Thierry Henry spoke about his expectations for Lamine Yamal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal will be one of the main attractions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spanish winger has already earned a prominent place in world soccer and will now aim to achieve the ultimate prize with Spain. A Barcelona legend, Thierry Henry, shared his thoughts on him.

“I’m looking forward to watch the World Cup,” Henry said in a recent interview with Marca. “I hope that Lamine is gonna be there, fresh, and perform, because what you want is to see the best players on that stage, able to perform. Even if I’m not Spanish, you want to see Lamine Yamal there.”

Henry then highlighted a specific trait that stands out to him about Yamal. “We all know he’s an outstanding player. You know what I like about Lamine? I saw something at the Euro that I rarely saw at that age,” the former forward began.

“You guys will not remember, it was against France. He received the ball on the right. He could have gone on the counter, but he told the whole team ‘calm down,’” Henry recalled. “Who does that at 16 years old? You don’t have that that early. I was like ‘Already? You understand? He plays like he’s in his neighborhood. World Cup or not, intensity is the same. He tries to play, he tries to dribble, he takes risks. That’s the type of player you want to see.”

Having been a young prodigy himself—a World Cup winner in 1998 at just 19 years old—Thierry Henry was impressed not only by Yamal’s talent on the ball, but also by his understanding of the game and his ability to read what each moment requires.

Lamine Yamal continues his recovery

It is no coincidence that one of the first things Thierry Henry mentioned about Lamine Yamal was his hope that he arrives “fresh” at the World Cup. That is because, at the moment, Spain’s main concern regarding the young winger is that he fully recovers from the muscle injury he suffered with Barcelona just two weeks ago.

In that regard, the latest updates have been positive. With his club season officially over, Yamal is working hard to be in optimal condition for the start of the World Cup. In fact, this Tuesday he shared a story on his official Instagram account showing him training on a stationary bike, a sign that his recovery is progressing well.

🚨🚴🏾‍♂️ Lamine Yamal begins training on grass and working in the gym.

He’s expected to be ready for World Cup. pic.twitter.com/CyOqC2scZJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2026

Henry on the difference between World Cup and Champions League

Having won both the World Cup with France and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, Thierry Henry is well qualified to compare the two biggest competitions in soccer.

“As I always say, the World Cup is every four years, that’s what makes it extra special. The Champions League is every year, you always have the chance to win it every year,” the former forward explained in the same interview with Marca. “The World Cup is a different game, so I’m really excited.”

Ian Fray, a teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has been sanctioned by Major League Soccer following comments about the loss to Orlando City.

Inter Miami’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City last Saturday continues to have repercussions for Lionel Messi’s team. Now, Ian Fray has been fined by Major League Soccer for comments he made after the match.

“Ian Fray has been fined for ‘violating the league’s public criticism policy,’” reporter Jose Armando reported Tuesday in a post on his official X account. “The sanction is financial only.”

The punishment stems from remarks the Jamaican right-back made after the match, taking aim at referee Guido Gonzalez. “I think this referee has something against maybe some of the players on our team. That’s just as simple as that,” Fray said during the postgame press conference at Nu Stadium on Saturday.

However, the Inter Miami defender was quick to clarify that Gonzalez’s performance was not the reason for the result. “We shouldn’t have lost regardless of the referee,” Ian said. “That’s not an excuse, I’m not trying to make that an excuse at all.”

Ian Fray agrega que considera que el árbitro de hoy tiene algo en contra de algunos jugadores de Inter Miami.

No lo pone como excusa.

Entiende que pudo existir cansancio pero que Orlando jugó a mitad de semana y tampoco es excusa.#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/mo2b0TYbXR

— José Armando (@Jarm21) May 3, 2026

Inter Miami have received several MLS sanctions recently

Fray’s case adds to a growing list of Inter Miami players who have been disciplined by MLS in recent weeks. Some of those sanctions stemmed from incidents during matches, while others—like this one—came from postgame actions.

The most recent example involved Luis Suarez, who was also fined by the league for “violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment” after attempting to draw a penalty during a match against New England Revolution.

Earlier this season, Facundo Mura received a fine for a similar incident against Real Salt Lake, while the most severe punishment was handed to Yannick Bright, who received an additional match suspension for racist remarks.

Ian Fray also reveals Messi’s reaction

During the same press conference in which Ian Fray made the remarks that led to his Major League Soccer sanction, the defender also addressed Lionel Messi’s reaction following the loss to Orlando City on Saturday.

“The captain spoke and gave us a lot of motivational words ahead of the upcoming match,” Fray said about Messi. “He said that this is unacceptable, and it’s something we all completely agree with — this is unacceptable, and it certainly won’t happen again.”

Mauricio Serna, a former player and executive at Boca Juniors, spoke about the possibility of Neymar moving to Argentina.

Neymar is currently at the center of several talking points in the soccer world. His potential return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as his conflicts at Santos with fans and teammates, are among them. Now, speculation about a possible move to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors has emerged—something Mauricio Serna addressed.

“Within the Boca world, anything is possible. In fact, when I was working at the club, some agents used to call me to offer Neymar,” Serna said in a recent interview with Radio Splendid. “We never moved forward. I don’t know if it was real or not, but he’s been offered.”

Serna was a Boca Juniors star as a player in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Years later, when club legend Juan Roman Riquelme became president, he brought him in to join the sporting council, a role the former Colombian player held from 2022 to 2025.

It was during those years that Neymar was first offered to Boca, a period that coincided with the Brazilian forward’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain, his struggles with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and ultimately his return to Santos at the beginning of last year.

Serna imagines Neymar at Boca Juniors

In the same interview, Mauricio Serna allowed himself to imagine a scenario in which Neymar actually becomes a Boca player. “Anything can happen. Boca are capable of anything. Who wouldn’t want to see Neymar wearing the shirt of the club they love? It would be beautiful—I’d have to move back to Buenos Aires so I wouldn’t miss a single match,” the Colombian said.

Serna then analyzed Neymar’s current situation, acknowledging that while he is no longer the same player he was at Barcelona and PSG, he remains an important figure: “Even if it’s been difficult for him to regain rhythm and form, he’s one of those players who still brings a smile to soccer fans.”

Neymar’s current struggles

Rumors about a possible move to Argentina have several roots. The first spark came from Neymar’s visit to Buenos Aires last week, when he played with Santos against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana. He received a warm welcome from opposing fans—something that contrasts with his recent experiences in Brazil—and also visited Boca’s training facility, where he met with former PSG teammate Ander Herrera.

Those speculations have grown amid ongoing tensions at Santos that cast doubt over his future at the club. Disagreements with fans unhappy with the team’s performances have been compounded by a reported dispute with teammate Robinho Jr. following an alleged incident in training. All of this comes as Neymar looks to regain top form in hopes of convincing Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Major League Soccer recognized Lionel Messi for his performance against Orlando City, despite Inter Miami’s defeat.

Last Saturday, Inter Miami suffered a tough 4-3 loss to Orlando City after starting the match in dominant fashion and building a three-goal lead. Despite the setback, Major League Soccer honored Lionel Messi’s performance.

“Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi has been named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Matchday,” the club announced in a statement published on its official website. “The Argentine earns his fifth Team of the Matchday selection of the campaign after a standout performance in which he contributed to all three Inter Miami goals, recording one goal and two assists.”

The Herons’ first-half advantage was largely driven by the Argentine forward’s performance. On Ian Fray’s opening goal, Messi played the pass to Telasco Segovia, who then delivered the cross. He later assisted the Venezuelan midfielder for the second goal, and in the 33rd minute, he scored the third with a precise finish.

However, Messi’s performance was overshadowed in the second half by another Argentine. Martin Ojeda led Orlando City’s comeback with a hat trick to level the score and then assisted Tyrese Spicer for the game-winning goal in stoppage time.

Matchday 11's best XI. 😮‍💨

Team of the Matchday pres. by Audi: https://t.co/hzNJh99dHI pic.twitter.com/oIPV0HmD2S

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 4, 2026

Messi keeps piling up accolades

The honor awarded by MLS to Lionel Messi as part of the Team of the Matchday for Week 11 adds to a growing list of similar recognitions the Argentine forward has earned for his performances with Inter Miami.

In fact, during the 2026 season, Messi has been named to the Team of the Matchday in five of the first eleven weeks. His previous selections came in Matchday 2 (alongside Javier Mascherano, Telasco Segovia, and Mateo Silvetti), Matchday 5 (alongside Gonzalo Lujan), Matchday 6, and Matchday 8.

These honors reflect the Argentine star’s production so far this season. Messi has played in 10 of Inter Miami’s 11 MLS matches in 2026—resting only for the March matchup against Charlotte FC—and has recorded eight goals and one assist.

Inter Miami’s upcoming challenges

Following the tough loss to Orlando City, Inter Miami now have a week to recover both mentally and physically. On Saturday, they will travel to Canada to face Toronto FC in the first of three matches in a one-week span. They will then visit FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 13, before returning home the following Sunday to host Portland Timbers.

Davide Ancelotti, an assistant to his father Carlo with the Brazil national team, discussed expectations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At the end of this month, Carlo Ancelotti will have to finalize the 26-man roster that will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that deadline approaching, his son and assistant Davide opened up about the challenges facing Brazil.

“If you analyse the actual situation of Brazil, there are really good defenders, some of the best in the world, really good transition players – the wingers, the 10s, and the strikers too,” Davide Ancelotti said in a recent interview with BBC Sport.

“This gives you an idea of what kind of football you can play, but then there is the culture of the nation,” the assistant added, suggesting that not only the players’ attributes and the coach’s opinions matter when defining a national team’s style of play.

“You need to have a clear identity but to adapt. You have to be able to balance your ideas with the characteristics of the players and then the identity of the nation,” Davide explained. “It’s not an easy job… And then you have to win the World Cup as well!”

This perhaps represents the biggest challenge Carlo Ancelotti has faced since taking over Brazil in the summer of 2025. At that time, the team were struggling in the World Cup qualifiers—something the Italian coach quickly managed to fix. However, in terms of on-field performances, they still appear to have room for improvement.

Brazil have a well-defined style

Few national teams in the world have as rich a tradition as Brazil. The great stars who have represented the national team since the 1950s helped shape the style fans expect to see, but that identity has not been easy to maintain in recent years.

Davide Ancelotti described that style as “to play attacking football, winning football, and to play with a smile. You have to consider that.” He also spoke about the fans’ expectations: “Brazilian people love football, they like to joga bonito (play beautifully), but they like to win a lot.”

Brazil’s challenges in recent decades

South Korea – Japan 2002 was Brazil’s most recent World Cup title. That squad perfectly embodied the country’s style, featuring world-class stars such as Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos. Much of that generation also competed at Germany 2006, where they were eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.

Since then, Brazil have struggled to maintain that identity—a challenge Carlo Ancelotti continues to face today. That attacking, seemingly carefree style has not delivered results in subsequent World Cups, where they have fallen short of reaching the final.

Perhaps the closest examples of Brazil’s traditional style came under coach Tite at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals on both occasions. Now, Ancelotti faces the challenge of changing that narrative and leading Brazil deep into a World Cup once again.

Inter Miami fall 4-3 to Orlando City in a match that will go down in Major League Soccer history.

Inter Miami fell 4-3 to Orlando City in a match that will go down in Major League Soccer history. Lionel Messi had scored one of the goals in the first half, during which the Herons built a three-goal lead. Martin Ojeda was the standout performer of the night with a hat trick for the visitors.

The hosts showed their dominance from the opening minutes of the first half. It took them just three minutes to take the lead, when Telasco Segovia delivered a cross that Micael headed home.

At the 25-minute mark, Guillermo Hoyos’ side doubled their advantage after a combination between Luis Suarez and Messi ended with Segovia finishing the move. Leo himself added the third shortly after with a beautiful long-range strike. Orlando City managed to pull one back before halftime through Martin Ojeda.

Everything changed in the second half. Inter Miami ceded control and opted to exploit the spaces left by their opponents on the counterattack in an attempt to extend their lead, but they lacked precision and were punished by Orlando City’s pressure.

In that context, Ojeda became the most decisive player of the match. The Argentine attacking midfielder took control and led his team brilliantly, scoring two more goals to bring the Lions level at 3-3. In stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer scored the winner.

As a result, Inter Miami let a huge opportunity slip away to win the derby, while also extending their winless run at Nu Stadium to four matches since its opening in early April.

Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off this Saturday in the most anticipated Major League Soccer matchup of the weekend, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.

This Saturday brings another edition of the Florida derby, with Inter Miami under pressure to secure a win at Nu Stadium against Orlando City to remain among the contenders in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup.

The Herons went through a midseason coaching change, but it did not affect them. Under Guillermo Hoyos, they have put together a strong run of results that has them sitting second in the standings with 19 points, three behind leaders Nashville SC.

However, Inter Miami still have unfinished business: winning for the first time at Nu Stadium. The venue officially opened in early April, and since then they have played three matches there—against Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution—drawing all of them.

On the other side will be Orlando City, who are currently experiencing a very different reality from their rivals. They did not start the season well and sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, with just two wins in 10 matches.

While they await the arrival of Antoine Griezmann, who will join after finishing the 2025–26 season with Atletico Madrid, the Lions need to improve their performances in MLS, and Saturday’s clash presents an ideal opportunity to begin that turnaround.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

For this match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be without two key squad members: Sergio Reguilon and Mateo Silvetti are out due to injury. The good news is that Lionel Messi is fully fit.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame.

Confirmed Orlando City lineup

In recent weeks, Orlando City have alternated wins and losses in MLS. Their last match was a 4-3 victory over New England Revolution, which gives them momentum heading into Saturday. However, the challenge will now be much greater, and head coach Martin Perelman will need to design an effective defensive strategy to contain Lionel Messi.

Orlando City’s confirmed lineup is: Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson, Adrian Marin; Braian Ojeda, Luis Otavio, Martin Ojeda; Ivan Angulo, Tiago, Justin Ellis.

Santos will face Palmeiras this Saturday in the Brazilian Serie A, and Neymar will not be part of the squad.

Neymar is focused on reaching peak physical and competitive form to earn a spot on the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, this Saturday he will not be part of the Santos team that will face Palmeiras in Serie A.

The news was confirmed after Santos shared on their official social media accounts the list of 24 players selected by head coach Cuca for the derby. Ney is absent, which means he will not even be among the substitutes.

“The number 10 will not be on the field due to the sequence of games and the plan that already foresees his absence in some of them, and also taking into account the synthetic turf at Palmeiras’ stadium,” O Globo reported, in a story that was also picked up by other major outlets such as TyC Sports and DirecTV Sports.

The decision for Neymar not to play carries major significance, considering his importance to the team and what is at stake. Santos are in a delicate situation in Serie A, currently in the relegation zone with just 14 points from 13 matches. Palmeiras, in addition to being their historic rivals, are the current leaders of the standings with a clear advantage over Flamengo.

Os relacionados para o clássico de amanhã! 📋⚪⚫ pic.twitter.com/CdJ75VEHoj

— Santos FC (@SantosFC) May 1, 2026

Neymar prioritizes his physical health

In recent weeks, Neymar achieved something he had not managed in years: he played the full 90 minutes in five consecutive matches, without showing signs of fatigue or injury. To reach those numbers, however, careful planning with the Santos staff was required to help him manage his workload.

That is why the forward was not part of the squad last weekend, when Santos drew 2-2 against Bahia in Serie A. The same will happen this Saturday against Palmeiras, with the goal of prioritizing Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana match against Recoleta FC in Paraguay.

These decisions, aimed at taking steady steps toward Neymar’s full physical condition, may not be ideal in his attempt to impress Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach has made it clear that his plan is to call up Ney for the World Cup only if he is capable of competing at the highest level. Therefore, missing two matches in one week to avoid risking his fitness is not an encouraging sign, considering that the demands at North America 2026 will be extremely high.

Neymar and the synthetic turf

In addition to the congested schedule, another reported reason for Neymar’s absence this Saturday against Palmeiras is the surface at Allianz Parque. On more than one occasion, the 34-year-old forward has expressed his disagreement with the presence of stadiums with synthetic turf, believing they are dangerous for players’ physical health.

“Playing at Allianz is practically impossible for me. Playing on synthetic turf is one of the things that bothers me the most as a player, regardless of my injuries,” Neymar said in August 2025. “The direction Brazilian soccer is taking is concerning. It’s absurd that we have to talk about synthetic turf on our fields.”

Antony recalled an embarrassing moment he experienced while being Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued status as a global soccer star at 41 is no coincidence. It is largely due to his discipline and work ethic. Former Manchester United teammate Antony reflected on that during a recent interview.

“Once in the sauna he joked with me. He showed me his physique and asked if he looked 23 years old. I was even embarrassed because you see the level of care he takes even at almost 40,” Antony recalled in an interview with Globoesporte. “He’s a role model for everyone.”

Antony and Ronaldo were briefly teammates during the Portuguese star’s second stint in England in the 2022-23 season. The young winger had just arrived from Ajax that summer, while CR7 was in the final months of his time at the club before his turbulent exit, which ultimately led to his move to Al Nassr.

At that time, Ronaldo was nearing 38 years old and, just like now, remained in peak physical condition thanks to his strict training, diet, and recovery routines—something consistently praised by his former teammates. Antony, then just 22, was particularly impressed by the experience.

Antony praises Cristiano Ronaldo

It was not only Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic that left a lasting impression on Antony, but also the personal relationship they developed during their time together at Manchester United. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a great person, I learned a lot from him,” the Brazilian said in the same interview.

“He even joked with me once, saying that people think he’s stubborn, but in everyday life he’s very playful,” Antony added. “He talked about life, books, various subjects outside of football. That was good because it helped me disconnect. He would say, ‘Today we’re not going to talk about football.’ And that made us learn other important things.”

Antony does not pick Cristiano Ronaldo as his best-ever teammate

Despite his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, when asked about the best player he has played with, Antony chose another star. “I have played with Neymar, with Cristiano too. There are so many, but for me, Neymar. I had the privilege of playing with him. Neymar for me is a star,” Antony said in an interview shared by ESPN.

He also did not name Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest striker of all time. In that category, Antony pointed to two Brazilian legends. “I like a lot Romario and Ronaldo (Nazario),” said the Real Betis winger.

The Saudi Pro League did not select Cristiano Ronaldo as Player of the Month, but it did reward Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus.

Al Nassr are on track to win the Saudi Pro League title, holding a comfortable lead in the standings over Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo has been key to that run, yet the league still chose not to recognize him for his recent performances. The situation was different for head coach Jorge Jesus.

This Friday, the Saudi Pro League announced through its official social media accounts the awards for the standout players and coaches of April. Argentine midfielder Valentin Vada received the honor.

“With 6 G/A, massively contributing to Damac’s cause, Valentin Vada is the RSL’s Player of the month,” the Saudi Pro League announced. The decision is somewhat surprising considering the club’s performance this season, as they sit in 15th place and are just above the relegation zone.

During that same period, Cristiano Ronaldo also delivered strong performances, contributing four goals in four matches—all wins for Al Nassr that helped them solidify their position at the top of the standings.

With 6 G/A, massively contributing to @DAMAC_CLUB's cause, Valentin Vada is the RSL's Player of the month 🇦🇷

Presented by @Roshnksa pic.twitter.com/e3a52jXJBi

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 1, 2026

Al Nassr receive other awards

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing out, other key Al Nassr figures did receive recognition. “With a 100% win record from matchweeks 25-30, Jorge Jesus is the April Manager of the month,” the Saudi Pro League announced.

In addition, Bento was named Goalkeeper of the Month thanks to his excellent performances in April. He conceded only once across four matches—the 5-2 win over Al Najma. In the other three games, he kept clean sheets and played an important role in the team’s success.

What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo

May will be a crucial month for Cristiano Ronaldo. Domestically, Al Nassr are close to securing the Saudi Pro League title, holding an eight-point lead over Al Hilal (who have a game in hand) with four matches remaining. In addition, on May 16 they will face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.

On top of that, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez will finalize his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this month. A preliminary list of 35 to 55 players must be submitted by May 11, and that number must be reduced to 26 by no later than June 1. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be included in the roster, barring any unexpected setbacks in the coming weeks.

Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off next week, and Raphinha is at risk of missing that match.

Barcelona are on the verge of securing the La Liga title, something that could happen next week in El Clasico against Real Madrid. Raphinha could miss that game, but not due to fitness issues—rather because of a potential suspension.

The Brazilian winger is set to return to action this weekend after a month out with a hamstring injury. He will be included in coach Hansi Flick’s squad to visit Osasuna this Saturday on Matchday 35 of La Liga, but he will need to be cautious.

Raphinha has accumulated four yellow cards this season and is one booking away from suspension. If he receives another yellow in any of the remaining La Liga matches this campaign, he will have to serve a one-game ban.

Considering his long absence, it is unlikely he will be part of the starting lineup this Saturday against Osasuna. However, Flick is expected to give him minutes in the second half to help him regain match fitness ahead of El Clasico against Real Madrid next week—something that also carries risk, as it could expose him to another booking.

Barcelona need Raphinha

While the La Liga title appears all but secured for Barcelona, they know they cannot afford to relax. And even if they clinch the trophy, El Clasico is a challenge significant enough on its own to demand full focus.

That is why having Raphinha back is so important. He has been one of the team’s most decisive attacking players, and his role becomes even more crucial given Lamine Yamal’s absence due to injury.

Raphinha has been out of action since March 26, when he suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s friendly match against France over the international break. Since then, he has undergone a recovery process that kept him sidelined for more than a month, missing four La Liga matches and the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal series against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid prioritize El Clasico

While Barcelona must take Saturday’s match against Osasuna seriously in their push to secure the La Liga title, Real Madrid know their main objective lies next week in El Clasico. As a result, their squad will be missing several key players this Sunday against Espanyol.

Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will not risk some important players dealing with fitness issues, prioritizing their readiness for the match against Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois have been ruled out for Sunday but are expected to be in optimal condition for El Clasico.

Marc Dos Santos delivered strong criticism of Major League Soccer over the alleged lack of support for Los Angeles FC.

Major League Soccer found itself in the spotlight this week following controversial comments from Marc Dos Santos. The Los Angeles FC head coach expressed frustration with certain decisions, arguing there is not enough support for league teams to succeed at the continental level.

“The schedule is a scandal. It’s a scandal,” Dos Santos said this week, referring to LAFC’s domestic fixture list, which has put them in a difficult position while competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Those complaints stem from the congested schedule the California club is currently facing. They defeated Toluca 2-1 in the first leg of the tournament’s semifinals last Wednesday. Before playing the decisive match in Mexico next week, LAFC must now travel to face San Diego FC in MLS action this Saturday.

“I don’t understand, who is the guy in the office that says, yeah, this is a good idea to have them play in San Diego. They don’t want us in the final? Like MLS has to help MLS teams,” the coach added.

In that context, Dos Santos even joked about his team’s upcoming league match: “Mikey Varas, head coach of San Diego. If you are listening. Mikey, don’t worry, there will be rotation because we have to give everyone rest and we have to be ready for Toluca.”

Dos Santos compares MLS to other leagues

Marc Dos Santos’ request is for MLS to take into account the needs of clubs competing at the continental level and provide some flexibility when scheduling domestic matches—something that does happen in other leagues around the world.

“I see it in South America when Palmeiras, Flamengo arrive in the quarterfinals, semifinal, they get help. They change the game. They put another in the schedule,” the coach explained. “PSG, many of their games in France have been moved.”

By contrast, Dos Santos pointed to LAFC’s packed schedule. “Saturday we have to go to San Diego and you have to go there to win. And then we have to go at home against Houston, then St. Louis, then Nashville,” he said. “We’ve been playing for 10 weeks, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, and sometimes Saturday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Guys, who is the genius in the meeting that says, ‘I have a good idea’? I wanna meet that guy.“

What’s next for LAFC?

After visiting San Diego FC in MLS play this Saturday, LAFC will travel to Mexico next week for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals against Toluca, looking to defend their 2-1 advantage from the first meeting. They will then return to the United States to host Houston Dynamo on Sunday, May 10.

In addition to LAFC, the other MLS club still alive in continental competition is Nashville SC. They are in the other semifinal against Tigres UANL. In the first leg at Geodis Park, the Mexican side earned a 1-0 win and will now defend that advantage at home next Tuesday.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed optimism about Lamine Yamal’s recovery ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Barcelona, Lamine Yamal is now focused on fully recovering from a muscle injury in order to arrive in top condition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain. Head coach Hansi Flick addressed the situation.

“I think we’ll see him at the World Cup. He has more time to recover calmly and everything is going well. That’s what he wants, and he’ll be there,” Flick said Friday during a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Osasuna on Saturday.

Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg on April 22, after scoring a penalty in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Medical tests indicated that the winger will not return to action before the end of the club season, meaning his priority is now to be part of Spain’s squad for North America 2026.

With that in mind, Barcelona and Spain are working together to support his recovery. “We’re in contact with the Federation’s medical staff, as well as our own. I’m in contact with Lamine, and he’s progressing well, which is the most important thing,” Flick said.

Luis De La Fuente’s view

This week, Luis De La Fuente was asked about Lamine Yamal’s availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid. While he avoided addressing the specific case directly, he offered an encouraging response.

The head coach said his priority is “to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” placing particular emphasis on the latter rounds of the tournament. “There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages,” he added.

Those comments are key to understanding Yamal’s situation. Amid speculation that he might not be ready for the first two matches of the World Cup, the winger does not appear to be at risk of missing Spain’s roster, considering De La Fuente is comfortable having him reach full fitness later in the tournament.

Lamine Yamal’s timeline ahead of the World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup just 42 days away, the first key deadline for Spain regarding Lamine Yamal is May 11. On that date, each national team must submit to FIFA a preliminary list of between 35 and 55 players under consideration for the tournament.

Then, once club competitions conclude, that list must be trimmed down to 26 players by no later than June 1. Spain will open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, but their path in the knockout stages would not begin until at least June 30—giving Lamine Yamal more than enough time to recover.

Jose Mourinho addressed rumors about his possible return to Real Madrid.

Since Real Madrid were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich, speculation about the club’s next head coach has flooded the outlets and social media. Jose Mourinho has been mentioned as one of the leading candidates for the job, and he has now addressed the situation.

“No, nobody from Real Madrid has spoken to me, I can guarantee that,” Mourinho said Friday during a press conference ahead of Benfica’s Primeira Liga match against Famalicao. “Nothing from Real Madrid.”

The 63-year-old coach acknowledged that these situations are inevitable and made it clear he is not disturbed by the rumors. “I’ve been in soccer for too many years, like you in journalism, and we’re used to these things,” he said in response to a reporter’s persistence. “I can’t say anything more. I already told your colleague that, regarding Real Madrid, nothing.”

Mourinho has been identified by numerous European outlets as the leading candidate to take over at Real Madrid, potentially replacing Alvaro Arbeloa, whose future at the Spanish club appears all but decided after failing to win the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and—almost certainly—La Liga, where Barcelona are on the verge of securing the title.

Mourinho focused on Benfica

Speculation about Jose Mourinho’s future and a possible return to Real Madrid is shaped by one undeniable reality: he is currently under contract with another club. “I have one year left on my contract with Benfica, and that’s it,” the coach reminded reporters during the same press conference.

“I focus on giving my best, more for the club and the players than for myself. Now it’s Famalicao, then Sporting Braga, then Estoril, and after that I’ll keep working a bit more—only then will the holidays come,” Mourinho added, showing he remains focused on Benfica’s upcoming challenges.

Real Madrid’s potential coaching candidates

While Jose Mourinho has been at the center of speculation in recent days, other managers have also been linked with Real Madrid. El Partidazo de COPE reported last week that Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is in contention for the role following the 2026 World Cup.

In a similar situation is Didier Deschamps, who will step down as France head coach after 14 years once the FIFA tournament in North America concludes. In his case, his strong relationship with several Real Madrid French players, such as Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, could be a key factor.

Despite being under contract with the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about a possible return to the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino established himself as one of the top managers in the world during his time in England. That success ultimately led to his appointment as USMNT head coach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he has now acknowledged that he sees a potential return to the Premier League in his future.

During a recent interview on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Pochettino reflected on the current state of Tottenham Hotspur—a club he managed from 2014 to 2019—and admitted his desire to return. “One day, yes, because I really like England,” he said.

“I think my profile – my human profile and my coaching profile – match very well with the Premier League,” added the 54-year-old Argentine, who has spent more than half of his managerial career in England.

At Tottenham, Pochettino enjoyed his most successful spell, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the EFL Cup in 2015 and, most notably, to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool. During those five and a half years, he also helped elevate players such as Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Christian Eriksen, and Son Heung-min to stardom.

Before that, Poch managed Southampton, where results were less consistent but his style of play helped propel him into the European elite. His most recent Premier League experience came with Chelsea, whom he led during the 2023-24 season, posting a 50.98% win rate.

Pochettino laments Tottenham’s current struggles

After spending more than five years at Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino has a strong connection with the club. With Spurs now going through a difficult period and facing a serious risk of relegation to the Championship, the coach shared his thoughts.

“It’s really sad because I know how the people are suffering there, inside the club and also the fans. It’s difficult to accept,” he explained. “I really love Tottenham. It’s going to be a part of my life, an important part of my life as a coach, my personal life too.”

The challenge ahead for Pochettino

Beyond his future ambitions of returning to the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino faces what may be the biggest challenge of his career. This summer, he will manage at a World Cup for the first time, and he will do so as head coach of the tournament’s main host nation.

The USMNT’s goal this year is to improve on previous World Cup performances. After reaching the quarterfinals in South Korea–Japan 2002, they have not advanced beyond the Round of 16, and have also endured setbacks such as a group-stage exit in Brazil 2014 and failure to qualify for Russia 2018.

The USMNT will open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Matchday 1 of Group D at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. One week later, they will face Australia in Seattle before returning to California on June 25 to take on Turkey.

Lamine Yamal’s injury scare has raised concerns in Spain just over a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, something head coach Luis De La Fuente addressed this week.

In one month, Luis De La Fuente will have to confirm the final 26-man roster that will represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That means any last-minute injury could alter his plans—something highlighted by the recent scare involving Lamine Yamal.

De La Fuente spoke during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid this week. “Will Lamine be there?” was one of the questions posed to the coach regarding the availability of the Barcelona winger for Spain’s World Cup squad.

“In a call-up, we consider every scenario—whether you’re winning, losing, or if the opponent goes down to 10 men,” De La Fuente said, according to Marca. “There are players who can give you 20 minutes, and that has enormous value. Some players may not be able to give you 50 or 60 minutes, but they can deliver 20 very good ones—and that can make the difference.”

In that sense, the coach avoided addressing Yamal’s specific case but made it clear that his presence could still be crucial even if he is not at full fitness at the start of the World Cup. “Our priority is to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” he explained.

De La Fuente has experience managing these situations

In nearly four years as Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente has faced situations that forced him to make difficult decisions, and that experience is now shaping his approach ahead of North America 2026.

To explain his thinking regarding players who may not be at 100 percent for the World Cup, the coach cited an example from Euro 2024, where Spain were crowned champions. “Olmo arrived injured—we were close to leaving him out—but he went on to be decisive at the Euro. There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages. Olmo was decisive from the quarterfinals onward,” De La Fuente said, referring to Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.

Based on those comments, it can be inferred that Lamine Yamal’s place at the World Cup could be secure even if he does not fully recover before the tournament begins. Spain’s group-stage path includes matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, but the coach’s priority appears to be the knockout rounds that follow.

De La Fuente points to the schedule

In the same conversation, Luis De La Fuente shared his views on the growing number of injuries among elite players. “The pace is so intense, with matches every three or four days, that injuries are inevitable,” said the Spain coach. “It’s one thing to recover, and another to return to peak performance. The biggest risk when a player comes back is suffering another injury.”

The Olympics could remove the age restriction in men’s soccer in an effort to make the competition more comparable to the FIFA World Cup.

It is undeniable that the FIFA World Cup is the most important sporting event on the planet and, as such, the most prestigious soccer competition. The Olympics have traditionally played a secondary role in the sport, but that could change in the near future.

“Soccer is the most important sport,” said Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice president of the International Olympic Committee, this week at La Liga headquarters in Madrid, according to Diario AS. “We want the senior men’s competition to more closely resemble the World Cup.”

In many disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, handball, and field hockey, the Olympics represent the most important international tournament, even above each sport’s respective world championships. That is not the case with soccer, and the IOC’s goal is to make the competition more appealing.

At present, the key difference between Olympic soccer and the World Cup is the availability of top players. FIFA reserves the presence of the sport’s biggest stars for its own tournament, while the Olympics imposes an under-23 age limit, with only three overage players allowed per squad.

By removing that age limit, the Olympics could significantly raise the level of competition by featuring each country’s top players. However, such a move would require an agreement between the IOC and FIFA. “Both organizations have their own objectives, but I believe we will make meaningful progress toward achieving them,” Samaranch said.

Club release obligations, another obstacle for the Olympics

Beyond the age restriction, Olympic soccer faces another major challenge in becoming more competitive: clubs are not required to release players. In official FIFA competitions, clubs must allow players to join their respective national teams. These are the so-called international breaks, during which World Cups, qualifiers, friendlies, and continental tournaments such as the UEFA Euro, Copa America, and Concacaf Gold Cup are played.

Outside of those FIFA windows, clubs are not obligated to release players for international duty. That is the case with the Olympics, where participation often depends on the player’s insistence and the club’s approval.

IOC proposal faces resistance

Initial reactions from figures within FIFA’s hierarchy have not been favorable toward the idea of removing the age restriction in Olympic soccer. “It would further overload the calendar, reduce club revenues, and affect players’ rest,” said Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, according to Diario AS, regarding the possibility of elevating the Olympics. “It is fine as it is—it should not be like a World Cup.”

Santiago Gimenez has been struggling to play consistently with AC Milan, and that could impact his chances of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico.

Mexico are entering the final stretch of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning players are fighting for their last opportunities to make the roster. In that context, Santiago Gimenez’s physical struggles at AC Milan could prove decisive.

“People close to Santi are fearing a catastrophe for the Milan striker,” journalist Carlos Ponce de Leon of Mexican outlet Diario Record said this week. “They fear he could miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.”

This report has surfaced this week for a specific reason. On Tuesday, Javier Aguirre confirmed a preliminary list of 12 Liga MX players who will begin training next week with a view toward the World Cup. While the list is not binding—and therefore does not guarantee a spot on the final roster—it offers a clear indication of the coach’s plans.

Among those 12 players are two center forwards. One is Armando Gonzalez of Chivas, who was expected to be included, as reports suggest he is competing for a spot with Inter Miami’s German Berterame. The surprise, however, was the inclusion of another player with a similar profile: Guillermo Martinez.

The 30-year-old forward has impressed recently with Pumas UNAM, where he has recorded five goals in 15 matches in the Liga MX Clausura tournament. Martinez has already been called up by Javier Aguirre twice this year: he played 24 minutes against Iceland in February and was an unused substitute during the March FIFA international window against Portugal and Belgium.

Santiago Gimenez needs to regain full fitness

Under normal circumstances, Santiago Gimenez’s place at the World Cup would not be threatened by Guillermo Martinez’s performances at Pumas. However, the recent track record of the AC Milan striker is far from encouraging.

Gimenez has scored just one goal in the 2025-26 season and has made only 14 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. An ankle injury suffered in November required surgery and kept him sidelined for nearly five months, until his return in mid-March.

Since then, the Mexican striker has logged just 67 minutes across three Serie A matches with AC Milan—against Torino, Napoli, and Hellas Verona— all coming off the bench, while also remaining an unused substitute on three other occasions.

Gimenez has yet to debut at the World Cup

Despite being one of Mexico’s most promising players in recent years, Santiago Gimenez has yet to appear at a World Cup. He was left out of the squad for Qatar 2022 by then-head coach Gerardo Martino, who opted for other forwards such as Raul Jimenez, Henry Martin, and Rogelio Funes Mori.

In the years following that tournament, Gimenez established himself as a regular call-up under successive managers, including Diego Cocca, Jaime Lozano, and Javier Aguirre. However, his recent injury issues have once again pushed him out of contention, with his last appearance for Mexico coming in October 2025 against Ecuador.

After the clash between Al Nassr and Al Ahli, Cristiano Ronaldo had an exchange with opposing fans and referenced his UEFA Champions League titles.

On Wednesday, Al Nassr earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Al Ahli that moved them one step closer to the Saudi Pro League title. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a header and, after the match, got into a brief exchange with rival fans in which he highlighted his UEFA Champions League success.

After the final whistle, as he prepared to give an on-field interview to Thmanyah Sports, Ronaldo was mocked by an opposing supporter, who brought up Al Ahli’s back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles—the most recent coming last Saturday after a win over Machida Zelvia of Japan in the final.

“Five Champions I have. I have five. Five,” Cristiano responded to the fan, smiling and holding up five fingers on his right hand, all in front of TV cameras that captured the exchange from start to finish.

The Portuguese forward was, of course, referring to the success he achieved throughout his career, particularly during his years in Europe. He first won the UEFA Champions League in 2008 with Manchester United, followed by an impressive run with Real Madrid, where he lifted the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

كريستيانو رونالدو ردًا على أحد جماهير الأهلي بعد المباراة ⚠️

«أنا لدي 5 بطولات دوري أبطال.»#النصر_الأهلي | #استديو_ثمانية pic.twitter.com/7lt4RPP0VU

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) April 29, 2026

How has Ronaldo fared at continental level with Al Nassr?

After those glory years in Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo embarked on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia in January 2023. Since joining Al Nassr, however, he has yet to win an official title, a drought that could end this season in the Saudi Pro League.

Over the past three and a half years, CR7 has also competed at the continental level, where success has so far eluded him. His first appearance came in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League Elite, where Al Nassr were eliminated in the quarterfinals. A year later, they were knocked out in the semifinals by Kawasaki Frontale of Japan.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks to extend his dominance to Asia

This season, Al Nassr did not even qualify for the top continental competition and instead had to settle for the AFC Champions League Two, the equivalent of the UEFA Europa League. There, they have advanced steadily to the final, where they will face Gamba Osaka on May 17. That could mark Ronaldo’s first continental title since 2018.

Major League Soccer announced a sanction for Luis Suarez just days before Inter Miami’s clash with Orlando City.

Inter Miami star Luis Suarez was sanctioned by Major League Soccer this week, just days before the Herons face Orlando City in a key league matchup between Florida rivals. However, the decision will not prevent the Uruguayan forward from being available.

“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 72nd minute of Miami’s match against the New England Revolution on April 25,” MLS said in a statement published on its official website.

The incident took place during Inter Miami’s most recent match, a 1-1 draw against the Revs at Nu Stadium on Matchday 10 of the MLS season. Suarez was in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes.

In the second half, with the score at 1-0 in favor of the visitors, the forward attempted to deceive referee Rubiel Vazquez in hopes of earning a penalty to level the match, but was unsuccessful. However, minutes later, German Berterame scored to secure a point for Inter Miami at home.

Suarez was not the only player penalized. “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined D.C. United midfielder Matti Peltola for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 30th minute of D.C.’s match against Orlando City on April 25,” the statement added.

Suarez has played a limited role this season

The sanction issued to Luis Suarez is purely financial, meaning he remains eligible for Saturday’s match against Orlando City. It will be up to head coach Guillermo Hoyos to decide whether to keep the Uruguayan forward in the starting lineup or return him to the bench.

So far in the 2026 season, Suarez has made seven appearances for Inter Miami. One came in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC, while the other six were in MLS, where he has scored two goals.

However, the 39-year-old striker has played a secondary role for most of the year. He has started just two of those seven matches—a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC when Javier Mascherano was still the coach, and last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against New England Revolution. He has also remained on the bench without featuring in four matches.

Other Inter Miami players sanctioned

Luis Suarez joins a list of Inter Miami players who have been sanctioned by MLS in recent weeks. Facundo Mura was also fined for simulation during the Herons’ win over Real Salt Lake in a similar incident, while Yannick Bright received an additional one-match suspension following his red card against Colorado Rapids for racist remarks.

Liverpool and Egypt have received encouraging news regarding Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have been closely monitoring Mohamed Salah’s fitness due to a hamstring injury, as have the Egypt national team. However, the latest updates have brought reassurance to all parties involved.

After being substituted in the 59th minute of last Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Salah sparked concern, with fears even emerging that his season with the Reds—and therefore his tenure at the club—could be over.

“Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season,” the English side said on Wednesday in a statement published on their official social media accounts. The news was well received by fans, who quickly flooded the post with likes and comments.

This will allow the Egyptian winger to properly bring his time with the Reds to a close. His departure at the end of the 2025–26 campaign has already been confirmed, making each remaining match all the more significant.

Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season ℹ️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 29, 2026

When will Salah return?

While Liverpool did not provide a specific recovery timeline, the expectation that he will return before the end of the season is telling. There is only one month left in the English campaign, during which the Reds will play four Premier League matches.

The next one comes this Sunday against Manchester United, in a crucial clash in the race to qualify for the next UEFA Champions League. After that, Liverpool will face Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford. The final match is scheduled for May 24, meaning Salah’s return is expected before that date.

Egypt set to have Salah fully fit

Liverpool are not the only ones with reason to be encouraged by the positive medical update. Salah’s expected return before the end of the club season means he should arrive at the World Cup in peak condition and with match fitness.

After club competitions wrap up in the final days of May, head coach Hossam Hassan will have to finalize the 26-man squad by June 1. From there, the national team will travel to North America for final preparations ahead of the tournament.

On June 6, Egypt are scheduled to play a friendly against Brazil in Cleveland, which will serve as their final major test before the start of the World Cup. Their opening match is set for June 15 against Belgium in Group G, followed by games against New Zealand and Iran.

Al Nassr took the lead against Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Nassr faced one of their toughest tests in the final stretch of the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday, going up against another of the country’s top teams in Al Ahli. However, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a precise header.

For 76 minutes, the match had been tight and difficult for both sides. Each team’s defensive structure neutralized the attacking talent on the field, and clear scoring chances were few and far between.

Ronaldo had a golden opportunity in the first half, when a through ball put him one-on-one with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. However, as he tried to get past the opponent, the forward lost his angle and ended up delivering an off-target cross.

In the second half, CR7 got his chance and made it count, scoring the opener with a well-placed header following a corner kick taken by Joao Felix. The goal gave Al Nassr the composure to control the tempo in the closing stages, with the pressure now shifting onto the visitors.

That was Cristiano’s 99th Saudi Pro League goal.pic.twitter.com/gVQf8FNjOj

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 29, 2026

With that scenario unfolding, Jorge Jesus’ side showed their quality and sealed the result in the final stretch of the match. Following a corner kick, Kingsley Coman collected the ball inside the box and scored the second goal with a powerful right-footed strike.

Al Nassr are closing in on the title

With Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Al Ahli, Al Nassr took a major step in their pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title. They now sit top of the standings with 79 points, eight ahead of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand.

That means that, even in the worst-case scenario, the gap between the two sides would be five points. With only four matches remaining in the season, Al Nassr’s chances of securing the title are extremely high. Still, they cannot afford to relax, as one of those final four fixtures will be against Al Hilal, where that advantage will be directly on the line.

Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 goals

The goal against Al Ahli brought Cristiano Ronaldo even closer to the 1,000-goal milestone in his professional career. He now has 970, leaving him just 30 goals short of a mark no other player has ever reached in the history of soccer.

Additionally, in the Saudi Pro League scoring chart, the Portuguese forward remains firmly in the race despite having missed a month of action due to a muscle injury. With 25 goals, Ronaldo currently sits third, two behind Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and three behind the leader, Al Qadsiah’s Julian Quinones.

Neymar spoke about his desire to return to the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and mentioned Lionel Messi.

With 44 days to go until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Neymar is still dreaming of being there. The forward sent a clear message about his desire to return to the Brazil national team to compete at North America 2026, also bringing Lionel Messi into the conversation.

“Ney, are you thinking about the World Cup?” a reporter asked the forward during the post-match press conference following Santos’ 1-1 draw against San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. “Of course. Every Brazilian player thinks about that. I hope I can be there,” Neymar replied.

Moments later, another journalist asked whether a potential reunion with Lionel Messi was also part of his plans. “Yes, of course,” Ney answered, going a step further by linking that possibility to a potential meeting at the World Cup: “Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular.”

For now, the Santos forward knows that to achieve his goal of returning to the Brazil national team, he must first deliver convincing performances at club level to catch coach Carlo Ancelotti’s attention.

In that regard, the past few weeks have been positive. Neymar played the full 90 minutes against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana and has now done so in five consecutive matches across all competitions. He only missed last Saturday’s clash against Bahia in the Brazilian Serie A, but that was not due to physical issues—it was a decision by coach Cuca to prioritize this week’s match in Buenos Aires.

An Argentina-Brazil World Cup final would be unprecedented

Despite being two of the strongest national teams in the world, with eight titles between them, Argentina and Brazil have never met in a World Cup final. In fact, they have not faced each other at any stage of the tournament in 36 years.

The last time the two South American giants met at a World Cup was in the Round of 16 at Italy 1990, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Claudio Caniggia. That result helped them advance all the way to the final, where they lost 1-0 to West Germany.

Overall, Argentina and Brazil have faced each other four times in the FIFA tournament. Two of those matches were Brazilian victories (2-1 in 1974 and 3-1 in 1982), along with a 0-0 draw in 1978 and Argentina’s win in 1990.

Messi vs Neymar at international level

The friendship between Lionel Messi and Neymar, forged during their years together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has not prevented them from facing off multiple times at international level. Messi holds the edge, with three wins and two losses.

The most significant meeting between the two came in the 2021 Copa America final, when Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 thanks to a goal from Angel Di Maria, ending a 28-year trophy drought. Messi also recorded wins in 2010 and 2012, while Neymar came out on top in a 2014 friendly and a 2016 World Cup qualifier.

Nuno Mendes surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in a historic record among Portuguese players in the UEFA Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain secured a 5-4 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, a result that moves them closer to the UEFA Champions League final. Nuno Mendes featured for the French side, and his appearance allowed him to reach a historic milestone for Portuguese players, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo.

After being named in the starting lineup and playing 84 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Hernandez, Mendes became the youngest Portuguese player to reach 50 Champions League appearances.

The Portuguese left-back hit that mark at 23 years and 313 days, comfortably surpassing Ronaldo. The forward had reached that total during the 2008-09 season, when he was still playing for Manchester United, at 24 years and 83 days, and held the record for more than 17 years.

Mendes’ numbers come exclusively from his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Before joining the French side, he spent three seasons with Sporting CP, where he did not make a Champions League appearance. Since 2021, however, the defender has become a key player for PSG, something reflected in his seven goals and four assists in 50 matches in European competition.

Portuguese players with the most Champions League appearances

What makes Nuno Mendes’ achievement even more impressive is how it compares to other Portuguese stars from recent decades. At under 24, the PSG left-back is already approaching numbers that other icons took years to build.

At the moment, Mendes is just 14 matches away from breaking into the top 10 Portuguese players with the most appearances in Champions League history. That spot is currently held by Jose Bosingwa, who made 64 appearances with Boavista, Porto and Chelsea, as well as Vitor Baia, who played for Porto and Barcelona.

Top 10 Portuguese players by Champions League appearances:

1- Cristiano Ronaldo (183)

2- Pepe (120)

3- Luis Figo (103)

4- Bernardo Silva (101)

5- Ricardo Carvalho (86)

6- Deco (75)

7- Joao Moutinho (66)

8- Ruben Dias (65)

9- Vitor Baia (64)

10- Jose Bosingwa (64)

It is worth noting that this ranking only includes players who have featured in the competition since it adopted the UEFA Champions League format in the 1991-92 season. Before that, during its time as the European Cup, other Portuguese players also made their mark. The most notable case is Eusebio, who recorded 59 goals in 78 matches and won the title with Benfica in 1962.

Julian Alvarez is reportedly moving closer to a transfer to Barcelona after informing Atletico Madrid of his intentions.

For months, Julian Alvarez’s name has appeared in multiple reports linking him with Barcelona, who are in the market for a center forward ahead of next season. In that context, the Argentine striker has now reportedly made his position clear to Atletico Madrid.

“Julian has taken a very important step: he has told Atletico that he wants to leave for Barcelona,” reporter Jose Alvarez said Monday on El Chiringuito de Jugones, one of Spain’s most prominent sports TV shows.

That decision from the 26-year-old has reportedly triggered a series of talks between the parties aimed at completing a move this summer. “There have already been contacts through intermediaries to discuss figures and contract terms,” the reporter added, referring to the usual negotiations over salary and personal conditions.

However, Alvarez’s desire alone will not be enough. He remains under contract with Atletico Madrid through June 30, 2030, with a release clause of €500 million (approximately $585 million). Barcelona are highly unlikely to meet that figure, meaning negotiations between the clubs will be required to reach a reasonable transfer fee.

Simeone addresses Julian Alvarez rumors

As Barcelona’s interest grows, other clubs are also reportedly monitoring Alvarez. Arsenal are said to be interested in pursuing him this summer and bringing him back to the Premier League after his successful spell with Manchester City between 2022 and 2024.

Diego Simeone was asked about the speculation during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash with Arsenal. “I’m not in his head. It’s normal that a player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona,” the Argentine coach said. “It’s normal. He’s very good.”

Barcelona have a Plan B for Alvarez

While Alvarez appears to be Barcelona’s top target—and he himself seems open to the move—the deal could still collapse if no agreement is reached with Atletico Madrid. With that in mind, the Blaugrana are reportedly evaluating alternative options.

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona view Joao Pedro as an attractive option if Alvarez cannot be signed. The forward has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, recording 19 goals and nine assists across all competitions, while also appearing on track to be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad with Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Kai Havertz has been ruled out of the UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

This Wednesday, Arsenal are set to visit Atletico Madrid for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Kai Havertz will not be available due to a physical issue, although it is not expected to jeopardize his participation with Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The forward played just 34 minutes last weekend in the Gunners’ win over Newcastle United in the Premier League before an injury forced him to be substituted for Viktor Gyokeres.

While Mikel Arteta initially said “it didn’t look too big,” it became clear in the following days that the issue would prevent Havertz from featuring in the crucial match in Madrid. “Kai is out,” the Arsenal manager confirmed during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

The good news for Arsenal is that another key attacking player—who also picked up a knock and was forced off early against Newcastle—has recovered. “Ebs is ready to go,” Arteta said about Eberechi Eze.

Havertz seeking full fitness

While Havertz’s latest issue is not considered serious beyond missing the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, it highlights a broader concern ahead of the World Cup: his struggles to maintain physical consistency.

This season, the German forward has spent more time sidelined than fully fit. A knee injury in August 2025 kept him out for 26 matches across all competitions. Upon returning in January, he alternated between matchday squads and appearances off the bench.

Those issues were compounded by a muscle injury in February that ruled him out for four more matches. The latest setback adds to that list and helps explain why Havertz has managed just 20 appearances for Arsenal this season, recording five goals and four assists.

Germany need Havertz

Arsenal’s concerns over Havertz are also shared by Germany. They have already suffered a major attacking blow with Serge Gnabry ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, while Jamal Musiala is still working his way back to full form after a lengthy absence.

In that context, a fully fit Havertz could be a key solution for head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has had limited access to the forward between 2025 and 2026. Havertz featured only twice during that span, both coming during the March international break in friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals, moving closer to a historic record.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich played an unforgettable match this Tuesday at the Parc des Princes in France. The hosts secured a dramatic 5-4 victory that gives them a slight edge heading into the UEFA Champions League second leg in Germany, while also producing a game for the history books.

With this result, PSG and Bayern matched the all-time record for most goals in a Champions League semifinal match. The only previous instance came 66 years ago, when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Rangers FC 6-3 in the second leg of the 1959–60 European Cup semifinals.

That clash between the German and Scottish sides also holds the record for the highest-scoring semifinal tie in the competition’s history. In the first leg, Eintracht Frankfurt had won 6-1, bringing the total to 16 goals across the series. That means PSG and Bayern Munich would need seven goals in the second leg at the Allianz Arena next week to match that mark.

Since the competition was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in the 1991–92 season, there had never been a semifinal matchup with this many goals. The closest examples were Liverpool FC’s 5-2 win over AS Roma in 2018 and Inter Milan’s 4-3 victory over FC Barcelona in 2025.

PSG and Bayern Munich threaten historic Barcelona record

The unforgettable spectacle between PSG and Bayern Munich not only secured their place in Champions League semifinal history, but also brought them closer to a long-standing record currently held by Barcelona.

According to stats expert Mister Chip on X, both teams are nearing the record for most goals scored in a single edition of the competition. Barcelona currently top that list, having scored 45 goals during the 1999–2000 season.

With five goals on Tuesday, PSG now sit second on that list with 43, matching the totals posted by Bayern Munich in 2019–20 and Barcelona in 2024–25. The top five is rounded out by this current Bayern side, who have scored 42 goals in this edition of the Champions League.

These figures are clearly influenced by the tournament’s current format, introduced last season, which features more matches than before and allows teams to boost their scoring totals. Even so, with the second leg still to come—and a final awaiting one of the two sides—it appears highly likely that Barcelona’s record will be broken this year.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic spoke about Luka Modric’s injury ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Luka Modric will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season with AC Milan due to a fracture of the left cheekbone that required surgery. That raised concerns for the Croatia national team given the proximity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a situation Zlatko Dalic addressed.

“I’ve been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery,” the Croatia head coach said this week, just hours after news of the midfielder’s injury broke, according to BBC Sport.

Dalic struck an optimistic tone regarding Modric’s recovery timeline: “I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll provide full support. I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer.”

Modric underwent surgery on Monday at La Madonnina Clinic in Milan, performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano’s team, with successful results. The midfielder now faces a recovery process estimated at six to eight weeks.

Modric’s timeline ahead of the 2026 World Cup

With confirmation that he will miss AC Milan’s final four matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season, Luka Modric’s recovery from cheekbone surgery is now fully focused on the Croatia national team.

By the time Dalic announces the final 26-man roster traveling to North America at the end of May, the midfielder will have completed roughly one month of recovery, providing a much clearer picture of his availability.

At that point, in a worst-case scenario, Modric would be around halfway through his recovery timeline. In a more optimistic scenario, he could already be nearing a return to training—an important factor considering that, at 40 years old, he cannot afford to spend too much time away from regular sessions.

Croatia’s road to the World Cup

Once the 26-man squad is finalized, Croatia are set to travel to North America in early June to prepare for the tournament. They will first play two final warm-up matches: against Belgium on June 2, and five days later against Slovenia.

Croatia will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against England on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what is expected to be their toughest group-stage match. They will then face Panama on June 23 and Ghana on June 27.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico have unveiled a list of 12 players.

Mexico are one of the first national teams to make an official announcement regarding the composition of their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Twelve players have been selected to begin preparations for the tournament.

This Tuesday, the Mexican Football Federation shared via its official social media accounts a list of players chosen by head coach Javier Aguirre to begin training ahead of the World Cup. May 6 has been set as the reporting date for this group, which will begin an intense five-and-a-half-week preparation period.

“On this list are 12 players from Liga MX clubs who are being considered for inclusion in the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the statement explained. “This list does not include the group of players based abroad, as they will be integrated into the final squad that will be submitted to FIFA on June 1.”

This means Liga MX clubs have agreed to release their players so that Aguirre can begin training a month earlier than what FIFA regulations require. As expected, clubs from other countries are not obligated to do the same, meaning the coach will, for now, have to work only with players competing in the domestic league.

La Selección Nacional de México informa: pic.twitter.com/uNilEAaMBv

— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) April 28, 2026

In addition, those 12 players with a chance to make the World Cup are not the only ones called up by Aguirre. “There are eight players being monitored for the next World Cup cycle to strengthen the training group ahead of the preparation matches before the World Cup,” the statement added.

Mexico’s 12-player call-up list

While the list announced by Mexico this Tuesday is not binding—meaning not all players included will necessarily be part of the final 26-man World Cup roster—it offers a clear indication of Aguirre’s plans for the national team.

Below is the full list of players called up:

• Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna)
• Defenders: Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
• Midfielders: Luis Romo (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
• Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas) and Armando Gonzalez (Chivas)

They are joined by eight young players being considered for the future of the national team: Oscar Garcia (Leon), Luis Rey (Puebla), Eduardo Aguila (San Luis), Jesus Gomez (Tijuana), Denzell Garcia (Juarez), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Jairo Torres (Juarez), and Kevin Castaneda (Tijuana).

Mexican stars playing abroad

While Aguirre’s preliminary list includes several standouts from Liga MX, a significant portion of Mexico’s top players are currently based abroad. Some of the players expected to be part of the final 26-man World Cup roster include Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah) and Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).

Santos are set to face San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana, with Neymar at the center of attention.

Next week, Santos will play a key Copa Sudamericana clash against Argentina’s San Lorenzo, a match that could prove decisive for the Brazilian side’s future in the tournament. Neymar will be part of that showdown, and his upcoming opponents have spoken about him.

“On the field, we’re all rivals, and if we have to, we’re going to go hard at him,” Jhohan Romaña said when asked about facing Ney next Tuesday, in an interview with ESPN. “We’ll prepare over the next few days. Hopefully we can rise to the occasion and come away with the win.”

From the Colombian defender’s comments, it’s clear that Neymar could be in for a physically demanding match in the Copa Sudamericana. This type of continental competition is often characterized by tough defensive play and lenient refereeing, which can work against a player of Santos’ star’s profile.

“Neymar is an extra factor, but for us the most important thing is getting the three points, which would give us a significant advantage,” said Matias Reali, another San Lorenzo player. “Of course, he’s a global star and you might ask him for a photo, but first we have to win the match.”

Santos prioritize the clash against San Lorenzo

While Santos are also competing in the Copa do Brasil and the Brazilian Serie A, their priority right now is the Copa Sudamericana. They have not started well in the competition, with one loss and one draw in their first two matches. That leaves them at the bottom of the group and in serious danger of elimination.

Given that context, Tuesday’s match is so important for the club that they decided to rest Neymar in Saturday’s league game against Bahia, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Head coach Cuca chose to go without his best player in a match that was also important, with Santos dangerously close to the relegation zone, in order to ensure he is fully fit for Tuesday.

Neymar returns to Argentina

At club level, Neymar has played in Argentina only once. It came during his first spell at Santos, when they lost 1-0 to Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires in the 2012 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. In the second leg of that tie, the Brazilian side won by the same scoreline and then advanced on penalties.

The other seven times Ney has played in Argentina have been with the Brazil national team. Four came during the 2011 Copa America held in the country, where Brazil were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Paraguay. Two others were friendlies in 2011 and 2012, while the most recent was in 2015, during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Portugal star Bruno Fernandes spoke about the goal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite never having won the FIFA World Cup, Portugal are shaping up as one of the top contenders to lift the trophy this summer in North America. Bruno Fernandes addressed that ambition and what it would mean to help Cristiano Ronaldo achieve it.

“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano winning it would be something amazing,” said Fernandes during a recent appearance on The Wayne Rooney Show, as shared by BBC.

The Manchester United midfielder then emphasized that, beyond the significance of the World Cup title itself, the achievement would also serve as recognition for Ronaldo’s career. “I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world,” Bruno said.

Wayne Rooney was, of course, part of that conversation and knows Ronaldo well from their years together at Manchester United. “I would love to see you and Cristiano win the World Cup. Go and enjoy it. Have fun. And I hope you do well,” said the England legend.

How has Bruno Fernandes performed in the World Cup?

Bruno Fernandes may be approaching his final World Cup. By 2030, he will be close to turning 36, making it uncertain whether he will still be able to compete at the highest level by then.

For that reason, the midfielder is placing significant importance on this tournament. So far, Fernandes has been part of Portugal’s squad at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. In his first World Cup, he played a limited role: he started just one match and did not feature in the team’s Round of 16 elimination against Uruguay.

In Qatar 2022, however, Bruno had already established himself as a European soccer star and played a much more prominent role. The Manchester United player started four of the five matches, including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.

Cristiano Ronaldo has one last chance

Despite being 10 years older than Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself in a similar situation regarding what the upcoming World Cup represents. At 41, it is clear that North America 2026 will be CR7’s final opportunity to win the most important title in soccer.

So far, Ronaldo’s best performance in the FIFA tournament came in his first appearance, at Germany 2006, when he reached the semifinals with Portugal before losing to France. In the following four editions, they never managed to get past the quarterfinals, and on one occasion (Brazil 2014), they were even eliminated in the group stage.

Xavi Simons was unable to finish Tottenham’s match due to a knee injury and could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Netherlands.

As the weeks go by, more and more global soccer stars are suffering injuries that put their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in doubt. In this case, concern surrounds Netherlands following the injury sustained by Xavi Simons while playing for Tottenham.

The Spurs secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton on Saturday, giving them a boost in their fight to avoid relegation in the Premier League. However, it was not all good news for the London club.

Simons was forced off in the 63rd minute and replaced by Lucas Bergvall after suffering an issue with his right knee that prevented him from continuing. The Dutch midfielder’s visible discomfort, along with Roberto De Zerbi’s comments after the match, do not bode well regarding the nature of the injury.

“I would like to know more about Xavi though because you know the knee, it’s always different to the muscles… We go to see in the next few days,” said the Italian coach when asked about Simons’ situation.

“Unfortunately, no one saw this coming. Xavi was fit and fully motivated before the game, ready to give everything to help the team win,” De Zerbi added. “He will be treated immediately by our medical team and we are confident he will come back even stronger. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Xavi Simons’ World Cup hopes in serious danger

While still awaiting official confirmation from Tottenham, early reports suggested a possible ACL injury for Xavi Simons. If that diagnosis is confirmed, both his club season and the 2026 World Cup would effectively be over.

That would represent a major blow not only for the player, but also for Netherlands. Simons has been a regular call-up under Ronald Koeman throughout the build-up to North America 2026, and he featured in both national team matches during the March international break against Norway and Ecuador.

Tottenham aim to avoid relegation

Beyond concerns over Xavi Simons’ fitness, Tottenham have reasons to celebrate this weekend. The win over Wolverhampton snapped a three-match winless streak in the Premier League and put them back in the fight for survival in the top flight.

With four matches remaining in the season, the Spurs currently sit in the relegation zone in 18th place with 34 points. However, West Ham United are only two points ahead, with 12 still available. Tottenham’s remaining fixtures are against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are facing New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.

Matchday 10 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season is underway, and Inter Miami will face New England Revolution this Saturday at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi will start, looking to lead his team to a third consecutive victory.

Since the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano, the Herons have won both matches they have played under interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos. They secured road wins over Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, which allowed them to climb the Eastern Conference standings, where they now sit in second place, one point behind Nashville SC.

This Saturday, Inter Miami face a double challenge. On one hand, they will go up against a team that has also enjoyed a strong start to the season, with five wins in eight matches, placing them third in the standings, just three points behind the Herons.

In addition to that sporting challenge against a competitive opponent, Messi’s team will also be looking to secure their first win at their new home. Since the opening of Nu Stadium, they have played two matches there — against Austin FC and New York Red Bulls — and drew both.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

For Saturday’s match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will once again be without Yannick Bright, who has been handed an additional one-match suspension by MLS for violating the league’s Non-Discrimination Policy following his red card against Colorado Rapids last week.

With that in mind, Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; David Ruiz, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame.

Confirmed New England Revolution lineup

Marko Mitrovic’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches and have won four of them, a run that has lifted them to third place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they now face a tough test against the reigning MLS champions at Nu Stadium.

New England Revolution’s confirmed lineup is: Matt Turner; Ilay Feingold, Ethan Kohler, Mamadou Fofana, Will Sands; Alhassan Yusuf, Brooklyn Raines, Peyton Miller, Carles Gil, Griffin Yow; Dor Turgeman.

The La Liga title is on the verge of being secured by Barcelona, who will soon face Real Madrid.

Barcelona are not slowing down their dominant run in La Liga and are getting closer to securing the trophy for the second consecutive year. That makes it not only likely but very possible that they could clinch the title during El Clasico against Real Madrid, which will be played in just two weeks.

This Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side secured their ninth consecutive victory in the Spanish league with a 2-0 win over Getafe, thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford. The result allowed them to extend their lead even further over Real Madrid, who had drawn 1-1 against Real Betis on Friday.

Barcelona now sit at the top of the La Liga standings with 85 points, 11 more than Real Madrid. It is a gap that is nearly impossible to overcome, with only five matches remaining in the season — meaning 15 points still up for grabs.

Under this scenario, Barcelona could be crowned Spanish champions as soon as May 3. A day earlier, they will visit Osasuna and, if they secure a win, they would hold a 14-point lead over Real Madrid. Los Blancos would then have no option but to defeat Espanyol on Sunday or they would no longer be able to catch their rivals.

A Barcelona title celebration in El Clasico is possible

If Barcelona do not manage to secure the La Liga title next weekend, the decision could be delayed by another week. That would coincide with El Clasico on Matchday 35, set to be played at Camp Nou on Sunday, May 10.

In that scenario, Barcelona would take the field knowing that a win over Real Madrid would crown them La Liga champions for the 2025-26 season. In other words, not only would they claim the title, but they could also celebrate it against their biggest rivals, adding an extra layer of significance.

Who has won more La Liga titles?

With this season’s trophy nearly secured, Barcelona are closing in on their 29th La Liga title, dating back to their first in 1929. That would keep them in second place on the all-time list, well ahead of third-place Atletico Madrid, who have 11.

However, the top spot remains firmly in Real Madrid’s hands. They are the most successful club in La Liga history with 36 titles since 1932, with the most recent coming in 2024. They also hold the record for most consecutive titles, having won five in a row on two occasions (between 1961 and 1967, and again between 1986 and 1990).

That said, recent trends have favored Barcelona. Since the start of the century, they have won half of all La Liga titles (13, including this year’s likely triumph). That run has helped them close the gap on Real Madrid, who have won nine league titles since 2000.

Manchester City are facing Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals, and Erling Haaland is not part of the starting lineup.

Manchester City have a chance this Saturday to reach another final and take a step closer to yet another title. They are facing Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley Stadium, but Erling Haaland is not in the starting XI by decision of Pep Guardiola, who opted to rest some of the squad’s key stars.

Haaland will be on the bench, waiting for his opportunity to come on in the second half if the team needs him. His usual spot at center forward this Saturday will be filled by Omar Marmoush, the other striker the Citizens have on their roster.

The starting lineup to face Southampton also does not include key players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Jeremy Doku. Instead, stars like John Stones, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are in the lineup.

The XI Pep Guardiola selected in pursuit of a place in the FA Cup final is: James Trafford; Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic; Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden; Omar Marmoush.

Lining up at Wembley 🫡

XI | Trafford, Nunes, Stones (C), Ake, Ait-Nouri, Nico, Kovacic, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Marmoush

SUBS | Donnarumma, Haaland, Doku, Guéhi, Bernardo, Savinho, O'Reilly, Khusanov, Lewis

🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/SNJkq2dAob

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 25, 2026

Southampton are looking to pull off an upset

While Manchester City are clear favorites to secure a spot in the FA Cup final, Southampton will give everything to pull off an upset and take that place in the showdown for the trophy from the Citizens.

The Saints are currently competing in the Championship, the second tier of English soccer, where they have been performing well. They sit in fifth place in the standings, just four points behind second-place Ipswich Town.

To face Manchester City, coach Tonda Eckert selected the following XI: Daniel Peretz; Welington, Nathan Wood, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Bree; Caspar Jander, Cameron Bragg, Leo Scienza, Finn Azaz, Tom Fellows; Ross Stewart.

Your YELLOWS 💛 pic.twitter.com/hjjRLMB4T2

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 25, 2026