Friendlies news

The Selecao have been given a wake-up call at the start of the World Cup year. The big talking point afterwards is a player who wasn’t even selected.

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni revealed he reached out to NFL icon Tom Brady before France’s 2-1 friendly victory over Brazil. Playing at Gillette Stadium, the legendary home of the New England Patriots, Les Bleus secured their first win over the Selecao since 2011. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the French side channelled a "clutch" mentality in front of a heavily pro-Brazilian crowd in Foxborough.

Wherever Marcelo Bielsa has gone in his managerial career, he has left a trail of wonder. It's not always wonder in a positive sense, but it's whimsical and mystifying all the same. From revolutionising Newell's Old Boys to the Argentine national team, from Athletic Club and the Basque Country to Leeds United in West Yorkshire, you will find people deeply touched by the impact of 'El Loco' to differing, extreme degrees.

Marcelo Bielsa has finally opened up about his four-year absence from Elland Road, citing a powerful sense of nostalgia as the reason he has not returned to Leeds United since his emotional 2022 departure. Now leading Uruguay, the 70-year-old tactical pioneer is back on English soil for a high-profile friendly against the Three Lions at Wembley. Despite his unceremonious sacking, Bielsa remains a cult hero in West Yorkshire for his transformative tenure.

Opinions remain divided over Leroy Sané’s selection for the DFB squad.

Thomas Tuchel has handed Ben White a long-awaited England recall, ending the defender's self-imposed four-year international exile. The Arsenal star, who has not featured for the Three Lions since March 2022, returned to the fold following a late injury to Jarell Quansah. While Tuchel is eager to turn a new page, he has insisted that White must reconcile with squad members who witnessed his abrupt departure from the 2022 World Cup camp.

How to watch the Friendlies match between England and Uruguay, as well as kick-off time and team news

Brazil's main men fell flat as the Selecao turned in an underwhelming performance against France in a forgettable 2-1 loss. The Selecao were poor at both ends of the pitch, and languid in between, and only really showed attacking intent when it was too late. A late goal from Bremer was rather flattering as Carlo Ancelotti's men were easily dealt with by Les Bleus, who played most of the second half with ten men.

Thomas Tuchel has issued a blunt "pressure" warning to Cole Palmer, warning the Chelsea superstar that his place in the England starting XI for the World Cup is far from guaranteed. The German coach insists that the playmaker must prove his worth in the international setup following an injury-hit campaign.

France will play a friendly match against Brazil in the United States.

Thomas Tuchel has delivered a blunt verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's international future, insisting the Real Madrid defender "just has to accept" his latest exclusion from the England setup. Despite the former Chelsea boss admitting the decision could be viewed as "unfair", he has prioritised other defensive options for the upcoming World Cup preparation.

Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.

Just two friendlies stand between the U.S. and a World Cup roster, which means that the pressure is on in those friendlies

The England squad received a unique masterclass this week as double world champion Luke Littler visited St. George’s Park to host the 'Three Lions Darts Championship'. While Littler was expected to provide the fireworks, it was Manchester City’s Phil Foden who stole the show by landing a maximum 180 during the informal tournament.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has surprised fans by debuting a radical new hairstyle while on international duty with Argentina. The World Cup winner, who is currently in Buenos Aires with the national team, took to social media to reveal a nearly completely shaved head.

Canada’s final World Cup tune-up is here. With Cyle Larin and Ismaël Koné in form, and fringe players fighting for spots, GOAL highlights what to watch for in matches against Tunisia and Iceland.

Romelu Lukaku has sparked a major rift at Napoli after reportedly refusing to return to the club's Castel Volturno training base. The veteran striker had recently withdrawn from international duty to focus on regaining full fitness, but has opted to stay in Belgium against the wishes of club officials and manager Antonio Conte.