring Fabregas back if they did decide to replace Arteta, and Petit also thinks plenty of other big clubs will be monitoring the 38-year-old.

Speaking to BetBrothers, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Petit said: “Mikel Arteta will one day manage Barcelona, I think eventually we’ll see that.

“To be honest, I don’t know what’s best. If he wins, he will leave. If he doesn’t win, he will leave. I don’t know. If he wins, he might continue to increase the number of trophies.”

He added: “I think Cesc Fabregas will take his time because he has everything he needs at Como. He wants players, they bring him players. Whatever he wants, they bring it to him. And that’s allowing him to have that kind of power in the decision-making.

“His former clubs will let managers go and obviously Chelsea, Arsenal, I mean really any club at the top, will be looking at him as an option because he’s doing an incredible job at Como.”

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Is it time for Arsenal to replace Mikel Arteta?

Arteta has done a tremendous job to turn Arsenal into serious competitors again, but questions remain over whether he’s now the man to make that final step over the line to winning major silverware.

Arteta Arsenal record	Wins	Draws	Losses	Win %
2019-present	200	63	69	60.24

The former Manchester City coach won the FA Cup with Arsenal in his first season, but has not delivered a trophy since then, with the club finishing 2nd in the Premier League in the last three years in a row.

While Arteta’s work deserves credit, it could also be fair to say that another season finishing runners-up might merit some serious questions over what would be the best for the team’s future.

It might be a bit early for someone as inexperienced as Fabregas, but it will be interesting to see what the Arsenal manager situation ends up looking like if results don’t improve soon.

The post “Incredible” manager tipped to replace Arteta at Arsenal but other top clubs will also be keen appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The Champions League night in Lisbon was supposed to be about goals, tactics, and the fine margins of knockout soccer. Instead, it became something far more serious. Vinicius, one of the game’s most influential forwards and the face of the club, found himself at the center of a controversy that reignited long-standing debates about racism in European soccer. What followed in the hours after the match would draw reactions from governing bodies, rival teams, and soccer’s most powerful institutions.

While Real Madrid initially remained silent, a decisive response eventually arrived, sending a message that extended far beyond the pitch. The episode has once again exposed soccer’s unresolved struggle with discrimination and the growing demand for real accountability.

The incident occurred during a tense Champions League knockout-round clash in Lisbon, where Los Blancos secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg. Shortly after Vinicius scored, tensions escalated following allegations of racial abuse directed at the Brazilian forward. The match was temporarily halted for about 10 minutes after the referee activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, an increasingly common yet deeply troubling feature of modern soccer.

The Brazilian winger later alleged that he had been called a racial slur by the opposing player, Gianluca Prestianni, an accusation that triggered a disciplinary investigation by UEFA and an avalanche of reactions across the soccer world. The Argentine, however, denied the claims, and Benfica publicly defended its player, describing the situation as a “defamation campaign.”

Yet, for Vinicius and many observers, the episode was another reminder that racism remains a persistent issue in the sport.

What is Real Madrid’s position?

In the immediate aftermath of the match, attention turned to the Spanish giants and how they would respond. Players, coaches, and global soccer figures voiced their opinions, but the institution itself initially stayed quiet. That silence ended 48 hours later, when the club finally released an official statement outlining its position.

This was the moment Real Madrid officially took a stand. In a firm message addressed to UEFA, the club confirmed it had submitted “all available evidence” related to the incident and pledged full cooperation with the governing body’s investigation.

“Real Madrid C.F. announces that today it has provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred… during the Champions League match that our team played in Lisbon against SL Benfica,” the statement read.
“Our club has actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA following the unacceptable episodes of racism experienced during that match.”

Full support for Vinicius

Beyond the legal and procedural response, the club’s statement carried a strong emotional and institutional message: unwavering support for Vinicius Jr. “Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global soccer community,” the club added.

“Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.” The club’s backing of Vinicius was unequivocal, reinforcing his position not only as a key player but also as a symbol in soccer’s ongoing battle against discrimination.

Former Juventus and Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio is unsure Lloyd Kelly will continue to be a regular starter at Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna.’

Ex-Italy international Di Canio was highly critical of Italian football on Wednesday night as he examined Serie A clubs’ defeats in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg.

Di Canio critical of Italian football

Juventus lost 5-2 away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night. Kelly was blamed for the Turkish side’s fourth goal as the English defender lost possession inside the box, leading to Noa Lang’s strike.

West Ham legend Di Canio didn’t mince words when criticising Serie A football, including Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti and Bianconeri defender Kelly.

“He [Spalletti] said: ‘Kelly doesn’t even know how strong he is’, but actually, he’s a tuna,” Di Canio said via TMW.

Di Canio: Kelly ‘is a tuna…in a good way!’

“In a good way, because he’s such a nice guy. However, there isn’t a storytelling that makes us think Kelly will be the starting defender of a Juventus side that wins the Scudetto or the Champions League in the future. Some things are said to motivate the players at times, but then you see performances like the one in Istanbul, which kill you.”

Kelly has had regular playing time under Spalletti this season, making 20 appearances across all competitions.

The English defender joined the Bianconeri from Newcastle in the 2025 January transfer window and has already played 51 games across all competitions with the Old Lady.

His contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in June 2029.

Paolo Di Canio strongly criticises Italian football after Serie A clubs suffered three defeats in three Champions League matches and is ‘sorry’ that Donyell Malen was compared to Gianluca Vialli.

• Read more – Di Canio suggests Kelly unworthy of Juventus: ‘He’s a tuna’

Former West Ham and Lazio star Di Canio lashed out at Italian football on Wednesday night after seeing Juventus, Atalanta and Inter lose their opening games in the Champions League knockout play-off.

“Don’t even mention the Premier League, who are on a different level. Our perception of Italian football is that we are phenomenal. Yet, we play away at PSV and concede six goals,” Di Canio told during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show via TMW.

“This season, many thought Napoli would have gone who knows where in the Champions League, then they conceded six goals against a team [PSV] that collected three points against them and then five in the other seven matches. Inter conceded five goals in the Champions League Final against PSG, but it could have been 10.”

Di Canio was also critical of Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who had said he saw “similarities” between Vialli and Malen.

“He [Malen] is 27, and nobody ever paid attention to him. At Aston Villa, he was a backup for Rodgers and Watkins, who are stronger,” Di Canio said.

“He gets here and scores five goals in five matches, and we are dragging Vialli into this? My big brother, a kiss to heaven, I’m sorry they mentioned you.”

Di Canio went on to say: “I hear that it is difficult to play in Pisa. How is it possible? Pisa have scored 2 goals in 12 home games. If you play blindfolded in Pisa, you draw 0-0. There’s a narration according to which Italian players could play for Manchester City. Who? Italian payers have not been signed across Europe for 15 years, which means they are not considered up to the task.”

Cole Palmer’s friend, Manchester-based rapper Tunde, has stated his strong view that Chelsea star Cole Palmer will end up at Manchester United.

Tunde has posted on Instagram about former Manchester City youngster Palmer, insisting that he’ll talk him into making a move to Old Trafford as he’s a Red Devils fan.

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“1 day I will get CP to UTD back home where he belongs. Go ask him who his favorite team is,” Tunde posted, as quoted by Goal.

Chelsea fans won’t be too happy about this, with stories about Palmer and Man Utd not really going away following some recent talk of the England international being unsettled in London and being homesick for a move back up north.

Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea for Manchester United?

Palmer is surely a player United would love to have if possible, with the 23-year-old proving a world class performer for much of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea surely won’t sell Palmer if they can help it, after his fine contribution of 52 goals in 115 games for the Blues since he joined from Man City.

Still, the Sun have previously reported that Palmer could be tempted to move back to Manchester, so this could end up being an issue for Chelsea.

Fichajes have also previously claimed that United could be prepared to set aside huge money to bring Palmer to Old Trafford.

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What Liam Rosenior has said about Cole Palmer transfer speculation

Addressing the Palmer stories a few weeks ago, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior very much played down talk of the player being unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

“I spoke with Cole and he seems and is very happy to be here,” Rosenior said, as quoted by BBC Sport.

“For sure Palmer is a huge part of our plans in the long-term. He’s feeling in a good place and joined training today.”

The post “Where he belongs” – Cole Palmer’s friend makes big claim about Man United transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Real Madrid are reportedly really keen on a potential transfer deal for highly-rated Tottenham wonderkid Luka Vuskovic.

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The talented young Croatian centre-back has shone on loan in the Bundesliga with Hamburg this season, and is quickly earning comparisons with some of the game’s greats.

Vuskovic has also been eyed by Bayern Munich in recent times, while Real Madrid are now being strongly linked with the €40m-rated 18-year-old in a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.

It remains to be seen if Spurs will sanction a sale, however, with Vuskovic yet to play a single game for the north London club.

They’ll surely want to bring Vuskovic back next season and make him part of their first-team, with his value surely able to go up even higher in the years to come.

Luka Vuskovic transfer: Will he end up leaving Tottenham already?

Tottenham have struggled in the last couple of seasons, so will surely be keen to bring in an elite young talent like Vuskovic to help their chances.

The talented teenager already looks more than good enough to go into the Spurs starting XI next season, and it makes sense that big clubs are keen on him.

Real Madrid signed Dean Huijsen last summer, another highly-rated young central defender, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t made the best start at the Bernabeu, so Vuskovic could be a good upgrade in that position.

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Still, THFC surely need to ensure they keep hold of Vuskovic for a bit longer, even if they often do end up selling their best players eventually.

With Vuskovic yet to actually kick a ball for the north London club, however, it seems like it will surely be too soon to convince them to sell, unless Real can come in with frankly crazy money.

The post Real Madrid eager to move into pole position to sign €40m Tottenham star with 0 appearances appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona are reportedly eager to extend Marcus Rashford’s stay beyond the current campaign, with the Catalan club preparing to open negotiations over a permanent deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, discussions with Manchester United are expected to be complex, as the Premier League side are understood to be holding firm on a €30 million valuation.

Rashford’s situation has quickly with the attacker impressing Barcelona on his loan spell in La Liga.

Barcelona want to prolong Rashford’s stay

Barcelona view Rashford as a player capable of adding directness and attacking depth to their evolving frontline.

The England international has offered versatility, operating both from the left wing and centrally, fitting into Barcelona’s fluid attacking system.

Club officials are reportedly keen to renegotiate the existing €30 million purchase option, seeking more favourable terms.

Barcelona’s financial strategy in recent years has involved structured deals and careful wage management, meaning any agreement would likely require compromise on both fee and salary.

The English attacker has ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Barcelona this season.

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Man United have decided their stance

Man United, however, are said to be unwilling to reduce the agreed valuation.

The Old Trafford hierarchy are reportedly insisting that the €30 million figure be paid in full should Barcelona wish to activate a permanent transfer.

Salary negotiations are also expected to be a significant component of talks.

Any permanent move would require alignment between his wage expectations and Barcelona’s financial framework.

Offloading Rashford permanently would free up salary space for Man United and potentially fund reinforcements elsewhere, but the club are also mindful of maintaining value in outgoing transfers.

With months remaining before definitive decisions are required, negotiations are likely to intensify as the summer window approaches.

Manchester United overtake Arsenal & Barcelona in race to sign €80m-rated star 

The post Romano confirms Euro giants involved in talks with Man United over 28-year-old star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool could be facing missing out on as much as £50-60m if they miss out on qualification to next season’s Champions League.

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That’s according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness, who told Football Insider that this could end up being a challenging summer for the Reds.

Liverpool spent big in the transfer market last summer, bringing in big names like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike as exciting signings for the present and future.

It could be harder for Liverpool to continue progressing next season if they don’t get that bonus cash from being in the Champions League, according to Wyness.

Liverpool could really struggle without Champions League money

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness discussed how a lack of a top four finish could impact LFC and their budget.

“Well, it’s not just having an impact on the club. It would have a big impact on Arne Slot himself. I think he’d get the sack. I think that they’ve really got themselves into a situation there. They seem to be finding some form,” Wyness said.

“As I say, five places seem to be what will get you into the Champions League and Arne Slot needs to get them in there. It would be a hit of maybe 50, 60 million that they’ve probably been budgeting in the forecast right now. And that’s a big number for Liverpool.

“They were just making some big strides in terms of the revenue coming in, hitting some record numbers. And they were challenging competitors in the area in terms of revenue. It would be a big hit for Liverpool and a big step backwards.

“They’ve set themselves up in a certain business model, as we know, with some big signings on big wages. And if there is no Champions League, not only is it the revenue from the Champions League, it’s also those bonuses from the sponsors that kick in as well.”

What will we see from Liverpool this summer?

It may be that Liverpool don’t need two big-spending summer transfer windows in a row.

The Merseyside giants didn’t really do anything of note before Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his first season in charge.

Perhaps after making so many changes last year, they can stick with this current squad for 2026/27.

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Liverpool in pole position as €35m sensation edges closer to post-World Cup switch

Feb 19 2026, 17:35

Chelsea to greenlight sale as Man United & Tottenham eye move for 24-year-old

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However, the issue with that is that Liverpool will surely be forced to make some changes as Ibrahima Konate is nearing the end of his contract.

There are also some uncertainties around Mohamed Salah’s future as the ageing forward has suffered a dip in form this season, so this is not a club that can necessarily afford to rest on its laurels too much.

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