Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning to bring more than 30 players to the United States for Argentina’s matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina are one of the national teams still delaying a final decision on the 26-player roster that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni reportedly has concrete plans for the pre-tournament friendlies that will take place in the United States. “The Argentina national team will bring more than 26 players on the pre-World Cup tour for the friendlies against Iceland and Honduras,” journalist Gaston Edul, an Argentina national team insider for TyC Sports, said Tuesday through his official X account. “More than 30 are going.” In that group, in addition to the stars who are usually part of every call-up, there will also be several young players who could be options for training sessions and even for the two friendlies. “Capaldo, Aranda, Freitas and Santiago Beltran have been called up… Ignacio Ovando of Rosario Central and Simon Escobar of Velez will also travel with the squad,” Edul added. Three of them were part of the 55-player preliminary list Argentina submitted to FIFA two weeks ago: Santiago Beltran, goalkeeper for River Plate; Nicolas Capaldo, a right back/defensive midfielder for Hamburger SV; and Tomas Aranda, a forward for Boca Juniors. La Selección Argentina va a llevar a más de 26 jugadores en la gira previa del Mundial para los amistosos contra Islandia y Honduras:Están convocados Capaldo, Aranda, Freitas y Santiago Beltrán.Van más de 30.— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) May 26, 2026 Joining them are Joaquin Freitas, a 19-year-old forward who has seen significant playing time with River Plate in recent months, as well as Rosario Central defender Ignacio Ovando and Velez Sarsfield left back Simon Escobar. However, they were not part of the preliminary roster, making them ineligible for the World Cup. Argentina’s doubts ahead of the World Cup Many of the world’s top national teams have already confirmed their squads for the 2026 World Cup in North America, including England, Spain, France, Germany and Brazil. Argentina, however, are still waiting, with FIFA’s deadline set for June 1. The delay in Lionel Scaloni’s final decision regarding the 26-player World Cup squad is tied to the status of several important players who are dealing with injuries, with their recovery being monitored daily by the coaching staff. The biggest issue is in defense. Argentina’s two main right backs are currently injured: Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel. That creates uncertainty regarding the final roster construction, especially because of the potential need to include a third player at the position if necessary. Juan Foyth could have been the ideal candidate for that role, since he can also play as a center back, but his serious Achilles tendon injury ruled him out. That is why Nicolas Capaldo was included on the 55-player list, along with Union Saint-Gilloise’s Kevin Mac Allister. Adding to the situation are the injuries suffered by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and center back Cristian Romero, although there are no doubts about their availability for the World Cup. And, on top of that, there is also the muscle fatigue that forced Lionel Messi to leave Inter Miami’s most recent match against Philadelphia Union. Argentina’s upcoming matches Before making their FIFA tournament debut against Algeria on June 16, Argentina will play two friendly matches. The first will be on June 6 against Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, while the second against Iceland will take place three days later at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
Boca Juniors host Cruzeiro on Matchday 5 of the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. Fans in the United States can catch the action live—here’s everything you need to know about kickoff time plus TV and streaming coverage. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro WHAT Copa Libertadores WHEN 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Tuesday, May 19, 2026 WHERE Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW Match Overview Everything is on the line in Group D as Boca Juniors return to La Bombonera for a massive showdown against Cruzeiro. After opening the campaign with back-to-back wins before dropping their last two matches, Boca enter the night sitting third in the standings with six points and little margin for error in the race for a knockout-round spot. Cruzeiro, meanwhile, hold second place with seven points and know a strong result on the road would put them in excellent position heading into the final Matchday. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance for both clubs, expect a high-intensity battle in one of South America’s most electric atmospheres. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Boca Juniors vs Cruzeiro and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer. Free resources available to you Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Prior to the announcement of the Brazil squad list for the 2026 World Cup, Neymar has been drawn at the center of a controversial substitution at Santos. Neymar is on the verge of learning whether he will be part of Brazil‘s 2026 World Cup squad, with Carlo Ancelotti‘s final roster announcement now just hours away. In the buildup to that pivotal moment, the star found himself at the center of a chaotic substitution mix-up that dominated the headlines at Santos. On Sunday, Santos hosted Coritiba in the 2026 Brasileirao, just one day before Ancelotti was due to announce the Brazil squad. Before kickoff, Neymar walked out onto the pitch carrying his daughter Helena and was visibly emotional during the national anthem, a moment that set a charged tone for the afternoon. Coritiba took control in the first half, with Breno Lopes netting a brace and Josué adding a third to put Santos in a deep hole. Neymar was the most industrious attacking presence for the hosts, winning more fouls than any other player on the pitch with four, though he also misplaced 12 of his 40 attempted passes, before the chaos unfolded. After heading to the touchline to receive treatment on his left calf and preparing to return to the field, Neymar was stunned to see the fourth official raise the substitution board showing his number in the 65th minute, with Robinho Junior set to come on in his place. Furious at the apparent mistake, Neymar attempted to walk back onto the pitch, was shown a yellow card, and triggered a heated argument with the officials as he tried to explain that it was Gonzalo Escobar who was supposed to come off. O Neymar quebrando a quarta parede e mostrando pra câmera que não era ele que iria ser substituido. CENAS INCRÍVEIS NA NEO QUÍMICA ARENA! pic.twitter.com/IZdpXqWDrZ— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) May 17, 2026 Still visibly agitated on the touchline, Neymar grabbed a piece of paper and held it up to a pitchside camera in an attempt to signal the correct substitution to the fourth official. However, because Robinho had already entered the field and play had resumed, the change was deemed official, bringing Neymar’s afternoon to a premature and involuntary end. He did not speak to the media after the match. Neymar’s last game before the Brazil squad announcement The match against Coritiba served as Neymar’s final appearance before Ancelotti formally names his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With the preliminary 55-man list already submitted to FIFA, the Italian coach is set to hold a press conference on Monday, May 18, to confirm the final group, with significant anticipation around whether the former Barcelona star will make the cut. While the picture had been unclear in the weeks prior, recent reports suggest that Neymar will in fact be included in Brazil’s World Cup roster. The injuries suffered by Rodrygo and Estêvão have opened a door, but it is also understood that several members of the squad have pushed for his inclusion, with the dressing room’s backing proving to be a meaningful factor in Ancelotti’s decision-making process. Neymar in doubt for Santos’ next game With the squad announcement looming, Neymar will also need to manage his club commitments ahead of potentially joining Brazil‘s World Cup camp. The blow he took to his leg during Sunday’s game has cast doubt over his availability for Santos’ upcoming Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo on Wednesday. Coach Cuca addressed the injury concern after the match: “Because of the hit he took, it’s not muscular, I think it’s unlikely he’ll be in any condition to play on Wednesday. It’s a quick thing; in four or five days at most, he’ll be fine. The (World Cup) call-up doesn’t influence things; we have to think about ourselves.“
Boro say move is ‘only appropriate response’ to scandalAustralian Hull fan angry over possible postponementMiddlesbrough have demanded that the English Football League expel Southampton from the Championship playoff final against Hull and are furious at being denied a chance to argue their case at an independent disciplinary hearing.Southampton, who beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in the semi-final, are facing EFL misconduct charges after Boro said they had been the victims of training-ground spying. An independent disciplinary commission is due to hear Southampton’s explanation in person by Tuesday at the latest. There are suggestions that it could sit over the weekend. Continue reading...
A viral online movement has suddenly dominated the conversation in Spain, raising fresh questions about the future of the French superstar amid a difficult campaign filled with frustration, dressing-room drama, and growing supporter unrest. The atmosphere around Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid has become increasingly tense ahead of one of the club’s biggest matches of the season. A viral online movement has suddenly dominated the conversation in Spain, raising fresh questions about the future of the French superstar amid a difficult campaign filled with frustration, dressing-room drama, and growing supporter unrest. Despite Mbappe continuing to deliver extraordinary numbers in front of goal, the mood around the club has shifted dramatically in recent weeks. Real Madrid’s struggles in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey have pushed many supporters toward anger, and the noise surrounding the team has only intensified before El Clasico against Barcelona. The controversy began after an online petition titled “Mbappe Out” spread rapidly across social media platforms. According to multiple reports, the petition gathered more than 50 million signatures within days, far surpassing its original target of 200,000 signatures. The message attached to the campaign read: “Madridistas, make your voice heard. If you believe change is needed, don’t stay silent — sign this petition and stand for what you think is best for the club’s future.” Photos circulating online showed the Frenchman spending time in Italy while recovering from a hamstring injury. Although reports stated that the trip had been approved internally by Real Madrid’s medical staff, many fans questioned the timing, especially with El Clasico approaching and the club’s season hanging by a thread. 𝟱𝟬 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 people have now signed a petition for Real Madrid to sell Kylian Mbappé 🤯 ✍️Madrid have been winning almost every game without him…but with him in the team recently, they’ve managed just one win in six 📉To put things into context…50 million people… pic.twitter.com/S8QK1H84li— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 8, 2026 The situation quickly transformed into a social media storm. Supporters flooded comment sections, reposted images connected to the petition, and openly debated whether the 27-year-old star had become a symbol of the club’s recent decline despite his remarkable individual statistics. Mbappe’s numbers tell a very different story The backlash has surprised many observers because Mbappe remains Real Madrid’s most productive attacking player. As per statistical data confirmed by Transfermarkt and Sofascore, the France captain has scored 85 goals in 100 appearances since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain. This season alone, the forward has reportedly produced 41 goals in 41 appearances, numbers that would normally place him beyond criticism. Even with the controversy surrounding him, Mbappe continues to lead conversations about the world’s elite players because of his consistency in front of goal. Alvaro Arbeloa attempted to calm the growing storm during a recent press conference. The Real Madrid coach defended his player and insisted that the club remained in control of the recovery process. “All planning with injured players is supervised by the medical staff,” the manager explained, before adding, “In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he considers appropriate, like any other player.” Can the petition actually change Real Madrid’s stance? As the petition gained attention worldwide, many supporters began asking whether such a movement could genuinely influence Real Madrid’s decision-makers. The short answer appears to be no. According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid has no plans to sell Mbappe, and the player remains under contract until 2029. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match. Multiple reports described the petition as largely symbolic rather than something capable of forcing institutional ch
Real Madrid announced the punishment for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. In the middle of a turbulent week, the conflict between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni took another turn on Friday. Real Madrid announced the financial sanctions that will be imposed on both players: fines of €500,000 (approximately $590,000) each. “Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the events that led to the disciplinary proceedings initiated yesterday against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, both appeared today before the investigator assigned to the case,” begins the statement published on the club’s official website. “During their appearance, the players expressed their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to each other. Furthermore, they extended their apologies to the club, their teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans, and both have made themselves available to Real Madrid to accept whatever sanction the club deems appropriate,” Los Blancos added. “Under these circumstances, Real Madrid has decided to impose a financial penalty of five hundred thousand euros on each player, thereby concluding the corresponding internal procedures,” the club announced, officially bringing the matter to a close. Official Announcement.— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 8, 2026 The sporting situation for Valverde and Tchouameni As made clear in the statement published by Real Madrid, the club consider the matter closed following the financial penalties imposed on both players. That means neither Federico Valverde nor Aurelien Tchouameni will face any sporting consequences. However, the situation leaves both players in very different circumstances. As a result of the altercation, Valverde suffered a blow to the head that required hospitalization, and the injury will prevent him from being part of the squad for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. Tchouameni, meanwhile, is in perfect physical condition and, with the possibility of a club-imposed suspension now ruled out, has a strong chance of being included in the squad traveling to Catalunya. Whether or not he features in the starting lineup will depend on the decision of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Real Madrid injuries for clash against Barcelona Federico Valverde is not the only player who will be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Barcelona. Due to physical issues, Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Arda Guler, and Ferland Mendy will also miss the game. In addition, Kylian Mbappe is expected to arrive less than fully fit after dealing with muscular problems over the past week that kept him out of the squad for the win over Espanyol.
Mauricio Serna, a former player and executive at Boca Juniors, spoke about the possibility of Neymar moving to Argentina. Neymar is currently at the center of several talking points in the soccer world. His potential return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as his conflicts at Santos with fans and teammates, are among them. Now, speculation about a possible move to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors has emerged—something Mauricio Serna addressed. “Within the Boca world, anything is possible. In fact, when I was working at the club, some agents used to call me to offer Neymar,” Serna said in a recent interview with Radio Splendid. “We never moved forward. I don’t know if it was real or not, but he’s been offered.” Serna was a Boca Juniors star as a player in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Years later, when club legend Juan Roman Riquelme became president, he brought him in to join the sporting council, a role the former Colombian player held from 2022 to 2025. It was during those years that Neymar was first offered to Boca, a period that coincided with the Brazilian forward’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain, his struggles with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and ultimately his return to Santos at the beginning of last year. Former Boca executive Mauricio Serna. Serna imagines Neymar at Boca Juniors In the same interview, Mauricio Serna allowed himself to imagine a scenario in which Neymar actually becomes a Boca player. “Anything can happen. Boca are capable of anything. Who wouldn’t want to see Neymar wearing the shirt of the club they love? It would be beautiful—I’d have to move back to Buenos Aires so I wouldn’t miss a single match,” the Colombian said. Serna then analyzed Neymar’s current situation, acknowledging that while he is no longer the same player he was at Barcelona and PSG, he remains an important figure: “Even if it’s been difficult for him to regain rhythm and form, he’s one of those players who still brings a smile to soccer fans.” Neymar’s current struggles Rumors about a possible move to Argentina have several roots. The first spark came from Neymar’s visit to Buenos Aires last week, when he played with Santos against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana. He received a warm welcome from opposing fans—something that contrasts with his recent experiences in Brazil—and also visited Boca’s training facility, where he met with former PSG teammate Ander Herrera. Those speculations have grown amid ongoing tensions at Santos that cast doubt over his future at the club. Disagreements with fans unhappy with the team’s performances have been compounded by a reported dispute with teammate Robinho Jr. following an alleged incident in training. All of this comes as Neymar looks to regain top form in hopes of convincing Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
