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Friendlies news

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

Tuchel convinced England set for 'amazing' World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel has declared his squad fully prepared for the upcoming World Cup following a comprehensive 3-0 warm-up victory over Costa Rica in Orlando. The German tactician praised the immense cohesion and team spirit within the camp as the Three Lions look to end their 60-year wait for global silverware.

England v Costa Rica - International Friendly

Tuchel sees upside of England kick-off delay

Thomas Tuchel has urged his England players to remain focused after their final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica was hit by severe weather disruption in Florida. The Three Lions saw their preparations thrown into chaos when a massive storm in Orlando forced a delay to their final outing before the tournament begins.

Uzbekistan v Venezuela - FIFA Series 2026

Uzbekistan coach Cannavaro speaks out on 'scandal' after USA security checks

Fabio Cannavaro has moved to shut down claims of mistreatment towards his Uzbekistan side after footage emerged of the squad being subjected to intense security screenings in the United States. The legendary Italian defender, currently leading the Asian nation into their first-ever World Cup, insisted that the use of sniffer dogs and tarmac searches was simply standard procedure.

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Thomas Tuchel - England

England vs Costa Rica delayed by Florida storm

England's preparations for the World Cup have hit a literal stumbling block after their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica was delayed due to severe weather conditions. A massive tropical storm has battered Orlando, Florida, leaving the pitch flooded and sparking serious safety concerns just hours before the scheduled kick-off.

Lionel Messi

📽️ | Messi scores as super-sub in Argentina win

Lionel Messi proved he is ready to lead Argentina's World Cup defence after making a goalscoring return to action in a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland. After missing the previous warm-up match due to fitness concerns, the legendary number 10 needed just moments to make his mark from the penalty spot in Alabama.

Bukayo Saka-england-202511

Is Saka World Cup-ready for England? ‘Take care’ update

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent victory over New Zealand following a gruelling, title-winning campaign with Arsenal, prompting the national team staff to carefully manage his minutes to ensure he is fully prepared.

Scaloni Messi split October 2023

Messi fitness boost for Argentina ahead of 2026 World Cup

Argentina fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as Lionel Scaloni has provided a positive fitness update on Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar is set to return to action in a final warm-up fixture following a brief spell on the sidelines with a muscle complaint.

Cody Gakpo - Netherlands vs Uzbekistan 2026

Gakpo scores twice as Netherlands suffer injury scare

The Netherlands narrowly escaped a major setback in their final pre-World Cup friendly, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Manhattan. A late stoppage-time penalty from Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo spared the blushes for Ronald Koeman's side, though the hard-fought triumph was heavily overshadowed by significant squad injury concerns.

Mikel Oyarzabal - Spain vs Peru 2026

Six in a row! Oyarzabal fires World Cup favourites Spain past Peru

Tournament favourites Spain wrapped up their final preparations ahead of the World Cup with a convincing 3-1 friendly victory over Peru in Puebla. Real Sociedad attacker Mikel Oyarzabal continued his magnificent individual form by netting for the sixth successive international match, setting a confident tone for La Roja's upcoming campaign.

eriksen

Christian Eriksen speaks out after mid-game collapse vs Ukraine

Christian Eriksen has broken his silence to reassure supporters that he is recovering at home following a terrifying on-pitch collapse during Denmark’s clash with Ukraine. The 34-year-old midfielder was discharged from the hospital after his internal defibrillator was triggered during the international friendly on Sunday.

Rafael Leao Portugal

Leao hits back after red card as Martinez defends star

Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.

kane

Keane warns Kane to 'be sensible' over England tactics

Roy Keane has told Harry Kane to curb his playmaking instincts and stay in the final third if England are to have any hope of World Cup glory. Despite the captain securing a narrow victory over New Zealand, the pundit believes tactical discipline will be the deciding factor in the tournament's extreme conditions.

Rio Ngumoha England vs New Zealand

Bellingham leaves Ngumoha 'speechless' after England debut

Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha admitted he was left "speechless" after receiving his first senior England cap from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham following a dream debut for the Three Lions. The 17-year-old winger was introduced as a second-half substitute in the pre-World Cup friendly victory over New Zealand, capping off a remarkable breakthrough season with a maiden international appearance.

Brazil v Panama - International Friendly

Ancelotti 'worried' as injured Brazil star could miss World Cup

Brazil's final World Cup preparations have been rocked by a significant injury scare involving Roma full-back Wesley. The defender was forced off early during the Selecao's 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt, leaving the pitch in visible distress as the tournament approaches. The situation has left manager Carlo Ancelotti concerned about Wesley's condition.

Brazil v Croatia - International Friendly

Endrick makes powerful World Cup vow after Brazil win

Endrick shone brightly in Brazil's last friendly before the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Egypt. The young striker took advantage of the euphoria to send a strong message to Carlo Ancelotti, reaffirming his commitment to the Brazilian National Team.