The 2029 Club World Cup could undergo another format change following last year’s edition, with the reported positions of FIFA and UEFA now coming into focus.

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

Jude Bellingham's status is confirmed for Real Madrid's match against Osasuna in La Liga.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

With the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a worrying injury on star defender Marc Cucurella.

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.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, Carlo Ancelotti addressed his future with Brazil.

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.”

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 […]

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.

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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 […]

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 […]

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.

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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.

Sporting San Miguelito face LA Galaxy in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. Below is all the key information you need, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and options to watch or live stream the match in the USA.

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 […]

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.

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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.

Marcus Rashford and Pedri gave the fans new updates with potential returns to Barcelona's lineup apparently coming soon.

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.

Lanus square off against Flamengo in the first leg of the 2026 CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana. Find here all the essential information, including kickoff times and complete broadcast coverage, with TV channels and streaming options available in the United States.

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.

With Robert Lewandowski’s potential departure, Barcelona are looking to strengthen their attack, with a Serie A star among their targets. While it initially seemed a complex path to his signing, Hansi Flick’s team is reportedly the forward’s preferred option, opening up new possibilities.

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.

Los Angeles Galaxy need a creative midfielder to replace Riqui Puig and are reportedly targeting a former Brazil and Barcelona star.

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.”

Following the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, José Mourinho delivered strong criticism of Vinícius Jr.’s attitude. As a result, he has received heavy backlash, with the most recent coming from legend Lilian Thuram, who made his perspective on the Portuguese coach clear.

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.

Similar as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé, Thibaut Courtois has turned into the co-owner of a club while still being active.

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.

Après @DjokerNole, @KevinMagnussen et @MassaFelipe19, @thibautcourtois monte à bord du projet LE MANS FC via son véhicule d'investissement NXTPLAY 🏎️

Bienvenue Thibaut, bienvenue NXTPLAY 🤝#AllezLEMANSFC ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/6XjolKNpt9

— LE MANS FC (@LEMANSFC) February 19, 2026

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 […]

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 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.

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 […]

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. Now, their shared journey has produced yet another milestone that underscores their extraordinary longevity and chemistry.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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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.

Despite Michael Carrick’s impressive performances, his continuity may be far from guaranteed. Ahead the 2026-27 season, Manchester United are reportedly targeting a head coach who is set to compete in the 2026 World Cup as their favorite option to lead the project.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lionel Scaloni reportedly has at least 13 players confirmed for Argentina ahead of the Finalissima and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi among them.

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.

Despite Mohamed Salah’s offensive improvement, Liverpool continue to struggle to find consistency. However, Arne Slot could soon regain a key member of the squad, as his latest injury update is quite encouraging.

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.

Amid the ticket pricing 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 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.

After a major squad rebuild and an economic recovery, Joan Laporta is seeking re-election in order to continue his project at Barcelona. However, he has received strong criticism from a presidential candidate over the handling of Lionel Messi’s departure.

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.

🤝 Per un Club obert, democràtic, transparent i que segueixi sent dels socis i les sòcies!

Visca el Barça i visca Catalunya! 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/nFpyOoavvw

— Marc Ciria i Roig (@CiriaMarc) February 15, 2026

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.

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.

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.

Nearly a month before the Finalissima against Spain, Lionel Messi could be facing a major squad concern after an Argentina star raised alarms by suffering an injury.

Lionel Messi will have the chance to claim yet another, albeit unofficial, trophy with Argentina when they face Spain in the Finalissima during the upcoming March international window. However, concern is mounting over a potential setback for Messi, as one of La Albiceleste’s key players has raised injury worries.

During Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt, Lautaro Martinez was forced to leave the match after suffering an injury. After hitting the post with a shot early in the second half, the Inter Milan striker began limping and asked to be substituted, exiting in the 60th minute for Marcus Thuram.

Asked about Lautaro’s condition after the match, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu delivered a concerning update: “We’ve lost Lautaro. He got hurt — it’s a muscle problem. He’ll be out for quite a while; we’ll see now. I’m not a doctor and I can’t talk about recovery timelines. After he undergoes tests, we’ll understand the severity of the injury.“

Aside from Inter’s 3-1 loss in the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Bodo/Glimt, Martínez’s absence would be a major blow for the Italian side. The second leg, set for Tuesday the 24th at Giuseppe Meazza, will require a comeback, and Inter could be without their top scorer this season.

Will Lautaro make it to the Finalissima?

After scoring the winning goal in the 2024 Copa América final, Lautaro Martínez has established himself as one of Argentina’s attacking leaders, meaning his absence would be a significant loss. Despite competition for his spot from Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, the Inter captain has been in stronger form in recent months.

Currently leading the Serie A scoring charts, Martínez has recorded 18 goals and four assists in 35 appearances, playing a key role in Inter’s place atop the standings. By contrast, Alvarez recently ended a 65-day goal drought with a strike against FC Barcelona and has tallied 13 goals and six assists in 35 matches — a slight dip compared to last season.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope regarding Martínez’s availability for the final against Spain. According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, the striker has not suffered a serious injury, and while it’s yet to be confirmed, this muscle injury in his left calf “will keep him off the field for a few weeks, but it’s nothing more than a strain,” the journalist reported.

Medical tests are scheduled for Friday, when a clearer recovery timeline should emerge. Mild strains typically require one to three weeks of recovery, while moderate tears can take three to six weeks, meaning that, with the Finalissima set for March 27, Martínez could still have a chance to be fit in time.

With FC Barcelona’s presidential elections on the horizon, Lionel Messi has once again become a talking point, as Joan Laporta outlined his plans for the club legend if reelected.

Lionel Messi has repeatedly spoken about returning to Barcelona one day as one of his biggest personal goals, and after his abrupt departure in 2021, Blaugrana fans never had the chance to properly say goodbye to the club’s greatest legend. With presidential elections approaching at Barcelona, Joan Laporta has now outlined his plans for the Argentine icon.

Laporta submitted his resignation as Barcelona president on February 9, a step taken so he could formally run for reelection. Voting for the Spanish giant’s next president is scheduled for March 15, and with campaigning underway, Messi’s name has once again become a major talking point across the city.

During a campaign presentation in Girona, Laporta fielded questions from club members and supporters. Alongside inquiries about the pillars of his platform, the candidate was asked what he would do regarding Messi if reelected, and he reiterated his familiar stance.

“Like (Ladislao) Kubala and (Johan) Cruyff, I think Messi deserves a statue, and we should also arrange a tribute match that we’re open to organizing whenever they want—something that would be beautiful to see for everything he’s given to Barça, and I also want to say that Barça has given him a lot,” he said, again raising the idea of honoring the Argentine legend.

Although Laporta acknowledged that his relationship with Messi cooled after the departure, he expressed hope that a reunion could eventually happen. “I think the statue and the tribute are what he deserves. He has a current contract where he is and it runs until 2028. I think that would be ideal,” he added, effectively ruling out a short-term return as a player.

Messi, a focal point in Barcelona elections

Laporta became the figure tasked with leading Barcelona out of crisis after the era of Josep Maria Bartomeu in 2021, when the club was mired in severe financial trouble that still hasn’t fully cleared. Those economic issues ultimately led to Messi’s departure despite their previously close relationship, and they also prevented a comeback when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in 2023.

Speaking to La2Cat in December 2025, Laporta admitted he still regrets not being able to keep Messi at the club. “It’s an issue that saddens me. Leo has given a lot to Barça and Barça to Leo. I hope we meet again,” he said, while stressing he had no regrets about his decision because “above everything is the institution.”

Still, rival candidates have tried to capitalize on Laporta’s strained relationship with Messi by making the Argentine central to their own campaigns. One of the most vocal has been Víctor Font, who criticized Laporta over the fractured bond while also questioning his perceived closeness to Real Madrid, something he called “unforgivable.”

In a public appearance in late January, Font outlined one of his proposals involving Messi: “What I’ll do first if I win will be to call Leo Messi. I have a way to reach him, directly or indirectly. Rebuilding bridges with the absolute legends of this club is an absolute priority. Messi is our history. We’ll explain our plan to him once we’ve won the election. He has to have the role he deserves.“

Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are the players at the top of the European Golden Shoe standings.

Records continue to fall across Europe as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland lead the scoring charts for Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. All three forwards are delivering week after week, turning the Golden Shoe race into one of the season’s main storylines.

Beyond their club objectives in domestic leagues and the Champions League, they are also competing for the European Golden Shoe, awarded to the top league scorer in Europe through a points system.

Kane currently leads with 52 points with many matches remaining, while Mbappé follows with 46 points. Erling Haaland remains close with 44 points thanks to his performances with Manchester City.

European Golden Shoe: The method of scoring points

The standings are expressed in points rather than raw goals because the European Sports Media uses a coefficient system that assigns a multiplier to each league based on its perceived difficulty.

That system gives more weight to goals scored in stronger leagues, so some leagues earn more points per goal than others. In the cases of Kane, Mbappé and Haaland you can also look at goals directly because the Bundesliga, La Liga and Premier League all use a 2x multiplier.

Put simply, Kane has 26 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich, Mbappé has 23 La Liga goals for Real Madrid, and Haaland has 22 Premier League goals for Manchester City.

Kane’s biggest obstacle in the race

Using coefficients aims to make comparisons fairer. Still, one major disadvantage for Kane is the Bundesliga’s 18-team format, which means he will play four fewer league matches than the others.

This trio of world-class forwards is followed by some surprising names. Fourth place is currently Igor Thiago of Brentford with 34 points, followed by Vedat Muriqi of Mallorca with 32 points. Vangelis Pavlidis of Benfica has 20 goals and 30 points because the Primeira Liga’s coefficient is 1.5x.

Barcelona intend to keep Marcus Rashford, and they could achieve that thanks to Manchester United’s interest in a player from the Spanish club.

Marcus Rashford’s future has been a topic of conversation in Barcelona for weeks. The English forward’s performances have made him a valuable member of the squad, but the need to pay Manchester United a considerable fee to make the move permanent is no small matter.

However, the reported interest from the Red Devils in Alejandro Balde could make negotiations between the two clubs much simpler. “Manchester United have entered decisively into the race for the Spanish full-back. From Old Trafford, they believe Balde has room to grow and that the Premier League could be the ideal stage to unlock his potential,” reports Fichajes.

Balde’s current situation is not ideal after bursting onto the scene during the 2021-22 season. At the moment, the defender does not have a guaranteed starting role under Hansi Flick and is competing for a spot in the lineup with Gerard Martin. That reality is reflected in the numbers, as the left-back has started 17 of his 32 appearances this season across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

“The proposal is already on the table and is around €40 million (approximately $44 million). A significant figure, especially for a player who is not guaranteed a starting role next season,” Fichajes adds in its report.

Manchester United’s interest in Alejandro Balde comes amid uncertainty surrounding the team’s full-back situation. Under Michael Carrick, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw appear to have established themselves as the primary options, but doubts remain regarding Noussair Mazraoui and Tyrell Malacia.

Could Manchester United’s interest in Balde help Rashford?

If the reports are confirmed and Manchester United formally pursue Alejandro Balde, Barcelona would effectively have two parallel negotiations underway with the English club. The relationship between the two sides began last summer, when they agreed to a one-year loan for Marcus Rashford that included a purchase option of approximately $32 million.

Reports indicate that Barcelona intend to negotiate a reduction in that fee to complete the permanent signing of the forward without further straining the club’s finances, which have been weakened in recent years.

However, Manchester United have reportedly ruled out that possibility entirely and, according to Daily Mirror, even regret the value originally set in the agreement with Barcelona, given Rashford’s performances this season and the belief that his market value could now be nearly double the amount in the clause. With Alejandro Balde included in the negotiations, both sides might now have a chance to reach an agreement.

Candidate Joan Laporta took a new hit at Real Madrid in his Barcelona presidential campaign.

Barcelona is coming off a mini crisis on the field with two losses that made them stumble in different competitions. However, there’s another front that may be even more important for the club with elections approaching. Joan Laporta aimed at Real Madrid in his speech.

The controversial decisions referees made in Barcelona’s last two losses were heavily debated within the club. A complaint to the Real Federación Española de Fútbol after the Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid was followed by a foul that wasn’t called in Jules Koundé’s favor, which led to a Girona victory.

Laporta spoke to some fans about his candidacy with refereeing in mind: “We will defend Barca from those who want to break it and who are 600 km away. From those who always want to harm Barcelona’s reputation. You must be alert at all times or they will nail you. They don’t rest. We know how to confront this.”

Laporta’s confidence in Hansi Flick

The former president resigned from his previous post to run in the elections again. He has consistently supported the manager he hired to return Barcelona to the top level.

His attack on the main rival wasn’t the only message he delivered: “I know Hansi Flick and how the dressing room is. We are going to win La Liga. We must defend Barcelona from those who don’t accept that things are going well for us and that there is a sense of satisfaction.”

Laporta appears as the leading candidate to win the election next March 15, when supporters will gather to vote. Víctor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Comprubí are the other candidates.

Barcelona’s path in La Liga

Barcelona held a commanding lead in La Liga until last Monday. The 2-1 loss to Girona cost them that position and left Real Madrid two points ahead after a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

The path to regaining the advantage begins with Levante at Camp Nou next Sunday. The following Saturday brings another home match against Villarreal. A visit to Athletic Bilbao completes the upcoming stretch of fixtures.

Scottish Cup TV Schedule World Soccer Talk's Scottish Cup TV schedule consistently updates with each game from Scotland's top cup tournament. In many ways, the Scottish Cup resembles that of the FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB Pokal and any other major club tournament. The one caveat to that statement is that it, unsurprisingly, only […]

Scottish Cup TV Schedule

World Soccer Talk’s Scottish Cup TV schedule consistently updates with each game from Scotland’s top cup tournament.

In many ways, the Scottish Cup resembles that of the FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB Pokal and any other major club tournament. The one caveat to that statement is that it, unsurprisingly, only applies to clubs in Scotland.

Clubs such as Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and Aberdeen frequently excel in the competition, but the tournament consistently produces unexpected storylines. For example, the 2021 Scottish Cup Final featured St. Johnstone and Hibernian, proving that the trophy remains within reach for clubs across the country. This unpredictability is a hallmark of the competition, as shown again in 2024 when Celtic and Rangers met in the first Old Firm final since 2002.

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The 2016 Scottish Cup Final featured Hibernian and Rangers. For one, both clubs compete in the Scottish Championship, the second tier of league soccer in the country. Additionally, Hibs sought its first Scottish Cup title in 114 years. The dramatic final needed a stoppage-time winner to break Hibernian’s drought.

Despite playing in the second division, the triumph opened European potential for Hibs.

The Scottish Cup, also known as the Scottish FA Cup, guarantees a spot in the following season’s Europa League. Moreover, the competition used to have the runner-up reach the qualification stage, but that changed in 2014 to open up for placement in the Scottish Premiership.

Still, the Scottish Cup presents the opportunity for any club in the Scottish FA. Those in the Scottish Professional Football League, or the top four divisions, as well as the clubs in the fifth and sixth divisions qualify automatically. Clubs beneath that level, including amateur and junior teams, go through extended qualifying to reach the Scottish Cup.

History of the Scottish Cup

The Scottish Cup TV schedule features familiar names for soccer fans. Celtic has the most wins in the competition at 42. Just behind Scotland’s most successful side is its Old Firm rival Rangers, which has 34 Scottish Cups.

Despite the combined 76 Scottish Cups, there is still variety in terms of winners. In total, 25 different clubs can say they lifted the Scottish Cup. Yet, some of these clubs do not exist.

Aberdeen is the current defending champion for the 2025/26 season. They defeated Celtic 4–3 on penalties in the May 2025 final after a 1–1 draw at Hampden Park.

While the FA Cup is the oldest organized competition in the world, the Scottish Cup does produce the oldest trophy in the world. That is just because the current FA Cup trophy came around in 1911.

Interestingly, the Scottish FA uses the same trophy from 1874 in the celebrations after the final. Then, the winners receive a replica to hold on to, while the original goes back into a museum.

ESPN holds the rights in the United States to broadcast the Scottish Cup. Consequently, a number of games go through ESPN+.

Despite Virgil van Dijk’s impressive level of play, his future at Liverpool beyond 2027 is uncertain. Amid this uncertainty, the Dutchman has surprised many by naming a current Reds’ star as a potential future captain in the event of his departure.

Following a fairly successful era, Arne Slot is undergoing a restructuring at Liverpool, making radical changes to his squad. With the departures of Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the team has decided to reinforce itself with new players. Virgil van Dijk continues to be a cornerstone of the team, making a summer departure unlikely. However, the Dutchman has already surprisingly identified one of the Reds’ stars as a potential future captain.

Even though Virgil van Dijk remains one of Liverpool’s best players, nothing about his future at the club is guaranteed. Despite being under contract until 2027, the veteran has not been offered a new deal. In addition, vice-captain Andrew Robertson and third captain Mohamed Salah appear to be heading toward an exit. In light of this situation, the Dutchman has already pointed to a possible future captain for the Reds.

After the latest game, Van Dijk was asked whether he considers Dominik Szoboszlai to be the future captain of the team. He replied, “He has been very good. Also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season. But also everything around it…in my opinion so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”

Unlike in previous seasons, Dominik Szoboszlai has become Liverpool’s most distinctive player. Due to his versatility, the Hungarian has made an impact as a right back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even right winger. Additionally, he has shown great defensive commitment, leading by example. Given this, the 25-year-old has already established himself as a leader on the team and is among the favorites to be the future Reds’ captain.

Report: Liverpool near Szoboszlai future amid Real Madrid rumors

In a multimillion-euro transfer worth €70 million, Dominik Szoboszlai arrived at Liverpool as a full-fledged star, promising to lead the team in the near future. However, he did not have a good first season, even being labeled as a failed signing. Surprisingly, the Hungarian has raised his level of play, becoming linked with Real Madrid. In order to secure his continuity, the Reds have supposedly made a decision.

According to Graeme Bailey in TEAMtalk, Liverpool have decided to offer Szoboszlai a contract renewal, as his current deal expires in 2028. Considering his level of play and Real Madrid links, the Hungarian would be asking for £250,000 per week, doubling his current salary. With this, he would rise among the highest-paid players in the squad, and the front office appears willing to accept this request. For this reason, the Reds remain quite positive about his continuity.

Set to face Son Heung-min in the MLS opener against LAFC, Lionel Messi has been handed a major squad boost at Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi will be in the spotlight this weekend as Inter Miami travel to the West Coast to face LAFC in their opening match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season as they begin their title defense. Ahead of the clash with Son Heung-min, another global face of the league, the Argentine star has received a major squad boost.

After a preseason that fell well short of expectations, including the postponement of their final friendly against Independiente del Valle due to Messi’s injury, Inter Miami entered the final stretch of preparation with uncertainty surrounding the roster. Messi provided relief by returning to training on Wednesday, and now even more good news has arrived in Fort Lauderdale.

As reported by journalist Jose Armando, Germán Berterame has finally received his work visa and will be available for the MLS opener against LAFC. The Mexico international had been dealing with bureaucratic issues in recent days, preventing him from training with the Herons, but once clearance was granted he immediately rejoined the squad.

Inter Miami paid Monterrey $15 million to sign Berterame in one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history. The striker featured during preseason, debuting against Atlético Nacional in Colombia and even scoring his first goal in pink against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.

However, once the team returned to Fort Lauderdale, Berterame was sidelined awaiting permit approval, a situation that would forced him to miss the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico (now rescheduled for Feb. 26). This latest development makes the striker available to train alongside his teammates to prepare for the MLS opener.

All bureaucracy obstacles cleared at Inter Miami

During the 2026 preseason, Inter Miami had to deal with multiple administrative hurdles affecting several players, not only new arrivals but also returning members of the squad. In addition to Berterame, Micael also spent time away from team training while waiting for work authorization.

Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the complications in comments to the club’s official media channels: “We’re still making a few adjustments because with visa matters and certain administrative issues, it can sometimes be a bit more complicated in this league to have everyone available at the same time. But we’re hopeful that we’ll be fully ready for the Saturday match.“

Other players who were navigating paperwork were midfielder Telasco Segovia and defender Maximiliano Falcón, both of whom were completing their green card processes. All have now finalized their documentation and are cleared to train and be available for the season opener.

Every Inter Miami player, including Mess, took part in Wednesday’s training session except Sergio Reguilón, who has been sidelined with an injury since the preseason opener against Alianza Lima in late January. Aside from the Spanish defender, the Herons will have a full squad available for the showdown with LAFC.

James Rodriguez’s Minnesota United will make their 2026 Major League Soccer debut this Saturday against Austin FC.

The signing of James Rodriguez by Minnesota United was the most significant transfer in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 season, as he is a global superstar who shined for years in Europe and continues to perform at a high level internationally with Colombia. This Saturday, the club opens its season against Austin FC, and all eyes are on the 34-year-old star.

“James Rodriguez has received his work visa and can now train, play in matches for Minnesota United FC,” reporter Andy Greder wrote on his official X account Wednesday. “The paperwork hurdle is cleared, but the question about his debut date is up in the air.”

Rodriguez was officially announced as a Minnesota signing nearly two weeks ago but had not been able to fully integrate with his new club due to pending administrative procedures, similar to what happened with Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende and German Berterame.

With those issues now resolved, the question is whether the midfielder will be ready to be considered for Saturday’s match. “While James Rodriguez has his work visa to play for Minnesota United, the Colombian did NOT travel with team to Austin on Wednesday,” Greder clarified.

James making memories ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ZhOkGCrYwQ

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 14, 2026

“Loons coach Cam Knowles talks on Friday,” the report added, suggesting he will likely provide a clearer update on James’ status. “Colombian has a few official days of prep before Minnesota opens MLS season Saturday at Austin FC.”

When was James Rodriguez’s last official match?

Questions surrounding James Rodriguez’s availability for Saturday are understandable. Despite his undeniable talent, he is nearly 35 years old and has not trained regularly with his teammates over the past two weeks due to those administrative delays.

With only three days before Minnesota United’s 2026 MLS opener against Austin FC, it will be up to the player and the coaching staff to determine whether it is best for him to see action immediately with his new club.

If he does feature, it would mark Rodriguez’s first official match in more than three months. The last time the midfielder played was with the Colombia national team in a friendly against Australia on November 18 of last year. He played the full 90 minutes and scored one of the goals in a 3-0 victory.

At the club level, James Rodriguez’s inactivity stretches even further. He concluded his time with Leon of Mexico in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 on November 8 with a 2-1 loss to Puebla. After that, he parted ways with the Mexican club and has not played an official match since.

Europa League TV Schedule We’re your No. 1 source for the UEFA Europa League schedule for fans in the USA. In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast the UEFA Europa League until the end of the 2029/30 season. In total, it’ll be more than four full seasons of coverage […]

Europa League TV Schedule

We’re your No. 1 source for the UEFA Europa League schedule for fans in the USA.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast the UEFA Europa League until the end of the 2029/30 season. In total, it’ll be more than four full seasons of coverage from the Group Stage all the way to the league finals every year.

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For the Europa League, every single game will be streamed through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial.

Spanish-language rights for UEFA club competitions are held by TelevisaUnivision, which has sublicensed a package of matches to DAZN for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, DAZN exclusively streams a select package of matches that are not available on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. DAZN streams three Spanish-language matches per round exclusively. For the tournament’s final stages—including the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Europa League Final—DAZN shares co-exclusive Spanish-language rights with TelevisaUnivision.

Annual Europa League Schedule

The UEFA Europa League has introduced a new format since the 2024/25 season, aiming to enhance the competition’s structure and provide fans with more engaging matches.

• 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 eight matches against eight different opponents (four home and four 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 eight matchdays, providing a more streamlined and fan-friendly schedule.

Europa League History

After the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was discontinued in 1971–72, the Europa League – then called the UEFA Cup – was established. Popular during its time, the Fairs Cup was a tournament available to teams from cities that held trade fairs.

The competition became more difficult to manage as the number of teams competing increased, therefore UEFA opted to substitute the UEFA Cup. The event quickly gained a reputation for being very competitive as its popularity soared over the years. In order to keep fans interested, the UEFA Europa League changed its structure many times.

In the past, only the domestic league runners-up were eligible to participate. However, in 1999, it was combined with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA’s former inferior European tournament.

Since then, the UEFA Cup has expanded to include the champions of domestic cup tournaments. And those teams that didn’t make it beyond the UEFA Champions League’s third qualifying round could still play in the UEFA Cup.

The same was true for the third-place teams in the UCL group stage. A total of three clubs chosen from the domestic League Cup winners and Fair Play representatives will also be participating.

Format changes and expansion

With more clubs from lower levels taking part, the number of teams competing grew, and the competition’s structure underwent many revisions. A group stage, similar to that of the Champions League, was added to the competition in 2004–05 as it grew to include more clubs.

Because of this change, not only was the level of competition raised, but lesser teams were given an equal opportunity to play in the European grand arena.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Europa League’

Its current name, the UEFA Europa League, dates back to the 2009–10 championship. Also at this period, the new Europa League replaced the UEFA Intertoto Cup, the third-tier tournament run by UEFA.

The current format calls for qualifying and a play-off to set the scene for the group stage at the beginning of September. Currently, there are 48 teams competing in the group stage. The teams who finish first and second in their respective groups will advance to the knockout round.

Except for the final, every elimination round is a two-legged tie, much as in the Champions League. A year after the tournament ends, the victorious team returns the trophy to UEFA. When the trophy is returned, the club will be allowed to retain a miniature version of it.

Europa League: 21st century and modern history

Over the years, the UEFA Europa League has played host to many memorable finals. Amazing comebacks and nail-biting finals have left a lasting impression on football fans from the tournament. As an example, consider Liverpool‘s 2000–01 season victory against Alaves, in which they rallied from a 3–1 halftime deficit to win 5–4 in a historically exciting final.

Also unforgettable from the 2020–21 campaign was the nail-biting final between Villarreal and Manchester United, which went to a penalty shootout. In a momentous occasion for the club, Villarreal came out on top, winning their first major European championship.

Winners of the Europa League now get automatic entry to the Champions League group stage, elevating the competition’s profile in recent years. Clubs are much more interested in participating in the tournament now that they may compete against the top teams in Europe.

UEFA Club Competitions

The UEFA Europa League isn’t the only European club competition. UEFA also features the following European football competitions: UEFA Champions League and UEFA Conference League.

Champions League TV Schedule Find out where, when, and how to watch the giants of European soccer with our Champions League TV schedule. In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League games. This also includes UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup until the end of the […]

Champions League TV Schedule

Find out where, when, and how to watch the giants of European soccer with our Champions League TV schedule.

In the United States, CBS Sports have the exclusive English-language rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League games. This also includes UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup until the end of the 2029/30 season. Coverage from the Group Stage all the way through to the final every year to determine who will be crowned UEFA champions will continue through the rest of the decade.

Starting with the 2025/26 season, a new sublicensing agreement between TelevisaUnivision and DAZN has changed how Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S. access the tournament. While TelevisaUnivision remains the primary Spanish-language rights holder, DAZN now exclusively streams 38 Champions League matches per season in Spanish.

These matches are streamed exclusively on the DAZN platform and are not simulcast on Univision, TUDN, UniMás, or ViX. In addition to these exclusive games, DAZN also shares co-exclusive rights with TelevisaUnivision for the most high-profile fixtures later in the tournament, including: All four Quarterfinals, both Semifinals, and the Champions League Final.

This partnership ensures that every single match of the competition is available with Spanish-language commentary across the combined platforms of TelevisaUnivision and DAZN.

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For the Champions League schedule, every single game of the super league will be streamed exclusively through the streaming service Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial. Very few games will air on TV via CBS and/or CBS Sports Network.

Annual Champions League Schedule

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024/25 season, enhancing the competition’s structure and increasing the number of participating teams. This update aims to provide fans with more exciting and meaningful matches throughout the tournament.

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

UCL on American TV, from past to present

An average of 2.1 million fans watched the 2023 Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on CBS in the United States.

The Champions League started out on US TV in the late 1990s on ESPN. During the mid-2000s on ESPN is really when the competition began to become somewhat of a phenomenon in the US for the first time. By 2010 broadcasts shifted to FOX Sports, where UCL games in English would remain for nearly a decade.

In 2018, coverage moved to Turner Sports. English broadcasts on TNT and Bleacher Report Live were not particularly well received, similar to FOX’s tenure with the competition. However Turner’s viewership figures ended up much higher than FOX Sports due to better distribution for their networks.

Meanwhile Univision acquired the Spanish rights, which has proven to be a popular move.

CBS surprisingly swooped in to secure English-language UEFA club competition rights from 2021-24. Comprehensive coverage of games, across Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and the main CBS Network, have generally been received positively.

Both the CBS and Univision deals have since been extended (through 2029/30 and 2026/27, respectively).

Champions League History

Midway through the twentieth century, the Champions League’s history began. In 1930, Swiss club Servette attempted to establish a competition for the continent’s best clubs by fielding a national champions’ team.

Champion teams from the ten most powerful European soccer countries of the time were invited to compete in a competition known as “Coupe des Nations,” which was a huge success. Hungarian club Ujpest won the championship, but despite the tournament’s popularity, it was never held again owing to funding constraints.

Then almost two decades later, a precursor to the Copa Libertadores, the Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones (South American Championship of Champions) began play in 1948 following years of planning and preparation. The notion of a continental club champions league only captivated French sports writer Jacques Ferran.

Thus, the European Football Association’s official history of the European Cup credits Jacques Ferran and Gabriel Hanot, writers for the French sports daily L’Équipe, as the tournament’s original creators. Hanot had a dream that was realized in 1955 when he saw the first European Cup play.

Meanwhile, Ferran revealed that the South American Championship of Champions provided the impetus for the creation of the European Cup in interviews with the Brazilian sports TV show Globo Esporte in 2015 and the Chilean daily El Mercurio in 2018. “How could Europe, which wanted to be ahead of the rest of the world, not be able to accomplish a competition of the same kind as the South American one? We needed to follow that example,” he said.

How did the European Cup come to be?

In April of 1955, officials from Europe’s top clubs got together to draft competitive guidelines. Game one of the inaugural UEFA Champions League, featuring Sporting Club de Lisbon and FK Partizan, has begun. The name “UEFA Champions League” did not appear until much later. The European Champion Clubs’ Cup or European Cup has been the name of this competition from its inception.

The first event included the best clubs in Europe, and Real Madrid came out on top. This event marked the beginning of a tournament that would come to stand as a benchmark for success and a showcase for thrilling contests.

Early editions of the European Cup used a knockout-style bracket that matched together national champions from different countries. Real Madrid, led by legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas, established early dominance and won the championship five times in a row between 1956 and 1960. It was not until the 1960s, however, that the event was open to more than just the national winners.

Becoming the ‘UEFA Champions League’

The 1992 rebranding to the UEFA Champions League was a watershed moment for the event. Many people see the Champions League’s use of groups instead of a round-robin structure as what sets it apart from the European Cup.

The group stage increased the competition’s competitiveness and gave more teams from around Europe a chance to participate. This broadened the Champions League’s field of participants and paved the way for it to become a worldwide phenomenon.

However, a group stage was implemented in 1991; the name change only formalized the reorganization. The format of the tournament has evolved to include elements of both group play and round-robin play.

UEFA Champions League: 21st century and modern history

During the ’90s and ’00s, the Champions League schedule saw unparalleled levels of acclaim. The introduction of satellite television and other technological developments helped spread the game over the world. The competition was watched by people throughout the globe, not only in Europe. Because of this increase in attention, the Champions League has received significant commercial investment. This has turned it into a successful business with attractive sponsorship agreements and media contracts.

In the minds of soccer fans everywhere, the UEFA Champions League produces legendary occasions. The 2005 final between Liverpool and AC Milan and Manchester United‘s last-minute heroics against Bayern Munich in 1999 are just a few instances. These moments embody the raw passion, unpredictability and absolute brilliance that constitute the core of the event.

Teams and styles emerge

Soccer ideologies and tactical advancements have all met in Champions League games. The tournament showcased emerging playing styles as they became commonplace. In the 1990s, defense dominated as Italian teams controlled Europe. In the mid-2000s, Barcelona showed tiki-taka can beat the best teams with ease. Roberto Baggio’s dominant AC Milan side of the late 1980s and Pep Guardiola’s 2009-11 Barcelona epitomize these elite squads in the history of the UEFA Champions League.

Contemporary dynasties emerged in European soccer around the start of the 21st century. Real Madrid’s Galacticos era made long-term dominance by teams like Barcelona and Bayern possible. Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo exemplified the wave of talent from across the world coming together on one team. However, that Real Madrid side never achieved what became the greatest feat for any club. The best teams of all time won the treble, a collection of three trophies in one season. Those trophies are the domestic league, domestic cup and the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City accomplished this in 2022/23 and PSG in 2024/2025.

Serie A TV Schedule Browse the Serie A TV schedule for games shown on US television and online. Along with the schedule, find out how to watch Serie A in the USA. How to watch Serie A on US TV Paramount+ (via CBS Sports) and DAZN hold the rights to Italian Serie A in the […]

Serie A TV Schedule

Browse the Serie A TV schedule for games shown on US television and online. Along with the schedule, find out how to watch Serie A in the USA.

How to watch Serie A on US TV

Paramount+ (via CBS Sports) and DAZN hold the rights to Italian Serie A in the United States.

Paramount+ remains the exclusive English-language home of Serie A in the US, streaming every match of the Serie A season plus Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, with select games also airing on CBS linear channels.

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Paramount+ is available on a number of devices including 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.

Starting with the 2025–26 season, DAZN holds the Spanish-language rights to Serie A in the United States. Each matchday, DAZN broadcasts 10 games in Spanish, including five exclusive fixtures and five additional non-exclusive ones, all tailored to Spanish-speaking audiences in the U.S., U.S. territories, and the Caribbean. This marks a shift from previous seasons, when FOX Deportes carried a limited selection of matches in Spanish.

Meanwhile, Serie A games in Canada are available via Fubo.

Radio coverage

Avid radio listeners can tune into channel 85 on SiriusXM to find Serie A coverage, both for live matches and weekly commentary of the Italian league. AS Roma fans can also check out Roma Radio on the TuneIn app.

Watch Serie A matches in local pubs

Finally, if you want to interact with fellow soccer fans while watching your favorite Italian club’s matches you could always find a local pub in or near your area. Many club websites provide a list of official sports bars here in America which show most, if not all, of that team’s matches (Note: If you happen to be in New York City, Smithfield Hall airs many Serie A games).

About Italian soccer schedules

The Italian soccer system mimics the other major leagues in Europe. Serie A is the top flight, represented by mainstay teams like Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma, Napoli and others. Beneath this, Serie B is the second tier, similar to England’s Championship.

We also have TV listings for Serie A teams playing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, summer friendlies, domestic competitions such as the Italian Cup, and games featuring the Italy national team. Bookmark this page and return to it often. You’ll find the latest schedule of TV games, in many cases posted before the information is officially released.

Watch Serie B games from the United States

You can watch select Serie B games on FOX Sports, however most games appear only on the somewhat obscure FOX Soccer Plus channel. Fubo does carry the network, however.

Serie A History

With the 1929-30 season, Serie A as we know it today had its start. On September 17, 1929, the first season of Serie A started, kicking off a legacy that is still going strong today. Seventeen teams battled it out for the title in the first season of Serie A.

In the first two games, the stage was set for an incredible trip that encapsulated the essence of Italian soccer Their first Serie A championship came from Ambrosiana-Inter, whose name was Internazionale back then. An exciting new sensation was born as the league’s popularity skyrocketed and passionate audiences went to stadiums all around Italy.

Regional organizations governed the tournament for almost twenty years. Between 1922 and 1929, many arrangements were tested until multiple interregional divisions merged into one. The second-highest level, Serie B, was also established during this period.

That was about the time when the dominant Fascist party in Italy ordered that no foreigners may play in the league. Many people of Italian ancestry came to the United States from South America, a phenomenon known as ‘rimpatriato’, which helped to mitigate this.

The Serie A has been played using a round-robin system since the 1929–30 season, with each team playing the other side both at home and away. Prior to this, the champion was decided via regional and inter-regional rounds.

Post-war renaissance and dominance of giants

The Grande Torino emerged in the years after WWII, ushering in a golden age of Italian soccer. From 1943 through 1949, Torino FC won five straight Serie A championships under the tutelage of coach Vittorio Pozzo. A tragic aircraft accident in 1949 killed several members of the Grande Torino squad and ended the team’s illustrious run. This incident is still a significant part of Serie A’s history.

The Serie A was put on hold from 1915 to 1919 and again from 1944 to 1945 because of the First and Second World Wars, respectively.

In the latter half of the 20th century, two soccer behemoths—AC Milan and Juventus—rose to prominence, becoming unstoppable in Serie A and leaving indelible marks on European tournaments. The 1989 and 1990 European Cup victories by the Rossoneri, coached by Arrigo Sacchi and subsequently Fabio Capello, proved Serie A’s dominance on the continent.

Contrarily, Juventus established their supremacy throughout a decade of consistent success in the 1980s and 1990s when they won several Serie A championships and the UEFA Champions League. The Bianconeri’s golden age was defined by players like Roberto Baggio, Paolo Rossi, and Alessandro Del Piero.

Serie A: 21st century and modern history

Twenty Italian teams have participated in each season of Serie A since 2004–05. A club may participate in the UEFA Champions League if they finish in the top four in Serie A; a team can participate in the UEFA Europa League if they finish in fifth place and win the Coppa Italia.

The three clubs finishing worst in the league are sent to Serie B. The top three teams from Serie B will be taking their spot.

A low point for Serie A occurred in 2006 during the Calciopoli scandal, which exposed extensive match-fixing and corruption involving several elite Italian teams. Four clubs from the Serie A were named: Fiorentina, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Point deductions, relegations, and hefty penalties were the consequences of the aftermath, which momentarily damaged the league’s prestige. But among Juventus’ numerous eras of supremacy, the most recent being from 2011 to 2020, when the Turin club won an unparalleled nine consecutive trophies.

With a fresh emphasis on luring A-list players and expanding its audience throughout the world, Serie A has been on the rise again in recent years. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent three years at Juventus (2018-2021), Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s second successful stint at AC Milan (2020-2023) and other international superstars have pumped up the competition and added interest to Serie A.

A former Benfica player defended Vinicius on the polemic in Real Madrid's Champions League victory.

Vinicius has been in the discussion over the last few hours because of another controversy related to racism. He claimed that Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni insulted him in a derogatory way after his goal in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, which sparked a debate.

Many figures shared their opinions on social media. A notable voice defending Vinicius was fellow Brazilian Luisão. The former defender, who previously played for Benfica, commented on a post made by the Portuguese club defending Prestianni.

Luisão wrote: “This jersey is too big. I love Benfica. It’s my second skin. You must be worthy of wearing this sacred jersey. This text makes it worse. Prestianni’s post makes it worse because it’s a lie. In soccer you win with courage and fighting spirit. It was racist. I’m ashamed of that.”

The former player also replied to users who disagreed with him: “I defend the club and I have experience; I know what I’m talking about. I don’t judge anyone. I think Benfica is too big to get involved in this, whether it’s true or not. From my experience, I know it’s true.”

Marc Clattenburg’s controversial opinion on Vinicius

The alleged incident involving Prestianni brought more attention to the situation. Another point of discussion was the eight-minute stoppage by the referee. Former referee Mark Clattenburg spoke about it in his role with Amazon Prime.

He explained how the situation unfolded: “Once Vinicius makes a comment to the referee, he has to follow the protocol. He has to follow the rules established by UEFA when these types of things happen.”

Clattenburg also shared his view on how Vinicius handled the moment after scoring: “Vinicius didn’t help himself very much. He made it harder for the referee. He scored a wonderful goal. What he must do is celebrate it and then move to his side.”

When are they playing the rematch?

Beyond the controversy, there was a match for a place in the Champions League round of 16. Real Madrid took the first step with a 1-0 victory, while Benfica will try to overturn the result.

The second leg of the playoff is scheduled for next Wednesday in Madrid. Before that match, Real Madrid will visit Osasuna in La Liga to defend their lead. Benfica are set to face AVS in the Primeira Liga.

After an inconsistent current campaign, Liverpool are already targeting reinforcements ahead of the 2026–27 season. In that context, Arne Slot’s team are reportedly pursuing the signing of a Premier League star midfielder, but they are facing growing interest from PSG.

Liverpool have fortified their roster with world-class players, yet they haven’t managed to shine this season, struggling to secure a spot for UEFA Champions League qualification. Consequently, Arne Slot‘s team are reportedly planning to make significant changes to the squad, eyeing the addition of a Premier League star midfielder ahead the 2026-27 season. However, the Reds encounter stiff competition from PSG.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain highly attentive to Morgan Rogers, as he is viewed as a difference-making talent. However, they face strong competition from PSG, who see him as their ideal creative midfield addition. Under contract with Aston Villa until 2031, the 23-year-old star could be set for a multimillion-dollar transfer above $100 million, given his status as a cornerstone of the team.

Even though coach Arne Slot already has Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operating in similar roles, Rogers would not necessarily clash with either of them. The Englishman would thrive as an attacking midfielder, the German could shift to the left wing, and the Hungarian could anchor the base of midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, offering more tactical flexibility, while also providing cover in the event of a potential departure of Curtis Jones.

Not only Liverpool and PSG are interested in Morgan Rogers. Due to his impressive impact in the Premier League, the 23-year-old star has also attracted attention from Manchester United and Arsenal. Although Aston Villa aren’t in a financial rush, they might be open to selling him for a substantial offer as part of a rebuilding strategy. However, the English side may prefer to transfer him to the French side, avoiding the reinforcement of a direct rival.

Morgan Rogers arrival could lead three Liverpool players out

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Liverpool have struggled offensively, with their new signings falling short of expectations. However, since they are young players, the front office will maintain a strong commitment to Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike. In a bold move, they are considering a significant investment in Morgan Rogers, hoping to revitalize the team. To make this happen, they may part ways with three important players.

With the Englishman’s outstanding level, Aston Villa could demand more than $80 million for his transfer, as he has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. The Reds appear willing to pay that amount for him. To facilitate this move, they are reportedly open to the departures of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Mohamed Salah, as their performances have not met expectations and their exits could help finance the signing of the 23-year-old star.

Alongside Rogers, Liverpool may need further reinforcements in attack, as they would lack dribbling wingers—a reported necessity for Arne Slot. With that in mind, the Reds could be forced into another multi-million-dollar investment, as they require greater squad depth to compete again for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Due to FIFA eligibility rules, family heritage, and residency history, he has five possible options.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son recently made headlines with his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament, where he represented the national team at U-16 level. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding his famous surname, he delivered solid performances that justified the growing hype around his development.

He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory and nearly scoring on two occasions shortly after coming on. 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 his team secured a 3-1 victory to lift the trophy.

This triumph marked his third international title in less than a year, following earlier youth-level successes in 2025. Even without scoring, his presence contributed to the collective success of the squad, reinforcing his growing importance within the setup.

As Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. continue to share parallel soccer journeys, a new question is quietly taking shape: which national team will Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. ultimately choose if he reaches senior level? Due to FIFA eligibility rules, family heritage, and residency history, he has five possible options.

Five possible options

Portugal: The most logical choice

Through his father’s nationality, Ronaldo Jr. is automatically eligible to represent Portugal, and he has already played for the Portuguese youth setup. Given Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary status with the national team, this path is widely viewed as the most natural and symbolic choice.

United States: Eligibility by birth

Ronaldo Jr. was born in California in 2010, which grants him U.S. citizenship and eligibility to play for the United States national team. With the American team on the rise and co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, his potential commitment would be a massive sporting and commercial boost.

Spain: Residency during Real Madrid era

During Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic spell at Real Madrid, the family lived in Spain for several years. Under Spanish law and FIFA regulations, a player who lived in a country for three years before the age of 10 can apply for citizenship, making Spain another realistic option.

England: Time spent during Manchester United return

Ronaldo Jr. also spent several years in England during his father’s second stint at Manchester United. While residency requirements are more complex, there is a pathway for eligibility through extended residence and formalities.

Cape Verde: Family heritage route

Finally, Ronaldo Jr. could represent Cape Verde through his grandmother’s heritage. While this is considered the least likely choice, it remains a fascinating option that highlights his diverse background.

What his future choice could mean

For now, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. continues to represent Portugal at youth level, following a familiar path while keeping his long-term options open. His recent success at the Algarve tournament confirms that his progress is based on performance, not just pedigree.

Whether he ultimately commits to one nation or another remains a future decision. What is already clear, however, is that Ronaldo Jr. is no longer just a famous name—he is a developing footballer with real international stakes ahead.

With Barcelona’s presidential elections drawing closer, Lionel Messi has now been mentioned in connection with the potential signing of Erling Haaland.

Lionel Messi has been one of the most frequently mentioned names throughout Barcelona’s presidential campaign. All candidates have addressed his situation, offering different views on the role he could play at the club moving forward. In this case, the Argentine forward was brought up in relation to the possible signing of Erling Haaland.

“In the coming days we will explain the proposal we have been working on for years to reconcile with Messi,” Marc Ciria said this week in an interview with Cadena SER. “We know that Messi’s future is linked to Barcelona. He wants to heal the emotional wound with the club and become a strategic partner.”

Those comments are consistent with what the candidate has said in recent months. Barcelona not only remain indebted to Messi after the turbulent circumstances of his 2021 departure, but they also view him as essential in building the club’s sporting structure for the years ahead.

That includes the transfer strategy. When asked about the possible signing of elite stars, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Ciria was clear: “To sign Haaland, we must bring Messi back as a strategic partner.”

How Messi would help facilitate Haaland’s signing, according to Ciria

Marc Ciria’s recent statements make clear his belief that repairing the relationship with Lionel Messi is essential to planning Barcelona’s sporting future. The presidential candidate has expanded on that logic in the past.

“Messi’s return would generate 200 million euros,” Ciria said in a December interview, pointing specifically to the Argentine forward’s commercial value. “The increase in revenue that this deal would provide is essential. An agreement with Messi is almost vital for Barca.”

Based on those remarks, Ciria’s plan envisions Lionel Messi’s return generating significant revenue that would allow Barcelona to navigate the financial struggles of recent years. In turn, the Spanish club would be in a position to seriously negotiate the signing of top-tier stars such as Erling Haaland — a move that currently appears financially out of reach.

Ciria doubles down on Messi’s return to Barcelona

Alongside those interview remarks, Marc Ciria this week presented an action plan that includes diagnoses and proposed solutions to Barcelona’s current challenges. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi played a central role.

“We are very aware of what moves the hearts of the fans. And Messi still makes them beat,” the candidate said. “Leo has never fully left, and that’s why we want him to return with everything he represents. We have a plan.” Those words were accompanied by a mural in Barcelona depicting Messi holding the No. 10 jersey alongside the message: “Looking forward to seeing you again.”

Anthony Gordon wrote his name in Newcastle United history registering four goals in the first half in the UEFA Champions League game against Qarabag, prompting questions on how many times have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo recorded that feat.

Anthony Gordon went on a rampage on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, helping Newcastle United surge ahead of Qarabag in style by scoring four goals before halftime. After such an astonishing individual display, questions arose about how many times the competition’s all-time leading scorers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have achieved such a feat.

The game started quickly for the Magpies, with Dan Burn threading a pass through for Gordon to open the scoring after 122 seconds, the fastest goal by any Newcastle player in the history of the competition. Then in the 32nd minute, after Harvey Barnes was fouled in the box, Gordon added his third goal of the night from the penalty spot.

Shortly after play resumed, Qarabag gave the ball away, and following a failed touch from a defender, Gordon pounced, rounded goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski and scored Newcastle’s fourth to complete his hat trick. Just before halftime, the winger was brought down inside the box again and, as the designated taker, calmly slotted home his fourth of the match.

Now sitting second in the scoring table just behind Kylian Mbappé (13), Gordon has made history for the English side, becoming the first player in club history to score four goals in a European match. In addition, with 10 goals in the 2025-26 edition, he has also become Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League as well as the club’s single-season record holder.

How many times have Messi and Ronaldo scored four goals in UCL before halftime?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand as the two greatest scorers in Champions League history, each producing elite performances for more than a decade. However, Gordon appears to have something on them in this particular category.

Neither Ronaldo nor Messi has ever scored four goals in the first half of a Champions League match. Both superstars have recorded four-goal games, but none of those came within the opening 45 minutes.

In fact, Gordon is only the second player ever to accomplish the feat in Europe’s top competition. The first was Luiz Adriano, who, while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, scored four first-half goals against BATE Borisov before adding a fifth after the break during the 2014-15 group stage.

Still, Ronaldo and Messi have their own remarkable four-goal records. Ronaldo netted four against Malmö FF in a 20-minute span (39th to 59th minute), while Messi produced his haul in a dazzling display against Arsenal in 2009, scoring in the 21st, 37th, 42nd and 88th minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Ciro Messi are beginning to make headlines in their own right, and recent youth tournaments across Europe and the United States have reignited the debate over which family might produce the next global superstar.

For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi defined an era, rewriting records, winning Ballon d’Ors, and shaping the identity of the club and the club wherever they played. Now, in 2026, the spotlight is slowly shifting from the legends themselves to the next generation. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Ciro Messi are beginning to make headlines in their own right, and recent youth tournaments across Europe and the United States have reignited the debate over which family might produce the next global superstar.

While Cristiano Jr. has been closely followed by scouts and media during his recent international exploits, Lionel Messi quietly watched a special moment unfold from the sidelines as his youngest son celebrated a major youth triumph. The parallel narratives unfolding on different continents have reminded fans that the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is far from over—it is simply evolving into a new chapter.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has become a central figure in youth soccer conversations following his participation in the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with Portugal’s U-16 national team. Carrying one of the most famous surnames in the sport, the 15-year-old has been under intense scrutiny, but his performances have started to justify the attention.

He began the tournament with a strong cameo against Japan, providing a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory and nearly scoring twice with dangerous attempts shortly after entering the match. His progress continued with a starting role in a 1-0 win over the Netherlands, where he played the first half and contributed to a disciplined team performance. Portugal later defeated Germany 3-1 to lift the tournament trophy, with the 15-year-old winger coming off the bench for around 20 minutes in the decisive match.

The unbeaten campaign marked another milestone in his development, adding to an already impressive youth résumé. This was his third international trophy in less than a year, following U-15 and U-16 triumphs in 2025. Even without scoring, his contributions underlined a growing maturity and consistency that have caught the attention of scouts, federations, and fans alike.

Similar narrative taking place in the US

While Ronaldo Jr. was lifting silverware in Europe, another emotional story has been quietly unfolding across the Atlantic. Lionel Messi, now a global icon and the face of soccer in the United States, has been present to witness his youngest son’s milestone moment in youth soccer.

In a prestigious American youth tournament, Inter Miami’s academy team, featuring Ciro Messi, produced a standout campaign that ended in silverware. The moment was particularly symbolic, with the 38-year-old Argentine superstar watching from the stands as a proud father rather than a player.

Ciro Messi played a key role in his team’s success, helping them lift a major youth trophy at the Weston Cup. The scene of Messi celebrating his son’s achievement resonated with fans around the world, highlighting a softer side of the soccer legend.

Proud father Lionel Messi watches

For Messi, the moment represented more than just a youth title. It was a glimpse into the future of his own soccer legacy. Once a shy boy from Rosario who conquered the world, Messi is now watching his children grow within the sport that defined his life.

Ciro, still very young, is already showing signs of soccer talent. He plays as a forward in Inter Miami’s youth setup and has demonstrated an eye for goal that inevitably invites comparisons to his father. In a recent academy match, he scored one of his trademark goals and followed it with a rehearsed celebration that contrasted sharply with Messi’s famously understated style.

MLS TV Schedule The MLS TV schedule features 30 teams. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, won the 2025 MLS Cup to become the most recent champion. The MLS season kicks off in February, with the regular season running through October. The MLS Cup Playoffs follow soon after. With a total of 30 teams in the […]

MLS TV Schedule

The MLS TV schedule features 30 teams. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, won the 2025 MLS Cup to become the most recent champion.

The MLS season kicks off in February, with the regular season running through October. The MLS Cup Playoffs follow soon after.

With a total of 30 teams in the league, each team plays a total of 34 games. Seventeen of those are at home, and 17 are on the road for an even split. Almost all games now are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How to Watch MLS in 2026

The broadcasting landscape for Major League Soccer has evolved into a streamlined, all-in-one experience. As of the 2026 season, the standalone “MLS Season Pass” is no longer a separate subscription. Instead, every single Major League Soccer match has been fully integrated into the standard Apple TV subscription.

Apple TV: The Exclusive Streaming Home

For a single monthly price of $12.99, fans now receive complete access to the entire Apple TV library of original content alongside every MLS regular-season game, the MLS Cup Playoffs, and the Leagues Cup. There are no longer separate fees or standalone passes required to follow the league.

• No Blackouts: Every match is available globally with no local broadcast blackouts.
• Multilingual Coverage: All matches feature dedicated English and Spanish broadcast teams, while matches involving Canadian clubs also offer French commentary.
• Enhanced Features: Subscribers can still access “MLS 360″—the live whip-around show providing look-ins to every goal and key moment—and have the option to switch to local home radio broadcasts for any match.

Linear TV Coverage on FOX Sports

While Apple TV is the primary home for every game, FOX Sports remains the linear television partner for 2026.

• Match Volume: FOX will broadcast a total of 34 matches this season.
• Channels: These matches are split between the main FOX broadcast network (15 games) and FS1 (19 games).
• Availability: Even when a match is airing on FOX or FS1, it remains available to stream for all Apple TV subscribers.

Club Benefits

Full-season ticket members for any MLS club continue to receive a complimentary subscription. In 2026, this benefit has been upgraded to include a full year of the complete Apple TV service, giving season ticket holders access to all movies, shows, and MLS matches in one place.

MLS History: From Survival to Global Powerhouse

Major League Soccer’s journey is a tale of perseverance and unwavering dedication. Since its 1996 debut, the league has transformed from a domestic experiment into a global player, proving that American soccer culture is both distinct and flourishing.

The Early Struggles and Founding

MLS began in 1993 as a promise made for hosting the 1994 World Cup. Launching in 1996 with just 10 teams—including iconic original clubs like the LA Galaxy, D.C. United, and New York Red Bulls—the league initially struggled to find its footing. Despite losing over $250 million in its first five years, the league survived through strategic expansion and the birth of soccer-specific stadiums.

The Modern Era: Inter Miami and the “Messi Milestone”

The 21st century saw a seismic shift in how the world views MLS. While the “Beckham Rule” in 2007 first brought international eyes to the league, the 2023 arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF officially ended the “retirement league” myth.

• Inter Miami’s 2025 Dominance: The 2025 season marked the most successful campaign for the club, culminating in their first-ever MLS Cup title on December 6, 2025.
• A Season of Records: Led by Messi—who secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals—Inter Miami set a league record by scoring 101 total goals across the regular season and playoffs.
• The 30-Team Milestone: In 2025, the league officially reached its current capacity of 30 clubs with the historic debut of San Diego FC.

2026 and Beyond: The Global Stage

The 2026 season represents the most significant year for soccer in North America.

• New Stadiums: Inter Miami is set to open its long-awaited permanent home, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4, 2026.
• World Cup Integration: For the first time, MLS will pause its regular season from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• The 2027 Calendar Shift: Looking ahead, the league has announced a historic move to a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027. This shift will finally align MLS with the global transfer market and top European leagues, ensuring the MLS Cup Playoffs take center stage every May.

Vinicius Jr shone with his stunning goal in the game between Real Madrid and Benfica, but his denunciation of racist acts by Gianluca Prestianni took center stage. In response, legend Thierry Henry offered strong support to the Brazilian, strongly criticizing the young Argentine.

While Real Madrid secured an important victory against Benfica, the result took a back seat. During the match, Vinícius Jr. reported racist acts allegedly committed by Gianluca Prestianni. In response, UEFA has already taken action by opening an investigation into the situation. Meanwhile, the Brazilian has been receiving consistent support from several former players, with Thierry Henry among the most recent to issue strong criticism of the young Argentine.

“We don’t know what Prestianni has said, because he was very courageous by putting his shirt over his mouth to make sure that we weren’t going to see what he said…Vinicus can tell us his side, and Prestianni, I’m sure, will not tell us what he actually said… Let’s see how big of a man Prestianni is. Tell us what you said. You must have said something, because you can’t go to Mbappe and say, ‘I didn’t say anything’,” Thierry Henry said, via CBS Sports.

Even though it is quite difficult to prove that Gianluca Prestianni engaged in racist acts against Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, he is being heavily judged for covering his mouth while arguing. In response, UEFA will launch an investigation based on the testimony of both players, also including statements from other players as witnesses to what happened. Nevertheless, the legend Thierry Henry has called for transparency from the Argentine star.

Along with Henry’s statements, former player Micah Richards joined in, strongly criticizing the young Argentine star: “Prestianni is a coward. He’s an absolute coward. No one will ever know what he said, only him and Vinicius Junior. But to pull your shirt over your mouth and now we’re having a conversation about whether he said it or not…Vini’s reaction shows it is something serious,” he said, via CBS Sports.

Gianluca Prestianni may face uncertain future at Benfica

Although he arrived at Benfica as a highly rated young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni has not managed to live up to expectations at the club. Not only has he remained far from shining in terms of goal-scoring output, but he has also failed to stand out at a collective level. On top of that, Vinícius Jr.’s racism accusations have tested the patience of several Portuguese club supporters, who are now calling for his departure, while UEFA’s ruling could ultimately determine his future.

In case UEFA finds Prestianni guilty, Benfica fans could intensify their push for him to leave the team. Moreover, he could find it quite difficult to secure a new club in Europe, as being associated with racist acts is something few sides would be willing to take on. Added to this, his underwhelming performances would only compound the situation, given that he has not managed to be decisive during his time at the Portuguese club.

American sensation Christian Pulisic is reportedly making waves in the European transfer market anew, with rumors swirling that he may be making a triumphant return to the Premier League.

The American sensation Christian Pulisic is reportedly making waves in the European transfer market anew, with rumors swirling that he may be making a triumphant return to the Premier League. As the season reaches its decisive phase and the 2026 World Cup approaches, the forward’s future has emerged as a major storyline, with an English giant monitoring his situation closely and Milan facing crucial decisions about their squad’s long-term direction.

The Rossoneri have enjoyed Pulisic’s best version in Italy, and his rise has naturally reignited interest from England. Yet, as summer approaches, the question remains: is a sensational return to the Premier League really on the cards?

Since arriving at San Siro in 2023, the American has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency in England, he has reinvented himself in Serie A, becoming a central figure in Milan’s attack and a fan favorite. His performances have been consistent, productive, and increasingly influential in decisive moments.

Across his spell in Italy, Pulisic has registered 42 goals and 22 assists in 121 appearances, an impressive return for a player often deployed on the wing or as a creative playmaker. At just 27 years old, he is entering what many consider the prime years of his career, which explains why Premier League clubs are once again circling.

Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been linked with a move. Each club sees Pulisic as a potential solution to attacking inconsistencies, valuing his versatility, technical ability, and experience at the highest level. Reports suggest that some English clubs view him as a “serious” candidate to refresh their offensive options, while others have kept him on their radar for several seasons.

The World Cup factor and market dynamics

The timing of this speculation is no coincidence. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Pulisic is expected to be one of the tournament’s marquee names, both on and off the pitch. A strong international showing could significantly boost his market value and attract even more interest.

Players heading into a World Cup often become prime targets for clubs looking to secure proven performers with global appeal. For Pulisic, a standout tournament on home soil could be career-defining, potentially triggering a bidding war among Europe’s elite. His profile as a USMNT leader and global star makes him a commercially attractive signing as well.

Milan’s true position revealed

While speculation continues, Milan’s internal stance has now become clearer. Despite interest from England and reports suggesting the player could be open to a return, Milan is likely to reject any approaches for Pulisic this summer, according to Football Insider. “Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all taken an interest in Christian Pulisic, but AC Milan are likely to reject any approaches,” the report reveals.

The club is said to be planning a contract renewal and sees Pulisic as a cornerstone of their project, particularly as they aim to compete domestically and in Europe. With no urgent financial pressure, the Rossoneri are not inclined to sell one of their top performers, especially with the World Cup potentially increasing his value further.

A World Cup-winning Argentina teammate of Lionel Messi once failed a trial at Barcelona: “He was very bad.”

With Lionel Messi as captain, Argentina national team won the 2022 World Cup with a squad full of players who had flown under the radar for years before the tournament. After lifting the trophy, a former FC Barcelona prospect revealed that one of his Albiceleste teammates once failed a trial with the club — and did so with a blunt assessment: “He was very bad.”

Back when he was 17 and still part of Boca Juniors’ youth system, Nahuel Molina traveled to Spain for a trial hoping to make the leap to Europe, specifically with one of the game’s biggest clubs. However, one player who did pass that trial, Éric Montes, later claimed Molina fell well short of the standard Barcelona expected.

In an interview with Spanish outlet Post United, Montes recalled details of that trial a decade ago: “During one preseason, three Argentinians came in for trials and didn’t meet the level — they were very bad. I later found out that Nahuel Molina was one of them.”

Even though the identities of the other two Argentines never became public, Montes said none of them matched the club’s expectations to stay. He also highlighted the contrast between his own path and Molina’s. “To show you how things are, he was a ‘Matao.’ Look at the Matao now and look at me,” Montes added, using Spanish football slang for a player considered limited or low-level.

While Montes remained at Barcelona’s academy after the trial, he never made his debut in Spain’s first division. In contrast, Molina eventually broke through after joining Atlético Madrid in 2022 and went on to win multiple trophies alongside Messi with Argentina — a striking turnaround from that failed trial in Spain.

Molina, Montes, and the Barcelona bubble

The careers of Molina and Montes serve as a reminder of how quickly a player’s trajectory can change, even after time inside one of soccer’s most prestigious academies. Though he never debuted for Boca Juniors’ first team, the Argentine right back moved to Europe with Udinese in 2020 before later joining Atlético Madrid to then conquer the World Cup, while Montes’ career took a far different path.

He never broke into Barcelona’s senior squad and instead went on loan to lower-division Spanish clubs such as Peralada, Cultural Leonesa, Albacete, Gimnàstic, and Manresa before retiring at 27 because of a serious knee injury. “You leave the Barcelona bubble and start to realize what real life is,” he reflected.

Los Angeles FC defeated Real España in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and Son Heung-min delivered a standout performance.

Los Angeles FC made their official debut of the 2026 season this Tuesday with a commanding 6-1 victory over Real España of Honduras in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Son Heung-min was the star of the match, helping him reach an impressive record.

“Heung-Min Son is only the second player to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match,” said sports statistics expert MisterChip on his X account, clarifying that this stat only applies to the modern era of the tournament, since its restructuring in 2008.

The South Korean forward was key to LAFC’s victory. In the 11th minute, he assisted David Martinez for the 2-0 lead, and moments later scored a penalty himself to extend the advantage. He then set up Denis Bouanga for the fourth goal and contributed to Timothy Tillman’s fifth goal before halftime.

In nearly two decades of Concacaf Champions Cup history, only once had a player produced such a first-half performance. The only precedent is Argentine forward Franco Jara, who posted the same numbers during Pachuca’s 11-0 win over Police United of Belize in 2016.

Son rested with Inter Miami clash in mind

After that brilliant first half, LAFC slowed down after the break, which showed in the match’s pace. The hosts allowed Real España to reduce the deficit early in the second half, and coach Marc Dos Santos decided to give several key players rest.

Son Heung-min was substituted in the 62nd minute for Nathan Ordaz and was off the field when Bouanga scored LAFC’s sixth and final goal. The forward’s exit was clearly intended to preserve his fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.

Next week, LAFC will face the second leg against Real España in California, aiming to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. But before that, they have an even tougher challenge: the MLS 2026 season opener on Saturday against Inter Miami. Messi’s availability, however, remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.

Another record for Son

In addition to his key contributions to LAFC’s 6-1 win over Real España, Son Heung-min also etched his name into his country’s soccer history. With his penalty goal, he became the first South Korean player to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

As kickoff approaches, one of its most influential attacking players is missing from the starting XI.

The Scudetto battle is on the line in a pivotal Serie A matchup against Como at San Siro, and Christian Pulisic is back in the spotlight as Milan gets ready for the match. With the pressure mounting and the season entering a defining phase, questions surrounding his absence from the starting lineup have sparked intrigue among fans and analysts alike.

This clash arrives at a pivotal moment for Milan, which is chasing its arch-rival Inter at the top of the table and cannot afford to drop points. Yet, as kickoff approaches, one of its most influential attacking players is missing from the starting XI.

The rescheduled Matchday 24 fixture takes place on February 18 at San Siro, originally postponed due to the stadium’s involvement in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. For the Rossoneri, this match represents a chance to cut the gap to its city rivals and keep its title ambitions alive.

The opposition arrives under Cesc Fabregas with European ambitions of its own, seeking revenge after a recent defeat and aiming to climb into the top six. The clash is loaded with narrative threads, tactical duels, and historical context, with the hosts boasting a dominant record in the fixture and an impressive unbeaten run this season.

What’s more, Milan enters the match unbeaten in 23 consecutive league games, with its only defeat coming on the opening day, while Como is winless in its last three outings.

Why Pulisic isn’t starting

Midway through the buildup, the reason for Pulisic’s absence emerged, and it centers on fitness concerns rather than tactical exclusion. “Aside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Let’s see if he’ll be there,” boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted ahead of the match.

The American star has been dealing with persistent physical discomfort, which has affected his availability and consistency throughout the season. While he has returned to action in recent weeks, the club is carefully managing his workload to avoid aggravating existing issues, including recurring muscle problems.

Reports suggest that Allegri faced a decision between several attacking options and opted to prioritize player management, especially with other forwards like Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek competing for starting roles.

Season of impact despite setbacks

Despite his physical struggles, Pulisic remains one of the club’s most productive players this season. He has scored 10 goals in all competitions, underlining his importance to Allegri’s tactical system and his ability to deliver in decisive moments.

The 27-year-old’s absence from the starting lineup is not a sign of diminished status but rather a reflection of careful management. Allegri’s cautious approach suggests that the American winger is expected to play a crucial role in the decisive phase of the season, once fully fit.

Following the complaint of alleged racist acts by Vinicius Jr against Gianluca Prestianni, UEFA has decided to open an investigation into the matter. Alongside this, FIFA is discussing a major change in soccer within the Players' Voice Panel, aiming to eradicate racial discrimination.

Throughout his professional career, Vinicius Jr has exposed various racist incidents in different stadiums. Not only players but also fans have been sanctioned, setting an important precedent in the sport. Despite this, the Brazilian has once again reported alleged episodes of discrimination, this time involving Gianluca Prestianni. In response, FIFA is discussing a major regulatory change within the Players’ Voice Panel following this latest episode.

In an interview with Sky Sports, former player and member of the Players’ Voice Panel, Mikael Silvestre revealed that they are looking for ways to sanction players who talk by covering their mouths. However, he clarified that it is one thing to cover your mouth to talk about tactics with your teammates and quite another to cover it while arguing with an opponent. This will not be easy, as he said they will need to talk to the referees to know what they can and cannot do.

Far from being an established measure, the Players’ Voice Panel remains uncertain about these possible actions, as FIFA has not announced any official changes. They seek more transparency in discussions between rivals, as there would be evidence of what was discussed, avoiding debate about its authenticity. What is certain is that racism has no place in soccer, and several measures have already been taken to eliminate these acts from the sport.

FIFA has already taken action against racism crackdown

FIFA has taken firm action to eliminate racist behavior from soccer. In 1962, the rejection of racial discrimination was first formally included in its statutes. Alongside this, FIFA established the Disciplinary Code and the Code of Ethics, launching the “Say No To Racism” campaign to enforce stricter sanctions. In May 2024, Gianni Infantino set a precedent by leading the introduction of various on-field protocols, which have given greater visibility to the issue.

To combat racism in soccer, Infantino announced the adoption of five pillars: regulations and sanctions, action on the field, criminal cases, education, and a joint stance of players. In addition, they announced that a “no racism” gesture would be implemented to activate the protocol. Along with this, a three-step protocol is followed: detention, suspension, and definitive abandonment of the match. Finally, extreme sanctions are included.

With this in mind, enforcing sanctions on players who obscure their mouths during disputes could greatly increase transparency within the sport. Ensuring that all spoken words are recorded would be instrumental in investigating future allegations of racism. However, implementing this change would demand significant collaboration with referees to establish clear guidelines on the types of sanctions to be enforced.

Inter Miami received positive news regarding Lionel Messi just days before their matchup against Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami are just days away from officially starting their 2026 season. They will make their Major League Soccer debut this Saturday on the road against Los Angeles FC, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi’s fitness.

The 38-year-old forward had raised concerns last week after a muscle issue kept him out of the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, forcing that match to be postponed to February 26. That situation also cast doubt on Messi’s availability for the MLS opener, but those worries now appear to be easing.

“Lionel Messi is in this morning’s training,” journalist Jose Armando reported Wednesday on his official X account. The report was quickly followed by a video showing the Argentine star taking part in ball exercises. “Lionel Messi in very good spirits and back with his teammates.”

This is reassuring news for Inter Miami, who just a few days ago were genuinely concerned about the fitness of their most important player at a crucial moment of the year. Still, these positive signs have not yet been accompanied by official confirmation regarding Messi’s availability for Saturday’s match, which will likely depend on how he feels during the remaining training sessions this week.

Lionel Messi de muy buen ánimo y de regreso con sus compañeros.

La única ausencia de Inter Miami es Sergio Reguilón quien sigue sin realizar trabajos en cancha.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/RXe97WnKcO

— José Armando (@Jarm21) February 18, 2026

Messi can’t take any risks right now

From past seasons, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have learned important lessons. In both 2024 and 2025, the forward missed games due to muscle problems that, rather than resolving quickly, lingered for several weeks. In his eagerness to return to competition, Messi sometimes accelerated his recovery timeline, which in certain cases proved counterproductive.

This year, the risk could be even greater. Beyond club commitments, Messi faces two major challenges with Argentina: the March Finalissima against Spain and the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June to July.

The forward has not yet confirmed his participation in the tournament in North America and has made it clear that the decision will depend on how he feels physically. Any muscle discomfort will need careful attention to avoid aggravating injuries that could potentially affect his chances of playing with Argentina.

Inter Miami prepare to face LAFC

While Lionel Messi’s fitness is Inter Miami’s biggest concern right now, it is not the only one. Just three days before the MLS opener against LAFC, the Herons received important news regarding another star of the squad.

“German Berterame received his work permit. He is already training with the team and will be available this weekend,” Jose Armando wrote Wednesday. “The only absence for Inter Miami is Sergio Reguilon, who is still not doing on-field work.” With this scenario, head coach Javier Mascherano will have almost all of his players available to start the 2026 MLS season.

Vinicius once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy during a tense European night, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching closely as soccer’s governing bodies moved to address yet another racism allegation.

Vinicius once again found himself at the center of a heated controversy during a tense European night, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching closely as soccer’s governing bodies moved to address yet another racism allegation. The incident unfolded during a high-stakes Champions League playoff clash, prompting immediate reactions from officials, players, and fans, and reigniting the debate over discrimination in modern soccer.

As the clubs battled for continental progression, the spotlight quickly shifted from tactics and goals to a serious allegation that could carry significant consequences for all involved.

The controversy erupted during the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday, when Vinicius scored and celebrated near the corner flag. Moments later, a confrontation occurred between the Brazilian forward and opposing player Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth before allegedly making discriminatory remarks.

The Brazilian winger immediately reported the incident to the referee, triggering UEFA’s anti-discrimination protocol and briefly halting the match. The incident overshadowed the fixture, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Spanish side, denting the Portuguese club’s hopes of advancing.

UEFA later confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the allegations. “The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where issues are reported, proceedings are opened and, if they lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website,” the governing body stated.

What did Vinicius say?

Following the match, Vinicius addressed the situation publicly, expressing frustration and disbelief. “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. Nothing that happened today is new to me in my life and in my family’s life,” he wrote on social media, while also questioning the yellow card he received for celebrating his goal.

Benfica, though, denied any racist intent and described the exchange as a misunderstanding during a tense moment, but the allegation reignited broader discussions about racism in European soccer and the effectiveness of existing disciplinary mechanisms.

How did Infantino react?

In the middle of the growing storm, FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered a powerful and uncompromising response, condemning the alleged incident in the strongest terms. “I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinicius Junior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF,” Infantino said. “There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.”

Infantino also highlighted FIFA’s ongoing initiatives to combat discrimination. “At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur,” he added.

The head of the governing body also praised the referee’s handling of the situation, acknowledging the importance of immediate action during matches. “I commend referee François Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation,” he noted.

Infantino concluded by reaffirming soccer’s stance against discrimination: “FIFA and soccer show full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”

Wolverhampton host Arsenal in a Matchday 31 clash of the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here is all the essential information, including kickoff times and how to watch on TV or through streaming platforms.

Match Overview

Matchday 31 delivers high drama as Arsenal protect their four-point lead atop the table against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners sit on 57 points, ahead of Manchester City, and could stretch that gap to seven with a win.

Facing one of the best European teams this season will be the Wolves, who stuck on nine points from 26 matches—are desperate for a lifeline. Title hopes and survival dreams collide in this must-see Premier League clash—don’t miss it.

Olympiacos take on Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times, plus how to watch the match live on TV or stream it in the United States.

Match Overview

A coveted spot in the Round of 16 hangs in the balance as Bayer Leverkusen square off with Olympiacos in what shapes up as one of the toughest matchups to call this round. Leverkusen’s experience in one of Europe’s top domestic leagues gives them a slight edge on paper, but their uneven performances in this competition have left the door open for an upset.

Olympiacos, thriving throughout the 2025/2026 season, view this as a prime opportunity to make a statement by knocking out a talented yet unpredictable German side. With everything on the line and momentum swinging both ways, this is a high-stakes European showdown you won’t want to miss.

Bodo/Glimt face Inter in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times, plus how to watch the match live on TV or stream it in the United States.

Match Overview

After missing automatic Round of 16 qualification by just one point, Inter Milan enter the knockout stage determined to prove they remain true title contenders following last season’s runner-up finish. Standing in their way will be Bodo/Glimt.

The fearless Norwegian side have already shown they can challenge Europe’s elite and won’t shy away from the spotlight. With pride, momentum, and a place in the next round on the line, this is a clash you won’t want to miss.

Although Real Madrid secured the victory, everything faded into the background after Vinicius Jr. reported alleged racist acts by Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica. As UEFA announces investigations, the Argentine firmly defends his innocence on social media.

Following their emphatic victory in the previous Champions League match, Benfica arrived with high ambitions of defeating Real Madrid. However, they were beaten by a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr., who later reported alleged racist acts by Gianluca Prestianni. While UEFA has already taken action on the matter, the Argentine remains firm in his innocence, issuing a strong response on social media.

“If so many people claim that I supposedly made a racist comment toward Vinícius Júnior, why didn’t anyone else react? Accusing someone of something serious is not right, especially when it isn’t true… Everyone is pointing the finger at me just because I covered my mouth with my shirt, when they know that all football players cover their mouths to talk. Don’t try to make things up anymore,” Gianluca Prestianni said, via X.

In line with the Argentine’s statements, Benfica have decided to unconditionally support their player: “Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its full support and belief in the version presented by Gianluca Prestianni… the team regrets the smear campaign targeting the player.” Additionally, they have uploaded several videos to demonstrate that no other Real Madrid player could have heard the conversation between Prestianni and Vinicius, denying Mbappe’s version.

Although UEFA has decided that the Ethics and Discipline Inspector will investigate Gianluca Prestianni, he could still be available for the second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. According to SkySports, the investigation could take more than a few days, meaning the Argentine could be part of the squad if coach José Mourinho considers it appropriate. However, he could end up being suspended for more than 10 matches if found guilty.

Gianluca Prestianni’s performances continue to struggle at Benfica

After his arrival from Vélez Sarsfield as a highly touted young prospect, Gianluca Prestianni set high expectations among Benfica fans, who anticipated a strong performance. In his first season, he scored just two goals and provided three assists in 19 matches. Rather than improving, he has managed only two goals and two assists in 30 matches this season, leaving supporters disappointed with his overall impact.

Given this situation, coach José Mourinho might consider keeping Prestianni on the bench in favor of Dodi Lukébakio. Beyond just his underwhelming performance, his altercation with Vinicius Jr. could disrupt the team’s balance, potentially detrimental during matches. At just 20 years old, he faces a significant challenge to solidify his position in the starting lineup as he contends with a faction of fans who are increasingly critical of his continued presence in the team.

Bukayo Saka secured his future with Arsenal after signing a new contract, which is still nearly half of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

Arsenal has been knocking on the Premier League title’s door for a few years. After coming up short to Manchester City and Erling Haaland’s scoring ability over the last two seasons, they are now four points clear in the race. This sustained success has been largely linked to Bukayo Saka, who has extended his contract.

The right winger has delivered on expectations since breaking into the first team. With his dribbling and creativity, he has turned his left foot into a major weapon for Mikel Arteta’s side. That is why the club did not hesitate to secure his future with a new deal.

Saka will now earn £300,000 per week (approximately $380,000), which equals about $19.8 million annually, according to BBC. The contract runs through 2031, bringing stability for the fans. However, this large figure is still not the highest in the Premier League. For comparison, Haaland earns £500,000 per week (approximately $635,000), the equivalent of about $33 million per year, after signing a deal last year that runs for a decade.

Saka’s season with Arsenal

Arteta has kept the team competitive regardless of injuries, and having depth in almost every position can be decisive in a long and demanding season for a club chasing multiple trophies like Arsenal.

For Saka, the current season has not been ideal statistically. In the Premier League he has scored 4 goals in 22 matches, a drop compared to the previous years.

His numbers in other competitions also do not stand out. He has no goals in one FA Cup match and one in four Carabao Cup appearances. In Europe he has played six matches and scored two goals. Saka has appeared in 33 matches with seven goals this season, but his importance to the lineup remains unquestioned.

Arsenal’s next challenges

The path to a Premier League title still includes Manchester City as the main rival. Arsenal’s current advantage is four points, reduced from six after the recent draw with Brentford reopened the race.

A return to stronger form looks necessary because there will be little margin for error. Arsenal visit Wolverhampton on Wednesday in the Premier League, then face Tottenham Hotspur in a Sunday derby, before closing the month against Chelsea.

AC Milan face Como for a crucial Matchday 24 clash in the 2025/26 Serie A season. Below is everything you need to know about kickoff times and where to watch the action on TV or via streaming platforms.

Match Overview

The Serie A race heats up as AC Milan face Como in a matchup packed with implications near the top of the table. Milan sit on 53 points, eight behind leaders Inter Milan, and need a win to cut that gap to five and stay firmly in the title chase.

Como, meanwhile, are pushing for Europe with 41 points; three points would move them into the Conference League spot and within two of Juventus, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle on both sides.

Although Real Madrid secured the victory against Benfica, it was overshadowed by Vinicius Jr.’s accusations of racist behavior against Gianluca Prestianni. In response, UEFA has already taken decisive measures, aiming to put an end to the matter.

After their latest defeat in the Champions League, Real Madrid came into the match against Benfica needing a win, setting a winning pace in the playoffs. In a closely contested game, Los Blancos claimed the victory thanks to an impressive goal from Vinicius Jr. However, all of this was overshadowed by the Brazilian’s complaints against Gianluca Prestianni for racist acts. To approach that, UEFA has already stepped in, taking measures to resolve the issue.

Following the game, UEFA released a statement on Vinicius Jr’s complaints: “The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed. They are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make on this matter at this stage,” reported UEFA.

Taking actions on Brazilian accusations on Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni, UEFA has taken measures: “A UEFA Ethics and Discipline Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior during the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League Knock-out play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on February 17, 2026. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

During the investigation, UEFA will gather statements from both players and additional witnesses, as Kylian Mbappé has made strong remarks on the issue. In case they find that Prestianni engaged in racist acts against Vinicius Jr., he may face severe sanctions. According to Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine player could be suspended for at least 10 matches or a set period of time.

Benfica stand by Gianluca Prestianni amid Vinicius Jr. storm

Not only did Kylian Mbappé fully support Vinicius Jr., but several Real Madrid players, including Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, also voiced their backing. However, Gianluca Prestianni has maintained his stance of innocence, even reporting threats from opposing players. After UEFA’s announcement of the investigation, Benfica have decided to stand by the Argentine player, publicly supporting him in a statement.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica also reiterates that it fully supports and believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct while playing for the Club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The Club regrets the smear campaign to which the player has been subjected,” SL Benfica announced on their website.

While Benfica continue to support the Argentine, José Mourinho has chosen to remain neutral, stating that Gianluca tells him one thing and Vinicius another. Far from being a straightforward process, UEFA may take several days to reach a final decision, as Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey, making it difficult to verify his words. Nevertheless, the Argentine is facing harsh criticism from several former players, including Thierry Henry.

As Al-Nassr prepares to face Arkadag in the return leg of the AFC Champions League Two round of 16, fans have been left wondering why the Portuguese superstar will not feature in a crucial continental fixture.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most talked-about figures in world soccer, and every decision involving his availability sparks speculation. As Al-Nassr prepares to face Arkadag in the return leg of the AFC Champions League Two round of 16, fans have been left wondering why the Portuguese superstar will not feature in a crucial continental fixture. The club enters the match in a strong position, yet the absence of their talisman has raised questions about strategy, priorities, and long-term planning.

Al-Nassr travels into the second leg with confidence after securing a 1-0 victory in Turkmenistan, thanks to Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s early strike. Despite fielding a heavily rotated lineup in the first leg, the Saudi side demonstrated their depth and tactical discipline, reinforcing their status as one of the favorites in the competition.

The club boasts the best attacking record and the second-best defensive record in the AFC Champions League Two, scoring 23 goals and conceding only two in seven matches. In contrast, Arkadag qualified narrowly from their group and have struggled offensively in continental play, managing just five goals during the group stage.

For Arkadag, the return leg represents a monumental challenge. Its domestic season ended months ago, meaning their competitive rhythm has been limited, while Al-Nassr continues to juggle domestic and continental campaigns.

The reason for Ronaldo’s absence revealed

The main reason behind Ronaldo’s absence is squad rotation and workload management, with Al-Nassr prioritizing the Saudi Pro League title and carefully managing the veteran forward’s minutes.

“We’re playing a match every three days, and that’s a big physical demand, so we will rotate between the players. Cristiano’s age is different from the rest of the squad, and he has made a big effort in the previous matches. We will decide whether he will participate or not after today’s training session,” explained coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo has not featured in any AFC Champions League Two matches this season, a deliberate strategy by the club. Winning the domestic league remains the club’s top priority, with the Portuguese star expected to play a key role in decisive Saudi Pro League fixtures rather than early continental rounds.

This decision is also part of a broader long-term plan, with the Portuguese aiming to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni broke the silence after Vinicius Junior's allegations in the Champions League clash, while also denouncing threats from Real Madrid players.

Gianluca Prestianni became one of the focal points of discussion in recent hours after Vinicius Junior’s claims that he suffered racial abuse from the Benfica player during a UEFA Champions League match. After hours of uncertainty, the Argentine forward finally broke his silence while also denouncing threats from Real Madrid players.

The game between Benfica and Real Madrid at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday ended up being interrupted as Vinicius, after scoring the first goal of the game, went to the referee to report alleged racial abuse by Prestianni during a heated exchange before play resumed. At the moment of the incident, the winger covered his mouth with his shirt, making it difficult to determine whether the claims were true, but that did little to shield him from intense media scrutiny.

Hours after the game, Prestianni, who did not speak directly to the media afterward, finally decided to address the situation in an Instagram story: “I want to make it clear that at no point did I direct racist insults at player Vinícius Júnior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he believes he heard.“

Apart from maintaining his stance in dismissing Vinicius’ allegations, the 20-year-old also addressed the situation involving the Brazilian’s teammates. “I have never been racist toward anyone, and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players,” his message concluded.

After the game, several Real Madrid players such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Trent Alexander-Arnold backed Vinicius. Kylian Mbappé was among the most outspoken, saying Prestianni does not deserve to be playing in the Champions League and expressing hope that proper sanctions could be imposed on the Benfica player.

Benfica fully backing Prestianni

While several Real Madrid players continued addressing the issue after the game and criticizing Prestianni, Benfica remained cautious in its approach. The only significant voice to speak publicly about the situation was coach José Mourinho, who, in addition to saying Vinicius’ celebration was out of place, declined to take sides on the racial allegations.

Asked whether Prestianni regretted what he allegedly said to Vinicius, Mourinho’s response was firm: “Regret what? I’ve spoken with both of them, Vinícius Júnior tells me one thing and Gianluca Prestianni tells me another. I don’t want to be ‘red’ and say I 100% believe Prestianni, but I also don’t want to be ‘white’ and say what Vinícius tells me is the truth.“

The first statement from Benfica after the game was to dismiss reports of a discussion or physical confrontation between the club’s president and a member of Real Madrid. However, shortly after Prestianni released his statement, the club posted a message showing their support: “Together, by your side.”

Como demonstram as imagens, dada a distância, os jogadores do Real Madrid não podem ter ouvido o que andam a dizer que ouviram. pic.twitter.com/7JF9AVuhEM

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) February 18, 2026

Benfica not only reposted Prestianni’s response but also publicly backed the player while dismissing the claims made by Real Madrid players. “As the images show, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they are saying they heard,” the club said while attaching a video of the moment, in a dispute in the Champions League that now appears far from resolved.

After Tuesday’s controversial Champions League incident, which prompted UEFA to open an investigation, Kylian Mbappé condemned Gianluca Prestianni over his clash with Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Junior was thrust into the spotlight Tuesday following a controversial Champions League incident in which he alleged racial abuse. While UEFA has opened an investigation into the matter, Kylian Mbappé publicly condemned Gianluca Prestianni with a strong statement after the match.

As soon as Vinicius halted play to report the alleged abuse, Mbappé became one of the most vocal Real Madrid players in support of his teammate, both on the sideline, where he spoke with Jose Mourinho, and on the field. While the match was still ongoing, the French star was also seen confronting Prestianni in another tense moment captured by cameras.

Asked about the situation in the mixed zone after the game, Mbappé made his stance clear: “We have to set an example for children. This is the Champions League — the competition I dreamed of as a kid, the one I watched with my parents when I was little — and there are things we cannot accept. Because the world is watching us.“

He also clarified the difference between the alleged incident and the crowd’s reaction. “We mustn’t generalize, because that becomes a problem when things like this happen. I have Portuguese friends and teammates who’ve always treated me very well, but when one person behaves like that, it has to be called out. Then they booed us, which is normal, because they don’t know what happened; I have nothing against the fans, the club, or their coach, one of the best in history,” he added.

“But something has to be done. We can’t accept a player like that playing in the Champions League; he doesn’t deserve it. We’ll see what happens. Let’s let UEFA make the decisions. It’s a serious case,” Mbappé said. Mourinho’s suggestion that Vinicius provoked the crowd during his celebration also sparked debate, and when asked about it, the French forward doubled down while revealing what Prestianni allegedly said.

“They’re two very different things. I’m going to talk about what I know — what I saw and heard. About what I didn’t see, I won’t talk; that’s how I am. But what I saw is very clear: player number 25 said to Vini five times, ‘you’re a monkey.’ In the end, everyone will give their opinion. I try to come here and give an explanation, because from where you were it’s impossible to know what happened,” he added.

Mbappé and his conversation with Vinicius

In the mixed zone, several Real Madrid players stood behind Vinicius. However, one of the most active figures on the field was Mbappé, who, once the anti-racism protocol was triggered, stayed alongside the Brazilian to discuss what steps the team might take.

With play halted from the 52nd minute, Mbappé shed light on his exchange with Vinicius: “I said, ‘What do you want to do?’ He had been told that, and I told him, ‘Whatever you want to do, we’ll do it as a team.’ Because I already said in the press conference before Monaco that we would never leave him alone.”

The former PSG star also revealed the options the squad considered in response to the situation. “We thought about walking off, that’s why we left. Then several things happened and we came back. We stayed focused on the match and won; but the match isn’t the important thing today — there are things more important than football tonight,” he added.

UEFA opens investigation into Prestianni-Vinicius episode

As reported by Cadena SER’s El Larguero, UEFA has launched an investigation into the Prestianni-Vinicius incident over the alleged racist remark during the clash between Benfica and Real Madrid. As part of the process, statements will be taken from Mbappé and all players involved.

However, the outlet added that “it will be very difficult to verify the insult,” since Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt at the moment Vinicius approached the referee. If the allegation cannot be clearly proven, no disciplinary action is expected, neither against the player nor the club.

Moments after the Champions League game against Benfica, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior broke the silence over his racial accusations, calling Gianluca Prestianni "coward."

Vinicius Junior was at the center of attention in Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Benfica, not only for his goal but also for the controversy surrounding his accusation of racial abuse against Gianluca Prestianni. After the match, the Brazilian star addressed the incident in a lengthy statement, referring to the Argentine winger as a “coward.”

After opening the scoring in the 50th minute and a series of confrontations, play was halted for nearly nine minutes as Vinicius approached referee Francois Letexier, who initiated the anti-racism protocol after hearing the complaint. While Prestianni denied the allegation, the match resumed in the 60th minute without disciplinary action against him, and he was later substituted in the 81st minute.

Following the match, Vinicius posted a statement on Instagram addressing the situation: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put a shirt over their mouth to show how weak they are. But they have protection beside them from others who, in theory, have the obligation to punish them. What happened today is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life and my family’s life.“

He also pointed to the contrast between being booked for what officials deemed a provocative celebration and the lack of punishment for his opponent. “I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal, still without understanding why. On the other side, there was only a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose,” he added.

“I don’t like to be in situations like this, especially after a big win when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary,” the message concluded. Because Prestianni covered his mouth at the moment of the accusation, no definitive ruling could be made on the field, and UEFA is now expected to review the incident and determine whether further action is warranted.

Vinicius already heating up the second leg against Benfica

The matchup between Benfica and Real Madrid was already charged before kickoff, as the Portuguese side had secured its place in the playoff round with a thrilling 4-2 win over Madrid in their previous meeting. With both teams seeking an early edge, the rematch began at a high tempo.

In the 50th minute, Vinicius produced a brilliant individual effort and curled a strike into the top corner to open the scoring, celebrating in a manner many Benfica supporters interpreted as provocative. After the goal and subsequent confrontation, loud whistles rained down at Estadio da Luz each time he touched the ball.

Alongside his statement about the incident, Vinicius also posted a message looking ahead to the return leg with his team holding a one-goal advantage: “Bernabéu, see you there!!!!!” he wrote, captioning a series of match photos, including the celebration.

The second leg of the Champions League playoff tie will be played at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday the 25th, where Vinicius is set to be backed by the home crowd. Still, with UEFA’s investigation ongoing, the fallout from the controversy could yet influence the broader narrative surrounding the tie.

Jürgen Klopp rejected offers from two Premier League giants, the USMNT and more countries, according to his agent.

There are some huge names out there waiting for the opportunity to manage again. Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández, Massimiliano Allegri, Zinedine Zidane, or even Rubén Amorim are free to choose where to go, but Jürgen Klopp remains the top target for clubs with high expectations from their fans.

The German last coached Liverpool in 2024 after almost a decade in charge. In an interview with Transfermarkt, his agent Marc Kosicke revealed several national teams and Premier League clubs had wanted him.

Kosicke said: “Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the United States, England, and probably Germany if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there. Even Manchester United and Chelsea made him offers despite him being clear about not coaching for another club in England. The offers didn’t stop.”

Klopp left Liverpool in mid 2024 and took up a role with Red Bull in 2025; during that period the United States had not hired Mauricio Pochettino, England had not appointed Thomas Tuchel, and Manchester United fired Erik ten Hag.

Kosicke on if Klopp would coach again

Klopp has been somewhat mysterious since his exit from the spotlight. The historic matches against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain a golden era in the Premier League. That’s why uncertainty around the German’s coaching future persists.

Currently a senior advisor on the energy drinks group’s projects in different countries, he has stepped away from the regular media appearances people were used to. Even though talks about a return keep reemerging, his agent doesn’t see it happening soon.

Asked about a comeback in the short term, Kosicke said: “At the moment, I don’t see it because he’s very happy with his new job and this environment. He has found a soulmate in Mario Gómez. They make a great pairing. Maybe someday he will say he misses the locker room, but right now he’s very happy in his current role.”

Klopp on being a great manager

Many wonder whether he would coach a national team at some point. After doubts about Germany’s rebuilding, his name has often been mentioned. However, his agent doesn’t see it as an obligation.

Kosicke described what the manager told him: “Jürgen said long ago that he could have been a great manager even if he had never worked for Real Madrid or Bayern. He wanted to win the Champions League at all costs, but winning it three times wouldn’t make him happier. He’s satisfied with what he has accomplished. He’s one of the few top coaches never to have been fired.”

After the controversy involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus addressed comparisons between his team and Al Hilal.

In recent weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the spotlight not for his goals but for his controversial decision to miss two Al Nassr matches as a protest over the alleged disparity in support from the Public Investment Fund compared to Al Hilal. Now, coach Jorge Jesus has spoken on the matter.

“I’ve already been at Al Hilal. I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like. They have more economic power,” Jorge Jesus recently said when asked about the topic, according to Goal. “When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal.”

The Portuguese coach worked at Al Hilal between July 2023 and May 2025. That means he oversaw the construction of the star-studded squad assembled in the summer of 2023, during the first major wave of Saudi Pro League signings following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.

Stars such as Neymar, Bono, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksander Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and Malcom were part of Al Hilal’s roster during that period, contributing in various degrees to the Saudi Pro League 2023-24 title, the King Cup 2023-24, and the Saudi Super Cup in 2023 and 2024.

Jorge Jesus confident about closing the gap between Al Nassr and Al Hilal

In the same conversation, the coach discussed how his perspective has changed now that Al Hilal are a rival. “Al-Nassr, with different resources, have to compete for the top spots. We have to continue to be strong,” Jesus said. “That’s why I was hired, to reduce the gap between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, in terms of titles and points. And that’s what we’re doing.”

From Jorge Jesus’ comments, it may sound as though Al Nassr are a modest club making enormous efforts to compete against far more powerful giants. But the reality is not quite that simple. In fact, they have the highest-paid player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Last summer, Al Nassr also signed three European stars: Inigo Martinez, a key center back for Barcelona; Kingsley Coman, a winger for Bayern Munich and the France national team; and Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s teammate on the Portugal national team. Combined with established stars already on the roster such as Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane, those additions have made Al Nassr an extremely competitive side.

How the Saudi Pro League title race stands

Al Nassr opened the season in impressive fashion, winning 10 consecutive matches. However, a dip in form cost them the top spot in the Saudi Pro League to Al Hilal. The current leaders sit at the top with 53 points, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.

“We are in the championship fight, we are one point behind the leaders, something Al-Nassr hasn’t been able to do,” Jorge Jesus emphasized. “In recent years, Al-Nassr has finished 16 or 14 points behind the lead. This year we don’t want that to happen, I don’t know what will happen. We are confident that we can compete for the top spots until the end.”

Real España play against LAFC in the first leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. Below is all the key information you need, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and options to watch or live stream the match in the USA.

Match Overview

All eyes will be on Los Angeles FC as the MLS powerhouse opens its campaign in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, entering the tournament as one of the clear favorites to contend for the title. LAFC arrive with legitimate ambitions of making a deep run and lifting the trophy, but the road through CONCACAF is rarely smooth.

Standing in their way in the opening round is Real España, a Honduran side embracing the underdog role while believing it has what it takes to spring a surprise. Expect intensity from the opening whistle as LAFC look to assert its dominance and Real España aim to turn this first-leg clash into a statement performance.

With his brace against PSG, USMNT star Folarin Balogun broke a record from Mexico legend Chicharito Hernandez in the UEFA Champions League.

Folarin Balogun is enjoying his most productive scoring season with AS Monaco, and Paris Saint-Germain became his latest victim. After netting a brace in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League clash against the Parisian side, the USMNT star broke a competition record previously held by Mexico legend Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.

After both teams failed to finish among the top eight in the league phase, Monaco and PSG were drawn together, with the Monegasque side hosting Wednesday’s first leg. The match began smoothly for the home team, which found the opener before the first minute had elapsed.

After Nuno Mendes gave the ball away while attempting to build from the back, Monaco launched a lethal counterattack down the left, where Aleksander Golovin delivered a precise cross for Balogun to score a header just 55 seconds into the match.

In the 18th minute, Balogun laid the ball off to Maghnes Akliouche, who slipped a perfectly weighted through pass to send the USMNT striker one-on-one with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. With a clinical finish inside the near post, he doubled the lead over the reigning European champions moments later.

FOLARIN BALOGUN AT THE DOUBLE 🇺🇸💥

Less than twenty minutes in and the USMNT striker has the European champions stunned in Monaco 😤 pic.twitter.com/eKJmu6APom

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 17, 2026

Balogun writes CONCACAF history in Champions League

With his brace against PSG, Folarin Balogun became the fastest player from CONCACAF to score twice in a Champions League match. Although the game ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat for Monaco, the two goals were enough for the USMNT forward to make history.

The previous mark had been set more than a decade ago by Chicharito Hernandez while playing for Bayer Leverkusen. Hosting Matchday 3 of the group stage against AS Roma, the Mexican star converted a fourth-minute penalty and then struck again in the 19th minute after a pass from Hakan Calhanoglu in a thrilling 4-4 draw, with now Balogun outshining his record by just a minute.

With the brace, Balogun now has 10 goals and four assists in 30 appearances during the 2025-26 season. More notably, he has scored five times in nine Champions League matches. While still short of his most prolific European campaign (the 2022-23 season with Stade Reims, when he recorded 22 goals and three assists in 39 games) the striker appears determined to make further history in Europe with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

After scoring the opening goal and with Vinicius Junior as the protagonist of a controversial episode, the game between Real Madrid and Benfica in the UEFA Champions League ended up being delayed.

The game between Real Madrid and Benfica was one of the most compelling matchups of the Champions League playoffs, but it was interrupted amid controversy. With Vinicius Junior at the center of the incident, play was halted in the 52nd minute.

After a scoreless first half, Vinicius opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 50th minute with a precise finish into the top corner. His celebration sparked tensions, leading to a confrontation involving several players before the match was stopped.

In the 52nd minute, before play could restart, Vinicius approached referee Francois Letexier to report alleged racist abuse, prompting the official to cross his arms and activate the anti-racism protocol. The Brazilian winger then headed toward the bench area, which led to a further delay.

Cameras later showed Vinicius speaking with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, whose words were unclear as he covered his mouth with his jersey. With Vinicius near the sideline, he also spoke with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho to address the situation.

When speaking to the referee, Vinicius was seen saying “me dijo mono” (“he called me monkey“) in Spanish. Speaking to teammates and concerned Real Madrid players, Prestianni denied making any abusive remark toward Vinicius.

Unable to verify the accusation at that moment, Letexier spoke with Prestianni but issued no sanction. Before play resumed in the 60th minute, cameras caught the Argentine winger saying “no dije nada” (“I didn’t say anything“), bringing a controversial episode in the match to a close.

What are the potential sanctions?

Since he covered his mouth at the moment the accusation was made, Gianluca Prestianni was not issued any sanction or yellow card. However, if UEFA ultimately determines that the allegations from the Real Madrid star are true, the Argentine could face a severe disciplinary penalty.

Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses “Racism and other discriminatory conduct,” states that the minimum suspension for such an offense is “at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.” Prestianni would not necessarily be the only party affected by the incident.

As subsection 3 outlines, UEFA may also impose disciplinary measures on the club or association involved, including matches behind closed doors, stadium closure, forfeiture of a match, points deductions, or even disqualification from a competition. With the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu, if the accusations are proven, Benfica could potentially face elimination from the Champions League.

With Carlos Casemiro's departure at the end of the season already announced, Manchester United have been urgently looking to strengthen their midfield. While several names from the Premier League are being mentioned, Bruno Fernandes' team is reportedly targeting a Bundesliga star.

With Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, Manchester United have managed to regain their best form by relying on the solidity of the midfield. To achieve this, the impressive performances of Casemiro, who provides balance to the team, have been key. However, the Brazilian has announced his departure at the end of the season, forcing the club to look for potential replacements. In response, Bruno Fernandes’ team reportedly targets a Bundesliga star.

According to Fussball Daten, Manchester United have decided to turn their attention to the Bundesliga to strengthen their midfield after facing difficulties in securing Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson. As a result, they are targeting Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha as a marquee signing. In addition, the German side are asking for $52–65 million for his transfer, a far more accessible fee than the more than $100 million quoted for their Premier League targets.

Despite currently shining in the Bundesliga, Nmecha went through his entire development process at Manchester City, meaning he is no stranger to the Premier League. Moreover, Felix has evolved into a fully complete midfielder, excelling both offensively and defensively. He has even become the main figure responsible for maintaining balance in Borussia Dortmund’s midfield. For this reason, the 25-year-old star would fit perfectly with the needs.

Following the departure of Casemiro and the potential exit of Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United could require at least two crucial midfield signings. For this reason, the possible arrival of Felix Nmecha would not rule out a move for Elliot Anderson, as his box-to-box profile would be the ideal complement to the Englishman. In light of this, the Red Devils could prioritize Nmecha’s signing as his performances have made him a key pillar at Borussia Dortmund.

Report: Manchester United push urgent contract renewals for key stars

Even though Michael Carrick’s arrival is considered a success, he doesn’t have guaranteed his continuity. Nonetheless, he has managed to revive several players as key pillars of the team, although one is set to see his contract expire in the summer of 2026, and three others are approaching their final year under contract. With this, Manchester United’s future depends not only on signing key players but also on securing the continuity of several stars.

After rediscovering his best form, Harry Maguire has established himself as a pillar of the defensive line. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Red Devils are already working on a renewal, according to English media. Likewise, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo are approaching the final year of their contracts. As key figures within the team, Manchester United are also pushing to secure their renewals.

With just over a month to go before the Finalissima against Spain, Argentina received troubling news regarding a La Liga winger.

The March international break will be the final opportunity for coaches to experiment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, some national teams will face official competition, including playoffs to determine the final spots in the tournament. Argentina and Spain are in a similar situation, as they will meet to decide the Finalissima title. One La Liga player is now in doubt due to physical issues.

“Nico Gonzalez has suffered a muscle tear,” journalist Gaston Edul reported on his official X account. The Argentine winger sustained the injury after playing the full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga loss to Rayo Vallecano.

“It’s a 21-day recovery. The Argentina national team will travel in 35 days to begin preparations for the Finalissima,” Edul added. He was optimistic about Gonzalez’s timeline: “He has time to recover physically.” The next FIFA international window will begin after the weekend of March 22 and run until club competitions resume the weekend of April 4.

That gives Nicolas Gonzalez more than a month to return to action. However, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni typically avoids calling up players who are coming off physical setbacks unless they have logged minutes with their clubs first. The approach ensures full recovery while also preventing potential friction with those teams. As a result, the winger’s timeline may be tighter than it initially appears.

Nicolas Gonzalez has previously missed key matches with Argentina

Argentina will face Spain in the Finalissima on Friday, March 27, in Doha, Qatar. Four days later, they will play the hosts in a friendly that will serve as the final match before Lionel Scaloni submits his official World Cup roster.

With Nicolas Gonzalez’s availability for the clash against Spain now uncertain, it could mirror what happened ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The winger entered that tournament as a key piece of the squad, having played an important role in the 2021 Copa America triumph. However, a late injury in the days leading up to the tournament in Qatar ruled him out, and his spot was ultimately taken by Thiago Almada.

How many Atletico Madrid matches will Nicolas Gonzalez miss?

While Argentina are concerned about Nicolas Gonzalez’s fitness ahead of the Finalissima, Atletico Madrid are the most immediately affected by the setback. The Spanish side will be without the 27-year-old forward for at least the next six matches.

Gonzalez will miss Wednesday’s clash against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, as well as next week’s second leg. In addition, he is set to miss at least three La Liga matches against Espanyol, Real Oviedo, and Real Sociedad. And that’s not all: he will also be unavailable for the crucial Copa del Rey semifinal showdown against Barcelona, where Los Colchoneros will defend their 4-0 advantage from the first leg.

Over the past week, Cristiano Ronaldo’s son captured attention with his performances for the national team, while Lionel Messi quietly watched his own legacy unfold at the academy level of the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated headlines for more than two decades, but in 2026, the spotlight is slowly shifting toward the next generation. Over the past week, Cristiano Ronaldo’s son captured attention with his performances for the national team, while Lionel Messi quietly watched his own legacy unfold at the academy level of the club. As the soccer world debates which family might produce the next global star, one moment from the United States sent fans into a frenzy and reminded everyone that the rivalry extends beyond the pitch and into the future.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. recently became a major talking point after appearing at the 2026 Algarve International Tournament with Portugal’s U16 national team. Scouts, media outlets, and fans closely tracked his progress, eager to see whether he could justify the hype that comes with carrying one of the most famous surnames in soccer.

His tournament began with a strong showing against Japan, where he provided a decisive assist in a 3-0 victory. In addition, he came close to scoring twice with dangerous attempts shortly after entering the match. The 15-year-old followed that performance with a start against the Netherlands, playing the first half in a narrow 1-0 win. 

Portugal later defeated Germany 3-1 to lift the Algarve trophy, with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. coming off the bench for around 20 minutes in the decisive match. He contributed to an undefeated tournament campaign and won his third international title in less than a year, following 2025 victories with the U-15 and U-16 teams, even if he did not steal the show with goals.

Parallel story emerging across the Atlantic

While Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was building his résumé in Europe, a new narrative was quietly unfolding across the Atlantic. Lionel Messi’s family has long been under the microscope, but one of his sons suddenly stole the spotlight with a moment that went viral and sparked global curiosity.

Fans quickly began sharing clips and discussing whether the Messi legacy could one day rival that of his legendary father. The reactions ranged from awe to skepticism, but the excitement was undeniable.

Watch Mateo Messi’s viral moment

In the middle of a youth match for Inter Miami’s academy setup, Mateo Messi produced a stunning long-range finish that curled into the top corner, instantly igniting social media. The goal, scored by the 11-year-old from Inter Miami’s youth team, drew instant comparisons to Lionel Messi’s iconic strikes and sparked conversations about inherited talent.

The 38-year-old Argentine was watching from the sideline, wearing a matching pink cap, visibly delighted by the moment. Cameras captured him smiling broadly before sharing a hug with his son after the goal, a rare glimpse into his role as a proud and attentive father despite his demanding MLS schedule.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. have shared many headlines over the years, but rarely has the spotlight felt so intense on the next generation.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. have shared many headlines over the years, but rarely has the spotlight felt so intense on the next generation. While the soccer world continues to debate whether the young forward can one day follow in the footsteps of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, a new chapter quietly unfolded with the Portuguese national team and at club level, raising eyebrows across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is not just another academy prospect. Born on June 17, 2010, in La Mesa, California, he carries one of the heaviest surnames in soccer history, and with it, expectations few teenagers could comprehend. Like the children of Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane, he grew up immersed in elite soccer environments, moving across countries and academies as his father’s career evolved.

He passed through Juventus and Manchester United before following Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia when the superstar joined Al-Nassr in 2023. The move raised questions about whether leaving Europe’s top development structures could slow his progress. Yet, despite doubts, Ronaldo Jr. continued his rise with the Portugal youth national team, slowly carving out his own path.

Early impact at the Algarve Tournament

At the 2026 Algarve International Tournament, Ronaldo Jr. arrived with Portugal’s U16 national team under growing scrutiny from scouts, media, and fans. His first notable moment came against Japan, where he provided a standout assist in a 3-0 victory.

“Cristianinho delivers an assist in the U16 national team’s victory against Japan. The Portuguese forward was one of the key players in Portugal’s first win (3-0) in the Algarve Tournament,” reported the Portuguese media, highlighting his immediate influence despite coming off the bench in the 27th minute. He also came close to scoring twice, with dangerous attempts in the 31st and 40th minutes.

He followed that performance with a starting role against the Netherlands, playing the first half and helping his side secure a narrow 1-0 win. “On the pitch, he looked to energize the left flank of the attack, frequently combining with his teammates and creating dangerous opportunities for the opposition goal,” wrote Mais de Futebol.

Watch how Ronaldo Jr. fared against Germany

The tournament culminated in a decisive clash against Germany, where Portugal sealed a 3-1 victory to lift the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. started on the bench and played around 20 minutes in regular time, contributing to the squad’s overall success rather than dominating headlines with goals or assists.

While he did not steal the spotlight individually, he was part of an unbeaten Portugal side that claimed the Algarve title, marking his third international trophy in less than a year, following triumphs with the U15 team in May 2025 and the U16 team in November 2025. His grandmother, Maria Dolores, was said to be present in the stands, symbolizing the family’s continued support as he navigates his soccer journey.

While Mohamed Salah has regained his place in Liverpool’s starting lineup, he is still pointing toward a departure in the summer of 2026. In light of this, the Reds have reportedly identified the ideal replacement for the Egyptian in a Bundesliga star valued at €100 million.

Despite recently securing a Premier League title, Liverpool are not having their best season, as they sit far from the top of the league. The team’s attacking performance has let supporters down, with Mohamed Salah not performing at his usual high level. With the possibility of Salah’s departure in the summer of 2026, the Reds have reportedly identified a Bundesliga star, valued at €100 million, as the ideal replacement for the Egyptian.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool believe Michael Olise is the ideal replacement for Salah. As an undisputed starter at Bayern Munich, the Frenchman would command a fee of over €100 million. Despite the Reds’ interest, he is not keen on returning to the Premier League and could even be close to signing a contract extension. As a result, the English side have decided to include four other attacking alternatives.

Given the difficulty of securing Olise, the Reds have turned their attention to Yan Diomande as a main target for the 2026–27 season. Despite interest from Bayern Munich, the RB Leipzig winger has stated that his father is a Liverpool supporter and that he would like to see him play at Anfield, meaning his arrival may not be too difficult to secure. However, his transfer fee would also be around €100 million, TEAMtalk reports.

In their bid to secure a marquee reinforcement on the wing, Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring three other options: Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, along with PSG’s Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. It does not mean all of them will arrive, but they intend to hold talks with each player as they aim to secure at least one signing. With this in mind, Mohamed Salah appears to be heading toward an exit from the club.

Liverpool’s Arne Slot could sell a key star to reshape offense

During the 2025–26 season, Liverpool have seen a fairly limited attacking output, as Luis Díaz’s departure significantly affected the team. In light of this, the potential exits of Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa point toward a clear reconfiguration of the attack. However, head coach Arne Slot could lose another key player, as his inconsistent performances reportedly open the door to a possible departure from the club.

According to Wilson Cox via X, formerly Twitter, the Reds are looking to transfer Cody Gakpo, as his performances have fallen short of expectations. After playing 34 matches, the Dutchman has scored seven goals and provided four assists, a figure well below his output in previous seasons. As a result, Liverpool could look to pursue the signing of a dribbling winger, aiming for a drastic shift in their tactical approach.

Raphinha criticized the referees with a post on social media after Barcelona's La Liga loss to Girona

Raphinha was back in the team for the match against Girona on Monday. However, his return was not enough to prevent an unexpected Barcelona defeat, which left Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings.

Complaints have flooded the media in the last few days following Pau Cubarsí’s disallowed goal in the Copa del Rey semifinal loss to Atletico Madrid. That time the club submitted a formal complaint to the Real Federación Española de Fútbol. Now it was the winger who used his platform to make his voice heard.

The post had a clear message for the referees. Raphinha wrote: “We have many things to improve, but not just us. It’s hard when the rules change if they are in your favor or against you. If we must play against everybody to win, it’s fine. We will do it. Go Barça forever.”

Cubarsí was also critical

Girona were worthy opponents and handed Barcelona’s rivals the La Liga lead. There were defensive mistakes again, as has often been the case, but there was also major controversy in the decisive goal.

What every player complained about was a foul on Jules Koundé by Echeverri that changed the course of yesterday’s match. Cubarsí was a bit more measured than his teammate in an interview with DAZN.

The defender said: “Everybody saw it; we are not going to comment on that. People know what happened. From inside we couldn’t do anything. We don’t have to argue with the referee. We must improve.”

Good news for Barcelona

The match left a very sour taste because the performance wasn’t good on top of the result. It could have been worse after Eric García had to leave with 20 minutes still to play because of a hamstring issue.

On Tuesday the player underwent a medical examination to determine whether he would miss time. Fortunately for the defender, there was no injury that will force him to be sidelined, which is positive considering he left the field in pain.

While excitement builds around Pulisic’s resurgence and the possibility of another chapter in England, former USMNT icon Landon Donovan has raised a subtle yet significant concern that could shape the next phase of his career.

Christian Pulisic is once again a central figure in the growing debate over his future, as speculation mounts about a potential Premier League return. With Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham all monitoring his situation, comparisons have emerged with Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne—two players who struggled in England, left, and later returned as transformed superstars. But while excitement builds around Pulisic’s resurgence and the possibility of another chapter in England, former USMNT icon Landon Donovan has raised a subtle yet significant concern that could shape the next phase of his career.

Pulisic has been one of the standout performers in Serie A this season, playing a decisive role in Milan’s push near the top of the table. Reports indicate that Arsenal admires his goal threat, Manchester United sees him as a potential solution in attack, and Tottenham views him as the dynamic winger it currently lacks.

According to reports, Milan is open to offers in the $83-95 million range, reflecting both his current form and long-term value. The Italian side, however, is not under financial pressure and remains in a strong negotiating position with its contract running until 2027. The message from San Siro is clear: if England wants Pulisic back, it will have to pay a premium.

The 27-year-old’s previous Premier League spell at Chelsea was a mixture of promise and frustration. While he played a key role in winning the UEFA Champions League and produced memorable moments, including a Premier League hat-trick, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter.

His move to Milan in 2023 marked a turning point. Since arriving in Italy, he has rebuilt his reputation and emerged as one of the Rossoneri’s most influential attackers, registering strong goal and assist numbers and becoming a fan favorite. At 27, he is entering what should be the peak years of his career, making him a compelling target for ambitious projects ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Salah and De Bruyne parallels

The narrative around Pulisic’s potential Premier League return has been shaped by comparisons with two elite players who followed similar paths. “I remember Kevin De Bruyne at Chelsea. I remember Mo Salah at Chelsea,” Tim Howard said in the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, drawing parallels between Pulisic and the two modern Premier League greats.

“He sort of reminds me of Mo Salah and Kevin De Bruyne in that he now went off; he’s matured, and he’s older, and he’s now gone and carried a league. He’s carried one of the best teams in the league, right? He’s put AC Milan on his back.” The comparison suggests Pulisic could follow the same redemption arc—leaving England, maturing abroad, and returning as a more complete player.

Donovan points out one vital concern

However, while talent and mentality are not in doubt, Landon Donovan highlighted one critical concern about a Premier League return. “This is a scenario where I think if he is motivated and wants to go prove it, he is capable of it,” Donovan said. Then he revealed the underlying hesitation: “The one hesitation I have… the physical part of it is a real thing, man.”

The ex-striker elaborated on the relentless demands of England’s top division: “Some of the athletes in the Premier League are monsters. I mean monsters. And to do it, thirty-five, forty, forty-five times a year at that pace is really hard. I don’t know, physically, if he could do it every single week for two or three years… because it’s really hard, man.” The concern is not about ability or mentality—but whether Pulisic can sustain the physical intensity of the Premier League over multiple seasons.

The mystery surrounding Milan’s lineup centers on Christian Pulisic, whose fitness has been a recurring concern this season.

Christian Pulisic is once again at the center of attention as Milan prepares for a decisive Serie A showdown against Como. With the Rossoneri chasing their season objectives and the pressure intensifying in the title race, questions linger over the availability of key players and how Massimiliano Allegri plans to navigate another tactical challenge.

The midweek fixture arrives at a delicate moment for Milan, who are balancing ambition, squad rotation, and physical management. While Allegri has insisted that calm and focus are essential, uncertainty surrounding one of his most influential attackers has added an extra layer of intrigue ahead of kickoff.

The Rossoneri welcome Como to San Siro in a rescheduled Serie A Matchday 24 match, originally postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. The Rossoneri are determined to secure three points to maintain pressure on their rivals, while Como arrives with European ambitions of their own.

The Blue and Whites now have confidence after significant investment and showings this season. Under Cesc Fabregas, they have built a competitive squad and currently sit just outside the European places, with a game in hand that could boost their continental hopes.

They have demonstrated attacking potency, particularly away from home, and will be eager to avenge their earlier defeat to Milan. However, they face selection issues of their own, including the suspension of Alvaro Morata and injuries to key players.

Will Pulisic be fit to face Como?

The mystery surrounding Milan’s lineup centers on Christian Pulisic, whose fitness has been a recurring concern this season. Allegri provided a cautious update ahead of the match, admitting that the American forward is still dealing with discomfort.

“Aside from Rabiot, who is suspended, the others feel quite well. Saelemaekers is available, and I hope the same goes for Pulisic, because he still feels discomfort. Let’s see if he’ll be there,” the Italian tactician told reporters.

Pulisic’s availability remains uncertain, despite his recent return off the bench. The winger has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, including bursitis and a long-standing hamstring issue. Even so, he remains Milan’s leading scorer with 10 goals in all competitions, highlighting his importance to Allegri’s system.

The bigger picture for Pulisic and Milan

For Pulisic, the match represents another chapter in a season marked by physical setbacks and tactical adaptation. Despite limited starts in recent weeks, he remains a central figure in Milan’s offensive structure, and Allegri’s cautious optimism suggests the club is prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term risk.

As the San Siro outfit pushes toward the business end of the season, the availability of Pulisic and Leao together could prove decisive in determining whether the Rossoneri can sustain their title chase and secure Champions League qualification.

As rumors of a possible move to the Premier League continue to grow, AC Milan have reportedly set an asking price for Christian Pulisic.

AC Milan are enjoying an extremely positive season in Serie A, battling Inter Milan for the top spot in the standings. A major reason for that success has been Christian Pulisic, whose impressive performances have attracted interest from Premier League clubs.

Manchester United have emerged as one of the teams most interested in signing Pulisic, who previously played in England with Chelsea from 2019 to 2023. In addition to the Red Devils, reports have also mentioned potential interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

In that context, the Italian side has decided it will not let Christian Pulisic leave unless it receives a significant financial offer that fully meets its demands. “Milan have set an asking price close to €80 million for the forward, who is under contract until 2027,” BeInSports reported Tuesday.

That figure, nearly $95 million, represents a considerable amount, but not an impossible one for certain Premier League clubs. In fact, during last summer’s transfer window, Manchester United spent more than $260 million on the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.

The record Pulisic would break if sold for $95 million

While concrete progress in negotiations has yet to materialize, if Christian Pulisic were to complete a transfer for the reported fee, he would become the most expensive sale in AC Milan history.

To date, the player for whom the Italian side received the highest transfer fee is Kaka. The Brazilian midfielder was transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, two years after winning the Ballon d’Or, for approximately $80 million.

Further down the list are other stars such as Sandro Tonali, sold to Newcastle United in 2023 for $75 million; Tijjani Reijnders, transferred to Manchester City last year for $63 million; and Andriy Shevchenko, signed by Chelsea in 2006 for $50 million.

Pulisic’s performances this season with Milan

The high price Milan have reportedly placed on Christian Pulisic aligns with the level he has shown on the field throughout the season. The American forward has made 21 appearances across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana, recording 10 goals and 2 assists.

Pulisic currently ranks as the second-leading scorer in Serie A with 8 goals, trailing only Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who has 14. However, the Argentine forward has played 25 matches, while the USMNT star has appeared in just 17 due to recurring injury issues.

Set to face FK Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two, coach Jorge Jesus has taken the decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of the Al Nassr squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently returned to action after resolving his issues in the Saudi Pro League, and he did so in style by getting back on the scoresheet. However, with Al Nassr set to play a key AFC Champions League Two match on Wednesday, head coach Jorge Jesus has decided the Portuguese forward will sit out the game.

Drawn against FK Arkadag in the Round of 16 of the AFC competition, Al Nassr already traveled to Turkmenistan without Ronaldo for the first leg, which ended in a narrow 1-0 win. At the time, Jesus said the Portuguese star is not usually called up for matches outside Saudi Arabia, explaining his absence.

With the second leg scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, at Al Awwal Park in Saudi Arabia, questions arose about whether the striker would be included. However, as reported by Ali Alabdallh, coach Jorge Jesus ultimately decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for the match against Arkadag.

Ronaldo attended Tuesday’s training session, and beforehand the Portuguese coach spoke at a press conference about the star’s situation: “We’re playing a match every three days, and that’s a big physical demand, so we will rotate between the players. Cristiano’s age is different from the rest of the squad, and he has made a big effort in the previous matches. We will decide whether he will participate or not after today’s training session.“

Ronaldo’s absence brings mixed feelings for the game

Ronaldo missing AFC Champions League Two matches has been common during the 2025-26 season, as the striker has appeared in only one of the seven games between the group stage and the first leg of the Round of 16. That’s largely because the competition ranks behind the club’s priority of winning the Saudi Pro League title.

Still, the decision for Ronaldo to miss the game is significant, not only for Al Nassr, with the aggregate margin slim, but also for Arkadag, whose players hoped to face him. In the pre-match press conference, head coach Mergen Orazov was asked about the possibility of Ronaldo featuring, and his response was clear: “If he plays, that would be good for the match. He is one of the greatest players in football history and an important figure for many fans.“

What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr?

Including Wednesday’s match against Arkadag, this will be the 10th game Ronaldo has missed for Al Nassr across all competitions (two in the Saudi Pro League, seven in the AFC Champions League Two, and one in the Saudi King’s Cup, where he was an unused substitute). Rather than cause concern, Jesus has explained the absences are part of managing minutes for the star, who recently turned 41, as he targets full fitness for the 2026 World Cup.

Since he will sit out this match, Ronaldo is expected to return for Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League game on Saturday the 21st against Al Hazm. The team currently sits in second place with 52 points, just one behind leaders Al Hilal, making it highly likely the Portuguese star will feature.

In a surprising turn, Marcus Rashford appears to be rediscovering his best form at Barcelona, shining both as a scorer and a creator. As a result, the Blaugranas have reportedly held talks with Manchester United in an effort to sign the Englishman on a permanent basis.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have emerged as one of the world’s premier attacking teams. With numerous options in their offensive lineup, coach Hansi Flick has successfully brought out the best in his players, with Marcus Rashford‘s breakout performance being the most surprising. In response, the Blaugranas have reportedly already taken steps to secure Rashford’s services on a permanent basis, engaging in discussions with Manchester United.

According to Matteo Moretto, Barcelona have already decided to meet with Manchester United in an effort to secure Marcus Rashford’s continuity. While the Blaugranas are looking to reduce the transfer fee to around €25 million, the Red Devils remain firm at €30-35 million, as they are not completely closed to his return, with Michael Carrick keen to have him in his plans. Despite this, the Englishman is pushing for a permanent move to the Spanish side.

Even though Rashford has not established himself as an undisputed starter, he has remained one of Barcelona’s most productive players. After featuring in 34 matches, the Englishman has scored 10 goals, making him the team’s fifth-highest scorer. In addition, he has provided 13 assists, leading the squad in that category. As a result, Hansi Flick is pushing to secure his continuity, having proven to be a difference-maker in the minutes he has played.

While Marcus continues to show great talent and shine for the Blaugranas, a permanent move is far from a done deal. As per several Spanish outlets reports, the front office believes paying around €30–35 million for the Englishman could be excessive. Since he has not established himself as an undisputed starter, they are looking for ways to reduce that figure. If the Red Devils decide not to accept, Rashford’s tenure at Barcelona could conclude at the end of the season.

Report: Barcelona keep two LaLiga gems as Rashford replacements

Despite Barcelona still competing for major objectives this season, they appear to have already begun planning for the 2026–27 campaign. Signing a defender and a center forward has emerged as a reported priority. Alongside these targets, ensuring Marcus Rashford’s continued presence is seen as a major focus. However, the Blaugranas also have two young LaLiga players in mind as alternatives if the Englishman does not remain with the team.

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the development of Abde Ezzalzouli and Jan Virgili. After shining in LaLiga, both former players remain on the club’s radar for a potential return. In addition, they retain 40% of any future sale of Virgili and 20% of any future sale of Abde, which would lower the cost of bringing them back. Given that both players are still young, they could consider the return of either one in a similar €30–35 million deal.

The English striker, now leading the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League after outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo, has forced himself back into conversations surrounding England’s attacking future.

Ivan Toney is quietly rewriting his career narrative in the Middle East, producing one of the most prolific seasons of his career while competing with the biggest names in global football. The English striker, now leading the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League after outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo, has forced himself back into conversations surrounding England’s attacking future.

At club level, Toney’s resurgence has been impossible to ignore, and at international level, the timing could not be more intriguing. With Thomas Tuchel preparing England for the 2026 World Cup, the Al-Ahli forward has ensured that his name remains firmly in the frame, while carefully crafting a message that goes beyond goals and statistics.

Toney’s move from Brentford to Al-Ahli in 2024 raised eyebrows. Critics questioned whether leaving the Premier League would damage his international prospects, but his response has been emphatic.

The 29-year-old has scored 20 goals in the Saudi Pro League, surpassing Ronaldo’s tally and positioning himself as the league’s top scorer after Matchweek 22. His conversion rate and consistency have marked him out as one of the competition’s most efficient finishers, while his presence has helped elevate Al-Ahli into the league’s elite attacking sides.

The hidden message to Thomas Tuchel

As England prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Toney has delivered a clear message to Thomas Tuchel: he wants to be part of the journey. “It would be a dream to play there. Everybody dreams of that, and imagine if we were to win the World Cup? That would be for the country,” the Englishman said. “You have these little visions of what could happen… If it was to come true, it would be a big blessing.”

The striker acknowledged that Harry Kane remains England’s primary attacking reference point, calling him “the best finisher in football.” However, he believes his own role could be that of a high-impact alternative. “My job is to keep scoring goals, and hopefully that gives me the best chance of being there,” he added, underscoring a single-minded focus on performance.

What Toney believes he would bring to England

Beyond goals, Toney has outlined how his experience in Saudi Arabia could offer England an edge at the World Cup, particularly given the tournament’s North American climate. “Maybe I could bring an advantage due to the heat… I’ve played in 30-plus degrees here, and I feel like I’m adapted to it,” he explained. “You have to be more strategic with the runs you make. I guess I won’t have to adapt.”

He also emphasized his fitness and mentality, stating: “I feel much fitter and the stats speak for themselves… He would be getting a goalscorer who is hungry to play.” For the striker, this opportunity carries personal significance. “It could be my last chance… whatever is best for the country; the coach will pick the team and you have to respect that,” he admitted, acknowledging both the stakes and the competition within England’s striking ranks.

l dream and the national team prepares for a new era under a high-profile coach. At club level, Neymar’s return has been met with excitement, curiosity, and cautious optimism, while the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to shape every decision in his recovery journey.

Neymar and Carlo Ancelotti are once again central figures in Brazil’s soccer narrative, as the veteran forward attempts to reignite his international dream and the national team prepares for a new era under a high-profile coach. At club level, Neymar’s return has been met with excitement, curiosity, and cautious optimism, while the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to shape every decision in his recovery journey.

After months of uncertainty and rehabilitation, the Brazilian icon has finally stepped back onto the pitch, sparking fresh debate about his future with the Selecao and whether his body and form can hold up for one final global tournament.

Neymar’s comeback for Santos came after a long and painful rehabilitation process. The veteran underwent knee surgery in December and spent weeks working his way back to match fitness, with the club carefully managing his minutes. His first appearance of the year arrived in a dominant 6-0 victory over Velo Clube, where he entered the match from the bench and immediately influenced the game.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star assisted Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa for one of his goals, showcasing flashes of his trademark creativity and technical brilliance. Supporters at Vila Belmiro welcomed him with enthusiasm, celebrating the return of one of the club’s most iconic figures.

However, the comeback was not without frustration. The 34-year-old believed he should have been awarded a penalty and later missed a clear chance in front of goal, slicing his shot wide. Despite these moments, his confidence and rhythm were evident, and the coaching staff viewed his performance as an important step toward full fitness.

Santos’ careful World Cup-oriented plan

Santos has made Neymar’s World Cup ambition a central part of their strategy. The club staff deliberately limited his minutes, ensuring his recovery is sustainable rather than rushed.

The forward played around 50 minutes in his return match, with the coaching staff emphasizing that his workload would be gradually increased. Neymar had previously endured multiple muscle injuries but still produced 12 goals and six assists in 30 matches in 2025, proving he can still deliver at a high level when fit.

His contract renewal with Santos through December ensures stability as he targets a place in Brazil’s squad for the next international window, a crucial milestone in his World Cup preparation.

What did Vojvoda say about Neymar?

In the middle of the post-match discussion, the Peixe’s coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda delivered a clear message that carried implications far beyond club soccer. “I think everyone needs Neymar. Santos, the national team… [Brazil coach Carlo] Ancelotti will be happy if he’s doing well. One thing will lead to another,” Vojvoda said.

This statement was more than praise; it was a direct appeal to Ancelotti, suggesting that Neymar still belongs at the heart of Brazil’s plans. Vojvoda reinforced the idea that Neymar’s presence could benefit both club and country, underlining his enduring quality and competitive spirit.

Vojvoda also highlighted Neymar’s mentality, a trait that has defined his career but has sometimes been questioned due to injuries and off-field distractions. “He’s a world-class player,” the coach insisted. “He still has that ambition. I see it in every little game, in every small-sided game in training, he wants to be there and he wants to win. That’s what motivates him.”

Those words reflect a player still hungry for success, still chasing legacy, and still determined to make an impact on the biggest stage. For Neymar, the 2026 World Cup could represent the final opportunity to lead Brazil in a global tournament as a senior figure.

Amid their major defensive issues, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have decided to target a Bundesliga star. However, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for his signature, complicating a potential move to the Spanish side.

Despite Barcelona showing some strong peaks in performance, they have failed to establish themselves as a truly competitive team. With serious defensive concerns, the Blaugranas have suffered a run of significant defeats. In response, coach Hansi Flick had been targeting a Bundesliga star to strengthen the squad, but Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for his signature, complicating a potential move to the Spanish side.

According to Sports Boom, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Julian Ryerson. Due to interest from Barcelona and his contract running until 2028, the Norwegian could leave Borussia Dortmund for a fee of $47.8 million, significantly higher than the $23 million initially reported. Despite this, the Red Devils are reportedly maintaining their interest in the deal, as they face considerable uncertainty at right-back moving forward.

Even though Diogo Dalot is clearly coach Michael Carrick’s first choice, his future with the team is not entirely certain. After his impressive performance, he has reportedly attracted the attention of major European teams. In addition, Noussair Mazraoui’s performances continues to raise serious doubts, so strengthening the right-back position remains a strong possibility. As Ryerson is one of Borussia Dortmund’s most consistent players, his arrival would be a wise move

Not only Manchester United and Barcelona are interested in signing him, as another Premier League club has also entered the race. According to Sports Boom, Newcastle United have also been closely monitoring Julian Ryerson, viewing him as a perfect fit for the team. In light of this development, the Norwegian is open to a move to England, aware that his salary could potentially triple and that he would gain a more prominent role.

Barcelona may walk away from Ryerson as his price skyrockets

Unlike previous seasons, Julian Ryerson has established himself as an undisputed starter for Borussia Dortmund. With his defensive solidity and growing scoring impact, the Norwegian has caught the attention of Barcelona, who considered him a quality alternative to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde at full-back. However, the alleged interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United has increased his value, distancing him from the team.

According to initial reports from BILD, Borussia Dortmund had set an asking price of around €20 million amid Barcelona’s interest. However, more recent reports claim the German club is now expecting to sell Ryerson for around €40 million. Given this, the Blaugranas could stop prioritizing his signing, as Eric García is also capable of playing in that position. Instead, they may shift their full focus toward signing a left-sided defender.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Lionel Messi could see the return of an Argentine star who retired from international soccer years ago.

In just four months, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be in full swing. All eyes will be on Argentina, the reigning champions and one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the tournament, but the potential return of a star player could influence his decision.

In a video recently posted on social media, 1978 World Cup winner Ubaldo Fillol spoke about the possible return of Angel Di Maria to the national team. “I found out that the coaching staff and some players are talking to him to come back,” said the former goalkeeper. “He is one of the players I believe will be there, it’s a hunch. I think they will convince him to play in the next World Cup.”

Di Maria has been a key figure for Argentina for more than 15 years. He played in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), six Copa Americas, the 2022 Finalissima, a U-20 World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In total, he won two youth-level titles and four senior-level trophies, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he delivered a standout performance in the final against France.

After winning the 2024 Copa America, the winger decided to end his international career, stating: “I think I completed a cycle. I conquered everything I wanted, there’s a young generation coming behind me, and I felt it was the right moment to step aside.” At the time of his retirement from the national team, Angel Di Maria had recorded 145 appearances and 31 goals for Argentina between 2008 and 2024.

What is Di Maria’s status now?

After leaving the Argentina national team, Angel Di Maria continued his career in Europe for one more year with Benfica. After competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he ended his contract with the Portuguese side and returned home to play his final years with Rosario Central.

Since then, the 38-year-old winger has appeared in 22 matches for the club, across the Liga Profesional de Futbol and Copa Argentina, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances have earned recognition from fans, making a notable impact even at his advanced age.

Fillol surprised by Di Maria’s performances

Like many, Ubaldo Fillol was skeptical about the level Angel Di Maria could display in the Argentine league after returning at 37 and nearly two decades in Europe. “I thought he was like any other former player, coming back to finish his career in the country. But Di Maria is splendid, he’s happy because he’s in his country,” said the former goalkeeper.

The 1978 World Cup winner even compared the Rosario Central player to Lionel Messi in terms of current form, rating the Argentine league above MLS. “I see Di Maria in great shape, comparing him to Leo Messi. Leo is in a league that isn’t very competitive, and Argentine soccer is,” Fillol said.

“Here, they don’t give you anything, they don’t give you space, and he’s doing very well,” the Argentine legend praised Di Maria’s performance. “He has speed, spark, and can score… From what I see, he is capable of playing in the World Cup, without a doubt.”

Although Neymar Jr. has remained away from Brazil call-ups, the veteran continues to hold a clear hope of returning for the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly open to a possible comeback from the 24-year-old, setting a clear condition for it.

Following Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil have made significant strides in advancing their sporting project. By establishing a clear style of play, he has restored the national team’s confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, Neymar Jr.’s absence remains notable, with only a few months left before the tournament. Nevertheless, the veteran receives a significant boost, as the coach has reportedly opened the door to his return under a clear condition.

After suffering a serious knee injury with meniscus damage, Neymar Jr. was sidelined for 62 days, missing 10 matches with Santos FC. Despite this, the Brazilian has already made a triumphant return with the team, playing around 45 minutes against Velo Clube in the Paulista Championship. While securing his place with Brazil for the 2026 World Cup remains quite difficult, coach Carlo Ancelotti has left the door open to his return—under one condition.

According to Rodrigo Mattos of UOL, Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to definitively close the door on Neymar Jr.’s return ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, the coach has chosen not to give the veteran any special treatment, making it a clear condition that he must be in peak physical shape to compete at the highest level in the tournament. As a result, the 34-year-old star earns a chance to prove his return to competitiveness in order to secure his place.

Since Ancelotti’s arrival, Neymar Jr.’s absence has been constant, as injuries have prevented him from playing regularly for the national team. Given this, Raphinha and Rodrygo have emerged as the favorites to shine in the attacking midfield position, leaving only one spot up for debate. If the 34-year-old star regains his best physical form, Lucas Paqueta could even be left out of the squad. However, this is no easy task, as the veteran still has a lot to prove.

Neymar Jr. has a unique moment to shine again with Santos FC

After numerous problems at Al Hilal, Neymar Jr. arrived at Santos FC in poor shape, looking to regain his best physical form. Far from having a dream comeback, the veteran faced injuries again, halting his progress. On top of that, the team was not at its best, facing imminent relegation. However, the 34-year-old star stepped up, leading the team, pulling it out of relegation and securing a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.

Looking to solidify the roster, Santos decided to sign several stars such as Gabriel Barbosa, Rony, and more than 10 other players. With this in mind, Neymar has a more competitive roster, helping him to shine. Moreover, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda holds more alternatives to manage the playing time of the veteran star. For this reason, the 34-year-old star has a better team to show off his best version and seek his return with Brazil for the 2026 World Cup.

Monaco play against PSG in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times, plus how to watch the match live on TV or stream it in the United States.

Match Overview

A place in the Round of 16 hangs in the balance as French rivals Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco collide in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League playoff showdown. The reigning European champions are determined to reignite another title charge after failing to secure automatic passage.

Meanwhile, Monaco lean into their underdog status, confident that their deep familiarity from domestic battles can spark a signature upset on the continental stage. With pride, history, and advancement all at stake, this all-Ligue 1 clash promises drama from start to finish.

Benfica will host Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times, plus how to watch the match live on TV or stream it in the United States.

Match Overview

The UEFA Champions League knockout round play-offs deliver a compelling rematch as Benfica and Real Madrid meet again after their explosive 4-2 battle, a game remembered for goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s dramatic late strike that propelled the Portuguese side forward and forced Madrid into the tougher postseason route.

Now, with a Round of 16 berth within reach, Benfica aim to confirm their rise on Europe’s biggest stage while Los Blancos arrive determined to restore order and keep their title aspirations alive in a showdown no soccer fan should miss.

Following their recent defeat in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid must secure a victory against Benfica to secure their place in the round of 16. To this end, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Kylian Mbappe, as he could be the difference maker.

Despite a recent defeat in the UEFA Champions League raising some doubts, Real Madrid have managed to impose a strong competitive rhythm by racking up three consecutive emphatic victories. They have regained the lead in LaLiga, arriving in excellent form. As a result, Los Blancos are set to face Benfica once again, aiming to secure their place in the Round of 16. Ahead of the match, fans are closely monitoring Kylian Mbappé’s status.

While he was absent in the previous match against Real Sociedad, Kylian Mbappé is in full physical condition. With this in mind, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will back the Frenchman as a starter in the Champions League clash, aiming for his scoring power to make the difference. Alongside him, Vinícius Jr. will return to the starting lineup, as they have established themselves as one of the most decisive attacking duos in the world.

As in the most recent match, Trent Alexander-Arnold will also be a key difference-maker, with coach Arbeloa opting to restore the inverted full-back role that helped him shine at Liverpool. In this setup, the Englishman moves from the right flank into midfield, becoming a crucial figure in organizing play. Additionally, Real Madrid are hoping Antonio Rüdiger can once again be influential at the heart of the defense, fully balancing the team.

Far from being an easy match for Los Blancos, José Mourinho’s Benfica will pose a very tough challenge. Riding a five-game winning streak, the Portuguese side arrive in top form for the Champions League clash. Relying on collective solidity, they aim to make life difficult for Real Madrid, while also counting on players such as Vangelis Pavlidis and Andreas Schjelderup to be decisive on the counterattack, exploiting their opponent’s defensive issues.

Benfica lineup vs. Real Madrid

While Benfica have recovered several players ahead of the Champions League match, João Veloso and Samuel Soares will be out of today’s game due to injury concerns. Nonetheless, José Mourinho has managed to get strong performances without them on the pitch, so their absence may not significantly alter the outcome of the game. Given the team’s good form, the coach opt not to make changes to the starting lineup.

Considering this, Benfica will play as follows: Anatoliy Trubin; Amar Dedić, Tomás Araújo, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl; Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes; Gianluca Prestianni, Rafa Silva, Andreas Schjelderup; Vangelis Pavlidis.

Real Madrid lineup vs. Benfica

Although Kylian Mbappé is expected to start, Real Madrid are dealing with four significant absences in their squad. Ahead of the match against Benfica, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Éder Militão due to injury. Along with them, Raúl Asencio remains unavailable after receiving a red card in the previous Champions League match. Even so, Los Blancos still boast strong squad depth, which keeps them as favorites.

With this in mind, Real Madrid will lineup as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga; Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe.

Galatasaray square off with Juventus in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know about kickoff times, plus how to watch the match live on TV or stream it in the United States.

Match Overview

A place in the Round of 16 hangs in the balance as Juventus and Galatasaray square off in a pressure-packed European clash. The Turkish Süper Lig leaders enter the matchup riding strong domestic form and sensing a golden opportunity to seize control against an Italian powerhouse that has battled inconsistency throughout the campaign.

Still, Juventus’ pedigree and big-stage experience make them a dangerous opponent capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most. With momentum on one side and tradition on the other, this showdown promises drama from start to finish—be sure not to miss it.

Set to face Son’s LAFC in the MLS opener, Lionel Messi could suffer a setback with an Inter Miami star in doubt for the match.

Lionel Messi will open a new MLS season in less than a week when Inter Miami CF travel to the West Coast to face Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC in the season opener on Saturday, February 21. However, the Argentine could be dealing with a potential setback, as a star teammate is in doubt for the match.

MLS scheduled the opener between Inter Miami and LAFC to showcase Messi and Son, two of the league’s biggest stars, on the same field. However, with the Argentine dealing with a muscle strain in his left hamstring, his availability has been cast into doubt, and he may not be the only one at risk of missing the game.

As reported by journalist José Armando, new striker Germán Berterame has yet to receive his work visa. The reporter noted that the process in these cases could be finalized in the coming days, but with less than a week remaining before kickoff, it remains possible the Mexico international will miss the MLS opener.

Inter Miami invested $15 million to sign Berterame from CF Monterrey to provide Messi with a major boost in attack. The striker already debuted against Atlético Nacional in Colombia and scored his first unofficial goal in a 2-2 draw against Barcelona SC. While he’s expected to be the team’s starting forward, paperwork could prevent him from making his official debut with the Herons.

Coach Mascherano on Inter Miami’s preseason and bureaucracy issues

After traveling to Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, Inter Miami were set to conclude preseason against one of South America’s top sides, Independiente del Valle, in Puerto Rico. Messi’s last-minute injury ended up postponing what would have been last Friday’s match, with head coach Javier Mascherano calling it a shame.

Still, speaking to Inter Miami’s social channels, the Argentine manager shared his assessment of the team’s preseason: “Overall, we’ve had a good preseason. We’ve built up the training loads and completed the sessions we had planned. We’ve also been able to give minutes to each of the players so they can reach full match fitness. And now comes to the most important part, competition.“

Ahead of the game against LAFC, Mascherano also pointed to possible last-minute roster complications. “We’re still making a few adjustments because with visa matters and certain administrative issues, it can sometimes be a bit more complicated in this league to have everyone available at the same time. But we’re hopeful that we’ll be fully ready for the Saturday match,” he added, avoiding to address Berterame’s situation directly.

LAFC hoping to see Messi on the pitch

Inter Miami will travel to face LAFC for the first time in MLS play since 2023, when the Herons claimed a 3-1 victory. Now, with not only Messi but also Son expected to headline the matchup, the club has decided to move the game to a larger venue.

Instead of hosting the match at BMO Stadium, the clash between Messi’s Inter Miami and Son’s LAFC on February 21 will be played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. With a capacity of up to 77,000 and expectations of a sellout crowd, it will mark the first time LAFC have relocated a home match from their usual stadium to the historic home of the USC Trojans.

After being compared to satiety, a former Argentina star that played with both addressed the similarities between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been constantly compared to satiety, not only for breaking records and setting new standards, but also because they’ve shared the same era, creating arguably the most iconic rivalry in soccer history. However, this race to the top has also led both legends to share several similarities, which have now been highlighted by a former Argentina star who played with both.

Few players have had the chance not only to share the pitch, but also the locker room, with Ronaldo and Messi. Paulo Dybala is among that select group, having played alongside the Portuguese star at Juventus and with the Argentine icon on the Argentina national team, where he noticed key similarities between the two legends.

In an interview with former rugby player Agustín Creevy for his YouTube channel, Dybala, currently at AS Roma, reflected on the experience of playing with both stars: “I played with both of them — incredible. There are similarities between them. I think more mentally than in training.“

In terms of profile, Ronaldo and Messi differ in preferred foot, height, and even position, but their shared mindset has been a game-changer in keeping them at the top. “Technically they’re different, they have different strengths, but they’re two beasts, especially psychologically,” added La Joya.

Ronaldo and his strict routine at Juventus

One major difference in Dybala’s experience with the two icons is that he worked with Ronaldo daily at club level, whereas he only linked up with Messi during international duty. Still, during his time with the Portuguese forward, Dybala witnessed the full Ronaldo routine firsthand.

Asked about Ronaldo’s mentality and work ethic, Dybala shared detailed insight: “He was extremely professional with his care and routine — he didn’t change a comma. He’d arrive when he was supposed to, at 8 or 9 in the morning, and until he left you’d see him always doing everything: gym, massage, physio therapy, cold bath, sauna, his meals — he never strayed. Not one extra chip, nothing. It’s like the guy had his mind locked in on that, and you could tell he was always the same.“

Ronaldo has spoken in recent interviews about his training habits and mentality, which he still maintains today at Al Nassr. In this case, Dybala provided further detail on how the forward’s routine , consistent for more than a decade, has been crucial to sustaining elite form.

Despite arriving as a younger player in a veteran-laden squad, Dybala explained how Ronaldo led by example. “Players like that — their presence on and off the field… he’d get the ball and aim for goal, he didn’t care about anything. He could lose the ball 100 times and he’d keep going. Same thing in training — you could tell they hate losing at anything. We’d do drills like hitting a cone from far away and he wouldn’t leave until he hit it three times in a row,” he added.

Hollywood star and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds reacted to the FA Cup fifth-round draw that paired his club with Premier League giants Chelsea at home.

Wrexham’s dream is far from over in the 2025-26 season, as they are currently pushing for a playoff place in pursuit of a fourth consecutive promotion to England’s top flight while also remaining alive in the FA Cup. The draw for the fifth round has been completed, and Hollywood star and co-owner Ryan Reynolds reacted to the team being paired with Premier League powerhouse Chelsea.

The FA Cup draw took place Monday with 17 clubs remaining (Port Vale and Bristol City still to play their fourth-round tie), setting the matchups for the next stage. After earning their spot with a narrow but historic 1-0 win over Coventry City, Wrexham were drawn against Chelsea — the second Premier League opponent of their run in the oldest competition in world soccer.

The matchup quickly became major news for the Welsh side, who will host the game at the Racecourse Ground on March 7, giving the city of Wrexham another chance to experience top-level opposition at home. Chelsea secured their place in the next round after thrashing Hull City 4-0 on the road last Friday.

Despite entering as underdogs, the clash with Chelsea is being met with excitement by Reynolds. On social media, the Deadpool star and fellow actor Hugh Jackman were shown reacting to the draw, with Reynolds’ expression saying it all as he looked ahead to a match he is expected to attend.

Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aC8EnLCZEl

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 16, 2026

Are Wrexham ready for the Premier League?

One key point to consider ahead of the Chelsea FA Cup matchup is that the Blues recently dismantled Hull City, who currently sit fifth in the Championship, three places above Wrexham. In addition, the Tigers defeated the Red Dragons 2-0 in their last meeting, while the prior encounter (in the EFL Cup) saw Wrexham advance via penalty shootout.

Currently on 47 points through 31 matches with one game in hand, Wrexham sit eighth and must overtake Preston North End and Derby County, both on 48 points, to climb into the final playoff position. While not among the most dominant teams in the Championship, the club co-owned by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have already made a statement in the FA Cup by eliminating Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Questions about Wrexham’s readiness to compete in the top division continue to surface, and in an interview with ESPN earlier this month, head coach Phil Parkinson addressed the topic directly: “Listen, is the structure of this club behind the scenes ready for the Premier League and would there be an immense amount of work to take place (if we get there)? Of course, but wouldn’t it be great to have that chance? You’d probably say we weren’t ready for Division One, certainly not the Championship, but I think in football, you just keep evolving as you go along.“

FA Cup fifth-round full draw

All matches scheduled for the FA Cup fifth round are as follows:

• Wrexham vs. Chelsea
• Fulham vs. Southampton
• Leeds United vs. Norwich City
• Mansfield Town vs. Arsenal
• West Ham United vs. Brentford
• Port Vale or Bristol City vs. Sunderland
• Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

Apart from his impact on the field, Lionel Messi’s presence has helped drive Inter Miami’s revenue up nearly 300% since his arrival in MLS in 2023.

Lionel Messi’s arrival transformed Inter Miami when he joined in 2023, not only on the field but also off it, quickly elevating the franchise into one of Major League Soccer’s premier brands despite its short history. Beyond drawing global attention to North American soccer, the Messi effect has helped drive the club’s revenue up by nearly 300% since his debut.

Following their 2025 MLS Cup title, Inter Miami have firmly established themselves as a major force in the league, with Sportico reporting the club reached a valuation of $1.45 billion, the highest ever recorded for an MLS franchise. In addition to that record valuation, Messi’s impact has also reshaped the club’s financial strength.

According to Forbes, Inter Miami generated roughly $200 million in revenue during the 2025 season. By comparison, the club reported $56 million in 2022, the last full season before Messi arrived, representing nearly a 300% increase in just three years, a span that includes two and a half seasons with the Argentine superstar.

After shattering valuation benchmarks and climbing to the top tier of MLS business metrics, Inter Miami’s growth shows little sign of slowing. Two major developments fueling optimism are the April opening of Miami Freedom Park and, perhaps most importantly, Messi’s contract extension last year that keeps him with the club through December 2028.

Inter Miami’s massive expenditure in the winter window

Inter Miami’s success on the field and in the financial arena has created a virtuous cycle that continues to reinforce itself, accelerating the growth of the club led by David Beckham and Jorge Mas. Capitalizing on that momentum, ownership made an aggressive push in the 2026 winter transfer window with significant investment in roster upgrades.

The first major outlay involved Rodrigo De Paul, who initially joined on loan in the summer of 2025 before the club triggered a mandatory $15 million purchase clause, making him the fourth-most expensive signing in league history.

The squad-building continued with permanent deals for MLS Cup winners Tadeo Allende ($5.3M) and Rocco Ríos Novo from Lanús ($550,000). The club then added David Ayala from the Portland Timbers for $2 million and capped the spree by signing Mexican international Germán Berterame from Monterrey for $15 million, matching De Paul among the club’s most expensive acquisitions.

In total, Inter Miami have spent nearly $38 million in transfers in 2026, one of the largest single-season outlays in MLS history, comparable to recent spending by Atlanta United, while also securing several free transfers such as Dayne St. Clair and Facundo Mura. With ambitions now extending to international competition, particularly the CONCACAF Champions Cup, club leadership is betting that this investment will translate into results on the pitch.

A few months from the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi's Argentina is one of the favorite national teams to win the title, with several players still in top form. Even a Premier League team is targeting a mainstay of Lionel Scaloni's team after the anticipated tournament.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina emerges as one of the clear favorites to lift the trophy once again. While some of the national team’s key players are going through a dip in form, coach Lionel Scaloni continues to have other stars performing at their best. In fact, one of his most important pillars is already attracting the attention of a Premier League club ahead of the 2026–27 season.

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Alexis Mac Allister’s future. Despite being a regular starter at Liverpool, Arne Slot is reportedly open to signing a midfielder ahead of the 2026–27 season. With a new midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in the squad, the Argentine could lose prominence, which would mean he is not entirely closed off to leaving the club in a post-2026 World Cup move.

Despite the alleged interest from the Red Devils, Liverpool may not allow Alexis Mac Allister to leave easily. After playing 2,508 minutes, the Argentine is one of the players with the most game time under Arne Slot. Nevertheless, his current contract runs until 2028, and the Reds appear focused on renewing other players, which could raise doubts regarding his long-term future at the club.

As one of the Reds’ most important players, Manchester United face a significant challenge in convincing the club to sell the Argentine. His crucial role under coach Slot and the Red Devils’ inconsistent project could create doubts for Mac Allister. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s reported pursuit of a midfielder might push Alexis into a secondary role, making a move for the 27-year-old star a realistic option after the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United could be hunting perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo

Following Michael Carrick’s arrival, Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as one of Manchester United’s most important players. Starting in all five matches under the coach, the Englishman looks set to become a cornerstone of the team, with a contract renewal on the horizon. With this in mind, the Red Devils could look to sign a defensive midfielder to partner with the 20-year-old star, as Casemiro’s potential departure could be significant.

Both Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have emerged as the most realistic targets for the Red Devils, according to reports in the English media. Although signing either player would cost more than $100 million, Manchester United may have no trouble covering the fee, as not only is Casemiro set to leave the club, but Manuel Ugarte is also expected to depart, leaving the team short of options.

Although Manchester United are reportedly interested in Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine may not be the ideal partner for Mainoo but rather his direct competition. Consequently, the Red Devils could hinder the development of a young prospect and destabilize the team. Therefore, they might instead target a player with a more defensive profile, with Wharton or Elliot being the best fits for the team’s vision.