Madrid denies Enzo Fernandez links; Mbappé responds to racist taunts tied to the World Cup. Real Madrid remains a benchmark for success, scouting future stars while navigating a shifting transfer market.
Nico Williams has been sidelined by a hamstring issue in a La Liga match for Athletic Bilbao, with his World Cup plans in doubt as Spaniard Dani Carvajal also contends with a bone fissure in his foot. Spain’s World Cup squad is set to be announced soon, intensifying scrutiny on fitness in the lead-up to the tournament.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Spain has named its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Lamine Yamal as a star presence. For the first time since 1950, no Real Madrid player features as Dean Huijsen is injured and Dani Carvajal is left out. Mikel Merino has returned from injury, and Yamal faces a potential hamstring issue ahead of the tournament.
The Vatican has confirmed a brief encounter between Pope Leo XIV and reggaeton star Bad Bunny during Madrid events as the pop star performs two shows in the city. The pope is on a weeklong Spain visit with stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, aiming to promote unity amid political and church tensions.
Pope Leo has led a Mass before about 1.2 million people in Madrid’s Cibeles Square, as part of a week-long visit with stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands. He has called for unity and respect for every human being, while greeting migrants and the city’s residents.
Business owners across the UK are retooling operations as market conditions shift. New reporting highlights how firms are adjusting pricing, services and staffing to survive a volatile economy.
The Vatican has confirmed Pope Leo has met with Bad Bunny in Madrid, as the Barcelona leg of his Spain visit unfolds. The pope has also addressed thousands at Real Madrid’s venue, and his Catalan remarks have sparked debate about language and regional identity during the Catalonia stop.
Australia has secured a famous victory in Group D, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring, rookie keeper Patrick Beach making crucial saves, and coach Popovic reshuffling the starting XI to include 10 World Cup debutants. The win keeps them level with the United States ahead of a meeting in Seattle.
Iraq has earned its place at the 2026 World Cup under Australian coach Graham Arnold, marking the country’s return to the tournament after 40 years. Arnold has steered the team through a lengthy qualifying campaign, with travel disruptions and geopolitical tensions shaping the road to the tournament.
FIFA has enforced new on-field rules at the 2026 World Cup that have provoked disputes: Miguel Almirón has received the tournament's first red card for covering his mouth, broadcasters and fans have criticised mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and a VAR official was investigated over a hand gesture but cleared. Players, coaches and commentators are publicly divided.
England's World Cup campaign opens with Croatia as Tuchel reshapes the squad after a tumultuous Euro 2024, with Bellingham and Henderson central to leadership discussions and team cohesion.
Brazil is set to finish Group C with a final match against Scotland. Neymar, sidelined by a right calf injury, is training individually and is expected to be available for the clash, potentially boosting Brazil’s title chances.
England has secured a last-16 spot after overturning a 1-0 deficit with Gordon assisting Kane’s brace; attention shifts to penalties and Tuchel’s preparation ahead of a clash with Mexico. Penalty strategy and shootout readiness dominate coverage as teams progress through the World Cup.
Real Madrid has clarified it has no interest in signing Enzo Fernandez, dismissing speculation from Marca and others. The club reaffirmed respect for Chelsea and for Fernandez, whose 2022 World Cup win with Argentina preceded a 2023 move to Chelsea. The denial comes amid ongoing chatter about a potential deal, as Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Kylian Mbappé has challenged a Paraguayan senator’s racist remarks after France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay, which advances France to the World Cup quarter-finals. The French government and football bodies condemn the comments and plan legal action.