Ousmane Dembélé addressed the relentless criticism aimed at Kylian Mbappé, firmly backing his international teammate ahead of the tournament. Just days before France kicks off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Iraq, captain Kylian Mbappé has drawn heavy criticism across his country after temporarily leaving the national team camp for personal reasons—a departure that was fully authorized by the French coaching staff. Amid the brewing media storm surrounding the forward, his longtime international teammate Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to defend the Real Madrid superstar. “They have been very unfair to him. They go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian because he is an incredible player and a great person off the pitch,” Dembélé stated in an exclusive interview with MARCA. “I’ve known him for a long time. They cross the line with the criticism simply because it’s Kylian Mbappé. People don’t need to be so harsh on him”. Mbappé has found himself in the eye of a media hurricane since before even reporting for international duty. During the final stretch of Real Madrid’s domestic season, the forward suffered a minor injury. While undergoing rehabilitation, he was spotted traveling with his partner, a move that sparked significant frustration among the demanding fan base of the Spanish giants. ⚽🏆 El Balón de Oro @dembouz se sienta con MARCA antes del debut de Les Bleus ante Senegal: Mbappé, Messi, Luis Enrique, Deschamps o Zidane, sobre la mesa, y por supuesto, España ✍️ @polomarca https://t.co/C873RrkBsV— MARCA (@marca) June 12, 2026 For Dembélé, the constant scrutiny directed at Mbappé has transcended footballing matters, crossing a line into absurd territory. “If he ties his shoelaces, if he doesn’t tie them, if he pulls up his socks, if he doesn’t… it’s just too much,” the Paris Saint-Germain winger continued. “At the end of the day, he is still a human being, as well as being a player of exceptional quality”. Dembélé defends Mbappé’s leadership role with France Rumors regarding a fractured locker room within the French national team began to surface following Les Bleus‘ shocking 2-1 friendly defeat to the Ivory Coast before the 2026 World Cup kick off. During the pre-match buildup, clip segments went viral showing an alleged tension point where veteran midfielder N’Golo Kanté and Mbappé supposedly bypassed shaking hands before stepping onto the pitch. The viral footage ignited immediate controversy, causing media outlets to question Mbappé’s standing and influence within the national team dynamic. However, Dembélé was quick to silence the speculation, emphasizing that Mbappé remains an exemplary leader who commands total respect from the locker room. “Here in the French national team, he gets along great with all of us. He is a leader, the captain of our team, and an incredibly important player for what we want to achieve,” Dembélé concluded. As France prepares to begin their quest for a third global title, Didier Deschamps and his squad are actively closing ranks, choosing to ignore the outside noise as their captain prepares to rejoin the group ahead of the opening whistle.
Carlos Tevez made a controversial move from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009, though he almost became a Real Madrid player. The post Tevez reveals reasons for failed Madrid move before joining Man City appeared first on SoccerNews.
France star Ousmane Dembele spoke about Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France have the task this summer of matching their performances from the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup and competing for the title once again. Ousmane Dembele is confident in his team’s chances, but he is not overlooking other contenders, including Lionel Messi’s Argentina. During an interview with Marca, Dembele was asked whether he believed Messi could win another World Cup. “Of course, he can win every trophy possible. I already saw it in Barcelona,” began the winger, who played alongside Leo for four seasons with the Spanish club between 2017 and 2021. The Paris Saint-Germain star then pushed back against those who believe Messi is no longer capable of competing at the highest level because of his age. “That changes nothing… He is the best I have ever seen, the best the game has ever seen. He is still dangerous,” said Ousmane. “It’s difficult to stop him even at 38 years old. He may be that age, but he will always have those qualities. We’ll have to be careful with him because he is capable of winning again,” added Dembele, who experienced Messi’s brilliance firsthand in the Qatar 2022 final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Dembele and Messi playing for Barcelona in 2018. Dembele names his favorites to win the 2026 World Cup In the same interview, Ousmane Dembele was asked about France‘s chances of competing for the trophy once again. “We know that the French national team has reached the final in each of the last two editions. So we’ll be a team with high expectations,” began the winger. “But we remain focused on the objective. Before thinking about reaching the Round of 16 or the quarterfinals, you first have to get through the group-stage matches.” He then shared his thoughts on Spain, whom many consider the other major favorite. “They are an exceptional team collectively and have very good players… They have been playing this way for years and years, with players of the highest level,” said Ousmane. “In Spain, possession is something that comes naturally to them.” However, Dembele made it clear that the race for the title will not necessarily come down to those two teams. “There are many teams that are favorites in this competition… Spain, having just won the European Championship, are certainly one of the favorites. But there are also Argentina, the reigning world champions, Germany, Portugal and England. They are all great national teams,” explained the current Ballon d’Or winner. “That said, we’ll also have to be careful with the teams that are considered less likely to win.”
Full preview of the United States for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. The United States enters the 2026 tournament carrying the massive expectations of a host nation eager for a deep run. Currently ranked 16th globally following a challenging recent international window, the squad features a core group of players entering their prime years. Competing on home soil provides a distinct advantage, but it also amplifies the pressure on a roster heavily populated by talent from Europe’s top leagues. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores whether the USMNT can finally bridge the gap to the global elite. We will break down the tactical approach, highlight the United States key players, and analyze their path through the group stage. Team profile CoachMauricio PochettinoCaptainTim ReamNicknameUSMNT, The Stars and Stripes, The YanksFIFA ranking16thConfederationCONCACAFGroupGroup DBest tournament resultSemi-finals (3rd Place, 1930)Tournament appearances11Last appearance2022 How the United States play A thorough United States tactical analysis reveals a high-intensity, attack-minded approach under their new leadership. The team typically operates in a fluid 3-4-2-1 shape when in possession, relying heavily on advancing full-backs to provide width and support the lone striker. Out of possession, the shape shifts into a structured 4-2-3-1. Tyler Adams drops into a deep midfield role to shield the back line, win the ball, and quickly launch counter-attacks. The United States formation is built on man-oriented pressing and rapid transitions, aiming to force turnovers high up the pitch. This high-octane style proved entertaining during recent international windows but carries inherent risks. Advanced opponents with strong technical security can exploit the spaces left by overlapping full-backs. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this aggressive pressing system against elite FIFA World Cup 2026 teams will heavily influence the hosts’ tournament lifespan. Mauricio Pochettino: The coach behind the United States Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the United States coach in September 2024, bringing a wealth of elite European experience to the national team. Before stepping into international management, the Argentine built a strong reputation during successful stints with Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured a Ligue 1 title. He most recently spent a season managing Chelsea in the Premier League. Known for demanding high physical output and tactical discipline, he has quickly worked to instill a ruthless mentality within the squad. His leadership and experience managing top-tier talent are viewed as crucial assets for a team facing immense home-soil pressure. Key player: Christian Pulisic Christian Pulisic remains the undeniable focal point of the United States 2026 World Cup squad. Now thriving with AC Milan in Serie A, the versatile forward has rediscovered his top form, consistently delivering double-digit goal tallies over recent domestic campaigns. For the national team, his production is elite. Pulisic boasts 32 goals and 21 assists in 84 appearances, operating primarily as an inverted winger. He excels at dropping into pockets of space, receiving the ball from the midfield pivot, and driving past retreating defenders. Christian Pulisic of the USMNT (Getty Images). Beyond open-play creativity, he commands all set-piece and penalty duties. The team relies heavily on his ability to spark transitional attacks and break down compact defenses. Given the lack of a direct replacement with similar game-changing ability, an injury to Pulisic would severely limit the team’s attacking ceiling. The United States’s road to the 2026 tournament As one of the three host nations for the upcoming global tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the United States earned an automatic berth. Consequently, the team entirely bypassed the traditional CONCACAF qualification cyc
“History is about to be made,” the understandably giddy stadium announcer said in the seconds before kick-off and while this was not the perfect start, Canada will not forget Cyle Larin’s equaliser against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a hurry. Trailing to Jovo Lukic’s first international goal, the Southampton striker Larin stepped off the bench and pulled the co-hosts level with his first touch, lashing in 121 seconds after his entrance. A draw in their Group B opener already trumps their last World Cup outing, when they finished pointless in Qatar.Jesse Marsch’s side always looked capable of scoring, though Juventus’s Jonathan David missed a golden opportunity in the first half and a preposterous Sead Kolasinac block that saw the ball cannon on to the crossbar prevented Richie Laryea finding the net in the second. Bosnia, though, were always playing with fire, holding dear Lukic’s first-half header on his first competitive start for his country. It was a goal that tested the foundations of the south stand, where 7,000 temporary seats were erected to increase the stadium’s capacity, many of them occupied by Bosnia’s most ardent supporters. Continue reading...
Full preview of Paraguay for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Paraguay is officially returning to the global stage after a 16-year absence, ending a drought that spanned three consecutive tournaments. La Albirroja brings its trademark defensive grit to the competition, aiming to frustrate the world’s premier soccer nations. Currently ranked 40th internationally, the South American squad stabilized a rocky qualification cycle to secure its spot among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams. Placed in a highly competitive group alongside the United States, Turkey, and Australia, expectations are firmly set on reaching the knockout rounds. This World Cup 2026 team preview covers everything you need to know about the squad heading into the tournament. We will break down their defensive structure, highlight star playmaker Julio Enciso, and analyze the depth that makes them a difficult opponent. Team profile CoachGustavo AlfaroCaptainGustavo GomezNicknameLos Guaraníes, La AlbirrojaFIFA ranking40thConfederationCONMEBOLGroupDBest World Cup resultQuarter-finals (2010)World Cup appearances9Last World Cup appearance2010 How Paraguay play The Paraguay formation typically shifts between a structured 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1, relying heavily on a disciplined low block when out of possession. Under their current leadership, the team prioritizes defensive solidity over expansive soccer. This deep, compact shape makes them incredibly difficult to break down. During qualifying, La Albirroja conceded an average of just 9.83 shots and 0.56 goals per match. They are comfortable sacrificing the ball, averaging merely 38% possession across their qualification campaign. However, this Paraguay tactical analysis highlights that their defensive commitment severely limits their attacking output. They generated the fourth-lowest expected goals (xG) in South American qualifying, managing just 10.83 shots per game. This lack of offensive production means they rarely dictate the pace of a match through sustained possession. In transition, the team relies on quick counter-attacks to threaten opponents. Playmakers like Julio Enciso provide the necessary creative spark to turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Ultimately, this tactical approach suggests their tournament success hinges on keeping matches tight and capitalizing on limited chances. Gustavo Alfaro: The coach behind Paraguay Gustavo Alfaro took charge in August 2024 and immediately transformed a chaotic squad into a highly organized unit. Known across South America as “The Professor,” the Paraguay coach is a tactical disciplinarian who prioritizes defensive structure. His extensive resume includes managing major Argentine clubs like Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo. On the international stage, he brings valuable tournament experience, having previously guided Ecuador through the 2022 global competition and recently managing Costa Rica. His pragmatic approach is perfectly suited for international knockout soccer, where avoiding mistakes often outweighs expansive attacking play. Alfaro is widely viewed as a savior by supporters after ending the nation’s long qualification drought. His pragmatic leadership and ability to orchestrate massive upsets against regional giants will be the defining factor in how far this team can advance this summer. Key player: Julio Enciso While the roster features several established professionals, Julio Enciso stands out among the Paraguay key players. The 22-year-old forward operates in a highly fluid role, typically starting on the left flank or centrally as a number 10. Currently playing for Strasbourg on loan from Brighton, Enciso serves as the primary creative engine for his national side. He has recorded four goals in 31 international appearances, including crucial match-winners during the qualification cycle. Julio Encima of Paraguay (Getty Images). His ability to roam into the half-spaces and attack defende
Former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo thinks it will be "a massive step forward" should Che Adams become the first black player to play for the nation's men's team at a World Cup. Iwelumo was himself a standard bearer when he earned four caps more than 15 years ago, but he never made it to a major finals. "I think it's a massive step forward, but the country is a very, a very different landscape to what it was when we were growing up," Iwelumo said of Adams' success for Scotland and Torino.
