Friendlies news

Mexico have been forced to turn to old heads and backups ahead of a pair of crucial friendlies, and the results could be dire for a side with big expectations

From Folarin Balogun’s push to lead the line to Tyler Adams’ potential midfield partner, GOAL breaks down the USMNT battles that could shape this summer.

The Belgian striker has pulled out of the friendly matches and is back in training to make a full recovery and get back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Joshua Kimmich does not agree with the criticism levelled at Antonio Rüdiger and his role in the German national team.

United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dropped a significant hint regarding a future return to the Premier League. The Argentine, who enjoyed five years in north London at Tottenham, confessed his deep affection for the English game and revealed that Spurs previously attempted to re-hire him during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain.

Brazil legend Romario has demanded that Carlo Ancelotti "pay attention" following Neymar's omission from the latest Selecao squad. Romario insisted that the Santos forward remains an indispensable asset for the national team as they ramp up their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad after sustaining a knee injury during the Gunners' Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Despite completing the full 90 minutes at Wembley, the 28-year-old reported significant discomfort shortly after the final whistle. This development leaves the Gunners facing a growing defensive crisis as they prepare for a pivotal run-in following the international break.

GOAL breaks down which players need strong performances during the March camp for the U.S.

Manchester United duo Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have withdrawn from international duty with injuries, the club has confirmed. The pair have been crucial to the Red Devils' recent turnaround, helping to fire Michael Carrick's side up to third in the Premier League, but will now spend the March break at home rather than represent Slovenia and Cameroon respectively.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has officially withdrawn from the France squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures in the United States. The 24-year-old was forced to pull out just 24 hours after playing the full 90 minutes in the Gunners' Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley. Consequently, Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has been handed his maiden senior call-up to replace the injured star.

Arsenal's Ben White has been added to the England squad for the upcoming March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The defender, and Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes, will replace Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah, who have both had to pull out after sustaining recent injuries. White last played for the Three Lions in 2022 and was included in that year's World Cup squad but left Qatar for personal reasons.

Wayne Rooney has expressed his shock after Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man England squad. The Real Madrid defender is a high-profile absentee for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, leading the former Manchester United captain to suggest a deeper issue. Rooney sparked controversy by questioning if the snub is a tactical move to dismantle a perceived "clique" involving Jude Bellingham.

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has called up Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte for March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, replacing FC Cincinnati's Roman Celentano due to injury risk concerns. The 25-year-old, who has three international caps, joins camp in Atlanta ahead of two key World Cup tune-ups against Belgium and Portugal.

It appears that Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic will not be able to join the German national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo maintains an unbreakable bond with his roots, returning to the island of Madeira to escape top-level competition. The 41-year-old brought his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez and their children to this corner of the Atlantic, which they have identified as their favourite vacation spot for 2026, to spend time with family.

Leroy Sané has regained his place in national team manager Julian Nagelsmann’s squad and stands a good chance of making the World Cup squad. Dietmar Hamann takes a very critical view of this.

Liverpool will be without the services of Alisson Becker for Saturday’s early kick-off against Brighton. The 33-year-old shot-stopper did not travel with the rest of the Reds squad to the South Coast, dealing a significant blow to Arne Slot’s plans as they look to keep up their pursuit of Champions League qualification.