England will head into the 2026 World Cup with several familiar stars watching from home after Thomas Tuchel left Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and other major names out of his final 26-man squad. The decision has immediately sparked debate across English soccer, with the German manager making it clear that reputation alone would not secure a place on the plane to North America.

The squad announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the national team. Tuchel has chosen a group built around intensity, balance, and tactical discipline, while also placing trust in younger players and experienced figures he believes can handle the pressure of a long tournament.

England supporters were expecting difficult decisions, but few anticipated omissions on this scale. Palmer, Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, and Luke Shaw were all left out despite their importance in previous tournaments.

Instead, Tuchel selected players such as Ivan Toney, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, and Noni Madueke, showing he values specific roles and chemistry over star power. The inclusion of Toney, who has scored 32 goals in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli, was one of the biggest surprises of the announcement.

The Three Lions’ squad still contains elite talent through Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. However, the overall shape of the group suggests Tuchel is prioritizing collective cohesion rather than assembling the most individually gifted names available.

England squad in full and how Tuchel explained the omissions

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The England manager eventually explained the thinking behind his controversial decisions, insisting the World Cup would be won through unity rather than fame. “From day one, we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players,” Tuchel said. “Teams win championships. It’s as simple as that.”

The German coach believes England’s previous generations often relied too heavily on individual brilliance, and he now wants a squad fully committed to tactical discipline and team spirit. “I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100-per-cent committed players in camp with us who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch,” he added.

Tuchel also admitted the phone calls with the omitted players were emotional. “It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult,” he explained. “I felt the emotion.”

Why Palmer and Foden missed out

The absences of Palmer and Foden have become the biggest talking point surrounding the squad. Both attacking midfielders were considered central figures for England’s future only a year ago, but inconsistent club campaigns ultimately damaged their chances.

Foden struggled to reproduce his best form for Manchester City this season, while Palmer endured an injury-hit campaign with Chelsea. Tuchel already had Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze occupying similar attacking spaces, which reduced room for additional creative midfielders.

The manager hinted that positional balance played a huge role in the final selection. “We tried to have a balanced squad and not to bring five number 10s and make them play out of position,” Tuchel said. Under previous England managers, players of Palmer and Foden’s stature might still have travelled based on talent alone. Still, the new coach clearly wants every squad member to fit a precise tactical purpose.

Harry Maguire left shocked and Ivan Toney’s surprise return

Perhaps the most emotional omission involved Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender has been a regular figure in England tournaments for years and publicly admitted he was devastated after learning he would miss out. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,” the Manchester United defender wrote on social media.

Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence all benefited from the manager’s willingness to reshape the defensive unit. It was another clear sign that Tuchel intends to move England into a different tactical cycle ahead of the tournament.

While several stars were left out, Ivan Toney earned a shock recall after his prolific season in Saudi Arabia. Tuchel openly admitted the striker’s penalty-taking ability played a major role in the decision. “He’s a world-class penalty taker,” Tuchel explained. “He ticks some boxes that we wanted.”

Toney’s composure from the spot became famous during Euro 2024, and England clearly views him as a specialist weapon for knockout soccer. With Harry Kane expected to lead the line, Toney could become a crucial late-game option if matches go to extra time or penalties.

There’s some surprise World Cup news this afternoon as legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to join the Germany squad.

The 40-year-old remains the number one goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, but has not featured for Germany since his side’s defeat to Spain two years ago at Euro 2024.

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Still, BBC Sport now report that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has recalled Neuer for this summer’s tournament, and that he’ll be the team’s number one in the tournament in North America.

Germany are so often among the favourites for the major international tournaments and a quick glance at the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds will show that they’re up there, even if not quite in that elite bracket with France, Spain, and England at the moment.

Including an experienced winner like Neuer will surely help, though, and there’s a great deal of quality elsewhere in that squad.

Germany’s World Cup 2026 squad – who’s in and who’s out?

Nagelsmann has made some interesting calls with the Germany squad, as Neuer returns and other experienced big names like Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka, Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich, and Kai Havertz are also there too.

There are notable players missing as well, though, with no space in the squad for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Niclas Fullkrug, Karim Adeyemi, or Kevin Schade.

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You can see the full World Cup group stage draw here as Germany are placed in Group E with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

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On paper at least, that looks like a decent draw for the four-time winners of this competition, who will then hope for a favourable draw in the knockout stages as they look to improve after a disappointing last few tournaments.

Germany last won the World Cup in 2014 but went out at the group stage in the following two World Cups, while they made the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but were out at the round of 16 in 2021, and the quarter-finals in 2024.

Nagelsmann’s side are in strong form going into this year’s tournament as they’re currently on a run of seven straight wins, but it’s about time they started showing what they’re capable of at the very highest level, rather than just in international friendlies and qualifying matches.

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VfB Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor said that his team will "have to go the extra mile" to beat Bayern Munich in the German Cup final on Saturday.

"We want to keep the cup in Stuttgart and we know what we're up against. Our opponents are Bayern Munich, so you have to go the extra mile. But we don't need to hide. We're really fired up," he said in a news conference on Friday.

Stuttgart are the defending champions but have lost all three matches against Bayern this season: the German Super Cup and both Bundesliga games.

Bayern have won the German Cup a record 20 times but are in the final for the first time in six years. Having won the Bundesliga they are seeking another domestic double.

"We'll need an exceptional performance. That's what we're aiming for, we need what you always need against Bayern," coach Sebastian Hoeness said.

"Whilst fully aware of who our opponents are, we're very confident, because we enjoy these matches and have drawn a sense of achievement from them. That's in us, and we'll take it with us into tomorrow's match."

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford appeared to aim a dig at the club after being called up for England’s World Cup squad.

Rashford is part of Thomas Tuchel’s side for the upcoming tournament after an impressive spell on loan at Barcelona this season, despite struggling for some time towards the end of his spell with Man Utd.

Although technically still a United player, Rashford hasn’t featured for the club since the first half of last season, as he spent the second part of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa before then leaving for another loan to Barca in the summer.

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Marcus Rashford’s Instagram dig at Manchester United

It seems Rashford really didn’t leave Old Trafford on great terms, as he has now posted on Instagram thanking his managers at Villa, Barcelona, and England, and making no mention of United at all…

Rashford has done well to turn his career around after struggling at United, so it seems he really made the right choice to leave for a new challenge.

UPDATE: Rashford has now posted again to clarify that this post wasn’t intended as a dig at United, and that he remains a fan of the club:

To make my IG story clear. It's not a dig of any sort! I'm a MU supporter, and that remains. I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months, they have played a big role in this ??????? call up.

— MR14 (@MarcusRashford) May 22, 2026

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Can Marcus Rashford shine at the 2026 World Cup?

Rashford can play out wide or up front so looks like he has the potential to be a key player for England this summer.

The 28-year-old has just won La Liga with Barcelona, contributing a total of 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

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It remains to be seen if he’ll stay at the Nou Camp permanently, but he looks back to his best and fully deserving of a place in the England squad.

While it’s perhaps not guaranteed, it seems likely that Rashford will be in Tuchel’s starting line up for most games, playing on the left of a front three alongside Harry Kane as the central striker, and Bukayo Saka on the right.

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Former Germany coach Joachim Löw has fully backed getting veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer out of international retirement to play at the upcoming World Cup.

Bayern Munich's Neuer, 40, was called up into the German Cup squad on Thursday by coach Julian Nageslmann for the June 11-July 19 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Neuer will be first choice ahead of Oliver Baumann who played in all six qualifiers and two March friendlies.

"Oliver Baumann is has done a good job. But Manuel is of course a personality. A coach decides based on quality but also based on team dynamics," Löw said on Friday at the Bild 100 Sport event in Berlin.

"Manu knows tournaments, he has experience. Therefore it is a very, very good decision."

Löw coached Germany 2006-2021. Neuer earned his first cap in 2009 and was made first choice just before the 2010 World Cup when René Adler suffered a rib injury.

Neuer retired from the national team after Euro 2024 and the upcoming World Cup will be his ninth major tournament. He has 124 caps and won the World Cup in 2024.

Neuer was always first choice under Löw, even at the 2018 World Cup for which he returned after months of injury.

Long-time deputy Marc-André ter Stegen was made first choice in 2024 but will miss the World Cup due to a latest injury. That gave Baumann a chance to play but also ultimately led to Neuer's return.

Löw acknowledged that it is "a difficult situation" for Baumann but added that "the coach has to responsibility" and "makes the decisions."

The ex-coach defended Nagelsmann from communication deficits on the issue and hopes that the team will deliver at the World Cup after group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

"We hope that it will be a good tournament and that there will be a special connection between the team and the fans, like in 2014 and in 2006 (at the home World Cup)," he said.

Löw also backed Nagelsmann's decision to nominate Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and Galatasaray forward Leroy Sané into the 126-player squad, despite Rüdiger's temper and Sanè modest club season.

Today’s major World Cup news has broken as England manager Thomas Tuchel has officially announced his squad for the upcoming tournament in North America.

As expected, one big name to be left out is Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, as had previously been reported by BBC Sport ahead of the official confirmation.

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The 33-year-old posted to social media last night to express his surprise and disappointment at Tuchel’s decision, while his mother Zoe also put out a post on X saying she was “disgusted”.

See below for the full official England squad that will be heading to this summer’s World Cup…

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Why did Harry Maguire miss out on England squad?

According to the Times, there could be multiple reasons for Maguire ultimately failing to make the England squad, with one of them tactical, and the other to do with his mentality.

The report suggests Tuchel wants to play a high line with more ‘mobile’ defenders, so it’s probably fair to say that Maguire wouldn’t be the best fit for that kind of system, though some might argue that he’d still have an important role to play off the field, even if he didn’t make it into the starting XI.

Another issue is supposedly the player’s ego, according to the Times, with the reaction of Maguire and his family perhaps illustrating precisely why there are some question-marks over his character.

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Will England regret snubs for Palmer and Foden?

England will also be without some big names in Cole Palmer and Phil Foden this summer – two elite talents capable of influencing the biggest games.

And yet, you could probably just about argue that they don’t deserve to be included based on their recent form, even if it’s a gamble that could really backfire if the Three Lions look like lacking spark in the final third.

Arguably more surprising are snubs for in-form players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton, whilst old favourites like Jordan Henderson continue to make it in.

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Arsenal’s Noni Madueke is also one of the more surprising inclusions after a pretty underwhelming season at the Emirates Stadium, so it seems perhaps hard to justify him being in there ahead of Palmer and Foden, even if they haven’t been at their best.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also missed out, having suffered a dip in form since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly expected to miss out on a place in England’s squad for the World Cup 2026 this summer.

The 27-year-old left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer after running down his contract, and it increasingly looks like he made a mistake to seek a move away from Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold was a beloved star player at Liverpool after rising up through the club’s academy, but things haven’t quite gone to plan for him with an underwhelming trophyless campaign at the Bernabeu this term.

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And now, it seems Trent is set to be dealt the further blow of missing out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, according to Paul Joyce…

Trent Alexander Arnold expected to be left out of England squad

— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) May 22, 2026

“Trent Alexander Arnold expected to be left out of England squad,” Joyce posted on X this morning.

This would have been unthinkable a few years ago, with Alexander-Arnold arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the country, but this is now what we’re expected to hear when the squad is officially announced later on this morning.

Other England World Cup squad news

According to BBC Sport, a few other big names also look set to be snubbed by Tuchel this morning.

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reported to be out of the squad, as well as experienced defender Harry Maguire.

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In-form Premier League midfield duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton are also said to have missed out on selection.

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The BBC posted the below as the squad they’re expecting to see announced today:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has posted on X to express his disappointment and surprise at not making England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The 33-year-old has been a key player for his country down the years, winning a total of 66 caps between 2017 and 2026, and representing the team at two other World Cups, as well as two European Championships.

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Still, it now looks like Maguire will not be involved this summer as BBC Sport have received some leaked information on Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of today’s official announcement.

Maguire is not the only big name who’ll be missing out, with the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer also not making it in, but the Man United star has released a statement making it clear how unhappy he is with the decision.

Harry Maguire’s statement on England World Cup snub

Posting to his official account on X, Maguire said: “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.

I wish the players, all the… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026

“I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer.”

Maguire has had his ups and downs over the years, but this somewhat surprising World Cup snub comes after the player’s return to form for the Red Devils this season.

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The former Leicester City man recently signed a new contract with Man Utd, as confirmed on their official site, having well and truly earned another chance to show how important he can be at Old Trafford.

It will be interesting to see how this summer’s tournament goes for England and if Tuchel ends up living to regret this decision.

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England’s World Cup squad – who’s in and who’s out?

While we’re still awaiting the final confirmed squad, BBC Sport have clearly received some information ahead of the announcement.

There are some big calls by Tuchel, and a lot of fans are likely to be left slightly baffled and frustrated by a few of these decisions.

Who’s in?

While there’s no room for Maguire, it’s thought that John Stones is likely to be in despite injuries and reduced playing time for Manchester City recently. Jordan Henderson is also expected to keep his place, while Noni Madueke should also be in despite a pretty underwhelming season for Arsenal. Others like Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Burn, Eberechi Eze, and Nico O’Reilly are also likely to be in, while we can of course expect England regulars such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice to be there.

Who’s out?

As mentioned, there’s no room for Maguire, Foden, or Palmer. Another Man United player expected to miss out is Luke Shaw, while other high-profile defenders unlikely to make it are Fikayo Tomori and Levi Colwill. Other slightly surprising omissions include in-form midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton.

England’s expected World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

England have been drawn in Group L alongside Ghana, Panama, and Croatia.

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The 2026 World Cup will finally give Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard the chance to represent his country against the best teams in the world as Norway manager Stale Solbakken announced the 26 players looking to make history.

After some frustrating qualifying campaigns in the past kept them out, Norway are back in the tournament for the first time since 1998. The expansion to 48 teams helped, but they also had an excellent run to earn their place.

Their European qualifying group included a major name like Italy, who were clearly outplayed by Norway before being eliminated in the playoffs. This team could be a dangerous one with Haaland not alone, as he is also joined by Alexander Sorloth.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford) and Sander Tangvik (Hamburg)

Defenders: Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer (Brentford), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Henrik Falchener (Viking), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Leo Ostigard (Genoa)

Midfielders: Thelonious Aasgaard (Rangers), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Sander Berge (Fulham), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Forwards: Erling Braut Haaland (Manchester City), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace) and Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid)

The group

Norway did not get an easy draw as they were placed in Group I, where they are set to face Iraq on June 16, Senegal on June 22 and France on June 26.

Ousmane Dembélé may be focused only on his next match as Paris Saint-Germain could become Champions League winners again in a clash against Arsenal in Hungary. However, the forward also discussed the trio of him, Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise that France could use at the World Cup in an interview with RMC Sport.

Dembélé said: “We try to communicate a lot, to change positions. Against Brazil and Colombia, we changed positions a lot with pretty much everyone and I think it worked well. It also creates a bit of chaos in opposing defenses. You have Mbappé one minute, two minutes later you have Olise.”

While he emerged as a winger early in his career, Dembélé has become a feared central attacker after Luis Enrique changed his role. This was connected to the improvement in his performances that led not only to team success but also Ballon d’Or consideration.

Dembélé on his favorite role

His rise as a dynamic winger at Borussia Dortmund attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world. His ability to play equally well with either foot gave him the dangerous skill set needed to perform on both wings.

Even if the positional switch proposed by Luis Enrique may not have been fully accepted at first, it is now clear that it was the best move for him because he also contributes more without the ball than before, while the freedom to move became his favorite part of the change.

Dembélé said: “Whether it’s Michael or me, Didier Deschamps tells us a lot to change positions, not to stay confined to either the right or the center. And then I try to show my qualities, whether on the right wing, which I know well, or in the center as well. But yes, it’s especially during this last year that I’ve had much more freedom with the national team.”

Dembélé on being a leader

For the forward, the most important change in his career may be becoming one of the older players in the squad after spending most of his career as the young talent. This became evident in a rebuilding Paris Saint-Germain side that signed him from Barcelona after an unstable spell there. It was Luis Enrique who convinced him to become a leader.

Dembélé said: “I try, on every ball and every match, to give the best of myself, to try to improve every ball I have, to set an example. These last two years, it has worked for me. The coach talked to me and told me that I had an important role for the team: to set an example, whether to the older or the younger players.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is putting the final touches on his preparation for the 2026 World Cup—a tournament that will in all likelihood be the swansong of his legendary international career. Fortuitously for Portugal, their captain enters the grand stage in excellent form, fresh off leading Al Nassr to the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League title.

The Portuguese icon was the undisputed star of the show in the final matchday’s 4-1 thrashing of Damac. Ronaldo scored a vital brace to emphatically snap a grueling three-year and four-month wait to lift his first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia.

From an individual standpoint, it was another stellar campaign for Ronaldo. He finished as the club’s top marksman, bagging 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

While he didn’t quite replicate the absurdly high volume of his previous two seasons—where he racked up 35 and 44 goals, respectively—the veteran forward remained incredibly lethal, maintaining an elite average of 0.81 goals per game.

While he ultimately steered his side to domestic league glory, Ronaldo finished third in the Saudi Pro League’s Golden Boot race. His 28 league goals placed him just behind Ivan Toney (30 goals) and the eventual winner, Julian Quiñones (33 goals), narrowly missing out on claiming the award for a third consecutive season.

Continental heartbreak remains a blemish

Despite the domestic triumph, a massive thorn in Cristiano’s side will undoubtedly be his inability to secure continental glory with Al Nassr. After failing to conquer the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons—the latter of which ended in a painful semifinal exit—Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to claim the AFC Champions League Two crown this term.

Al Nassr mounted a spectacular campaign, entering the final against Gamba Osaka on the back of a perfect winning streak. However, the Japanese side pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset right in front of the Alawwal Park faithful, leaving Ronaldo empty-handed on the international club stage once again.

Final preparations for the 2026 World Cup

With the mission of securing his first official Middle Eastern trophy finally accomplished, Cristiano’s focus now shifts entirely to the Portuguese national team and his impending historic run in North America.

The forward arrives with excellent match sharpness under his belt, having featured in 37 matches across all fronts. He missed just four games all season (two with Al Nassr and two international friendlies with Portugal) due to a hamstring injury, while he also missed seven games during the initial stages of the AFC Champions League Two after manager Jorge Jesus opted to rest him.

Ronaldo seeking the ultimate international glory

There is absolutely no doubt that Cristiano will touch down in North America with a singular, driving obsession: leading Portugal to the first World Cup title in the nation’s history. This would far from be the first major honor he has brought to his country.

Under his leadership, Portugal first claimed Euro 2016 by defeating host nation France in the final, followed by UEFA Nations League triumphs in both 2019 and 2025, overcoming the Netherlands and Spain, respectively. Now, Ronaldo chases the elusive, final piece of his immortal trophy cabinet—a crowning achievement that Portugal would never, ever forget.

Zohran Mamdani provides $50 World Cup tickets through lottery appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new World Cup ticket initiative Thursday that could give local residents a rare affordable path into one of sports’ biggest events.

The program will offer 1,000 tickets for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium for just $50 each through a public lottery, TheGuardian reports. The price also includes round-trip bus transportation for fans traveling from New York City.

Mamdani introduced the plan in Harlem’s Little Senegal neighborhood alongside community leaders and U.S. men’s national team players Tim Weah and Mark McKenzie, both New York natives.

The discounted tickets will apply to seven matches, excluding the World Cup final. Fans selected through the lottery can purchase up to two non-transferable tickets.

Lottery Includes Brazil, England, France Matches

The eligible games include Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13, France vs. Senegal on June 16, Norway vs. Senegal on June 22, Ecuador vs. Germany on June 25, and Panama vs. England on June 27.

A Round of 32 match on June 30 and a Round of 16 game on July 5 are also included in the initiative.

Officials said the seats will sit in the upper bowl of the 82,000-seat stadium. The lottery opens May 25 at 10 a.m. ET and closes May 30 at 5 p.m. ET, with a cap of 50,000 entries per day.

The initiative also separates New York from other 2026 host cities. No other host city has publicly launched a resident-focused ticket access program for the tournament so far.

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Neymar Jr. has managed to secure a place in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite serious doubts surrounding his physical condition, head coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff decided to trust his veteran leadership and experience. However, Neymar is dealing with calf problems at Santos. Because of this, he could reportedly miss the friendlies, as there is a dilemma regarding the true state of his injury.

According to Pedro Ivo Almeida via ESPN Brazil, Neymar has edema in the calf of his right leg. Because of this, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Santos FC have two different perspectives regarding the severity of the injury. While Brazil consider that he will not be available for the debut on May 31, Santos believe that he could be ready to play on May 26 in the Copa Sudamericana.

Despite these differences, the CBF are not considering removing the 34-year-old star from the 26-man squad, as they expect him to recover in the coming weeks. However, they are already planning a specific recovery program for the first days of training camp, making his presence against Panama and Egypt highly doubtful. Because of this, both parties have decided to wait for the final report on May 27 before making a decision regarding his availability.

In case that that Neymar fails to recover for the 2026 World Cup debut, head coach Carlo Ancelotti could decide to leave him out of the final list. With his presence in the friendly games in doubt, the 34-year-old star is expected to have a specific workout plan to boost his fitness. The CBF and Santos FC remain positive about the evolution of his physical condition, so no additional scenarios are being planned yet.

Joao Pedro could still replace Neymar for Brazil at 2026 World Cup

Throughout the last few months, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar, nor any other player, would receive special treatment. With this in mind, the 34-year-old star could be left out if he does not arrive in full condition for Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. In that case, João Pedro would have every chance of entering the Canarinha’s final 26-man list, as he has been part of the national team process in previous matches.

After leaving João out of the final squad list, Carlo Ancelotti revealed: “Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list,” he said at the press conference. With his great versatility, the 24-year-old star could cover the attacking midfielder role, both wings, and the striker position. Because of this, Neymar’s potential absence due to his calf injury opens the doors to the national team.

England boss Thomas Tuchel is preparing to name an eye-catching World Cup squad on Friday, with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer seemingly set to miss the tournament along with “shocked and gutted” Harry Maguire.

The German coach will confirm his 26-strong group for this summer’s shot at glory in North America at around 10am (0900 GMT) and made calls to a variety of players the previous day.

Foden and Palmer are widely reported to be among those missing out due to below-par seasons and England’s competition in attacking midfield, with in-form Morgan Gibbs-White another said to be left out.

Those developments were among those that dropped steadily from late Thursday afternoon into the evening – a far cry from recent tournament selections under Sir Gareth Southgate.

Quite what will be left to confirm remains to be seen, with Maguire taking to social media to express annoyance at being left out having earned a first call-up under Tuchel in March and played both friendlies.

“I was confident I could of (sic) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” the experienced defender posted on Instagram.

“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”

“I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer.”

Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is another to miss out on the World Cup, but Tuchel has overlooked him ever since taking charge.

There is apparently better news for Kobbie Mainoo, who is expected to be included along with the likes of Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins and, most surprisingly, Ivan Toney.

Watkins has been in outstanding form for Aston Villa since missing out on March’s meet-up, when Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke were trialled as Harry Kane’s back-ups.

Al-Ahli striker Toney has made one late substitute appearance under Tuchel and not been selected since that camp last June.

The decisions have been met by surprise and no little intrigue from outsiders and those inside the game, but questions still remain over certain areas.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a high-profile absentee and could benefit from Ben White’s season-ending injury, although Tuchel said in November that the Real Madrid right-back was behind Jarell Quansah.

The England boss has sought reassurance over the fitness of Tino Livramento, who has been out for a month with a thigh injury. Newcastle team-mate Lewis Hall is reportedly not in the squad.

Tuchel has checked on Levi Colwill’s progress following his promising return to action this month having undergone surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury in August.

It could prove too much too soon for the Chelsea defender, while John Stones will be hoping for positive news as Tuchel said he had “a lot of credit in the bank” despite his limited game time at club level.

Dan Burn looks set to be included along with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, while Trevoh Chalobah has been fighting for a spot.

The Football Association has to submit a 26-man squad to FIFA on May 31 but can make changes to outfield players for medical reasons up until 24 hours before the Group L opener against Croatia on June 17.

Only goalkeepers can be changed after this point. Brighton’s Jason Steele is set to travel as a training goalkeeper – a role filled by Tom Heaton at Euro 2024.

Mexico will kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the team faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11. With that objective in mind, Javier Aguirre is putting the finishing touches on the roster, with only a few remaining doubts about who will make the squad.

According to TV Azteca reporter David Medrano, the head coach has already settled on 24 of the 26 players who will represent Mexico at North America 2026. One of the remaining spots is expected to go to a defender, either a full-back or a center back, while the other will likely be filled by an attacking midfielder or forward.

The national team insider reviewed the list of players competing for those final two spots in Aguirre’s plans: Luis Chavez, Richard Ledezma, Julian Araujo, German Berterame, Jesus Angulo, and Everardo Lopez.

Among them, the most experienced player at the international level is Luis Chavez, who was part of Mexico’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and played a major role under Gerardo Martino. However, a serious knee injury suffered during the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup kept him sidelined until March of this year, when he returned to action with Dinamo Moscow.

Meanwhile, the other attacking player on that short list is German Berterame, who has gradually found strong form with Inter Miami in MLS. In the defensive battle, Everardo Lopez and Richard Ledezma appear to have the edge after seeing extensive playing time under Aguirre in recent months.

Mexico players with spots nearly secured for the World Cup

Beyond those two reportedly contested spots, Javier Aguirre appears to have a clear picture of the 24 players expected to form the core of Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reporter David Medrano, these are the players whose spots are nearly secured:

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo

Defenders: Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Alvaro Fidalgo, Obed Vargas, Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda

Forwards: Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez, Julian Quinones, Armando Gonzalez, Guillermo Martinez

What’s next for Mexico?

This Friday, Mexico will play one of its final warmup matches before the World Cup against Ghana, followed by another friendly against Australia on May 30. After that match, Javier Aguirre is expected to finalize the 26-man roster, considering FIFA’s deadline is June 1. Mexico’s final match before the World Cup will be against Serbia on Thursday, June 4.

Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is fresh off capturing the UEFA Europa League title following Aston Villa’s commanding 3-0 victory over Freiburg, a match where he shockingly admitted to playing with a broken finger. However, what initially threatened to become a major crisis for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup appears to be a false alarm.

According to ESPN Argentina national team insider Gustavo Yarroch, Martinez will undergo further medical scans on his hand, but the finger injury will not sideline the goalkeeper or impede his ability to play.

Consequently, Martinez is expected to feature without issue in Aston Villa’s final Premier League match of the season away against Manchester City. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be fully available for Argentina’s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies and the marquee tournament in North America.

Following the Europa League trophy celebration, Martinez confessed that he actually broke his finger during the pre-match warm-ups. Defying the pain, the Argentine played the full 90 minutes between the posts for Villa, proving crucial in securing the continental silverware.

Scaloni reportedly considering extra goalkeeper for World Cup squad

While Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to officially unveil his provisional roster for the 2026 World Cup, Martinez’s spot as the undisputed starting goalkeeper is set in stone. Nevertheless, ESPN reports suggest that the manager is considering bringing a fourth goalkeeper along with the delegation.

The player in question is River Plate’s Santiago Beltran, who has showcased remarkable composure and consistency since being promoted to the first team—a rare feat for such a young keeper. In 24 appearances, the 21-year-old prospect has conceded just 15 goals while racking up 12 clean sheets, guiding his team to 15 wins, four draws, and five losses.

Crucially, Scaloni’s intention is to call up Beltran primarily as a training partner to work alongside the senior squad throughout the World Cup campaign, effectively serving as the 27th member of the delegation.

Under official FIFA regulations, final tournament rosters are strictly capped at 26 players, meaning Beltran would only be eligible to enter the official matchday squad if one of the three primary goalkeepers suffers a tournament-ending injury.

Thomas Tuchel has yet to formally announce the 26-player squad that will represent England at the 2026 World Cup in North America, but the culling process has already begun. One of the most surprising names on the chopping block is Harry Maguire, whose exclusion has caught many off guard ahead of the tournament in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The official squad announcement is scheduled for Friday, May 22, but Tuchel has been quietly delivering the difficult news to those who will not be making the trip. The report of Maguire’s omission was first broken by talkSport‘s Alex Crook and subsequently confirmed by the Manchester United defender himself.

In a statement posted to his social media, Maguire made his feelings clear: “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer.“

Since Tuchel took charge of the Three Lions at the start of 2025, Maguire was initially unavailable due to a calf injury, and once fit, he went on to miss eight additional international fixtures before finally working his way back into contention during the March break.

He played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay before making a brief seven-minute appearance in the shocking 1-0 defeat to Japan. Those cameos marked his first appearances for England since September 2024 under interim manager Lee Carsley, but they were not enough to persuade Tuchel to include him in the World Cup plans.

Since his debut against Lithuania in October 2017, Maguire accumulated 66 international appearances, contributing seven goals and two assists, and was part of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semifinal and finished runners-up at Euro 2020. Now 33, and likely to be 35 by the time Euro 2028 comes around, his international career may well have reached its end.

Who will take Maguire’s place in the squad?

With Maguire out of the picture, attention turns to who will cover the center back positions for England at the tournament. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Manchester City’s Marc Guéhi are expected to be Tuchel’s two first-choice starters in that department, leaving limited room for additional options.

Dan Burn has also been a regular in Tuchel’s setups and is widely expected to make the final squad. Meanwhile, the status of John Stones remains uncertain, and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is also believed to be in contention for a place despite dealing with injury issues this season, according to talkSport.

Senegal surprised many after unveiling a 28-player squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup rather than immediately naming the standard 26-man final roster. The announcement sparked questions across the soccer world, especially with several major nations already beginning to finalize their tournament plans for the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Lions of Teranga are preparing for another important World Cup campaign under head coach Pape Thiaw, and the squad list has already generated discussion about possible tactical decisions, late cuts, and emerging talents hoping to secure a place on the plane to North America. However, according to the BBC, the 28-player list is not the country’s official final squad but rather a provisional selection ahead of FIFA’s submission deadline.

Under FIFA regulations, national teams are permitted to announce preliminary groups before reducing them to the official tournament limit. In fact, federations can initially register significantly larger pools before confirming the final 26-player roster required for the competition.

That flexibility has allowed Senegal to take extra players into training camp while the coaching staff continues evaluating fitness levels, tactical balance, and overall squad chemistry. The final decision must still be made before the official FIFA deadline in early June. “Thiaw will have to trim his squad to the FIFA-mandated 26 players ahead of the final deadline on 2 June,” BBC’s report explained.

Why Senegal wanted extra players

The decision to include two additional players gives the coaching staff more room to assess the squad during preparations. Senegal is expected to use training sessions and friendly matches to determine which players are fully ready for the tournament. “The extra two players give the coaching staff a buffer to assess player fitness, tactical cohesion, and form during the preparatory training camp and initial friendly matches,” the BBC added.

This approach is especially important ahead of a long and demanding competition. Injuries, fatigue from club soccer, and travel schedules all play a role when national teams prepare for a World Cup tournament expected to last from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded roster also protects Senegal in case any late injury concerns emerge before the official submission deadline. Rather than scrambling for replacements at the last minute, the staff already has additional players integrated into camp.

Two players will eventually miss out

Although the announcement created excitement, it also means that difficult decisions are approaching. Senegal must reduce the group from 28 players down to the final 26-man squad before the tournament officially begins. For the players involved, the coming weeks will carry enormous pressure. Every training session, friendly match, and tactical exercise could influence the coaching staff’s final judgment.

The nation’s preparation schedule also explains why the national team preferred to keep a larger group together for the early stages of camp. The Teranga Lions are set to play important pre-tournament friendlies before finalizing the roster.

Senegal will face the United States on May 31 before taking on Saudi Arabia on June 10. Those matches are expected to provide valuable tactical insight for Thiaw and his coaching staff ahead of the World Cup opener.

Once the final squad is confirmed, Senegal will turn full attention toward a challenging Group I campaign. The African giant has been drawn alongside France, Norway, and Iraq, creating one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

With the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over 20 days away, many national teams have already announced their final squads for the trip to North America. Morocco unveiled a roster for its pre-tournament training camp, but stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Yassine Bounou were not included.

“Mohammed Ouahbi calls up a group of players for a preparatory training camp ahead of the final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad announcement,” Morocco shared Thursday in a post on its official X account.

That roster is not binding for the World Cup, and it consists of 28 players who are already available to join the national team and begin training at the Mohammed VI Complex between May 22 and May 26. The coaching staff intends to use those days to evaluate players and make final decisions before selecting the 26-man roster for the tournament.

The players called up by Ouahbi currently play for clubs in Morocco or in countries where league seasons have already ended. That includes France’s Ligue 1, where players such as Gomis Ibrahim (Olympique Marseille), Ait Boudlal Abdelhamid (Stade Rennais), and Bouaddi Ayyoud (Lille) are based.

Hakimi and Morocco’s other stars

Unlike Ligue 1, which has already concluded its 2025-26 season, and other leagues such as the Netherlands’ Eredivisie or the Super League Greece, which are in the final stages of their playoffs, several European leagues still have matches remaining. That makes it impossible for players to leave early and join their respective national teams.

In Morocco’s case, that situation affects several of the squad’s biggest stars. La Liga will play Matchday 38 this weekend, after which Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Abde Ezzalzouli and Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), and Azzedine Ounahi (Girona) will become available. The same applies in Italy with AS Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui and in the Premier League with Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui.

Bono will play his final match of the season with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday. Hakimi, meanwhile, has already finished his Ligue 1 campaign, but he still has the UEFA Champions League final ahead with Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal. As a result, he will not be able to join Morocco’s training camp until after May 30.

Morocco aiming to make history again

At Qatar 2022, Morocco became the best-performing African national team in World Cup history by reaching the semifinals. The team lost to France there before finishing fourth after a defeat against Croatia.

Now Morocco face the challenge of matching or improving that achievement. As part of Group C, the team will open its North America 2026 campaign against Brazil on Saturday, June 13, before facing Scotland and Haiti.

Germany has officially unveiled its squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Manuel Neuer making a stunning return to the national team under Julian Nagelsmann, while Serge Gnabry misses the tournament through injury after suffering a major setback late in the season. The announcement immediately sparked debate across the country as Die Mannschaft prepares for another attempt to restore its place among soccer’s elite after difficult recent World Cup campaigns.

For months, uncertainty surrounded Neuer’s international future after the veteran goalkeeper stepped away following Euro 2024. Yet Nagelsmann ultimately decided that experience, leadership, and composure on the biggest stage were too valuable to ignore ahead of a tournament that could define the next chapter of German soccer.

The biggest revelation from the squad announcement was undoubtedly Neuer’s comeback at the age of 40. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had repeatedly insisted his international retirement was final, even describing the decision earlier this year as “set in stone.”

That position changed after discussions with Nagelsmann, who made it clear he wanted the veteran back between the posts for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “After many discussions, we understood that the three best goalkeepers in Germany should be at the World Cup. That’s why we spoke with Manuel, and he agreed to return. We plan with him as number 1,” the manager explained.

The decision came at a cost for Oliver Baumann, who had expected to remain the DFB-Team’s first-choice goalkeeper after featuring heavily during qualifying. Nagelsmann openly admitted the situation was difficult for the Hoffenheim keeper, describing Neuer’s return as “a blow” for Baumann after months of believing the role belonged to him.

Germany finally reveals the full squad

As anticipation built around Neuer’s comeback, attention soon shifted toward the rest of Germany’s final selection for the tournament. Nagelsmann eventually confirmed a squad packed with Bundesliga experience, Premier League quality, and several emerging talents viewed as the future of the national team.

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund)

One notable absentee remains Gnabry, whose season-ending injury following Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid ruled him out of contention. His absence leaves Germany without one of its most dangerous wide attackers during a tournament where attacking depth could become decisive.

Germany searching for redemption

Germany enters the World Cup under enormous pressure after consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the national team has struggled to match expectations on the world stage.

Nagelsmann knows expectations remain high despite the recent disappointments. “I think we’re well prepared,” the German coach said. “We need to let our actions do the talking. That is why I’m glad that things are finally about to get underway.”

The national team opens its campaign against Curacao before later facing the Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E. Warm-up matches against Finland and the United States are expected to help finalize tactical details before the tournament officially begins.

Sadio Mane is once again set to lead Senegal onto soccer’s biggest stage, and the announcement of the nation’s latest World Cup squad has immediately placed rivals on alert. With Kylian Mbappe’s France and Erling Haaland’s Norway preparing for a difficult Group I, Senegal’s latest selection has already generated excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Lions of Teranga head into the tournament carrying high expectations after unveiling a squad packed with experience, youth, and attacking quality. While much of the early focus has centered around Mane’s leadership, the depth throughout the squad suggests Senegal believes it can challenge some of the biggest nations in world soccer.

According to the Senegal Football Federation (FSF), head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has retained the core of the side that has represented the nation during recent international tournaments. The squad includes several familiar stars who helped establish Senegal as one of Africa’s elite national teams over the last decade.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, and Mane all return, giving the team a strong spine filled with leadership and tournament experience. At the same time, the nation continues to invest heavily in younger players capable of taking the national team into a new era. Talents such as Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Assane Diao are expected to play important roles during the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Senegal finally reveals the full squad

Even with Senegal introducing younger players, Mane remains the emotional and tactical centerpiece of the squad. The 34-year-old continues to carry enormous influence both on and off the pitch. The tournament also carries added meaning for the former Liverpool star after he missed the 2022 World Cup through injury.

His return gives the team an experienced forward capable of delivering in major moments. While the introduction surrounding the squad announcement focused heavily on the Al-Nassr star, the complete list revealed an impressive collection of talent spread across every department of the pitch.

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre AC), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Ismaïl Jakobs (Galatasaray), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)

Group that has Europe watching

Senegal’s placement in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq immediately turned attention toward what could become one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. France enters the World Cup as one of the favorites with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the attack, while Norway will rely heavily on Haaland’s firepower.

That combination makes Senegal’s squad announcement even more significant. The African giant clearly believes they possess enough quality to challenge both European sides and potentially advance deep into the knockout rounds.

Their opening match against France on June 16 in New Jersey already carries huge emotional significance. The fixture revives memories of Senegal’s famous 1-0 victory over the reigning world champion during the 2002 World Cup, one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been confirmed in Portugal‘s official 2026 World Cup squad at 41 years of age, and head coach Roberto Martinez has moved to dismiss any talk of the legendary forward receiving preferential treatment.

On Tuesday, Martinez held a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras to unveil a 27-player list for the upcoming tournament, the extra spot accounting for a backup goalkeeper in case of injury. The spotlight, however, fell squarely on Ronaldo, who is now set to appear at his sixth World Cup, a record he is expected to share with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa.

When asked directly about managing a 41-year-old Ronaldo during the tournament, Martínez was measured and clear in his response. “The management will be handled very naturally. We already have plenty of data; we are talking about nearly 40 matches together. Ronaldo is our captain. He faces the same demands as the other players and the same competitiveness to be in the national team,” the Spanish coach said.

Martínez also made a point of emphasizing Ronaldo’s value beyond his performances on the pitch. “He is an exemplary captain. He was highly important for us in winning the Nations League, and now we want that same level of responsibility and example inside the locker room,” he added.

It is worth noting that despite being in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the top scorer under Roberto Martinez’s watch with Portugal. Across the 38 games Martinez has overseen, the Selecao have scored 109 goals, with Ronaldo contributing 25 of them in 30 appearances, nearly a quarter of the total, having sat out eight games for various reasons.

What’s next for Portugal?

Martinez announced that Portugal’s World Cup training camp will begin on June 1, with all players granted at least seven days of rest before reporting for duty at the Cidade do Futebol. The PSG contingent of Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos, who are set to feature in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30th, will miss the start of the camp.

Portugal will play two preparatory friendlies during the early June window, the first against Chile on the 6th and the second against Nigeria on the 10th, both to be held on home soil before the squad departs for North America.

Drawn into Group K, Portugal will be based in Palm Beach, Florida, opening their World Cup campaign on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston. They will then face debutants Uzbekistan on June 23 before closing out the group stage against Colombia on June 27.

Luis de la Fuente has led Spain very well since taking over, capped by a brilliant Euro title. The next challenge is even bigger, but he already has most of the squad sorted out. Monday is when he will announce the World Cup list, which could still include a surprise, as he told former player Mario Suárez on his podcast.

De la Fuente said: “The group of players is set. It’s possible I’ll call up a player who hasn’t been here before. The goalkeeper is decided. I could even tell you the lineup. There will be three goalkeepers, not four.”

While the manager did not name that player, one name that has recently gained a lot of attention is Gavi, who has been excellent for Barcelona: “We haven’t given him anything. He has earned it himself after overcoming two very serious injuries. He is in a very good moment. When he is not there, he is a player you really miss.”

De la Fuente on Dani Carvajal

A major name that was left out of the list was Dani Carvajal. The right back was outstanding for Real Madrid two years ago and even scored in the Champions League final, but after his knee injury in October 2023, he has not been able to repeat that level.

This time may not be ideal for Carvajal, as he will not make the squad, not because his performances have not been good enough, but due to a recent injury that has put his fitness in doubt in doubt and he has missed time while trying to get back in shape.

De la Fuente all but confirmed that Carvajal was not going to be back in time after suffering a fracture of the distal phalanx of the fifth toe: “He is a great captain, but it was difficult for him to be in condition to play.”

De la Fuente on his hardest decision

The coach also reflected on his career. De la Fuente said leaving a major name out of the team was the hardest decision he has made since becoming Spain’s national team coach: “The hardest decision since I became national team coach was not calling up Sergio Ramos.”

Neymar and Lionel Messi forged one of the most celebrated friendships in modern soccer during their time together at FC Barcelona. With Neymar already on record saying he dreams of facing Messi in a 2026 World Cup final between Brazil and Argentina, the Santos star has opened up about the bond that has endured long after their days as teammates.

Alongside Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar formed one of the most lethal attacking trios the game has ever seen, and the Argentine and Brazilian later had a brief reunion at PSG. Beyond the pitch, life has placed the two legends on opposite sides on the biggest stages, including with a trophy directly on the line.

One of those moments came in the 2021 Copa America final, where after Messi finally captured his first major international honor with Argentina, Neymar sought him out on the field and embraced both Messi and Leandro Paredes, despite being visibly heartbroken. “Messi and Paredes are phenomenal guys and people off the pitch. As much as they are Argentine, and therefore rivals of Brazil by nature, they became friends. We found a bit of happiness within the chaos of all that,” Neymar said in a conversation on CONMEBOL’s official website.

The match carried a particularly heavy emotional weight for Neymar, who had missed Brazil‘s 2019 Copa América triumph through injury and was carrying the burden of leading the hosts at the Maracana in a final they desperately wanted to win. “Regardless of the shirt you wear or the country you are from, everyone is a human being; everyone has feelings, joys, and they are friends,” he reflected on the conversation he had with the Argentines on a staircase at the Maracana.

Perhaps no image captured that moment more powerfully than the photograph of both players embracing on the field, one overcome with joy, the other with grief. The picture sparked some debate over whether the timing was appropriate given the circumstances, but it was also widely received as a genuine reflection of the friendship between two of the game’s all-time greats.

Addressing the significance of that image, Neymar offered a thoughtful reflection on what it means to him. “Messi is the number one in football, and I have my own space in the game. This photo means a lot because of that: it’s two guys who fought for the title in the final, gave 100%, and post-match, we managed to find a moment of happiness, both for the guy who became champion and for the guy who was defeated,” he said.

A Brazil vs. Argentina final in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is now less than a month away, and one of the most talked-about moments of the buildup has been Neymar’s confirmation in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. Before that announcement was made official, the Santos forward had already made clear what he was hoping for, both in terms of his own participation and a special reunion with Messi.

In the mixed zone following Santos’ 1-1 draw against San Lorenzo back in April, Neymar said he hoped to be at the World Cup, and when asked specifically about the prospect of facing Messi, he did not hold back. “Yes, of course. Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular,” he said.

With Brazil placed in Group C and Argentina in Group J, the South American giants are on a collision course for a semifinal matchup if both win their respective groups. However, if either side advances as a group runner-up, a blockbuster showdown in the final becomes possible, meaning Neymar’s dream of facing Messi on the world’s biggest stage remains a realistic possibility if both powerhouses make a deep run.

Emiliano Martinez has immortalized himself in Aston Villa lore after lifting the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League title following a victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul. However, with less than a month until the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, the eccentric goalkeeper set off major alarm bells for the Argentina national team by admitting he played through the final with a broken finger.

The Villans were desperate to make history in Istanbul by securing their first major European silverware since their 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern Munich and the subsequent 1983 European Super Cup win against Barcelona. But panic rippled through the fanbase during pre-match warmups when television cameras caught Martinez having his hand heavily examined by Aston Villa’s medical staff.

Ultimately, after taping the injured finger, his spot in the starting XI was never in jeopardy as he logged the full 90 minutes in Aston Villa’s dominant 3-0 win of Freiburg. The Argentine keeper recorded two saves on the night and served as the vital anchor for Unai Emery’s build-up play from the back, completing 26 passes.

The goalkeeper dropped the injury bombshell during his post-match media obligations, reflecting on the historic victory and his current form. “Honestly, it’s a source of pride. I keep growing game by game. Today, I broke my finger during the warmup, but for me, every cloud has a silver lining. I’ve done this my whole life. And I keep doing it,‘ Martinez revealed during an interview with ESPN.

When pressed on whether the fracture would jeopardize his upcoming international duties, Martinez downplayed the severity, even while describing the gruesome reality of the injury: “I’ve never had a broken finger before. Every time I grabbed the ball, it would bend the other way. But oh well, these are paths you have to cross. I am proud to defend Aston Villa.“

Argentina’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup is expected to be released in the coming days, with La Albiceleste scheduled to face Honduras in a June 6 friendly before tournament play begins. With less than 30 days until Argentina’s World Cup debut against Algeria, the fitness of Martinez, a foundational pillar of the squad alongside Lionel Messi, will be the biggest storyline to monitor.

Martinez’s history with finger fractures

While the recovery timeline for a fractured finger varies by case, this isn’t the first time Martinez has played through this specific type of physical adversity. Back on December 1, 2024, in a Premier League clash against Chelsea, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson accidentally stepped on Martinez’s pinky finger during a 29th-minute scramble; though the Argentine managed to finish the first half, he was forced to sub out at the intermission.

Aston Villa later clarified that the keeper was also dealing with severe hip pain from the collision, which prompted his early exit. Proving his quick-healing reputation, Martinez was back in the starting lineup just three days later on December 4, backstopping Villa to a 3-1 victory over Brentford.

Martinez’s flawless record in championship finals

After breaking through late in his career, Martinez shocked the global soccer landscape by rapidly ascending to the ranks of the world’s elite goalkeepers. Ever since stepping into the spotlight at Arsenal in 2020 following an injury to Bernd Leno, the Argentine has maintained a flawless, legendary record when everything is on the line.

Martinez boasts a perfect 7-0 record in the seven major cup finals he has contested throughout his career. Beginning with the 2020 FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal, his golden touch carried over to the international stage, where he captured the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America with Argentina before adding the 2026 Europa League to his trophy cabinet.

Soaking in his first piece of silverware with Aston Villa, Martinez grew emotional when evaluating his journey from an unheralded backup to a global champion: “To me, it’s a message from God because of the things that happen to me along the way. Ever since I left Argentina for Arsenal as a kid, it was very hard for me to get games. I came to a club that has a massive mission, that hadn’t won anything for many years. I earned the starting spot for Argentina, we won so many titles, I earned the affection of my country which didn’t know me very well, and I believe I have also won the hearts of all the Villa fans as well.“

With the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching, Egypt have submitted their 27-man squad list, led by standout Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Before the tournament officially kicks off, head coach Hossam Hassan will need to cut one player to finalize the definitive 26-man roster required by FIFA.

The Liverpool talisman, who recently said goodbye to Anfield at the end of the season after opting not to renew his contract, will be competing in his second World Cup with the Pharaohs, having previously featured at Russia 2018.

During that 2018 tournament, the forward arrived carrying a severe shoulder injury sustained in the UEFA Champions League final, where Liverpool fell to Real Madrid. Despite being physically compromised, Salah still managed to score two goals in his two appearances, though Egypt was ultimately eliminated in the group stage without securing a single point.

Joining Egypt’s second all-time leading scorer in attack is Manchester City’s Marmoush, alongside the squad’s biggest surprise selection: 18-year-old wonderkid Hamza Abdelkarim, who has been turning heads in Barcelona’s youth ranks.

Egypt’s group stage schedule

Egypt have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. The Pharaohs will make their tournament debut on June 15 against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle.

They will then travel to Vancouver to face New Zealand on June 21 at BC Place, before wrapping up the group stage against Iran on June 27, returning to Lumen Field.

Egypt’s 27-man roster

Goalkeepers

• Mohamed El Shennawy
• Mostafa Shobeir
• El Mahdy Soliman
• Mohamed Alaa

Defenders

• Mohamed Hany
• Tarek Alaa
• Hamdi Fathi
• Ramy Rabia
• Yasser Ibrahim
• Houssam Abdelmaguid
• Mohamed Abdelmonem
• Ahmed Fattouh
• Karim Hafez

Midfielders

• Marwan Attia
• Mohannad Lasheen
• Nabil Emad Dunga
• Mahmoud Saber
• Ahmed Sayed Zizo
• Mahmoud Trezeguet
• Emam Ashour
• Mostafa Ziko
• Ibrahim Adel
• Haissem Hassan
• Mohamed Salah

Forwards

• Omar Marmoush
• Aktay Abdullah
• Hamza Abdelkarim

Lionel Messi is often praised by teammates and colleagues not only for the extraordinary talent he displays on the field, but also for his personality off it. Despite being one of the biggest stars in the world, the Argentine forward has frequently shown generous behavior, as became evident after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.

During a recent interview with Radio La Red’s MP910 program in Buenos Aires, former Argentina fitness coach Gerardo Salorio revealed details about what Messi decided to do with the money FIFA awarded the national team after the title.

“He split it equally among everyone working at the training facility. Exactly the same amount, for the woman who cleaned and the one who cooked,” Salorio revealed before emphasizing how meaningful the money was for those employees: “If it wasn’t enough to buy an apartment, it was almost enough to get one.”

Salorio worked with the Argentina national team for decades, focusing specifically on youth squads. He was part of Nestor Pekerman’s staff and crossed paths with Messi during the 2005 U-20 World Cup, where Argentina won the title and the forward was named the tournament’s best player.

“Leo did other things too,” Salorio added. He then recalled the turbulent years within the Argentine Football Association between 2016 and 2017: “When the AFA was under intervention, employees told Messi they had not been paid for three months. Leo made a few calls and the money appeared within hours.”

How much money did Argentina earn for winning the 2022 World Cup?

Clearly, Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup carried enormous symbolic and historical significance for the players, considering it is soccer’s biggest tournament and only the third time the country had won it in nearly a century. However, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked either.

For winning the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA awarded Argentina a $42 million prize, the largest amount ever handed out in this type of tournament. France, as runners-up, received $30 million. Third-place Croatia earned $27 million, while Morocco took home $25 million.

Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals received $17 million each, while those knocked out in the Round of 16 earned $13 million. Finally, teams that failed to advance past the group stage received $9 million apiece. In total, FIFA distributed $440 million in prize money during the 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Messi continues to dominate the conversation around Argentina as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, with Lionel Scaloni now facing growing questions about the future of his iconic captain. On the other hand, Diego Maradona’s legacy has also resurfaced in recent days as emotions around another possible farewell to a generational figure begin to build across Argentine soccer.

The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s long-term future continues to follow Argentina everywhere despite the team’s recent success. Even at 38, the Inter Miami star remains the emotional leader of the national team and the player many supporters still look toward during the biggest moments.

Scaloni now finds himself balancing preparations for another World Cup campaign while trying to avoid conversations about life after Messi. The Argentina coach has repeatedly emphasized the importance of enjoying the present rather than focusing too heavily on what may eventually happen after the tournament in North America.

That emotional atmosphere has also reopened memories of Maradona’s departure from soccer decades ago. For many inside La Albiceleste, the comparison between the two icons carries enormous emotional weight because both transformed the history of the national team forever.

Scaloni opens up on Messi fears

As Argentina continues preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding Messi’s future during an emotional conversation with CONMEBOL. The World Cup-winning manager admitted that imagining Argentina without Messi reminds him of the sadness people felt when Maradona stopped playing.

“Being able to see him play is something wonderful. Beyond whether it is his last World Cup or not. I don’t like longing or thinking about what is going to happen; I want to enjoy the moment. Everyone wants to see him play,” Scaloni explained, via Goal. The Argentina coach made it clear that he does not want to focus on retirement discussions while Messi is still competing at the highest level.

Instead, Scaloni believes the current generation should simply appreciate every remaining appearance from the captain. “I like to think that he is going to keep playing, because it makes you sad, as happened with Diego, not seeing him on the field anymore,” he added.

The comparison with Maradona immediately resonated across Argentina. Maradona remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the country’s soccer culture after leading the national team to World Cup glory in 1986.

Scaloni imagines Messi and Maradona together

For years, critics questioned whether Messi could replicate Maradona’s international legacy. Those debates largely disappeared after Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, finally ending decades of frustration for the national team. Now, the focus has shifted toward whether the Inter Miami captain will continue beyond 2026 or bring his extraordinary international career to a close after the tournament.

Scaloni, however, seems determined to avoid setting any emotional countdown around the captain. “They are players who marked the history of soccer. Thinking that he is not going to play anymore does not leave you at peace. I prefer to think about the present,” the coach admitted.

One of the most fascinating moments from Scaloni’s interview arrived when he was asked whether Messi and Maradona could have played together in the same Argentina side. The manager responded without hesitation. “Of course they would have played together in my national team,” Scaloni said.

Aleksander Ceferin and the UEFA Executive Committee convened on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey, to address proposed modifications to competition formats. Following the meeting, European soccer’s governing body announced approved changes to be implemented beginning with the 2029 Nations League and carrying through to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

In recent years, UEFA has shown a willingness to restructure its club competitions significantly. The introduction of the Conference League brought a third tier to European club football, while the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league phase format was rolled out across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Wednesday’s decisions bring that reform mindset to the international stage.

The changes announced apply to competitions involving European national teams, with the timeline skewed toward the medium term. With the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028 still operating under the existing format, the first edition to reflect the new structure will be the 2029 UEFA Nations League, followed by the World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2030 edition.

Changes for the 2029 Nations League

Managing the wide range of competitive levels among European national teams has always been a challenge, and one of the Nations League’s core purposes was to bring order to that imbalance by grouping nations into tiers and divisions. That structure will now be refined under the new format.

As confirmed in a statement released by UEFA on Wednesday, the Nations League will transition from four leagues to three, namely League A, League B and League C, each consisting of 18 national teams. Those teams will be divided into groups of six, with each side playing six matches against five different opponents, facing teams from other pots either home or away and meeting their same-pot opponent in a home-and-away format.

The one exception to the group-of-six structure applies to League C, where one group will contain seven teams. All other established mechanisms, including promotion and relegation between tiers and the quarterfinals and Final Four format hosted at a single venue, will remain in place.

Changes for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers

Up through the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, European teams were organized into 12 groups of varying sizes, with some containing four and others five teams depending on the adjustments required by Nations League Final Four participants. The upcoming cycle will introduce a broader, tier-based approach that mirrors the Nations League structure.

The new qualifying format will feature two tiers, League 1 and League 2. League 1 will include 36 nations drawn from the top two tiers of the Nations League, split into three groups of 12, with each team playing six matches against six different opponents, two from each seeding pot. The top finishers in each group will earn automatic qualification, with the remaining spots decided through a playoff system.

League 2 will be composed of the remaining 18 to 19 nations from the Nations League, split into three groups of six, or one group of seven where necessary. UEFA president Čeferin framed the reforms as a meaningful step forward for the competition’s integrity and appeal. “The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar,” he said.

These changes, alongside the broader structural concept, will be subject to further refinement in the coming months before receiving final approval at the next UEFA Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 15, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece, following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Neymar has been included by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, the Santos star has sparked major concern following reports that his calf injury is more severe than initially expected.

According to a report from the prestigious Brazilian outlet O Globo, Neymar experienced discomfort in his right calf muscle after completing one of his recent training sessions with Santos. Subsequent medical scans revealed that the forward has sustained an edema in his right calf.

Reporter Diogo Dantas notes that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is treating the calf edema as a moderate injury, meaning his recovery will take longer than originally anticipated.

Given this outlook, the report indicates that Neymar will likely require at least a week of rehabilitation to ensure he can return to full training alongside his teammates ahead of the tournament in North America.

Will Neymar make it to Brazil’s training camp?

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is scheduled to begin their pre-World Cup training camp on May 27 at Granja Comary, the national team’s primary training headquarters. If Neymar’s recovery progresses as planned, the Santos talisman should have no issues joining the squad on time for the upcoming sessions.

However, there remains a risk that the injured area does not respond favorably to rest and physiotherapy, which could extend his recovery timeline. This would be the worst-case scenario for Neymar, as it could leave him severely lacking match fitness heading into the tournament in North America.

Brazil are scheduled to play a send-off match on home soil against Panama on May 31 at the Maracana Stadium, a fixture Neymar aims to feature in if his recovery goes according to plan. Their final friendly before the World Cup will take place against Egypt on June 6 at Huntington Bank Field.

Neymar reportedly ruled out for Santos until after the World Cup

Considering the injury to the Brazilian icon and the absolute priority to protect his health so he arrives in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar will play no part in Santos’ remaining four matches prior to the tournament.

Santos are set to navigate four fixtures before the World Cup break. The Peixe face two Copa Sudamericana clashes (against San Lorenzo and Deportivo Cuenca) and two Brasileirao matches (against Grêmio and Vitoria), with manager Cuca forced to cope without Neymar for all of them.

Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up to return to soccer’s biggest stage after manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the forward’s inclusion in Portugal’s final 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With his presence officially locked in, Ronaldo has made history, prompting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to publicly praise the monumental achievement.

“An incredible achievement by an inspirational player – it’s a record sixth successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal booked their place at the 2026 edition,” Infantino wrote on his Instagram account.

Furthermore, Infantino highlighted the historic feat that Ronaldo is poised to accomplish in North America. “Cristiano now has the chance to represent his country at six FIFA World Cups – something no men’s player has yet achieved,” he added.

However, Ronaldo might not be alone in achieving this landmark. Both Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa are also preparing for what could be their sixth World Cup campaigns, and while their official squad selections have yet to be confirmed, the probability of them featuring in North America remains incredibly high.

Ronaldo’s World Cup history

Cristiano’s journey with soccer’s most prestigious tournament began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where, as a 21-year-old, he managed to score his first tournament goal across six appearances. In that edition, Portugal secured their second-best finish in history, placing fourth and narrowly missing out on matching the bronze medal secured at England 1966.

Four years later, he returned for the 2010 edition in South Africa, once again netting a single goal in four matches. During that tournament, Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 after falling to eventual champions Spain.

Brazil 2014 marked Cristiano’s toughest World Cup outing to date. Despite scoring one goal, Portugal suffered a premature group-stage exit after being drawn into a difficult group alongside Germany, the United States, and Ghana.

In Russia 2018, Cristiano delivered his finest individual World Cup performance. The forward struck four times, including a sensational hat-trick against Spain in an electric 3-3 draw to open the tournament. However, collective success eluded them once again, as they were knocked out by Uruguay in the Round of 16.

In his most recent appearance at Qatar 2022, Ronaldo scored just once during the group stage and subsequently lost his place in the starting lineup during the knockout rounds. On that occasion, Portugal’s journey came to an end with a shocking quarterfinal defeat to Morocco.

Spain are putting the finishing touches on their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one concern remains Lamine Yamal. The young Barcelona winger is recovering from a muscle injury, prompting meetings between all parties to determine the next steps.

“Communication between Barca and the Royal Spanish Football Federation is constant, with full consensus on not exposing Lamine in the first two matches,” Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday. It later added one clarification: “Unless he were completely at 100%.”

The report states that Spain are willing to be without Yamal for the opening two group-stage matches, believing the relatively low level of the opposition should allow them to secure positive results even without their best player.

Cape Verde will be Spain’s opponent in the opening Group H match on Monday, June 15, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Six days later, Spain will face Saudi Arabia at the same venue.

When could Lamine Yamal be available?

If Lamine Yamal’s recovery continues as expected and the original timeline is met, his World Cup debut could come in Spain’s third Group H match. “Everything is under control with Lamine Yamal ahead of his return in the United States, with Saturday, June 27 circled for the Spain-Uruguay match,” Mundo Deportivo added.

By that point, Yamal will have gone more than two months without playing. His last appearance came on April 22, in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga. Considering the initial recovery timeline was projected at six weeks, he is expected to have enough time to return at full strength.

It is no coincidence that this is the projected return date for Lamine. Soccer often delivers unexpected surprises, but early projections suggest the match against Uruguay will be Spain’s first truly demanding challenge of the World Cup. There, they will face a dangerous opponent in what could decide the top spot in the group, a key factor when determining the knockout-stage bracket.

Spain’s key dates ahead of the World Cup

Coach Luis de la Fuente will publicly announce Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, May 25. In the days that follow, the squad will gather to begin training camp, knowing they still have two friendlies before the tournament begins: June 4 against Iraq and June 8 against Peru.

Fermín López has become as one of the best players at FC Barcelona, becoming a crucial piece for Hansi Flick. With that in mind, the Spanish midfielder appeared to have secured his place in the 2026 World Cup with Spain, but a serious injury ultimately forced him to undergo surgery. Following the procedure, the 23-year-old star officially confirmed his absence from the anticipated tournament, while also sharing an emotional message on social media.

According to FC Barcelona, Fermín López suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, forcing the Spanish midfielder to undergo surgery. While the club decided not to disclose an official recovery timetable, MARCA reported that the 23-year-old star is expected to face between six and eight weeks on the sidelines. After confirming that the operation was successful, Fermín officially revealed that he will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

“The surgery went very well, and I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger, both physically and mentally. Life and soccer can be cruel when you least expect it or deserve it, but you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey. This is a very difficult time for me and yet another challenge in my career that I will overcome—have no doubt about that. Now it’s time to support the national team and my teammates from home,” reveals Fermin Lopez, via Instagram.

Without Fermín López available on the pitch, Luis de la Fuente loses one of the most complete players in the world. Not only has the Barcelona midfielder become as one of the top scorers in LaLiga, but he has also become a crucial defensive presence. Even so, the Blaugranas are expected to have Fermín fully fit for the 2026-27 season, with him projected to return completely recovered and once again emerge as the central figure of the midfield.

Fermin’s World Cup absence opens the door for Gavi in Spain

Spain arrive as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Not only do they possess a highly balanced roster, but they also rely on world-class difference makers such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri. While the absence of Fermín López represents a major blow for the national team, Luis de la Fuente could now reopen the door for Gavi’s return, with the Barcelona midfielder potentially emerging as an ideal complement for Spain’s midfield structure.

Before suffering his serious injury, Gavi had emerged as an ideal complement in Spain’s midfield. Not only he provides strong defensive support, but his outstanding vision and intensity also helps elevate the team’s attacking play. While the 21-year-old star is not especially known for his goalscoring numbers, Luis de la Fuente has consistently valued his versatility. Even so, Álex Baena, Dani Olmo, and even Pablo Fornals could also emerge as important attacking options.

Carlo Ancelotti and Neymar are preparing to reunite on soccer’s biggest stage after months of uncertainty surrounding the Santos star’s international future. For a long time, many inside Brazil believed the forward’s World Cup story might already be over, but the latest squad announcement has completely changed the conversation around the Selecao ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Brazil officially confirmed its final squad for the World Cup this week, and Neymar’s inclusion immediately became the biggest talking point across the country. The 34-year-old will now prepare for what is expected to become the fourth and likely final World Cup appearance of his remarkable career.

The decision surprised many observers because doubts over Neymar’s physical condition had continued to grow in recent months. Since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023, the forward has struggled to regain full rhythm, while recurring fitness concerns constantly raised questions about whether he could still perform at the highest international level.

Despite those concerns, Ancelotti made it clear that the veteran attacker still has an important role to play within the national team setup. The Italian coach believes Neymar can still offer something valuable to Brazil, even if the structure around him has now changed significantly.

The conversation that changed everything

According to reports from Globo, the turning point arrived during a direct video call involving Ancelotti, Neymar, and Brazil sporting director Rodrigo Caetano. That conversation reportedly removed the final doubts the coach still had regarding the player’s commitment and attitude.

The report claims the Italian boss wanted complete honesty before making his final decision. After nearly three years away from international soccer, the manager reportedly needed reassurance that Neymar was prepared to accept a very different role inside the national team environment.

During the conversation, Ancelotti reportedly informed Neymar that he would no longer automatically be Brazil’s captain and would not be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup. The Italian coach also made it clear that discipline, focus, and collective balance would become central pillars of his project with the Selecao.

Neymar’s reported stance on Brazil’s new reality

Those conditions represented a major shift from previous eras, when Neymar was unquestionably treated as the center of the national team project. Under Ancelotti, Brazil appears determined to build a more balanced group centered around collective strength rather than individual status.

What ultimately convinced Ancelotti was Neymar’s reaction to the conversation. According to multiple reports in Brazil, the forward responded positively and showed genuine willingness to adapt for the good of the squad.

Sources close to the Brazilian federation believe Neymar accepted the new conditions with humility and maturity. That response reportedly played a huge role in securing his place ahead of younger options such as Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a significant move in the business world, becoming a shareholder and strategic partner in the digital broadcasting platform LiveModeTV. The investment is aimed at expanding the company’s international footprint ahead of its coverage of the 2026 World Cup.

LiveModeTV operates under the umbrella of CazéTV, a Brazilian digital sports broadcasting channel that has built a strong following with free, streaming-based coverage of major sporting events. The company launched its international operations in December, offering free digital coverage of the 2026 World Cup from Portugal.

That initial foray into the international market prompted Ronaldo to take a more formal stake in the newly established company, which is focused on bringing innovative digital broadcasting to audiences outside of Brazil. The partnership was announced in a joint statement released by both parties last Thursday, outlining the role the Portuguese star will play in driving the project forward.

“The mission is to bring sports within everyone’s reach in a completely new and inspiring way. Sports can change lives, and we want to enrich the ecosystem by boosting the reach and engagement of major competitions through broadcasts on YouTube and content distributed across all social media platforms for everyone,” Ronaldo said in the statement.

The business model will be funded entirely through advertising revenue and partnerships with global sponsors targeting younger audiences. The same press release confirmed that “Cristiano Ronaldo and LiveModeTV will join forces ahead of the World Cup to grow their collaboration in Europe and other international markets, leveraging the Portuguese star’s passion and his broad investment portfolio.“

Ronaldo expands his media empire

As a businessman, Ronaldo has built a diversified portfolio over the years, with stakes in Al Nassr and ownership of luxury hotels in cities including Madrid and New York, among other ventures. In recent years, however, some of his most significant moves have come in the media and broadcasting space.

A major step came in 2023, when Ronaldo announced his entry into Portuguese media conglomerate Cofina Média, which was subsequently rebranded as Medialivre. The group’s portfolio includes prominent Portuguese titles such as Correio da Manha, Record, Jornal de Negocios, Sabado, TV Guia, Flash and Maxima.

On the social media front, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, in 2024, which has since grown to 78.8 million subscribers on the back of a string of viral videos. Now, with his LiveModeTV investment, the 41-year-old is extending that media presence into the live sports broadcasting arena, with the 2026 World Cup set to serve as the platform’s global coming-out moment.

Many teams reach the World Cup with very good players in their squad. Spain are one of them, mainly because of the great midfielders they usually have, with an outstanding Pedri among them. The Barcelona midfielder spoke about their chances at an event organized by Adidas.

Pedri said: “I’m very keen on the World Cup. We all dream about winning the star, but winning it isn’t easy. We have a great team. I’d like to finish the tournament with the feeling of having heavy arms from lifting the trophy.”

The midfielder is not just there to be part of the squad. His most likely role in Luis de la Fuente’s lineup is to be one of the team’s key players. In great form to finish the season with his club, Pedri looks like a player to watch.

Pedri on Fermín López

With nothing at stake for Barcelona, an unfortunate situation came up in a meaningless match against Betis in a La Liga season that had already been won by the club. Fermín López was the main figure, with the midfielder leaving the field at halftime with an injury from a win that has ruled him out of the World Cup, with an expected recovery of around three months.

The club confirmed his injury in a statement: “Fermín has undergone successful surgery for the fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The recovery time will be determined based on his progress.”

Pedri said: “Fermín was very sad. Missing the World Cup is not an easy pill to swallow. I just hope he recovers well. It was a blow for everyone; I have a very good relationship with him. Soccer can be cruel sometimes. I wish him a quick recovery.”

Pedri on José Mourinho rumors

The midfielder was also asked about Real Madrid, especially about the manager who could replace Álvaro Arbeloa next season after serving as interim coach, as José Mourinho is being mentioned most often for the job. Pedri said: “It is not official and it is not the time to talk about it if he comes. It does not make sense.”

Marcus Rashford has successfully resurrected his career at FC Barcelona during the 2025-26 season, but his current loan agreement is rapidly approaching its expiration date. Desperate to avoid a return to Manchester United, the English forward is reportedly exploring all avenues to extend his stay in Spain, weighing the possibilities of either a permanent long-term transfer or a second consecutive loan spell with the Catalan giants.

After falling completely out of favor under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford was forced to seek a move abroad last summer to keep his international ambitions alive under England boss Thomas Tuchel. Barcelona emerged as the ideal landing spot, securing his services on a one-year loan where the forward has Rediscovered his world-class form, transforming his future into a critical priority for both the player and the club.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is fully prepared to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a permanent move from Old Trafford to the Camp Nou. The Spanish outlet underlines that the English winger has zero desire to return to the Red Devils, a stance that could give Barcelona significant leverage in negotiations with the Manchester United front office.

One straightforward path for Barcelona is to trigger the €30 million ($32.5 million) release clause that was negotiated into the initial loan agreement back in June 2025. However, pulling off a permanent transfer of that magnitude remains incredibly complicated for the Spanish side given their ongoing financial instability and La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Mundo Deportivo notes that Rashford has already agreed to personal terms on a reduced salary structure should Barcelona manage to activate that buyout clause. To make the numbers work, Barca officials are reportedly exploring a structured payout that would split the €30 million fee into three annual €10 million installments, paired with a lengthy contract extension designed to amortize the cost and keep the club compliant with league accountants.

The alternative route is to negotiate a fresh loan extension, though it remains to be seen if Manchester United will play ball, as the Premier League club would heavily prefer a permanent sale to clear his wages. Rashford’s current contract with United runs through June 2028, where he sits as one of the club’s highest earners alongside Bruno Fernandes, a financial burden that might ultimately force the Blaugrana to push for a simple one-year loan extension instead.

Hansi Flick holds Rashford in high regard after stellar campaign

Following Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams last summer, Rashford emerged as a late market opportunity, with his substantial Premier League wages serving as the only initial hurdle. In his first true test outside of English football, the forward silenced critics by becoming an invaluable asset in Spain, racking up 14 goals and 14 assists across 48 appearances while seamlessly adjusting to a heavy squad rotation.

Whenever injuries struck, coach Hansi Flick weaponized Rashford’s versatility across the frontline, deploying him on both the left and right wings, and even using him as a central striker when Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres were sidelined. Yet, despite his productivity, Rashford’s long-term future remains completely up in the air, drawing close parallels to Joao Cancelo’s previous high-stakes loan saga at the club.

“At the end of the season, we will analyze everything, and then we will see what happens,” Flick remarked when pressed on the club’s upcoming summer transfer strategy in the press conference last Sunday. “Marcus gave us a lot this year and his numbers speak for themselves. I am very grateful to him,” added the German tactician, who clearly values the forward after recently putting pen to paper on his own contract extension through 2028.

For most players so close to the World Cup, the priority is usually to avoid taking unnecessary risks when they are near the tournament. However, Como have a big objective ahead that makes them consider risking Nicolás Paz, something Argentina are not sure about.

Paz missed his team’s most recent match against Parma with a knee injury. While Como won that game, they remain fifth in Serie A alongside Juventus, with both teams sitting two points behind Roma and Milan in the race for Champions League qualification.

With Como closing a strong season against Cremonese on Sunday, the Italian club are willing to take another look at Paz with the intention of playing him, according to Marca. This prompted Argentina to send a staff member to assess the risk, according to Olé. His chances of being called up by the national team could ultimately decide whether he plays.

With Argentina set to make their World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16, there is still close to a month for Paz to recover, provided he does not suffer a setback or reinjure himself.

Paz’s fantastic year

Paz was already showing flashes of what he could do last season at Como. The Real Madrid product is rumored to return there soon, even if it is only to be sold again as a business decision.

But during his time in Italy, he has shown that he can lead a team to big things without a star-studded cast around him. His importance to Cesc Fàbregas is evident in him being the outfield player with the most minutes for the entire team.

The left-footed midfielder has not only been reliable, he has also been decisive. Even if he is not a striker, he has scored 12 goals in 35 Serie A matches. He has also added six assists for a total of 18 goal contributions, while being important in his team’s run to the Coppa Italia final.

Paz’s contract

Paz’s future at Como could depend heavily on which competition they play in next season, but Real Madrid are expected to be heavily involved. When the Italian club bought him, the Spanish club inserted a very low buy-back clause. If Real Madrid want him back this summer, the fee would be just 9 million euros, a huge difference compared with his market valuation of around 60 million euros.

Roberto Martínez has transformed Portugal into one of the strongest national teams in UEFA. In this process, Vitinha has become an essential player, emerging as the cornerstone of the midfield. Despite now being considered one of the best players in the world, the 26-year-old star has chosen to shift the spotlight toward Cristiano Ronaldo, publicly praising the veteran forward ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s fantastic to be teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s one of the greatest players in history. I feel very proud to share a dressing room with him, to learn from him, and to witness his professionalism. I hope we can win the World Cup with him and also for him… his approach to football is extremely professional and serious. He leaves nothing to chance: he steps onto the pitch knowing he is at 100%,” Vitinha said, via FIFA.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer the central axis of Portugal, Vitinha has made it clear that the veteran striker remains the unquestioned leader. In their pursuit of the anticipated, World Cup title, they could maintain their collective-focused approach. Because of this, the 40-year-old striker now has another primary responsibility: Keeping as the team’s most productive goalscorer while acting as the perfect complement to an already balanced and solid squad.

As this will likely be Cristiano’s final participation in the World Cup, the veteran striker could arrive more motivated than ever. While he is widely considered one of the greatest players in history, he has never finished as the tournament’s top scorer, something he could now be determined to change. Unlike previous editions, Portugal possess a far more balanced squad between youth and experience, increasing their chances of competing for the title.

Portugal bench depth may be decisive at the 2026 World Cup

Portugal have proven to possess one of the deepest and most competitive squads in UEFA. Due to the outstanding level of Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes, head coach Roberto Martínez has even been forced to leave players such as Bernardo Silva or João Félix on the bench. Rather than becoming a problem for the 2026 World Cup, their impressive depth could give them a major advantage, allowing them to emerge as one of the strongest candidates.

Coming off a highly demanding season, Roberto Martínez’s team could suffer injuries and physical fatigue during the 2026 World Cup, making their impressive bench depth a potentially decisive factor. Portugal have huge quality to replace key roles such as those of Bruno Fernandes without suffering a major drop in level. Moreover, Ronaldo could once again have his minutes carefully managed, giving Gonçalo Ramos more opportunities without affecting the team’s impact.

Argentina are entering the final stretch of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Lionel Scaloni must finalize the 26-man squad, and he has reportedly already made an initial decision.

Last week, Argentina officially announced their preliminary 55-player squad, headlined by Lionel Messi and notable absences Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala. That number, however, must now be reduced, and reports indicate progress has already been made in that process.

“The Argentina national team reserved approximately 35 players with notifications sent to European clubs. They are not going to bring everyone to Argentina,” TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, who specializes in covering Argentina, said Tuesday on his official X account.

This means that, from the original 55-player list, several players will be cut even before the final roster is confirmed. The decision is tied to players based outside the country, as traveling to South America would be unreasonable if they are already no longer part of Scaloni’s plans.

Aside from those players, there are also several pre-selected players currently playing for clubs in Argentina and Brazil whose release is not necessary until the final moment, since they will not need to travel long distances. They are Facundo Cambeses, Santiago Beltran, Agustin Giay, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martinez Quarta, German Pezzella, Lautaro Di Lollo, Marcos Acuña, Gabriel Rojas, Leandro Paredes, Anibal Moreno, Milton Delgado, Tomas Andrada and Jose Lopez.

When must Argentina announce their final World Cup squad?

While some national teams such as France, Portugal and Brazil have already announced their final 26-player squads for the World Cup, FIFA regulations allow teams to delay that decision for a few more days, with the deadline set for June 1.

However, reports indicate that Lionel Scaloni will not wait until the final day to announce the cuts. “The national team coaching staff are already in the country and the idea is to make the decision on the final World Cup squad this week,” Gaston Edul added on X.

Argentina players dealing with injury concerns

One of the main reasons Lionel Scaloni has likely not yet announced the final World Cup roster — and has instead only reduced the list to 35 players — is that several players are dealing with fitness issues, with their recovery being closely monitored.

Cristian Romero has been ruled out for the remainder of Tottenham’s season, although he is expected to be fit for Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on June 16. Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina are in similar situations, while Nicolas Gonzalez is expected to make a full recovery soon from a muscle injury.

With high hopes for their 2026 World Cup run, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez are getting ready to play on the greatest stage in soccer once more. The veteran captain will travel to the tournament for a historic sixth appearance, while Martinez attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the country’s first-ever world title.

Portugal arrives in North America carrying momentum after winning the UEFA Nations League and producing a strong qualifying campaign. With stars spread across Europe and Saudi Arabia, the squad combines experience, technical quality, and depth in nearly every position.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo remains the face of the national team. Time may have changed parts of his game, but his influence inside the squad remains impossible to ignore for both teammates and the coaching staff.

What did Roberto Martinez say about Ronaldo’s importance?

During the squad announcement, Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo’s value to Portugal extends beyond goals and headlines. The Spanish coach praised the Al-Nassr forward for the leadership qualities he continues to bring to the dressing room. “I hope he continues to play the same role he has had over the last three years that I’ve been with the national team,” the manager explained.

The Portugal boss also stressed that Ronaldo remains fully committed despite his legendary status in soccer: “I’ve spoken a lot about Cristiano. When we talk about him, there are two players. The global soccer icon, about whom all soccer fans around the world have an opinion and recognize what he brings to the game, and then there is our captain,” Martinez said.

The coach insisted that Ronaldo is treated like every other player in the squad when it comes to standards and competitiveness. “He has the same demands as every other player, the same competitiveness to be part of the national team,” he added.

Ronaldo’s role finally becomes clear

As the discussion around Ronaldo’s future continues to grow, Martinez revealed that the Portugal captain will continue serving as one of the team’s main leaders both on and off the pitch during the World Cup. The coach specifically pointed to the veteran forward’s influence inside the locker room and his importance during Portugal’s recent Nations League triumph.

“For me, he is an exemplary captain. He was crucial in winning the Nations League, and now we want the same level of responsibility and leadership in the dressing room,” Martinez said. Thus, it is safe to say that the Portugal manager values the veteran’s experience highly heading into the tournament.

While the forward may no longer rely on explosive pace or constant dribbling, his mentality and understanding of major tournaments remain central to Portugal’s ambitions. Ronaldo is now preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance after previously playing in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. No male player has ever reached six World Cups before.

Roberto Martínez has managed to build a highly competitive Portugal squad, creating an ideal balance between youth and experience. While there had been major uncertainty surrounding his inclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately headlines the 26-man squad, officially securing his sixth participation in the World Cup. In light of this, the head coach also revealed key details regarding the management of playing time for Cristiano.

“Managing is something very natural. In a World Cup, you do not follow a pattern that fits the club, the age, none of that. Everyone is focused and we have to manage the day-to-day well, that is all. We can talk about many dreams, but we only have three matches to start, this is our World Cup. And we have to manage these three in the best way possible,” Roberto Martinez said in the latest press conference.

While being in excellent form at Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to remain a starter for Portugal, especially after shining during the UEFA qualifiers. However, the head coach has also demonstrated strong management of the veteran striker’s playing time, as is often substituted for Gonçalo Ramos. That rotation has become a key factor in preserving the 40-year-old’s physical condition and could once again be heavily utilized during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance in the competition, he could arrive especially motivated, particularly because he has never finished as the tournament’s top scorer in any previous edition. In addition, he now has a major opportunity to finally win the anticipated tournament, as Portugal are currently in outstanding form and recently lifted the UEFA Nations League.

Cristiano Ronaldo emerges as a key asset for Portugal, not a cornerstone

Unlike the final stage of Fernando Santos’ tenure, Cristiano Ronaldo has remained a key figure under Roberto Martínez with Portugal. Recognizing the veteran striker’s age, the Portuguese head coach has decided to protect his physical condition by allowing him to focus almost exclusively on scoring duties, reducing his defensive responsibilities and pressing workload. Even so, the 40-year-old striker is no longer the true cornerstone of the national team.

Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal appear to have adopted a very different approach compared to previous editions, moving away from dependence on a single player and instead emphasizing collective play. Because of this, Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes have emerged as the key figures of the squad. In this structure, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the ideal complement to an already balanced and solid team.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for what is expected to be the final World Cup of his legendary career after Roberto Martinez unveiled Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament. Yet while the spotlight naturally fell on the 41-year-old captain, much of the discussion after the announcement centered around one unusual detail surrounding the national team selection.

Portugal officially named a 27-player traveling group instead of the standard 26-man World Cup squad, immediately raising questions among supporters. The decision created intrigue ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, especially as the national team enters the competition among the favorites following its UEFA Nations League triumph.

Ronaldo once again remains the central figure of the Portugal setup despite entering the final stage of his career. Along with Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa, the Al-Nassr attacker will make history at this summer’s tournament by becoming one of the very few male players to feature in six consecutive tournaments.

The Selecao captain will lead a squad packed with elite-level talent from across Europe’s biggest leagues. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Ruben Dias are all expected to play key roles as Martinez attempts to guide the national team toward its first World Cup triumph.

Portugal enters Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The campaign begins in Houston before later matches in Miami and additional fixtures across North America.

Roberto Martinez explains unusual squad decision

The biggest talking point from the announcement quickly became the squad size itself. FIFA regulations allow only 26 officially registered players, yet Martinez intentionally traveled with 27 players. In fact, the Selecao included fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho as an additional traveling player for training support and emergency cover for injuries.

Velho, who currently plays for Genclerbirligi Ankara, will stay with the squad throughout the tournament but cannot officially feature unless one of Portugal’s three registered goalkeepers suffers an injury. FIFA rules permit replacements in those circumstances, which opened the door for Martinez to make the unusual decision.

“The complexity of the tournament is very important,” Martinez explained after unveiling the squad. “There are positions where we need to have more than two players per position.” The Portugal coach pointed toward travel demands, climate conditions, and scheduling difficulties as major concerns heading into the first 48-team World Cup in history.

Why Portugal believes extra depth matters

The expanded format of the tournament has created new challenges for every national team involved. Long-distance travel between venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico means recovery and preparation could become just as important as tactics.

Martinez has spent months studying those conditions and believes flexibility could become decisive later in the competition. Carrying an additional goalkeeper allows Portugal to maintain full-intensity training sessions without risking exhaustion or overworking the main three keepers. “The demands of the weather, the time zone, everything we already experienced in March,” Martinez said while discussing the squad structure.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for another historic moment after Roberto Martinez confirmed the Portugal squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward will captain the national team at a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, with the tournament in North America expected to be the final chapter of his extraordinary international career.

Portugal enters the competition carrying major expectations after winning the UEFA Nations League and completing an impressive qualifying campaign. With Ronaldo still leading the line at 41 years old, the national team heads into the tournament believing it can finally capture the one trophy missing from its history.

The upcoming tournament will mark Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, a feat no male footballer has ever achieved before. The Al-Nassr forward already holds records for most international appearances and goals in men’s soccer, and now he is set to add another remarkable milestone to his career.

Portugal has won the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League during Ronaldo’s era, but the World Cup remains the one major trophy still missing. That reality has added extra emotion to the build-up around the Selecao ahead of the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“This one definitely would be my last World Cup,” Ronaldo previously admitted in an interview cited by several outlets. The statement has only increased attention on what could become the final international tournament of his career.

Roberto Martinez reveals Portugal’s plans

Martinez spoke openly about the unique challenges awaiting teams at the expanded 48-nation tournament. The Portugal coach believes preparation and adaptability will matter just as much as talent during a month-long competition spread across three countries. “We’re talking about going into the unknown,” he explained. “Forty-eight teams means a longer period. You need to have incredible resilience.”

The Spanish coach also highlighted the travel demands, weather conditions, and time-zone complications facing every national team involved. Portugal has already studied logistics carefully, especially after Martinez observed last year’s Club World Cup in the United States as part of FIFA’s technical study group. “The complexity of playing with different time zones, of playing with the heat, the humidity, and almost moments of uncertainty when you get the storms,” Martinez said.

Portugal’s final 27-man World Cup squad confirmed

After weeks of speculation, Martinez officially named the 27-man squad that will represent Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo headlines a group packed with elite-level experience and attacking quality.

The squad includes several players from Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Barcelona all heavily represented. Martinez also decided to take an additional goalkeeper in the preliminary travelling group, although only 26 players will officially be registered unless injuries force changes.

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho

Defenders: Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Nelson Semedo, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao, Goncalo Guedes

Several notable names narrowly missed out, including Antonio Silva and Joao Palhinha. Martinez instead prioritized versatility, depth in wide areas, and tactical flexibility across the squad.

Throughout the last decade, Neymar emerged as the most decisive figure for Brazil. While he never managed to win a Copa América or a World Cup, he remained the cornerstone of the national team for years. However, injuries kept him away from the squad for nearly three years. In a surprising turn, the 34-year-old star has now been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting an emotional reaction on social media.

“It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s Incredible. These are tears of pure happiness. Truly I want to tank every single Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me… we have another World Cup to fight for. We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil” Neymar said, on his Youtube channel.

While there were serious doubts surrounding his physical condition,Carlo Ancelotti has rewarded Neymar for his major improvement at Santos FC, revealing that he will be important. With this call-up, the 34-year-old star now has what could be his final opportunity to chase the long-awaited World Cup title. However, he will not have an easy path toward becoming a starter, as Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá currently appear to hold a certain advantage.

Neymar is set to make his return with Brazil after three years away from the national team, giving him a clear opportunity to end his long scoring drought with the Canarinha. In addition, the 34-year-old star emerges as a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti after the injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão, as his experience could prove decisive. Beyond his impact on the field, they also regain a clear dressing-room leader, something that can be crucial when competing at the highest level.

Neymar Jr. to play inside forward for Brazil, says Carlo Ancelotti

Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil appear to have a clear plan built around Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior on the wings. In addition, the regular presence of Matheus Cunha as the starting attacking midfielder offers strong indications of how the lineup could look. Because of this, Neymar’s role remains a major topic of debate, leading Carlo Ancelotti to reveal that the 34-year-old star will play as an inside forward.

After his numerous injuries at Al Hilal SFC, Neymar has evolved into an attacking midfielder. No longer standing out because of his pace, the Brazilian star now makes the difference through his dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines with precise through balls. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti will use him as a major enhancer of Brazil’s collective play, something that neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide for the national team.

Joao Pedro, a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti‘s recent Brazil call-ups, was one of the most notable omissions from the final 2026 World Cup roster. Following the Italian head coach’s decision to leave him out, the striker broke his silence with a public statement.

Ancelotti made the official announcement on Monday at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro in a candid press conference. While Neymar’s inclusion in the squad dominated the headlines, the exclusion of Joao Pedro quickly emerged as one of the most discussed decisions of the afternoon.

Hours later, the Chelsea striker took to Instagram with a measured response. “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home,” he wrote.

Joao Pedro had made a compelling case for inclusion. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, scoring twice in the semifinal and once in the final, and posted 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He also featured in three of Ancelotti’s five Brazil squads this past year, but none of it proved enough to earn a spot on the plane to North America.

Did Neymar take Joao Pedro’s place?

From the 55-man preliminary list, Neymar’s inclusion had already generated significant debate, particularly after Estevao and Rodrygo were ruled out through injury. Cuts were always going to fall across every line of the squad, and while Thiago Silva and Andrey Santos were the names dropped from the defensive and midfield pools, it was Joao Pedro who was sacrificed from the forward positions.

Ancelotti was asked directly about the decision to leave him out and stood firmly behind his choice. “I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things. To play here (in Brazil) is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat… Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players,” the Italian coach said.

The final forward group named by Ancelotti consists of Endrick, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Igor Thiago and Luiz Henrique. Of those, the players most suited to a central striking role comparable to Joao Pedro’s profile are Igor Thiago, the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Neymar, a group Ancelotti was willing to back over the Chelsea forward.

The irony is not lost given that Joao Pedro himself had publicly stated to TNT Sports Brasil that Neymar deserved to be at the World Cup and that the Santos star “represents what Messi is to Argentina” for Brazil. In the end, however, Neymar’s inclusion may well have come at the direct expense of his most vocal supporter.

Carlo Ancelotti officially unveiled Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster on Monday at the Museu do Amanha, cementing Neymar’s highly anticipated inclusion in the squad. While granting the Santos forward the opportunity to keep his championship dream alive, the Italian manager admitted that Neymar “will be important” for the national team’s upcoming campaign.

During the post-announcement press conference, Ancelotti opened up about his decision to call up the veteran playmaker: “We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in the recent period he played with continuity, and that his physical condition improved. We believe that he is an important player; he is going to be an important player in this World Cup. He has the same role and obligation as all the other 25—the possibility of playing, of not playing, of being on the bench, of coming on—the exact same responsibility as the others.“

Questions also arose regarding the various factors that influenced the final selection. Beyond his current on-field form, an immense wave of pressure from both fans and teammates had kept the forward’s status at the center of a non-stop national debate for months.

Setting aside the tactical element, Ancelotti highlighted that the evaluation process was strictly focused on the medical data. “The evaluation throughout the year has been solely regarding the physical aspect. For Neymar, it has always been a physical issue. In the recent matches, he played with continuity.”

“He may have the opportunity to improve his physical condition during this period before the first game of the World Cup, but we believe that apart from this, his experience in this type of competition, the affection he has within the group, and also how he can create a better environment within the squad will help the team bring out its best,” he stated.

When pressed on exactly how many minutes Neymar would log during the tournament, Ancelotti struck a more cautious tone. “He’ll play if he deserves to play. I have an idea on how the starting team could look today, but I have to analyze how the players train and check on their physical and mental condition before naming them to the starting XI.“

Where will Neymar play in Ancelotti’s Brazil?

Neymar is set to suit up for Ancelotti’s Brazil for the first time, but the looming question centers on where exactly he will fit on the pitch. During his prime years with Barcelona and PSG, the forward was a devastating threat down the left wing, but injuries and age mean that explosive, touchline-to-touchline speed is no longer his defining trait.

Asked about his tactical plans, Ancelotti confirmed that he views Neymar “as a forward in a centralized position,” meaning he will likely slot in behind a traditional striker as an advanced playmaker, or potentially operate as a false nine despite lacking the physical profile of a standard target man.

During his current stint with Santos, Neymar has occasionally been penciled into the lineup as a number nine but rarely stays anchored to the penalty box. With the Peixe, his heat map shows heavy traffic cutting inside from the left into central pockets, a blueprint that allows Neymar to dictate the tempo and break down compact defenses rather than relying on pure counter-attacking pace.

Neymar has been officially named in Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad, earning one final opportunity to represent the Selecao on soccer’s grandest stage. On Monday, head coach Carlo Ancelotti made the announcement alongside the other 25 players set to travel to North America.

Monday’s press conference was held to formally confirm the squad for both the upcoming friendly schedule and the World Cup itself. Neymar’s inclusion had been one of the most debated topics in Brazilian soccer for months, and when Ancelotti reached the forwards on his list, the announcement was met with significant attention both at home and abroad.

Barring any last-minute injury, this is the group that will represent Brazil in North America. The Selecao open their pre-tournament schedule with friendlies against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 6 before the World Cup gets underway across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Throughout the selection process, Ancelotti had been consistent in stating that physical fitness would be the determining factor in any decision regarding Neymar, emphasizing trust in the forward’s talent while stressing the need for him to be ready for the demands of a World Cup. A run of decent form in recent weeks, combined with season-ending injuries to Rodrygo and Estevao, ultimately opened the door for Neymar to be included for a fourth World Cup, following his participation in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Uruguay, and persistent fitness issues have kept him away from the national team ever since. Nearly a year into his tenure, Ancelotti will now have the opportunity to work with Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, a player who surpassed the records of legends such as Pele, Ronaldo Nazario and Romario.

Brazil’s complete 2026 World Cup squad

• Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson Moraes (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus) Danilo Luiz (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit) Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli) Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (AS Roma).
• Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
• Forwards: Endrick (O. Lyon), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Junior (Santos), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (AFC Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit).

Neymar and his dream of a 2026 World Cup farewell

The decision to return to Santos in 2025 was always about one thing: getting fit and finding form in time to make a final push for a place in the World Cup squad. With only an Olympic gold medal from 2016 to show for his international career in terms of major honors, Neymar arrives at this tournament with an urgent motivation to finally win a World Cup with the Selecao.

Asked recently about the tournament and the possibility of a final showdown with Lionel Messi, Neymar allowed himself to dream. “Of course (I think about the World Cup). Every Brazilian player thinks about that. I hope I can be there. Also, a final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular,” he said in the mixed zone after Santos’ Copa Sudamericana match against San Lorenzo in Argentina.

Neymar has remained at the center of controversy, as his injuries and inconsistent performances fueled major debate. However, the Brazilian star has managed to recover both his prominence and physical consistency at Santos FC. With this in mind, the 34-year-old star has now been included by head coach Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. As a result, he could soon end a lengthy drought since his last appearance for the national team.

As the cornerstone of Brazil for many years, Neymar used to be the undisputed leader of the dressing room. However, he played his last match for the Canarinha on October 18, 2023, during the 2-0 defeat against Uruguay, meaning 943 days will have passed since that appearance. The 34-year-old star could now make his long-awaited return on May 31, 2026 against Panama in the friendly clash before the 2026 World Cup.

In his return with national team, the 34-year-old star could end a 982-day drought since his last goal for Brazil, with his brace against Bolivia on September 9 of 2023. However, Neymar Jr. is no longer the explosive winger who constantly dominated defenders in isolation, but rather a brilliant attacking midfielder. Because of this, he could return by contributing more as a creator and playmaker.

Neymar Jr. may have a secondary role with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

Along his process with Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rely on Matheus Cunha as his starting attacking midfielder. Shining at Manchester United, he offers major changes of pace while also contributing heavily in the scoring phase. In addition, Lucas Paquetá remains a regular presence with the national team, standing out because of his dribbling and creative ability. With this in mind, Neymar appears set to hold a secondary role during the 2026 World Cup.

Despite his potential secondary role, Neymar could still offer an ideal alternative for Carlo Ancelotti. Neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide a major creative boost for Brazil, something the 34-year-old star is still capable of delivering. Thanks to his elite vision and technical quality, he could elevate the scoring output of Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha by entering as an impact substitute.

Neymar’s comeback closes the door on the 2026 World Cup for Joao Pedro

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rely on Igor Thiago and Endrick as his primary striker options for Brazil. While neither player had been a regular starter in recent matches, both impressed in the Premier League and Ligue 1, earning their places in the squad. While João Pedro has been shining at Chelsea FC, the return of Neymar reportedly cost him his place in the national team, as he failed to fully impress during the friendlies games.

Carlo Ancelotti has transformed Brazil’s situation, restoring the team’s competitiveness after several years of disappointing results. To achieve this, he has overseen a squad rebuild centered around young talent. However, Neymar Jr. has remained outside of the entire process, raising doubts about his presence in the 2026 World Cup. Despite this, Ancelotti recently praised the progress of the 34-year-old star ahead of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup call-up.

“Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown… He’s very well-liked, he’s very much loved. I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion… His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches… I haven’t been pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional,” Ancelotti said, via Reuters.

Neymar Jr. has not experienced the best years of his professional career. He went through major injuries that halted his progress and ultimately caused him to miss out on Brazil call-ups. However, he has managed to recover his physical consistency at Santos FC, shining both creatively and as a goalscorer. Because of this, Ancelotti has decided to praise the 34-year-old star’s physical improvement, a factor that had previously prevented his return to the national team.

Alongside his praise for Neymar, Ancelotti has reportedly taken a major step by including him in Brazil’s preliminary squad. However, the return of the 34-year-old star could supposedly come at the expense of João Pedro of Chelsea and may be left out of the final squad. In addition, he would not arrive as an undisputed starter, as several players are currently ahead of him in the hierarchy, though he could still become a key impact substitute throughout the tournament.

Neymar Jr. revives career at Santos FC after injury struggles

Following his departure from PSG, Neymar Jr. arrived at Al Hilal with huge expectations. However, he suffered an ACL injury that defined his time in the Saudi Pro League, eventually leaving as a free agent to join Santos. Far from shining immediately, he endured multiple hamstring injuries that ultimately led to meniscus surgery. After overcoming those setbacks, he has experienced a career revival, making him a strong candidate to return with Brazil.

Neymar Jr. managed to help Santos avoid relegation, making a major impact through goals and assists. After his surgery in December 2025, he has successfully recovered his best physical condition, winning back possession and pressing opponents. Alongside this, he has maintained a strong individual impact, scoring six goals and providing four assists. While his team has struggled overall, the 34-year-old star has continued to stand out in every aspect of the game.

Unlike previous seasons, Neymar Jr. has transformed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the Brasileirão. Beyond his statistics or dribbling ability, he drives the collective play, constantly distributing the ball to his teammates and becoming a key figure for head coach Cuca. In addition, he takes advantage of spaces in opposing defenses to score goals, making him a constant threat on the pitch while reviving his career amid major doubts surrounding his future.

Neymar is on the verge of learning whether he will be part of Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad, with Carlo Ancelotti‘s final roster announcement now just hours away. In the buildup to that pivotal moment, the star found himself at the center of a chaotic substitution mix-up that dominated the headlines at Santos.

On Sunday, Santos hosted Coritiba in the 2026 Brasileirao, just one day before Ancelotti was due to announce the Brazil squad. Before kickoff, Neymar walked out onto the pitch carrying his daughter Helena and was visibly emotional during the national anthem, a moment that set a charged tone for the afternoon.

Coritiba took control in the first half, with Breno Lopes netting a brace and Josué adding a third to put Santos in a deep hole. Neymar was the most industrious attacking presence for the hosts, winning more fouls than any other player on the pitch with four, though he also misplaced 12 of his 40 attempted passes, before the chaos unfolded.

After heading to the touchline to receive treatment on his left calf and preparing to return to the field, Neymar was stunned to see the fourth official raise the substitution board showing his number in the 65th minute, with Robinho Junior set to come on in his place. Furious at the apparent mistake, Neymar attempted to walk back onto the pitch, was shown a yellow card, and triggered a heated argument with the officials as he tried to explain that it was Gonzalo Escobar who was supposed to come off.

Still visibly agitated on the touchline, Neymar grabbed a piece of paper and held it up to a pitchside camera in an attempt to signal the correct substitution to the fourth official. However, because Robinho had already entered the field and play had resumed, the change was deemed official, bringing Neymar’s afternoon to a premature and involuntary end. He did not speak to the media after the match.

Neymar’s last game before the Brazil squad announcement

The match against Coritiba served as Neymar’s final appearance before Ancelotti formally names his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With the preliminary 55-man list already submitted to FIFA, the Italian coach is set to hold a press conference on Monday, May 18, to confirm the final group, with significant anticipation around whether the former Barcelona star will make the cut.

While the picture had been unclear in the weeks prior, recent reports suggest that Neymar will in fact be included in Brazil’s World Cup roster. The injuries suffered by Rodrygo and Estêvão have opened a door, but it is also understood that several members of the squad have pushed for his inclusion, with the dressing room’s backing proving to be a meaningful factor in Ancelotti’s decision-making process.

Neymar in doubt for Santos’ next game

With the squad announcement looming, Neymar will also need to manage his club commitments ahead of potentially joining Brazil‘s World Cup camp. The blow he took to his leg during Sunday’s game has cast doubt over his availability for Santos’ upcoming Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo on Wednesday.

Coach Cuca addressed the injury concern after the match: “Because of the hit he took, it’s not muscular, I think it’s unlikely he’ll be in any condition to play on Wednesday. It’s a quick thing; in four or five days at most, he’ll be fine. The (World Cup) call-up doesn’t influence things; we have to think about ourselves.“

Manuel Neuer has remained one of the best goalkeepers in the world for more than 15 years at Bayern Munich. Under Vincent Kompany, the 40-year-old star has been a starter, even renewing his contract until 2027. Because of this, he appears to be on track to be called back up by Germany for the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, he suffered an injury in the most recent match, raising doubts about his participation in the anticipated tournament.

According to Florian Plettenberg, via X, formerly Twitter, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and Rudi Völler have managed to convince Manuel Neuer to return to the national team. Despite retiring in August 2024, the 40-year-old star remains in excellent form and will reportedly be ready to serve as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, leaving Oliver Baumann as the backup despite being the starter during the UEFA Qualifiers.

After being substituted in the previous match against 1. FC Köln, Manuel Neuer has been diagnosed with muscle problems in his left calf, reveal Bayern Munich. Despite this, Florian Plettenberg revealed that the veteran German’s injury has no serious consequences, meaning he could recover soon and his possible presence with Germany at the 2026 World Cup would not be at risk. With this in mind, he could be heading to his fifth edition of the anticipated tournament.

Far from confirming his return to the national team, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to avoid making statements regarding the 40-year-old goalkeeper: “Neuer retired of his own free will, he has repeated that several times and that is why it is not even useful to constantly discuss it… the list won’t be published, so I won’t comment on it. What I can say is that there are a lot of players on it, because there are 55 of them,” he revealed, via ZDF-Sportstudio.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury paved the way for Neuer’s return

Following a successful international career, Manuel Neuer decided to retire from Germany as a true legend. With that, he aimed to focus on Bayern Munich and maximize the final years of his club career. Marc-André ter Stegen then appeared to take over as the veteran goalkeeper’s successor, becoming Nagelsmann’s preferred choice to start at the 2026 World Cup. However, an injury sustained while at Girona FC involving the 34-year-old star changed everything.

Ter Stegen suffered a severe torn hamstring and tendon damage in his left thigh shortly after arriving at Girona FC. As a result, he had to undergo surgery in February, which leaves him with a recovery period of four to five months and rules him out of the 2026 World Cup. For this reason, Julian Nagelsmann turned to Oliver Baumann as his starting option, with Alexander Nübel listed as backup. However, none of them fully convinced, opening the door for Neuer’s return.

Unlike Baumann or Nübel, Manuel Neuer has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world this season. While Bayern Munich did not win the UEFA Champions League, the 40-year-old goalkeeper emerged as a standout in Vincent Kompany’s team. With his foot skills and impressive saves, head coach Julian Nagelsmann may have found in him the best option to restore stability to the national team in goal, potentially playing his final tournament.

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