Real Madrid & Barcelona News
Latest headlines pulled from major football outlets. Click any story to read it on the source site.
- Barca Blaugranes·23h 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.
- BBC Sport·1d ago·Both·transfers
Salah demands put Saudi switch in doubt - Saturday's gossip
Mohamed Salah's financial demands putting off Saudi clubs, Bayern Munich rebuff Real Madrid move for Michael Olise, Barcelona agree to sign Karim Adeyemi, plus more.
- 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.
- Football España·1d ago·Both
Courtois: Two-on-One Is Belgium’s Best Hope Against Yamal
Thibaut Courtois says numerical superiority is Belgium's most realistic tactic to contain Lamine Yamal in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. The post Courtois: Two-on-One Is Belgium’s Best Hope Against Yamal appeared first on Football España.
- 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·2d ago·Both·transfers
Will Barcelona pay a price for neglecting the defense this transfer window?
Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil and Eric Garcia centre-back of Barcelona and Spain and Pau Cubarsi centre-back of Barcelona and Spain compete for the ball 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 Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images It been a quiet summer for Barcelona on the defensive side of things. In comparison, Real Madrid has been busy with the signings of Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, and Ibrahima Konaté. Three big name defenders for a combined price of only 75 million euros, which is less than what Barcelona spent on Anthony Gordon. Meanwhile, the talk in Catalonia has been around the possibility of bringing in Karim Adeyemi as a new winger. There’s plenty of time for Barcelona to do business before the September 1st transfer deadline, but it’s fair to ask the question whether Deco’s priorities are in the right place. So far, Barcelona are set to bring back João Cancelo for about 10 million euros. It’s an important signing, but it’s not going to move the needle to put the team in a stronger position to win trophies. Cancelo is not a full-back of the future. He is a temporary depth piece who can make a nice impact in certain games and in certain situations. The question going forward is whether there are moves being cooked up behind close doors that we aren’t privy to. The Gordon signing came out of nowhere, which is part of what made it successful. There are benefits to keeping big news under wraps. Let’s hope that’s the case, and that in reality Hansi Flick is making it clear that he needs defensive reinforcements in order to build a team that repeats as Spanish champions, while at the same time getting closer to a Champions League title. The alternative is doubling down on the theory that Flick simply needs the right attacking players in order to be successful. Good defense comes from being dominant offensively. Last season, it could be argued that Barcelona had the best defense in Spain. They only surrendered 36 goals, while achieving a goal differential of 59. The only team better defensively were Real Madrid with 35 goals allowed, but their GD was a distance away from the Blaugrana at 42. The Champions League is a different story. It’s a competition where defense is typically the deciding factor, and in Flick’s first two seasons in charge at Barcelona, the struggles in this area can’t be denied. The strategy in the boardroom is anyone’s guess, but it seems clear that Barcelona still need an adequate left center-back replacement for Iñigo Martínez. Gerard Martín was commendable last season, but it would be a risk to depend on him so much going forward. The full-back picture is also far from convincing. Jules Kounde and Eric García are able deputies, but not ideal permanent fits. Alejandro Balde will have a lot to prove in the year ahead after falling off the radar for both Flick and Luis de la Fuente of Spain. Going forward, let’s hope that the focus turns towards the defense. It would be amazing to see Barcelona strengthen the forward line by acquiring the services of Karim Adeyemi and Julián Alvarez, but not if it comes at the cost of prioritizing improvements to the backline where trophies are often won and lost. This is the beginning of the Flick 2.0 era. The first version will always be remembered as a big success, but for it to continue, Barcelona will have to be a more complete team. Their rivals are getting stronger, and they will be desperate to knock the Blaugrana off the throne. In order to keep their place at the top, Barcelona will have to improve in all areas. So far so good in the attack, but let’s hope that equal focus is placed where it’s needed most. Barcelona are just one or two great defenders away from being perhaps the best team in Europe.
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago·Both·transfers
Dani Olmo: Thibaut Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 6: Dani Olmo of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has hailed Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as the best in the world as the two are set to meet again, this time at international level. Olmo’s Spain are looking to continue keep racking up clean sheets while trying to put goals past Courtois in the Belgian goal, as the two European countries clash in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. “We are thinking solely and exclusively about that match … and we have to beat a great team,” Olmo said. “Belgium is a complete, tough squad, and it has the best goalkeeper in the world. They staged a comeback in the previous round, which shows they have game-changing players,” he added, referencing the Red Devils’ dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal after trailing 0-2. In addition, Belgium made light work of the USA despite playing in hostile territory in the round of 16, winning 4-1 with relative ease. Spain, for their part, beat Portugal 1-0 after having beaten Austria 3-0. Spain still have yet to concede in any match this tournament. “We all attack and we all defend. It starts with the number nine, and the rest follow suit. It’s a team effort, including the defensive line,” he said. To win against Belgium, Spain will likely have to call upon their weapons, including Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, and young superstar Lamine Yamal. Yamal was injured at the end of the club season and made it to the World Cup just in time. He scored one goal in his first start, but has yet to find his usual electric form. “I see him doing well, growing in confidence, building momentum, and eager to keep playing and proving himself. The connection is evident on the pitch, both with and without the ball. He is contributing a great deal and will give us even more,” he said.
- Managing Madrid·2d ago·Both·transfers
Courtois Relishing First Competitive Meeting With Spain As Belgium Prepare For World Cup Quarter-final
Belgium's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pictured during a press conference of Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, on Wednesday 08 July 2026 in Carson, Los Angeles County, California, USA. The Rode Duivels - Diables Rouges qualified for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they'll meet Spain in the round of 8 on July 10th. BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM (Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images) | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he is looking forward to facing Spain in an official match for the first time as the two nations prepare to meet in the World Cup quarter-finals. The Real Madrid shot-stopper spoke to the media ahead of the clash, acknowledging Spain’s impressive form while outlining what Belgium must do to pull off an upset. For Courtois, the occasion carries extra significance given his familiarity with many of Spain’s players through club football. “It’s a special match. I’ve played against them in a few friendlies, but facing them for the first time in an official match is going to be great.” Courtois also praised Spain’s style of play, describing Luis de la Fuente’s side as one of the tournament favorites while stressing that Belgium must remain disciplined throughout the contest. “They are playing well, managing the game’s tempo as they should. Our job is to try to score a goal and then hold on. We know that if we want to win, we have to be focused for a hundred minutes or more. In the end, people have also been a bit wrong about us. We already saw what Egypt was capable of against Argentina, who for me are one of the favorites along with Spain, France, and England. Spain is sticking to their possession game. They also press after losing the ball; we have to find space behind their defense, which they leave open, and play our own game, which is different from theirs.” The Belgian goalkeeper was also asked about Spain’s attacking threats, singling out Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal while also complimenting new Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella. Although Belgium plan to pay particular attention to Yamal, Courtois made it clear that Spain’s quality extends well beyond the teenage star. “Cucurella is defensively solid. Lamine Yamal is a star, we’ll double-team him, but he’s a great player, and it’s not just him. The coach hasn’t told us what the plan is yet, but we can’t focus solely on Lamine. We’ve already worked a bit on attack, and we’ll watch some video footage to learn how to defend against them.” Courtois and Belgium will now attempt to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals by overcoming one of the tournament favorites in a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown against Spain.
- 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·3d ago·Both·opinion
What is your favorite ever Lionel Messi moment?
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lionel Messi was back stealing headlines at World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, scoring as Argentina sealed a memorable comeback win over Egypt to make it through to the quarter-finals of the tournament. The GOAT’s latest goal made it 2-2 for his side before Enzo Fernandez headed home a stoppage-time winner for the defending champions. There was no holding back the tears afterwards as Messi enjoyed yet another special day in his incredible career. At the grand old age of 39, Messi has delivered dozens of memorable moments, particularly in a Barcelona shirt. The GOAT scored countless eye-catching goals, has won everything the game has to offer, broken all kinds of records and dazzled fans throughout the world with his outrageous skill. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: What is your favorite ever Lionel Messi moment? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago·Both·transfers
Julian Alvarez: The Barcelona-coded striker who is favorite to replace Robert Lewandowski
Julian Alvarez centre-forward of Atletico de Madrid and Argentina celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Estadio Spotify Camp Nou on April 8, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona’s transfer window so far has been dominated by speculation about a move for Julian Alvarez, with the talk generating plenty of debate among the fanbase and even causing huge tension between the two clubs. Robert Lewandowski’s departure from the club means a new No. 9 is needed and has led the Catalan giants to the most Barca-coded forward around: Alvarez. Barca have had an eye on the Atletico Madrid superstar for a while now and would love to have him in their setup. A superstar in Qatar four years ago, Alvarez scored 20 goals and added 9 assists in 49 games last season for Atletic. Ten of those goals came in the Champions League from 15 games, and it’s worth noting that only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane scored more in Europe’s top club competition than Alvarez in 2025-26. He scored free kicks against both Barca and Madrid, the former in the most important game of the season against Hansi Flick’s side in the UCL. Tactically speaking, he brings many qualities that will make him an asset. He produces high quality in the build-up, from long range, and at set pieces, all things Barca fans would love to have, along with stamina, pace and an attitude to press the life out of the opponent. While Alvarez can bring dynamism in attack with his off-ball runs, Flick may find it tricky to use a non-traditional No. 9 in his setup. But we have known Flick to be extremely versatile and adaptable, so it wouldn’t shock anyone to see Barca using Alvarez’s quality in pressing to score goals and achieve important results. The real positive, and the core reason why Alvarez is seen as a Barca-coded forward is his technical ability in front of goal. Alvarez has a great weaker foot shot, as well as an eye for quick one-twos, something that Lamine Yamal has always benefitted from with other players. He offers a reminder of former profiles not seen much today – such as David Villa and Sergio Aguero. He is also excellent at chance creation, with his heatmaps often being heavy in the Messi-zone or Zone 14 — the pocket just outside the box where most creative play originates. In the final third, there is no question that he is a great forward. His occupation of half-spaces and ability to break lines when dropping deep are useful traits to have and will allow Raphinha, Lamine and Co. to boost their own numbers in attack. In fact, at Manchester City, he even replaced Kevin De Bruyne when the latter was injured and played as a makeshift CAM for a few games. On the flip side, historically speaking, something Barca have struggled to do, is pull big games from a stuck game state. A forward who is excellent at linkup play will always help your team exploit spaces, but the concern is the breaking of the low block, when there is no space. In a low block, the team requires a striker that can bulldoze through defenses. Someone who latches on to half chances and crosses and kills games off. This was a trademark Lewandowski skillset, with regular goals scored acrobatically or with a quick finish, with the help of intelligent positioning. The biggest example of this type of situation last season was against Atleti in the second league meeting between the clubs, when Lewandowski scored a unique finish with his torso. This type of improvisation is what wins games from a deadlock. Alvarez hasn’t yet shown these qualities in his career so far, with glimpses of it coming when he played under Pep at Manchester City, but not much under Cholo Simeone. So naturally, this is one area where Barca might have to compromise a little and trust Alvarez to improve his game.. While there is no doubt that he should blossom playing alongside quality forwards such as Raphinha and Yamal, there remain some questions about effectiveness against the low block in Barca’s possession-heavy system, along with his high price. Overall however, I think any club would rather have Alvarez play for their team than against them.
- Managing Madrid·4d ago·Both
Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Real Sociedad will be postponed
Real Madrid’s home match and La Liga opener against Real Sociedad initially scheduled for August 15th will be postponed due to either Brahim or Mbappé, Tchouameni and Konaté playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals. “On the opening day, teams with players who advanced to the semifinals or finals of major competitions—in this instance, the World Cup—would play their matches during the final midweek slot. The remaining teams would compete. Statistically, it appears unlikely that Barcelona and Real Madrid would compete on the weekend of August 16, given player commitments to international duties. Athletic Bilbao, in particular, has numerous players with the Spanish national team, who are anticipated to reach at least the semifinals or final. However, other clubs could commence their seasons, with an estimated six to seven matches scheduled for that weekend,” said La Liga president Javier Tebas when asked about the situation. It is expected that Real Madrid and Real Sociedad will instead play this game on August 26th.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·transfers
Anthony Gordon quietening his critics at World Cup with England after Barcelona transfer
If you were scratching your head when it was announced that Barcelona not only had an interest in Anthony Gordon, but they were quite far down the road in terms of a transfer, you weren’t alone. The transfer attracted plenty of criticism, with Graeme Souness writing in The Telegraph “Barcelona will be watching Anthony Gordon and wondering what they have bought.” And no culer would have seen that particular purchase coming, not least because all of the chatter surrounded whether the club were going to activate Marcus Rashford’s release clause or not. In the end, Barcelona decided against triggering the buy option in Rashford’s contract and have seen Gordon outshine his rival in the England team at the World Cup after a slow start. Gordon patrols the same areas that Rashford does for the English national team, and his performance against Mexico was certainly deserving of the plaudits. He took the game to his direct opponent at every opportunity, often having him on toast and leaving him for dead. Even Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was caught by TV cameras playfully telling the England man to “f*** off”! As well he might, because for all of the industry of Bellingham and the prowess of Kane, Gordon helped knit the attacking plays together, and became a thorn in the side of the Mexican defence long before he won the penalty that Kane converted with what was, ultimately, the winner. What that match showcased was Gordon’s full range, and though he doesn’t need ‘announcing’ to the wider support, many will have a better understanding now as to what to look for in the player’s natural game, once he arrives to begin pre-season. As a rotation option for Raphinha, a player who has struggled with injuries for the past 12-18 months and who barely played in the World Cup, the Englishman couldn’t be better suited. If he continues to show the level that he produced against Mexico, and Raphinha can’t get over his niggles, there’s an argument that, in fact, Gordon would be first choice, with the Brazilian as his backup. With at least one more game for the Three Lions to play, too, against Norway, culers will get another chance to assess Gordon’s relative merits and debate just how well he could fit into Hansi Flick’s side for the 2026/27 season and beyond. It’s a fair bet that at present that the excitement is building, which is in stark contrast to the underwhelming reaction when his signing was initially announced.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona expect Fermin Lopez to be fit for La Liga season-opener
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 have been handed a boost ahead of the start of the new 2026-27 La Liga season as Fermin Lopez is expected to be fit in time for the start of the campaign. Lopez missed the end of last season and was ruled out of World Cup 2026 after suffering a fractured metatarsal against Real Betis that required surgery. Barcelona didn’t put a date on how long Lopez was expected to be sidelined for but his recovery is going well. The club are currently expecting him to be fit by the time the opening weekend rolls around, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report adds that Lopez has been working hard on his recovery and is already running. All sign therefore point to him being ready to face Athletic Club on the weekend of August 15-16th. The news will be a boost to Flick who will see his pre-season preparations disrupted by the fact a host of first-teamers are still at World Cup 2026. Anthony Gordon and Jules Kounde are already through to the quarter-finals, while Barcelona’s Spain contingent will hope to join them later when they take on Portugal.
- Football España·5d ago·Both
Olmo Hits Back at Real Madrid: ‘Two Barren Years Explains the Noise’
Dani Olmo tells RAC1 that Real Madrid's criticism of Barcelona is a predictable reaction to two years of Blaugrana dominance and Los Blancos going empty-handed. The post Olmo Hits Back at Real Madrid: ‘Two Barren Years Explains the Noise’ appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 6 July 2026; Man City reject Barça approach for Ruben Dias
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images Transfer rumors, news: Chelsea, Madrid, Barça chase Man City’s Dias – ESPN Manchester City have rejected enquiries from various clubs for center back Rúben Dias, deeming him to be unavailable for transfer, according to TEAMtalk. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have all reportedly explored the possibility of signing the 29-year-old this summer, but City have issues the same clear message each time, stating that he won’t be moving. Oyarzabal answers very clearly about Barça – Mundo Deportivo “I’ve already said that I’m very happy at Real Sociedad,” the striker stated. Gavi also wants Julián Álvarez to sign for Barça: “I hope so, it’s his dream” – Mundo Deportivo The Barça midfielder also weighed in on the possible signing of the Argentinian. The clause determining Christensen’s future at Barça – SPORT The Blaugrana will be able to unilaterally terminate the second year of the Danish center-back’s contract if he does not play in 30% of matches during the upcoming season. Barça keeping an eye on Pablo Torre’s situation – SPORT The Cantabrian ended the season as a key player for Demichelis but could not prevent the drama of relegation; Barça hold the cards regarding his future and are monitoring the situation.
- 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.
- Managing Madrid·6d ago·Both·transfers
Alfredo Di Stéfano at 100: Remembering the man who built Real Madrid’s global legacy
Portrait of Argentinian-born Spanish forward Alfredo Di Stefano taken 12 June 1956 in Paris. Born in Buenos Aires, Di Stefano became one of the greatest players of his time winning championship titles in Argentina (1947 with River Plate), Colombia (1949, 1951, 1953 with Millionarios de Bogota) and Spain (8 between 1954 and 1964 with Real Madrid). Di Stefano also won the Copa America with the Argentinian national soccer team in 1947, five European Cups with Real Madrid (1956-1960) along with one Intercontinental Cup (1960) and received the European Golden Ball award for best player of the year in 1957 and 1959. Di Stefano later turned to coaching winning two championships titles in Argentina with Boca Juniors (1969-1970), one in Spain with Valence (1971), one European Supercup and one Cup Winners' Cup in 1980. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read STAFF/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images “He wasn’t just Real Madrid’s greatest player — he was the architect of the club’s identity.” A century since the birth of a legend July 4, 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alfredo Di Stéfano, one of the most influential figures in football history and the player many consider the greatest to ever wear the Real Madrid shirt. Born in the Barracas neighborhood of Buenos Aires on July 4, 1926, Di Stéfano arrived in Madrid in 1953 and forever changed the trajectory of the club. When he signed for Los Blancos, Real Madrid had won just two La Liga titles and nine Copa del Rey trophies. By the time he left in 1964, the club had become the standard-bearer of European football, collecting: 5 European Cups 8 La Liga titles 1 Intercontinental Cup 1 Copa del Rey 2 Latin Cups His impact went far beyond silverware. Alongside club president Santiago Bernabéu, Di Stéfano helped establish Real Madrid as the biggest name in world football. From the streets of Buenos Aires to football immortality Di Stéfano’s football education came on the streets of Argentina. In his autobiography, Gracias, vieja, he reflected on those early years, describing how playing on uneven cobblestone streets forced children to develop exceptional technique. He even recalled using dented tin cans as makeshift footballs when no proper ball was available and credited an older neighborhood friend for encouraging him to practice relentlessly with both feet. Those humble beginnings shaped the complete footballer he would become. River Plate, Argentina… and “La Saeta Rubia” After impressing with local clubs, Di Stéfano joined River Plate, where he eventually broke into the first team after a loan spell with Huracán. His breakthrough season saw him finish as the league’s top scorer while helping River win the championship before starring for Argentina in the South American Championship. It was during this period that he earned the famous nickname: “La Saeta Rubia” — The Blond Arrow. His pace, movement and all-around brilliance quickly made him one of South America’s brightest stars. The transfer that changed football history Di Stéfano’s performances with Colombian side Millonarios eventually brought him to the attention of Europe’s elite. Following Real Madrid’s 50th anniversary tournament in 1952, both Real Madrid and Barcelona entered one of the most famous transfer battles football has ever seen. Ultimately, Santiago Bernabéu secured his signature. The decision would alter the course of European football forever. The man behind Real Madrid’s European dynasty Although his unofficial debut ended in defeat against Nancy, Di Stéfano scored in the match—an early glimpse of what was to come. Across more than 500 appearances in official and friendly matches, he scored 308 goals while redefining what a footballer could be. He wasn’t simply a striker. The French famously nicknamed him “L’Omniprésent” because he seemed to appear everywhere on the pitch—creating attacks, defending, dictating play and finishing moves himself. His achievements remain extraordinary: Scored in every one of Real Madrid’s first five European Cup finals Ballon d’Or winner in 1957 and 1959 Recipient of the Super Ballon d’Or in 1989, awarded by France Football as the outstanding European player of the previous three decades Few players have ever had a greater influence on both their club and the evolution of the sport. Life after Madrid Di Stéfano left Real Madrid in 1964 following a disagreement that ultimately saw president Santiago Bernabéu back head coach Miguel Muñoz. He finished his playing career with Espanyol before moving into management. While his coaching career never reached the same heights as his playing days, he still enjoyed notable success with clubs including Valencia and later won domestic trophies in both Spain and Argentina. One lingering disappointment remained throughout his life: he never played in a World Cup. After helping Spain qualify for the 1962 tournament, injury ruled him out before he could make his long-awaited appearance on football’s biggest stage. River Plate joins Real Madrid in tribute On the centenary of his birth, River Plate paid tribute to one of the greatest players in the club’s history through its official channels. The Argentine giants remembered Di Stéfano’s rise through their academy, his league titles in Buenos Aires and the extraordinary career that followed in Spain, where he became the face of Real Madrid’s golden era. Nearly seven decades after his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, Di Stéfano remains a permanent link between two of world football’s most historic institutions. View this post on Instagram
- 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·transfers
Is Mikel Oyarzabal the shrewd choice for striker at Barcelona?
Spain's forward #21 Mikel Oyarzabal (L) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Spain and Austria at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on July 2, 2026. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Who will be Barcelona’s center forward next season? That’s the most important question that the Blaugrana need to answer this summer. Robert Lewandowski is off to Chicago, and his replacement at this point is anyone’s guess. Ferran Torres will likely return to the Camp Nou, although his contact renewal has yet to be resolved, and Hamza Abdelkarim is a young prospect to throw into the mix. Joan Laporta and Deco got off to a busy start this summer with the surprise signing of Anthony Gordon for €80 million, but the real investment is needed to finance the next striker. I still don’t understand where the money is coming from all of a sudden, but Barcelona are projecting confidence that they will be able to make a strong offer for Julian Alvarez that will certainly be a number north of €100 million. The strange thing about Alvarez is that he’s barely getting minutes for Argentina. Even at Atletico Madrid, he wasn’t a day in and day out starter. For that reason, his valuation is a conundrum. At Barcelona, he looks like a perfect fit, but the numbers have to make sense. With that in mind, enter Mikel Oyarzabal. At 29 years old, he has been one of the most reliable strikers in La Liga for the past decade, recording over 100 goals. For Spain at this World Cup, he has been consistently bright with four goals in four games. Oyarzabal isn’t flashy, and he isn’t the aspirational choice for Barcelona, but if Atletico Madrid play hardball, he may be the option that Barcelona go with. His release clause is reportedly set at €75 million. Barcelona won’t be willing to pay that much. If Real Sociedad is willing to negotiate because the player makes his desires clear, perhaps the price ends up somewhere between €40-60 million. That’s a fraction of what Alvarez would cost, and could allow Barcelona to bring in better defensive reinforcements too. Ultimately, Barcelona will have to ask themselves if their squad is good enough to keep pace with the flurry of signings that Real Madrid are making, and if they are deep enough to remain competitive for a shot at a Champions League title too. Kylian Mbappe is on fire this World Cup. That doesn’t mean things will automatically click for him at Real Madrid too under Jose Mourinho, but it should send Barcelona a message that they will need a prolific goal scorer on the field too. It will be interesting to see how things progress at the World Cup for all the big names that are on the radar for Barcelona. When the competition is over, it will be time for business. The first game of the La Liga season is just over a month away, and if Barcelona want to make it three trophies in a row, they must continue to strengthen their squad. So what’s the right move? Pragmatism or ambition?
- 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·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 3 July 2026; Barça return to 1:1 rule, Dominant Spain advance to World Cup Round of 16
Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images Fcbhistoria, the new Instagram account about Barça’s history – FC Barcelona Content set to be published daily and will often feature unique pieces from the historical archive. Dani Rodríguez transferred to Dinamo Zagreb – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona and the Croatian club reach an agreement for the Basque forward’s transfer. Spain 3-0 Austria: Dominant Spain advance past Austria – FIFA Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro’s goals helped Spain overrun Austria in Los Angeles and set up a last-16 tie against Portugal or Croatia. Barcelona offer for Julián Álvarez still stands – Joan Laporta – ESPN Barça are keen on signing Álvarez to replace Robert Lewandowski – who joined Chicago Fire this week – and Laporta revealed on Wednesday they have tabled a bid for the former Manchester City man thought to be north of €100 million. Barça confirms it: they’re back at the 1:1 rule – Mundo Deportivo Following Lewandowski’s departure and the sales of Ansu Fati and Iñaki Peña, the Blaugrana club is now within the ‘Financial Fair Play’ rule that allows them to spend every Euro they receive. Flick already has a new German fitness coach – Mundo Deportivo He is a trusted professional of the Barcelona coach, has already been signed and will fill the gap left by the relocated Julio Tous. No joy for Raphinha: ruled out for the Round of 16 – Mundo Deportivo The Brazilian winger is still not training at the same pace as his teammates and will not be available for Carlo Ancelotti to play in the World Cup clash with Norway. Xavi Espart reinforces the comparisons with Philipp Lahm – Mundo Deportivo The full-back, converted into a midfielder with the Spanish Under-19 team, is having a great European Championship in Wales. Barça and Ajax making progress in the agreement for the loan of Ter Stegen – Mundo Deportivo The goalkeeper is happy to join Ajax because of what it means on a personal level and because of the magnitude of the club. Barça watching Dest’s future for a possible five million Euro profit – Mundo Deportivo The American full-back, who is currently shining at the World Cup, is close to changing teams and Barcelona could benefit thanks to the percentage they retain from a future sale.
- 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·9d ago·Both·transfers
Marc Cucurella claims two assists as Spain eliminate David Alaba’s Austria from World Cup
Austria's midfielder #24 Paul Wanner and Spain's defender #24 Marc Cucurella fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Spain and Austria at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on July 2, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Spain booked their ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles with Marc Cucurella involved in all three of La Roja’s goals. The left-back was unfortunate to have a goal himself harshly ruled out as it would have given Spain the lead on 29 minutes. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg instead awarded a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager in the build-up. He then made amends by claiming the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal less than 10 minutes later as Cucurella broke down the left flank and placed a perfectly-placed low cross to the Real Sociedad captain to score his third goal of the tournament. The new Real Madrid signing was also involved in the build-up to the second goal for Spain, playing a through ball on the edge of the box to Álex Baena who crossed to Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro to score from close range with a smart header. He then provided the assist for the third goal with impressive vision to play a through ball from deep to set up Oyarzaval for his second goal of the game. It was an assured performance from the defender beyond his offensive contribution, recording 92% pass completion, including all of his crosses finding their targets, and winning two defensive duels. He also played the full 90 minutes, meaning he and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí are the only outfield players to have played every minute of action in the tournament for Spain. The result means that the 2010 champions are into the round of 16, where they will face either Portugal or Croatia, depending on who wins that tie later on Thursday evening, in Dallas on Monday. The winner of that tie would then earn a quarter-final place against either the United States or Belgium, to be played next Friday in Los Angeles. It also means elimination for former Real Madrid man David Alaba, who captained Austria. Playing as a central defender for Austria, the 34-year-old veteran’s first World Cup campaign has come to an end with heartbreak.
- Barca Blaugranes·9d ago·Both·opinion
Lamine Yamal names his three favorite players of World Cup 2026 so far
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lamine Yamal has given his verdict on the players that have impressed him most at World Cup 2026 so far. The Barcelona teenager has been watching the action while with the Spain squad and has picked out a few of his favorites. “Yes, I watch it. I watch the whole World Cup. The Netherlands game was more evenly matched, but the Germany game was more of a surprise,” he told Cope. “Of the stars, I am liking Vini a lot. Obviously Messi, and Saibari I think is doing very well in the World Cup. I think he’s a player who plays very good football. Not only scoring goals, but he’s also playing well.” Messi has shone once again for Argentina at the tournament, scoring six goals in three games for the defending champions to lead the Golden Boot standings along with Kylian Mbappe. Ismael Saibari has also impressed for Morocco, scoring the winning penalty to knock out the Netherlands in the Round of 32, and has just been announced as a new Bayern Munich player.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·transfers
Anthony Gordon sparks an England comeback and offers Barcelona a glimpse of what makes him special
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 1: Anthony Gordon #18 of England celebrates the 2-1 victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Barcelona fans can breath a sigh of relief. We really shouldn’t be judging players based on a small sample size anyways, but when you pay big money for a new signing, hopes and expectations will be raised as the incoming Barcelona player learns the reality of living life in Catalonian spotlight. It’s important to be fair and understand who Anthony Gordon is, and who he isn’t. Hansi Flick didn’t hand pick him because he was a golden boot type of player. The English international was chosen because he is a match for the German manager’s high intensity system. Barcelona didn’t sign their next Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe. Best case scenario, Gordon is their next Raphinha, and that’s an exciting proposition. Perhaps Thomas Tuchel did him a favor by dropping him to the bench in place of Marcus Rashford, even if the move almost backfired for England. When Gordon came on in the 60th minute, his team was trailing by a goal, and the industrious winger went to work. He knew he didn’t have to be the guy to score the goals, after all, Harry Kane was on the field. What was needed was calm and patience, knowing that when the window of opportunity presented itself, he would be ready to take it. England looked like a better team right away with Gordon on the field. What’s special about him is that he is a team player who just wants to win. He entered the pitch and got busy right away, chasing balls down, and being direct and dangerous when on the attack. In the end, it was a simple cross into the box that tied the game as Harry Kane did what he does best when given service, and then another clever pass to the center forward that emphatically sent England on to the Round of 16. Barcelona fans should be encouraged by what they saw. Anthony Gordon is exactly as advertised. He’s the player that Hansi Flick wanted for a reason. All new players deserve grace and time as they adapt to a new club. Gordon’s World Cup is just getting started now, and after that, he’ll be raring to go to make an impact for Barcelona too.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·transfers
‘It’s been a dream’ – Ansu Fati sends touching goodbye message to Barcelona after sealing Monaco move
SEVILLA, SPAIN - APRIL 26: Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona celebrates the victory during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Ansu Fati has sent a touching message to Barcelona supporters after completing a permanent transfer to Monaco. The forward has signed a four-year contract with Monaco after spending a season on loan with the Ligue 1 side. Fati has now taken to social media to say goodbye to Barca fans. Here’s what he has posted on Instagram. “Hello culers!! “I arrived here as a kid, and La Masia became my home. I enjoyed every match and every tournament, and I defended these colors above everything. “We won, we lost, but most importantly, I learned every day the values this club represents. I met so many incredible people: teammates who became brothers, coaches, physios, cooks, press staff, and directors. Thank you all for these unforgettable years. “I fulfilled the dream of any kid lucky enough to wear this shirt: playing for the first team! Now it is time to say goodbye. It has been a dream to defend these colors. Thank you for everything, Barcelona. Thank you for everything, culers. View this post on Instagram Good luck at Monaco, Ansu Fati!
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·transfers
Anthony Gordon grabs two assists as England fight back to beat DR Congo at World Cup 2026
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 01: Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Jude Bellingham #10 and Anthony Gordon #18 after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona summer signing Anthony Gordon came off the bench and delivered two assists for Harry Kane as England came from 1-0 down to beat DR Congo 2-1 at World Cup 2026. Marcus Rashford started ahead of Gordon for the Three Lions in the last 32 encounter but made way in the second half after an ineffective showing for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Gordon was sent on and teed up Harry Kane for the equaliser in the 75th minute. The Barcelona man dinked a ball into the box for Kane to nod home. England then won it 10 minutes later as Kane grabbed his second of the match after more good work from Gordon. The winger found Kane on the edge of the penalty area and watched on as the England captain took a touch and then fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner to win the game. According to Mister Chip, Gordon becomes the first player to record two assists as a substitute in a knockout-stage match in World Cup history. The two assists will be a confidence boost to Gordon after he lost his place in the team, and he will now be hoping he’s done enough to convince Tuchel to start him next time out. England go on to play co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·transfers
‘Just another tantrum’ – Barcelona president Joan Laporta lays down gauntlet to Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez
Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, greets Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, during the LaLiga EA Sports football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta took some time in his first speech in his fourth term to fore a warning shot at Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez. “The coming years will be exciting; they will see the consolidation of an economically strong Barça, the completion of the Spotify Camp Nou, and the continuation of the sporting project for the first team and the other professional squads. We will have a competitive team, but – just as I say that – I must also say that we cannot let our guard down, because there are those who never rest,” Laporta said alluding to the president in charge of Madrid’s “White House.” Pérez took a hard line against Barcelona in the last few months as he was engaged in his own presidential campaign, which ultimately proved successful. In particular, Pérez amped up accusations towards Barcelona in relation to the Negreira case but Laporta isn’t at all worried. “They won’t get away with it. We know what UEFA thinks about this, about all of this, and they won’t get away with it. It’s just another tantrum from them, trying to drag this out to justify actions that make no sense and won’t succeed. They’re in the ordinary courts, and we’ve been dealing with this for a long time. We’ve submitted the evidence in the proceedings. The opposing parties haven’t submitted anything,” added Laporta. The Madrid club president declared the relationship between the two clubs “completely broken,” accusing Barça of “stealing” titles. While the Negreira is an ongoing legal dispute, it is still unresolved. No evidence has conclusively proven that Barcelona illegally won a title, or paid a referee to influence a match. However, payments made to José María Enríquez Negreira, not a referee then but vice-president of the refereeing committee, have been confirmed. The true purpose and effect of those payments remains in dispute. In addition, Madrid sent a dossier to UEFA of bias allegedly helping Barcelona, spanning several hundred pages. This all came as Madrid and Barcelona’s unlikely alliance when both were trying to launch the European Super League was ultimately broken as the project fell apart. At the time, Laporta labeled those attacks a smokescreen from Madrid’s own underperformance on the pitch, and some analysts said it was a cynical ploy to gain favor among the club’s most ardent fans right before an election. By focusing on attacks from outside, Laporta showed that the disputes from the past are far from resolved, though he did not mention the Madrid president by name. “In the face of their attacks, they will always encounter a president and a board with strong leadership, ready to defend the institution against anything and anyone. Barça must always be defended; there is no room for half-measures. We defend the club in the boardroom, and this dynamic will continue in the years ahead,” Laporta said.
- 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·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 1 July 2026; Barça release new home kit, Ansu Fati sold to Monaco
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images FC Barcelona presents new 2026/27 kit – FC Barcelona Jersey conserves the iconic blue and garnet stripes, with colour grading that brings movement and depth to an aesthetic rooted in Blaugrana identity, plus names and jersey numbers in a new typeface. Barça begin LaLiga 26/27 against Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou – FC Barcelona The Clásico in Barcelona is Matchday 12, with the return at the Bernabéu stadium on Matchday 35. Ansu Fati joins AS Monaco – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona and the Ligue 1 club have reached an agreement for the La Masia striker’s transfer. Barça Women to start Liga F campaign against Tenerife at Estadi Johan Cruyff – FC Barcelona The road to an eighth consecutive league title for Barça Femení is now known, as the 2026/27 season fixtures have been published. The season is set to begin against Tenerife at the Estadi Johan Cruyff as part of Matchday 1 on 30 August. Salma Paralluelo to leave FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona Striker Salma Paralluelo has decided to leave FC Barcelona with her contract ending on 30 June 2026. The player from Aragón leaves the Club after a four season spell in which she won 15 trophies: three Champions Leagues, four league titles, three Copas de la Reina, four Super Cups and a Copa Catalunya. France 3-0 Sweden: Mbappe double leads France past Sweden – FIFA Kylian Mbappe further enhanced his World Cup legacy with a brace in France’s comfortable Round of 32 win against Sweden. Lamine Yamal: We would welcome Julián Álvarez at Barcelona – ESPN “I’m not thinking about it too much, but I’d love it, because [Álvarez] is a great player,” Yamal told Cadena SER in an interview broadcast on Tuesday. “If he comes, we’ll welcome him with open arms… If I were him, I’d do it. We’ll be waiting for him if he wants to come. [I say] go for it.” Atlético Madrid files a formal complaint against Barcelona with FIFA and the RFEF – Mundo Deportivo COPE reports that Atlético de Madrid filed a complaint on Tuesday regarding the harassment they believe Julián Alvarez has suffered. Selling Ansu Fati is a perfect operation for Barça’s ‘fair play’ – Mundo Deportivo Barcelona frees up around €17.2 million of wage bill due to his contract, in addition to the €11 million from the sale, and retains a percentage of any future sale of the Monaco team. Gavi bids farewell to Ansu Fati: “Always one of mine” – Mundo Deportivo The Barça midfielder shared a post on social media after it was announced that Monaco had exercised their option to buy the striker.
- 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·transfers
Barcelona unveil new home kit for 2026-27 La Liga season
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates with the trophy during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May, 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona have officially unveiled their new home kit ahead of the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season which will kick off with a home game against Athletic Club. We’ve seen plenty of leaks of the new kit ahead of the big release but the club have finally dropped official photos and here it is… Born to beat together. The 2026/27 FC Barcelona Home Kit is here.@nikefootball pic.twitter.com/G0ot4ngsAI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 30, 2026 Barcelona say the new home shirt “conserves the iconic blue and garnet stripes, with colour grading that brings movement and depth to an aesthetic rooted in blaugrana identity, plus names and jersey numbers in a new typeface.” It’s not just a chant, it’s a feeling. BARÇA, BARÇA, BARÇA! pic.twitter.com/RdsQZV7V5r — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 30, 2026 The concept behind the kit is “Blaugrana heartbeat. The passions that move us” and here’s a bit more blurb as the club try to explain the thinking behind the new design. The art of being Barça. pic.twitter.com/KJvi6rg0D7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 30, 2026 “The Blaugrana heartbeat is the energy driving every play, every shout from the stands and every generation wearing the colours. This passion goes beyond results, it brings players and fans together, drives the Club and is passed on from generation to generation. This concept was the thread that ran throughout the presentation and gives meaning to a new kit that symbolises this emotional bond.” What do you think of Barcelona’s new kit? Love it? Hate it? Total meh? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Both
La Liga confirms 2026-27 fixture list: Dates set for El Clásicos, Madrid derbies and Real Madrid’s opening match
La Liga has officially released the full fixture list for the 2026-27 season, confirming the schedule for all 380 matches of the upcoming campaign. The new season will kick off on the weekend of August 14, with the final round of fixtures scheduled for May 30, 2027. For Real Madrid, the campaign begins at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Sociedad, while the club will also finish the season at home, taking on Deportivo La Coruña on the final matchday. The dates for both editions of El Clásico have also been confirmed. The first meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid will take place at Camp Nou on October 25, 2026, before the rivalry returns to the Santiago Bernabéu on May 9, 2027, in what could prove to be a decisive fixture in the title race. The Madrid derby dates are also now set. Real Madrid will make the trip to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid on September 20, 2026, while the reverse fixture at the Bernabéu is scheduled for April 4, 2027. Real Madrid key La Liga fixtures (2026-27) Opening day Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad El Clásico October 25, 2026: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (Camp Nou) May 9, 2027: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (Santiago Bernabéu) Madrid derby September 20, 2026: Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid April 4, 2027: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid Final day Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña
- 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·11d ago·Both·transfers
‘I’m going to eat him alive’ – Lamine Yamal teases Marc Cucurella after Real Madrid transfer and talks Dani Carvajal spat
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona under pressure from Marc Cucurella of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on November 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lamine Yamal has been enjoying teasing Marc Cucurella after the former Barcelona defender secured a move to Real Madrid during World Cup 2026. The transfer means that Yamal will come up directly against Cucurella next season when Barcelona face their bitter rivals in El Clasico. Yamal has been asked if he’s been teasing his Spain team-mate about the move and told Cope: “I told him he’s going to start the first game and be a substitute in the second because I’m going to eat him alive!” The Barcelona teenager had a few digs at Real Madrid last season which led to a confrontation with Dani Carvajal on the pitch at the end of October’s meeting between the two sides which Madrid won. Yamal was asked if he regretted those comments and offered up the following reply: “No, it’s football. In the end, they celebrated the match and lost at our ground. I haven’t spoken to Carvajal since, and I don’t speak to anyone from Real Madrid.”
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago·Both·transfers
Lamine Yamal names the two strikers he would like to sign for Barcelona amid Julian Alvarez transfer talk
Lamine Yamal celebrates 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 star Lamine Yamal has been quizzed on which strikers he would sign for the club amid continued talk about a move for Julian Alvarez. The Catalans are in the market for a new attacker and Alvarez is the focus, although a host of other strikers have also been linked with Barcelona. Yamal has been asked for his thoughts and came up with two names when talking to Cope: “As long as he scores goals… I really like Julián [Alvarez] and [Mikel] Oyarzabal. We’ll support whoever comes.” The Barcelona teenager was also asked how he’s feeling after making his return from injury at the World Cup with Spain. “I’m very well, very happy. I’ve been training hard and I’m excited to reach this point. I’m at 80-90% and improving, it’s not going down. I’m ready for 90 minutes,” he added. “If I see a 50/50 ball, I don’t go in so as not to hurt anyone, but I train at full intensity. If you go in with fear, it’s worse because you can get hurt, but against Uruguay I wasn’t doing full sprints because we were already qualified.” Yamal and Spain take on Austria next for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Both
Marc Cucurella reveals Mourinho contact, Florentino request, and Real Madrid excitement
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Marc Cucurella has opened up about his impending move to Real Madrid, discussing José Mourinho, Florentino Pérez, the Spanish national team, and what awaits him at the Santiago Bernabéu in an extensive interview with AS. The Spain international admitted he is eager to begin the next chapter of his career. “I still haven’t fully processed it. My life is still the same. We’re with the national team and it feels like everything is unchanged because we’re isolated from the outside world. Hopefully that moment takes a while to arrive because it would mean we’re doing well here. But I’m looking forward to starting a new life, meeting my teammates, seeing the training ground and the Bernabéu. It’s a big change after so many years at Chelsea, but I’m excited to experience it.” Cucurella also revealed he has remained in contact with José Mourinho since agreeing to join Madrid. “We’ve stayed in touch. He congratulated me after the first victory and has sent me a few short messages. Staying in contact is always positive, and now I’m looking forward to meeting him in person and starting to work with him.” The 27-year-old also shared an amusing story involving Florentino Pérez before his unveiling. “I haven’t had the chance to speak with him. The only thing they told me was not to even think about putting on a Real Madrid shirt because the president wanted my first photo wearing the shirt to be with him. I’m happy to follow orders and start on the right foot. The presentation will be a special moment for me and my family.” Cucurella admitted hearing one of Florentino’s famous lines would be special. “Hearing him say that I was born to play for Real Madrid would be incredible.” Asked about the possibility of Enzo Fernández joining him in Madrid, he replied: “He congratulated me. We’re great friends and have built a very good relationship. If the rumors are true, I wish the best for my friend. If he wants to take that step, he’s welcome. I don’t know anything, we’ll see. Keep an eye on the news!” Looking ahead to future Clásicos against Lamine Yamal, the left-back insisted club rivalries will not affect friendships. “I’ll fight against Lamine in a Clásico, but when we’re with Spain everything will be exactly the same.” Finally, Cucurella had a message for Spain supporters ahead of the World Cup. “Keep believing in us. We want to make history and achieve something special. Maybe we didn’t start the tournament exactly how we wanted, but this team is highly motivated, very confident, and we’ll give everything we have to make the fans proud.”
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago·Both·transfers
Joan Laporta hopes to ‘fulfill the dreams of players who want to come to Barcelona’ amid Julian Alvarez talk
Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in May 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona president Joan Laporta has teased a move for Julian Alvarez amid speculation he will leave Atletico Madrid for the Catalans this summer. Alvarez has confirmed he wants a transfer away from Atletico but has stopped short of mentioning Barcelona explicitly, saying only that he wants to “fulfill a dream.” Laporta hasn’t mentioned Alvarez explicitly either but did talk transfers with El Chiringuito as he celebrated his birthday on Monday. “It’s clear that dreams come true if you work hard and fight for them,” he said. “Most players, and this fills us with pride, want to come to Barça. Laporta was then asked about players with “unfulfilled dreams” and responded: “Hopefully, we can fulfill the dreams of the players who want to come to Barça.” Yet Barcelona will have to spend big to make Alvarez’s dreams come true, with reports claiming Atletico want 150 million euros from the Catalans for the Argentina international.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago·Both·transfers
Former Barcelona defender Alejandro Grimaldo set to sign for Atlético Madrid
CHATTANOOGA, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Alex Grimaldo of Spain during the Training Spain at the The Baylor School on June 22, 2026 in Chattanooga United States (Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Alejandro Grimaldo, who came up through the FC Barcelona academy, is heading back to Spain after 10 years away. Only it’s not to Barça, he’s reportedly going to be playing for Atlético Madrid. Grimaldo, who played with Barcelona’s B team for four years after four years in the Barcelona academy, made a name for himself after moving to Benfica and then Bayer Leverkusen. He was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or after the Germans’ undefeated Bundesliga title run in 2024. The Valencia-born left-back also won Euro 2024 with Spain and is with La Roja at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. However, he has been mostly a substitute with the national team. Given his connection to Barcelona, and the fact that the Catalans have looked at fullback signings more than once over the years, Grimaldo has been a frequent target of transfer speculation regarding a move back to Camp Nou. It seems such a homecoming will not materialize. Atlético reportedly turned their attention to Grimaldo after Marc Cucurella, another La Masia graduate, signed for Real Madrid. Now, reports say Grimaldo’s transfer is almost fully done for around 20 million euro. With Alejandro Balde and (hopefully) João Cancelo, Barça have two left-backs and may not need another. However, they could conceivably sign another left-back and then either sell Balde, or move Cancelo to right-back. If they chose the latter, Eric García could be moved to another position. There was some speculation that Barcelona would make a play for Grimaldo and shuffle the squad to accommodate him, but that speculation never turned to real action. All signs currently point to Grimaldo signing to Atléti, with Barcelona not too fussed about the situation.
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago·Both·transfers
Ajax only willing to pay a fraction of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s salary as loan talks with Barcelona continue
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 11: Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen of FC Barcelona warming up prior to the Spanish Super Cup Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona and Ajax are continuing talks about a possible loan deal for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the 2026-27 season. Former Girona boss Michel has just taken charge of the Eredivisie giants and is keen for a reunion with the goalkeeper in Amsterdam. Yet negotiations between the clubs have already revealed issues with regards Ter Stegen’s salary, according to Marca. The Dutch club can’t afford to pay his whole salary and only want to pay around 10% and 15% of his wages. Barcelona could therefore end up paying a hefty amount for Ter Stegen to play for another club next season. It’s claimed Barca may have to fork out around €15 million, if the German does go to Ajax on loan. It’s a similar situation to last season when Ter Stegen moved to Girona on loan in the winter transfer window in search of regular football. However, the goalkeeper promptly picked up an injury and missed the rest of the campaign. Barcelona fear that Ter Stegen’s salary, age, and hefty price tag mean there may be few takers for his signature this summer, meaning they may have no choice but to accept Ajax’s proposal.
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago·Both·transfers
Frenkie de Jong’s quiet brilliance continues to make him indispensable for Barcelona and the Netherlands
Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands) gestures during Group F FIFA World Cup 2026, Netherlands and Japan, Dallas Stadium, Arlington, United States on June 14 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Certain star players prefer to operate from the shadows. At the World Cup, all the talk is on the battle for the golden boot. We’re captivated by the goal scoring prowess of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. For good reason, we watch the game to be entertained by the sparkle of creativity produced by Lamine Yamal and Pedri. Great teams, however, are held together by the geniuses who rarely make the headlines. Sergio Busquets was that guy during the last era of Barcelona greatness. Casual fans of the game struggled to appreciate such a player. For a while now, that unsung hero has been Frenkie de Jong. Going forward, I think Hansi Flick will have a hard time finding a better midfield option. At this World Cup, the Netherlands are proving to be one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Led by none other than Ronald Koeman, the Flying Dutchmen are real contenders heading into the knockout round. It’s not because they have the best all around talent. For that, you would look at France, Spain, or England. It’s because they have tactically intelligent players like Frenkie who make them a handful for any opponent to deal with. That’s the Netherlands stereotype in many ways. High IQ players who were developed the right way, and can adapt to changing circumstances on the field. Frenkie’s problem recently has been staying healthy, and at this World Cup, he is certainly playing through the pain. When’s he’s fully fit, however, no matter who his coach is, he is a difficult player to drop. And yet, his name always seems to come up in the summer when it comes to players Barcelona could live without. Luckily, Flick’s influence at the club, and opinion of Frenkie has been decisive. That being said, even the coach has shown signs of considering whether Gavi or Marc Bernal are ready to take over alongside Pedri in the double pivot. This World Cup has been a bit of a reality check. For tactical reasons, Luis de la Fuente opted to not use Gavi in a game that was tailor made for him against a bruising Uruguay team. Marc Bernal isn’t even on the Spanish roster. Meanwhile, Frenkie continues to fly under the radar. When push comes to shove, I’d expect him to reclaim his position in Flick’s starting eleven as well. Frenkie de Jong was made for Barcelona. He may not be flashy, but his presence always makes the team stronger. For now, he is still irreplaceable. If Barcelona think there are better options out in the football wilderness, I hope they think twice. Frenkie de Jong is the type of player you forget about from time to time, and like Busquets, that’s precisely what makes him so good. When he’s not around, however, his absence is felt. If the Netherlands make a deep run at the tournament, the MVP won’t show up in the stats sheet, and that’s exactly how he likes it.
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 28 June 2026; Lionel Messi scores (again) in Argentina win, Dusan Vlahovic still hoping for Barça move
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images FC Barcelona launches fundraising campaign to respond to the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela – FC Barcelona Foundation will make an initial contribution of €100,000, which will be used to strengthen the work of the humanitarian organisations it regularly partners with on the ground. Spain, Egypt, Portugal and England advance – FC Barcelona More Culers into the World Cup Round of 32. Spain’s Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí, Olmo, Ferran, Joan Garcia, Eric and Gavi, along with Hamza Abdelkarim’s Egypt, João Cancelo’s Portugal and Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford’s England, have followed in the footsteps of Kounde, Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong. Jordan 1-3 Argentina: Magic Messi strikes again in Argentina victory – FIFA Legendary No. 10 scores his sixth goal of World Cup 2026 as defending champions round off group stage with 3-1 victory over Jordan. Colombia 0-0 Portugal: Colombia top Group K following Portugal stalemate – FIFA A host of chances went begging for both sides in this topsy-turvy Miami match-up. Panama 0-2 England: Bellingham and Kane secure top spot for England – FIFA England ensured first place in Group L as second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane undid the resistance of Panama in rainy New York/New Jersey. Vlahovic: last attempt for Barça – Mundo Deportivo The Serbian is offering himself again after seeing that the Catalan club needs to replace Lewandowski and that Ferran Torres hasn’t ruled out leaving. Saviola: “Barça is the ideal place for Julián Álvarez” – Mundo Deportivo The former Barcelona forward sees Julián as very complete, more of an attacking midfielder, and “could perform at a higher level surrounded by a squad like Barcelona’s,” he explained on the ‘Tot gira’ program on Catalunya Ràdio.
- 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·13d ago·Both·transfers
‘Impressive’ – Luis Suarez reveals what he likes most about Hansi Flick’s Barcelona
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, lifts a miniature of the LaLiga EA Sports trophy as he celebrates 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 Luis Suarez has hailed Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and says the team’s achievements under the coach are impressive. Flick has won two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and a pair of Spanish Super Cup during his time at the helm and Suarez thinks the German coach has done a great job. “Impressive. The truth is, every year they seem to say the same thing: that they won’t be able to handle the intensity, that they won’t be able to withstand the high press, that such a high defensive line will take its toll… And yet they keep doing it,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “They’ve been playing with the same philosophy, the same players, and the same demands for a long time. And the team keeps delivering. Furthermore, Flick seems like a coach who’s very approachable. He speaks honestly, he tells them the truth. “If a player isn’t going to play a match, he explains it and gives them the reasons. That’s very important for the players. He’s an approachable coach who understands what the players need and also what the team needs. And this, especially in a team like Barcelona, is crucial.” Flick signed a new contract with Barcelona over the summer that runs until 2028 and will be aiming for more titles next season with the Catalans.
- Barca Blaugranes·14d ago·Both·transfers
Eli Junior Kroupi emerges Barcelona’s top alternative to Julian Alvarez
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 1-0- during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) | AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images It’s well known that FC Barcelona’s top target in the transfer market is Julián Álvarez, but Atlético de Madrid have shown no sides of budging over his move. At the moment, Los Colchoneros have said he is simply not for sale. While the Catalans have not given up on the move, they are exploring alternative plans should the transfer fail to materialize. Now, a new report says Eli Junior Kroupi remains Barca’s “Plan B.” Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also on alert for the 20-year-old French forward. Despite not making it to the French national team for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, he is highly rated after a successful first season in the Premier League with Bournemouth. France are absolutely stacked in attack with Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Marcus Thuram in the team. That has left Kroupi in the French U21 team, although he is still considered one of the most exciting forwards in his age bracket. Barcelona have been tracking him for a while, even before he got to Bournemouth. He’s been praised for his shooting, technique, and passing. However, he is still a young talent and not on the level of Álvarez – at least not yet. There are other names on the table as far as an alternative, as well, with Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad gaining steam as a potential signing – although he has said this week he’s happy at Real Sociedad.
- Managing Madrid·14d ago·Both·transfers
Fede Valverde’s Uruguay eliminated from 2026 World Cup
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Federico Vinas #21 of Uruguay high fives with Federico Valverde #8 as he comes on as a substitute during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images Uruguay was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Spanish team’s win assuring them top of the table in Group H. Uruguay has now faced Spain on 11 occasions without tasting victory, losing six times and drawing another five. Goal scoring chances were few and far between as Spain and Uruguay combined for only 11 shot attempts in the match, 7 in the first-half and 4 in the second 45 minutes. Only 2 of the 11 shot attempts were on target – one in each half and one for each team. And it was Spain’s only shot on target that resulted in the only score of this defensive battle that saw the teams combine for 1.06 expected goals (0.20 xG for Uruguay; 0.86 xG for Spain) Atlético Madrid’s Alex Baena’s shot from just inside the box in the 42nd minute seemed to be of little danger, but 40-year-old Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera let the ball slip through his hands to put Spain ahead on the scoreboard. Muslera was subsequently substituted for Sergio Rochet at half-time in what is most likely the veteran keeper’s final match with the Uruguay shirt. Uruguayan fans will feel hard-pressed that the ball was not put out of play during the build-up to Baena’s goal as defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte lay on the pitch in pain, the Manchester United midfielder being substituted before play reinitiated from the center circle. Another surprise substitution occurred in the 56th minute as Uruguayan captain Fede Valverde was taken off despite his pass to Darwin Núñez in the first half generating the only big scoring chance in the first 85 minutes of the match. Valverde finished the match completing 10 of 15 passes, adding 5 ball recoveries, 1 interception and 2 tackles. Despite playing only 56 minutes, only 3 outfield players had more ball recoveries than the Uruguayan captain. Many pundits will question Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to take off the Real Madrid midfielder so early in the second half. Ferran Torres had a chance to ensure a Spanish victory in the 86th minute when he found himself alone against Rochet. But the FC Barcelona forward’s shot sailed off the crossbar, continuing his poor form at the 2026 World Cup. Lamine Yamal, expected by many to be one of the stars at the 2026 World Cup, created little danger with only 1 key pass and with his only shot attempt blocked prior to getting substituted in the 76th minute. Recent Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella had a solid match, completing 36 of 42 passes while adding a tackle, an interception and 3 ball recoveries. Spain’s victory means they avoid facing Argentina next and will instead be paired against either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2nd.
- Managing Madrid·15d ago·Both·transfers
Mbappé and Tchouameni register assists as France beat Norway to top their group
Aurelien Tchouameni (France) shoots on goal during Group I FIFA World Cup 2026, Norway and France, Boston Stadium, Boston, USA on June 26 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images With coach Didier Deschamps absent after the passing of his mother, France paid tribute with a thumping 4-1 victory over Norway to secure first place in Group I with an inspirational Ousmane Dembélé scoring a first-half hat-trick. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker produced the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history with all three assists coming from Real Madrid players. The first two originated from the boots of the team’s captain, Kylian Mbappé. The first came on seven minutes with good vision to spread the ball wide for the ex-Barcelona man to cut in and finish, while Mbappé did well to hold off pressure from defender Leo Østigard and tee up the second. Some 25 minutes after opening the scoring, Dembélé’s third came from a pass from Aurélien Tchouameni to the winger who fired in from the edge of the box on 32 minutes. Tchouameni returned to the side after being absent against Iraq with a minor knock, and was imperious in midfield. In the second period, former Real Madrid left-back Theo Hernández gave away a penalty kick with a clumsy trip on Norway’s Oscar Bobb, but Jørgen Strand Larsen’s penalty was easily saved by Mike Maignan in goal. Maignan’s stop was the first in-game penalty save by a French goalkeeper at the World Cup in 40 years. Late on, Désiré Doué made it 4-1 with an injury-time header. On the bench, there were also minutes for summer signing Ibrahima Konaté. The recent arrival from Liverpool played his first 14 minutes of the tournament off the bench, having seen Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix, making only his fifth international appearance at the age of 26, start ahead of him alongside Dayot Upamecano. In the opposing dugout, former Real Madrid player Martin Ødegaard was an unused substitute for Norway as coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rotate and rested several key players.
- Barca Blaugranes·15d ago·Both·transfers
Which player would you sign for Barcelona based solely on their World Cup 2026 performances?
Photo by Indrawan Kumala/NurPhoto via Getty Images The World Cup is not just about the superstars and best nations, it is also about the new stars created by the biggest tournament in sports with the biggest audience watching somewhat unknown players raise their stock in huge ways. Several players in the past have earned big transfers based on their World Cup performances, and this tournament is doing the same. We’ve already seen the big names put on a show such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vini Jr. and others, but plenty of lesser-known players are also catching the world’s eye. Deniz Undav is Germany’s new hero, Anthony Elanga has scored two goals for Sweden including a screamer in their last game, Daichi Kamada has really impressed for Japan, Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest have been outstanding for the United States, and Vozinha may earn one last big paycheck in his career after becoming the tournament’s cult hero with Cape Verde. We also can’t forget about Yan Diomande, who adds more and more to his transfer fee with every performance for the Ivory Coast, Daniel Muñoz’s heroics for Colombia, Johan Manzambi’s breakout tournament with Switzerland, and many others. With that in mind for today’s exercise, let’s completely overreact to the first two weeks of the World Cup and have some fun. It doesn’t matter who they are, who they play for, how unlikely it is to sign them, their age, or their reputation at club level prior to this tournament. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Which player would you sign for Barcelona based solely on their World Cup 2026 performances? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·15d ago·Both·transfers
‘The same thing could happen’ – Luis Suarez talks Barcelona’s chances of signing Julian Alvarez
ARLINGTON, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Julian Alvarez of Argentina during the Group J: FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images Luis Suarez has been quizzed on Julian Alvarez’s chances of leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona this summer in a blockbuster transfer. Alvarez has admitted he wants to move on, with Barca eager to bring him in, but Atletico do not want to sell and are furious at the current situation. Suarez says he faced a similar situation during his career before he moved to Barcelona. “These are situations you force at a certain point. I experienced it at Liverpool. In 2013, I forced my way out because I wanted to go to Arsenal. I argued with the club because we weren’t qualifying for the Champions League, and I felt I needed to take the next step,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “I remember the captain, Gerrard, grabbing me and saying, “Stay. Next year you can go wherever you want: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern… But this year, please, stay. You can’t go to Arsenal.” And he convinced me. “And in this case, the same thing could happen with Julián: Cholo could grab him and say, “This year I want you to stay with us.” I was convinced by a Liverpool legend, the captain. I came to my senses, then I went out and apologized, and it ended up being my best season at the club. Even if you forced your way out, if people then go onto the pitch and see you give your all, work hard, and defend the club, they end up applauding you.” We will have to wait and see if Barca can secure Alvarez in the coming weeks, although Suarez is in no doubt that he would be a good fit for the Catalans. “Yes, obviously. A player as intelligent as Julián, with the trajectory he’s had since leaving River, through City, Atlético, and also with the national team, would arrive and adapt because he knows how to fulfill his role,” he added. “He’s a very hard-working player. At Barcelona, he’ll have wingers who will create many chances for him. He has good ball control and good movement. He’ll fit in immediately at Barcelona. But there’s the other side. He’s at a big club like Atlético. It’s going to be difficult to leave. These next few weeks are going to be a good story.” After seeing Alvarez ask Atletico for a transfer, Barcelona are expected to submit another bid for the Argentina international of around €120 million.
- 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.
- Football España·16d ago·Both
Atlético Block Álvarez Exit to Both Madrid Giants — €500m Clause the Only Way Out
Atlético Madrid are refusing to sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona or Real Madrid, with only his €500m release clause offering any route out this summer. The post Atlético Block Álvarez Exit to Both Madrid Giants — €500m Clause the Only Way Out appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·16d ago·Both·transfers
‘No interest from Barcelona, but Atletico yes’ – Marc Cucurella opens up on summer transfer
Marc Cucurella of Spain gestures 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 Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Marc Cucurella says there was “no interest from Barcelona” in his services after making a surprise move from Chelsea to Real Madrid. The left-back came through the Barca academy but has now signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos. Ahead of the transfer, there were rumors of interest from Barcelona and Atletico and Cucurella has now set the record straight. “No interest from Barcelona, but Atletico yes. Barca told me they wanted to sign a left-back, but that was it, it stayed at that,” he told Radioestadio Noche. “There was nothing more to it, really. I think they’re focused on signing a striker, but I haven’t heard anything. In the end, there’s a world of difference between that and it actually happening, there’s nothing more to it than that. Cucurella is currently on international duty with eight Barcelona players in the Spain squad and admitted there was plenty of banter flying about after the deal was confirmed. “There have been a few jokes, now we’ll be rivals. But it’s all in good fun,” he said. “We’re very happy here now and we have the same goal.” Cucurella has already been warned by Dani Olmo that he’s “going to suffer” next season when he comes up against Lamine Yamal in El Clasico.
- Barca Blaugranes·16d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 25 June 2026; Julián Álvarez drama continues, Alexia Putellas close to deal with London City Lionesses
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images Permutations for the World Cup Blaugranes ahead of the final group games – FC Barcelona The situation for the FC Barcelona players and World Cup knockout phase qualification with one final round of group stage fixtures remaining. Brazil’s Raphinha: ‘I will do everything within my power’ to play again at World Cup – ESPN Raphinha injured his hamstring in Brazil’s 3-0 win against Haiti last weekend and faces a race against time to feature again at the tournament in North America. Julián Álvarez, full of reasons to go to Barça – Mundo Deportivo The Argentine hasn’t won a single title in two years at Atlético, nor has he enjoyed Simeone’s style of play. Several Barça players such as Gavi, Cubarsí, Olmo, Bernal and Araujo have not hesitated to speak out in favor of his arrival and have chosen him as the ideal signing. Oyarzabal talks about his future, Barça and Real Sociedad – Mundo Deportivo The international striker’s statistics and performances have positioned him as one of the names in this summer’s transfer market. Mourinho, honest: “I hold no resentment towards Barça” – Mundo Deportivo The Real Madrid coach has given an interview to ‘Vanity Fair’ in which he reminisces about his time at Barcelona, talks about his return to the club, Kylian Mbappé, and much more. At London City they already see Alexia Putellas dressed in light blue – Mundo Deportivo The English club is very optimistic and confident in its sporting proposal and financial offer.
- Barca Blaugranes·16d ago·Both·opinion
The Barcelona Blaugranes World Cup 2026 Top Scorer Predictions Survey – The Results
DALLAS, UNITED STATES - JUNE 22: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates the victory during the World Cup match between Argentina v Austria at the Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Dallas United States (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images The race to win the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026 is hotting up with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi leading the way ahead of France superstar Kylian Mbappe and Norway hotshot Erling Haaland. As part of the SB Nation Reacts series, we asked for your opinions on who will finish as the top scorer at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer. And while Lionel Messi may be busy celebrating his 39th birthday today, he’s also the clear winner after scooping 60% of the vote. Mbappe finishes a distant second on 36%, while Haaland, England captain Harry Kane and Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal may want to look away now. Here are the results in full: Thanks again 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·17d ago·Both·transfers
Furious Atletico have no intention of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona or Real Madrid
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 22: Julian Alvarez of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Arlington, United States. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images) | Getty Images Atletico Madrid are said to be furious with the current Julian Alvarez situation and will refuse to sell the Argentina international to Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer. Alvarez has said he wants a transfer from Atletico following weeks of speculation that Barcelona want to sign him this summer in a big-money deal. An update from Cope now claims that Atletico “currently has no intention of selling the player” to either Barca or Real Madrid. The report adds that Atleti are “adamant” he won’t go to Madrid and remain furious with Barca. The club have already vowed to file a complaint to FIFA about Barca, and the word is that the only way he could sign for either club is if his 500 million euro release clause is paid. Yet Cope also feel it’s unlikely Alvarez will play for Atletico again, leaving the club with a problem. Arsenal and PSG are also believed to be interested, but Alvarez wants to stay in Spain and his dream is Barca. What happens next, culers?
- Football España·17d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona’s €120m Ceiling Leaves Atlético Álvarez Deal Far From Done
Barcelona are preparing a €120m bid for Julián Álvarez but Atlético Madrid's asking price leaves a significant gap as Real Madrid retain an outside interest. The post Barcelona’s €120m Ceiling Leaves Atlético Álvarez Deal Far From Done appeared first on Football España.
- 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·17d ago·Both·transfers
‘No bad feelings towards Barcelona’ – Jose Mourinho discusses rivalry after Real Madrid return
Jose Mourinho, head coach of SL Benfica, during the Primeira Liga match between GD Estoril Praia and SL Benfica at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril, Portugal, on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Jose Mourinho has insisted he has no bad feelings towards Barcelona after making his return to Real Madrid as manager ahead of the 2026-27 season. Los Blancos have gone trophyless for the last two campaigns, while Barca have won two straight La Liga titles, and so have turned to the so-called Special One again. Mourinho, who worked as a coach at Barcelona at the start of his career, says that he enjoyed his time at the club and the city and harbors no ill-feeling towards the Catalans. “In Barcelona, as a family, we had an amazing, amazing period. My daughter went to Barcelona at one month old. My son was born in Barcelona. Me, my wife and the kids, we spent four amazing years in Barcelona. And I cannot have any bad feeling about it,” he told Vanity Fair. “But football is football, and I played so many times against Barcelona, starting at Chelsea before I went to Inter. Big Champions League matches with Chelsea, then big Champions League matches with Inter, and then I went to Real Madrid. I think it was destiny that put us against each other. “In the end, I don’t deny I love Real Madrid, and this is the reason I’m going back. But I don’t have bad feelings in relation to Barcelona at all. I just enjoy playing against them because in football, you enjoy playing against the best. The best push you to be better than you are.” Mourinho and Real Madrid have already been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, bringing in Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella and have also reportedly tied up a deal for Denzel Dumfries.
- 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·18d ago·Both·transfers
‘Spoiled brat’ – Atletico supporters hit out at ‘traitor’ Julian Alvarez amid Barcelona transfer talk
TOPSHOT - Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Sociedad at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Atletico Madrid supporters have hit out at Julian Alvarez after the Argentina international admitted he wants to leave the club amid continued links about a summer transfer to Barcelona. Alvarez spoke out after Argentina’s win over Austria on Monday, saying “The best thing for everyone is a transfer, and I want to fulfill my dream.” Atletico are thought to be furious at the situation, while the International Union of Atlético de Madrid Fan Clubs has posted a strong message on X. “Julián is proving to be a spoiled brat with less capacity for reflection than a cobblestone. And a traitor on the same level as Courtois or Hugo Sánchez. Now he needs to be treated as he deserves: either they pay the clause, or to the stands. Let’s hope @apolloglobal puts him in his place or we’ll feel doubly betrayed.” Atletico have previously insisted they don’t want to sell Alvarez and have insisted interested clubs may pay his 500 million euro release clause to sign him. Barcelona are expected to send in a new offer for Alvarez following his transfer request, but it still remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed with Atletico.
- Barca Blaugranes·18d ago·Both
Barcelona sending warning to Brazil over Raphinha injury
Brazil's forward #11 Raphinha reacts after a goal disallowed for offside during the 2026 World Cup Group C football match between Brazil and Haiti at the Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Barcelona are reportedly feeling pretty pessimistic about Raphinha’s latest injury after seeing the Brazil international sidelined at World Cup 2026. Brazil have confirmed that Raphinha is undergoing “intensive treatment” after sustaining another hamstring injury but otherwise haven’t offered much detail on his condition. According to AS, Raphinha has “a small tear in his right hamstring” and the injury is a little more serious than Brazil are letting in. Barcelona have seen Raphinha already suffer two relapses of the same injury this season and are said to be warning that the risk of another one is “extremely high if the player is rushed back.” The decision on when Raphinha will play again is down to Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti and Barca will be hoping the Italian makes the right decision when it comes to the forward. Raphinha won’t feature in Brazil’s final group game against Scotland, but it hasn’t been ruled out yet that he could feature later in the tournament if his recovery goes well. There’s also been speculation that Raphinha is hoping he could return in time for the quarter-finals, if Brazil make it that far.
- Managing Madrid·18d ago·Both·transfers
Real Madrid Scores Victory Against Tebas While Preparing Supreme Court Appeal in CVC Battle
MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 07: Florentino Perez attends a press conference after winning the Real Madrid’s presidential election day at Eurobuilding Hotel on June 07, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images It was a significant day on the legal front for Real Madrid, as the club announced two major developments involving ongoing disputes with LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas. On one hand, Real Madrid celebrated a definitive victory before Spain’s Supreme Court regarding its exclusion from LaLiga audiovisual rights meetings in 2022. On the other, the club confirmed it had lost its appeal in the long-running legal challenge against LaLiga’s controversial CVC investment deal, while immediately announcing plans to take that fight to the Supreme Court as well. The dual announcements highlight the continuing institutional battle between Real Madrid and LaLiga leadership, a conflict that has intensified in recent years over issues ranging from the European Super League to the future commercial structure of Spanish football. Supreme Court Confirms Real Madrid Victory Over LaLiga The first announcement concerned a dispute dating back to 2022, when LaLiga prevented Real Madrid and Barcelona from participating in meetings related to the management of audiovisual rights. At the time, both clubs had publicly committed to the European Super League project. LaLiga argued that their involvement in meetings discussing television rights could create conflicts of interest and potentially harm the collective interests of Spanish football. Real Madrid challenged those decisions in court, arguing that its participation rights had been unlawfully violated. Spanish courts previously sided with the club, and now the Supreme Court has definitively upheld those rulings. Real Madrid’s official statement reads: “Real Madrid CF announces that the Supreme Court has definitively confirmed the nullity of the decisions adopted by the president of LaLiga that prevented the participation of our club in various meetings of the Control Body for the management of audiovisual rights of LaLiga held during the year 2022. On April 10, 2026, the First Chamber of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by LaLiga and confirmed the judicial rulings that declared that said decisions violated the participation rights of Real Madrid and were adopted without following the legally required procedure. Far from accepting this ruling, LaLiga subsequently filed a motion to annul the decision, seeking to challenge a judgment that was already final. The Supreme Court has decided to dismiss the motion and has expressly rejected the use of this mechanism to reopen a legal debate already resolved by the courts. This new resolution definitively confirms the correctness of the position maintained by Real Madrid CF throughout this procedure and puts an end to the successive attempts by LaLiga to challenge decisions that have been declared contrary to law. Real Madrid CF expresses its satisfaction with this court ruling, which reaffirms the principles of legality, legal certainty and respect for the rights of the clubs that make up the institutions of professional football.” The ruling represents another legal setback for Tebas and reinforces Real Madrid’s long-standing argument that, regardless of broader disagreements over the Super League project, the club cannot be excluded from governance structures and decision-making processes established within Spanish football. Real Madrid Loses CVC Appeal But Takes Fight to Supreme Court Later in the day, Real Madrid released a second statement addressing a much larger and more consequential dispute: the legality of LaLiga’s agreement with investment firm CVC Capital Partners. The CVC deal, approved by most LaLiga clubs in 2021, brought billions of euros into Spanish football in exchange for a share of future revenues generated through audiovisual rights and commercial activities. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic Club have consistently opposed the arrangement, arguing that it improperly affects the rights and long-term interests of all clubs. The Provincial Court of Madrid ruled against Real Madrid and Athletic Club, dismissing their appeal. Despite respecting the decision, Madrid made clear it intends to continue the legal battle. The club’s statement reads: “Real Madrid CF announces that the Provincial Court of Madrid has dismissed the appeal filed jointly by Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club against the agreements approved by LaLiga in relation to the so-called CVC operation. Real Madrid CF fully respects the court ruling, but strongly disagrees with its conclusions and believes that the sentence does not provide a sufficient answer to issues of extraordinary legal, economic and institutional relevance for the present and future of Spanish professional football. The ruling essentially bases its decision on the consideration that the payment to CVC constitutes a marketing expense for audiovisual rights and on the understanding that the transaction does not affect the clubs that chose not to participate. Real Madrid CF, on the other hand, maintains that the contested agreements directly affect the audiovisual rights management model, LaLiga’s financial structure, and the legitimate rights and interests of all the clubs participating in the competition. Our club also believes that an operation destined to project its effects for decades on the economic and governance structure of Spanish professional football requires a particularly rigorous analysis of all the legal issues raised and their present and future consequences. For all these reasons, Real Madrid CF announces that it will file an appeal before the Supreme Court, understanding that there are issues of clear legal interest that require a ruling from the High Court and the establishment of doctrine on essential aspects of the legal regime applicable to the management and exploitation of audiovisual rights in professional football. Real Madrid CF will continue to defend, in all appropriate instances, the principles of legality, transparency, legal certainty and protection of the rights and interests of its members and of all the clubs that make up Spanish professional football.” The decision ensures that one of the most important legal battles in Spanish football will continue, with the Supreme Court now likely to be asked to weigh in on the long-term structure of LaLiga’s commercial rights and governance. LaLiga Fires Back Shortly after Real Madrid’s announcement, LaLiga published its own statement celebrating the court’s decision and defending the legality of the CVC agreement. LaLiga emphasized that the court had once again endorsed the operation and rejected the arguments presented by Real Madrid and Athletic Club. LaLiga’s statement reads: “The Provincial Court of Madrid, Section 18, has dismissed in full the appeal filed by Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF against the judgment that had already rejected their claim against LALIGA in relation to the agreements approved by the Extraordinary General Assembly of December 10, 2021. The resolution confirms the sentence issued by the Court No. 15 of the Civil Section of the Court of First Instance of Madrid on February 19, 2024 and endorses the validity of the challenged agreements, also imposing the costs of the second instance on the appealing clubs. The ruling rejects the claim that the transaction constitutes a transfer of audiovisual rights to CVC and reiterates that the clubs remain the holders of said rights, without prejudice to the joint marketing legally assigned to LALIGA. Furthermore, the Court considers that CVC’s contribution is structured through a joint venture agreement intended to finance the member clubs, improve the competition, and maximize the revenue generated from the commercialization of audiovisual rights. The court also ruled out that clubs not participating in the operation should bear the costs, concluding that the established mechanism guarantees economic neutrality for them. Specifically, the ruling states that non-participating clubs do not have to assume the expenses arising from the operation and that the risk of non-payment, if any, falls on the participating clubs. The Provincial Court also rejected the claims regarding an alleged lack of information, considering it proven that LALIGA provided the clubs with the necessary documentation, offered meetings to answer questions, and allowed the review of additional documentation with advisors. The ruling concludes that the clubs had sufficient information to make an informed decision regarding the agreements submitted to the Assembly. The ruling also confirms that the creation of the subsidiary LGI falls within LALIGA’s capacity for self-organization and does not negate its essential functions, as LALIGA retains the powers of marketing, management, and organization of the competition. Furthermore, the Court emphasizes that LALIGA retains more than 91% of LGI’s share capital and the right to appoint the majority of its directors, thus confirming its continued control over the entity. LALIGA welcomes this resolution, which provides further judicial support for the agreements with CVC, reinforces its legal certainty and confirms the legal correctness of a strategic operation aimed at strengthening the competition, supporting the clubs and maximizing the value of the audiovisual rights of Spanish professional football.”
- Barca Blaugranes·18d ago·Both·transfers
How much should Barcelona offer for Julian Alvarez now Argentina star has asked to leave Atletico?
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images Julian Alvarez has seemingly taken a step towards sealing a move from Atletico to Barcelona by confirming he wants a transfer to “fulfill his dreams.” The Argentina international is wanted at Barcelona to replace Robert Lewandowski and a €100 million bid has reportedly already been lodged. Barcelona are expected to return with an improved bid now that Alvarez has made his wishes clear, but it’s been said they will not match the €150m offer previously made by Real Madrid. Diario Sport are reporting that Barcelona could offer around €130m for Alvarez, and the club may feel they now have the upper hand given the forward obviously wants out of Los Colchoneros. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: How much should Barcelona offer for Julian Alvarez now Argentina star has asked to leave Atletico? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Managing Madrid·18d ago·Both·transfers
Real Madrid will not enter bidding war for Julián Álvarez -report
Atlético de Madrid star Julián Álvarez has voiced his desire to leave the club this summer and several European clubs are prepared to start a bidding war for the Argentinian wonder kid. However, Real Madrid have decided not to enter that race after Atlético rejected their €150 million offer weeks ago, according to a report published on MARCA. Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona seem to be the three clubs interested in signing Álvarez this summer. Still, Atlético have leverage and don’t need to sell the player, that being the main reason why Álvarez himself put some pressure on them by saying that “the best thing would be a transfer.” Barcelona will likely have to improve their initial offer significantly, while Arsenal and PSG have not made their moves just yet. Either way, Real Madrid will look elsewhere to improve their squad.
- Barca Blaugranes·18d ago·Both·transfers
Julian Alvarez transfer: Barcelona won’t pay €150m, Atletico star not ruling out Real Madrid
(Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Julian Alvarez’s decision to drop a transfer bombshell after Argentina’s win over Austria at World Cup 2026 and say “a transfer is best for everyone” has got the gossip columns all excited. Marca were quick to jump on board with a report that states that while Alvarez is “dreaming” of Barcelona he hasn’t ruled out actually signing for Real Madrid instead. Alvarez also has interest from PSG and Arsenal but isn’t too keen on those moves as he wants to stay in La Liga. If he doesn’t go to Barca, Marca seem to think he wouldn’t mind ending up at the Santiago Bernabeu instead. Real Madrid saw a €150 million offer for Alvarez rejected earlier this month, although that has largely been viewed as a political move by Florentino Perez rather than a strong desire to actually sign Alvarez. Meanwhile, a second report from Marca claims that Barcelona won’t pay €150m for Alvarez. The club are expected to send in an improved bid of around €120m but that may be as high as they go. Over at Cope, the word is that Atletico want to sell Alvarez to Arsenal for a fee of between €40-60 million and with Viktor Gyokeres thrown into the deal as well. The same report claims that Atletico are “prepared to keep Julián Álvarez on the team, even if he doesn’t play” if any offers this summer arrives that don’t meet their requirements. Where do you think Alvarez will end up playing his football next season? Share your thoughts on the latest rumors in the comments below!
- Barca Blaugranes·18d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 23 June 2026; Lionel Messi makes history in Argentina win, Julián Álvarez sends transfer request to Atlético Madrid
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images Argentina 2-0 Austria: Messi enters record books as Argentina reach knockouts – FIFA Lionel Messi bounced back from missing an early penalty to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina downed Austria. France 3-0 Iraq: Centurion Mbappe fires France through – FIFA Lionel Messi has a rival at the top of the FIFA World Cup scoring charts after another Kylian Mbappe brace sent France into the knockout stage. Julián Álvarez bombshell: “The best thing for everyone is a transfer, I want to fulfill my dream” – Mundo Deportivo The gesture that Barça were waiting for was made by the Atlético de Madrid forward after the Argentina-Austria match. Vampeta stirs up controversy about Raphinha’s future, but the player’s entourage denies it – Mundo Deportivo The former Brazilian international revealed that the striker needed to go to Saudi football due to financial problems. Bielsa rules Araujo out for Spain-Uruguay – Mundo Deportivo “Neither De Arrascaeta nor Araujo have a chance of playing,” the Uruguay coach stated ahead of Friday’s match. Ajax interested in a loan deal for Jofre Torrents – Mundo Deportivo As reported by MD, Barça’s intention is to find him a club on loan, and Míchel’s team is one of those working to secure the services of the academy graduate.
- Guardian Football·18d ago·Both·transfers
Julián Alvarez sparks transfer frenzy by telling Atlético Madrid he wants to leave
Argentina forward wants to ‘fulfil dream’ by departing Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG linked with 26-year-old Julián Alvarez has said he wants to leave Atlético Madrid to “fulfil his dream” following reported interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. “I spoke with people at the club [Atlético], with those I had to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream,” Alvarez said after Argentina’s World Cup Group J win over Austria. Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·19d ago·Both
‘He was crying’ – Raphinha’s wife reveals Barcelona star’s emotional reaction to latest injury setback
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 19: Raphinha #11 of Brazil leaves the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) | Getty Images Raphinha’s wife has revealed how the Barcelona star was left in tears after suffering another injury setback while on international duty with Brazil at World Cup 2026. The forward was forced off against Haiti with another hamstring issue and it’s not yet known if he will be able to feature again at the tournament for Brazil. Natalia Belloli says that the couple were both initially devastated by Raphinha’s latest injury issue. “Honestly, it was one of the first times I was speechless. He was crying, and so was I,” she told Domingão com Huck. “We spoke on the phone; the next day he underwent medical tests and came home for a while, where we were able to talk about the situation. “Now he’s doing well: strong and sure of his purpose. That’s what matters: maintaining the right mindset and believing that better days are coming.” Brazil have confirmed that Raphinha will undergo “intensive treatment” and stay with the squad at the tournament, but we’ll have to wait and see if he can play any further part for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
- Barca Blaugranes·19d ago·Both·transfers
‘Lies’ – Raphinha’s cousin blasts talk Barcelona star is desperate for Al-Hilal transfer
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Raphinha of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Spotify Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Raphinha’s future at Barcelona keeps on being talked about amid continued interest from Saudi Arabia and talk of an €80 million offer. Former Brazilian World Cup winner Vampeta has controversially claimed that Raphinha needs the move to help ease his family’s financial isssues. “Raphinha is going through a serious family problem, in addition to financial difficulties. He’s praying to see if he can go to Al Hilal. He’s dealing with this situation,” he said on the ‘RedCast’ podcast. Per Marca, the claim was swiftly dismissed by Raphinha’s cousin Igor Padilha who replied: “You’ll have to explain these lies, my friend.” Meanwhile, Raphinha is currently undergoing treatment for an injury sustained at World Cup 2026 that has put his involvement in the tournament in doubt. The Barcelona star is set to miss Brazil’s final group game against Scotland on Wednesday and there are doubts over whether he will feature again for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
- 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·19d ago·Both·transfers
Cape Verde already is the World Cup’s best story
Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images If winning a point against Spain with a heroic defensive performance wasn’t enough to make you fall in love with Cape Verde, they provided a definitive claim to become everyone’s favorite team in World Cup 2026 thanks to a remarkable 2-2 draw against Uruguay that gives them a real chance to reach the knockout rounds in their first-ever appearance. When Agustín Canobbio scored Uruguay’s second goal just before halftime to take the lead and all the momentum, it seemed as though Cape Verde’s magic carpet ride was about to end in the second half as the superior team looked set to take over in Miami. But an incredible show of resilience and the ability to take advantage of a horrible error by the Uruguay defense allowed them to score a huge equalizer, and cult hero Vozinha showed up again to help his nation pick up a second point in two games against the strongest teams in the group. A win against Saudi Arabia in the group finale will secure second place, which no one ever thought was possible when the World Cup began. But Cape Verde’s unwavering belief has them in a position to realize their wildest dreams, and the entire world now has no choice but to be behind them. Belgium will always let you down No one will argue that this is the best Belgium side we’ve ever seen, but the young talent around Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku is certainly good enough to have more than just two points in this World Cup after two games against Egypt and Iran. Belgium’s only goal in the group stage so far is an Egypt own goal, and their attack looks devoid of real ideas despite having one of the greatest creative minds in recent history in De Bruyne. Rudi Garcia’s appointment as coach was not exactly well received in the country anyway, and his performance so far in the tournament has proven that he probably wasn’t the man for the job. The goalless draw against Iran in Los Angeles followed a very similar script to Turkey’s elimination against Paraguay: a whole lot of possession, some decent but not great chances, plenty of hopeful shots from distance, and virtually no imagination in the final third. And the biggest problem is this is exactly what we saw at EURO 2024 and the last two years of the World Cup cycle, and it’s a very worrying sign for a future that won’t have Courtois, De Bruyne and Lukaku sooner rather than later. Belgium’s inability to turn their immense talent into an actual team is no longer a big surprise. This may very well just be who they are. Oh hey, Spain is actually good! Spain’s lethargic performance in their opener against Cape Verde was a big surprise given their results and performances in the last two years, and their track record of World Cup disappointments outside of the 2010 title seemed to be coming back to haunt them. But a very impressive 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Atalanta on Sunday was enough to restore faith in La Roja’s ability to go deep in this tournament. Luis de la Fuente made good changes to his lineup, the entire team played with more energy, Mikel Oyarzabal remembered that he’s actually a lethal striker for the national team, and Lamine Yamal needed only 45 minutes to show why he’s one of the stars of the World Cup. Spain will be expected to beat a disappointing Uruguay side in the group finale and seal top spot, which will likely avoid a huge early matchup with Argentina in the Round of 32 and give them a nice path going forward in the knockouts. If the version we saw on Sunday is what we’ll see for the rest of the World Cup, Spain absolutely deserve to be called favorites. Mo Salah finally has a World Cup moment Before Sunday’s game against New Zealand in Vancouver, Mo Salah had played in three total World Cup matches, scoring both of his goals in losses in 2018 and getting an assist in the opening game of this tournament. But he was yet to win a match or make a truly decisive contribution, and when New Zealand took the lead in the first half and Egypt looked headed for a painful defeat, it seemed as though Salah’s moment would never come. Egypt took over in the second half, however, and Ziko’s header brough them back in the contest before we finally saw Salah do something special: a beautiful one-two inside the box with Ziko followed by a gorgeous finish gave his nation the lead, and Trézéguet’s header with 10 minutes to win sealed a 3-1 win, Salah’s first-ever victory at the World Cup, to put Egypt at the top of the Group G ahead of Friday’s finale against Iran needing only a draw to secure a spot in the knockouts. Salah is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in club football in the last decade, but he never had a magical moment with Egypt at the world stage before. He has one now, with a chance for more to come in what could be his last World Cup.
- Managing Madrid·20d ago·Both·transfers
Marc Cucurella stars and forces a goal as Spain thrash Saudi Arabia
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain celebrates with teammates after the team's fourth goal, scored an own goal by Hassan Al-Tambakti #5 of Saudi Arabia 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 Spain coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated his birthday watching his team secure an impressive 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia to record their first win of the 2026 World Cup, with recent Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella playing the full 90 minutes. It came after De la Fuente made four changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in the opening game, including the decision to replace La Fábrica product Marcos Llorente with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro at right-back. The result was that 53 shots after their last one against Japan in the group stages in 2022, Spain scored a World Cup goal on 10 minutes as Lamine Yamal tapped in at the far post after smart work by Mikel Oyarzabal, who then scored a second goal for Spain himself 11 minutes later and a third only two minutes after. Cucurella was involved in the third strike as he cut the ball back from Pedro Porro’s cross to Dani Olmo, who teed up the Real Sociedad captain to score. The left-back also made a claim for Spain’s fourth goal, which would’ve been his second goal for his nation and his first at the World Cup. His volley forced goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais into a save which rebounded off Hassan Al Tambatki and into the back of the Saudi Arabian net. Spain will now wrap up the group stage hoping to secure top spot with the hardest of their group fixtures, taking on Fede Valverde’s Uruguay on Friday evening at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
- 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·20d 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
Brazil confirm Raphinha injury in fresh update on Barcelona star
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 19: Raphinha of Brazil looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images Brazil have offered a fresh update on Barcelona forward Raphinha after he underwent tests on a hamstring injury sustained at World Cup 2026 against Haiti. Carlo Ancelotti’s sde have confirmed Raphinha has a muscle injury and will now undergo “intensive treatment,” per Globo. “On Saturday, athlete Raphinha underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the posterior region of his right thigh,” said CBF in a statemanet. “The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the Brazilian National Team’s medical team, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as quickly as possible.” According to AS, the injury will keep Raphinha out of Brazil’s final group game against Scotland at the very least, but he has not been ruled out of the World Cup as things stand. The report adds that “his participation in the tournament is in doubt, but he is not expected to be dropped from the squad.” The hope seems to be that Raphinha could return if Brazil make it through to the latter stages of the tournament, but we’ll have to wait and see how he recovers. Get well soon, Raphinha.
- Managing Madrid·21d ago·Both
Güler, Türkiye crash out of the World Cup after second consecutive defeat
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 19: Arda Guler #8 of Turkiye walks off the pitch at half time during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler and his Türkiye side succumbed to a second defeat in the World Cup group stage and are now eliminated from the tournament. Paraguay struck inside 65 seconds at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Galarza curling a long-range effort into the bottom-right corner after a clever flick from Julio Enciso set him up. However, Almirón was sent off with a straight red in stoppage time after a VAR review, having covered his mouth while speaking to Müldür. Türkiye controlled possession after the break thanks to their extra man, but they couldn’t break down Orlando Gill, who produced some impressive saves. Türkiye had 32 shots in this game but could not find a way to the net. Arda Güler played the full 90 minutes. He had 99 touches and completed 58 out of his 70 attempted passes. He also created three chances. Despite the effort, his World Cup dream ended in despair.
- Barca Blaugranes·21d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 20 June 2026; Barça in talks for Racing left-back Jorge Salinas, Raphinha injured in Brazil World Cup win
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images Brazil 3-0 Haiti: Cunha double fires Brazil top and ends Haiti’s hopes – FIFA The Manchester United forward scored a brace and Vinicius Jr added a third to set up a crucial showdown with Scotland in Miami. De Jong a fitness doubt for Netherlands clash with Sweden – ESPN Frenkie de Jong is a fitness doubt for the Netherlands’ Group F showdown with Sweden on Saturday, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said. Raphinha becomes a concern for the Brazil coaching staff – ESPN At the 37-minute mark, shortly after Matheus Cunha’s second goal, the number 11 for the national team crouched down on the pitch and spoke with some players before the medical staff entered. Images showed Raphinha placing his hand on the back of his right thigh and looking dejected. The Barça dressing room is supportive of Julián Álvarez – Mundo Deportivo Barcelona players point to the Atlético Madrid striker as a good signing for the 2026-2027 project. Gavi, Olmo, Cubarsí, Araujo and Bernal share the same opinion: “He’s a spectacular striker.” Salinas prioritizes Barça but the signing is not yet finalized – Mundo Deportivo The defender’s entourage maintains that he would like to end up at the Catalan club but that he also has other attractive offers. Racing accept his departure as inevitable and want to get the maximum return for a highly sought-after player. Iñaki Peña heading to the Greek League – Mundo Deportivo Jijantes reported that the Barça goalkeeper is finalizing his transfer to Panathinaikos for 3 million euros, after MD reported his departure from the Spanish League. Héctor Fort sets aside his proposals and wants to convince Flick – Mundo Deportivo The academy graduate, who spent last season on loan at Elche, has attracted interest from Inter, Dortmund and Leverkusen, among others, but his goal is to use the preseason to secure a place at Barça.
- Barca Blaugranes·21d ago·Both·transfers
Turkey’s World Cup was a gigantic disappointment
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images 62 shots. Over 100 touches in the opposition box. An Expected Goals total of almost 3.5. Those are the stats of Turkey’s attack in the matches against the two weaskest sides in Group D, Australia and Paraguay. And somehow, someway, Turkey scored zero goals, picked up zero points, and are eliminated from the World Cup before they even play the United States in the final group game. A very talented generation that created tons of hope with a strong showing at EURO 2024 and a really good Qualifying campaign was unable to turn their statistical dominance into what actually matters in football: put the ball in the back of the net. Arda Güler’s passing and creativity were wasted, Kenan Yildiz played injured and still did more than enough to help his team, and captain Hakan Çalhanoglu saw one long-distance shot after another hit everything but the target. Vincenzo Montella has never fully convinced the nation with his coaching, and his job will almost certainly be in major jeopardy after such a disappointing end to what was expected to be a dark horse type of World Cup campaign for a very talented generation. But his ultra-attacking style left his defense exposed time and time again throughout his tenure, and Turkey paid for it at the biggest stage. As for the loss to Paraguay, it was absolutely wild. The game had everything: a great early goal, some incredible missed chances by the Turkish attack, and a refereeing performance by CONCACAF’s own Iván Barton that needs to be seen to be believed. We also saw the first-ever red card for a player covering his mouth during a confrontation, and Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón has now been subjected to punishment from two new obscure rules in the same World Cup. It was a truly bonkers match, perfect for the neutrals, unforgettable for Paraguayans, and truly tragic for Turkey. Mauricio Pochettino was fooling us all For the vast majority of his time as USMNT boss, Mauricio Pochettino did not fill his nation with a lot of hope for a World Cup they would host and had big dreams for. The results were far from encouraging, the performances wildly disappointing, and his demeanor not exactly confidence-inspiring. But after another excellent win against a (very) physical Australian team in Seattle to book an early spot in the Round of 32, Pochettino has proven he knew what he was doing. His team looks incredibly well prepared, and the performance without Christian Pulisic on Friday was proof of Mauricio’s ability to create a structure in and out of possesion that can thrive even in the absence of the team’s best player. Pochettino is doing what every top coach in any sport should: maximize players’ strenghts and hide their weaknesses within the team’s structure. Every defender, midfielder and forward looks comfortable in their role, and the tactical discipline with and without the ball combined with the individual brilliance from the likes of Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson is beyond impressive to watch. The USMNT is for real, they can rest every important starter in the last game against Turkey now that first place is guaranteed, and they will likely have Pulisic back for the first knockout game. And with this version of Pochettino at the helm, they truly have everything they need to make real noise. Bayern Munich keeps winning, even at the World Cup Morocco’s win over Scotland was not exactly a thrilling watch, but one big moment stood out in a big way: Ismael Saibari scored an absolutely spectacular winning goal and an early contender for Goal of the Tournament to put his nation on course for a spot in the Round of 32, and his performances in the World Cup so far are really big news for a club that does nothing but win: Bayern Munich. The German champions are expected to finalize Saibari’s signing from PSV Eindhoven in the coming days, adding a very talented and versatile attacking midfielder to one of the most formidable attacks in Europe. Saibari can play anywhere across the frontline, is a perfect fit alongside Harry Kane, and has shown a knack for beautiful goals in this World Cup which will be very appreciated in Bavaria. Bayern players have been amazing so far in the World Cup: Michael Olise was sensational in France’s debut against Senegal, the large Bayern contingent shined in Germany’s rout of Curaçao, Luis Díaz put on a show in Colombia’s opening win, and Kane scored twice in a big England victory against Croatia. It’s truly annoying how Bayern keep winning even while on vacation. Brazil may finally have a number nine again The Seleção’s victory over Haiti in their second group game in Philadelphia was never really in doubt given the difference in quality between the two nations, and Vini Jr. once again ran the show as Brazil bounced back from a disappointing performance against Morocco and improved their chances of finishing first in Group C. Raphinha’s injury is a reason for concern and Brazil’s midfield looked better against Haiti but is still a big question mark for the bigger games ahead, but Carlo Ancelotti received some very good news with the performance of Matheus Cunha. The Manchester United do-it-all forward started ahead of Igor Thiago, and unlike previous games where played as a false nine, Cunha was a true striker and showed the scoring chops of a number nine with an expert finish for the second of his two goals on the night. Cunha’s all-around play will always be his biggest asset, but Brazil haven’t had a great striker in almost two decades and need a leader up front who can finish the chances created by their very talented wingers. At least on Friday’s evidence, Matheus Cunha might just be that guy.
- Guardian Football·21d ago·Both·transfers
Brazil sweep into form as Cunha’s quickfire double sparks World Cup win over Haiti
On a sticky, fun, occasionally boisterous, occasionally listless night in Philadelphia Brazil eased past a game but limited Haiti. All three goals in this 3-0 win came during a spell of first-half urgency driven by the high-grade wide play of Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. In that period Brazil’s wide forwards were simply too much for a Haiti team that looked like it was trying to defend in a dogged low block, which gave the appearance of cautious, deep defence, but with the added key variation of also leaving huge open spaces in exactly the wrong places. Haiti, with no goals and no points, are now certain to finish bottom of Group C and face a final fixture against Morocco in Atlanta next week. There is also an oddity for Scotland now, who are likely to play their fixture against Brazil uncertain as to what result is required, needing to wait for the other groups to finish before knowing their destiny. Thanks, again, for that Gianni. Pile ‘em high. Deal with the consequences later. Continue reading...
- 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.
- Football España·22d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona Eye Álvarez as Real Madrid Step Back From €500m Pursuit
Barcelona maintain daily contact with Julián Álvarez's camp as Real Madrid step back, leaving Atlético's €500m clause as the key obstacle to any deal. The post Barcelona Eye Álvarez as Real Madrid Step Back From €500m Pursuit appeared first on Football España.
- 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·22d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona keen to keep hold of Raphinha despite continued talk of Saudi transfer interest
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Spotify Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images FC Barcelona will not sell Raphinha despite the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and the Brazilian’s desire to continue at Camp Nou is not currently in question. A new report claims the only scenario in which the Catalans would sell Raphinha is if an “astronomical” offer came from the Saudi League. At the moment, Raphinha is with the Brazilian national team as they hope to get their FIFA World Cup campaign truly in flight after a tepid 1-1 draw with Morocco. He’s expected to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s side against Haiti in Philadelphia. Raphinha is a favorite of Barcelona’s top brass, including manager Hansi Flick, who appreciate both his ability and dedication to the cause. Everything said publicly by the winger, and reportedly also behind closed doors, indicates he loves playing for the blaugrana and is by no means ready to leave Europe’s top leagues for an adventure in a different continent. He will turn 30 this December, and he is physically fit after completing a season unfortunately marred by injuries.
- Barca Blaugranes·22d ago·Both·transfers
‘Lamine Yamal is a bit annoyed’ – Gavi speaks out on Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid
Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi (up) and Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (R) shake hands during a substitution during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Barcelona midfielder Gavi has opened up on Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid and criticism he’s received in a new interview while at World Cup 2026. The Spain star a very clear idea of what kind of player he is. Known for his competitive spirt, tireless running, and prickly personality on the pitch, Gavi is known for being a thorn in the side of any team he’s up against. Equally, he’s known as a fan favorite for Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Speaking to RAC1, he put it bluntly: “If you are on my team, you love me, if not, you will probably want to kill me.” Gavi said it’s not something he thinks about these days as playing for the national team means going beyond club rivalries. It’s just as well because his teammate Marc Cucurella, who once played for Barcelona, will be playing for Real Madrid next season. “We found out the day before, after training. We didn’t expect it and nobody knew, he kept it very quiet. Lamine is a bit annoyed, because now he will be the one to defend him in the classics,” he explained. “I like him as a rival. He’s tough and intense. He’s a good signing for the Whites, I’m happy for him .” Things are not rosy right now for the highly vaunted Spanish national team. Despite being hailed as one of the tournament favorites, they were held to a draw by the underdog Cape Verde. Gavi said he expected the criticism after the 0-0 match. “Since I made my debut I’ve been a player who has always received criticism, but I’ve never given up. I don’t like receiving it, but it’s something that motivates me more and more and I see it as normal in football, when you’re in the spotlight,” he said, vowing that Spain will improve in their upcoming matches.
- Barca Blaugranes·22d ago·Both·transfers
Julian Alvarez, Marc Pubill or Mikel Oyarzbal? Gavi reveals the players he’d sign for Barcelona
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 Barcelona midfielder Gavi has been asked to talk transfers in an interview at the Spain camp ahead of his team’s next game at World Cup 2026. The Catalans have been linked with several players over recent months, with the focus currently on signing a new striker to take over from Robert Lewandowski. The first question put to Gavi by RAC1 was which player from the Spain team would he sign for Barca? He replied: “I like Pubill,” then added: No, look, I’m not going to tell you Pubill, I’m going to tell you Oyarzabal.” Gavi was then asked which World Cup player he would sign for Barça and took little time to make his decision, answering: “Julián Alvarez.” Alvarez is the team’s top target but Barcelona know that it won’t be easy to bring him to Camp Nou. The latest updates have suggested the Catalans will try another offer after World Cup 2026.
- Managing Madrid·22d ago·Both·transfers
Cucurella joins unique list of Real Madrid players with a past in Barcelona’s youth system
MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 30: Takefusa Kubo of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Audi cup 2019 semi final match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Arena on July 30, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) | Getty Images Newly signed Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has joined a unique list since his move to the Spanish capital from the English capital. While there have been many players who have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, such as Luis Figo, Luis Enrique, Ronaldo Nazario and Michael Laudrup, the list of players to play for Real Madrid with a past in the Barcelona youth system is rather short. Albert Celades – Barcelona-born midfielder who rose through La Masia. After training at Barça and spending four seasons in the first team, he signed for Real Madrid in 2000. He also appeared for Barcelona’s senior team before moving to Madrid via Celta Vigo. Takefusa Kubo – He joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2011 at age 10, but due to FIFA regulations on youth transfers in 2015, he returned to Japan and signed with FC Tokyo, where he became the youngest player ever to appear in a J1 League match. In June 2019, Kubo signed with Real Madrid, initially playing for their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, before being loaned out. He spent the following years on loan at Mallorca (twice), Villarreal, and Getafe, but did not play a single game at senior level for Real Madrid. In 2022, Madrid sold him to Real Sociedad. Being in Barcelona’s youth system, moving to Real Madrid but not playing any senior games for the club makes Kubo a unique case in itself. Víctor Muñoz – born in Barcelona in 2003, came through Barcelona’s La Masia before moving to Damm at 14, then joined Real Madrid’s academy in 2021. He rose through La Fábrica and the Castilla reserves, and made his first-team debut in the latter stages of the 2024-25 season against Barcelona, with another La Liga appearance following in a win over Sevilla and two run-outs at the Club World Cup. After four senior appearances for Los Blancos, he joined Osasuna in a roughly €6m move in 2025. He was signed by Liverpool recently. Marc Cucurella spent years in Barcelona’s youth system and played one Copa del Rey fixture for the senior side in 2017-18. However, when asked about his move to Real Madrid, he stated that it was simply an opportunity he could not say no to.
- Guardian Football·22d ago·Both·transfers
‘When Real come for you it’s very difficult to say no’: Cucurella explains Chelsea exit
Full-back moving back to Spain in £52m deal Player reveals he had telephone call with Mourinho Marc Cucurella has admitted that he had not expected to leave Chelsea and that his £52m signing for Real Madrid was done in a day and a half. The Spain left-back also defended himself against the backlash from Barcelona fans, insisting that although he was born and raised in Catalonia and joined the Barça academy aged 14, he could not turn down Real Madrid. “I am very happy,” the 27-year-old said – if maybe not as happy as his wife, Claudia, whose entire family are Madrid supporters. “It was all very fast,” Cucurella said from Spain’s training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I got a phone call one morning. My people told me the two clubs had the terms mostly agreed and that I had to decide if I wanted to go there. I had no doubts. It is a big step for me, very important in my career. It all happened in roughly a day and a half. For me, that was the best thing, so it could be all done and I could keep my focus on the World Cup.” Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·23d ago·Both·transfers
‘He’s going to have to suffer against Lamine Yamal’ – Dani Olmo warns Marc Cucurella after Real Madrid move
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Marc Cucurella of Spain (L) welcomes Dani Olmo of Spain (R) 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 Barcelona star Dani Olmo has sent a warning to Marc Cucurella after the defender completed a summer transfer to Real Madrid. The former Barcelona defender has signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos, and Olmo admits the transfer came as a surprise. “We didn’t expect it,” he told Sport. “He kept it inside, if that’s what he wanted, I’m happy for him because he’s my friend, now he’s going to have to suffer in the league and so will we. He’s going to have to suffer against Lamine, for example.” Olmo was also asked about Real Madrid’s transfer activity and insisted he’s not concerned by their summer business. “It’s normal that after two years without a win they are reinforced, they are world-class players, but we are not worried,” he added. “We have made a great signing with Gordon and we are happy.” Real Madrid have also landed Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate and are also expected to complete a transfer for Denzel Dumfries. Barcelona, meanwhile, have signed Anthony Gordon and are continuing to chase after Julian Alvarez.
- Managing Madrid·23d ago·Both·transfers
Real Madrid Summer Signings Part I: Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries
Real Madrid have added Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté and Inter Milan right back / right wing-back Denzel Dumfries this summer in addition to the recently confirmed signings of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella and Manchester City midfielder/right winger Bernardo Silva. 27-year-old Konaté and 30-year-old Dumfries bring plenty of big game experience and much needed depth to Madrid’s backline. Konaté just completed his fifth season at Liverpool, having arrived in the summer of 2021 from RB Leipzig in a €40 million transfer. The Frenchman played a total of 183 games with the Reds, including the Champions League final against Madrid in his first season. Currently at the World Cup with France, Konaté arrives at Madrid on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of June. With Éder Militão still recovering from the tendon injury to his left hamstring, the French centre-back will compete with Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen for a spot in the starting 11 to open the season. Having just completed arguably his worst season at Liverpool, Konaté would most likely been unavailable to Madrid this summer had he been coming off a stronger season. But it must be remembered that we are not far removed from Konaté being a fundamental part of the Liverpool team that won the Premier League, receiving shouts of best centre-back in the league from various pundits throughout that season. That included former Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs centre-back William Gallas who in November 2024 said he considered Konaté the best centre-back in the country. Madrid is counting on Konaté regaining that form in the 2026 – 2027 season, having seen the entire Liverpool team, with the exception of Dominik Szoboszlai, have subpar performances this past season. “Right now, the best defender in the Premier League is Ibrahima Konaté. On current form, there’s no one better. He has improved so much since last season and is incredibly solid. Watching him play, it’s clear opponents don’t even want to challenge him. That kind of aura and presence is what makes him special” – WILLAM GALLAS IN NOVEMBER 2024 The 6’4 Konaté is an imposing presence on the pitch, bringing a dominant aerial presence that will be welcomed at the Bernabéu. The Frenchman’s fifth season at Liverpool saw him finish sixth in the Premier with 124 aerial wins, winning 71.3% of the aerial duels he disputed in 3,100 minutes. To put that into perspective, Madrid’s four centre-backs (Militao, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio) won a total of 127 aerial duels COMBINED in La Liga in 2025/2026 in 6,053 minutes, averaging less than two aerial wins per 90 minutes. Konaté has won over 70% of his aerial duels in the Premier League each of the last four seasons, averaging a 71.9% win rate over that time. And his aerial prowess has been no less apparent in Champions League play where he has averaged a 71.6% win rate during the same time frame. But Konaté’s physical abilities are not just limited to his height. This past season he registered a maximum sprint speed of 35.3 kilometers per hour in Champions League play, the second fastest on the Liverpool team and the fifth fastest amongst centre-backs in Europe’s top club competition. Only Kylian Mbappé (36.2 km/hr) and Fede Valverde (35.8 km/hr) registered a faster sprint speed than Konaté for Madrid in the Champions last season. Fast centre-backs have always been highly valued at Madrid as the team dominates possession in the opponents’ half in La Liga and the recovery pace of the centre-backs is instrumental in combatting any possible counter-attacks. This has become even more important as Militão and Rüdiger, amongst the fastest centre-backs in Europe pre-knee injuries, have lost a step due to recurring injuries and age in the case of the latter. Another point less talked about, but that likely factored into Madrid’s interest in Konaté: the center-back had four seasons playing behind, and covering for, Trent Alexander-Arnold. As the heat maps below demonstrate, Konaté played much closer to the right touchline in his last season playing with TAA at Liverpool than Militão did this past season, allowing TAA more liberty to move more centrally as he progressed up the pitch. Dumfries arrived at Inter Milan five years ago, from PSV, for €14.3 million. The Dutchman played 207 matches with the Inter shirt, including 41 in the Champions League. Dumfries won two Scudettos in five seasons with Inter, but the Dutchman will be most fondly remembered by Inter fans for his spectacular Champions League semifinal performance vs. FC Barcelona in 2025, scoring twice and providing an assist that won him Man of the Match in Barcelona while distributing two assists in the 4-3 Inter victory at the Giuseppe Meazza that sent the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final. Signing Dumfries is believed to be a direct request of José Mourinho. Madrid is expected to pay his €20 million release clause to have him compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold at the right back spot following the end of Dani Carvajal’s legendary career at the club. Like Alexander-Arnold, Dumfries is more known for his attacking capabilities than his defensive contributions, albeit in differing ways. While Alexander-Arnold progresses the ball with his exceptional passing ability, generating a high volume of key passes, big chances and successful crosses, Dumfries progresses the ball primarily through progressive carries, reaching the rivals penalty box with much higher frequency than the Englishman. As illustrated below, Dumfries averaged 4.9 touches in the opponents’ penalty box per 90 last season, nearly identical to the 4.8 per 90 of Jude Bellingham, much higher than the 1.4 touches per 90 Alexander-Arnold had in the box in ‘25/‘26. And as the data demonstrates, throughout his career Dumfries has entered the box at a rate more reminiscent of an attacking midfielder or winger than a right back / right wing back. That said, Alexander-Arnold’s passing ability has resulted in creating 89 big scoring chances in the Premier/La Liga + European competition over the last five seasons compared to Dumfries’s 36. Where Dumfries does have a clear advantage over Trent is winning duels in the air, using his 6’2 muscular frame and jumping ability to win duels at a much greater rate than the Englishman. Dumfries has won 275 aerials duels over the last five seasons in League + Champions League action compared to only 60 aerial wins by Alexander-Arnold. On a team bereft of players with strong aerial game, that skillset will be seen as a significant plus by Mourinho. Rest assured, both Konate and Dumfries will make the battle for starting spots at both the centre-back and the right-back positions at Madrid much more competitive this coming season. In Part II next week, we will analyze more closely the signings of Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva.
- Football España·23d ago·Both
Marc Cucurella: ‘I Had No Doubts’ – New Real Madrid Man Sends Message to Barcelona Fans
Cucurella: 'I Had No Doubts' About Real Madrid Move The post Marc Cucurella: ‘I Had No Doubts’ – New Real Madrid Man Sends Message to Barcelona Fans appeared first on Football España.
- 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.
- Barca Blaugranes·23d ago·Both·transfers
FC Barcelona News: 18 June 2026; Barça confirm first preseason friendly, Marcus Rashford scores in England win
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images FC Barcelona statement – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona urges LaLiga, the RFEF and the CTA to act in light of statements made by Florentino Pérez. Barça 2026/27 to begin in Birmingham – FC Barcelona The first friendly of next pre-season will take place at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park against the historic Birmingham City on Friday 31 July at 7.45pm local time (8.45pm CEST). Agreement for Pere Romeu contract extension until 2028 – FC Barcelona The official signing of the contract will take place at the Club president’s office in the coming days. England 4-2 Croatia: Kane double helps England overpower Croatia – FIFA Second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford made the difference as England won an exciting opening Group L contest against Croatia. Portugal 1-1 Congo DR: Wissa earns Congo DR historic point against Portugal – FIFA Congo DR’s Yoane Wissa cancels out Joao Neves opener in compelling Group K draw. Cancelo, a slow-burning negotiation – Mundo Deportivo The Portuguese player is Barça’s other major target in the transfer market alongside a number nine, and Barça and Mendes, his agent, continue to work on it. Barça are considering bringing Jan Virgili back to loan him to Betis – Mundo Deportivo According to ‘Ser’, Barcelona would pay the seven million euro release clause to bring the winger back and then move him to Real Betis. Ronald Araujo faces a difficult task in making it to the Spain-Uruguay match – Mundo Deportivo The Barça defender is progressing in his recovery, but his possible return is not expected until a hypothetical Round of 32. Official: Belletti renews with Barça Atlètic until 2027 – Mundo Deportivo The reserve team coach will begin his second season with the goal of developing players and achieving promotion. The battle for Rashford in the Premier League begins – Mundo Deportivo According to reports in England, Manchester City and Liverpool want him, while Arsenal have reportedly lost interest.