Neymar has stepped up his return to full fitness by starring in a Santos training match, bagging a goal and an assist to remind onlookers of his enduring quality. The legendary forward was a high-profile omission from Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad, but this domestic display suggests he is determined to force his way back into the international reckoning.
Didier Deschamps was left fuming despite France's 3-1 victory over Colombia, launching a scathing assessment of the South Americans' physical approach. The national team boss was particularly incensed by a late challenge on Michael Olise that he felt belonged in a completely different sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the green light to return to Al-Nassr training following a successful rehabilitation programme in Madrid and Riyadh. The Portuguese icon, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, is expected to feature in Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma. His recovery provides a timely boost for both his club’s title charge and Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Barcelona have reportedly received reassurances regarding the fitness and management of Lamine Yamal following productive talks with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). With Raphinha now sidelined through injury after a blow with Brazil, the Catalan giants were growing increasingly anxious about another potential setback for Yamal during the international break.
Arsenal's international break has gone from bad to worse, with Martin Zubimendi becoming their tenth first-team star to pull out of international duty. The Spain midfielder has returned to Emirates Stadium after the RFEF confirmed he would play no part in their upcoming friendly fixture against Egypt.
Barcelona are reportedly preparing to take formal action against FIFA following a significant injury to star winger Raphinha during the international break. The Brazilian attacker is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, leaving the Catalan giants fuming as they enter the business end of the season.
Mikel Arteta is facing yet another injury headache as Piero Hincapie has become the latest Arsenal star to withdraw from international duty. The versatile defender sustained a knock during a friendly clash with Ecuador against Morocco and has been sent back to London for medical assessments.
A fan died after falling from the VIP stand into the car park at the Mexican stadium, which had reopened for the Mexico v Portugal match after being closed for years.
Real Madrid fans can breathe a sigh of relief after reports emerged that Vinicius Junior has avoided a serious injury while on international duty with Brazil. Despite missing training sessions ahead of the Selecao’s clash with Croatia, the winger is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Christian Pulisic has reacted to “strange” goings on in the United States’ international friendly date with Belgium, admitting that scenes that left the USMNT camp shocked “can’t happen”. Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered a 5-2 defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with a surprising kit clash that was signed off by the match officials making life difficult for everyone.
The very last friendly before the final World Cup squad is announced: Germany face Ghana on Friday. We reveal the line-up that national coach Julian Nagelsmann is likely to field.
Portugal were solid defensively but offered little going forward, and were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against a much-changed Mexico with Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined due to injury. Roberto Martinez's men had the majority of the ball, but little concrete to show for it. The two teams combined for three shots on target over the course of 90 forgettable minutes.
Thomas Tuchel’s experimental international break has taken a significant hit with the news that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have returned to Arsenal for medical assessment. Despite only joining up with the squad on Friday after being rested for the 1-1 draw against Uruguay, the pair will play no part in the upcoming clash with Japan. The Football Association confirmed their departure alongside six other players, leaving the squad noticeably thinner for the Wembley encounter.
Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt has sensationally hit out at UEFA over the scheduling of what he describes as a "pointless" friendly against Wales. Both nations saw their World Cup dreams extinguished during the play-off semi-finals, yet they are still required to travel to Cardiff for a fixture that has no bearing on tournament qualification.
N'Golo Kante has revealed that a move to Ligue 1 side Paris FC was a genuine possibility during the previous summer transfer window. Despite being 34 years old, the tireless midfielder remains a high-value target for clubs across Europe and beyond. While he ultimately stayed in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad for the first half of the season before joining Fenerbahce in February, he has suggested he could still return to his homeland.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has leapt to the defence of Florian Wirtz, insisting that the heavy criticism aimed at the attacker following his move to Liverpool has been unfair. The young playmaker has struggled to consistently find his best form since arriving at Anfield, leading to questions over his adaptation to the Premier League.
Brazil have been hit by a significant injury scare as star forward Vinicius Jr was forced to sit out training ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Croatia. The Real Madrid superstar is struggling with a physical issue following the intensive clash against France earlier this week, which saw Brazil suffer a 2-1 defeat.
Kylian Mbappe has been hailed as the greatest striker in the history of the French national team by legendary forward Jean-Pierre Papin. The Real Madrid superstar is currently closing in on the all-time scoring record for Les Bleus as he continues to cement his legacy on the international stage.
Senegal's national team stars have made a defiant statement by parading the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in front of a sold-out crowd at the Stade de France. Despite a recent ruling that officially stripped them of their continental crown, the Lions of Teranga clearly still consider themselves the rightful champions of Africa.
