Friendlies

Friendlies news

Santos v Vasco Da Gama - Brasileirao 2026

Neymar shines for Santos after Brazil snub

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup trophy Portugal

Ronaldo's return date set amid World Cup concerns

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.

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Barcelona given Yamal reassurances by RFEF

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.

Raphinha

Barcelona to demand FIFA payout over Raphinha injury

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.

Morocco v Ecuador - International Friendly

Hincapie sent back to Arsenal with injury concern

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.

Christian Pulisic USMNT Belgium 2026

'Can't happen' - USMNT star Pulisic shocked by 'strange' events

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.

Bruno Fernandes

No Ronaldo, no fun, as Portugal settle for drab scoreless draw

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.

England v Serbia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Arsenal trio among eight to leave England squad

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.

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

UEFA slammed for 'pointless' Wales vs N. Ireland clash

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.

Fenerbahce SK v Gaziantep FK - Trendyol Süper Lig

Kante reveals Ligue 1 transfer talks

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.

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Wirtz criticism unjustified, says Nagelsmann

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 v France - International Friendly

Vini Jr suffers injury blow with Brazil

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.

Brazil v France - International Friendly

Mbappe labelled France's 'greatest' ever

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.

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Senegal parade AFCON trophy despite CAF ruling

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.

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.