Real Madrid & Barcelona News
Latest headlines pulled from major football outlets. Click any story to read it on the source site.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
‘They should be afraid’ – Lamine Yamal sends message to France ahead of Spain clash
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona star Lamine Yamal says France should be afraid of Spain after La Roja booked a semi-final date with Les Bleus at World Cup 2026. A late winner from Mikel Merino completed a 2-1 win for Spain over Belgium and set up a mouth-watering semi final against Kylian Mbappe and Co. France have looked almost unstoppable so far at the tournament but Yamal says they should fear Spain. “We’re very happy to be in the semis. Very pleased with the qualification. We’ve been far superior,” he said after beating Belgium. “All the other teams are behind us. We came here to win, and that’s all that matters. “They should be afraid of us; we’ve beaten them twice. We’re not afraid of them. I think we’re the two best teams.” Spain face France on Tuesday at World Cup 2026 in Dallas. Who will win? Share your predictions in the comments below!
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
Spain vs Belgium, World Cup 2026: Late Mikel Merino strike sends La Roja into semi-finals
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain left it late once again at World Cup 2026 but are through to the semi-finals after beating Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles. Super sub Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for La Roja with an 88th minute winner to keep Luis de la Fuente’s side in the hunt for glory. The Spain boss raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, dropping Pedri to the bench and starting Fabian Ruiz in the Barcelona midfielder’s place. It looked to be an inspired choice by the Spain boss as Ruiz put Spain in front on the half hour mark. Pedro Porro played a one-two with Lamine Yamal and raced down the right, sending in a cross for Dani Olmo. The Barcelona star’s shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois but Ruiz was quickest to react and slotted home his first ever World Cup goal on the rebound. Yamal then went close with a free-kick that curled around the wall but was pushed clear by a diving Courtois and then had sight of goal again five minutes before half-time. The teenager jinked past his defender and let fly with a shot that flew just wide of the near post. The action then switched to the other end and Spain conceded for the first time at World Cup 2026. Kevin De Bruyne crossed in from the right and Charles De Ketelaere stooped to head past Unai Simon for 1-1. The start of the second half saw Belgium have a good chance through Maxim De Cuyper before De la Fuente threw on Pedri and Ferran Torres. Belgium responded by sending on Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Joaquin Seys. The action started to ramp up with Yamal having chances and Ferran heading over the bar. The drama continued as Courtois was forced off with an injury and left the game in tears to be replaced by Senne Lammens. Both sides had sights of goal but it was another substitute – Mikel Merino – who won it late on. Cubarsi’s shot from range was only parried by Lammens, and Merino was on hand to smash it home from close range to send Spain into the semi-finals and a date with France.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
Spain vs Belgium, World Cup 2026: Match Thread, Live Updates
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images WELCOME TO SoFi STADIUM!!! The spectacular home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers is the site of a huge World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash between Spain and Belgium as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Co. face another tough European test as they look for a place in the semi-finals against France. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos! LINEUPS SPAIN Starting XI: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal (4-2-3-1) Substitutes: Raya (GK), Joan (GK), Pubill, Grimaldo, Eric, Llorente, Merino, Gavi, Zubimendi, Pedri, Ferran, Pino, Williams, Iglesias, Muñoz BELGIUM Starting XI: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere (4-2-3-1) Substitutes: Lammens (GK), Penders (GK), Theate, Meunier, De Winter, Seys, Witsel, Moreira, Vanaken, Saelemaekers, Lukaku, Lukebakio, Fernández-Pardo MATCH INFO Competition/Round: 2026 World Cup, Quarter-Finals Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12.30am IST (India, Saturday) Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, United States Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG) HOW TO WATCH On TV: FOX (USA), BBC One (UK), United8 Sports 1 (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), others Online: FuboTV (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK), ZEE5 (India), DAZN (Spain), others Matchday Thread Rules We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads: Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another. Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
Luis de la Fuente: Lamine Yamal must be motivated, not anxious
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has revealed some finer points about his star player’s psyche. Speaking ahead of the quarter-final against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup, De la Fuente shared his insight into FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. De la Fuente praised the young star’s motivation, but warned that it was a fine line for the forward to walk. “If you see the motivation Lamine has, he is very dangerous for opponents, but we need to calm him down so that motivation doesn’t turn into anxiety.” he said. The World Cup has been called the “World Cup of stars” as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland have banged in the goals for their respective countries. Yamal hasn’t joined the party yet, though he did score in his first start. “The best is yet to come, because he hasn’t yet reached the level of brilliance we expect. The other day, he showed tremendous maturity, working hard in defense until he was completely exhausted,” the manager said. Yamal was injured while playing for his club towards the end of the season, an injury that made him arrive at the World Cup without much sharpness. He couldn’t start the first game and is still settling in. Despite that, Spain have rolled on in the competition, in large part because they have yet to concede a single goal. “We have always been a very solid defensive team, and at the same time, we are the side with the most shots on target in the tournament. We frequently get into the opposition’s box while conceding very few chances. That speaks to a very serious and well-organized team,” De la Fuente said.
- Guardian Football·1d ago·Both·match
Haaland and Bellingham: Dortmund friends taking centre stage in Norway v England battle
The attacking players spent two years together at BVB, forming a friendship on their way to the very top This World Cup has been about the biggest names from the beginning but as Miami welcomes back its new favourite sporting pleasure on Saturday night, the man in with a shout of the Ballon d’Or probably won’t be the headline. With apologies to Harry Kane, in a football world moving past its two-decades-long domination by the Lionel Messi/Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly, a pair of younger world-class stars will be drawing the majority of the glare as England take on Norway. Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland have met regularly in the Champions League for Real Madrid and Manchester City over the past three years, but this is different. Their first encounter at international level is news in the front pages of the tabloids and gossip mags alike, Hello! running a feature entitled “Inside Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland’s unlikely friendship before fierce Fifa showdown” before Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final in Florida. If Bellingham and Haaland were the game’s next superstar rivalry in the years to come (again, with apologies to Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal) they would define the competition in starkly different parameters to their Argentinian and Portuguese predecessors. Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
‘That’s how you try to stop him’ – Thibaut Courtois offers Belgium advice on Lamine Yamal
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) | Getty Images Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has offered his team-mates some advice ahead of their World Cup quarter-final tie against Spain and Lamine Yamal. The two teams will meet on Friday night and battle for a place in the last four of the tournament. Yamal will once again be tasked with providing attacking inspiration for Spain, and Courtois says his team will need to double up on the Barcelona star. “Lamine is Lamine; we know he’s very talented in one-on-one situations,” he told reporters. He’s very quick and very agile. He can dribble two players and then he also plays through balls. “I think ultimately it’s about marking him very closely, and when we can create a two-on-one situation, I think that’s how you try to stop him, but he’s a star, he’s a great player and it really is difficult to stop him.” Yamal spoke before the tournament about how he’s getting used to being marked by two or three players at a time, saying that he eventually expects to move into a more central role as “the only place where three players can’t mark you is in the middle.”
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·match
Spain vs Belgium, World Cup 2026: Team News, Match Preview
Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Spain vs Belgium Competition/Round: 2026 World Cup, Quarter-Finals Spain Outs & Doubts: Yeremi Pino, Nico Williams, Victor Muñoz (doubt) Belgium Outs & Doubts: Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana (out) Date/Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12.30am IST (India, Saturday) Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, United States Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG) How to watch on TV: FOX (USA), BBC One (UK), United8 Sports 1 (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), others How to watch online: FuboTV (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK), ZEE5 (India), DAZN (Spain), others Following a hard-fought victory over Iberian rivals Portugal on Monday, Spain return to action for a huge World Cup quarter-final clash against Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. La Roja come into this one looking to reach the semi-finals and meet Kylian Mbappé’s France in what could be one of the most epic Final Four matches in World Cup history, but they first need to get past a Belgium side that somehow, someway reached the quarter-final stage despite an incredibly inconsistent tournament. After two draws in the first two games against Iran and Egypt that required a big win in the group finale to advance to the knockouts, the Belgians were all but eliminated against Senegal before a remarkable comeback in the final 10 minutes of regulation completed by a 125th minute winner in extra-time to secure a spot in the next round. Belgium then faced the United States and all of the controversy that surrounded the game in the Round of 16, and showed remarkable poise and mental strength to not only win but dominate the hosts and move on to the quarter-finals. The remarkable comeback against Senegal and the dominant win over the USA had one thing in common: Kevin De Bruyne was not on the pitch. His World Cup has been very poor so far, and the team has looked more compact and athletic without its best playmaker who is clearly not fully fit after an injury-riddled season at club level. It’s very hard to think De Bruyne won’t be involved against Spain, however, which makes it impossible to know which version of Belgium will show up in Los Angeles. If it’s the one that destroyed the US, then Spain must be ready for a very tough battle. If it’s the one that struggled mightily with De Bruyne on the pitch, this could be much easier for La Roja. This is a fascinating clash, one that Spain will be favorites to win as the world awaits a spectacle against France. But Belgium are too talented to be taken for granted, and this should be a fun one in Hollywood. Let’s dance. (Be careful, Lamine.) POSSIBLE LINEUPS Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere PREDICTION Belgium have been at their best without De Bruyne, but there’s no way he won’t be on the pitch on Friday. It’s hard to predict which Belgium will show up, but I’m betting on Spain anyway: 2-1 to La Roja.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·match
Pedri: Spain are favorites for the World Cup
PUEBLA, MEXICO - JUNE 08: Pedri of Spain celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Peru and Spain at Estadio Cuauhtémoc on June 08, 2026 in Puebla, Mexico. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images) | Getty Images FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri has not shied away from the “favorites” tag as Spain advance into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. In a new interview, Pedri wasn’t shy: “We said from the start that we came here to win it. We were tagged as favorites, and we had no problem accepting that. We are well aware that we are playing very well, but from now on, nothing is going to be handed to us.” Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16 and are due to play Belgium next. Pedri said that the Spanish team has “shown” that they can be considered favorites. “We haven’t conceded a goal yet, and we are a very reliable team. We all work for the team, no one stops running, and that makes us a big family. We have to keep it up,” he said. Belgium are fresh from handing a beating to the United States, who had made some noise – at least for local media – as a potential dark horse candidate playing at home. The Red Devils made a mockery of such a prediction, swatting away the US like they were mere minnows. “Belgium has very good players, and Thibaut Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It is always difficult to score against him, but we also have players who have already scored against him in La Liga, so we know him well,” the midfielder said. Pedri did not shy away from a potential final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina either, saying he would gladly take part in such a game – but only because that would mean that Spain were in the final. “But first, we have to focus solely on Belgium and not get overconfident,” he said.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·match
Superstars are shining brightest as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland light up World Cup 2026
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Wu Zhizhao/VCG via Getty Images) | VCG via Getty Images Football’s greatest superstars have taken center stage at World Cup 2026, with the biggest names in the game stepping up to the plate and showing exactly why they are the very best in the business. The race for the Golden Boot – awarded to the World Cup’s top scorer – currently reads like a Who’s Who of the world’s best players. Lionel Messi leads the way from Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Current Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele can only manage fourth place on the list. The biggest name of all, Messi, may have celebrated his 39th birthday during the tournament but is proving once again that age is very much still a number. Messi started off with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria and has gone on to bang in five more goals for the defending champions. He’s also managed to miss two penalties along the way, proving that he is human after all. The Inter Miami star has already won everything the game has to offer but continues to demonstrate his other-worldly talent on the biggest stage of all. Just behind Messi at the top of the scoring charts is Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid superstar is part of a star-studded French squad but looks in the mood to avenge 2022’s final defeat to Argentina. Mbappe has been lethal in front of goal and still popped up with two assists in the one game where he didn’t manage to find the back of the net. And don’t forget Norway goal machine Erling Haaland. The striker also has seven goals on his World Cup debut, continuing the monstrous form he’s shown in the Premier League with Manchester City to set up an epic quarter-final tie with England. The Three Lions will be led by inspirational duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham who sent Thomas Tuchel’s side past Mexico in an epic encounter. Kane has six goals in the tournament so far to remain in the hunt for the second World Cup Golden Boot of his career but Bellingham is just as vital to England’s hopes. Elsewhere, there is plenty of other talent rising to the very top of the game. Michael Olise has followed up a stellar season with Bayern Munich by becoming France’s chief creator. Olise tops the assists charts and is the first player to hit five at a World Cup since 1994. Lamine Yamal is also into the quarter-finals with Spain and eyeing a first World Cup title at the tender age of 18. The Barcelona superstar returned from injury at the start tournament, scoring 11 minutes into his first ever World Cup start and helping send Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal packing in the last 16 last time out. World Cup finals are often characterised by unlikely heroes and 2026 has seen its fair share, with debutants Cape Verde capturing the imagination with a heroic performance that ultimately ended in a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the last 32. Yet as we head towards the business end of the tournament, it’s the giants of the game who remain in contention, primed for glory and aiming to cement their legacies by picking the ultimate prize in world football.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·match
The Neymar Era has come to a sad and predictable end
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images When Neymar Jr. entered the field as a substitute in the 67th minute of Brazil’s World Cup Round of 16 clash with Norway, the expectation from his country was the same as it’s been for the last decade and a half: the savior had arrived. The burden of being Brazil’s next legend has always been on the shoulders of a player who is undoubtedly one of the best and most talented of his generation, but his fourth and final World Cup appearance ended in a sad and predictable way. Neymar clearly wasn’t fit enough to be on the pitch in a do-or-die knockout match, and Brazil’s entire structure fell apart the moment he came on. Norway went on to dominate the rest of the game, Erling Haaland scored two brilliant goals, and Brazil experienced the earliest knockout exit in their storied World Cup history. But Neymar still had a chance to experience what he’s always craved: the spotlight. He scored a penalty after deciding to trade insults with the Norwegian goalkeeper, and continued to taunt him after scoring despite his country needing him to just take the ball back to the center circle for one last chance. That was the perfect example of what Neymar’s career would become since the biggest and most consequential decision of his career: when he chose to leave Barcelona in 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain, he wanted the spotlight for himself and himself only. The spotlight came before any team success because individual glory was always the main goal. Being the headline, good or bad, always came first. Dazzling the world with his unending talent seemed to be the priority, even if it meant sacrificing what was good for the other 10 wearing the same uniform. Barcelona fans had the pleasure of witnessing his very best, which is why they were willing to forgive his ugly departure and always wish for his return whenever he flirted with a comeback to Camp Nou. But PSG and Brazil fans got to see his worst: the version that didn’t pay football back for giving him gifts that almost no one else had. A major knee injury in 2023 took away what remained of his athleticism and effectively ended Neymar’s career as a top-level player, and his entire goal from that moment on was to be fit enough for one last World Cup. He came back to his home in Santos, and was hoping to see the country embrace him and once again build him up as that savior. Part of the country did embrace him and thought of him as a savior. Another (very big) part saw the reality: Neymar was done as a high-level player, and his presence in the World Cup squad was nothing but a marketing ploy and a distraction. Not even the legendary Carlo Ancelotti could resist the immense pressure created by big figures in Brazilian media and even politics, and Neymar was named in the 26-man squad. His inclusion was sold as a reward for his previous legacy built with the national team, and his role would be that of a veteran leader and nothing more. But when push came to shove, in the biggest game yet, the predictable happened: Neymar came on to play the part of savior, but he was clearly not even close to ready for it. His presence destabilized the team, and he still found a way to chase the spotlight for himself even in defeat. For those lucky enough to have seen Neymar at his very best, watching his exit from the world stage is sad because a player of his talent deserved to win more, both at club and country level. For those unlucky enough to witness his worst, the end was exactly as ugly and depressing as expected.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·match
‘They want to destabilize things’ – Barcelona star Dani Olmo takes aim at Real Madrid
Dani Olmo attacking midfield of Barcelona and Spain prior the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Dani Olmo has taken aim at Real Madrid after a summer which has seen tensions rise between the two old rivals. Los Blancos have filed a complaint against Barcelona over the Negreira Case, with president Florentino Perez taking almost every opportunity he can to criticize the Catalan giants. Olmo says he’s not surprised to hear the talk from Real Madrid, pointing out how they won’t be happy due to their recent lack of trophies. “It’s normal that they want to make noise somehow,” he told RAC1. “We’ve had two years with many titles, dominating in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa, and it’s normal that they want to destabilize things, but we are focused on our own game and on continuing to win. “They are looking to improve, but we also improve every year.” After going empty-handed once again in 2025-26, Madrid have been making changes this summer. Jose Mourinho has taken charge, while Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate have all arrived.
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago·Both·match
‘Raphinha is progressing well’ – Carlo Ancelotti says Barcelona star could feature against Norway for Brazil
Brazil's forward #11 Raphinha smiles during a training session at the Columbia Park Training Facility in Morristown, New Jersey on July 3, 2026, ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti says Raphinha is recovering well from his latest injury setback and could potentially feature for the Selecao in their last 16 tie against Norway at World Cup 2026. Raphinha was injured against Haiti and hasn’t featured since. It had been reported he would miss the Norway game but Ancelotti claims he could potentially feature as a substitute. “Raphinha is progressing very well, he’s not 100%, but he could be available on the bench and play a few minutes or be useful in some moments. “He recovered very well and very quickly, we’re happy about that because Raphinha is very important to the team,” he told reporters. Brazil face Norway in New Jersey on Monday and it seems like Raphinha will be in the squad for the game. The Brazilian has vowed to return as quickly as possible after injury but Barca will certainly be hoping no risks are taken with the forward. The winner of the match between Brazil and Norway will progress to a quarter-final tie against Mexico or England.
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago·Both·match
Lamine Yamal set to face his toughest opponent as Spain take on Portugal at World Cup 2026
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at Los Angeles Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Lamine Yamal is set to come up against Nuno Mendes next at World Cup 2026 as Spain face Portugal in the last 16 of the tournament. The Barcelona named Mendes as the “toughest opponent” he’s faced in his career so far in a recent interview but will now come up against the defender on Monday when the two teams meet. Former Spain and Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado thinks the duel between two players will be absolutely key to the outcome of the match. “The duel between Lamine and Nuno will be one of the head-to-head matchups of the World Cup. The kind that makes matches and tournaments great. I think that duel will probably be one of the defining moments of the game. “If Lamine gets the better of Nuno, Spain will have a big advantage… but if it’s the other way around, Portugal will gain the upper hand,” he said, per AS. “But I trust Lamine, because he has a magic box full of tricks. And when he unleashes them… he’s unstoppable. “So Nuno will have to bring out his best, that’s clear. It will be a physical duel between speedsters. The kind that breaks down any tactical system or coach’s game plan and unleashes an individual battle.” Mendes was named Player of the Match and said he “cancelled out” Yamal last summer when the two teams met in the Nations League final. “It was a clash like many others I have had during the season,” he said afterwards. “I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference, but today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best.” The Barcelona teenager will need no reminding of that clash and will hoping to come out on top when the two teams meet again in Dallas. Will Spain beat Portugal at the World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below!
- Barca Blaugranes·8d ago·Both·match
Barcelona ace Lamine Yamal takes another record off Kylian Mbappe at World Cup 2026 as Spain beat Austria
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Spain and Austria at Los Angeles Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Lamine Yamal added another record to his growing collection at World Cup 2026 after featuring in Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria on Thursday. The Barcelona teenager started the win that has sent Spain into the last 16 of the tournament and a tie against either Croatia or Portugal. Yamal has now been on the winning side in 10 matches at major tournaments, becoming the youngest European player to do so and taking the record off Kylian Mbappe. 18 – 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal is the youngest European player in history to end on the winning side in 10 matches at major tournaments, aged 18 years and 354 days. He is five years younger than the previous record holder (Kylian Mbappé – 23 years and 355 days). Influential. pic.twitter.com/wXd9qPZw1i — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 2, 2026 It’s not the only landmark that Yamal hit on Thursday at the World Cup. He featured alongside Barcelona team-mate Cubarsi, meaning the two players are the first teenagers to start a World Cup game together since 1958. 2 – 🇪🇸 Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal are the first pair of teenagers to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match for a team for 68 years. Pelé and Altafini in 1958 for 🇧🇷 Brazil against 🏴 Wales in the quarter-final were the last to do so. Advanced. pic.twitter.com/UcwqZ1HHcE — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 2, 2026 The duo will expect to start again on Monday when they return to action at the World Cup. Spain head to Dallas now but must wait to see if they will take on Croatia or Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals.
- Managing Madrid·10d ago·Both·match
Laporta attacks Real Madrid: “In other circles they’re holding these ridiculous press conferences”
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta attacked Real Madrid during the event where he officially took possession of Barça’s presidency for another term. “Out in other circles, they’re super on edge, holding these ridiculous press conferences, and they ain’t got their compass set straight. They’re basically just doing a déjà vu… But we got a more solid team, with Hansi Flick leading these players that got everyone hyped,” he said. He didn’t actually mention Real Madrid, but it’s quite clear that he was referring to Florentino Pérez’s press conference where he first announced that the club was undergoing an election process. Knowing that it’s always good for him to attack Real Madrid, Laporta kept going. “We’re gonna have a super competitive team, but we can’t let our guard down because some folks out there never sleep. When they come at our club, they’re always gonna find a president and a board with strong leadership, totally committed to defending our institution against anything and everyone. That’s our promise. We’ll defend Barça against all attacks. This kind of leadership doesn’t do lukewarm; you gotta defend it all the time,” he added. After a brief period of time when the two clubs got along and worked together for the Superleague, the relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid is once again a tumultuous one.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·match
When will Raphinha return for Brazil? Barcelona star trains ahead of Norway last 16 tie
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 3: Raphinha #11 of Brazil gives a thumbs up to fans after the training at Columbia Park Training Facility on June 3, 2026 in Morristown, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona forward Raphinha has been back in training with Brazil at World Cup 2026 as he bids to make his return to action after suffering a hamstring injury. Raphinha has not played since sustaining the problem against Haiti but has vowed to do all he can to return as soon as possible for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. According to ESPN Brasil, Raphinha enjoyed a light training session on Tuesday and will train again on Wednesday morning. Raphinha is making positive progress but there is still a huge doubt over whether he will play against Norway in their last 16 on Sunday. ESPN say that Brazil are “cautiously considering” a possible return for Raphinha against Norway but the reality is that he has ” little chance” of playing in the game. Brazil instead plan to monitor his progress but don’t want to take any risks. The Selecao are said to have confidence they can progress to the quarter-finals without having to risk Raphinha. The Barcelona star’s history is also likely to be playing a part in the decision making. Raphinha has suffered with hamstring injuries throughout the 2025-26 season and the risk of relapse remains high. Brazil and Norway face off in New Jersey in the last 16, with the winners going on to a quarter-final tie against Mexico, England or DRC Congo.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago·Both·match
Barcelona to start La Liga title defence against Athletic Club & Clasico dates confirmed
TOPSHOT - Barcelona's Spanish forward #07 Ferran Torres celebrates with Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (R) scoring his team's fourth goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Lluis GENE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images The fixtures for the new 2026-27 La Liga season have been released and see Barcelona kick off the defence of their La Liga title at home to Athletic Club. The new season is due to start on the weekend of August 15th-16th but teams who have players involved in the World Cup final could see their first games postponed until the 25th-27th. Here’s a look at the first round of fixtures in La Liga: Alaves vs Getafe Atletico Madrid vs Malaga Celta Vigo vs Osasuna Deportivo vs Elche Espanyol vs Levante Barcelona vs Athletic Racing vs Villarreal Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Sevilla vs Rayo Valencia vs Real Betis Fans can also start looking forward to next season’s Clasicos. The first game between the bitter rivals will take place on Camp Nou on the weekend of October 25th. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu is set for Matchday 35 (likely to be the weekend of May 9th, 2027). Hansi Flick’s side have won La Liga for the last two seasons in a row and will be aiming for a hat-trick of titles when the new campaign kicks off. They will face an Athletic Club side under new management as Eden Terzic has replaced Ernesto Valverde at the helm.
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago·Both·match
Magic Lionel Messi makes more history, Harry Kane on target for England and all the goals from Day 17 of World Cup 2026
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 27: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Jordan and Argentina at Dallas Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images World Cup 2026 delivered more goals on Saturday as the final six group fixtures were played and the Round of 32 confirmed. Lionel Messi continued his rich vein of scoring form with another strike as Argentina cruised past Jordan, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were on target for England, while Algeria and Austria played out a six-goal thriller. Let’s take a look at the best goals of the day… Kane & Bellingham deliver England progressed to the round of 32 and a match-up against DRC Congo by beating Panama 2-0 to top Group L. Thomas Tuchel’s side were far from impressive but took the lead when Bellingham guided a low volley from Bukayo Saka’s corner home at the near post. HEY JUDE 🏴 Jude Bellingham scores England's first of the match vs Panama! pic.twitter.com/oK1xWevsjo — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 27, 2026 Bellingham then turned provider as England finished off Panama. The Real Madrid man surged down the left, teased his defender and crossed for Kane to head home his 11th World Cup goal. Class from Harry Kane to give England the 2-0 lead 🏴 pic.twitter.com/phdjv2asvh — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 27, 2026 Croatia seal second place Croatia also progress from Group L after finishing as runners-up behind England. Petar Sucic lit up their match against Ghana with a fine strike from range. The Inter star was allowed far too much time and space in midfield and took full advantage, taking a touch and then fizzing a low shot home to make it 1-0. A beautiful hit from Petar Sučić for Croatia 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/dZz5SJDDBG — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2026 Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen volleyed the Black Stars level on 73 minutes but Croatia were simply not to be denied. Nikola Vlasic headed home a winner 10 minutes later to seal their place in the knockout stages and a tie against Portugal. A beautiful header from Nikola Vlašić to put Croatia back in front 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/vhn8FDwn4r — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2026 Colombia denied at the death Colombia and Portugal had both secured their places in the knockout stages before kick-off in Miami and went on to play out a goalless draw in Miami. Yet Colombia thought they had nicked it late on. Davinson Sanchez headed home in the 90th minute but saw his goal chalked out for a marginal offside. World Cup history for Congo DRC Congo made it through to the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever by beating Uzbekistan 3-1, although they had to come from behind. Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring in style for Uzbekistan with a delightful chip over the goalkeeper and into the far corner. Eldor Shomurodov with a beautiful finish to put Uzbekistan in front first 🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/ay5lwm9mGG — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2026 The Leopards regrouped and Yoane Wissa levelled the game after being tripped inside the penalty by Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov. The DRC Congo forward promptly dusted himself off and fired the penalty past the goalkeeper for 1-1. Yoane Wissa converts the penalty for DR Congo 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/LkPSAAz7sL — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Fiston Mayele then nipped in behind the Uzbekistan defence to put Congo ahead with a clever flick. Fiston Mayele with a beautiful flick into the back of the net for DR Congo 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/pEpUOoenCO — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Wissa’s second of the game secured a first World Cup win for DRC Congo. The Newcastle striker turned and curled a low shot across goal and into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area. WONDERFUL FROM WISSA 🇨🇩 HE JUST ABOUT SEALS DR CONGO'S SPOT IN THE KNOCKOUT STAGE! pic.twitter.com/50eQIcrs6d — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Late drama in six-goal thriller There’s no doubt the game of the day was in Kansas City where Austria and Algeria shared six goals and both went through to the last 32. Marko Arnautovic got the party started by racing onto David Alaba’s ball and scuffing a shot past goalkeeper Oussama Benbot. AUSTRIA OPENS UP THE SCORING 🇦🇹 Marko Arnautović taps this one by the goalkeeper! pic.twitter.com/FY0kLkWRZu — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Rafik Belghali equalised just before half-time, jinking his way towards goal and rifling a shot into the top corner. A BEAUTY FROM BELGHALI 🇩🇿 What a solo goal to equalize for Algeria! pic.twitter.com/TIV2sI3GnT — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 The goals kept on coming after half-time. Marcel Sabitzer made it 2-1 by side-footing home a cut-back from Konrad Laimer from the edge of the area. AUSTRIA RESTORES ITS LEAD 🇦🇹 Marcel Sabitzer fires this one in! pic.twitter.com/SyQPGGb2By — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Algeria pulled level again when Houssem Aouar crossed for Mahrez to convert at the far post. IT'S TIED AGAIN 🇩🇿 Captain Riyad Mahrez finds the equalizer! pic.twitter.com/BDjlXnJ3bN — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 An incredible finish then saw both sides score in stoppage time. Mahrez lashed home his second of the match from an angle in the 93rd minute to grab what appeared to be the winner. Riyad Mahrez DELIVERS IN STOPPAGE TIME FOR ALGERIA 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/hVmBMLtLHq — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 Sasa Kalajdzic then turned out to be the unlikely hero. Just 61 seconds after coming on, the Austria substitute headed home to make it 3-3 and finish the game in the most dramatic style. CHAOS IN KANSAS CITY 🤯 AUSTRIA BACK ON LEVEL TERMS LATE IN STOPPAGE TIME 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/jYoWK3kmNv — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2026 More Messi magic for Argentina Defending champions Argentina made it three wins from three in the group phase by beating Jordan 3-0. Giovani Lo Celso got Lionel Scaloni’s side up and running with a wonderful free-kick from just outside the penalty area. FREE KICK GOLAZO TO GIVE ARGENTINA THE LEAD! Giovani Lo Celso with a beauty 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/dxax3YIqKf — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 28, 2026 Lautaro Martinez’s penalty doubled Argentina’s lead before Jordan pulled one back through Musa Al-Taamari just before the hour mark. It was then left to Messi to have the final say after coming off the bench for Argentina. The Inter Miami star curled a low free-kick around the wall to score in a record-breaking seventh World Cup game in a row and seal the game for Argentina. LIONEL MESSI SCORES HIS 6TH GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 🇦🇷 Unreal from the 39-year-old legend. pic.twitter.com/C9CykSYene — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 28, 2026 The goal sees Messi extend his lead in the Golden Boot standings at World Cup 2026, while Argentina go on to face Cabo Verde in the Round of 32. Which was your favorite goal? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comments!
- Managing Madrid·13d ago·Both·match
WORLD CUP OPEN THREAD | June 28, 2026
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel. Jude’s turn to shine. 🌎🏆🏆 OFFICIAL: Jude Bellingham, back to back Man of the Match for England. Last time he said: “I didn’t deserve the award, a Ghana player should have won”. Today… 💥 Goal + assist 🥇 Most ground duels contested (15) 🥇 Most ground duels won (11) 🥇 Most tackles (4) 🥇 Most… pic.twitter.com/QT6U6muQTr — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2026 Pedri en el Mundial 2026 – 215 pases intentados para repartir 6 pases clave (cero asistencias) y 1 clara ocasión de gol Jude Bellingham en el Mundial 2026 – 98 pases intentados para repartir 6 pases clave (1 asistencia) y 2 claras ocasiones de gol Con menos, se puede hacer… — Don Amancio (@DonShelby__) June 27, 2026 The bracket is complete. Onto the round of 32. Who’s gonna win the World Cup? 🌎🏆 🇫🇷 France vs. Sweden 🇸🇪 🇺🇸 USA vs. Bosnia 🇧🇦 🇨🇭 Switzerland vs. Algeria 🇩🇿 🇿🇦 South Africa vs. Canada 🇨🇦 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. Morocco 🇲🇦 🇵🇹 Portugal vs. Croatia 🇭🇷 🇪🇸 Spain vs. Austria 🇦🇹 🇧🇪 Belgium vs. Senegal 🇸🇳 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. Japan 🇯🇵… pic.twitter.com/KPcsB87jPD — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2026 Any breakout stars so far? Seems to be the same old suspects lighting up the big stage. Managing Madrid readers believe that Ayyoub Bouaddi will be the World Cup's breakout star. pic.twitter.com/zhes7zbc1U — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) June 27, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·15d ago·Both·match
Uruguay vs Spain, World Cup 2026: Team News, Match Preview
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images Spain (1st, 4pts) vs Uruguay (2nd, 2pts) Competition/Round: 2026 World Cup, Group H, Round 3 Spain Outs & Doubts: None Uruguay Outs & Doubts: Ronald Araujo, Giorgian De Arrascaeta (out) Date/Time: Friday, June 26, 2026, 8pm ET, 5pm PT (USA), 2am CET (Barcelona, Saturday), 1am BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria, Saturday), 5.30am IST (India, Saturday) Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA) How to watch on TV: FOX (USA), ITV 1 (UK), United8 Sports 1 (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), others How to watch online: FuboTV (USA), ITVX (UK), ZEE5 (India), DAZN (Spain), others Following a strong win over Saudi Arabia in their second group stage match last weekend, La Roja return to action for their third and final Group H clash as Spain face South American powerhouses Uruguay on Friday night in Guadalajara. This is one of the most anticipated games of the group stage as Lamine Yamal and Co. take on legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, who are the leaders of the Celeste as they look for a spot in the Round of 32. There sadly won’t be a Barcelona representative for Uruguay as Ronald Araujo has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Uruguay were held to a draw in their first two games against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, putting huge pressure on the Celeste to get a win in this one. If there is a winner in the other game between the two group underdogs Uruguay can only qualify with a win, while a draw may also be enough to secure second place as long as the other game necessarily ends all square. Spain have a more comfortable path to the knockout rounds as four points will be enough to secure at least third place, and a draw will likely be good enough to secure top spot. They can also finish second with a loss as long as Cape Verde don’t beat Saudi Arabia, so La Roja will advance to the knockouts regardless of what happens on Friday. But Luis de la Fuente and his troops want to build momentum after the excellent performance against the Saudis, and a quality win against Uruguay would be a great morale boost to move forward in the tournament. Lamine Yamal is expected to start again and play at least an hour to continue building his fitness, but Spain will be hoping to wrap up the win early to give the teenage superstar a chance to come off as early as possible. Uruguay need a win and Bielsa knows how to set up his teams to play with remarkable intensity and pressure, so Spain must be ready to play their best stuff and match Uruguay’s urgency to finish the group stage on a high. Let’s dance. (Be careful, Lamine.) POSSIBLE LINEUPS Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte; Canobbio, Valverde, Araujo; Viñas PREDICTION Uruguay know that playing for a draw is way too risky, so they will press and try to force Spain into mistakes. I expect an open game with good chances for both sides, and for La Roja to win a very entertaining clash in Guadalajara: 3-1 Spain.
- Guardian Football·17d ago·Both·match
‘Not much faith’: the view from Brazil as they prepare to face Scotland
Debate is raging back home about whether Neymar, Casemiro, Endrick – and others – should be in the World Cup team against the Tartan Army The big stars have turned up for the 2026 World Cup. Lamine Yamal returned to the Spain team to help them thump Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi is the tournament’s top scorer, giving Argentina hope of pinning “la cuarta estrella” to their shirts. And Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo are all vying for the Golden Boot as their teams look towards to the next stage. However, the five-time champions Brazil are failing to convince. They finished fifth in the Conmebol qualifying table with 28 points from 18 games, their worst ever qualifying campaign. Being competitive in a 2-1 defeat to France in March, before wins against Croatia, Panama and Egypt in friendlies, perhaps gave false hope. Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·18d ago·Both·match
Barca Blaugranes World Cup Reacts Survey: Who will finish as top scorer?
Dallas, United States - June 22: Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his sides first goal of the match during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas, United States. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images The best goalscorers on the planet have been impressing at World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland leading the way when it comes to finding the back of the net. For our latest edition of SB Nation Reacts we want to find out who you think will win the coveted Golden Boot prize at the 2026 World Cup. Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday on Wednesday but has demonstrated his genius once again in Argentina’s first two games. The Inter Miami star bagged a hat-trick against Algeria and then followed that up with two goals against Austria to become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. Yet Mbappe is hot on his heels as part of a strong France team that are one of the hot favorites for glory. Haaland, Harry Kane and Mikel Oyarzabal are also strong contenders to win the Golden Boot and possess excellent scoring records at international and club level. So now it’s over to you. Vote in our poll below and feel free to share any thoughts or predictions you may have in the comments below. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts. Be on the lookout for results from the survey soon! Please take our survey
- Barca Blaugranes·19d ago·Both·match
Lamine Yamal needed just 11 minutes to make Spain World Cup favorites again
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Spanish football is like a money tree. World class players never stop sprouting up. Spain has enough talent to build three teams that could be competitive at the World Cup. Winning it, however, requires a spark of creativity that can’t be taught in academies. In Qatar, it was the Messi vs Mbappe showdown. As good as Argentina and France are without them, in order to make it to the finish line, especially in those games when your back is against the ropes, you need a player born with genius. By now, it should be clear that Lamine Yamal is that player for Spain. With him, La Roja seem destined for a trophy. Without him, Spain could very well be looking at an early exit. Against Saudi Arabia, Luis de la Fuente was feeling the pressure, and knew he had to risk playing Lamine even if he wasn’t one hundred percent fit. It took approximately ten minutes for Lamine to put the game out of reach. It’s not just because of the goal. Mikel Oyarzabal had two goals and an assist, but he still wasn’t the MVP of the game. That accolade goes to Lamine because of the way he struck fear into the hearts of Saudi Arabia from the first whistle. Having him on the field made the job that much easier for his Spanish teammates. Let’s remember something though. Lamine tore his hamstring in April. There are risks of Spain learning the wrong lesson from this game. De la Fuente will have to be smart with how he manages his young superstar’s minutes going forward. Lamine will do what his coach asks him to do, but his welfare must be protected. Spain are dependent on him, that’s for sure, but over the next couple of weeks, they have to find a way to play well without him. Lamine cannot go 90 minutes. Not now at least. When the knockouts come calling, it could be 120 minutes that Spain needs to get the job done. So yes, it’s ok to be excited again. Spain at their best are why we love the game. To be at their best, they do need Lamine. But they are not out of the woods. What happened against Cape Verde is an important cautionary tale. Spain is a flawed team, and without their best player, they can get exposed. If they are to make it to the World Cup final, the supporting cast needs to step up against Uruguay, and in the first few knockout games. This isn’t South Africa 2010 when Spain was loaded with Ballon d’Or caliber players. This is the Lamine Yamal show. It’s an exciting watch, but he needs a few reliable sidekicks in order to make the magical run possible.
- Barca Blaugranes·20d ago·Both·match
‘I’ll end up there’ – Lamine Yamal explains why position switch at Barcelona is inevitable
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates the victory during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lamine Yamal says that he will end up switching position at Barcelona and playing through the middle in the same way that Lionel Messi did during his time at the club. The teenager is usually deployed down the right flank for club and country but has been usually more centrally on occasion. Yamal was asked about playing through the middle in a new interview with El Mundo and explained why it’s inevitable he’ll switch position at some point. “I think Leo was also marked by three players,” he explained. “And the only place where three players can’t mark you is in the middle. There are too many players there. As time goes on, I’ll end up there, because it’s very easy to defend with three on the wings, but they can’t mark me in the middle.” “I can take on defenders one-on-one in the middle. I’m a more decisive player if I turn in the middle than if I turn out wide. Obviously, right now I think it’s better for the team if I’m out wide. But there will come a time when I’ll be more decisive in the middle. And I’ll end up there.” Yamal also said he already knows that he will be triple-marked in most games now as teams try to nullify his threat. “At least three. If I’m lucky, two. But one-on-one, never, ever, ever,” he said. “So I start thinking about plays: I talk to the full-back and tell him, ‘If I give you the ball, do this.”’ The manager tells me, ‘If you have three, there are three teammates free.’ So it’s about playing at the back, obviously, but the dribbling is all about improvising. You don’t plan it. It’s impossible.” The Barcelona star was also asked if he sees himself still playing, like Messi, at the age of 40 but was quite clear with his response: “Impossible. Impossible. Impossible.”
- Managing Madrid·21d ago·Both·match
Germany secures place in knockout rounds for first time since lifting cup in 2014
Germany's forward #26 Deniz Undav (L) is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Germany and Ivory Coast at the Toronto Stadium in Toronto on June 20, 2026. (Photo by Cole Burston / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Antonio Rüdiger comes on to start 2nd half and provides stability to German backline Four-time World Cup Champions Germany secured their passage into the knockout round for the first time since lifting the cup in 2014, defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto through a double from Stuttgart’s Denis Undav who came on in the 60th minute. Julian Nagelsmann chose the same starting 11 that routed Curacao 7-1 in the opening match, once again opting to leave 33-year-old Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rüdiger on the bench in favor of Bayern Munich’s Jonathan Tah and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. Rüdiger did come on at the beginning of the 2nd half, perhaps as a result of a knock Schlotterbeck received in the 15th minute that forced him off the pitch to receive medical attention. Rüdiger had 5 defensive contributions in the 2nd half (2 blocks, 2 clearances, 1 tackle) and completed 28 of 29 passes. Germany had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 10th minute from a Kai Havertz header which was saved by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana’s and again in the 18th minute when Jamal Musiala‘s shot from outside the box curled just wide of Fofana’s left goalpost. Four minutes later a deflected shot from outside the box from Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha’s went just over the crossbar. The Germans thought they had finally scored from the subsequent corner kick through a header from Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović, but it was determined that the Munich-born Pavlović fouled Fofana in his pursuit of the ball. All eyes were on Ivory Coast’s 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, the subject of a reported €100 million bid from Liverpool this week. And it was Diomande that created the danger that led to the first goal of the match in the 30th minute, sending a cross that found Manchester United’s Amad Diallo inside the box. Diallo’s shot was blocked by left-back Nathaniel Brown, but ex-AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder Frank Kessié pounced on the ensuing rebound to open the scoring and give Ivory Coast a surprising half-time lead. Nagelsmann had seen enough and in the 60th minute made 3 changes, replacing Musiala, Pavlović and Leroy Sané with Undav, attacking midfielder Jamie Leweling and Mainz 05’s attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri. And those changes paid almost immediate dividends as a sensational cross from Amiri found Undav inside the box in the 68th minute, the Stuttgart forward meeting the cross with a superb first touch strike to tie the match. Undav is coming off a spectacular season at Stuttgart, finishing 2nd in the Bundesliga with 19 goals and has now scored 9 times and distributed 4 assists in his last 8 matches with the Germany shirt, bringing into question how much longer Nagelsmann can afford to leave him out of the starting 11. The match had a frenetic finish as Ivory Coast has an excellent chance to retake the lead in the 88th minute when Nicolas Pépé fed Simon Adingra all alone, Adingra wasting the chance by not attempting a first touch effort. Less than a minute later Fofana needed to make a fine save on Nathaniel Brown’s shot from inside the box. But the best was yet to come as Undav’s 2nd goal of the match arrived in the 94th minute, helping Germany become the 3rd team to reach the knockout rounds, joining the USA and Mexico. Germany closes out the group phase against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey while Ivory Coast looks to secure a place in the knockout rounds against Curaçao that same day in Philadelphia.
- Barca Blaugranes·21d ago·Both·match
Bad news for Barcelona as Raphinha forced off with injury during Brazil’s World Cup 2026 clash against Haiti
Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Ronald Araujo is no longer the only Barcelona player struggling with injury at the start of World Cup 2026 as Raphinha’s name has now been added to the list after the Brazilian was forced off with an injury during the first half of his nation’s second group stage match against Haiti in Philadelphia. Raphinha started for Carlo Ancelotti’s side and missed a few good chances early on, but he was noticeably absent from the celebrations of Brazil’s second goal scored by Matheus Cunha and was substituted by Rayan shortly after. The Barça man was visibly upset while being looked at by the doctors, and had a chat with Vini Jr. before leaving the pitch that seemed to worry his teammate. There was no immediate visible indication of Raphinha’s injury, but exclusive footage captured by Brazilian TV and initial reports from the Brazilian reporters at the stadium indicate that he may have suffered a right hamstring injury, the same injury he picked up while in international duty last March that sidelined him for a month and a half and caused him to miss both legs of Barça’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Atlético Madrid. We won’t know the extent of Raphinha’s injury until further tests are done over the weekend, but his reaction after a possible relapse of the same problem he had just three months ago could mean very bad news for his hopes of playing a part in the rest of the World Cup. Here’s hoping for good news.
- Barca Blaugranes·22d ago·Both·match
‘My style is different’ – Lamine Yamal talks Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and World Cup 2026
(COMBO) This combination of file pictures created on November 14, 2025, shows Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (L) walking onto the pitch prior to the UEFA Nations League semi-final football match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany, on June 5, 2025, and Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi looking on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on June 10, 2025. The Finalissima between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain will be played in March on neutral ground, said CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez on November 20, 2025, in Asuncion, speaking to AFP and a Paraguayan media outlet. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO and Franck FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Lamine Yamal has been talking about Lionel Messi after seeing the GOAT score a hat-trick for Argentina at World Cup 2026. The 38-year-old showed his greatness yet again in a 3-0 win over Algeria and Yamal says there is no doubt whatsoever that Messi is the best player ever to grace the beautiful game. “Every match proves he’s the best in history. If anyone has doubts, it’s because they’re looking for them. There’s nothing more to say. My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the best,” he told RTVE. Yamal was also asked about Messi and Kylian Mbappe making goalscoring starts to the World Cup and is not feeling the pressure to match the two superstars. “My style of play is different, I want to enjoy myself, to win, I don’t want to score 16 goals and get eliminated in the semifinals. That’s not what I’m looking for,” he added. As one of the favorites, Spain could end up facing Argentina at World Cup 2026. It’s a match-up that excites Yamal. “In the end, to win the World Cup, you have to beat the best. If we don’t face them in the round of 32, maybe in the final. We are Spain and we want to play against the best,” he added. Who would come out on top if Argentina do play Spain at World Cup 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
- Barca Blaugranes·23d ago·Both·match
‘Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon – Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez sends out positive message
Fermin Lopez central midfield of Barcelona and Spain celebrates the victory after winning the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has sent out a positive message on social media as he continues his recovery from a fractured metatarsal that saw him miss out on World Cup 2026 with Spain. The midfielder sustained the injury against Real Betis and was forced to undergo surgery. Lopez admitted at the time it was a tough blow to take but is now feeling more positive. He’s posted a compilation of some great moments from last season on Instagram and added the words: “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.” View this post on Instagram Lopez is expected to miss a couple of months with his injury, with Barcelona confirming this week that their first pre-season match will take place against Birmingham City on July 31st. Hansi Flick’s side are due to start pre-season training on July 13th and will then travel to England and be based at St George’s Park from 27 July to 3 August.
- Managing Madrid·25d ago·Both·match
Mbappe Or Ronaldo? The Managing Madrid World Cup Predictions Survey — The Results
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Kylian Mbappé #10 of France arrives at Boston Logan International Airport on June 10, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images The results are in, and Managing Madrid readers have made their predictions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. When asked which nation will lift the trophy, Portugal emerged as the clear favorite, receiving 46% of the vote. France finished second with 35%, while Spain came in a distant third at 10%. Brazil (6%), England (3%), and defending champions Argentina (1%) rounded out the poll. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal entering the tournament as the community’s top pick is perhaps the biggest surprise, especially given the strength of France’s squad and the widespread support Spain has received from many pundits heading into the competition. On the individual side, Kylian Mbappé was the overwhelming favorite to finish as the tournament’s leading star, collecting 52% of the vote. Harry Kane finished second at 16%, while Cristiano Ronaldo and “The Field” each earned 12%. Lamine Yamal received 6%, and Lionel Messi picked up 1%. The results suggest readers expect France to make a deep run even if Portugal ultimately lifts the trophy, with Mbappé comfortably leading the race for individual honors. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s strong showing reflects the belief that Portugal could finally have the depth and balance needed to capitalize on what may be the legendary forward’s final World Cup appearance. Now all that’s left is for the football to begin. We’ll revisit these predictions as the tournament unfolds to see just how accurate Managing Madrid readers prove to be. This post was sponsored by FanDuel.
- Barca Blaugranes·25d ago·Both·match
Why Raphinha was given a rest in Brazil training ahead of Haiti clash
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 13: Raphinha of Brazil reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona star Raphinha was one of four Brazil players who were given a breather on Monday as Carlo Ancelotti’s side trained ahead of their next group game against Haiti. Brazil opened up their tournament with a 1-1 draw with Morocco but will be gunning for all three points when they return to action on Friday. Raphinha, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Neymar were all rested ahead of match, per Globo. Neymar is injured, Gabriel and Guimaraes fatigued and Raphinha has blisters on his feet and turned up without his boots on. Raphinha aparece descalço no campo. Galhães e Bruno Guimarães de tênis. Os demais jogadores já começaram o treino e Neymar ainda não apareceu pic.twitter.com/KxkvYttmx1 — Raisa Simplicio (@simpraisa) June 15, 2026 Brazil still have several days of training before the match, giving the players time to rest and recover ahead of their second match. Yet Barcelona will surely be relieved to see Raphinha being handled with care, particularly after seeing him ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury picked on international duty earlier in the season. Raphinha admitted at the start of the tournament that he’s still not at his best best physically but had done all he could to reach the World Cup in the best possible shape. “I had an injury that left me out for a month and a bit, without training, without playing,” he said. “But I have always tried to give my best in the treatment, in the club, to be able to reach 100% with Brazil.”
- Barca Blaugranes·25d ago·Both·match
Lamine Yamal or Lionel Messi? The Barcelona Blaugranes World Cup Predictions Survey – The Results
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images We recently asked the good people of Barca Blaugranes to predict who would win World Cup 2026 and which player would take home the Golden Ball as part of the SB Nation Reacts series. The results have now been counted and verified, VAR checked (not really) and can now be revealed. So, without any further ado, let’s see how you voted. World Cup Winner Perhaps unsurprisingly Spain are the favorites to win the World Cup with BB readers (and yes, this was done before the Cape Verde game) and scooped 46% of the vote. Lionel Messi’s Argentina came in second place followed by France, Portugal, England and Brazil. Golden Ball Winner Lamine Yamal topped the Golden Ball Poll, narrowly beating Messi into second place. France’s Kylian Mbappe came in third with Harry Kane grabbing fourth spot. Thanks to everyone who took the time to take part in our survey. There may well be more to follow in the future. This poll and the graphics are sponsored by Fanduel.
- Barca Blaugranes·25d ago·Both·match
‘I feel really good in Barcelona’ – Ronald Araujo says ‘the best years are to come’
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona speaks to the fans as players of FC Barcelona celebrate after defeating Real Madrid, and winning the LaLiga title, after the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images R0nald Araujo says he’s happy at Barcelona and is willing to fight for a starting spot at Hansi Flick’s side. The Uruguay international’s future has been in doubt after a season where he took a mental health break and then found starts hard to come by. Araujo has given a new interview to The Athletic and opened up on his mental health issues, saying that: “Even though I haven’t played that many minutes, this has been the season I’ve learnt the most.” The defender also insists he sees his future at Barcelona and thinks he can improve. “I feel really good in Barcelona, I’m very happy here,” he added. “I’m not afraid of whoever I have to face (for a starting spot) because I have a lot of confidence in myself and in what lies ahead. “I believe the best years are yet to come and I’ll approach them with a new-found maturity. I’ll see the benefits in the coming seasons thanks to what I’ve learnt.” Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin emerged as Flick’s preferred central defensive partnership last season but there has been speculation Barca want to bring in another defender. Alessandro Bastoni has appeared to be Barca’s top defensive target but now looks set to stay at Inter.
- Barca Blaugranes·27d ago·Both·match
Brazil’s midfield will cost them the World Cup
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images Day Three of the 2026 World Cup saw the debut of five-time champions Brazil as the Seleção began their journey in Group C with a 1-1 draw against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in New York/New Jersey. The result against a legitimately good nation isn’t bad for a Brazil team that tends to struggle in World Cup openers, but the first half performance was genuinely worrying for anyone hoping to see the iconic yellow jersey in the latter stages of the tournament. Brazil do have two superstars in Raphinha and Vini Jr., two of the world’s best defenders in Marquinhos and Gabriel, a legendary coach in Carlo Ancelotti, and several exciting young attacking talents. But the one area that was exposed as the Seleção’s biggest problem against Morocco is the same area that will surely doom them in North America: midfield. Ancelotti’s starting central trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá was severely lacking in quality and intensity as they were outplayed and outworked by the Moroccan midfield. Casemiro was the worst of the three, unceremoniously hooked at halftime after being booked and looking completely outmatched in the first 45 minutes. Casemiro enjoyed a career revival in the second half of Manchester United’s season but doesn’t look suited for the World Cup stage, and his replacement Fabinho was so much better in the second half — despite being far from brilliant — that Casemiro’s time as a starter may have already come to an end. Guimarães has always struggled to replicate his very high level of performances at Newcastle while wearing a Brazil shirt, and Paquetá looked lost and failed to complete the easiest of passes against Morocco. Fabinho is capable but no longer the same defensive midfield monster from his Liverpool days, and Danilo Santos has been dominating domestically but still doesn’t have Ancelotti’s complete trust. There is enough star power at the back and up front that Brazil can advance past the group stage and maybe the first couple of knockout rounds, but 90 minutes against Morocco is all it takes to realize that Brazil’s midfield is not good enough to compete with the very best. The (Im)precision of the Swiss allowed Qatar to create World Cup magic The story of the first game of the day between Switzerland and Qatar was the Swiss team’s inability to turn their remarkable first half dominance into an easy win, and a combination of bad finishing and a touch of arrogance allowed Qatar to not only stay in the game but pull off the first major upset of the tournament as captain Boualem Khoukhi scored a 94th minute equalizer to earn Qatar’s first-ever point at the World Cup. Switzerland’s superior midfield and wing play was evident in the first 45 minutes and the talented front three of Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Rubén Vargas had more than enough chances to put the game away, pick up all three points and build a nice cushion in goal difference. What we saw instead was the magic of the World Cup as a giant underdog made history and showed us why even the smallest of nations in a 48-country tournament can still compete. Haiti, The People’s Champion The second-lowest ranked team in the World Cup made their people proud as Haiti defied all expectations and gave Scotland all they could handle in the second Group C game of the day. The atmosphere in the stadium in Boston was extraordinary as both sets of supporters showed up in big numbers and made incredible noise all night, and John McGinn scored the winner as Scotland made a triumphant return to the World Cup stage for the first time in 28 years. But the story of the game were the lovable losers: Haiti gave the Scots a proper test, using the size of their forwards and the incredible energy of their midfield to play with pace and intensity for the whole 90 minutes, and big man Frantzdy Pierrot had a huge chance to equalize later on but missed his header in agonizing fashion. Haiti are unlikely to take points off Brazil and Morocco in their final two games, but they’ve already shown the necessary energy and passion to compete with the two big favorites in the group. Australia proved that parking the bus can be beautiful The fourth and final game of Day 3 (or the first game of Day 4, depending on where you are) featured a defensive masterpiece from Australia to cause a giant upset against Turkey in Group D. The Socceroos had a very clear plan to line up in a 5-4-1 low block, absorb as much pressure as possible, and try to create havoc on the counter. And an amazing back-and-forth battle ensued, with Turkey dominating possession but having many of their shots blocked by amazing last-ditch challenge from the Australia defense while Patrick Beach had the game of his life in goal and saved literally everything in his vicinity. But Australia also knew how to hurt Turkey on the counter, and that’s how they scored the winning goals thanks to beautiful strikes by Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. It was a wonderful display of tactical structure combined with remarkable dedication to the task, and Australia proved that a brilliant defensive performance can be just as exhilarating to watch as an offensive show.
- Barca Blaugranes·27d ago·Both·match
Brazil 1-1 Morocco, World Cup 2026: Raphinha quiet as Seleção rescue point in Group C opener
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images The first Barcelona star in action in World Cup 2026 was Raphinha as the forward played all 90 minutes in Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in Saturday’s Group C opener. The Seleção made a horrible start and fell behind to a Ismael Saibari goal, but Vinicius Jr. scored a fantastic equalizer to rescue a point for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Reactions & Observations The story of the game was Brazil’s midfield: the Seleção suffered mightily in the middle of the park in the first half, with all three of Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães well below par with their passing and intensity. Ancelotti’s halftime change to bring in Fabinho considerably changed things, and contributed to a much better second half as Brazil looked more organized and solid centrally. But the Seleção still played far worse than expected, and Vinicius’ great goal was the only real highlight of the game for the five-time champions. Raphinha had one shot on target almost 80 minutes into the contest that was comfortably saved by Bono, and the Barça man was too quiet and often isolated once he was moved to the striker position in the second half. Morocco have a much different and younger squad compared to the one that made the 2022 semi-finalists, but they looked just as good as they did four years ago. Achraf Hakimi was great at right-back, the midfield was excellent, and the high pressing made Brazil’s build-up phase very uncomfortable. Brazil have a much easier second game against Haiti on Friday to look for their first win, but they’ll need a lot more from Raphinha in that match and in the tournament going forward. Brazil are not big favorites but can still go deep if their two main stars shine, and Vinicius made a great and decisive contribution. Raphinha didn’t, and he’ll need to improve quickly.
- Barca Blaugranes·28d ago·Both·match
Brazil vs Morocco, World Cup 2026: Live Match Thread
Photo by Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images WELCOME TO METLIFE STADIUM!!! The beautiful home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets is the site of the opening match of Group C as Brazil and Morocco begin their World Cup 2026 journey. Barcelona have a representative in this one as Raphinha looks to lead the Seleção, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, to a strong start to the group against a talented and tough Morocco side that made the semi-finals in 2022 and come into this tournament full of confidence. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos! LINEUPS BRAZIL Starting XI: Alisson; Ibañez, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimarães; Raphinha, Paquetá, Vinicius; Thiago (4-2-3-1) Substitutes: Weverton (GK), Ederson (GK), Sandro, Danilo, Bremer, Pereira, Ederson, Fabinho, Danilo S., Cunha, Endrick, Henrique, Martinelli, Rayan MOROCCO Starting XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari (4-2-3-1) Substitutes: Tagnaouti (GK), Munir (GK), Salah-Eddine, Saadane, Halhal, Belammari, El Ouahdi, El Mourabet, Amrabat, Sbaï, El Kaabi, Amaimouni, Talbi, Yassine, Rahimi MATCH INFO Competition/Round: 2026 World Cup, Group C, Round 1 Date/Time: Saturday, June 13, 2026, Midnight CET (Barcelona), 11pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 6pm ET, 3pm PT (USA), 3.30am IST (India, Sunday) Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, United States Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN) HOW TO WATCH On TV: FOX (USA), BBC One (UK), United8 Sports 1 (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), others Online: FuboTV (USA), BBC iPlayer (UK), ZEE5 (India), DAZN (Spain), others Matchday Thread Rules We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads: Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another. Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
- Barca Blaugranes·28d ago·Both·match
‘We tease each other a lot’ – Kylian Mbappe opens up on his relationship with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde
HAMBURG, GERMANY - JULY 05: Kylian Mbappe of France speaks with Jules Kounde as they warm up prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France at Volksparkstadion on July 05, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he enjoys plenty of banter with France team-mate Jules Kounde due to the rivalry between their two club sides. The two players are currently with Les Bleus for World Cup 2026 and Mbappe admits that Kounde has the upper hand when it comes to bragging rights recently due to Barcelona’s success and Madrid’s lack of trophies. “Do I see him as a Barcelona player since I’ve been at Real Madrid? Yeah, totally!” he told L’Equipe. “We tease each other a lot more than when I was in Paris. Okay, he’s had the last word a bit more lately because we’re not winning, but we’ve always been able to separate things when it comes to the national team. “We get along well. He’s a guy I talk to about a lot of things, especially politics.” Kounde famously scored a brilliant winner against Real Madrid to seal the Copa del Rey in 2025 and has also picked up La Liga titles in the last two seasons. Mbappe, meanwhile, is yet to win a major trophy since joining Madrid from PSG in 2024.
- Barca Blaugranes·29d ago·Both·match
Barcelona demand Florentino Perez retract ‘slanderous and offensive’ comments or face legal action
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona have issued a statement in response to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s recent rant against the club, referees and the media in an interview back in May. The Catalans confirmed in the aftermath that they were consider taking legal action against Perez and have now issued an update via the club’s official website. Here’s the statement: “FC Barcelona informs that, on this day, the mandatory conciliation claim prior to the filing of a criminal complaint for an offence of slander under Article 205 of the Penal Code has been submitted against the President of Real Madrid, Mr. Florentino Pérez, as a result of the statements made by him at the press conference held on 12 May and in an interview with a media outlet the following day. “The purpose of this claim is for Mr. Pérez to retract certain statements that he made with knowledge of their falsity and which are slanderous and offensive to the image and reputation of the Club. “Should this claim not be duly addressed, FC Barcelona will proceed with the filing of the corresponding criminal complaint.” Joan Laporta and Rafa Yuste have already been openly critical of Perez’s words, while the 79-year-old has since reportedly submitted a dossier to UEFA about Barcelona and called for the Catalans to be stripped of titles and banned from European competition. Over to you, Florentino.
- Managing Madrid·30d ago·Both·match
WORLD CUP THREAD: 11 Jun. 2026
View of the original version of the 2026 World Cup trophy at Utopia Mixiuhca in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 5, 2026. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho. Writer’s Prelude. With the beginning of the World Cup, its my pride to write the first Daily Thread for the greatest competition in the world. A few quick notes: 1) the thread below won’t be Real Madrid related because there was limited news yesterday; 2) on that note it has been a bit weird how Mourinho hasn’t been announced yet…rumors range from him being unhappy about the Alvarez drama and others related to ust simply paper work; 3) Vini summer plans slowly breaking; 4) get ready for summer departures after the WC; and 5) I’ll admit I’m not the biggest World Cup fan but will try to do my best with the thread below. Juninho’s Copa Mundial Predictions One More Disclaimer. MM — what I should have done with this thread was poll the moderators for their predictions for the World Cup but alas I forgot. That’s on me. However, we will continue along a thread written by arguably (but not arguably) the Special One aka the Greatest Mod of All Time who happens to likely be the mod the least interested in the 2026 World Cup. BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON. I’d be more than happy to see your predictions throughout the thread below. View Link Winner — Portugal. So this prediction is somewhat a prediction from the heart rather than the head, and mind you I’m really not the biggest post-Real Madrid CR7 fan so this really has nothing to do with him. The logical answer for this year’s World Cup winner is obviously France. They are the the team with the most depth and the best players. Additionally, if France wins their group they likely should avoid most top teams until near the semifinal. But I’m the type of person to go at least slightly against the grain and I’ll be honest I don’t entirely love France’s midfield options. The team is going to be great going forward, but I have a feeling that they’ll often find themselves caught in transition with Theo / Kounde in unfavorable positions and Rabiot just being Rabiot. I have little faith in future-Madrid player Konate nor Upamecano and various reports are shaky about Saliba’s health after a long season. 🚨BREAKING: Portugal have moved up to the THIRD best chance to win the World Cup a day before it starts: 16% – Spain 16% – France 11% – Portugal📈 11% – England 9% – Argentina $100 on Ronaldo and Portugal cashes out $918 on Polymarket pic.twitter.com/aobj60cZbR — Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 10, 2026 Also just to throw this in the loop, I’m concerned about the other usual favorites. England always finds a way to implode on themselves. Spain is rather hurt and no one seems to really be talking about it. Yamal likely won’t be healthy until after the group stage and he’ll surely have rust being that he hasn’t played in months. Nico Williams has been a bummer to watch all season. I doubt Rodri can survive the entire tournament and Pedri / Olmo always seem to pick up an injury or two. So that at the moment really just leaves us with Portugal. The team with the best midfield, one of the better defenses, an underappreciated goalkeeper, and as long as Cristiano can put his ego aside one of the better attacks. They will be my pick this year that I’ll likely this regret while they crash out in the quarterfinals lol. Portugal ready for World Cup 2026 ⏳🏆 pic.twitter.com/rVhtcOnv9f — Viva Ronaldo (@yourr_timeline) June 8, 2026 Dark Horse(s) — Norway / Ivory Coast / Japan. Ok I’m going to cheat on my dark horse picks because there are a few teams I’m excited about to watch that I think may overperform and they are Norway, Ivory Coast, and Japan. Starting off with the Norwegian team, they just know how to score goals and could be a perfectly positioned team for the summer tournament. Erling Haaland is just a player that thrives with space and imo WC football is generally pretty open. If Odegaard and Nusa can stay up to task, Haaland should have plenty of chances. The Ivory Coast is also another young exciting team that I could see over performing. Although they’ll have a relatively tough group to traverse, I could see their young forwards thriving in the WC set up. Diomande seems poised to put his stamp on world football before his big summer move from Leipzig so I’m definitely excited to see what he may produce. Finally, Japan seems like a team everyone has somewhat forgotten. I’m still pro-Takefusa Kubo and think he could have a chance to excite the international crowds this summer. Additionally, Japan as a unit are one of the most cohesive teams in the tournament. They may not make it to the finals but I could see Japan being a tough competitor in all of their games. Honorable Mention: Ecuador — mean defense. Don't underestimate Japan in this World Cup🤯 pic.twitter.com/64YFIWowgh — peguy_tbn (@peguy_tbn) June 3, 2026 Biggest Disappointment(s) — Brazil. I think Brazil is going to disappoint us this World Cup and it pains me to say this as this is likely Neymar’s Last Dance. I actually think Brazil will be WC favorites in 4-years but right now feels like an ugly transition period. Yes, Vini and Raphinha may be able to overpower various teams but I do not trust literally anyone else on Brazil despite Carlo setting the team up better than his predecessors. Casemiro is a true leader and has been great for Manchester United…but Utd only played 1 game a week. I doubt Case holds up…And then besides that — do you trust Danilo, Lucas Paqueta, any of the potential LBs, or the pairing of Marquinhos and Gabriel (after a grueling long season and god awful CL final miss)? I do not. This is also just the footballing issues and not the issues off the field if Neymar is 50/75% healthy and not starting or 75% healthy AND starting. Also I know earlier I said I trusted Vini and Raphinha but let’s not act like they’ve been good on the international stage…This just feels like a mess waiting to happen. Watch out for Brazil in the future tho! According to @PolymarketSport Brazil now have a 9% of winning the World Cup behind Spain, France, Portugal, England & Argentina. Is this accurate or are we getting overlooked? pic.twitter.com/YQWBSqx158 — Brasil Football 🇧🇷 (@BrasilEdition) June 10, 2026 James Rodriguez’ Breakthrough Player — Arda Guler / Kenan Yildiz. Arda Guler is my somewhat Real Madrid bias pick but I truly do think that one of these boys from Turkiyë are about to explode on the scene. It’s of course easier for me to talk about Arda since he is one of ours and he has been steadily improving as a 10 throughout the season but Kenan Yildiz has also been a phenom in Serie A and is one of the better U23 players we will see. I expect them both to take advantage of their group with truly memorable moments. Honorable Mention(s): Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast), Desire Doue (France — actually idk if he should count), Nusa (Norway), and god willing BOBBY CHARLTON (Brazil) Kenan Yıldız is a baller ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/CPWkajjdau — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 22, 2025 Golden Boot — Kylian Mbappe. Enough said. It’s going to be Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane. Not only because they’re credited 9s but because they take penalties and their teams SHOULD go deep into the competition. Golden Ball Winner — Michael Olise. I’ve actually been planning this hotter take statement for months but I really do think this summer will be the summer of Michael Olise. The player just seems ready and his last start for France further showcased his immense talent. With the departure of Griezmann and Ekitke’s injury, Olise now just has sweeping freedom to showcase his abilities as not only a central creator but 1v1 as a touchline winger. Now my only caveat is that if France wins the WC, Mbappe will be the Golden Ball Winner regardless. It’s like Rodri winning the Golden Ball at the Euros. Politics reigns king. Anyway watch out for Olise. Michael Olise, that is incredible 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QDO9LMuXRf — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 9, 2026 Real Players to Watch —ENDRICKKYYY, Nico Paz, Michael Olise, and Arda Guler. There’s a very good chance that Endrick & Nico will have little to no minutes throughout the competition but just in case they do — it’ll be a fun watch. I’m hoping to see both step up with limited mins for their nations and hopefully remind everyone why they’ll be the future of the sport come the next competition. Anyway — good luck to you all and your respective countries (besides Argentina — sorry but I always root against Argentina, and well Ghana and England and Morocco and the US.) Cheers, J This Daily Thread was written in memory of the World Cup Dreams of Rodrygo Goes. Brazil’s #10 and Neymar’s Heir. Rest and get well soon! Que Deus nos abençoe e nos proteja. View Link
- Managing Madrid·32d ago·Both·match
Atlético de Madrid fire back at Real Madrid after offer for Julián Álvarez
Atlético de Madrid published a post on their Social Media firing back at Real Madrid following the statement from Los Blancos were they announced their €150 million offer for attacker Julián Álvarez. Comunicado oficial con nuestras aclaraciones sobre el comunicado oficial de nuestros vecinos @realmadrid: 1. Se os cortó el vídeo del Papa donde decía que también era del Atleti. 2. Habréis confundido la educación con agradecimiento, pero para que no haya dudas: no os agradecemos… — Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) June 9, 2026 Official Statement: Our clarifications regarding the official statement from our neighbors, @realmadrid: You inconveniently edited out the Pope’s video where he stated he was also an Atleti supporter. You must have confused politeness with gratitude, but to be clear: we offer you no thanks. We are neither considering nor evaluating any offers for Julián. How could we not get along, when you amuse us even more than @FCBarcelona_es? P.S. On account of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you guys stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!
- Barca Blaugranes·32d ago·Both·match
‘See you in court’ – Barcelona fire back at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 11: (L-F) Vice President of FC Barcelona Rafa Yuste and Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona look on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on February 11, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) | Getty Images Acting Barcelona president Rafa Yuste has fired back at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid and says the club are prepared to take legal action. Barcelona have already threatened court action after Perez went on a rant about referees and the Negreira case back in May. Yuste has now spoken about the situation again and had some strong words for Los Blancos, per Marca. “They can’t stomach all the titles from 600km away. There’s a difference between jealousy and rage. I already told you when the Real Madrid president, in a disgraceful press conference—which I found shameful—accused us of buying the leagues, of winning them thanks to the referees as if linesmen scored goals. He said things like Negreira… Do you really think all the titles were like that? “The thing is, this man can’t accept what we’re doing. Guardiola told me this: ‘Barça fans have very short memories.’ But I have a good memory. Our legal department has prepared the legal actions we will take against Real Madrid and against their president. He has resorted to slander to destabilize us. “We will see them in court. No one will tarnish the name of Barça, this badge. We will take care of it. We will go after them because we have the upper hand. Do you really think they can threaten us by saying they’ve sent 500 pages to UEFA? You’ll see.” Madrid have reportedly also compiled a dossier and sent it to UEFA, calling for Barca to be stripped of their titles and banned from European competition. The dossier has been described as “politically delusional” and the required punishments “legally impossible” by CENAFE president Miguel Galan.
- Managing Madrid·32d ago·Both·match
Barcelona preparing lawsuit against Real Madrid
FC Barcelona are preparing to file a lawsuit against Real Madrid, Barça’s Vicepresident Rafa Yuste announced during a press conference today. “We will meet in court. No one will tarnish the name of Barça, this badge. We will take care of it ourselves. We will go after them because we have a strong case,” said Yuste. Yuste is referring to Florentino Pérez’s quotes about Barcelona and the Negreira case. During his campaign, Pérez said the following: “We’ve won seven LaLiga titles during my tenure, but they could have been 14 titles. We were robbed of those.” Real Madrid are also in the process of sending UEFA an extensive report about those Negreira years.
- Managing Madrid·32d ago·Both·match
Report: Real Madrid Send UEFA Dossier Over Negreira Case
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, and Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid, are seen in attendance prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 07, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) | Getty Images According to a report from AS, Real Madrid are preparing to take their campaign regarding the Negreira case directly to UEFA, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly making the issue one of his key priorities following his recent re-election victory. The report claims that much of Real Madrid’s work behind the scenes in recent months has been focused on pushing for what the club believes would be an appropriate sporting response to the allegations surrounding Barcelona’s payments to former vice-president of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees, José María Enríquez Negreira. Real Madrid have assembled a comprehensive dossier that is now being sent to UEFA headquarters. The document reportedly contains the club’s legal and sporting arguments regarding the case, supported by evidence that Real Madrid believe justifies disciplinary action. The move comes amid what AS describes as an improving relationship between Real Madrid and UEFA. While the two institutions have often found themselves on opposite sides of major debates in recent years, particularly regarding the Super League project, the report suggests there is now greater alignment on issues related to sporting integrity and the protection of competitive fairness in European football. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin previously referred to the Negreira affair as “the most serious case” he had seen in football, although UEFA has so far refrained from issuing any final sanctions while legal proceedings in Spain continue. According to AS, Real Madrid are not only seeking a potential ban from European competitions for Barcelona if UEFA determines disciplinary action is warranted. The report further claims that Madrid’s complaint also argues for the removal of titles won during the period covered by the Negreira investigation, a measure that would represent one of the most severe sporting punishments ever imposed in modern football. UEFA opened an investigation into the matter in 2023 but effectively paused its process while awaiting developments in the Spanish judicial system. AS reports that UEFA has continued monitoring the case and that Real Madrid’s latest submission is intended to reignite scrutiny at the European level. Whether UEFA chooses to act on Real Madrid’s complaint remains unclear. Any decision would likely depend on both the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings in Spain and UEFA’s own assessment of the evidence presented.
- Barca Blaugranes·33d ago·Both·match
Real Madrid ask UEFA to strip Barcelona of titles and call for European ban
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 27: Florentino Perez attends during his presentation of his candidacy for the presidency of Real Madrid at the Melia Castilla Hotel on May 27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Angel Perez Meca/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Real Madrid have turned to UEFA and called for Barcelona to be stripped of their titles and banned from European competition. President Florentino Perez is back on the warpath after winning the latest elections in the Spanish capital and has compiled a dossier on Barcelona which has now been sent to UEFA, according to AS. Perez remains furious at Barcelona over the Negreira case, something he rarely fails to bring up whenever he can, and is determined to see the Catalans punished. Real Madrid’s complaint is reportedly “supported by clear evidence” and has been sent to Europe’s governing body. Los Blancos are seeking “to have the titles won by the Catalan club during those years removed from their official record, so that the Blaugrana cannot boast about them.” Perez and Co. are also hoping for a sanction that would “prevent them from participating in European competitions.” It remains to be seen how UEFA will respond to the infamous dossier at a time when relations between the two old rivals are very tense indeed. Perez’s most recent rant about Barcelona, referees and Negreira saw the club respond by saying they were considering taking legal action after the Madrid chief. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also insisted that his club’s relationship with Madrid is “completely broken.”
- Barca Blaugranes·33d ago·Both·match
‘I want this Gavi’ – Spain boss defends Barcelona star from criticism after training tackle on Rodri
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Gavi of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has jumped to Gavi’s defence following criticism of the Barcelona midfielder after footage of a tackle on Rodri in training went viral. Gavi appeared to stand on Rodri’s foot which left his team-mate in some pain. He was able to continue but that didn’t stop plenty of focus being aimed at Gavi on social media. GAVI CATCHES RODRI DURING SPAIN TRAINING! 😬 Spain World Cup training pic.twitter.com/QFirWrYhek — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) June 7, 2026 De la Fuente was quick to try and defuse the situation in a press conference on Sunday and said there is no problem at all. “This is football, it’s training. The players give their all and nobody has to apologize,” he told reporters. “Everything is fine. Gavi has energy, drive. He has to pace himself, but I want this Gavi.” The Spain boss also spoke about his team’s next friendly and said there will be changes to the team. “The idea is to give more playing time to those who didn’t participate against Iraq,” he added. “I have the team in mind, but there will surely be changes. I have a plan for how to start the World Cup if there are no adverse circumstances. Football can always surprise you, but I won’t reveal the lineup for Wednesday.” Lamine Yamal won’t feature as he continues his recovery from injury, but he is expected to be passed fit in time for Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
- Managing Madrid·34d ago·Both·match
Endrick scores in Brazil’s last friendly before World Cup
June 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.; Brazil's Endrick celebrates scoring their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Real Madrid striker Endrick scored the winning goal in Brazil’s 2-1 triumph over Egypt on Saturday night. Superstar winger Vinicius Jr also played 45 minutes — the same amount as Endrick — and started the game, while the youngster came off the bench in the second half. It was a similar theme for Brazil when compared to their last friendly; Carlo Ancelotti made a lot of changes to give game-time to as many players in the squad as possible. Vinicius Jr had a few decent chances to score, but was not able to convert any of his two shots on target. He created two big chances in the game and was able to past defenders with ease, and even though he did not register a goal or an assist, he did look quite good in his 45-minute appearance. Endrick, on the other hand, had slightly lesser involvement, with 18 touches compared to Vini’s 20. He played as a striker in the second half and was able to score from a first-time shot after a good pass from Raphinha. Endrick could have had one more goal as he made some brilliant off-ball runs, but they were not picked up by his teammates. Brazil’s next game will be at the start of the World Cup against Morocco on June 13.
- Barca Blaugranes·35d ago·Both·match
Kylian Mbappé takes a shot at Barcelona: ‘Everyone knows it’
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe reacts ahead of a training session at the French Football Federation's (FFF) training ground in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris on June 6, 2026, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé took a direct shot at FC Barcelona during a recent interview with Sorare. “Apart from Barcelona fans, everyone knows that Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world. I think it’s clear to everyone. It is the club that embodies greatness,” the French forward said. When asked to name the absolute peak game of his career so far, he pointed directly to a performance against the Blaugrana – a hat-trick he scored while playing for Paris Saint-Germain. The conversation also touched on the eternal debate between two icons who defined the modern era in el Clásico: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappé pushed back against the common narrative that frames the rivalry as a battle of pure talent versus pure work ethic. “Without condescension, that argument is something a guy who doesn’t play football says,” he said. “If you come and tell me that Cristiano does not have talent or that Messi has not worked hard, it is because you have not put on boots to go to train every day ever in your life.” Having shared a dressing room with Messi and faced Ronaldo on the pitch, he noted that the two are simply entirely different profiles, from their dominant feet to their specific styles of vision and impact. Speaking of Messi, he admitted that he still avoids watching replays of the 2022 World Cup final defeat where Argentina beat France. He said in general, the past means very little in football anyway. “In football, people are very amnesiac,” he explained. “You could have won everything, and the next day they have already forgotten.”
- Barca Blaugranes·36d ago·Both·match
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal beats Kylian Mbappe to win La Liga’s Player of the Season award for 2025-26
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been named La Liga’s Player of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign after another stellar showing for Hansi Flick’s side. Yamal scored 16 goals and picked up 11 assists in 28 league games as the Catalan giants successfully defended their league title. The Spain international beat off competition from Kylian Mbappe, Pablo Fornals, Nicolas Pepe and Vedat Muriqi to claim the coveted prize. A WONDERKID! 🪄@FCBarcelona star, Lamine Yamal wins #LALIGAEASPORTS 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍!#LALIGAPOTS | #PREMIOSANUALESLALIGA — LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) June 5, 2026 Yamal joins Hansi Flick and Joan Garcia in winning an award from La Liga. Flick picked up the Coach of the Year prize, while Joan Garcia claimed the Save of the Season for his brilliant stop against Espanyol. The Barcelona teenager is now with the Spain squad and will be hoping for more silverware this summer at World Cup 2026. Lamine Yamal completed more take-ons (133) and provided more assists (11) than any other player in LaLiga in 2025/26. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fNNNUXCjPI — Squawka (@Squawka) June 5, 2026 Spain are among the favorites for glory this summer in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while Yamal will be expected to play a key role for La Roja, Congratulations, Lamine!
- Managing Madrid·37d ago·Both·match
Who am I? (Quiz 2)
Quiz 2: I am a former Real Madrid player I am a three-time Champions League winner This is my third World Cup campaign I have been a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mateo Kovacic, Angel Di Maria, Arturo Vidal, Christian Eriksen, and Alexis Sanchez I have won a league title with Antonio Pintus as my team’s fitness coach Who am I? This is Managing Madrid’s World Cup trivia series: Who am I? Throughout the tournament this summer, we’ll challenge our readers to identify former and current Real Madrid players who are competing or coaching at the greatest show on earth, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Answer to Quiz 1 Victor Munoz – he was originally in Barcelona’s youth system, played with Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, and with Cristhian Mosquera for Spain. He scored on his international debut. He is making his World Cup debut in 2026 for Spain.
- Barca Blaugranes·37d ago·Both·match
‘He’s a star’ – Barcelona legend Jordi Alba reveals why Luis Enrique is the best coach he’s worked with
Luis Enrique Martinez with the trophy and Jordi Alba at the end of the match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla CF, corresponding to the second match of the spanish Supercup, played at the Camp Nou Stadium, on august 17, 2016. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has been full of praise for Luis Enrique and revealed why the coach is the best manager he’s played under during his career. Lucho is currently celebrating winning the Champions League again with PSG, and Alba says the boss creates a great atmosphere within the squad. “For me, Luis Enrique is the best. He gets all the players to pull together, even those who don’t play. You feel happy for your teammates, for the team. Not everyone can do that. In that sense, he’s a star,” he told Mario Suarez on his podcast El Camino de Mario. “He’s spectacular at managing a group. He’s approachable and demands the best from you. If you don’t do what he says, someone else takes your place. He doesn’t care about names, what you’ve done in football… he sees the present.” Alba also spoke about working under Xavi Hernandez and feels he did a good job during his two and a half seasons in charge. “Xavi Hernández came in at a very difficult time,” he added. “He took on the responsibility and did quite well. We won La Liga and the Super Cup against Real Madrid. When I was there, he managed the group well.”
- Barca Blaugranes·38d ago·Both·match
Spain’s World Cup chances will once again depend on Barcelona and Lamine Yamal
STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 5: Lamine Yamal of Spain during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal football match between Spain and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Spanish national team is the gold standard, and frankly they have been for a long time now. That hasn’t always been the case though. To trace the recent history of success for La Roja, all you have to do is look back to Barcelona since 2008, when the Pep Guardiola era revolutionized the game. Since then, Spain has won three Euro championships and one World Cup. Without Barcelona, though, none of that is possible. In fact, if you want to understand the difference between Barcelona and Real Madrid, looking at the influence that the Blaugrana has had over the national team is a great place to start. It’s not that Real Madrid didn’t have great players who made an impact during those early years when Spanish football was making a name for itself. Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Xabi Alonso were integral parts of the starting eleven in South Africa in 2010. The point is, they were playing Barcelona football, and played with that style to great success all the way to the finish line. Now, sixteen years later, there’s a new generation in Spain, but the Barcelona DNA continues to reign supreme. Luis de la Fuente’s two most important players are without a doubt Lamine Yamal and Pedri. After that, he’ll be relying greatly on the likes of Dani Olmo, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, and hopefully, if he’s smart, Joan Garcia. Sadly, Fermin Lopez will miss out on what would have been a big role on the world’s biggest stage. For as much tension as there has been been Luis de la Fuente and Hansi Flick over managing minutes, the truth is, Spain will look a lot like the Barcelona team that Flick has been developing over the past few years. There’s only so much any national team manager can do to put their own stamp on a team that they spend so little time with. When eight of your most important players play for the same club, it’s inevitable that they will have outsized influence on the way the team plays. And if you’re De la Fuente, why would you mess with a system that has worked so well for both Spain and Barcelona over the years? Of course, the biggest star of the show will be Lamine Yamal, the new face of global football. The young superstar has already led Spain to a Euro title. If he can turn around and carry Spain to a World Cup trophy two years later, he will be able to call himself a legend of the game by the time he turns 19 years old on July 13. At the same time, we should appreciate what Barcelona continues to do not only for Spain, but for football worldwide. Spanish managers are the hottest commodity for a reason. They are from the country that continues to do the best youth development, and of course, many of those ideas are cooked up at La Masia, before they proliferate across the country, and then across the continent. At the moment, no other club comes close to architecting the game the way Barcelona does. Beyond the academy, they have Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and now Hansi Flick to thank for carrying the torch of excellence, and making Barcelona, and Spanish football writ large, the best of the best that the game has to offer. At the World Cup, the influence of Barcelona will be felt on the Spanish national team, and even beyond. In spite of the unsavory behavior of FIFA, football continues to be a light of hope during dark times where the world’s greatest players showcase the art of the game. If you want to be entertained, watch Spain, and when you do, remember where all of that beauty comes from.
- Barca Blaugranes·43d ago·Both·match
The five biggest dream matches at the 2026 World Cup
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina runs past Kylian Mbappe of Fran during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images The 2026 World Cup in North America is set to be the biggest tournament yet. Not only in terms of the number of countries competing, but also with potential matches later in the tournament. Stars of the past, present and future will clash across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. Let’s take a look at the biggest dream matches on paper that could come to fruition. Brazil vs. Argentina There is simply no bigger game in international football than this. Argentina and Brazil are the biggest rivals in the sport, and they haven’t met in a World Cup since 1990. Because of how the bracket is set up this year the earliest they could meet is the quarter-finals, but there is always a dream that these two will face off with the title on the line. They are not at the top of the list of favorites and a knockout matchup seems unlikely right now, but every World Cup has a big surprise and a Final between these two would certainly be the most pleasant of all surprises. Argentina vs. Portugal Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two defining players of the 21st century who have faced each other several times at the club level in memorable El Clásico encounters for Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they’ve never met at a World Cup before. This will be the final appearance in the tournament for both legends, and how beautifully poetic would it be for their only World Cup encounter to take place on their farewell appearances, especially if it takes place in the late knockout rounds with Ronaldo’s last chance to win a World Cup title at stake. Argentina vs. Spain If Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s matchup would be the last meeting of the legends, this would be a passing of the torch between Barcelona greats as Messi would face off against Lamine Yamal, considered by many as Messi’s successor in the Catalan capital. Yamal is already one of the very best players in the world and Spain are on the shortlist of favorites to win it all, but facing the Albiceleste looking to make one last stand in Messi’s farewell would be a monster test for La Roja and a game that Barça fans would never forget. Argentina vs. France This is a very Argentina-heavy list, but they are the defending champions and this is Messi’s last tournament, so every potential matchup involving them is just too good to pass up. And a rematch of the last World Cup Final is about as perfect as it gets; that December 18, 2022 game might very well go down as the greatest match ever, with every possible twist and turn ending in Argentina’s win on penalties to give Messi his first World Cup. Kylian Mbappé and France are hungry for revenge and have a ridiculously stacked cast of stars ready to get over the heartbreak of four years ago, and getting past Argentina on the road to redemption would be a great story for Les Bleus. France vs. Spain France and Spain have met twice in big games in the last two summers, with Spain winning both the Euro 2024 semi-final and the UEFA Nations League semi-final last year in epic fashion. These are the two current best national teams in the world who are on a clear collision course over the next few years at the European and World Cup stage. Mbappé vs Yamal has become one of the sport’s best rivalries given their club meetings in El Clásico and their two amazing international encounters, and what an incredible story it would be if the next chapter in this epic rivalry is a World Cup Final meeting in July. Verizon fuels soccer culture and community impact year-round – uniting fans, supporting local businesses and creating unforgettable moments that celebrate the global game.
- Barca Blaugranes·43d ago·Both·match
2026 World Cup Group H preview: Spain the resounding favorites
BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Nico Williams of Spain (17) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Lamine Yamal (19) during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images Reigning European champions Spain head to World Cup 2026 as one of the hot favorites to lift the trophy. Luis de la Fuente’s side made light world of qualifying, topping the group in an unbeaten campaign and powering home 21 goals from just six games. La Roja will play Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H and qualification will be the minimum expected. Indeed there will be eyebrows raised if Spain don’t take top spot given the depth of talent available. All eyes will obviously be on Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal to make an impact and show why he’s one of the most exciting youngsters on the planet. Yamal missed the end of the season due to a hamstring injury but is expected be fit in time. Barcelona will be heavily represented in the Spain squad as stars including Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsi have all been called up. There are no Real Madrid players on the list but Premier League big names such as Martín Zubimendi, Rodri, David Raya, Marc Cucurella are also on the list as Spain aim to be crowned world champions for only the second time and the first since 2010. Group H fixtures in full and how to watch Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – June 15 – 6 p.m. ET from Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) Spain vs Cape Verde — June 15 — 12 p.m. ET from Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Uruguay vs Cape Verde – June 21 – 7 p.m. from Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) Spain vs Saudi Arabia — June 21 — 12 p.m. ET from Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – June 26 – 9 p.m. ET from Houston (NRG Stadium) Spain vs Uruguay — June 26 — 8 p.m. ET from Zapopan, Mexico (Akron Stadium) The World Cup will be broadcast live in the United States on Fox Sports (Fox and FS1). Matches can also be streamed live on FIFA’s website FIFA+. Game of the group The most eye-catching game of the group is undoubtedly the showdown between Uruguay and Spain which could decide which team finishes top of the pile. The fixture will see Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo come up against Yamal and many other of his team-mates at the Camp Nou in what should provide an intriguing sub-plot. Uruguay’s Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde will also face plenty of familiar faces and may have plenty to prove at this summer’s tournament after making headlines at the end of the season for a reported altercation with Madrid team-mate Aurelien Touchameni. This game comes in the final round of fixtures in Group H at a time when teams will be looking ahead to the next round and hoping to secure the safest passage. The winner of Group H will meet the runner-up from Group J next, while the runner-up will face the winner of Group J. Group J consists of Algeria, Austria, Jordan and defending champions Argentina. The expanded nature of World Cup 2026 means that the eight best third-place teams will also qualify for the round of 32. Group H prediction Spain Uruguay Saudi Arabia Cape Verde Spain and Uruguay will be red-hot favourites to take the top two spots in Group H this summer, leaving Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde to battle it out for third place. Saudi Arabia know all about causing upsets as they famously pulled off one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history by beating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2-1 in their opener in Qatar in 2022. Yet debutants Cape Verde will be hoping they can spring a few surprises and have absolutely nothing to lose after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever. Verizon fuels soccer culture and community impact year-round – uniting fans, supporting local businesses and creating unforgettable moments that celebrate the global game.
- Managing Madrid·43d ago·Both·match
2026 World Cup Group C preview: Brazil’s loft expectations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen in the paddock during a press opportunity with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix of Canada Driver's Parade at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup showcases some of the most tactically interesting match-ups of the opening phase of the World Cup. Brazil are favorites, but by a hair. They’ve struggled putting together goals in the qualifying phase, and their squad is not as star-studded as it once was. Morocco are no longer outsiders after their historic semifinal run in Qatar and remain one of the most structurally disciplined transition teams in international football. Scotland arrive with the kind of physicality, organization and set-piece threat that can turn every match into a grind. Haiti, meanwhile, enter as underdogs, but with enough pace and defensive compactness to create some problems in transition. Group C information Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti Host cities and match dates: Brazil vs. Morocco — June 13, East Rutherford, NJ (6 p.m. ET) Scotland vs. Haiti — June 13, Foxborough, MA (9 p.m. ET) Morocco vs. Scotland — June 19, Foxborough, MA (6 p.m. ET) Brazil vs. Haiti — June 19, Philadelphia (8:30 p.m. ET) Brazil vs. Scotland — June 24, Miami (6 p.m. ET) Morocco vs. Haiti — June 24, Atlanta (6 p.m. ET) How to watch: World Cup matches will be broadcast on Fox. For more information regarding broadcasters around the world, check out LiveSoccerTV. Game of the group: Brazil vs. Morocco Brazil arrive under Ancelotti looking noticeably different from previous cycles. The talent remains elite despite some imbalance, and the structure around it is cleaner now. There is more patience in buildup, more positional balance, and a clearer understanding of spacing. Morocco provide a real threat to win the group, and are built to withstand pressure, disrupt rhythm, and attack with pace. Morocco’s identity remains intact under new manager Mohamed Ouahbi — they stay compact defensively, are difficult to break centrally, and are dangerous breaking in transition. They are more than comfortable ceding possession and staying patient behind the ball. The individual battles are tasty: Achraf Hakimi versus Vinícius Júnior on the flank, as well as Brahim Díaz operating between the lines against Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães which will likely determine how much control Morocco can put together in midfield. Ancelotti has to answer some questions, namely: Who will start as the center forward? Cunha gives Brazil pressing intensity and intelligent movement. Endrick is direct, unpredictable, and explosive. Neymar’s minutes will have to be managed carefully in order to maximize whatever offensive flair and agility he has left. Before Ancelotti arrived, Brazil’s offense was devoid of ideas. It relied heavily on Vinicius getting the ball on the left flank. It’s still a bit murky, but Raphinha’s attacking flair and defensive work on the opposite flank should balance things — which is a huge plus for Brazil as Vinicius has struggled finding space with opponents focusing so much on him, and his form with the national team has left fans frustrated. Brazil’s structure behind the ball looks more solid than in recent World Cups, with Marquinhos and Gabriel forming one of the more physically imposing center-back pairings in the competition. their full-backs are vulnerable, which could play into Morocco’s hands. Group C prediction Brazil Morocco Scotland Haiti Few coaches understand how to create the conditions for Vinícius to thrive better than the Carlo Ancelotti, and Vinicius’s form will be a huge x-factor. Raphinha’s consistency over the past two seasons also gives Brazil a level of attacking reliability they previously lacked outside of Vinícius. Morocco enter as favorites for second place because of their tactical maturity and defensive organization, but don’t be surprised if they top the group either. The 2022 World Cup run removed any psychological ceiling this team may once have carried. Hakimi remains one of the best transition full-backs in world football, while Brahim Díaz gives Morocco a level of technical creativity between the lines that can unlock tight matches. Scotland, despite being projected at third, should not be underestimated, and they could even be a tournament dark horse. Steve Clarke’s side are well-drilled and difficult to play against from a physical standpoint. John McGinn and Scott McTominay attack second balls, and late box entries give Scotland a constant threat as they create chaotic game states. Andrew Robertson’s delivery from the flank remains one of the best weapons in the group. Haiti likely finish fourth. They will aim to stay compact defensively and play in transition, but ultimately don’t have the same level of talent as the rest. Verizon fuels soccer culture and community impact year-round – uniting fans, supporting local businesses and creating unforgettable moments that celebrate the global game.
- Managing Madrid·43d ago·Both·match
Forbes: Real Madrid valued at $9.5 billion, remain world’s most valuable football club
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 27: Florentino Perez attends during his presentation of his candidacy for the presidency of Real Madrid at the Melia Castilla Hotel on May 27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Angel Perez Meca/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images According to the latest annual valuation published by Forbes, Real Madrid remain the most valuable football club in the world, a position they have now held for five consecutive years and ten times in the last thirteen editions of the ranking. The report estimates Madrid’s current value at $9.5 billion, placing the club comfortably ahead of second-placed Barcelona, which is valued approximately $2 billion lower. Even more impressively, Forbes notes that Real Madrid’s valuation has increased by 41 percent compared to last year, highlighting the club’s remarkable commercial growth despite recent sporting frustrations. While Madrid have fallen short of their own standards on the pitch over the last two seasons—finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga and exiting the Champions League in the quarterfinals in consecutive campaigns—the club’s business operations continue to reach unprecedented heights. Record-breaking revenue One of the biggest takeaways from the Forbes report is Real Madrid’s record-setting revenue. During the 2024-25 season, the club generated approximately $1.27 billion in revenue, an increase of 12 percent from the previous campaign. According to Forbes, that figure represents the highest annual revenue ever recorded by a sports team in its rankings. The previous record belonged to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, who generated $1.23 billion during the 2024 season. Real Madrid have now surpassed that mark, becoming the first sports organization measured by Forbes to exceed it. The achievement is particularly notable given that the club did not reach the Champions League final, meaning they missed out on additional prize money available to finalists. Bernabéu transformation paying dividends Forbes attributes much of Real Madrid’s continued financial success to the club’s global brand strength, commercial partnerships, and the impact of the renovated Santiago Bernabéu. The publication highlights Madrid’s unmatched history in European competition, noting that no club has won more Champions League titles. Combined with a worldwide fan base, lucrative sponsorship agreements, and a roster filled with marketable stars, the club continues to generate revenue streams that few organizations in global sport can match. The Bernabéu redevelopment has also become a major driver of growth, opening new commercial opportunities and transforming the stadium into a year-round business asset beyond matchdays. Setting the standard in football Real Madrid sit atop a list of 30 clubs that Forbes values at a combined $87 billion, underscoring the increasing financial power of elite European football. Barcelona remain the closest challenger after becoming only the second football club to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue, excluding player trading. However, Madrid’s substantial lead in overall valuation demonstrates the strength of the club’s business model and commercial appeal. For a fanbase accustomed to measuring success through trophies, recent seasons have brought disappointment. Yet the latest Forbes rankings reinforce an important reality: even during periods when results on the field fall short of expectations, Real Madrid remain the benchmark institution in world football from a financial and commercial perspective.
- Managing Madrid·43d ago·Both·match
Iván Helguera questions Arbeloa appointment and warns against Mourinho ‘hardliner’ approach
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 31: Ivan Helguera attends "Oh my Gol! LaLiga Music Experience" photocall at Hard Rock Hotel on March 31, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Beatriz Velasco/Getty Images) | Getty Images Former Real Madrid midfielder Iván Helguera has delivered a sharp assessment of the club’s recent managerial decisions, arguing that Álvaro Arbeloa’s struggles were predictable and expressing reservations about José Mourinho’s impending return to the Bernabéu. Speaking to Flashscore, Helguera reflected on the controversy surrounding quotes from Kylian Mbappé that he had privately been told by Arebloa he was considered the team’s “fourth-choice striker”. “What has caused this to happen? It’s because you haven’t managed things well before. From my point of view, everything has always been fine, Arbeloa has always been to blame. Of course, in the end it’s difficult… From a coach, Xabi Alonso, who was more demanding from the start, to zero demands regarding behavior, regarding how I’m going to manage this group. In theory, anything goes. Well, I think all these things have happened, right? But Arbeloa, obviously, from my point of view, is largely to blame, but so is whoever put Arbeloa there,” Helguera said. The former Madrid midfielder went on to question the logic behind Arbeloa’s appointment in the first place, arguing that the coach had not yet demonstrated enough at senior level to be handed one of football’s most demanding jobs. “Arbeloa was in charge of a reserve team that had only been around for five months, and suddenly… It’s not like things were going particularly well for him. We can’t really say if he’s a good, bad, or mediocre coach. And then, suddenly, he’s managing a team like Real Madrid. So, I think it’s not just Arbeloa who has mismanaged things; I simply think he’s never faced these situations before, and he’s clearly made mistakes. Big mistakes. But those who put him there are also to blame, right?” Mourinho’s return raises questions Helguera also weighed in on the club’s reported decision to turn to José Mourinho as its next manager. While acknowledging Mourinho’s credentials and achievements throughout his career, he admitted to having concerns about whether the Portuguese coach is the right fit for the current moment. “Mou has been a fantastic coach. He’s proven it in many places, but it’s true that he hasn’t coached at the top level for many years. So, that worries me. And on top of that, people want him to be a hardliner. Well, I don’t think that just because Mourinho is coming, there has to be a hardline approach to everything that happens at Real Madrid. You have to manage the group well, that’s all. I don’t know if it would be appropriate now.” Helguera argued that Real Madrid’s identity has always been larger than any individual coach and warned against embracing an overly authoritarian approach as a solution to the club’s recent struggles. “You can’t change Real Madrid. The coach can’t change Real Madrid. You have to understand what Real Madrid is. Real Madrid is a serious team and club that knows at all times that competing is the most important thing and winning is the most important thing, but it has certain values and principles. You can’t just get carried away with a heavy-handed approach and think anything goes,” he said. A call for perspective The former Madrid player also urged supporters and decision-makers to avoid overreacting to a difficult period, noting that setbacks have always been part of the club’s history. “Real Madrid has always been a classy team, and we have to try to return to those beginnings, which I think have been somewhat lost with everything that’s been happening—two years without winning… We’re going crazy, in a manner of speaking, because Barcelona won. It’s not the end of the world. Real Madrid always bounces back. They went over thirty years without winning the Champions League, and it’s always been a dream for Real Madrid. And even playing well, the Quinta del Buitre didn’t win the Champions League.”
- Barca Blaugranes·45d ago·Both·match
‘Lamine Yamal is a player people pay to watch’ – Vinicius Jr piles praise on Barcelona star
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona, Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2025 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Vinicius Jr has showered Barcelona star Lamine Yamal with praise and says he’s the type of player that people are happy to pay to watch. Yamal has thrilled the football world since bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old. The forward has already won La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with Barca as well as the European Championship with Spain. Barca’s No. 10 is now heading to the World Cup with La Roja, with Vinicius’s praise ringing in his ears. “Lamine is one of those players people pay to see play. He’s a great player and very difficult to play against. I’m sure he admires the Real Madrid players too,” he told Caze TV. Vini also spoke about another trophyless season for Madrid after seeing Barca finish top of the pile again in La Liga. “It’s been a very difficult season. We started well, with a gap between us and Barça, but then we started losing and drawing games we shouldn’t have,” he added. We lost confidence and Barça kept winning. It’s the first time I’ve gone two seasons without a win; we failed. We have a team that can win next year. Real Madrid always comes back. My first year was also very difficult, when Cristiano left.” Hansi Flick will be aiming to make it three titles in a row next season, while Madrid are expected to turn to Jose Mourino once again as manager.
- Barca Blaugranes·47d ago·Both·match
Hansi Flick asks Barcelona for new fitness coach to fix injury problems
Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona and his players during Barcelona´s training ahead to the Spanish Super Cup final match between FC BArcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Hansi Flick wants to make a key change to his coaching set-up in the summer at Barcelona and has asked the club to appoint a new fitness coach. The German coach is to lose Thiago Alcântara and fellow coach Stephan Nopp this summer. Flick has asked Barca for reinforcements, specifically a fitness coach, but is still waiting for his request to be approved, per AS. The head of the team’s fitness staff Julio Tous is set to stay on but may see his role affected. Flick wants to make the change after seeing his team beset by injuries in the 2025-26 season. The report says the “evident lack of physical conditioning” is believed to be one reason for the club’s fitness problems. Flick is eager to do all he can to win the Champions League next season and “wants to implement a substantial change in physical preparation” in a bid to land the European Cup. It’s been reported throughout the season that some Barcelona players have complained about the physical preparation and fitness work at the club and have been using their own physios.
- Barca Blaugranes·47d ago·Both·match
Hard work and perseverance pay off for Gavi and Eric Garcia as Barcelona stars earn deserved World Cup 2026 spots
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Gavi of FC Barcelona celebrates after defeating Real Madrid CF, and winning the LaLiga title, after the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images Monday saw Luis de la Fuente announce his Spain squad for the forthcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. After a successful season for Barcelona, the players will have expected to at least be in the mix to be on the plane, though such decisions are always fraught for an international manager, and there will always be those that are disappointed. With eight players in the squad, Barca have the most from one club, evoking memories of the golden era of Spanish football between 2008 and 2012. Two of the Blaugranes chosen to represent La Roja can’t have deserved it more, either. After the immense disappointment of missing out on the 2024 European Championship and Olympic Games squads because of injury, and notwithstanding another serious problem that kept him out for months recently, Gavi has been reborn in the latter half of the current season. Back to his old devilish self, it’s been a joy for supporters to see him mixing it with the best that Spanish and European football have to offer, and, as importantly, to be doing so at a similar level to that which he displayed pre his ACL. Eric Garcia’s inclusion is a testament to the hard work that he’s put in, and it isn’t a stretch to say that he’s been arguably Barca’s most reliable player this season. Had he not been selected on this occasion, it would’ve been a travesty, and questions would’ve again been asked of De la Fuente, who doesn’t enjoy unanimous support in the corridors of power at Camp Nou. One player who must be ruing his luck is Fermin Lopez. The 23-year-old enjoyed another excellent campaign for the Blaugranes, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists in 48 matches in all competitions during 2025/26. Though Fermin would certainly have had reasonable competition in the midfield area to earn a selection, and surely wouldn’t begrudge Pedri and Gavi being on the plane in any event, breaking a bone in his foot against Real Betis ensured he’d play no part in the tournament. Only De la Fuente will know why Unai Simon retains the goalkeeper’s jersey when it’s clear that both David Raya and, particularly, Barca’s Joan Garcia have been head and shoulders above him in the current campaign. For his shot-stopping, reflexes, bravery and ability with both feet, there’s simply no cogent reason why Garcia isn’t the new No.1 already. Pau Cubarsi has deservedly booked his spot, and given an almighty amount of experience at the top level already, it’s often forgotten that he’s still just 19 years of age. A solid addition, and a player who will only improve. Lamine Yamal was always going to make the cut unless he was injured, and if Spain go deep into the tournament, expect some magic from the twinkle-toed teenager. Joining Lamine as part of the Spanish attacking eight to travel to the showpiece are Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo. Both have had their moments in 25/26, though one might also contend that they’ve also not been at their best for long periods. If nothing else, their selection could bring them some individual confidence, and away from the daily rigours of club football, La Roja might just be able to bring the best out of them. Ultimately, eight players from the same club is a ringing endorsement that Barca are again doing things right, and that can only be great for club and country in the longer term. In contrast, Real Madrid have no representatives in this squad for some sort of context.
- Managing Madrid·47d ago·Both·match
Real Madrid Juvenil A thrash Barcelona to win the Champions Cup
Real Madrid’s Juvenil A team came back from a goal down to defeat rivals Barcelona 4-1 in the Champions Cup, held at the Municipal El Val on Sunday. Goals from Carlos Diez, Alexis Ciria, Yeremiah and Gabri Valero in the second half overturned the 1-0 deficit from the first half, as the youngsters from the Cantera went on to pick up the ninth Champions Cup in the category’s history. In a game that was fairly even at the break, Real Madrid were able to impose themselves onto Barcelona a bit more in the second half, especially after Barcelona’s Ïu Martinez received a second yellow for a wild challenge on Lacosta. Valero was impressive throughout the match, as he not only picked up the goal, but was also involved in the equaliser and had a generally good game. The Juvenil A became the first team in Spanish football history to win the Champions Cup, the league and the UEFA Youth League in the same season with the huge victory.
- Barca Blaugranes·48d ago·Both·match
‘His attitude and mentality are incredible’ – Hansi Flick hails Gerard Martin but still wants more from Barcelona defender
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona is embrace by Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona after defeating Real Madrid, and winning the LaLiga title, after the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been full of praise for Gerard Martin but still wants more from the defender next season. Martin has switched from left-back to center-back this season and has impressed in the heart of the Barcelona backline. Flick says his rise through the ranks at Barcelona deserves huge credit but feels the 24-year-old can get even better. “He has everything he needs to play in this position. His attitude and mentality are incredible. He has improved a lot. When you look at the numbers, it’s impressive. I’m happy for him, for us, and for the club,” he told reporters after Barca’s final game of the season. “For a player to come in from Barça Atlètic and perform like this in his second season is incredible, it’s great to see. It’s what I want from him. His mentality and attitude are exactly what Barça needs. “Next season he has to take a step forward. We’re working on it. He’s ready to do it. He’s 100% committed to this.” Barcelona had been tipped to spend big on a center-back this summer but that talk has cooled recently which could be good news for Martin. The club’s priority currently is to bring in replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
- Barca Blaugranes·48d ago·Both·match
Barcelona sent strong message after ‘exploratory’ talks with Chelsea for Joao Pedro
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona have reportedly held “exploratory talks” with Chelsea over a potential summer move for Joao Pedro but have been told there is “no price” that will convince the Blues to part ways with the Brazilian. Pedro has emerged as an alternative to Julian Alvarez as Barcelona search for a replacement for outgoing striker Robert Lewandowski. Reporter Ben Jacobs says that Barcelona’s interest is “genuine” but has played down talk of a possible move to Barcelona. He posted on X: “Although Barcelona’s interest in Joao Pedro is genuine, and some exploratory talks have taken place, Chelsea are not prepared to sell. There is no price that will change the club’s stance this summer, even a world-record bid.” Although Barcelona’s interest in Joao Pedro is genuine, and some exploratory talks have taken place, Chelsea are not prepared to sell. There is no price that will change the club’s stance this summer, even a world-record bid.🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/z2x8va9I3M — Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 24, 2026 Pedro joined Chelsea last summer from Brighton for £60 million and he’s had a good season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. New manager Xabi Alonso didn’t rule out an exit for Pedro when asked about the recent speculation, but it looks like the Blues really don’t want to sell and Barca will have to look elsewhere.
- Barca Blaugranes·49d ago·Both·match
‘Ready to face anyone’ – Hansi Flick issues strong response to Jose Mourinho question after Barcelona’s final game
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MAY 23: Hans-Dieter Flick head coach of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on May 23, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Hansi Flick was quizzed on the possibility of coming up against Jose Mourinho next season if the 63-year-old takes over at rivals Real Madrid. Mourinho is expected to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as coach and return to the Santiago Bernabeu for another spell as coach. Flick was asked what he felt about taking on the so-called ‘Special One’ and says he’d welcome the challenge. “Yes, why not? He’s the opposing team’s coach, and I’m always ready to face anyone,” he said after Barcelona’s final game of the season against Valencia. Flick also spoke about his team’s performance and admitted his team hadn’t been at their best at Mestalla. “We made some rather easy mistakes after going down 0-1, and they capitalized on them to score the goals that gave them the victory,” he added. “This defeat doesn’t affect the season we’ve had, which ended with the title. We accept the result because Valencia’s victory was more than deserved. It was clear they had more to play for. “We have to understand that the World Cup is coming up and that’s a dream for any footballer. It’s understandable that the players have focused a bit more on that important goal, and I have to understand that. “Now I have to analyze things to improve in the future. There were things today that weren’t quite right, but the season has been good, we’re champions, and now we’re going on vacation to prepare for another season.” While most of Barca’s players will now switch to World Cup mode, the boss will be able to have a well-deserved break before beginning plans for next season.
- Football España·50d ago·Both·match
“I give little important to Joan Laporta’s words” – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed the words of Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who has claimed that their complaints about the Negreira case are a smokescreen to distract from their own failures on the pitch in the last two seasons. Arbeloa also discussed Dani Carvajal’s exit from the club. Following Laporta’s statements on Friday […] The post “I give little important to Joan Laporta’s words” – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·50d ago·Both·match
‘Farcial but strategic’ – Joan Laporta hits back at Florentino Perez for trying to ‘use Barcelona in a grotesque way’
Joan laporta Barcelona president and Florentino Perez Real Madrid President during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hit back at Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez and his recent bizarre rant against referees when he claimed his club had “seven league titles were stolen” from them. Laporta has had some strong words in response and says that Perez is hitting out in a bid to distract from Madrid’s trophyless run. “I think it was farcical, but it was strategic. The one I told you about… it was meant to divert attention from two years without winning anything, and this has them very worried,” he told reporters at the Koeman Cup. “Somehow they have to justify the unjustifiable, and the best way is to stir up trouble and throw everything at Barcelona. We’re not going to allow this. I’m sure we at the club will react. “As long as they don’t use Barça to cover up their problems, I respect him. When they use Barça, we react. In that press conference, they tried to use Barça in a grotesque way, spreading falsehoods about a certain issue, stating things that aren’t true.” Barca wrap up another successful league season on Saturday night against Valencia, while Real Madrid host Athletic Club.
- Barca Blaugranes·50d ago·Both·match
Barcelona edging closer to buying Hamza Abdelkarim permanently
Photo by Sayed Hassan/Getty Images Hamza Abdelkarim is forcing Barcelona to make a quick decision on his future. According to Mundo Deportivo, club sources admit that executing his permanent purchase option is now highly likely, even if the board has not officially announced the move. The striker arrives at this turning point after a wild week where he made Egypt’s 27-man preliminary FIFA World Cup squad and immediately followed it up by scoring a brilliant chipped goal to beat UD Las Palmas 2-0 on Thursday night. The permanent clause is reportedly worth €3 million, plus up to €5 million including bonuses. Due to his rise and evident talent, Barcelona’s top brass is strongly leaning towards making the move permanent, according to rumor. What’s unusual is that bureaucratic paperwork has actually blocked him from playing under Juliano Belletti for Barça Atlètic. He has spent his entire stint since arriving in February tucked away in Pol Planas’s U19 setup instead. Some say that Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan took a massive gamble by naming an academy player to a World Cup roster. But the Egyptian federation had sent scouts to follow his progress for weeks, and if he survives the final squad cut, the 18-year-old will share a tournament dressing room with stars such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush. We saw exactly why the national team is paying attention during the semifinal win in Alcalá de Henares. In the 41st minute, Quim Junyent created an opening with a quick bit of skill, Orian Goren slid a pass into the channel, and Hamza subtly lifted the ball over the keeper with his right foot. Winger Álex González scored a second late in the game to guarantee a youth Clásico against Real Madrid this Sunday. Hamza has been dynamic ever since Barcelona became aware of him at the U17 World Cup in Qatar late last year. He adjusted to European football almost instantly, finishing the regular season in early May with a 15-minute hat-trick during a 9-0 thrashing of Montecarlo.
- Managing Madrid·52d ago·Both·match
On This Day in 1998: La Septima
Real Madrid celebrate wining the match (Photo by Tony Marshall/EMPICS via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images 28 years ago tonight, in Amsterdam, Real Madrid won the European Cup for the seventh time and the first since 1966. Nobody outside the dressing room thought it was coming. Madrid had finished fourth in La Liga, 11 points behind Barcelona. Juventus were in their third Champions League final in a row. At Juventus, Marcello Lippi had Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, Edgar Davids, and Didier Deschamps. LA SÉPTIMA. 20/05/1998 pic.twitter.com/7ROMKfOS3W — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 20, 2026 The goal came in the 66th minute. Roberto Carlos drove in from the left, the shot was blocked, the ball squirted out to Predrag Mijatović, and from a tight angle, he lifted it past Angelo Peruzzi. Juve never recovered. Thirty-two years. Six European Cups that most of the people in the stadium had only ever seen in black and white. Mijatović himself, years later, said winning it was “like passing from black and white into colour.” Heynckes was sacked within a fortnight. Fourth in La Liga, the board decided, was unforgivable. He went and won it again with Bayern in 2013. Real Madrid have won eight more Champions League titles since then.
- Barca Blaugranes·52d ago·Both·match
‘We’ll miss him terribly’ – Frenkie de Jong talks Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona exit
Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong celebrate the La Liga title after the match against Real Madrid CF, corresponding to week 35 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong says his team are going to really miss Robert Lewandowski after he leaves at the end of the season. The 37-year-old is moving on after four excellent seasons with the Catalans and De Jong knows he will be a big loss. “We’re going to miss him terribly. I think he’s scored 70 goals in four seasons. And besides that, he’s been an absolute role model for how he takes care of himself and how he does everything possible to stay in top physical condition,” he told Sport. “Seeing him like that at 37 is impressive. I think he’s been very important these past four years, especially for the young players coming up to the first team. “Having the example of someone like Robert, who has won everything, and seeing how he trains and takes care of himself, has been very important for us.” Lewandowksi will play his final game for Barcelona on Saturday against Valencia in La Liga. Barca will then spend the summer trying to bring in a replacement for the Poland international.