FIFA are reportedly set to introduce a new yellow card amnesty phase for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

FIFA is expected to roll out several significant rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, an edition that will mark the largest tournament in history in terms of teams, players, and host nations. Among the proposed updates to the regulatory framework is a reported plan to add a second yellow card amnesty period.

As reported by Dan Sheldon of The Athletic, a player’s disciplinary record would be wiped clean not only after the quarterfinals but also following the conclusion of the group stage. This shift is being considered primarily to account for the tournament’s expansion and the introduction of the new Round of 32.

Under current FIFA regulations, accumulating two yellow cards in separate matches results in an automatic one-game suspension. In previous World Cups, this accumulation remained active from the opening match through the round of 16, a system designed to maintain discipline during the shorter tournament format.

However, for the upcoming edition in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, there will likely be two distinct reset stages. Players who advance to the knockout rounds would see their counts reset to zero; a second reset would then occur after the quarterfinals to ensure no one misses the final due to a minor booking in the earlier knockout rounds.

The move is intended to provide players with a fairer chance to participate in the expanded tournament, which now requires one additional game to reach the final. While not yet official, the change is set to be discussed and finalized during the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver this Tuesday.

The evolution of the yellow card amnesty

Booking rules at the World Cup have long been strict, as a single mistimed tackle can often sideline a star player for a high-stakes matchup. It was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that the FIFA Executive Committee first agreed to implement an amnesty phase following the quarterfinals to protect the integrity of the final.

The 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 teams and rosters of 26 players, similar to the expanded squads seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. By reportedly introducing this second amnesty phase, FIFA appears eager to modernize its disciplinary code to better fit the demands of its new, larger format.

The Egypt's national team director has revealed that with his most recent injury, Mohamed Salah's season with Liverpool has been put to an end, though his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains safe.

Mohamed Salah raised concern after being forced off in Liverpool‘s most recent match against Crystal Palace, with the 2026 World Cup now less than two months away. Egypt‘s national team director Ibrahim Hassan has since addressed the situation, indicating that Salah’s season with Liverpool is effectively over.

Last Saturday, Liverpool hosted Crystal Palace in Matchday 34 of the 2025-26 Premier League, with the Reds looking to secure their UEFA Champions League qualification for next season. In the 59th minute, with Liverpool leading 2-0, Salah pulled up with an issue and was replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.

With Salah visibly touching the back of his left leg on the touchline, coach Arne Slot was asked about the severity of the problem after the match. “We simply don’t know, but what we do know is the season is in four weeks over, so there are not a lot of games being played. We have to wait and see how his injury is and if he is able to return to play. Let’s hope for the best and that he is available in the last part,” Slot said at his post-match press conference.

However, Egypt national team director Ibrahim Hassan provided a more definitive update in comments to Reuters. “He has suffered a hamstring tear and will require four weeks of treatment,” the former right back confirmed, an assessment that would bring Salah’s time on the pitch for Liverpool to a close for the season.

Liverpool have not issued a formal update on Salah’s condition since the Palace match, treading carefully around what may well have been the final appearance of one of the club’s greatest ever players. With Liverpool’s last Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season against Brentford scheduled for Sunday, May 24, only a rapid recovery against the clock could give Salah a farewell appearance at Anfield.

Salah expected to be fit for the 2026 World Cup

With Egypt’s director pointing to a four-week recovery timeline, Salah’s World Cup participation does not appear to be in jeopardy, even if his Liverpool farewell proves anticlimactic. Egypt are set to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15, by which point the Egyptian star is expected to have fully recovered from the hamstring tear.

The more pressing question surrounds the warm-up schedule ahead of the tournament. Egypt have a friendly against Brazil lined up for June 6, which could serve as a fitness test for Salah, though his involvement is likely to be carefully managed and limited to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury before the competition begins.

Despite the presence of Thomas Muller as the club's marquee star, the Whitecaps are struggling to remain in Vancouver, with reports identifying Las Vegas as the front-runner for a potential relocation.

Thomas Muller has made a tangible impact for the Vancouver Whitecaps since arriving from Bayern Munich, but the club’s financial situation has prevented them from capitalizing on that momentum. The franchise has now publicly acknowledged its struggle to remain in Vancouver, with reports pointing to Las Vegas as the frontrunner should a relocation become necessary.

The Whitecaps have been wrestling with their stadium situation for some time, with their lease at BC Place expiring at the end of 2025 before receiving a last-minute extension through 2026 while negotiations continue. However, with revenue falling short of expectations despite Muller’s presence, the club remains up for sale and faces a stark choice between securing a new long-term deal at their current home or pursuing a move elsewhere.

As relocation reports began to circulate, the Whitecaps released a statement addressing the situation directly. “We are aware of today’s reporting. The club has faced well-documented structural challenges around stadium economics, venue access, and revenue limitations that have made it difficult to attract buyers committed to keeping the team in Vancouver,” the club said.

The statement made clear that the search for a solution has been exhaustive but has yet to yield results. “Over the past 16 months, we have had serious conversations with more than 100 parties, and to date, no viable offer has emerged that would keep the club here,” the franchise added.

#SaveTheCaps #VWFC pic.twitter.com/SgGqWIB0OS

— AFTN (@aftncanada) April 26, 2026

With fans rallying behind a #SaveTheCaps campaign during last game against the Colorado Rapids, the ownership group stopped short of closing the door on a Vancouver future. “It remains the strong preference of this ownership group to find a solution in Vancouver. If there is a local ownership group with the vision and resources to chart a path forward, we urge them to come forward,” the statement concluded.

Las Vegas emerges as the leading relocation destination

In the wake of the fan movement and the growing media attention, the club’s board has moved to address the obstacles standing in the way of keeping the franchise in Vancouver. According to The Athletic‘s Paul Tenorio and Tom Bogert, a special committee of MLS owners convened earlier this month to discuss and evaluate the Whitecaps’ future, with Las Vegas taking center stage in those conversations.

The primary option on the table is a move to Las Vegas, where an investor group has unveiled a $10 billion development project on the Las Vegas Strip called Starr Vegas, which includes a dedicated soccer stadium with a capacity of 50,000.

The proposal has yet to gain traction with MLS leadership, however, and Las Vegas is not the only market in play. Indianapolis, Phoenix and Sacramento have also emerged as potential destinations for the franchise, a deeply unwelcome set of possibilities for the Whitecaps’ loyal fanbase.

While his presence in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup is still in doubt, Neymar could end up traveling to Europe as Santos are reportedly planning friendlies in the area.

Neymar‘s most pressing short-term goal is to convince head coach Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves a place in Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad. But if he ultimately misses the cut, the Brazilian star could find himself joining Santos on a reported tour of Europe during the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, bringing most active leagues to a temporary halt, including the Brasileirao. Brazil’s top flight will play its final round before the tournament on May 31, with action resuming on July 22, leaving clubs facing nearly two months without competitive football.

According to Globo Esporte, Santos are planning a European tour during the first two weeks of July, coinciding with the World Cup’s knockout stages. The idea is for the Peixe to use a series of friendly matches to keep the squad sharp and ready for the Brasileirão’s resumption.

No opponents have been confirmed yet, but the club’s directors are targeting three games in Portugal, using Lisbon as their base. The trip would tie into an agreement Santos signed last November to participate in the Vitoria Cup.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on May 18, with Neymar doing everything in his power to be included. While his participation in the North American tournament remains uncertain, the Brazilian forward already has a contingency plan in place for what would otherwise be a lengthy competitive break.

Neymar traveling to Argentina despite viral infection

With just five games left before Ancelotti names his squad, Neymar has precious little time to make his case for a World Cup berth. His next opportunity comes on Tuesday, when Santos travel to Argentina to face San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana group stage, though the star is not in ideal condition heading into the fixture.

Santos released an official statement addressing the situation: “The athlete Neymar Jr. presented symptoms of a viral infection on Saturday night; he was medicated, responded well, and continues to be monitored by the Santos FC medical department. Neymar is confirmed as part of the delegation traveling to Argentina for Tuesday’s match against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana.“

Alongside teammates Gabriel Brazao, Igor Vinicius, Willian Arao and Gabriel Barbosa, Neymar traveled to Argentina on Monday to join the delegation. Having completed training at Boca Juniors’ training complex, the Brazilian is now expected to be in the starting lineup as he continues his push to arrive at peak form ahead of Ancelotti’s selection deadline.

Set to reach 100 appearances with Inter Miami in the upcoming game against Orlando City, Lionel Messi has already outshined the numbers of his early stages at FC Barcelona.

Lionel Messi has transformed MLS since his arrival in 2023, and he is now on the verge of reaching the century mark in an Inter Miami jersey in the upcoming game against Orlando City. While he remains one game shy of the milestone, the Argentine legend has already eclipsed the staggering production he recorded during his first 100 outings with FC Barcelona.

Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution at Nu Stadium, Messi has now appeared in 99 matches for the Herons. While teammate Noah Allen recently claimed the franchise record for most appearances, Messi continues to climb the club’s all-time list as he prepares for his 100th cap.

Inter Miami will host the next edition of the Florida Derby against Orlando City on Saturday, May 2, a matchup where Messi is expected to reach his centennial with the club. He will become the eighth player in franchise history to hit the mark, pulling level with Leonardo Campana on the club’s all-time appearances leaderboard.

Comparing the first 100: Barcelona vs. Inter Miami

After making his professional debut at age 17 in 2004, Messi spent nearly two decades at Barcelona, which remains the only other club where he has surpassed 100 appearances. During his two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain, the star reached 75 games, a total that likely would have been higher had he not missed significant time due to injury and early tournament exits.

His early years in Spain provided a glimpse of the generational talent he would become. Messi reached his 100th appearance for Barcelona in February 2008 at just 20 years old, having tallied 41 goals and 15 assists for a total of 56 goal contributions during that span.

In the years immediately following that milestone, Messi would go on to set the world record with 91 goals in a single calendar year and claim his first Ballon d’Or at age 22. Despite arriving in MLS as a veteran in the twilight of his career, his clinical edge has remarkably sharpened rather than faded.

Through 99 games with Inter Miami, Messi has racked up 85 goals and 43 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 128. That represents a massive 72-point gap over his early Barcelona numbers, proving that even as he nears his 100th game in North America, the World Cup winner is still operating at an elite level.

After matching the worst goal drought in his career, Christian Pulisic was criticized by AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta.

Christian Pulisic has yet to find the back of the net in 2026, a slump that has directly hampered AC Milan’s title aspirations. With the USMNT star now mired in the longest goal drought of his career, he has become the target of harsh criticism from Rossoneri legend Alessandro Costacurta.

During Sunday’s clash with Juventus, Pulisic headlined Milan’s frontline alongside Rafael Leao, but the star duo once again failed to deliver. The USMNT captain was subbed off for Niclas Fullkrug in the 62nd minute after failing to register a single shot and completing just one dribble.

Following the match, Costacurta, who spent two decades at Milan, slammed the forward’s performance on Sky Sports, calling it Pulisic’s worst match to date: “The two up front help each other and understand each other very little. Pulisic was the worst on the pitch today.”

The lack of a true central striker has forced both Pulisic and Leao to drift across the pitch, often failing to settle into dangerous positions. With only 22 touches on the ball, Pulisic looked like a shadow of the player who claimed Serie A Player of the Month honors back in September.

Costacurta also took aim at Leão, noting that the Portuguese winger continues to underwhelm him: “He continues to fail to convince me. I don’t know what else to add. Every now and then I see him try, but very few things come off—very few—and above all, we wonder why Milan has to drop so deep, why they don’t defend with all 11. When the opponents have the ball, not everyone runs, and Leao is the one who does it the least.”

Pulisic and a concerning lack of form in 2026

After a dominant first half of the season, injuries have derailed Pulisic’s momentum and he has been unable to regain his clinical edge. The most glaring impact is reflected in a scoring drought that has now spanned the entirety of the 2026 calendar year.

In 16 matches, including last night’s stalemate with Juventus, Pulisic has failed to find the net, equaling a career-worst dry spell dating back to his time at Chelsea. It has been 958 minutes since his last goal for the Rossoneri, which came on December 28, 2025, when he was still challenging Lautaro Martínez for the Serie A Golden Boot.

Speaking with DAZN after the game, head coach Massimiliano Allegri addressed the psychological toll the slump is taking on his winger: “He’s a very sensitive player, and not scoring affects him more. He struggles more in physical duels. Without a true striker, it’s harder for him I need to give balance to the team.“

Since the turn of the year, Pulisic’s only goal contribution was a single assist provided during a 3-2 win over Torino on March 21. As Milan slide out of the title race and fights to cling to a Champions League spot, fans are beginning to worry if this dip in form will carry over to the 2026 World Cup.

Luka Modrić has suffered a facial fracture that has ended his season with AC Milan, but the midfielder is expected to be fit in time to lead Croatia at the 2026 World Cup.

Luka Modric has joined a growing list of players to suffer a significant injury with less than two months until the 2026 World Cup. After sustaining a fracture, his season with AC Milan is over, but the legendary midfielder is expected to recover in time to represent Croatia on the world stage.

Hosting the Derby dei Campioni at San Siro on Sunday, Milan were unable to find a winner in a 0-0 draw that did little to help their Champions League qualification push. In the 80th minute, Modric went up for an aerial duel with Manuel Locatelli, with the Juventus midfielder’s head making violent contact with the left side of his face, forcing the Croatian off the pitch.

The club’s official statement confirmed the severity of the injury. “Diagnostic tests carried out today highlighted a fracture of the left cheekbone which will require surgical intervention, scheduled for the coming hours. Further details will be communicated following the operation,” the statement read.

With the fracture requiring surgery, the recovery timeline rules Modric out for the remainder of Milan’s domestic campaign. Expected to be sidelined until late May, the Rossoneri will be without their Croatian star for the final four games of the Serie A season.

AC Milan lose a key player in Champions League qualification push

In his first season at AC Milan, Modric established himself as the team’s standout performer. Despite modest counting stats of two goals and three assists in 36 appearances, his influence on the club has been far more profound, serving as the engine of the midfield with 60.3 passes completed per game at an efficiency rate of 91%, a level of quality that has kept Milan firmly in the mix for a return to Europe’s elite. His absence could not come at a worse time.

Milan currently sit third in the Serie A standings with 67 points, with Juventus breathing down their necks at 64, and both Como and Roma still in contention at 61 points apiece. With just four fixtures remaining in the 2025-26 season against Sassuolo, Atalanta, Genoa and Cagliari, seven points would see the Rossoneri secure Champions League play on their own terms, but coach Massimiliano Allegri now faces a significant challenge in filling the void left by Modric.

Modric expected to be fit for the World Cup

While both his season and his contract with AC Milan are drawing to a close, Modric has every reason to be optimistic about making it to the 2026 World Cup in North America. According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, the midfielder is expected to be sidelined until late May but is on track to be fit for Croatia’s tournament opener against England on June 17.

His availability for the warm-up friendlies against Belgium on June 2 and Slovenia on June 7 will depend entirely on how his recovery progresses in the weeks ahead. What does appear increasingly likely is that Modric will be wearing a protective face mask for much of the tournament as he makes his return.

The chances of Robert Lewandowski arriving to the MLS have cooled down as Chicago Fire have reportedly changed their priorities in the transfer market.

Robert Lewandowski has been one of the most intriguing names heading into the upcoming transfer window, with his contract at Barcelona set to expire and Chicago Fire among the clubs showing the most concrete interest. However, the prospect of the Polish striker making his way to MLS has cooled significantly, with the Fire reportedly shifting their attention elsewhere.

With the four-year deal Lewandowski signed with FC Barcelona expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season, the veteran has some significant decisions ahead of him. With Poland absent from the 2026 World Cup, he will have the summer window to weigh his options, whether that means accepting a heavily reduced salary to stay at Barcelona or entertaining offers from other clubs.

Chicago Fire had been among those clubs, going as far as holding preliminary discussions with the striker’s camp about a potential move. However, according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, the Fire’s interest in Lewandowski appears to have dissipated, with the club having “changed their priorities.”

Hugo Cuypers’ form and a change of heart for Chicago Fire

On paper, landing Lewandowski made sense for Chicago Fire, with a Designated Player slot available and the marketing appeal of a high-profile European name arriving in the city. But the recent form of Hugo Cuypers, combined with the club’s efforts to secure him on a new deal, appears to have played a significant role in cooling their pursuit of the Polish striker.

Cuypers has been nothing short of sensational in his role as the team’s lead striker, finding the net in every match he has appeared in and sitting among the MLS scoring leaders with eight goals in six games, having missed three fixtures through injury. With the Fire sitting seventh in the standings with 17 points from nine games and Cuypers thriving in coach Gregg Berhalter’s system, the club’s front office has concluded that adding another striker to compete with the Belgian would disrupt rather than improve what is already working.

Where will Lewandowski go?

In the 2025-26 campaign, Lewandowski has gradually lost his grip on a starting spot at Barcelona, featuring in 23 of the club’s 41 games and rotating with Ferran Torres in a striker role that neither has fully made their own. Barcelona are reportedly open to keeping the veteran, but only under a significant wage reduction from what is currently the highest salary at the club, a condition that could push Lewandowski toward the exit door.

While AC Milan’s pursuit remains complicated by internal disagreements between the club’s board and coaching staff, Juventus have emerged as the frontrunners. According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri are prepared to offer Lewandowski a one-year deal worth six million euros plus bonuses, along with the guaranteed starting role as the central striker in Luciano Spalletti’s system.

With just a few days prior to the UEFA Champions League semifinal duel against Arsenal, Julian Alvarez is reportedly in doubt for Atletico Madrid due to a new injury.

Julian Alvarez has been a source of concern at Atletico Madrid following his absence from recent matches, with the club now confirming the Argentine is dealing with an injury. With less than a week until the first leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinal, his availability for the clash against Arsenal is reportedly in question.

According to Diario Sport, Alvarez is currently managing a muscular complaint that limited his involvement in the weekend match against Athletic Club. The issue stems from the Copa del Rey final, the last game he played, in which he was on the pitch for the full 120 minutes, pushing his body to its limits.

Head coach Diego Simeone had hoped to give Alvarez some minutes against Athletic Club to keep him sharp ahead of the Champions League tie and ensure the Copa del Rey final would not be his last competitive action before the semifinal. Instead, the former Manchester City striker did not feature at any point, skipping the pre-match warmup, the halftime session and any touchline activity that might have allowed for a late substitution appearance.

The first leg against Arsenal is scheduled for Wednesday the 29th, with Atletico hosting at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano before the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Even if Alvarez is cleared to play in the opener, he will do so having gone ten days without competitive action, which is far from ideal heading into a match of this magnitude.

The forward had already begun targeted treatment sessions with the club’s medical staff prior to the team’s departure for the weekend fixture, working to ease the discomfort and accelerate his return. According to Sport, the plan is to manage the muscular issue through rest and physiotherapy to ensure he is available as an option against Arsenal.

Pablo Barrios has already been ruled out with a muscular injury to his left thigh, effectively ending his involvement for the remainder of the season. David Hancko, Ademola Lookman and José María Gimenez are three other key starters working against the clock to be fit, but it is the uncertainty surrounding Álvarez that is generating the most concern within the club.

Alvarez: a key piece in keeping the Champions League dream alive

It has been a bittersweet season for Atletico Madrid overall, with a disappointing La Liga campaign that has seen them slip to fourth following Villarreal’s rise, and falling short in both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey. With the Champions League now their only remaining shot at a major trophy, getting Alvarez on the pitch has never felt more important.

While his numbers this season fall short of last year’s outstanding output of 29 goals and eight assists, his current tally of 19 goals and nine assists understates how influential he has been in the biggest moments. A brace that included a stunning free kick against Real Madrid, a goal in the Copa del Rey final and another crucial strike from a dead ball against Barcelona in the quarterfinal series all underline his value when the stakes are highest.

Alvarez currently ranks fourth among all scorers in this season’s Champions League with nine goals in 13 appearances, his best ever return in a single European campaign. With Arsenal having conceded just five goals across the entire competition, the least of any side remaining, having the Argentine available could prove to be the decisive factor in Atletico’s bid to reach the final.

Cristiano Ronaldo remain unaffected in a reported flu outbreak that affected several Al Nassr players like Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman with the game against Al Ahli on the horizon.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for one of the most significant tests of Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title bid, with Al Ahli up next. However, the buildup has been complicated by a flu outbreak at the club that has reportedly hit stars Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman, while Ronaldo himself has escaped unaffected.

As reported by Al Arriyadiyah on Sunday, a bout of influenza struck several first-team players during Al Nassr’s training session. The illness hit Mane hard enough that the Senegalese winger was unable to complete the session.

Beyond Mane, five other players have been impacted, with the team’s international stars bearing the brunt of the outbreak. The list of those battling symptoms includes Kingsley Coman, standout defender Mohamed Simakan, midfield engine Marcelo Brozovic, Ali Al-Hassan, and veteran right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam.

The outlook for that quintet remains more optimistic, as all five managed to finish the session led by manager Jorge Jesus at the “Dar Al-Nassr” training complex. As of Sunday evening, Mane was the only player forced to withdraw early.

Feeling the moment 🤩💛 pic.twitter.com/XxIXGDmXyd

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 26, 2026

According to the Saudi outlet, the likely cause of the outbreak is the change in weather conditions following the team’s return to Riyadh from Dubai, where they secured their place in the AFC Champions League Two final by eliminating Qatar’s Al Ahli.

Al Nassr looking for a quick recovery

The concern had already begun on Saturday when even Cristiano Ronaldo missed training due to what was reported as fatigue and exhaustion. While the Portuguese star has since returned to the group, the situation surrounding the flu-affected players remains a day-to-day assessment.

Al Nassr’s medical and technical staff are monitoring the six affected players closely in the days leading up to the match against Al Ahli, with none of them guaranteed to feature and their availability to be evaluated on a daily basis. Any significant absences would be a notable setback for a side chasing the league title at a critical stage of the season.

Currently riding a 19-game winning streak across all competitions, 15 in the SPL and four in the AFC Champions League Two, Al Nassr will host Al Ahli at Al Awwal Park in Matchday 30 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. The hosts sit atop the table with 76 points from 29 games, while Al Ahli occupy third with 66 points from 28, making a home victory a potentially decisive step toward Ronaldo and company clinching the title.

Despite recently winning the AFC Champions League Elite, a clash between Riyad Mahrez's Al Ahli and Cristiano Ronaldo's AL Nassr in a eventual Asian Super Cup is reportedly not under consideration.

Riyad Mahrez has added another major honor to his collection, with Al Ahli claiming the AFC Champions League Elite in back-to-back seasons. However, the possibility of the club competing for an Asian Super Cup against Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr is reportedly not on the agenda.

As they did in the 2024-25 season, Al Ahli lifted the most prestigious club trophy in Asian football, this time defeating Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time. The victory was all the more remarkable given that Mahrez’s side were reduced to ten men in the 68th minute when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for a headbutt on Tete Yengi, yet still found a way to claim the title.

In a statement collected by ESPN after the win, Mahrez was candid about the enormity of the achievement. “It’s amazing. It was difficult for us again. We like to make it difficult for ourselves. Ten against 11 is nearly impossible. I don’t know how we found the strength and the energy. After the red card we stuck together, we fought more, we ran more until we scored,” he said.

With the 2025-26 triumph secured, Al Ahli have become the first club in the modern era of the AFC Champions League Elite to win the competition in consecutive seasons. The only previous instance of back-to-back titles dates back to 2004 and 2005, when Al Ittihad claimed the trophy in what was then simply known as the AFC Champions League.

Low chances of an Asian Super Cup between Mahrez and Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo still has the chance to claim his own continental honor, with Al Nassr set to face Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. But the prospect of the two winners facing off in an Asian Super Cup appears remote at best.

According to Al Arriyadiyah, an official AFC source has confirmed that the idea of reviving the Asian Super Cup is not currently under consideration. The competition, which originally pitted the AFC Champions League winner against the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup holder, was last held in 2002 and has not been staged since.

Although the AFC Champions League Two was introduced in 2024, the notion of creating a Super Cup-style showdown between the winners of the two competitions has not been taken up by the AFC board. As the Saudi outlet reports, there is no official direction from the governing body to bring such a contest back to the calendar in any form.

The AFC Champions League Two final is scheduled for May 16 at King Saud University Stadium, where Ronaldo will be gunning for his first continental club trophy since 2018. Whether Al Nassr or Gamba Osaka lift the trophy on that night, the prospect of a European-style Super Cup to follow remains highly unlikely in the Asian football landscape.

Kylian Mbappe could end up being sidelined like Lamine Yamal on the sidelines for the upcoming Barcelona vs. Real Madrid game due to an injury.

Kylian Mbappe has set off alarm bells once again in the 2025-26 season after being substituted off with an injury in Real Madrid‘s most recent match. The latest setback raises the possibility that the Frenchman could join Lamine Yamal on the sidelines for the upcoming El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Chasing Barcelona in the La Liga title race, Real Madrid traveled to Seville to face Real Betis on Matchday 32, a match Los Blancos failed to use to close the gap at the top, drawing 1-1 after the hosts found a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time. The more concerning development, however, came in the 80th minute when Mbappe pulled up after a sprint and immediately signaled to the bench to be replaced.

According to Diario AS, initial assessments point to a muscle overload in his left hamstring, with a tear or more serious structural damage ruled out at this stage. However, further testing is still required to determine how long Mbappe will be sidelined and when he can realistically return to the pitch.

Barcelona have already confirmed that Lamine Yamal will miss not only El Clásico but the remainder of the season after sustaining a biceps femoris injury in his left hamstring. With the Blaugrana’s biggest star already ruled out, the prospect of Real Madrid also being without Mbappe would be a blow both to the team’s hopes and to the occasion itself.

The final El Clasico of the 2025-26 campaign is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, and could prove to be a defining moment in the title race. Barcelona currently sit atop the table with 85 points from 33 games, 11 clear of Real Madrid with 74, and a win for the Blaugrana next weekend would be enough to clinch the La Liga title.

Mbappe eager to avoid a repeat of the Militao situation

Mbappe’s injury is a cause for concern not only at Real Madrid but also for the France national team, with the 2026 World Cup now just 46 days away. The recent case of Eder Militao has put the club on high alert, with everyone determined to avoid any unnecessary risk.

After suffering a muscle injury in his left leg during a sprint against Deportivo Alaves last week, Militao aggravated existing scar tissue from a previous biceps femoris injury. The Brazilian was subsequently forced to undergo surgery, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup with the Brazil national team entirely.

According to L’Equipe, Mbappe underwent an ultrasound on Saturday that ruled out any serious structural damage. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to provide a more detailed picture of the injury and give a clearer indication of his expected recovery timeline.

While the early indications are encouraging, Real Madrid’s medical staff follow a standard protocol of waiting at least 48 hours for swelling in the affected area to subside before committing to a firm diagnosis. With Militao’s situation serving as a stark recent reminder of how quickly things can escalate, exercising maximum caution with Mbappe will be the priority for both the club and the player himself in the days ahead.

Noah Allen has turned into the player with most appearances in Inter Miami's short history, prompting questions on how far is star Lionel Messi from the defender.

Noah Allen has etched his name into the Inter Miami history books, officially becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in appearances. While the 21-year-old defender has reached this milestone at a remarkably young age, many fans are wondering where global superstar Lionel Messi sits on that same list.

Inter Miami traveled to Utah to face Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, securing a 2-0 victory behind goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez. Beyond the three points, the match was a historic one for Noah Allen, who started at left wing-back in manager Guillermo Hoyos’ 5-3-2 system.

With the start, Allen reached 119 appearances in an Inter Miami jersey, moving into sole possession of the club’s all-time games played record. The Greece international surpassed the previous mark of 118 held by goalkeeper Drake Callender, who set the standard before his departure from the club in 2025.

A product of the Inter Miami academy since 2019, Allen featured in 53 matches for the second team before making his first-team debut on February 26, 2022, against the Chicago Fire. Since then, he has avoided major injury and established himself as a fixture in the squad, contributing two goals and four assists over his record-breaking tenure.

History in the making 💫 Most appearances in club history! pic.twitter.com/O3E50vlx1N

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 23, 2026

Where does Lionel Messi stand?

Lionel Messi has already shattered a litany of records in South Florida, leading the franchise to its first trophies and serving as the all-time leader in goals (85) and assists (44). However, the all-time appearance list is one of the few leaderboards where the Argentine legend is still climbing his way toward the top.

Messi currently sits in eighth place on the club’s all-time appearances list with 98 games played. He is now just two matches away from the 100-game milestone, which would move him into a tie for seventh with Leonardo Campana.

Jordi Alba holds sixth place with 103 appearances, followed by Benjamin Cremaschi in fifth at 107, while the top four is rounded out by Robert Taylor and Sergio Busquets, both locked at 116, and Drake Callender sitting in second. Lionel Messi and Noah Allen are the only players in the top eight currently in a position to add to their totals, leaving the door open for Messi to continue his climb while Allen looks to pull even further away from the pack.

With roughly 30 matches remaining in the 2026 MLS regular season and the Leagues Cup, there is plenty of room for Messi’s tally to grow. Having featured in 49 games last season, Messi could realistically surpass Callender’s mark of 118 by the end of the year, though catching Allen will depend on the young defender’s continued role in the rotation.

Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi has ruled out the possibility of the national team replacing Iran in the 2026 World Cup.

Italy had recently emerged as a potential last-minute replacement for Iran in the 2026 World Cup with less than two months until kickoff. To prevent any further instability surrounding the tournament, the Italian sports minister has dismissed the rumors and ruled out any possibility of the Azzurri participating.

A recent report from the Financial Times revealed that Paolo Zampolli, a top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump, suggested to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Trump that Italy should step in for Iran. Zampolli, an Italian native, argued that Italy’s four World Cup titles justified handing the Azzurri the vacant slot.

The proposal took officials by surprise, as Infantino had previously treated Iran’s participation as a settled matter. “The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” Infantino stated Tuesday at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum in Washington, D.C. “They represent their people and they have qualified; the players want to play.“

Italian government discards potential 2026 World Cup lifeline

Friction between Middle Eastern authorities and tournament organizers fueled speculation that a powerhouse like Italy could serve as a contingency. However, less than 24 hours after Zampolli’s claims surfaced, the Italian government directly shut down the possibility.

Giorgia Meloni’s sports minister Andrea Abodi spoke with Sky Sports to dismiss the proposal entirely: “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don’t know what comes first.“

The Italian national team failed to secure a 2026 World Cup berth after a devastating penalty shootout loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the UEFA playoff finals. Abodi remained steadfast that his country must rely on sporting merit rather than administrative handouts. “Qualification is earned on the pitch,” the minister concluded.

While FIFA and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have declined to comment on the Financial Times report, the issue is expected to fade quickly. Drawn into Group G, Iran is currently scheduled to open its tournament against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt.

Vinicius Junior has reportedly agreed on a new deal with Real Madrid, though Kylian Mbappe will be retaining his status as the club's top earner.

Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid has been clouded by uncertainty over the last several months as the Brazilian star rejected multiple contract offers with less than two years remaining on his current deal. However, new reports indicate that an agreement is finally in place between Vinicius and the club, though Kylian Mbappe is expected to retain his status as the team’s highest-paid player.

According to Sky Sports‘ Florian Plettenberg, an agreement in principle has been reached for a new long-term contract that Real Madrid offered Vinicius. While this represents a major step forward, several final details still need to be ironed out before the Brazilian officially puts pen to paper on his extension with Los Blancos.

The report also clarified that Mbappe will remain the top earner on the roster, a position he has held since his high-profile arrival during the 2024-25 season. This hierarchy was reportedly a point of contention that stalled negotiations, as Vinícius was initially eager to surpass his teammate’s earnings.

As previously reported by Diario AS, Vinicius Junior currently earns a net salary of approximately $11.7 million from the extension he signed in October 2023. By comparison, Kylian Mbappe secured a base salary of $17.5 million after joining the club as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain.

With his current contract set to expire in June 2027, Vinicius’ camp reportedly demanded a salary in the range of $29 million to $35 million per year, including bonuses, during the early stages of renewal talks. After a lengthy stalemate, both sides now appear ready to move forward and secure the star’s long-term presence in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid defuses the Vinicius standoff

Real Madrid have spent over a year working on this extension, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Doubts regarding his long-term stay began to surface after Vinicius claimed the FIFA The Best award, a milestone followed by a dip in form and a stretch of inconsistent play over the last two years.

The demand for a significant pay raise and the status of being the squad’s highest-paid player became a sticking point during this period. Furthermore, the Saudi Pro League made a heavy push for the winger, with reports suggesting a potential record-breaking transfer fee aimed at making Vinicius the new face of soccer in Saudi Arabia.

While those rumors eventually faded, the player’s recent friction with former manager Xabi Alonso briefly reignited speculation about an eventual departure. However, with the coaching change and a new agreement on the table, a resolution now seems closer than it was at any point last year.

Paul Pogba has backed Kylian Mbappe, claiming that he can only go higher after breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring debut in his first season at Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe has once again emerged as the leading scorer for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 season, even as the club struggles through a disappointing, almost trophyless campaign. Despite the team’s collective failure, the striker received a public vote of confidence from French teammate Paul Pogba, who believes Mbappe is just getting started after surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut-season goal record.

A collapse in the Spanish Super Cup, a premature exit from the Copa del Rey, and a recent Champions League quarterfinal elimination have left the entire Real Madrid roster under heavy scrutiny. Despite racking up 41 goals in 40 games, Mbappe has not escaped the critics, with some questioning whether his individual brilliance is actually translating into team success.

Appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Pogba was asked if Mbappe could raise his game even further and finally secure the Ballon d’Or. “Ballon d’Or, I think it’s just timing. I think he deserved it in previous seasons, but it’s about the right moment. Now he’s scoring more than ever and has truly found his place in Madrid,” Pogba told the Manchester United legend.

Pogba specifically pointed to the historic numbers Mbappe produced during his 2024-25 debut season as a sign of things to come. “He scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo; he scored more than Ronaldo Nazário. When you produce like that in your first year, you can only go higher, and I am not surprised at all,” he added.

After arriving as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe hit the ground running with 43 goals across all competitions in his first year in Spain. That tally allowed him to shatter the debut-season marks set by Ivan Zamorano (37), Cristiano Ronaldo (33), and the legendary Ronaldo Nazario (29).

Real Madrid’s struggle to unlock Mbappe

Speed and elite space interpretation remain Mbappe’s most lethal traits, allowing him to dismantle defenses in transition. However, his ability to exploit those gaps depends heavily on having a playmaker capable of delivering the right pass at the right moment, a profile that is currently missing from the Madrid midfield.

Pogba, who famously orchestrated the French midfield during their 2018 World Cup title run, reflected on his own chemistry with the striker. “We understand each other. I understand his runs and everything. He’s so fast that even if I slightly miss the pass, he will catch it. His movement is unbelievable.“

During their recent Champions League-winning runs, Real Madrid relied on the technical genius of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to break lines and feed players like Vinicius Junior. Both legends have since departed, and while Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham have been tasked with those roles, the squad has struggled to find a creative hub that can truly maximize Mbappe’s vertical threat.

Mohamed Salah will have to wait on the possibility to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr as head coach Jorge Jesus has reportedly blocked the transfer talks.

Mohamed Salah has emerged as one of Al Nassr‘s primary targets following his announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season. However, Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait a little longer for that potential reunion to take shape, as head coach Jorge Jesus has reportedly put the brakes on any transfer discussions for the time being.

Reports from TEAMtalk revealed that Al Nassr have identified Salah as an absolute priority, driven in large part by his potential cultural impact and the commercial opportunities his signing would unlock, particularly around Egyptian television rights, a long-term strategic play for the league. While the Egyptian winger and Liverpool are expected to agree on a free departure at the end of the season, Al Nassr are not yet ready to open formal talks.

According to Saudi outlet Al-Wiam, Jorge Jesus has refused to allow negotiations over a potential Salah deal to begin until after the current season concludes. The Portuguese coach has applied that same policy to all potential transfer activity, with his stated priority being to “maintain the team’s focus” during the critical final weeks of the campaign.

Al Nassr have recently secured their place in the AFC Champions League Two final and currently sit atop the Saudi Pro League table. With the possibility of winning two trophies in the closing months of the season in his debut year at the club, Jesus is determined to keep any outside noise from disrupting the squad’s concentration at such a decisive moment.

Job done ✅
Through to the final ⚔️💛 pic.twitter.com/p9VDKp8syw

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 22, 2026

The same outlet, which had previously reported on Al Nassr‘s plans to integrate Cristiano Jr. into the first team for next season, noted that Ronaldo holds Salah in high regard and believes the Egyptian could bring genuine value to the squad. That said, the Portuguese star’s position largely mirrors his coach’s, prioritizing the team’s focus above all else for now.

How would Salah fit into Al Nassr’s system?

On the financial side, a Salah move to Al Nassr appears workable. The club still has one foreign player slot available, remains backed by the Public Investment Fund, and with no transfer fee expected given Salah’s free agent status, his salary would be the primary figure to negotiate. The tactical fit, however, is a more complex question.

Jorge Jesus has predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 system in his first season at the club, built around Ronaldo as the focal point of the attack and anchored by a solid double pivot in front of a commanding center back pairing. As a secondary option, the Portuguese coach has also used a 4-4-2 to push more players into advanced positions while maintaining defensive structure.

Given Salah’s qualities and wealth of experience, he could be deployed as a winger or attacking midfielder on the right flank, or even as a center forward, a role he has filled effectively at Liverpool on numerous occasions. The challenge is that when everyone is fit, the frontline is already well stocked, with Sadio Mane on the left, Joao Felix as the No. 10, Kingsley Coman on the right and Ronaldo leading the line.

That reality suggests Salah’s signing may be more of a medium-to-long-term play. Next season, both Ronaldo and Mané will be entering the final year of their respective contracts at Al Nassr, with one turning 42 and the other 35 in 2027. In that context, Salah, one of the most recognizable and commercially powerful names in the Middle East, would be well positioned to step into a leading role and carry the club’s ambitions into a new era.

After picking up an injury in the latest Barcelona game, Lamine Yamal is reportedly expected to miss El Clasico, with doubts also set on the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Lamine Yamal sent alarm bells ringing after picking up an injury in Barcelona‘s La Liga match against Celta Vigo on Wednesday, with early reports suggesting the damage could be significant heading into the final stretch of the 2025-26 season. Preliminary assessments have now emerged ruling the 18-year-old out of the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid and casting doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Hosting Matchday 33 of La Liga at Camp Nou, Yamal had put Barcelona ahead in the 40th minute by converting a penalty he himself had won, only to go down immediately after with an apparent injury to his left leg. The young star signaled to the bench to be replaced, and while Roony Bardghji came on in his place, Yamal headed straight to the locker room rather than taking a seat on the sideline, a sight that deepened the concern among fans and teammates alike.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, initial evaluations of Lamine Yamal’s condition point to a muscle tear in his left hamstring. That diagnosis would put him on a recovery timeline of approximately five weeks, effectively ending his 2025-26 campaign with Barcelona.

El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, at Camp Nou in Matchday 35 of La Liga. With the fixture arriving in less than three weeks, the reported severity of the injury would rule Yamal out of what could be a pivotal moment in the La Liga title race.

Despite the initial concerns, Yamal had not yet undergone formal medical testing at the time of the reports. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona star was set to have further examinations on Thursday to determine the true extent of the damage.

After the match, teammate Pedri addressed the injury with measured optimism. “I hope Lamine misses the fewest possible amount of time. He’ll undergo the tests tomorrow and we’ll see the nature of the issue. I wish him all the best, and that he stays calm because he’s still young,” the Barcelona captain stated.

Will Yamal arrive at the World Cup in form?

Although Barcelona’s final La Liga fixture is scheduled for May 24 against Valencia, a nine-point cushion over Real Madrid with six games remaining means the title is theirs to lose. The more pressing concern, however, has quickly shifted to Spain’s national team and whether Yamal will be fit in time for the opening stages of the World Cup.

Taking the most conservative timeline into account, a full five-week absence would see Yamal clear to return around Wednesday, May 27, just days after Barcelona wrap up their domestic season and with players expected to report for international duty shortly thereafter.

Spain’s June schedule includes two warm-up friendlies, against Iraq on the 4th and Peru on the 8th, before La Roja open their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group H on Monday, June 15 against Cape Verde. Even if Yamal is technically fit by that point, arriving at the tournament with minimal match fitness in the weeks prior will be a significant concern for both club and country.

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Utah for tonight’s clash between Real Salt Lake and Inter Miami has sent ticket prices soaring, making it the most expensive game of the 2026 MLS season to date.

Lionel Messi has been a symbol of growth for Major League Soccer since his arrival, while also providing a golden opportunity for rival franchises to capitalize on the attention he generates wherever Inter Miami travels. As the latest proof of the Messi effect, the upcoming visit to Real Salt Lake has become the most expensive ticket on the 2026 MLS calendar.

Inter Miami are set to travel to Utah for their ninth game of the 2026 MLS season, the second under new head coach Guillermo Hoyos following Javier Mascherano’s dismissal. With America First Field offering just 21,000 seats, the limited availability combined with the draw of Messi’s presence has sent ticket prices soaring.

According to Miami Herald‘s Michelle Kaufman, citing data from TickPick, the average purchase price for a ticket to the Real Salt Lake vs. Inter Miami match sits at $468. The cheapest available ticket is listed at $419, nearly 14 times the price of Real Salt Lake’s upcoming home game against the Portland Timbers, which can be had for as little as $28.

Beyond being the most expensive MLS game of the 2026 season, the match will also set a new record for the priciest ticket in Real Salt Lake’s history at home. The previous benchmark dated back to 2017, when Manchester United visited for a friendly and secured a 2-1 win, with the average ticket price for that occasion coming in at $148.

Messi has already been at the center of two record-breaking attendance figures this season, first at the LA Memorial Coliseum for the MLS opener against LAFC and then at Empower Field at Mile High against the Colorado Rapids. In Utah, where the stadium’s limited capacity restricts access for fans eager to see him in person, it is the ticket prices rather than the attendance that are making history.

Messi’s record vs Real Salt Lake

The frenzy surrounding Inter Miami’s visit has been fueled in part by the fact that it will be Messi’s first trip to Utah to face Real Salt Lake in the MLS in nearly three years since his arrival in the league. The Argentine, however, already has a winning record against the Claret and Cobalt.

The two sides have met just once, with the Herons claiming a 2-0 victory in the opening game of the 2024 MLS season at Chase Stadium. In that match, Messi set up Robert Taylor for the opening goal in the 39th minute. Heading into Saturday’s rematch, he will be looking to score his first goal against Real Salt Lake while also extending his remarkable run of seven goals in seven MLS matches this season.

The connection ➡️ the finish💥 Last time vs. RSL. pic.twitter.com/rGB8o0vgPw

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 21, 2026

Right after scoring the opening goal against Celta Vigo from the penalty spot, FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was forced off the pitch due to a new injury.

Lamine Yamal was at the center of the action during Barcelona‘s Wednesday night match against Celta Vigo at Camp Nou. After opening the scoring from the penalty spot, the 18-year-old star immediately set off alarm bells when he went down with an injury moments after finding the net.

In a game Barcelona dominated with several clear-cut chances, many of them created by Yamal himself, the Spanish winger made the decisive contribution in the 39th minute when he cut inside from the right and was brought down by Yoel Lago. Referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Yamal stepped up to take the kick.

In the 40th minute, he sent a composed crossed finish past Celta Vigo goalkeeper Ionuț Radu, who guessed the right corner but could not keep it out, putting Barcelona in front. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Yamal immediately signaled to the bench and dropped to the ground, clutching his left hamstring in visible discomfort.

Unable to continue, Yamal was replaced by Roony Bardghji in the 45+9 minute, with the substitution delayed by an incident in the stands that required medical staff from both teams to attend to. Rather than taking a seat on the bench to watch the remainder of the half, Yamal headed straight down the tunnel, an image that did little to ease the growing concern among the Barcelona faithful.

The Yamal scare was not the only injury worry for the Blaugrana on the night, as Joao Cancelo had already been forced off in the 23rd minute after feeling discomfort in his knee, replaced by Alejandro Balde. With the La Liga title race still far from settled, the two injuries in a single game have handed coach Hansi Flick a significant headache heading into the final weeks of the Spanish season.

Yamal and a poorly timed injury

Lamine Yamal has been unquestionably Barcelona’s best player throughout the 2025-26 season, leading the team in both goals and assists with 24 and 18 respectively across 45 appearances in all competitions. Losing him, even temporarily, would be a significant blow, particularly with the Blaugrana still needing to navigate several defining moments in the La Liga title race.

With six games remaining after the Celta Vigo match, Barcelona currently sit on 82 points from 32 games, nine clear of second-placed Real Madrid. However, La Liga has confirmed that the next El Clasico will take place at Camp Nou on Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 p.m. local time, giving Yamal fewer than three weeks to recover from his latest injury and be ready for the occasion.

While Barcelona’s points cushion still provides a comfortable buffer, dropping points or suffering a defeat at Matchday 35 against Real Madrid could breathe new life into Los Blancos‘ title ambitions. The full details of Yamal’s injury have yet to be disclosed, but pushing him to feature in the Clasico before he is fully fit risks a more serious setback that could ultimately threaten his participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo reached the AFC Champions League two final after Al Nassr beat Al Ahli, prompting questions on the last continental trophy the Portuguese legend won.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another international final in his storied career, this time with Al Nassr in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two. With one game standing between him and another medal, the question naturally arises: when did the Portuguese star last lift a continental trophy?

Al Nassr faced Qatari side Al Ahli at Zabeel Stadium in a single-leg semifinal, following the AFC’s recent changes to the competition format. Although the visitors took the lead in the 10th minute, Kingsley Coman proved unstoppable, scoring a hat trick in the 12th, 45th and 63rd minutes, with Angelo and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also finding the net to complete a stunning 5-1 comeback and book Al Nassr’s place in the final.

Standing between Al Nassr and the AFC Champions League Two title is Japanese side Gamba Osaka, who came through the eastern side of the bracket. The final is scheduled for May 16, and in a significant boost for Ronaldo and his teammates, Al Nassr will have the advantage of hosting the match at Al Awwal Park in front of their own fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last continental trophy at club level

Ronaldo has accumulated an extraordinary collection of goals and trophies across his career, but to find his last continental club honor, you have to go all the way back to 2018. That year, he claimed the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, his fifth in total, which remains his most recent international club trophy.

Since moving to Juventus in the 2018-19 season, then to Manchester United and now Al Nassr, Ronaldo has been unable to add another continental title at club level. He did win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, though the trophy is not officially recognized by FIFA, making the AFC Champions League Two final a significant opportunity to end an eight-year continental drought with a club side.

Ronaldo thriving on the international stage with Portugal

While club glory has eluded him internationally for over eight years, the story with the Portugal national team has been a very different one. After delivering the country’s first major international trophy with the Euro 2016 title, Ronaldo has gone on to claim two more honors on the world stage.

Portugal lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2019 with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands, and then repeated the feat most recently in 2025, beating Lamine Yamal’s Spain in a final decided by penalty shootout. Should Al Nassr fall short in the AFC Champions League Two final, Ronaldo will have yet another opportunity to add to his international haul when Portugal compete for the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola revealed that star Rodri will be missing the next game against Burnley amid the Premier League title race.

Rodri has been one of Manchester City‘s most indispensable players, and the club felt his absence acutely during his lengthy injury layoff last season. Now, with the Premier League title race heating up, head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the Spanish midfielder will miss the team’s upcoming fixture due to injury.

With the FA Cup semifinal on the horizon, City have scheduled their Matchday 34 Premier League clash against Burnley for Wednesday, April 22, at Turf Moor. Sitting just three points behind Arsenal at the top of the table with a game in hand, a victory would pile further pressure on the Gunners in the closing stretch of the season.

At Tuesday’s press conference, however, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri will not be available for the trip to Burnley due to a groin problem. “I think for tomorrow he will not be ready,” the City manager said.

The concern appears to stop there for now, with Guardiola suggesting Rodri could return either for the FA Cup semifinal against Southampton or the subsequent Premier League fixture. “We will see for the next games. Maybe against Southampton or maybe in 12 days,” he added.

Since returning from the ACL injury that ruled him out for the majority of last season, Rodri has featured in 31 matches across all competitions for City. His direct goal contributions have been modest, with two goals and no assists, but his presence in the engine room has restored the midfield stability that was so sorely missed in his absence, re-establishing him as the linchpin of Guardiola’s system.

Rodri and Bernardo Silva: the core of City’s win over Arsenal

City are in excellent form, with their recent momentum tracing back to a January 17 victory over Manchester United, a result that served as a turning point in the club’s season and reignited their title challenge. The game that truly shifted the tone of the race, however, was Sunday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which Guardiola singled out both Rodri and Bernardo Silva for their leadership and composure in a high-stakes encounter.

“Both are experienced, they have a huge special personality,” Guardiola said. “They are not young guys anymore, experienced guys, but played a lot of this type of games and know how it must be played. They were exceptional,” the manager added. The praise comes at a poignant moment, with Silva set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, while Rodri’s own future is the subject of growing speculation amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres reportedly failing to earn the undisputed spot as striker, Julian Alvarez is see as FC Barcelona's dream signing.

Julian Alvarez has long been linked with FC Barcelona as the ideal candidate to anchor the club’s attack for years to come, and those links have now grown considerably stronger. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres reportedly falling short of expectations at the Blaugrana, the Argentine has emerged as the club’s primary transfer target.

While Barcelona remain one of the most potent attacking sides in the world, a specific weakness has emerged at center forward. With Lamine Yamal firmly established on the right and Raphinha on the left, the wide positions are well covered at the highest level, but the striker role has become the club’s most pressing concern heading into the transfer window.

According to a report by Laia Cervello Herrero and Pol Ballus in The Athletic, both Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have failed to fully convince at Barcelona, casting serious doubt over their futures at the club. Despite being given equal opportunities, neither has established himself as a reliable and consistent goal threat in the 2025-26 campaign, a deficiency that has cost the team dearly in key moments throughout the season.

Against that backdrop, Julian Alvarez has been identified as Barcelona’s dream solution. The Argentine fits the tactical profile that coach Hansi Flick is reportedly looking for, and the striker himself has not closed the door when asked publicly about interest from the Blaugrana.

The primary obstacle standing in the way of a deal would be the fee Atletico Madrid would demand for a player under contract until June 2030. According to The Athletic‘s report, any offer would need to start at a minimum of €100 million, roughly $117 million.

That price tag represents a significant hurdle given Barcelona’s well-documented financial constraints. However, the potential savings from releasing Lewandowski’s substantial salary, combined with the cooling of the Marcus Rashford purchase option situation, are expected to give the Catalan club enough room to mount a serious push for the 26-year-old in the upcoming summer window.

Lewandowski and Ferran Torres facing uncertain futures at Barcelona

Lamine Yamal’s position as the team’s top assister with 18 underlines his role as the creative engine, but the fact that he also leads the scoring charts with 23 goals says as much about the underperformance of those specifically tasked with putting the ball in the net. Ferran Torres sits second with 19 goals and Lewandowski fourth with 17, numbers that fall short of what Barcelona requires from a lead striker at the highest level.

Beyond their performances, the contract situations of both players do little to support their long-term futures at the club. On Lewandowski’s side, Sky Sports‘ Florian Plettenberg has reported that president Joan Laporta is open to an extension but with a significant wage reduction on the table, while Saudi Arabia and MLS club Chicago Fire have both registered interest, though formal discussions have yet to take place.

As for Ferran Torres, his contract runs through June 2027 with no new deal in sight, and The Athletic reports that Barcelona would be willing to entertain offers for the forward. His inconsistency and inability to fully claim the starting striker role have only strengthened the club’s desire to bring in a more dependable option, making the pursuit of Álvarez all the more pressing.

While the USMNT’s World Cup opener is reportedly among the fixtures struggling to move tickets, FIFA has announced a new sales phase.

FIFA has been at the center of mounting controversy over its ticketing strategy for the 2026 World Cup, with fan groups from multiple countries raising concerns about pricing that has directly impacted sales figures. With the USMNT‘s opener against Paraguay among the matches struggling to sell out, the governing body has now unveiled a new sales phase to address the shortfall.

According to a report by The Athletic‘s Adam Crafton and Henry Bushnell, a document distributed to local organizers in Los Angeles revealed that the United States vs. Paraguay game has lagged behind other fixtures at the venue. With SoFi Stadium’s listed capacity of 69,650, the document showed that as of April 10, only 40,934 tickets had been purchased, leaving nearly 30,000 seats still available.

As detailed in the report, when the first wave of World Cup tickets went on sale back in October, the USMNT opener was priced as the third most expensive game of the entire tournament, behind only the final and one of the semifinals. Despite that, Category 1 and Category 2 tickets, listed at $2,730 and $1,940 respectively, remained consistently available, a clear sign that fans have been reluctant to pay those prices.

Those ticket prices have remained unchanged, a notable anomaly given that most other events have seen their prices increase significantly over the past six months. With close to 30,000 seats still unsold and the match scheduled for June 12, the USMNT opener is not alone in facing a slow uptake.

Among the games with the highest remaining availability are matchups between lower-profile nations including New Zealand vs. Egypt, Uzbekistan vs. DR Congo, Saudi Arabia’s fixtures against Cape Verde and Uruguay, and three matches involving Austria, Jordan and Algeria. The fact that both the USMNT opener and Canada’s opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina also appear on that list suggests that fan reluctance is being driven not just by team selection, but by the price of entry.

FIFA to open new ticket sales phase

In an announcement released on Tuesday, FIFA revealed that additional tickets will be made available through a new initiative called the “Last-Minute Sales Phase.” Tickets will go on sale on April 22 and will be available across all 104 matches of the tournament.

The new phase moves away from the lottery system used in previous rounds, switching to a public purchase model on a first-come, first-served basis. Unlike earlier sales windows, tickets in this phase will continue to be released on a rolling basis through to the end of the World Cup, covering Categories 1 through 3 as well as front-row seat options.

FIFA’s official website states that more than five million tickets have already been sold, with cumulative attendance projected to surpass the record of 3.5 million set at the 1994 World Cup on U.S. soil. Whether that target is met will depend in part on how the market responds to the new sales phase, and whether FIFA is willing to reconsider its pricing structure for the games that have yet to find their audience.

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned from injury and is fit to play for Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, when they’ll be hosting Al Ahli for Matchday 30 of the Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese legend heads to the match after securing the ticket to the AFC Champions League Two final in a 5-1 win against Qatar’s Al Ahli.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 26 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 969 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game.

Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, when the Herons will be hosting Orlando City in the MLS at the Nu Stadium. The Argentine legend enters the fixture following another home draw, a 1-1 result against the New England Revolution.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th.

The 2026 MLS campaign has just begun for Messi, who has featured in eleven official matches so far across all competitions, scoring eight times without registering an assist. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.