Friendlies

Friendlies news

Italy v Northern Ireland  -  FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs

O’Neill sparks outrage with NI selection

Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.

Netherlands v Norway - International Friendly

'Completely lost their minds' - Dutch support for Van Dijk

Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr has launched a scathing attack on the English media, claiming analysts and "self-proclaimed know-it-alls" have lost their minds regarding Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain has faced intense scrutiny this season as the Reds have struggled to maintain their usual high standards at the back.

Gianni Infantino

Infantino insists Iran WILL play at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

Harry Maguire England 2026

Tuchel accused of insulting Maguire with fifth-choice stance

England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.

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Brazil Press Conference & Training Session

Pedro admits 'pressure' as Ronaldo & Rivaldo visit Brazil camp

The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Rivaldo made a surprise appearance at Brazil’s training base to inspire a squad currently struggling for form. As the Selecao face growing scrutiny following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted that the weight of the nation's 2002 World Cup success remains a heavy burden for the modern generation.

LEROY SANE

Germany star criticises fans for booing Sane

Germany striker Deniz Undav has hit out at supporters who targeted Leroy Sane with audible boos during the national team's narrow 2-1 friendly victory over Ghana. Despite Sane providing the crucial assist for the winning goal, his introduction in Stuttgart was marred by a hostile reception from the home crowd. The incident has led to a firm demand for unity from the squad as they prepare for the World Cup.

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Will Messi play vs Zambia? Emotional Scaloni issues update

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.

Edouard Mendy

Mendy slams CAF over Senegal AFCON controversy

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has launched a blistering attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their controversial decision to strip the Lions of Teranga of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco. The veteran shot-stopper believes administrative failures are actively undermining the immense progress made by the continent's elite players.

GFX Thomas Tuchel Declan Rice Bukayo Saka

Tuchel defends Rice and Saka withdrawals

Thomas Tuchel has plotted a diplomatic course through the storm that has followed the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the England squad, saying the optics may look bad but he has “100% trust” in their integrity. The Arsenal duo will be unavailable for the clash against Japan at Wembley after reporting discomfort following their recent club commitments.

Spain v Serbia - International Friendly

De la Fuente: Yamal's best yet to come

Lamine Yamal continues to rewrite the record books for both club and country, but Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes the 18-year-old is only scratching the surface of his potential. Speaking ahead of the friendly against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium, the manager reflected on the incredible trajectory the winger has taken since his senior debut.

Florian Wirtz Julian Nagelsmann

Wirtz reveals Nagelsmann role in Liverpool struggles

Florian Wirtz has openly discussed the emotional toll of his challenging start at Liverpool. The talented German playmaker admitted that adapting to the Premier League took a significant physical and emotional toll. However, crucial support from national team coach Julian Nagelsmann helped him overcome these hurdles, leading to a recent return to peak form for his country.

Brazil v France - International Friendly

Ancelotti confirms Vinicius Jr will face Croatia

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a significant fitness boost to the Selecao and Real Madrid fans alike by confirming that Vinicius Junior is available for Tuesday's friendly against Croatia. The Italian tactician dismissed fears regarding the winger's physical condition following a period of specialised recovery work.

Ronaldinho Ronaldo 2022 World Cup

The new Ronaldo, Ronaldinho & Romario? Brazil star compares Vini Jr & Co to legends

Brazil fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the national team’s attacking output following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, even resorting to chanting Neymar's name in the absence of the Santos star. However, Joao Pedro believes the talent currently at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Raphinha, matches the individual quality of the iconic trios that defined previous golden eras.

Canada v Ecuador - International Friendly

Marsch defends Canada after red card streak

Canada manager Jesse Marsch has vehemently defended his squad against accusations of becoming a dirty team following a worrying streak of disciplinary issues. With three red cards across their last four matches, including Tajon Buchanan's recent dismissal against Iceland, concerns are mounting over the team's aggressive reputation ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup which they co-host.

England Training & Media Activity

Tuchel confirms Bellingham to miss Japan clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel has taken a firm stance regarding the fitness of Jude Bellingham, insistsing that he will not gamble with the player's health. Despite the anticipation surrounding the Three Lions' friendly against Japan at Wembley, the Real Madrid midfielder will remain on the sidelines to ensure he does not suffer a setback.

Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest 2025-26

Elliot Anderson responds to Man City & United links

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has broken his silence regarding the intense speculation linking him with a high-profile move to either Man City or United this summer. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign at the City Ground, cementing himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.

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Liverpool & Chelsea join race for Lacroix

Crystal Palace are bracing for a surge of interest in Maxence Lacroix after the defender made his senior international debut for France. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old, who has established himself as the fastest centre-back in the Premier League this season. With no release clause in his current deal, the Eagles face a major battle to retain their defensive lynchpin this summer.

Frequently asked questions

Apart from the UEFA Champions League final, you cannot buy tickets for the Champions League directly through UEFA itself. 

Instead, they are sold club-by-club among the teams competing in this year's edition. You must visit the individual club’s website for the fixture you want to attend and buy your seat from there. 

Capacity is always limited for these Champions League knockout matches, and demand often exceeds available allocation. 

In addition, fans can purchase seats on the secondary market. StubHub is one of the leading retailers for those seeking to buy tickets through alternative channels. 

The Puskás Aréna in Budapest is staging this year’s Champions League Final on Saturday, May 30 at 8 pm (GMT).

It was opened in 2019 and has a 67,215-seat capacity for international matches. It is the largest stadium in Hungary, built on the site of the former Ferenc Puskás Stadium. 

As well as being the home of the Hungarian national team, the Budapest venue hosted a number of games during Euro 2020 and the 2023 UEFA Europa League Final. 

This is the first time a UEFA Champions League Final will be played at the Puskás Aréna.