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With the MLS season in full swing, GOAL takes a look at how USMNT players with World Cup ambitions are faring as roster selection looms

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has hit out at the decision to host the upcoming FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City at a secondary venue. The former Red Devils captain believes the prestigious youth fixture deserves a larger stage than the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium.

Real Madrid have been plunged into a state of internal warfare after Federico Valverde was reportedly hospitalised following a "very serious" confrontation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni. The incident has forced head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to call an emergency meeting to address a dressing room that is spiralling out of control.

Andoni Iraola is reportedly nearing an agreement to remain in the Premier League next season with a move to London. The Bournemouth manager, whose imminent departure from the south coast at the end of the current campaign has already been announced, has become one of the most sought-after tactical minds in English football.

Cole Palmer would “want them to listen” if Chelsea were presented with an eye-watering, £150 million ($204m) transfer bid this summer, claims Glen Johnson. The former Blues defender has told GOAL why the England international playmaker may be considering a move elsewhere, with a return to his Manchester roots at United being heavily speculated on.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino joked he would personally deliver hot dogs and soft drinks to anyone paying $2 million for a World Cup final ticket. The comment comes as resale listings for the 2026 showpiece reach extraordinary levels, sparking criticism over affordability.

Jaap Stam has urged Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong, joking he would cycle to Barcelona to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford. The former defender also suggested Micky van de Ven could strengthen United’s defence.

Referee Francois Letexier has broken his silence on the high-profile incident between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni that rocked the Champions League earlier this year. The French official was forced to halt the knockout stage clash after the Real Madrid star reported receiving racial abuse from his Benfica counterpart.

Leeds legend Tony Dorigo has assessed Facundo Buonanotte’s failed loan transfer during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Whites had hoped to acquire Wales international Harry Wilson during the summer of 2025, but saw him remain at Fulham. They are still lacking a creative spark, with an Argentine playmaker that thrived at Leicester last season struggling to tick that box.

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been handed a two-month disqualification and a six-match suspension after an incident involving match officials during Andorra’s defeat to Albacete. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) acted after reviewing the referee’s report from the Segunda Division clash.

Harry Kane has tipped Paris Saint-Germain to beat Arsenal in the Champions League final, claiming the French giants have earned their status as favourites to retain the crown. The England captain suffered European heartbreak as Bayern Munich were eliminated by Luis Enrique’s side in a thrilling semi-final encounter.

Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped down from his role as a director at Manchester United as the club continue restructuring under Ineos. The move marks the end of his formal board role after playing a key part in the early stages of the new ownership era.

Jesse Lingard has been stepping a long way out of his comfort zone, heading to South Korea and Brazil, but a return to Britain - potentially at Wrexham - is not being ruled out. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen worked with the ex-England international at Old Trafford and can see the obvious appeal of JLingz linking up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly defined their firm stance on Julian Alvarez's future as the world's biggest clubs begin to circle for the Argentine forward. Despite recent European heartbreak, the Metropolitano hierarchy views the World Cup winner as the untouchable pillar of their long-term project.

Vivianne Miedema has revealed the emotional reason behind her absence as Manchester City Women celebrated their league title. The Dutch forward has been at her mother’s bedside after serious complications following cancer treatment left her in intensive care. Miedema shared a heartfelt update on her family’s difficult weeks.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has launched a scathing attack on UEFA's officiating appointments following the club's painful Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The Bavarian giants were left incensed by several high-profile decisions at the Allianz Arena that ultimately cost them a place in the final.

Fran Kirby's achievements throughout her career to date make for remarkable reading. Part of the Lionesses side which beat Germany in the European Championship final at Wembley back in 2022, the 32-year-old also lifted 16 major honours during her incredible nine-year stay at Chelsea, with individual accolades galore coming in and amongst all of that. She was there for England's first major title and Chelsea's first major title; now, in Brighton colours, Kirby will hope she can help another ambitious side hit new heights.

Chelsea have been warned off appointing Cesc Fabregas as their next manager, with the former Blues star considered to be in need of more experience as his current Como side have a tendency to “fall apart” in big games. Tony Dorigo has explained to GOAL why an alternative option would be better at Stamford Bridge for now, allowing a familiar World Cup winner to retrace steps to west London at some point further down the line.

Liverpool have abandoned a previously announced three-year ticket price strategy following discussions with supporter groups. The club will introduce a limited increase for the 2026-27 season before freezing prices the following year. Changes also include expanded concessions for younger fans.

Manchester City star Khadija Shaw is set to leave the club this summer at the end of her contract, according to a report which emerged just hours after her side claimed a first Women's Super League title in 10 years. Shaw's goals were a key factor in that triumph but speculation about her future has rumbled on throughout the season and now she looks set to depart, with domestic rivals Chelsea heavily linked with a move.

Juventus have reportedly cooled their interest in Robert Lewandowski as the veteran striker prepares for a potential exit from Barcelona. Despite high-level meetings between the player's representatives and Italian giants, the Bianconeri are becoming increasingly hesitant to commit to a deal for the legendary forward.

Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi called Luis Enrique the best coach in the world after leading the club to another Champions League final. The Spaniard was praised for transforming Les Parisians into a unified and tactically disciplined team following his side's semi-final success against Bayern Munich this week.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still hoping to become a team-mate of eldest son Cristiano Junior, with former Manchester United colleague Louis Saha telling GOAL that it is “easier” for CR7 to live that “dream” than it was for LeBron James in NBA circles. One GOAT has already made professional sport a family business, with it possible that another could follow that lead.

Harry Kane has hit out at Bayern Munich’s lack of clinical edge following their agonising Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the England captain finding the net late on, the German giants were unable to overturn their first-leg deficit, ending their dreams of continental glory in a 6-5 aggregate defeat.

Frank Lampard has transformed his managerial reputation by leading Coventry City back to the Premier League, ending a historic 25-year exile. However, despite the title-winning success, the former England international is already being linked with a shock departure. While many expected a Chelsea return, he is tipped to join another London club instead.

Landon Donovan has issued blunt advice to Gio Reyna as the United States build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The former USMNT star says the talented playmaker must focus on football and team unity if he wants to play a leading role in the tournament.

Liverpool will need to appoint a new club captain at some point in the not too distant future, but who should inherit the armband from Virgil van Dijk? Former Reds defender Glen Johnson has told GOAL that Dominik Szoboszlai is an ideal candidate to take on that responsibility as the versatile and passionate Hungarian boasts “characteristics that Steven Gerrard had”.

Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Sule has confirmed he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2025-26 season. The former Bayern Munich defender revealed the emotional moment that convinced him to walk away from the game.

Jamie Carragher has finally buried the hatchet with Luis Enrique after an incident involving several pints of beer and a Borussia Dortmund scarf left the Paris Saint-Germain boss refusing to speak to the CBS Sports crew. The awkward stand-off came to an end on live television as the Ligue 1 giants secured their place in another Champions League final.