FOX announced their 2026 World Cup coverage with names like Ibrahimovic, Henry, Donovan, Schmeichel, Seedord, Chicharito and Lowe.

The media coverage of the 2026 World Cup looks to be crowded with huge names at FOX Sports. This list of legends includes Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry, Landon Donovan, Peter Schmeichel, Clarence Seedorf, Chicharito Hernández and Rebecca Lowe among the main names.

Their presence is part of a group of analysts that are going to work from the studios. The latest to join the team was Schmeichel, who had a great career as the goalkeeper of the historic Manchester United team that won the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Schmeichel said: “I’m so happy to be joining the FOX Sports team again for this special FIFA World Cup and can’t wait for the opening match on June 11. Between all the fans that will be present and the amazing atmospheres, I’m looking forward to experiencing everything the tournament brings with it and sharing my insights with viewers.”

The live commentary teams

As for the live action that fans are going to hear when watching matches, the teams that are going to have that role have also been confirmed. In total, nine pairings have been announced to call the matches on site.

FOX Sports reported that they are covering 104 matches live in the stadiums, traveling across the three host countries in 16 cities, as the specific assignment remains to be seen when the action gets closer.

The pairings of play-by-play and match analyst are Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves, Derek Rae and Robert Green, Ian Crocker and Danny Higginbotham, Ian Darke and Landon Donovan, Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton, John Strong and Stu Holden, JP Dellacamera and Lori Lindsey, Mark Scott and Cobi Jones, and Tyler Terens and Maurice Edu.

Reporters, at-large and rule specialist roles

To complement the teams, there are even more analysts. The reporters announced are Alex Aljoe, Geoff Shreeves, Jenny Taft, Katie Shanahan and Natalie Gedra. Tom Rinaldi will have the at-large role, while the rule analysts are Dr. Joe Machnik and Mark Clattenburg.

Álvaro Carreras responded to the rumors about a fight with Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger.

Real Madrid are ending a very poor season with no trophies to show their fans. They are likely to lose La Liga to Barcelona either in next Sunday’s El Clásico or in the next few matches. The problems do not stop there, as there have been rumors about a fight involving Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger.

Carreras addressed the issue in the final paragraph of his statement: “About the incident with a teammate, it was about a specific subject with no relevance that has already been solved. My relationship with the entire team is really good.”

The left back also responded to criticism of his professionalism: “In the last few days, insinuations about my professionalism and comments about me that are not true have emerged. My commitment to this club and the managers I have had has been intact since the first day.”

His continuity with the club looks like his priority, as he said: “Since I came back to the club, I have always worked with professionalism, respect and dedication. I fought hard to fulfill the dream of returning home.”

Rüdiger reportedly slapped Carreras

Results have not been ideal for Real Madrid. A club used to winning every match has not been able to replicate its usual success. This led to frustration among the fans, but also among the players.

A report from Spanish radio Onda Cero said that Rüdiger slapped Carreras in a heated altercation during a training session after Real Madrid’s victory over Alavés and before the draw with Betis.

This was one of many reports about misconduct by Rüdiger lately, including a dispute involving him and Josip Stanišić after Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich. The Athletic also reported an incident involving an unnamed player that led to an apology to his teammates.

Carreras’ numbers with Real Madrid

When Real Madrid made the 50 million euro investment to sign Carreras from Benfica, it was seen as a very good move. However, the left back has not been the same player the club thought they were signing. Carreras played 38 matches and scored two goals, but more importantly, he was never a factor for the team.

Vincent Kompany doesn't see Bayern Munich changing much against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals.

Neutral fans enjoyed the Champions League semifinals. A 5-4 goal fest in the first leg put Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Bayern Munich. However, Vincent Kompany ruled out any tactical changes to his team.

Kompany said when asked about tweaking the tactical side of his team: “Answering that question affirmatively would be idiotic. A match like this one is about the players, not the managers. My job is to make them stronger.”

The only thing to focus on should be the details, as the manager said: “It’s about polishing the small details. Players must get better at those things that they have done well during the season.”

Kompany on the playstyle debate

The spectacle shown by these teams a week ago in Paris must remain in the history books, but it is understandable that some people may think a better defensive approach would be more viable.

That is not what the manager thinks based on his short experience, especially when looking at what he has done with the German club, so he was quick to push back against those who ask for a more conservative approach.

Kompany said: “Some people ask for more pragmatism, but the most pragmatic thing to do is play to win. To do that, you must score one more goal than your rival. You must think about what these teams have done to get here.”

Kompany gets some players back

For this match, it is important to have as many players ready as possible. While Serge Gnabry has been ruled out with an injury, three players are back with the team. Kompany said Lennart Karl, Raphael Guerreiro and Tom Bischof may be on the bench after they were able to train at full speed again.

Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap. Pochettino said: “Messi […]

Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap.

Pochettino said: “Messi wanted to build from the back, slowly, with combinations and passes. Because he has the quality to dribble past one, two, three opponents. But if we played for Mbappé, we could not play for him.”

The manager added more about the French forward’s style of play: “If we were deep and won the ball back, Mbappé looked for space. It was about giving him the ball so he could run. When we played for Messi, Mbappé used to tell me, ‘My ability is to run, but I cannot.’ Neymar wanted to play with the ball.”

The star trio was not a good experience

Domestic trophies are expected at Paris Saint-Germain. They are more of an obligation than a goal, which was reflected in the club’s decision to fire Pochettino after just 18 months in charge. During his time with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, they only won Ligue 1.

The main reason for replacing the manager was their performance in the Champions League, the obsession the club had until it finally conquered the competition under Luis Enrique, after losing to Real Madrid in the round of 16 in a tie they controlled for much of the time.

Pochettino had guided the team to the Champions League semifinals in his first year after arriving in January, eliminating Barcelona and Bayern Munich before losing to Manchester City. His trophies with the club were one Ligue 1 title, one Coupe de France and one Trophée des Champions.

Messi, Neymar and Mbappé’s numbers under Pochettino

The trio did not have the best year collectively when they came up against stronger rivals. Their individual numbers also were not as good compared to other seasons. Messi played 34 matches, scoring just 11 goals. Neymar played only 38 matches and scored 13 goals. Mbappé was the best of the three as the younger player, with 46 matches and 39 goals.

Elano, the former Santos and Manchester City player, said Neymar isn't happy for all the criticism he gets.

Neymar’s return to Santos was met with great joy by the fans, who imagined it could lead to another glorious run. However, the team has only been able to focus on avoiding relegation. In an interview with Globoesporte, former Santos and Manchester City player Elano talked about him.

Elano said: “We should take care of Neymar a bit more because he isn’t happy. I speak for myself, I look at him and I know how much I appreciate him. It makes me sad. I know how wonderful this kid is. Fans have to look after him no matter what. He doesn’t deserve to get booed or insulted.”

The physical issues the talented player has endured in recent years have clearly reduced his impact. This has made his contributions on the field less frequent at a struggling Santos, as Neymar has played 39 matches and scored 15 goals.

Neymar has played injured

The explosiveness Neymar once had may be the most obvious thing missing from his game lately. A player who has had to absorb so many hits, especially early in his career, is now feeling the consequences.

What Elano emphasized when speaking about why the fans should be more supportive was Neymar’s willingness to play when his team needed him most, like last year when they were near relegation, even when he was not fully fit.

Elano said: “The relegation that could have happened last year was obvious and, even with an injury, he played at 50% of his potential and was a big help. We can’t criticize him too harshly. I know we live in an unstable era with political problems in the middle, but he’s an asset for Santos.”

Neymar’s criticism impact

The former player currently works in Santos’ youth system, so he has watched everything closely. He said the criticism Neymar receives is affecting him badly, considering the effort he makes.

Elano said: “He’s being criticized too much. I think in every aspect. We know he has huge visibility. Everything becomes a phenomenon, but in the end he’s a human being. Nobody can survive getting so many hits every day. It gets to a point where he becomes depressed.”

Alvaro Arbeloa dismissed the rumors that put José Mourinho as the next Real Madrid manager.

The manager may be in his final days at Real Madrid. In a nearly unprecedented run without a title at such a massive club, his future looks uncertain. In the press conference before the Espanyol match, Álvaro Arbeloa was asked about rumors linking José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach, as his successor.

Arbeloa said: “I understand every question you ask, but my only answer will always be that the future is tomorrow. Every match at Real Madrid means everything because that is how I understand and live it.”

Real Madrid face the huge task of making up a considerable gap on Barcelona in the La Liga title race. With Espanyol as their challenge on Sunday, Arbeloa also has to keep an eye on the following weekend, when they see Barcelona in El Clásico.

Arbeloa avoids the polemic with Dani Ceballos

The main topic of the week for Real Madrid was a Marca report about a discussion involving Dani Ceballos. The report suggested that the player told the manager he did not want to hear from him again.

Ceballos wasn’t a regular presence in the team before the incident, with very little involvement in the biggest matches. That exchange could be one of several that have been attributed to the manager and some of the players.

Arbeloa said: “I do not start public debates about situations I have with players. The first thing I learned 20 years ago was that what happens in Real Madrid’s dressing room stays in Real Madrid’s dressing room.”

Arbeloa on a potential Franco Mastantuono loan

Among the topics the manager discussed was Franco Mastantuono. The young Argentine midfielder was never able to adapt to Real Madrid in his first years after a 60 million euros move that put too much pressure on him. A loan to get more minutes may be the next step, and he was asked about that possibility.

Arbeloa said: “He is a really young kid who could be playing for the club’s youth teams, but you see his talent and maturity. He does not look 18 years old in the way he speaks and behaves. I think he has a great future. He is a worthy player because of his talent, his ability and his commitment.”

Dani Carvajal could be out for the season at Real Madrid with an injury that risks his World Cup participation with Spain.

What was already a very bad season for Dani Carvajal could get even worse after the latest injury news. This all but rules out the right back from playing again for Real Madrid, which also makes his World Cup participation with Spain look even less likely.

Real Madrid confirmed the injury in an official statement: “After the tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe on his right foot. Pending evolution.”

This injury likely ends his season, as the expected recovery time is two to four weeks. Even if he could return sooner, he was already a backup in Álvaro Arbeloa’s team. Not being able to get on the field also raises even more doubts about his World Cup participation with Spain.

Carvajal likely played his last match for Real Madrid

The sporting side of this news could be softened by saying he might return next season at full strength to compete for a spot. However, there was a decision made by the club’s higher-ups not to keep Carvajal once his contract expires at the end of June, according to Marca.

His role had already been reduced because of the injuries he has dealt with recently. The torn ACL that ended the previous season also brought more issues than are normally expected when a player recovers from that type of injury.

What is unfortunate about Carvajal’s situation is that he may say goodbye to the fans without being able to be with the team, even though he has worn the captain’s armband for many matches. It feels unfair that a player who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final has to leave this way.

Carvajal’s season with Real Madrid

The numbers show how much his role was reduced with Arbeloa as manager, with reports also saying the two were not in the best relationship. Carvajal has played just 20 matches this season, with no goals, 14 in La Liga, one in the Copa del Rey, and five in the Champions League.

Oliver Kahn had strong words about Real Madrid players amid the potential hiring of Jürgen Klopp.

Real Madrid have not stopped competing with Álvaro Arbeloa as manager, but rumors about his replacement started a few weeks ago. One candidate who was speculated about was Jürgen Klopp, an idea Oliver Kahn disagreed with on Sky Germany.

Kahn said: “I don’t know if I would do that if I were Klopp. Do Real Madrid and he fit with each other? If we make a deep analysis, he is one of the managers who likes to develop and build. He works with a clear system.”

The former goalkeeper was critical of the players: “Real Madrid are something completely different. They are a group of individuals, a group of superstars that strongly reject being imposed on by any concept.”

Kahn recalls Alonso’s firing

The goalkeeper’s vast experience as a player includes nearly 1,000 matches in his career for Karlsruher SC, Bayern Munich and Germany. He knows that country better than most, so he saw Xabi Alonso’s rise as a manager up close.

His time at Bayer Leverkusen was historic to the point where they became the first undefeated Bundesliga champions in a competition where there is usually a dominant team, which led Kahn to use him as an example for Klopp if Real Madrid tempts him.

Kahn said: “We saw it with Alonso. It is about whether, as a manager, you have respect, can connect with the players, can manage the biggest stars and convince them of the system you are trying to implement.”

Alonso’s numbers with Real Madrid

Alonso’s stint in Madrid was short, largely because he could not get the players to follow his idea. The outcome was clear, as he managed just 34 matches, with 24 victories, 4 draws and 6 losses. Even if that record does not look bad on paper, it was mainly the type of defeats that led the club to end his contract in January of this year.

Hansi Flick isn't worried about reaching 100 points in La Liga, which would tie Barcelona's previous record under Tito Vilanova.

Title races are often decided until the final whistle, but that may not apply very well in this case. Barcelona have not secured the La Liga title yet, but they are 11 points ahead of Real Madrid with five matches left. One possible goal could be matching the 100-point record set by Tito Vilanova’s team, but that is not a priority for Hansi Flick this weekend.

Flick said: “We are focused only on the next match. I’m not very good with numbers, but we obviously want to win every match. Our goal is to play at the best level and learn from our mistakes. I’m satisfied with what I’m seeing.”

Barcelona won La Liga in 2012-13 with 100 points under Vilanova, matching what Real Madrid had done the previous year under José Mourinho. For Flick to join that list, Barcelona would have to win all five matches, with Osasuna in Pamplona on Saturday being the first challenge.

Ante Budimir’s danger

Osasuna have had a very good season, which has put them in ninth place, just outside the European qualification spots. They are highly motivated, as there are many teams within a few points of each other. Their main danger is their top forward.

Even if he is not a huge name for those who do not follow Spanish soccer closely, Ante Budimir looks like one of the most feared players in his position with 16 goals, which Flick praised in the press conference.

Flick said: “We just have this match in mind. We are going to play against a team with a lot of experience, with a great forward like Budimir, a very good team, and a great atmosphere. We must use the spaces and play at the level we had against Getafe.”

Flick thanks the support of the fans

Flick was also thankful for the way the fans have treated him: “It’s an honor for me; people thank me every day. We came here with the goal of winning titles and the atmosphere here is great. We are all one. The feeling is incredible, even when we lose.”

Erik ten Hag's former assistant Steve McClaren spoke about the manager's relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was filled with excitement. However, the club could not break away from the usual performances that stopped the trophies from coming. Then manager Erik ten Hag had a lot to do with the forward’s exit to Al-Nassr.

Ten Hag’s assistant during his short time in Manchester was Steve McClaren. His presence was a valuable asset for the team, as he had also spent three seasons in that role under Sir Alex Ferguson when the club won the treble. The experienced manager shared his insight in an interview with The Athletic.

McClaren said: “Erik tried to impose his style and that’s why he had that fight with Ronaldo all the way through. I said to Erik, very early, ‘It’s you or him’. Ronaldo was generally OK. But he didn’t want to do the job that Erik wanted him to do. Or didn’t feel he could do it.”

The former assistant shared more about the plan: “The instructions out of possession were, ‘Get into the middle, as soon as you’re back, you’re the first press’. I used to say to Ronnie, ‘If you want to play, that’s what you’ve got to do’. He’d argue, ‘Ah, nobody wants to press’. I’d say, ‘Well, they’re all young lads, they can press’.”

McClaren differentiates Ferguson from ten Hag

McClaren was clear about what ten Hag’s message was to Ronaldo: “It’s right that 11 players attack, 11 players defend. Not 11 players attack, 10 players defend. So I said, ‘You have to run, it’s simple, Ronnie. If you don’t, you don’t play’. You’ve probably got half the squad going, ‘We think Ronnie’s right’, and half going, ‘We think Erik is right’.”

The leadership stature that Ferguson imposed, and the presence that allowed him to manage talents like David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and more, was not at the same level as ten Hag’s, with a clear contrast.

McClaren said: “With Fergie, he was right or you were out. If you weren’t with him and he knew it, you were gone. And that’s the authority, the power that he had developed over years and years.”

Time wasn’t enough for ten Hag

McClaren’s conclusion about whether ten Hag could have turned things around was that the manager was fired before getting much time: “The gaffer, Sir Alex, got time to do it. Erik didn’t get the same time. In a way, I could believe it. But in some respects, I couldn’t, because he won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.”

Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois can't play for Real Madrid against Espanyol but aren't discarded for Barcelona.

This weekend, the La Liga title could be decided if Real Madrid cannot get a victory against Espanyol and Barcelona beat Osasuna in Pamplona. For this very important match, Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois will not be available, according to Marca.

Mbappé continues a difficult late part of the season with more injuries. After a knee issue that caused problems in the Champions League, he now has a muscle problem in his left hamstring suffered in the draw with Betis last Friday.

The weekend’s outcome may decide whether manager Álvaro Arbeloa could have Mbappé for El Clásico the following Sunday. If Barcelona secures the title, there may not be any rush for the player to feature, given the challenges he has ahead with France.

Courtois nears his return

The situation looks a bit different for the goalkeeper. Courtois left the Champions League round-of-16 match against Manchester City early. That match was played on March 17, putting him close to a return.

A thigh injury that was supposed to be just a precautionary substitution ended up requiring a recovery time of around six weeks. Those projections were correct in the end, as he still cannot be in the lineup at full strength.

Courtois, unlike Mbappé, seems set to be available for the match against Barcelona no matter what. In his absence, Andriy Lunin has been the goalkeeper, with mixed results as he could not keep a clean sheet in seven matches.

Mbappé’s replacement against Espanyol

Injuries have hurt Real Madrid’s chances this season, with almost every player missing time. Mbappé will not suit up on Sunday, which opens a spot for three main candidates, with Rodrygo also unavailable. Youth team forward Gonzalo García looks like the most likely replacement for the Frenchman. Brahim Díaz is another potential substitute.

Thierry Henry put Marco Van Basten over Michel Platini when selecting the player who dazzled him the most.

The list of greats in the history of the sport is endless, no matter how far back you go. In this case, Thierry Henry mentioned the French names that impressed him the most when he was a kid, with Michel Platini among them, but he surprisingly selected Marco Van Basten over him.

Henry said: “I followed all the French greats of that time: Jean Tigana, Platini, Alain Giresse. But the one who dazzled me the most was Van Basten. He wasn’t French. But I loved his style.”

In his interview with Marca during an event for an electronics manufacturer, Henry also spoke about the great Champions League semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, which he described as a “otherworldly match, beyond any analysis. Pure joy, pure fun, pure total soccer, with managers that encourage it.”

Henry avoids saying who the best player ever is

A discussion that usually comes up in any sport is who the best ever is. This presents a series of challenges, as everything evolved over time and players now have more tools at their disposal than before.

The former striker was part of the group that decided to enjoy what they see, without comparing it with what was done before. Even if he was a huge talent who left a mark on many fans, he did not come up with an answer.

Henry said: “It’s impossible to compare eras because not even the rules are the same. Now we have Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, but everything is overanalyzed, and it’s unfair because there’s more attention to the mistakes than the quality. All the good players should be enjoyed.”

Henry’s match to relive

An interesting question that the Frenchman was asked was which match he would like to relive. His selection was understandable, as the context was huge, with the pressure not allowing him to enjoy it.

Henry said: “The World Cup final in 1998 (France won 3-0 over Brazil). I was only 20 years old, and I was too focused on winning, not on enjoying it. I would love to relive it. To sit and watch it again live for what we were capable of doing.”

Mauricio Pochettino recalled the Lionel Messi substitution at Paris Saint-Germain that gained him much criticism.

There are not many players who play full matches since the number of substitutions allowed was increased. Lionel Messi has always been in that group, except for occasional injuries. One famous episode came at Paris Saint-Germain, when Mauricio Pochettino took him off.

Pochettino said: “My initial intention was to protect him because I was thinking that he had to play in the Champions League, etc. If I do not make a decision, he gets hurt and that has repercussions for his World Cup participation.”

This happened during a Ligue 1 match against Lyon, which Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1. In his interview with former player Gary Neville for Stick to Football, the manager recalled more reactions to that specific substitution.

Leonardo also questioned Pochettino

The Argentine manager also explained a bit more about his intentions when he said that he “didn’t want to demonstrate that I was more brave than other managers, but in that moment, I thought it was the best thing for him”.

Criticism came from everywhere, mainly because the reaction was not the one of an injured player. Messi left the field with just 14 minutes remaining, but even though he missed little time, sporting director Leonardo also let him know it was a mistake to substitute him.

Pochettino said about the reaction from the Brazilian: “After the match, Leonardo told me: ‘Mauri, why? I asked Leo and he didn’t mind.’ He also told me that people there paid for a ticket to watch him play 90 minutes.”

Pochettino’s criticism was immediate

Pochettino recalled during this topic that he found out he could have done something different only when he got home from the stadium. The manager remembered what his wife said immediately after the match: “My wife told me that in Argentina they were destroying me at that time. In France, too.”

Manchester United handed a considerable raise to Kobbie Mainoo, extending his contract for five more years.

Manchester United look recovered for the first time in many years. The arrival of Michael Carrick after Rubén Amorim’s firing gave the team a breath of fresh air. This resurgence affected every player, but none benefited more than Kobbie Mainoo.

The club rewarded his improvement with a huge salary boost in a new contract. Mainoo extended his deal for five more years, increasing his salary from 25,000 pounds per week (34,000 dollars) to 120,000 pounds (170,000 dollars), according to The Guardian.

Mainoo was nearing the end of his contract, which had a June 2027 expiration date. Manchester United extended that to 2031 to make sure the midfielder remains with the club. This was expected given the importance he has to the team when he’s on the field.

Mainoo’s words after the news

The first few words from the talented player were to tell the fans how excited he is about staying in Manchester for years to come. Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family.”

This wasn’t the only thought from a player who had an impressive turnaround, going from being left out by Amorim, who wanted him to leave on loan to get minutes, to becoming a fan favorite coming through the club’s youth system.

Mainoo said: “I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six. We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies.”

Mainoo’s area to improve

His role has changed completely since Amorim’s firing. Mainoo has become a very important piece of the midfield at just 21 years old with the quality he shows. One area where he must improve may be scoring more often, as he has yet to score this season in 26 matches.

La Liga president Javier Tebas would like Barcelona and Real Madrid to play matches abroad.

The dispute between Javier Tebas and Spain’s biggest clubs has been going on for years. Barcelona and Real Madrid’s popularity makes it very appealing to see them play in countries outside of Europe, which could happen if the executive succeeds in his plan.

Tebas said: “We are going to continue trying. Many other sports came to Spain; we want to do something similar to them. FIFA is establishing a rulebook to play one match from each league abroad. It would be very good for the brand.”

These comments came during a public event organized by the Universidad de Navarra. In his speech, he also mentioned the United States, Saudi Arabia and Casablanca as potential locations La Liga could choose for this.

Tebas remarks on Spanish clubs

Logically, the La Liga president gets very enthusiastic when describing the competition he leads. Even if the titles are mostly dominated by two clubs, with Atletico Madrid occasionally challenging, he spoke highly about the continental matches.

For Tebas, what puts Spanish clubs ahead of most is their participation against teams from other countries in continental competitions. In this regard, he highlighted the teams that are representing the league, each being in a semifinal.

Tebas said: “We had very bad luck with the teams that were eliminated in the quarterfinals, but those who are still alive (Atletico Madrid in the Champions League against Arsenal and Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League against Strasbourg) have good possibilities. In 10 years, La Liga has won many titles.”

A failed attempt

The main precedent for this idea came last year. Barcelona was scheduled to play against Villarreal in Miami in December. However, the backlash from players and fans was so significant that they had to reverse the decision.

This decision was mainly driven by Real Madrid, who complained to FIFA that it could affect the fairness of La Liga by giving up a home match to a rival in the title race. In October, the match was canceled, which shows that Tebas may not easily succeed in making teams travel outside of Spain.

Endrick praised Jude Bellingham's role in his Real Madrid adaptation.

The decision to be loaned to Lyon from Real Madrid changed the course of the season for Endrick. From being in a team with many stars to a club where he could show his talent. Even if he couldn’t play much, the forward mentioned Jude Bellingham as a very important teammate.

Endrick said: “Bellingham was important to me. He made me feel welcome. I didn’t speak English very well, but he spoke to me, tried to speak a bit of Spanish, was by my side and gave me advice. His friendship was important to me at the beginning of my time at Real Madrid. That really had an impact on me. I had a certain impression of him, but he was completely different.”

Bellingham has been a huge player for Real Madrid since he was signed at 19 years old. His experience as the focus of attention, like it was at Borussia Dortmund, was a factor in giving him the calmness necessary to adapt to such a gigantic club. This duo couldn’t be a factor as a tandem, but it could be decisive in the near future.

Luka Modric surprised Endrick the most

The stint at Real Madrid was very short. Endrick was signed from Palmeiras before moving to Spain in 2024 when he was 18. He has totaled just 40 matches with that jersey, but it was enough to get to know his teammates.

There was one player who caught Endrick’s attention for many reasons: Luka Modric. Even if the Croatian was in his final season with the club, as he was not very young, his talent made an impression on him.

Endrick said: “Modric was the player who most impressed me at Real Madrid. He’s a guy who taught me a lot in my first year. Not just in training, but also in matches. It was a football masterclass. He was 40 years old and very strong. He trained every day. When he wasn’t playing, he’d go to the club and train, doing his own extra training.”

Endrick on his injury

The forward wasn’t very important at Real Madrid not because of his ability. It was a hamstring injury that made him miss too many matches, participating in just three in the first six months of the season before his loan to Lyon. This was very detrimental to his confidence.

Endrick said: “I was afraid. I cried several times. That’s something you do in private. I didn’t know how to deal with my injury, what to expect. You don’t know if you’ll have a relapse, if you’ll keep your strength, if you’ll come back weaker. That affects you a lot. You get scared of the future. But I knew I had to keep going.”

Lionel Messi sent a video to the UE Cornellà players, the club he just purchased.

Lionel Messi puts all his passion into the sport when he’s on the field. However, he has also found a way to share his knowledge with players at a lower level with the recent purchase of Unió Esportiva Cornellà.

With the recent news of his involvement in the smaller club, his first message to the team did not take too long to come. The manager gathered the players in a room to play the video sent by Messi to support them.

Messi said: “I just want to introduce myself and salute you. We are here to grow, to help you with whatever you need. We are very excited about this new project. I’m following and supporting you every weekend.”

Details about UE Cornellà

The bond between Messi and Barcelona can’t be denied. This was just another step in his contribution to the city in which he spent most of his years. UE Cornellà are a semi-professional club from Catalonia that is now trying to take a leap.

This club is not near the sphere that most people are used to in Spain, but it has a long tradition of being a formative place for local talents. There are some really meaningful examples like Jordi Alba, David Raya, Gerard Martín or Keita Baldé.

UE Cornellà confirmed the purchase earlier this month, while Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi made the move for the entirety of the fifth-division club. With this investment, the lower Spanish league should have a motivation when they see this club.

Another purchase was rumored

There were some rumors in Spain around Messi’s potential purchase of another club before he chose UE Cornellà. This was also a small club called Terrassa FC, which denied the information.

The statement said: “We categorically deny the truthfulness of its content. We have never been in contact with Messi, nor with any intermediary claiming to act on his behalf. We love this club and would never allow our pride to prevent its growth under new ownership.”

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were marked as the first listed players in a new statistic, with Kylian Mbappé near.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have broken almost every record there is. However, there is no denying they are in the final stages of their careers. Their performances may still be strong, but age has forced them to do even less than before. This puts them as leaders in this new statistic. Curiously, Kylian Mbappé isn’t too far behind.

This stat was compiled by the CIES Football Observatory, which analyzed the distances covered by players across 46 major competitions around the world. The study can be summed up simply as ranking the shortest distances covered without the ball by each player relative to the average of their teammates.

In short, it could be described as the players who run the least when they do not have the ball compared to their teammates. Messi leads the list with a mark of x.070 at Inter Miami, with Ronaldo right behind him at x0.74 with Al-Nassr. While this has nothing to do with the impact these players have on their teams, it is certainly an interesting stat.

Mbappé rounds out the top five

Age can be the defining factor in why the two best players of the last decade run much less than their teammates, even if they were never asked to do that job. What is interesting is that Mbappé also appears high in the ranking.

The podium is completed by a 37-year-old striker who had some important moments in his career, Artem Dzyuba, as the Russian is tied with Ronaldo for his stint with Akron Togliatti in his country.

Mbappé was ranked fifth, tied with Rubin Kazan’s Mirlind Daku and FK Krasnodar’s Jhon Córdoba, while Independiente Rivadavia’s Sebastián Villa was fourth with x0.76. Real Madrid did not have a very good season, even with many goals from the French star, who had a coefficient of x0.77.

Victor Osimhen in the top 10

The list includes three more well-known names in the top 10 of this unusual system. Al-Ettifaq FC’s Moussa Dembélé was eighth with x0.78, and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen was ninth, tied with Fiorentina’s Moise Kean at x0.79.

Reports suggest Al-Hilal may not loan Joao Cancelo again, which would make a negotiation with Barcelona challenging.

João Cancelo joined Barcelona on loan from Al-Hilal for six months in January, but he must return to the Saudi club once the loan ends. However, Barcelona are interested in keeping him, as he has become an important option for Hansi Flick thanks to his ability to play both left back and right back.

Al-Hilal are not making things easy for Barcelona. According to reports from the Saudi edition of 365Scores, the club is not willing to loan Cancelo again because his contract only has one year left. That would mean he could leave for free after another loan spell, which they want to avoid after the investment they made in him.

The Saudi club would only consider letting him return to Barcelona through a permanent transfer, or they could even decide to keep him. The reported price for that deal is around 15 million euros, which could become a key factor in negotiations between the clubs.

Inzaghi adds another obstacle

Letting an experienced player like Cancelo go was a difficult decision to understand for a league that should attract as many top players as possible. This would be a major boost for Barcelona, as they could get a very valuable player at a relatively low price.

A short contract length left is not the only obstacle Barcelona may have to deal with in their attempt to bring the player back. There could also be a change of intention from the club, which may want to keep him instead.

This part is connected to Simone Inzaghi. According to Sport, the Al-Hilal manager wants Cancelo to stay at the club, which could make it even harder for Barcelona to bring him back. That means negotiations won’t be easy to complete.

Cancelo’s desire to play for Benfica

A less likely destination for Cancelo could be Benfica. His desire to return there has been the main reason behind choosing Barcelona over other interested teams like Inter, who made better offers. The Portuguese defender spoke about that feeling toward the club a few weeks ago.

Cancelo said in an interview with Canal 11: “I have earned more than I expected in my career, but playing for Benfica is like playing basketball. I would do it for love. I would reduce my salary.”

Mikel Arteta complained about the controversial penalties in Arsenal's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

The Champions League semifinals produced a highly controversial match with three penalty incidents that were not all given in the 1-1. Arsenal held Atletico Madrid to a draw, but Mikel Arteta left the city angry with referee Danny Makkelie.

Arteta said: “Yesterday there were two handballs (for the match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain). In the Premier League that is not a penalty. For UEFA it is, but you accept it because there is a criteria. I don’t understand the other one. It’s a clear penalty. There’s contact. It’s unacceptable at this level to show the replay 13 times to take the penalty back.”

In the first half there was a play in which the ball touched Ben White’s hand after it bounced off him first. Makkelie did not call anything, but he was sent to the VAR monitor to review it and changed his decision.

Arsenal’s manager complained heavily about the play that was the potential winning goal. With little time left in the match, Eberechi Eze was brought down by David Hancko. The referee initially called it a penalty on the field before VAR asked him to review it, and he overturned his decision.

Arteta’s view of the match

Unlike the match played a day earlier, this one was expected to be slower. However, the intensity was there, with both teams looking to close down space for their opponents. That led to changes in who was controlling the game.

The manager admitted his team did not play a complete match, as they were pinned back by Atletico Madrid at different points. But in his view, the key moments were even in what was a difficult match for them.

Arteta said: “It was a big privilege playing here. Great energy, great environment. We created chances, but we were not good in the first part of the second half. We allowed them chances. We knew we had to get through that. Disappointed with the penalty.”

The rematch

One disadvantage for these teams is that they have less rest than the other semifinalists. The rematch is set for next Tuesday in England. Arsenal will not be able to rotate players next Saturday against Fulham because they are in a Premier League title race with Manchester City, while Atletico Madrid can do that in their match in Valencia.

José Mourinho's release clause from Benfica has an expiration date that may hurry Real Madrid if they want to hire him.

The search for a new manager may begin very soon for Real Madrid after a year without trophies. However, they may not have much time to think if they want José Mourinho, because his release clause at Benfica has an expiration date.

If Florentino Pérez wants to hire Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, he would have to pay the release clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, May is the last month in which the Portuguese manager can trigger that option for 3-4 million euros.

That date would come after the season ends. The Athletic says it is 10 days after Benfica’s final match, which would make May 27 the final chance to activate the clause. What would have to happen first is for Real Madrid to decide who they want.

Mourinho isn’t thinking about Real Madrid

There is nothing confirmed about Real Madrid yet. In a season without trophies, their slim chance of winning one is in La Liga, but they are 11 points behind Barcelona with just five matches remaining.

Talk around Mourinho as a preferred option for club president Pérez has fueled rumors about a return to the club where he managed before. It is not something the manager appears to be thinking about.

Mourinho was asked about the possibility of managing Real Madrid this year in an interview with Mediaset Italia, and he gave a clear answer focused on the present: “My next goal is taking Benfica to the Champions League.”

Benfica’s season under Mourinho

Benfica have not had the season expected after Mourinho’s arrival. Even if they have not lost in the Primeira Liga, they are seven points behind Porto with three matches remaining. In the Taça de Portugal they were eliminated by Porto in the quarterfinals. Their Champions League run ended against Real Madrid in the playoff.

José Mourinho didn't even mention Spain when he was asked about World Cup favorites, as he also named Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti highly.

The Special One was once again a source of controversy when speaking about the World Cup. In an interview with Mediaset Italia, José Mourinho was asked about the title favorites and overlooked Spain while praising Brazil’s chances with Carlo Ancelotti as manager and Portugal.

Mourinho said: “Who’s going to win? I say Portugal, which has the potential to do it. Carletto is Carletto, even if people think Brazil can’t do it. But for me Brazil are one thing with Carletto and another thing without Carletto. I think they can do it.”

In his response, he also named three other potential winners, none of them Spain.: “Argentina are the world champions. They look like a real team: united, compact and happy to play for the national team. France with the talent they have they could make three competitive teams. Someday the day should come for England too.”

Mourinho names managers to improve Italy

A manager as experienced as Mourinho may eventually want to step away from the pressure of club football. Still, he is not ready to leave the day-to-day sensations of the profession yet.

Italy was the main topic of the conversation when he was asked about the international level. While he said he is not ready for that change in his career, he named a few managers the country could rely on amid its current crisis.

Mourinho said: “I disagree with having to hire a foreign manager. Italy has people with charisma, quality and experience. You can’t have Carletto, but you can have Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, and there are more.”

Mourinho on Christian Chivu

The Portuguese coach has managed many clubs throughout his career. However, he is still best remembered for his time in Italy, where he won the treble with Inter. The club now looks ready to win Serie A with a former player of his, Christian Chivu, in charge.

Mourinho said: “Chivu was very smart. He didn’t go from the field to the bench in one week like other players did before. He worked in youth divisions, did courses. He had experience in a place like Parma, where there is less pressure. He went to Inter in an unstable situation and did a great job in his first year.”

Reports suggests that Barcelona could go for João Pedro if they can't get Julián Álvarez.

Barcelona are looking for a striker. With Robert Lewandowski likely to leave the club in the next transfer window, their main target is Julián Álvarez. However, negotiations with Atletico Madrid may not be easy, which has made João Pedro an option.

There is no doubt Álvarez would be a strong addition for Barcelona, with a style of play that fits what Hansi Flick wants. But his price may be too high for the club, forcing them to have other strikers ready, including the 24-year-old Brazilian.

That is where Pedro emerges as a possible alternative. According to Cadena SER, the Chelsea forward is the player they may try to sign. The issue there could also be the price, as the English club paid 60 million pounds to Wolverhampton in July 2025.

Bojan Krkic describes Pedro

Any of the players Barcelona are linked with would cost a lot. Even if that makes things harder for a club that is not very strong financially, the position requires a major investment.

One player who was also a striker at Barcelona was Bojan Krkic, who did not fully live up to the high expectations suggested by his talent as a young player from La Masia. His opinion about a possible move was positive.

Krkic said on the TV show El Bar: “I really like him. He is a complete forward that Carlo Ancelotti likes very much. He can play as a striker or behind him. He is very creative. He is very good in tight spaces, which fits what Barcelona want.”

Pedro’s season with Chelsea

Even though his team has not had a great season, which has included the firings of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, his performances have been solid. Pedro has 32 matches and 14 goals in the Premier League, 3 matches and 2 goals in the FA Cup, 3 matches without scoring in the Carabao Cup, and 8 matches with 3 goals in the Champions League.

Thibaut Courtois and Real Madrid set a return date for the goalkeeper with El Clásico against Barcelona on the horizon.

Real Madrid have many valuable players who have been injured, but none has been more irreplaceable than Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper and the club have now reportedly set a return date with the match against Barcelona approaching.

Courtois may wait a little longer before coming back to make sure he is fully fit. According to Marca, the goalkeeper is expected to be ready for El Clásico, which is set for Sunday, May 10.

The race for the La Liga title may already be lost for Real Madrid, as they trail Barcelona by 11 points with five matches remaining. Even if their rivals clinch the title this weekend, winning away from home could still give the fans a positive feeling in what has been a difficult season from the start.

Courtois’ time injured

No single player can win matches on their own these days, but there is no doubt that some positions matter more than others. Real Madrid have been without Courtois since March 17, when the goalkeeper left the Manchester City match at halftime.

The Belgian was unable to complete what was a Champions League win in England because of a muscle injury that kept him from returning to full fitness. That absence has been felt by the team as they were eliminated from title contention.

In his first match out, Andriy Lunin helped Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid, but that was the exception. Losses to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals and Mallorca in La Liga, along with draws against Girona and Betis, left them without a title.

Lunin’s record

This stretch without Courtois saw Lunin as the starting goalkeeper. Along with three wins, two draws and two losses during that run, the goalkeeper was not very reliable. His Champions League matches against Bayern Munich pushed the total to 13 goals conceded. Real Madrid did not keep a clean sheet during that period.

Vagner Love disclosed Kylian Mbappé's nickname during his time in Monaco.

Kylian Mbappé became a world-class player almost as soon as he started his career. His spells with Paris Saint-Germain and now Real Madrid were built on standout performances for France. But it all started at Monaco, where he played alongside Vagner Love.

Love was a Brazilian forward known for his colorful dreadlocks, but he was also a very good player. While his time in Russia with CSKA Moscow may be his most memorable, he was teammates with Mbappé in 2016, as he recalled in an interview with Sportv.

Speaking about a squad that had many players from the same country, such as Fabinho, Jemerson and Wallace, Love said in reference to a famous cartoon: “His speed was incredible. They called him ‘Correcaminos’ (Road Runner), especially the Brazilians.”

Love on Mbappé’s personality

Love remembered his time at Monaco easily, as he only played during the first half of 2016. He also recalled a match in which the club beat Paris Saint-Germain away after many years, with him and Mbappé leading the attack.

Mbappé’s personality was another topic of conversation. He is now often questioned because of his star status, but the Brazilian was clear about what the Frenchman was like when they played together.

Love joked that it was not him who played with Mbappé, but Mbappé who played with him, and he also praised his personality: “He was very young, very calm, very serene. He never mistreated anyone.”

Love’s time with Monaco

Love could not repeat his previous success with Monaco. He arrived on loan in January 2016 for an initial 18 months, but he left for Turkish club Alanyaspor after the season ended to make way for Radamel Falcao’s return from Chelsea. In his 12 Ligue 1 matches, he scored four goals during his time in France.

La Liga president Javier Tebas addressed the potential Real Madrid guard of honor for Barcelona.

There are still five matches left to decide La Liga. Barcelona are 11 points ahead of Real Madrid with everything going their way. That has raised the possibility of a guard of honor, as El Clásico is coming soon. La Liga president Javier Tebas addressed the topic during a public event.

Tebas said: “The rules don’t say anything about the guard of honor; it’s a tradition and traditions depend on the clubs. There isn’t a rule that establishes it. Tradition says you should do it for the champion, but it must be decided by the players and the club, Real Madrid. But there aren’t champions yet. You are saying it too soon.”

That is something to keep an eye on, with the two giants set to meet on May 10. The title could be decided this weekend if Barcelona beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. If that does not happen, the champions could be decided when they meet in Barcelona.

Tebas on criticism from Real Madrid

At the Red de Ciudades de La Liga event, held at the headquarters of the Federación de Municipios y Provincias, Tebas also addressed criticism from Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

This difference in views has been going on for years, with Pérez presenting his club as the victim in some situations while the league president has responded with blunt comments of his own.

Tebas said: “I’m not surprised by Real Madrid. They don’t like anything that involves coordinated action from all the clubs as a group. That’s not how they view professional soccer. Real Madrid don’t share that concept. I’ve heard their president say many times that La Liga is Real Madrid with 19 other teams.”

Tebas on racism

The La Liga president said the goal of the meeting was to fight racism, as there have been many recent incidents, including fans and players from the national team being affected by it.

Tebas said: “The goal was to prevent this type of chants and behavior that exist in society and in sport. With this alliance between the cities that have professional soccer, we can create many strategies that will help us reduce this.”

Endrick's father criticized Real Madrid as he praised Lyon.

Real Madrid went through a roller-coaster season that ended without a trophy, a rare outcome for the club. With what seemed like an overload of forwards, they loaned Endrick to Lyon at the end of last year, a major move for the player.

Endrick has returned to the version of himself he was before joining Real Madrid, making the most of the minutes he did not get in Spain to show his talent in Lyon. About that decision, the Brazilian’s father, Douglas Sousa, spoke to ESPN in his country.

Sousa said: “Endrick has a saying: his fun park is the soccer field. What he wanted was to play, but they took away his fun park. He found happiness again in Lyon. He’s happy. His whole family is happy.”

Sousa on Endrick’s World Cup chances

The main effect of getting more minutes in Lyon has been the chance of returning to Brazil for the World Cup. His dream was fading at Real Madrid because he was not playing regularly, but he now has a real shot at being called up by Carlo Ancelotti.

A few injuries also gave him a place in the national team lineup in recent friendlies, especially against Croatia, where he made a difference. He now looks like a very interesting option for the Italian manager.

Sousa said: “The expectations are high, and after the match against Paris Saint-Germain, Ancelotti has more reasons to consider him. Endrick keeps his feet on the ground. He thinks he could be in the World Cup if he plays well in the next four matches with Lyon.”

Endrick’s spell in Lyon

Endrick agreed to join Lyon on loan last December and made his debut for the club in January. He has played 12 matches and scored four goals in Ligue 1, helping the team stay in third place. The forward also added three matches and two goals in the French Cup, and he has two Europa League matches and one goal as part of his overall record.

Barcelona prefer not to sign Marcos Senesi as the Bournemouth player reportedly chooses Tottenham.

Barcelona are not winning everything this season, mainly because of their defense, so they need reinforcements there.. The defensive side of the team is precisely the reason why they will not, so they need reinforcements there. However, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi reportedly will not join them.

The appeal of signing Senesi was his left-footed profile as a center back, which is the position they are looking to strengthen. His Premier League performances caught the club’s attention, as did his contract situation.

Senesi was expected to arrive on a free transfer when his contract with the English club expires in June. The player waited for an offer from Barcelona, but his agent was told the club had decided to go in a different direction, according to Sport. Reports from Sky Germany suggest Tottenham have reached a precontract agreement.

The main condition for Senesi’s move to Tottenham

The German outlet confirmed Tottenham are the club Senesi has decided to join once his contract expires. They also reported it would be a three-year deal, but noted the obvious condition attached to the move.

Senesi will only accept that offer if Tottenham avoid relegation this season. That is no surprise, considering many clubs would value the stability and experience the defender could bring.

Tottenham are with their backs against the wall in 18th place, the third relegation spot. Even though they beat Wolverhampton, they are still two points behind West Ham with four matches left.

Senesi’s destination if Tottenham are relegated

It will not be easy for Tottenham to stay in the Premier League, so the 28-year-old Senesi must consider other options for his future. There are no other known clubs close to reaching a deal with the Argentine defender, but this report says Italy could be the country where he ends up. A move to Serie A would depend on the English club’s results over the next few weeks.

Jon Martín release clause may keep Barcelona and Real Madrid away from the Real Sociedad player.

There is still time before the transfer window opens, but Barcelona and Real Madrid cannot afford to slow down in their search for players. One defender on both clubs’ radar is Jon Martín, whose release clause at Real Sociedad could keep him there for a while.

Martín’s release clause at Real Sociedad is 50 million euros. Despite a strong season with the club that included a Copa del Rey title, that price could put the giants off. He is also far from the end of his contract, as he recently extended it until 2031, so a free transfer is not close.

Both clubs see center back as an area to improve. Real Madrid dealt with plenty of injuries in that position and did not get strong performances there, while Barcelona’s back line was one of the main reasons for their struggles against top teams.

Barcelona have contacted Martín’s agent

Center back could be Barcelona’s top priority in the market, along with a striker. Pau Cubarsí looks set to hold down his spot in the lineup for many years, but his partner is the area Hansi Flick still needs to strengthen.

The Real Sociedad defender could be a smart investment for the club, considering he is only 20 years old. A potential pairing of Cubarsí and Martín would give Barcelona stability for a long time, so they have already taken the first step.

Sporting director Deco has already made informal contact with Martín’s agent, according to Sport. That suggests Barcelona are trying to find out how much he would cost, with his value around 20 million euros. While he may not be the top priority, he is a player worth watching closely.

Alessandro Bastoni’s name is tempting

Martín could be a strong addition for any club. Barcelona need a center back, but Alessandro Bastoni appears to be their preferred option. His left-footed profile and all the experience he has in Italy make him the most attractive candidate. The biggest challenge may be the 70 million euros Inter could demand for the defender.