Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez could be the chosen replacement for Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid following his move to MLS.

Antoine Griezmann will join Orlando City in Major League Soccer once the 2025–26 European season concludes. That will force Atletico Madrid to find a replacement, with Argentina star Lautaro Martinez emerging as one of the leading candidates.

According to Diario AS, the consolidation of Apollo Sports Capital as Atletico Madrid’s majority shareholder this year will allow the club to make a major investment to strengthen the squad. In that context, signing a forward to replace Griezmann has become a top priority.

Martinez has been on Atletico Madrid’s radar since his days at Racing Club in the Argentine league. At the time, negotiations were advanced, but in 2018 Inter Milan completed his signing for $25 million.

Since then, Lautaro has developed into one of Serie A’s top stars, scoring 171 goals in 370 appearances for Inter, but Atletico Madrid’s interest has never faded. Now, with his Argentina teammate Julian Alvarez already in the squad, the two could form a formidable attacking partnership.

However, any move for Lautaro Martinez will not be easy, given his importance to Inter and his high market value, estimated at €85 million ($98 million) by Transfermarkt. “An insatiable goalscorer, but very difficult to prise away from Inter, where he is captain and under contract until 2029,” Diario AS reports.

Other alternatives to replace Griezmann

If a deal for Lautaro Martinez does not materialize, Atletico Madrid have reportedly been monitoring another Argentina forward: Joaquin Panichelli, who plays for RC Strasbourg in France.

Panichelli has impressed this season, scoring 20 goals in 39 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa Conference League. Those performances earned him call-ups from Lionel Scaloni for the FIFA international breaks in November 2025 and March 2026.

That had put him in strong contention to be Argentina’s third striker at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. However, a serious knee injury has ruled Panichelli out, something that likely also impacts any potential move to Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side could also opt for players with different profiles and, instead of a traditional striker, target more versatile options. Among them are 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star Ibrahim Maza, an attacking midfielder, as well as Olympique Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in.

Alessandro Bastoni could arrive at Barcelona after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This week, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and Alessandro Bastoni played a regrettably pivotal role in that failure. The fallout from it could help Barcelona in negotiations for the defender.

Italy’s elimination in the European playoffs came via penalties after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, things had started well for the Azzurri, who took the lead through a goal from Moise Kean. Bastoni, though, was sent off in the 41st minute of the first half, severely hurting the team’s chances.

With the result decided, Bastoni became the focal point of criticism. The Italian press singled him out as one of the main culprits, labeling his red card as “stupid.” In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “Bastoni and a disastrous 2026.”

Italian fans also made their frustration clear, flooding his social media posts with aggressive comments. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player’s latest post received more than 13,000 comments, prompting Bastoni and his wife to restrict interactions on their Instagram accounts to stop the harassment.

Barcelona are interested in Bastoni

The difficult situation surrounding Alessandro Bastoni, amid widespread criticism from both media and fans in Italy, could prove decisive for his future. In that context, Barcelona are circling, waiting for the right opportunity to open negotiations.

“At the club, they believe they can land Bastoni for a fee capped at €55–60 million, and Italy’s elimination along with the public backlash could ease the player’s exit,” Mundo Deportivo report.

It is well known that Barcelona are in the market for a left-footed center back to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez, who joined Al Nassr at the start of the season. Bastoni is considered one of the top priorities, although he faces competition from other targets such as Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.

Bastoni left out of the World Cup again

Despite being one of the most sought-after defenders in the world, Alessandro Bastoni’s international career has been far less accomplished than expected. At 26, he has yet to play in a World Cup, with Italy having missed the tournament since 2014.

Bastoni made his international debut in 2020 and, a year later, won the UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy, defeating England on penalties. However, in World Cup qualifiers, he has been unable to help his national team secure qualification for 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

At best, Bastoni could make his World Cup debut in 2030 at age 30, a situation similar to that of other stars from the country such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean.

Brazil’s squad list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not yet finalized, Carlo Ancelotti admitted.

Carlo Ancelotti spoke after Brazil’s matches during the March international break and addressed the process of selecting the 26-player squad that will compete in this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, acknowledging that he has increasing doubts about it.

After giving playing time in friendlies against France and Croatia to several players who had not previously been considered, the coach was candid in admitting: “The new players have contributed a lot, they’ve taken their opportunity and, obviously, it increases the doubt over the final list.”

These remarks only add to the uncertainty in Brazil, with just over two months remaining until the start of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And considering that the deadline to submit the roster is May 30, the timeline is even tighter.

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances. “The idea was to play like this. There are things to improve, obviously, but we’re on the right track,” he said, according to TyC Sports. “Everyone contributed, which is a positive sign for the team.”

Regarding the next steps in the coming months, the coach was clear: “Now we will continue evaluating what happens in the European leagues and in the Brazilian league… We have a good team structure, a good atmosphere, we’re working very well; for now, we’re calm.”

Endrick fights for a place in Brazil

Among the players who were given their first opportunity under Carlo Ancelotti during this March FIFA international break is Endrick. The Real Madrid forward, on loan at Olympique Lyon, did not feature in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to France but did see minutes in the match against Croatia.

Endrick came on in the 76th minute to replace Luiz Henrique and played a key role: he won the penalty that led to the second goal and assisted Gabriel Martinelli on the third. “He played very well,” Ancelotti said when asked about the young forward.

In addition, other players also earned their first minutes in this cycle and made positive impressions. Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos scored one of the goals against Croatia, while Brentford forward Igor Thiago featured in both matches during the international break and also found the net.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup now has all of its national teams confirmed, with notable absences including Robert Lewandowski.

The March international break brought confirmation of the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robert Lewandowski is one of the biggest stars who will miss this summer’s tournament in North America.

Poland failed to overcome Sweden in one of the European playoffs, losing 3-2 at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. This was their last chance to secure a spot in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

As a result, Robert Lewandowski missed the opportunity to take part in what would almost certainly have been his last World Cup. By 2030, he will be nearly 42 years old, making it unlikely he will still be competing internationally.

“It’s hard to say anything after a match like that. I don’t know if the words I find would reflect what we feel. Soccer can be cruel,” Lewandowski admitted after the defeat to Sweden. Asked about his future with Poland, he was completely honest: “I don’t know. I need to think carefully, reflect.”

North America 2026 would have marked Lewandowski’s third World Cup, having led Poland in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Alongside the Barcelona forward, other top stars will also miss this summer’s FIFA tournament.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was at the center of another disappointment for Italy, who lost on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs and failed for the third consecutive time to reach the World Cup. At 27, Donnarumma has yet to play in a World Cup, a situation shared by other Italian stars such as Sandro Tonalli, Nicolo Barella, and Alessandro Bastoni.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Another PSG star who has not yet found the same level of success with his national team. Kvaratskhelia was unable to help Georgia even reach the European playoffs, as they finished third in their group behind Spain and Turkey.

Victor Osimhen

One of the most surprising absences for the 2026 World Cup is Nigeria, one of Africa’s strongest teams in recent decades. They failed to secure a spot for the second consecutive time, having also missed the Qatar 2022 edition. Victor Osimhen, the national team’s star, has yet to play in a World Cup at 27 years old.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Despite being one of Liverpool’s top stars in the Premier League, Szoboszlai could not guide Hungary to the 2026 World Cup. They were eliminated in the early stage of the European qualifiers, finishing behind Portugal and Ireland in Group F. Although Hungary were twice runners-up (1938 and 1954), they have now gone 40 years without appearing in a World Cup.

Stars missing the World Cup due to injury

In addition to players whose teams failed to qualify for North America 2026, several stars will miss the tournament due to injury. This group includes Brazil’s Rodrygo Goes, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury. Also absent are England’s Jack Grealish, Japan’s Takumi Minamino, and Argentina’s Juan Foyth and Joaquin Panichelli.

Lionel Messi reached an impressive milestone with Argentina, but Cristiano Ronaldo still holds the edge.

Argentina played their final home match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Tuesday. They cruised to a 5-0 win over Zambia in Buenos Aires, with a goal from Lionel Messi. The forward reached a remarkable international milestone, but it still isn’t enough to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the 43rd minute of the first half, Messi pounced on a rebound inside the box and, from a very tight angle, fired a left-footed shot to make it 2-0 for Argentina. That goal was his 116th at international level in 198 appearances, and his first of 2026.

Messi has now scored in 21 consecutive years for Argentina, placing him second on the all-time list in this category. The top spot, unsurprisingly, belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in 22 straight years for Portugal.

In that ranking led by Cristiano Ronaldo (22) and followed by Lionel Messi (21), other stars have also left their mark. The top three is rounded out by Edin Dzeko, who has scored in 20 consecutive years for Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2007 and 2026. Further down the list are Ireland’s Robbie Keane (19) and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski (19).

Messi’s numbers with Argentina

Messi made his senior national team debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary, where he was sent off just one minute after coming on. He failed to score in his six appearances that year, so his first international goal came in March 2006, in a friendly against Croatia.

Since then, there hasn’t been a single year in which Messi has failed to score for Argentina, whether in friendlies or official competitions. His best year came in 2022, when he scored 18 goals — including seven at the World Cup in Qatar — followed by 2012, when he netted 12.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers with Portugal

As impressive as Lionel Messi’s numbers with Argentina are, they still fall short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s production with Portugal. He has scored 143 goals in 226 appearances for his national team and has done so across 22 consecutive years.

After making his international debut in 2003 in a friendly against Kazakhstan, CR7 scored his first goal the following year at UEFA Euro 2004 against Greece. From that point on, he began a streak that has, for now, extended through 2025. He has yet to play internationally this year, but will have the chance to extend that run in the coming months.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s most prolific year with the Portugal national team came in 2019, when he scored 14 goals. Most of them came in European qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, a competition Portugal went on to win.

Mexico and Belgium drew 1-1 in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Mexico and Belgium played to a 1-1 draw in the final friendly of the March FIFA international break at Soldier Field in Chicago. Jorge Sanchez opened the scoring for Javier Aguirre’s side, while Dodi Lukebakio later equalized for the European side.

In the first half, Mexico were the absolute dominators of the game. They controlled possession, neutralized their opponents’ strengths, and created a significant number of goal-scoring opportunities.

Julian Quinones was the team’s most dangerous player, with several shots and key passes for his teammates. In that context, the opener came in the 19th minute, when, following a corner kick, Jorge Sanchez pounced on a rebound inside the box and calmly pushed the ball past the goalkeeper.

In the following minutes, Javier Aguirre’s side had plenty of chances to extend their lead but were undone by their own inefficiency—a mistake that would later prove costly. At the start of the second half, Belgium created their first clear chance and made it count: Dodi Lukebakio scored a brilliant goal to level the match at 1-1.

For the remainder of the game, the intensity from both teams dropped as the coaches made substitutions that slowed the pace. Mexico ended the March international break with positive results and performances, competing head-to-head with two top-ten European national teams. Belgium impressed against USMNT and secured a draw with Mexico, leaving them in strong form ahead of the World Cup.

Congo DR secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, as well as Uzbekistan and Colombia.

This Tuesday marks the final step before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The last remaining spots are being decided through the European and intercontinental playoffs, and the tournament groups are now being finalized. Congo DR secured their place in Group K, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, as well as Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Pathway 1 of the interconfederation playoffs held its final this Tuesday. There, Jamaica (who advanced to this stage after defeating New Caledonia) faced DR Congo. The match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, ended in a 1-0 victory for the African side.

Now Congo DR will join Group K of the World Cup, where they face the difficult challenge of opening their campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo. That matchup against Portugal is scheduled for June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Six days later, they will take on Colombia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara—coincidentally the same venue where they secured their historic qualification. Finally, the Group K finale will take place on June 27, when Congo DR will face Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How many times have DR Congo played in a World Cup?

With Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Jamaica, DR Congo have earned the right to play in their second World Cup in history. Their only previous appearance came at Germany 1974, when they competed under the country’s former name at the time: Zaire.

On that occasion, they were drawn into Group 2 alongside Brazil, Yugoslavia and Scotland. Their performance fell well short of expectations, as they lost all three matches, conceding 14 goals and scoring none. They were beaten 2-0 by Scotland, 9-0 by Yugoslavia and 3-0 by Brazil.

A new experience for Cristiano Ronaldo

In his 23 years with the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has never faced DR Congo, either in friendlies or in official competitions. At the World Cup level, he has played six matches against African national teams, recording four wins, one draw and one loss.

In each of his World Cup appearances, Ronaldo has faced at least one African opponent in the group stage. In 2006, it was a 1-0 win over Angola, while in 2010 he played to a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast. Four years later, he faced Ghana and won 2-1, while at Russia 2018 it was a 1-0 victory over Morocco. At Qatar 2022, Portugal faced two CAF opponents: they defeated Ghana 3-2 in the group stage before falling 1-0 to Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Mexico and Belgium face off in the final match of the March FIFA international break.

This Tuesday marks the end of the March FIFA window, with Mexico and Belgium headlining one of the most intriguing friendly matchups of the slate. With their spots already secured for the 2026 World Cup, both national teams are looking to build top form ahead of that challenge.

[Watch Mexico vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

Mexico face added pressure as one of the host nations of next summer’s FIFA tournament, and are especially focused on delivering strong performances to avoid disappointing their fans. Their most recent outing met expectations, as they played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal at the Estadio Azteca.

After passing that test against one of the world’s top national teams, Javier Aguirre’s side now look to take another step forward on Tuesday and push for a win against another strong European opponent, albeit one with fewer stars than Portugal.

Belgium are currently ranked No. 9 in the FIFA rankings and aim to be contenders at the next World Cup, just as they were at Russia 2018. Their latest performance supports that ambition: a 5-2 win over USMNT in which they delivered a dominant and efficient attacking display.

Confirmed Mexico lineup

Mexico’s performance against Portugal just three days ago appears to have satisfied Javier Aguirre, meaning several players from that match will retain their spots in the starting XI on Tuesday.

Mexico’s confirmed XI to face Belgium is: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Orbelin Pineda; Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Brian Gutierrez.

Confirmed Belgium lineup

While Javier Aguirre had reason to be pleased with his team’s previous performance, Rudi Garcia can be even more encouraged. However, following the emphatic win over USMNT, the French coach will change much of his starting XI.

Belgium’s confirmed lineup is: Matz Sels; Timothy Castagne, Koni De Winter, Nathan Ngoy, Maxime De Cuyper; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne; Dodi Lukébakio, Mika Godts, Lois Openda.

Mexico and Portugal played to a 0-0 draw at Estadio Azteca in a match where Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was felt.

Portugal were unable to make the difference, settling for a 0-0 draw against Mexico in the reopening of Estadio Azteca. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez’s side struggled to create danger in the opponent’s box.

From the first half, it was clear that Portugal would face a tough challenge. Mexico set up with a physically intense and tactically disciplined strategy, making it difficult for stars like Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix to stand out. In that context, Portugal’s clearest chance came from Goncalo Ramos, who controlled the ball inside the box but fired wide.

Mexico tried long-range shots but lacked the precision to trouble goalkeeper Rui Silva. In the second half, their best opportunity came when Armando Gonzalez met a cross from the left with a header, but sent it over.

Roberto Martinez’s side brought on other stars in the second half, including Pedro Neto, Vitinha, Joao Cancelo, and Diogo Dalot, but they were unable to make an impact. Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was obvious, as his presence in the box has been a key weapon for Portugal in recent years.

For Mexico, the next challenge comes on Tuesday, when they face Belgium in another friendly. Portugal will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, to take on the USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This Saturday night, Mexico and Portugal face off at Estadio Azteca.

Portugal will kick off their North American friendly tour on Saturday night. During the March FIFA break, they are scheduled to play two matches: the first comes tonight at Estadio Azteca against Mexico, followed by a clash next Tuesday against the USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Unfortunately for Mexican and American fans, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of these matches. The Al Nassr forward was not included in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for exactly one month.

Even so, Portugal will field an extremely competitive side, with most of their stars available. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes will be one of the main attractions, alongside other top-level players such as Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, and Nuno Mendes.

On the other side are Mexico, who remain in the process of building a clear playing identity. Head coach Javier Aguirre knows he faces the difficult task of shaping his squad into a serious contender ahead of a World Cup that will be especially meaningful, as they are one of the hosts. That makes this test against one of the world’s top national teams, Portugal, particularly valuable.

Confirmed Mexico lineup

While facing Portugal will require Mexico to be more cautious than they typically are against Concacaf opposition, Javier Aguirre will not sacrifice attacking firepower. Key players such as Raul Jimenez and Roberto Alvarado will feature in the starting lineup.

Mexico’s confirmed XI: Raul Rangel; Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes; Erick Lira, Obed Vargas, Alvaro Fidalgo; Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.

Confirmed Portugal lineup

In addition to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, Roberto Martinez must also cope with missing key players such as Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias during this March international break. However, that will not prevent him from naming a lineup filled with top-tier talent.

Portugal’s confirmed XI to face Mexico: Rui Silva; Matheus Nunes, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Samu Costa, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Joao Felix, Francisco Conceicao, Gonzalo Ramos.

Portugal are facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca, and Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the squad.

Physical issues will keep Mexican fans from enjoying Cristiano Ronaldo’s magic tonight at Estadio Azteca. The Portugal forward was left out of Roberto Martinez’s squad for the March FIFA international break, which is why he will not play against Mexico this Saturday or against the USMNT next Tuesday.

Ronaldo has been out of action for exactly one month. He last played an official match for Al Nassr on February 28, in a 3-1 win over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League. Following that performance, the forward was diagnosed with a hamstring injury that he is still recovering from.

This physical issue forced CR7 to miss his club’s last two league matches, but it has had an even bigger impact at the international level. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unable to include him in the squad for the March FIFA international break, during which the national team is facing Mexico and the USMNT.

That means Ronaldo will not return to action with Portugal before Martinez finalizes the 26-man roster that will represent the country at the 2026 World Cup, a decision that must be made by May 30. While this does not affect the forward’s chances of making the squad, it does represent a setback in the team’s preparation, as they will be without their biggest star at a key stage on the road to the FIFA tournament.

O 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼 𝗡𝘂́𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝟭 da nossa preparação para o Mundial 📍🗺️ #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2N8YKnRar3

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 28, 2026

Possible return date for Cristiano Ronaldo

At the time Ronaldo’s injury was confirmed in early March, Al Nassr avoided providing a specific timeline for his return, instead stating that “he started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”

Days later, Jorge Jesus was candid in acknowledging that the situation was not encouraging. “After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” said the Al Nassr coach.

Several weeks have passed since then, and Ronaldo has shown positive signs of nearing a full recovery with an optimistic message. “Good to be back! Looking good,” he said in a social media post. Based on that latest update, reports now indicate that CR7 could return on April 3, when Al Nassr face Al-Najma in the Saudi Pro League.

Who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal?

For Saturday night’s matchup vs. Mexico at Estadio Azteca, Roberto Martinez faces the challenge of finding a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports indicate that Goncalo Ramos will take the center forward role in the starting lineup, supported in attack by Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.

Emiliano Martinez admitted that Argentina could have run into trouble if they had faced Spain in the Finalissima.

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was scheduled to be played this Friday, but it was canceled days ago due to disagreements between the two countries’ associations over the organization of the match, which was originally set to take place in Qatar. Now, Emiliano Martinez has admitted he is relieved the clash was called off.

“Good thing it wasn’t played,” Martinez said when asked about the scrapped matchup against Spain in an interview with TyC Sports following Friday’s 2-1 win over Mauritania in Buenos Aires. “If we played like that, we would have lost.”

The goalkeeper was visibly frustrated with Argentina’s performance in the friendly, in which they barely secured a narrow win against an opponent ranked No. 115 in the FIFA Rankings and one that failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“It was one of the worst friendlies we’ve played. We lacked intensity, buildup play, speed, and defensive solidity. It’s something we have to analyze,” Martinez admitted. “Every time we put on the national team shirt, we have to do a little better—we need to show more heart.”

𝑫𝒊𝒃𝒖 🧤 pic.twitter.com/QQYjsTCImQ

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 27, 2026

Dibu Martinez confident in Argentina ahead of the World Cup

Despite his criticism of Argentina’s performance against Mauritania, Emiliano Martinez expressed confidence heading into the 2026 World Cup. In particular, he was asked about the opinion of some Spanish journalists, who argued after the Finalissima cancellation that Lionel Scaloni’s side are unlikely to advance beyond the quarterfinals this summer in North America.

“The last World Cup was similar—we didn’t play many big matches beforehand and still had a great tournament,” said the Aston Villa goalkeeper, before delivering a pointed message toward Spain: “It’s one game at a time. We have experience going deep in the World Cup—they don’t.”

What’s next for Argentina?

Following the 2-1 win over Mauritania, Argentina will now have several days to rest and train before their next challenge. On Tuesday, they will face Zambia, also in Buenos Aires, in what will be their final home match before the 2026 World Cup.

By late May, Lionel Scaloni will have to finalize the 26-man roster that will represent Argentina in this summer’s FIFA tournament. During the June international break, they will play two friendlies in the United States before their group-stage opener. One of those matches will likely be against Serbia, as Scaloni acknowledged earlier this week.

Kylian Mbappe’s France have climbed the FIFA rankings, leaving Lionel Messi’s Argentina behind.

Almost four years after that World Cup final in Qatar, Kylian Mbappe has earned a small measure of satisfaction at the expense of Lionel Messi. In the latest FIFA rankings update, France moved up one spot to overtake Argentina.

On Friday, FIFA released the updated ranking of the world’s top national teams. The biggest news is that France jumped from third to second, pushing Messi and his teammates slightly further from the top, though they remain in the top three.

France’s victory over Brazil in the first friendly of the March international break was decisive in this shift, giving the Europeans an extra 3.96 points. With that addition, Mbappe’s side now has 1,873.96 points, just ahead of Argentina’s 1,873.33.

Spain remain at the top. The European champions hold first place with 1,879.12 points, a small but significant margin over their closest rivals. England sit fourth with 1,832.62 points after their 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.

Portugal also climb in the rankings

France’s victory over Brazil this week not only boosted Kylian Mbappe and his teammates to second place, it also negatively impacted Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Brazil lost 3.96 points as a result of the match, dropping them from fifth place. Portugal took advantage of this and, even before their game against Mexico this Saturday, moved into the top five with 1,760.38 points.

Top 10 FIFA rankings after the latest update:

1- Spain – 1,879.12

2- France – 1,873.96

3- Argentina – 1,873.33

4- England – 1,832.62

5- Portugal – 1,760.38

6- Netherlands – 1,759.42

7- Brazil – 1,756.49

8- Morocco – 1,753.07

9- Belgium – 1,730.71

10- Germany – 1,728.49

England and Uruguay drew 1-1 at Wembley Stadium.

England and Uruguay drew 1-1 at Wembley Stadium, in one of their final important tests ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Benjamin White scored for the hosts, while Federico Valverde netted the equalizer in added time.

During the first half, there were few moments when the teams were able to get their game flowing. England took the initiative and tried to control possession, but they lacked the clarity to create dangerous chances. Dominic Solanke had the clearest opportunity, with a shot saved by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Uruguay focused on solid defending and looking for counterattacks, but they were only able to do so a few times, with shots from Agustin Canobbio outside the box that were off target.

After the break, things didn’t change much. Constant interruptions due to physical issues and substitutions made it difficult for both teams to find a rhythm. This was reflected in the flow of the game, with clear chances being scarce, except for a header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin that went wide.

However, just when it seemed the match would end goalless, England created an attack from a corner kick. After a series of rebounds inside the box, Benjamin White pounced on the ball and slotted it home to score the opener. Minutes later, a foul on Federico Viñas led to a VAR review and a penalty award, which Federico Valverde converted to seal the 1-1 draw.

England face Uruguay in an international friendly, with attention focused on Harry Kane.

One of the most compelling clashes of the March international break features England and Uruguay. This will be one of the last matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Harry Kane will not be included in the squad.

The Bayern Munich striker, along with other squad stars such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are likely to feature in England’s second friendly during the March FIFA break, next Tuesday against Japan.

For Friday, however, head coach Thomas Tuchel will give players who have yet to secure their spot for the 2026 World Cup a chance to compete against a strong opponent like Uruguay and prove their worth for the 26-man roster.

On the other side, Uruguay likely face their final major test before traveling to North America. Coach Marcelo Bielsa, known for his demanding style, will aim for his team to perform at the highest level against one of the world’s top national teams as preparation for the big challenge this summer.

Your #ThreeLions for the first time in 2026 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4K19bU4QWE

— England (@England) March 27, 2026

Confirmed England lineup

The absence of Harry Kane and other English stars from the starting XI this Friday does not mean the Three Lions will field a weak team. On the contrary, several top-level players will be included in the XI against Uruguay, such as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

Thomas Tuchel’s confirmed lineup for England is: James Trafford; Tino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire, Djed Spence; James Garner, Jordan Henderson; Noni Madueke, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford; Dominic Solanke.

Así va el equipo de Marcelo Bielsa frente a Inglaterra ✍🏼 pic.twitter.com/mwC9Qw7g1K

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) March 27, 2026

Confirmed Uruguay lineup

Unlike England, Uruguay will field their key stars for this match. That means Federico Valverde of Real Madrid will be one of Tuchel’s main concerns, given his recent form at club level.

Marcelo Bielsa’s confirmed XI is: Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Matias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Agustin Canobbio, Rodrigo Aguirre, Maximiliano Araujo.

Joaquin Panichelli suffered a serious injury and will not be able to join Lionel Messi with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The March FIFA international break got off to a disastrous start for Argentina, as Joaquin Panichelli suffered a serious injury during Thursday’s training session that will sideline him for an extended period. As a result, Lionel Messi loses another teammate ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“The tests carried out today on forward Joaquin Panichelli confirmed a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” Argentina announced Friday through their official X account. “Stay strong, Joaco! We’re with you.”

This represents a blow not only for the March friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires, but also for his upcoming club and international commitments. The knee injury will require Panichelli to undergo surgery and begin a lengthy recovery process expected to take at least six months.

As a result, the striker has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, as well as the early months of the following campaign. More importantly, it will also keep him out of the 2026 World Cup.

Joaquín Panichelli has suffered a right ACL tear.

Stay strong, Joaco! We’re with you 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/qxwoDyfhT1

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 27, 2026

Scaloni’s options to replace Panichelli

Joaquin Panichelli was part of a group of players competing in recent months for one of the final spots on the 26-man roster set to represent Argentina in North America this summer. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are the two center forwards whose places, barring any unexpected issues, are all but secured. However, a third option at the position still needs to be determined to provide depth if needed during the tournament.

Panichelli was among those in contention, earning consideration thanks to his performances with RC Strasbourg. He received his first call-up and made his debut for Argentina in November 2025, coming on in the final minutes of a 2-0 win over Angola. He was looking to solidify his place during the March friendlies. With his injury, the leading candidate to fill the third striker role for the World Cup is Palmeiras star Jose Lopez.

Third absence for Argentina ahead of the World Cup

Panichelli’s situation mirrors that of two other Argentina players who suffered serious injuries in recent months. On January 24, defender Juan Foyth ruptured his Achilles tendon during a La Liga match between Villarreal and Real Madrid.

A month later, during a Racing Club training session, Valentin Carboni tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee—similar to Panichelli—and was also ruled out of the 2026 World Cup.

In all three cases, the players were competing for a spot on the 26-man roster that will represent Argentina in North America this summer. None were expected starters in Lionel Scaloni’s plans, but they were viable options depending on each match’s needs.

Albania’s defeat to Poland in the UEFA playoffs has left Brazil without a record it had held since the very first FIFA World Cup.

Albania lost 2-1 to Poland on Thursday in the European playoff semifinals, eliminating their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This also marks the end of an impressive streak that Brazil had maintained uninterrupted since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1930.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history without a single Brazilian coach. With the national team being led by a foreigner for the first time in a major tournament—Italian Carlo Ancelotti—Albania had represented the last hope, as their coach is former Barcelona player Sylvinho.

However, that chance has now disappeared, and barring a last-minute change among the national teams already qualified, there will be no Brazilian representation among the 48 head coaches competing for the title in North America 2026.

Brazil’s perfect World Cup coaching record

Brazil’s unbroken streak of having at least one Brazilian coach at every World Cup from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022 was largely driven by the performances of their own national team. Brazil is the only country to have competed in all 22 World Cups held over the last 92 years, and in each edition, a Brazilian coach was on the sidelines—usually leading Brazil themselves.

In many editions, there were even more Brazilian coaches. In 1998, for example, there were four: Mario Zagallo led Brazil to the final against France, while Carlos Alberto Parreira managed Saudi Arabia, Paulo Cesar Carpegiani coached Paraguay, and Rene Simoes was in charge of Jamaica.

The same happened in 2006. Carlos Alberto Parreira managed Brazil, while three other Brazilians coached other teams in the tournament: Luiz Felipe Scolari at Portugal, Alexandre Guimaraes at Costa Rica, and Zico at Japan.

How many foreign coaches will lead teams at the 2026 World Cup?

With the final six spots still to be decided in the UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs during the March FIFA break, 42 teams have already qualified to compete this summer in North America.

The split between teams led by native-born coaches and those with foreign managers is currently very close. Twenty of the 42 qualified teams have head coaches born in their own country, including Argentina with Lionel Scaloni and France with Didier Deschamps.

On the other side, 22 national teams will compete with foreign coaches. Notable examples include Brazil with Carlo Ancelotti, England with Thomas Tuchel, and the United States with Mauricio Pochettino.

In the clash between France and Brazil, Kylian Mbappe scored the opener with a brilliant goal.

France and Brazil headlined one of the most attractive matchups of the March FIFA break, facing off in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a superb finish in a 2-1 victory.

The Real Madrid forward, who had been at the center of attention this week due to concerns over his fitness, was ultimately named in Didier Deschamps’ starting lineup and quickly made his quality felt.

In the 32nd minute of the first half, Mbappe received an excellent assist from Ousmane Dembele, allowing him to get past the Brazilian defenders and enter the box. One-on-one with Ederson, Mbappe showed composure, delicately lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

This goal reflected the balance of play between the two teams. France had been the better side in the first half, a trend that became even more evident after the opener. Brazil, meanwhile, despite featuring stars such as Raphinha and Vinicius, struggled to impose their style.

MBAPPÉ CHIPS EDERSON TO OPEN THE SCORING AGAINST BRAZIL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/T9Oo9n6q7j

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2026

In the opening minutes of the second half, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to rest Mbappe and replaced him with Marcus Thuram. That substitution, along with those of other stars such as Dembele, did not affect France, who extended their lead through Hugo Ekitike. However, late in the match, Brazil pulled one back through Bremer.

Mbappe adds to his numbers with France

Thursday’s goal against Brazil was Kylian Mbappe’s first for France in 2026. With it, the forward has now scored in ten consecutive years for his national team, a streak that began with his senior debut in 2017.

Mbappe is also now closing in on equaling Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer. The 27-year-old forward reached 56 goals, just one behind his former teammate from the 2018 World Cup-winning squad in Russia. In addition, Mbappe has recorded 40 assists, bringing his total to 96 goal contributions in 95 international appearances.

France’s next challenge

After the match against Brazil in Massachusetts, Kylian Mbappe and his teammates are set for another friendly on U.S. soil. This Sunday, they will face Colombia at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Meanwhile, Brazil will take on Croatia on Tuesday in Orlando.

The possible presence of Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina was addressed by head coach Lionel Scaloni.

With just over two months to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, doubts about Lionel Messi’s participation remain a major topic in Argentina. Now, head coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken about the situation.

“I’ll do everything possible to make sure he’s there,” Scaloni said at Thursday’s press conference when asked about Messi and his chances of playing in the next World Cup. “I believe that, for the good of soccer, he should be there. All Argentines want to see him, and so does the world.”

A journalist then pointed out that, regardless of what happens, Scaloni will be the last coach to manage Messi at a World Cup—whether it ends up being Qatar 2022 or North America 2026. “I won’t cry this time,” Scaloni said with a smile, referencing previous occasions when he became emotional speaking about his relationship with Messi. “Hopefully I’ll be his coach at this one, his last World Cup. That’s what we all want.”

Finally, Lionel Scaloni spoke about the factors the Inter Miami forward will consider when deciding whether to be part of Argentina’s 26-man squad: “It will be up to him. His mindset, his mental state, his physical condition. Then we’ll see if he’s able to play every match. He has earned the right to decide—we’re in no rush.”

Under the sole. pic.twitter.com/fhINxL7Npv

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 26, 2026

Scaloni warns Argentina players ahead of the World Cup

At the same press conference, Lionel Scaloni discussed the composition of the 26-man squad for the World Cup. He made it clear he will not limit himself to the players called up for the March FIFA break, as injured absentees such as Giovani Lo Celso, Lisandro Martinez, and Lautaro Martinez could return, along with others who have not yet been involved.

“For now, it’s this group, but we’re open to looking at other players… It will all depend on their physical and sporting condition,” the coach said. He also emphasized that even members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad could be left out if necessary to build the best possible team.

“Unfortunately, the players who helped us win—we’re grateful to them—but we need to win another World Cup, and we need players who are in top condition,” Scaloni warned. “It’s important that they arrive in the best possible shape in every aspect. Based on that, we’ll decide the squad.”

World Cup favorites, according to Scaloni

Argentina, as the reigning champions, are among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. However, Scaloni believes the competition will be fierce. “You may think I’m calm, but I just appear that way. What’s coming will be very difficult,” he said.

“No fewer than 10 teams can win the World Cup,” Scaloni added. “I might even be underestimating it, I have no doubt. There are at least 10 teams with top-level players, and the one that plays best—and has the right amount of luck—will win.”

Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are reportedly interested in Casemiro this summer.

Since announcing his decision to leave Manchester United this summer, Casemiro has been the subject of rumors and speculation about his future. Now Major League Soccer has emerged as a concrete option, with Inter Miami and LA Galaxy among the alternatives.

“The LA Galaxy and Inter Miami are both serious suitors for Brazil int’l midfielder Casemiro,” MLS reporter Tom Bogert said on his X account this week. “Casemiro will be a free agent this summer after his Manchester United contract expires.”

Inter Miami’s interest seems to have a clear goal: solving their midfield struggles. In the club’s new era since Lionel Messi arrived in the summer of 2023, that area of the pitch had never been a concern, thanks to an undisputed starter: Sergio Busquets.

But after winning the MLS title in December 2025, the Spanish midfielder followed Jordi Alba’s footsteps and left the club to retire from professional soccer. That departure left a void that has yet to be satisfactorily filled.

Inter Miami’s current midfield options

Ahead of the 2025 MLS season, Inter Miami’s management opted to sign David Ayala. This marked a huge contrast with Busquets: the team went from a world-renowned player arriving in MLS for the final stages of his career to a 23-year-old with less pedigree but MLS experience.

So far, that decision has not paid off. Low performances and personal issues have limited Ayala’s chances of securing a place in the team, and he has played only 3 of the Herons’ 7 matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup this season.

Javier Mascherano has entrusted Yannick Bright with replacing Busquets as the team’s defensive midfielder, but the Italian player’s performance and the team’s overall functioning have fallen short of expectations. For these reasons, acquiring another internationally proven player like Casemiro could be key to raising the team’s level in the second half of the year.

Another option for Casemiro: The Saudi Pro League

In addition to reports linking him with Inter Miami and LA Galaxy, Casemiro could find an attractive destination in the Saudi Pro League. According to ESPN, Al Ittihad are also interested in the Brazilian midfielder and are open to signing him as a free agent for the next season.

However, that move depends on Fabinho’s departure, another Brazilian star who plays in the same position as Casemiro. The former Liverpool player’s future with the club remains uncertain, as his contract expires this summer.

Endrick and Vinicius expressed different opinions when discussing Brazil’s chances of winning the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brazil will face two friendlies during the March FIFA break, against France and Croatia, as final preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Regarding the national team’s chances in that tournament, Endrick and Vinicius took opposing positions.

“We are not the favorites based on the results we’ve had,” Vinicius said this week about Brazil’s chances of competing for the title in North America in 2026, citing the performances the team has shown in recent years, especially before Carlo Ancelotti took over as coach in mid-2025.

“Brazil is never a surprise among the favorites,” Endrick said, according to Diario AS, ahead of Thursday’s friendly against France. “The surprise would be a World Cup without Brazil in the final stages. I can’t think any other way.”

The forward then reiterated his optimism: “In Brazil, we can’t think of anything other than the title. Even with the poor results in recent World Cups, everyone expects to see Brazil reach the final stages as a favorite. There are many players in the best clubs in the world. Being part of a group that is seen this way is an honor.”

SEGUIMOS NA PREPARAÇÃO! 🎯

O elenco já está quase todo reunido para os amistosos contra França (26) e Croácia (31), na reta final da preparação para Copa do Mundo! 💚💛

BATE NO PEITO, ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ZDQaWYv6vO

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) March 24, 2026

Endrick seeks his first World Cup

At just 19 years old, Endrick has already had a significant journey as a professional player. After starting with Palmeiras, he had the chance to play for Real Madrid for a season and a half, but limited opportunities led him to go on loan this year to Olympique Lyon.

There, the forward found good form, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists in 14 matches for the French side. His performances caught Carlo Ancelotti’s attention, who decided to call him up for the first time since taking over as coach for the March international break.

Now Endrick will have these days with the national team—possibly playing minutes in at least one of the two friendlies—and two months of competition with Lyon to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a place at the 2026 World Cup.

How have Brazil fared in recent World Cups?

Despite his optimism, Endrick acknowledged that Brazil’s recent performances have not been satisfactory. Since their last World Cup title in South Korea–Japan 2002, the South American giants have not returned to a final.

Their best performance since then was in the 2014 tournament they hosted, when they reached the semifinals—where they lost 7-1 to Germany—and then fell to the Netherlands in the third-place match. In all other editions from 2006 to 2022, Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo spoke about Son Heung-min’s recent scoring drought with LAFC.

Ahead of the matches against Ivory Coast and Austria during the March FIFA break, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo addressed Son Heung-min, who has been under the spotlight in recent weeks due to his struggles in front of goal with Los Angeles FC.

“Given his body of work to this point, I am not concerned,” Hong said during a press conference this week, according to Korea Herald, when asked about Son’s form at club level. The forward has scored just one official goal this year across Major League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup, which came from the penalty spot against Real España of Honduras.

However, at international level, things have gone well for Son lately. He has scored three goals for his national team in 2025, in addition to registering two assists in nine matches. In fact, he found the net in his most recent call-up for South Korea, in the win over Bolivia during the November international break.

“He has a clear understanding of his role,” the head coach added regarding Son’s impact on the pitch for South Korea, as well as his importance as a leader. “It’s really important for us to determine the right moment when Son can optimize his strengths.”

What position will Son play for South Korea?

The dip in Son Heung-min’s goal output with LAFC is partly related to his role on the pitch. He has not been playing as a striker, but rather in a deeper position, using his vision and playmaking ability to create chances for teammates. He has recorded six assists in nine matches this year.

This has raised questions about the role Son will have with South Korea for the March friendlies. “He has been a striker or a left winger for the national team so far,” Hong said. “At the moment, we have some in-form strikers with Oh Hyeon-gyu and Cho Gue-sung. So Son may be asked to play on the wing this time.“

South Korea’s upcoming challenges

The March FIFA break will allow South Korea to make final evaluations ahead of naming their World Cup squad in late May. They will face Ivory Coast on Saturday, followed by a match against Austria on Tuesday.

“In terms of our collective confidence, winning these matches will be really important,” Hong said during the same press conference. At the same time, it will be an opportunity to draw conclusions looking ahead: “There are some players not on this squad who can still make the World Cup team. We will be keeping close tabs on all the players and put together a group of our best players in May.”

This Thursday marks the start of the World Cup playoffs at both UEFA and inter-confederation level.

The March FIFA break will be decisive for national teams still seeking a place at the 2026 World Cup. Both in UEFA and inter-confederation competition, this will be the final opportunity to secure qualification for the most important tournament in world soccer.

A total of six spots remain available for the World Cup. Four of them will be decided among national teams competing in Europe, while the remaining two will go to teams from other confederations facing off in Mexico.

The inter-confederation playoff is a tournament consisting of just four matches divided into two independent brackets. Pathway 1 will begin this Thursday at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, with the clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

The winner will then face DR Congo in the decisive match, to be played at the same venue next Tuesday. The team that prevails in that final will qualify for the World Cup, joining Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Pathway 2 of the inter-confederation playoff will be played entirely at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. There, the semifinal matchup will feature Bolivia against Suriname, while Iraq await in the final. The winner of this bracket will be placed in Group I at the World Cup, alongside France, Senegal and Norway.

PATHWAY 1:

• Semifinal: New Caledonia vs Jamaica

• Final: DR Congo vs semifinal winner

PATHWAY 2:

• Semifinal: Bolivia vs Suriname

• Final: Iraq vs semifinal winner

European playoffs explained

At UEFA level, the playoff format will differ from the inter-confederation structure. A total of 16 national teams have qualified for this stage, divided into four independent brackets, from which four teams will advance to the World Cup.

Unlike the inter-confederation playoffs, which are played entirely at neutral venues, in Europe each bracket includes teams with home advantage and others forced to play away. All ties are single-leg matches and are played at the venue of the team listed first.

Path A features Italy vs Northern Ireland and Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners of those ties will meet in the decisive match on March 31 (to be played in Cardiff or Zenica), with the winner joining Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

The Path B semifinals include Ukraine vs Sweden and Poland vs Albania. The final will be played in Valencia (where Ukraine are hosting due to security reasons) or Solna. The winner of this bracket will join Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F of the World Cup.

In Path C, the semifinal matchups will be Turkey vs Romania and Slovakia vs Kosovo. In the final, the possible venues are Bratislava and Pristina. The winner of this path will join Group D alongside United States, Australia and Paraguay.

Finally, Path D features Denmark vs North Macedonia and Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland. Prague and Dublin are the potential venues for the decisive match, which will grant the winner a place in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

PATH A:

• Italy vs Northern Ireland

• Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

PATH B:

• Ukraine vs Sweden

• Poland vs Albania

PATH C:

• Turkey vs Romania

• Slovakia vs Kosovo

PATH D:

• Denmark vs North Macedonia

• Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland

A little over two months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vinicius spoke about Brazil’s chances of competing for the trophy.

Despite being the national team with the most World Cup titles in history (5), many do not consider Brazil among the favorites to compete for the trophy in North America 2026. Surprisingly, that opinion is shared by one of the team’s biggest stars, Vinicius, who made a candid admission on the matter.

“We are not the favorites based on the results we’ve had,” Vinicius acknowledged during Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the friendly against France, according to Diario AS. This refers to Brazil’s performance during the World Cup qualifiers, where they finished fifth, suffering six defeats in 18 matches.

“But the weight of the shirt, the quality of the players we have here… We just needed to get in sync,” added the Real Madrid winger, showing satisfaction with the team’s current form. “Since Ancelotti arrived, we have a better idea of how to play. It takes a lot of pressure off us. We have to give everything we can.”

The impact of the Italian coach’s arrival was quickly evident. In June 2025, when Ancelotti was hired, Brazil were at serious risk of missing the World Cup. However, an away draw against Ecuador in the debut match under the new coach and a key win over Paraguay set them on the right path.

Since Ancelotti took charge, Brazil have recorded four wins, two draws, and two losses, considering World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. Beyond the 58.3% win rate, Ancelotti’s major contribution has been to give solidity to a team that previously appeared vulnerable, allowing the talent of their stars to shine more effectively.

Vinicius praises Ancelotti

For Vinicius, Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Brazil was a breath of fresh air. The coach was instrumental in the winger’s adaptation at Real Madrid, and together they experienced a successful period that included two UEFA Champions League titles.

Asked about Ancelotti’s influence on the Brazil national team, Vinicius was clear. “He’s in charge. He’s an important coach with many titles and experience,” said the 25-year-old. “You always learn when you talk with Ancelotti. He asks us about the position we want to play, how we prefer to defend, but the decision is his. We hope his ideas are absorbed as quickly as possible.”

Vinicius on his role with Brazil

Despite being an undisputed global soccer star and a key player for Real Madrid, Vinicius still needs to replicate that performance with Brazil. He has registered just 8 goals and 7 assists in 45 matches, and since his debut in 2019 has not won any titles.

“I imagine everyone wants me to be one of the leaders. I’m ready for all the challenges in my career,” Vinicius said, before sending a clear message about his ambitions for this summer’s FIFA tournament: “I’ve already played in a World Cup; I don’t want to lose again. I’ve been working hard at home, I don’t want to get injured.”

Neymar’s absence was one of the topics Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed.

For the March friendlies against France and Croatia, Carlo Ancelotti decided not to include Neymar in the Brazil squad, which reduces his chances of being part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The head coach spoke on the matter and sent a message to those who criticized his decision.

“I observe and hear everything that is said about Neymar,” Ancelotti began, during the pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s game against France, shared by Diario AS. “It’s normal. Everyone can have an opinion on soccer. There is no clear science. I have to respect everyone’s opinion.”

Many expected Neymar to have the chance to return to the national team during this March FIFA break, after two and a half years away. However, the coach decided not to call him, arguing that he is not in optimal physical condition, while clarifying that there is still a chance Ney could join ahead of the World Cup.

Among the critics of that decision are several icons of Brazilian soccer, including Romario, who sent a strong message to Ancelotti: “I want to make it clear that while I am fully in favor of Neymar going, I will continue to support the pursuit of the ‘Hexa’ even if he doesn’t. But the message is clear: Pay attention, mister!”

Segundo dia de treino concluído com sucesso aqui em Orlando 🇧🇷💛

📸 Rafael Ribeiro/CBF pic.twitter.com/wgYvOoh5OU

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) March 25, 2026

Similarly, Fabinho also defended Neymar’s inclusion in the Brazil roster. “He can make a difference at any moment, so he can be very important in a World Cup. If he is in good form and physically ready, he is the best,” said the former Liverpool star during an interview with L’Equipe.

Ancelotti reflects on his work in Brazil

In the same press conference, Carlo Ancelotti reviewed his first months in charge of the Brazil national team, which is his first international coaching experience. “Many of us regret that there is little time to train, and we have to focus on the quality of training sessions, meetings… It’s more a matter of quality than time,” he explained.

Regarding the next challenge against France, Ancelotti admitted he has not yet finalised the lineup and spoke about his priorities when planning strategy. “We want to play a good game by controlling the match and maintaining balance,” said the coach. “Playing against France is an important game, especially against a team that is a favourite to win the World Cup. We want to show good attitude and quality.”

Vinicius speaks on Neymar’s absence

After Carlo Ancelotti, it was Vinicius’ turn to face the press in the conference room. The Real Madrid winger was also asked about Neymar’s absence and did not hesitate to praise his teammate.

“Ney is one of my idols. He is doing everything possible to be at 100%, to return to the national team… Now, the decision is in the hands of the coach,” Vini said, placing the responsibility for the decision on Ancelotti.

Joan Garcia spoke about Thibaut Courtois as the Barcelona and Real Madrid shot-stoppers compete for the Zamora Trophy in La Liga.

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid this season is not only defined by the La Liga title race, but also by the battle for the league’s top goalkeeper award. Thibaut Courtois and Joan Garcia are competing for that honor in a tight race.

During a recent interview with Diario AS, Garcia was asked about his chances of winning the Zamora Trophy, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper currently seen as his main rival. “Courtois is a top-class goalkeeper,” the Barcelona player said. “Everyone can see it. He’s been performing at the highest level for many years.”

The Zamora Trophy was created by Diario Marca in 1959 in honor of legendary goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, who played for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Espanyol. It is awarded each year to the best-performing goalkeeper in La Liga, based on the ratio of matches played to goals conceded. To qualify, players must meet a minimum number of appearances—currently set at 28—and play at least 60 minutes in each.

“Of course it would be an honor to win a Zamora,” Joan Garcia added in the same interview. However, he emphasized that the team’s objective of winning the league with Barcelona remains the priority: “But it would be even more special if it also helped us win La Liga.”

How the Zamora Trophy race stands this season

With 29 of 38 matches played in the 2025–26 La Liga season, the teams with the fewest goals conceded are Real Madrid (26), Barcelona (28), and Atletico Madrid (28). However, that does not necessarily reflect the Zamora race, as those teams have rotated goalkeepers at times during the season.

Thibaut Courtois has played 28 of Real Madrid’s 29 matches, conceding 24 goals for a 0.85 ratio. At Atletico Madrid, Jan Oblak holds a 0.96 average after allowing 25 goals in 26 matches. The best numbers so far belong to Joan Garcia (0.73), with 17 goals conceded in 23 matches, though he has the fewest appearances and little margin for error if he hopes to reach the 28-match threshold required for eligibility.

Top winners of the Zamora Trophy

In this year’s race, Joan Garcia faces the added challenge of being the only one among the top contenders who has never won the award. Jan Oblak holds the all-time record with six Zamora trophies since 2016, while Thibaut Courtois has won three. Antoni Ramallets and Victor Valdes each stand out with five titles apiece.

Christian Pulisic didn’t hesitate to name himself when selecting the four greatest players in the history of American soccer.

There’s little debate that Christian Pulisic is already one of the most important players in U.S. soccer history—even at just 27 years old, with plenty of his career still ahead of him. He acknowledged as much himself, placing his name among the country’s all-time greats.

During a recent interview with Men’s Journal ahead of the FIFA international break, which will see the United States men’s national team face Belgium and Portugal, Pulisic was asked to name his Mount Rushmore—his four greatest players in U.S. soccer history.

“Am I not allowed to include myself?” the AC Milan forward said with a laugh. After the interviewer responded positively, the 27-year-old forward didn’t hesitate. “Okay, I would put myself,” he said.

“I’d definitely put Clint (Dempsey) on and then I’d probably put Landon (Donovan),” Pulisic added, referencing two players who defined an era for the USMNT and Major League Soccer, while also enjoying successful careers in Europe.

After taking a few moments to think it over, Christian added another active player—and a current international teammate. “For the last spot, let’s put Weston (McKennie) on there. That’s my guy. So let’s put him,” Pulisic concluded.

Pulisic has earned his place in U.S. soccer history

While including himself on his Mount Rushmore may come as a surprise to some, Christian Pulisic has built a résumé worthy of that recognition. At just 27, he has put together a European career unmatched by any of his compatriots.

Although other U.S.-born players have had standout spells in top leagues—such as Clint Dempsey in the Premier League—none have reached the same level of global recognition Pulisic enjoys today.

He first broke through at Borussia Dortmund and later starred for Chelsea, before reaching arguably his best form with AC Milan. In Italy, he has established himself as one of the most decisive players in Serie A, even in a season where injuries have limited his consistency.

Pulisic is the most expensive American player of all time

Another indicator of Christian Pulisic’s impact on American soccer is his market value. He remains the most expensive U.S. player of all time and even appears twice among the highest transfer fees involving American players.

The USMNT star still tops the list thanks to the $65 million Chelsea paid Borussia Dortmund for him in 2019, surpassing the $46 million Bayer Leverkusen invested in Malik Tillman in 2025. Meanwhile, Pulisic’s 2023 transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan for $24.2 million ranks sixth on the all-time list.