Milan has made one of the most significant coaching decisions of the summer by appointing Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, creating fresh intrigue around the future direction of the Rossoneri and the role key players could have under the Portuguese tactician. While Christian Pulisic is focused on helping the United States at the 2026 World Cup, major developments have unfolded back in Italy. Milan has made one of the most significant coaching decisions of the summer by appointing Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, creating fresh intrigue around the future direction of the Rossoneri and the role key players could have under the Portuguese tactician. The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for Milan. After a disappointing end to the season, the club opted for sweeping changes behind the scenes, and Amorim now finds himself entrusted with restoring one of European soccer’s most historic institutions to the top level. Milan’s decision comes after a turbulent campaign that ended in frustration. Despite spending much of the Serie A season competing near the top of the table, a poor run during the closing weeks saw the club slip to fifth place and miss out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League. That collapse prompted significant changes throughout the organization. Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, while several senior executives also departed as ownership deemed the season an unacceptable failure. The club’s American ownership group, RedBird Capital Partners, quickly identified Amorim as the coach capable of leading the next chapter. Welcoming our new head coach, Rúben Amorim ✍️ pic.twitter.com/N6JizMF9Fq— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 16, 2026 Amorim’s road back to the top The move to Milan represents a significant opportunity for Amorim. Before his brief and difficult spell at Manchester United, the Portuguese coach had established himself as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents through his work at Sporting Lisbon. During his time in Lisbon, he built a reputation for developing young players, implementing a modern tactical system, and delivering major trophies. His tenure in England, however, failed to meet expectations. After being dismissed midway through the season, questions emerged about whether his reputation would recover. Milan believes the answer is yes. Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United. The Rossoneri are convinced that the coach who transformed Sporting remains one of Europe’s most promising tactical minds. At just 41 years old, Amorim now receives an opportunity to rebuild his standing on one of soccer’s biggest stages. How it could impact Christian Pulisic The most intriguing aspect of the appointment concerns what it could mean for Pulisic once his World Cup campaign concludes. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Amorim’s preferred tactical systems, particularly his 3-4-2-1 formation, appear ideally suited to many of Pulisic’s strengths. ,Rather than operating strictly as a traditional winger, the American thrives when given freedom to drift into central areas, combine between the lines, and attack spaces behind defenders. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. ,According to tactical analysis from the Italian outlet, the Portuguese coach favors two attacking midfielders playing behind a central striker. Those roles require creativity, movement, intelligence, and pressing intensity. Pulisic checks every box. Reports in Italy have even suggested that an attacking midfield pairing featuring Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku could fit naturally within Amorim’s preferred structure, thanks to their ability to operate in half-spaces and influence games between defensive lines. For the USMNT star, the coaching change may offer an opportunity to become even more influential than he was under previous management.
HLN are reporting that Cercle Brugge are closing in on signing 28-year-old central midfielder Jean Thierry Lazare. The former Union St Gilloise and Standard Liege midfielder spent last season in Greek...
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
After finishing a difficult season, Rafael Leão has decided to publicly announce his desire to leave AC Milan. However, the Portuguese star has reportedly chosen to reject a massive offer from Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal ahead the 2026–27 season. Despite being a key figure in the attack, Rafael Leão has decided to publicly announce his desire to leave AC Milan. Not only will the club not be playing in the UEFA Champions League, but they also have no clear idea who will be managing the team. However, the Portuguese star has reportedly rejected a massive offer to play alongside Karim Benzema at Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. As a result, he appears to have two preferred destinations in mind. According to Nicolò Schira, a well-known Italian journalist, via X, Al Hilal decided to submit a massive offer to Rafael Leão, hoping he could become the ideal partner for Karim Benzema. Although the contractual terms would have represented a significant improvement over those at AC Milan, he has decided to reject the opportunity. Despite wanting to leave the Rossoneri, he appears to be seeking a far greater challenge in his career. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Rafael Leão reportedly wants to play in either the Premier League or LaLiga. However, he has yet to receive any offers, meaning his future appears likely to be decided after the 2026 World Cup. With that in mind, Arsenal and Manchester United seem to be his preferred destinations, as both clubs could make an immediate investment and offer him a key role as their starting left winger. Rafael Leão is not coming off his best season with the Rossoneri. After playing 31 matches, he managed to score 10 goals and provide 3 assists. However, he had numerous games without contributing. Far from being solely his fault, former head coach Massimiliano Allegri did not use him on the left wing, but rather as a center forward, which was a drastic change. Because of this, a move to the Premier League as a left winger could be transformative for him. Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match. Leão potential departure may allow AC Milan to reshuffle offense AC Milan are preparing for a squad rebuild, reportedly targeting Ralf Rangnick and Oliver Glasner as the new leaders of the project. With that in mind, they could allow several players who do not fit their playing style to leave. As one of the club’s most valuable assets, Rafael Leão’s potential sale for €50–60 million would be key to rebuilding the attack as the center-forward spot may be a huge priority. With Leão’s departure, Christian Pulisic could take on a key role on the left wing, similar to the position he plays for the USMNT. If the Rossoneri receive a substantial transfer fee, they could target a prolific striker, as neither Santiago Giménez nor Christopher Nkunku have fully lived up to expectations. Therefore, both the Portuguese star and AC Milan would benefit from a transfer in the summer of 2026, making Premier League interest crucial to getting a deal done.
Neymar remains unavailable as he continues recovering from injury, but the possibility of seeing the Santos star in Brazil’s opening match against Morocco has not been completely ruled out. With the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching, Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil are carefully monitoring one of the biggest storylines surrounding the tournament. Neymar remains unavailable as he continues recovering from injury, but the possibility of seeing the Santos star in Brazil’s opening match against Morocco has not been completely ruled out. Uncertainty has further complicated Brazil’s plans. While the national team has looked impressive during its recent warm-up matches, the focus continues to center on whether Neymar will be ready when the World Cup begins. Brazil’s preparations suffered a setback when Neymar arrived at the training camp already carrying an injury sustained while playing for Santos in the Brazilian Serie A. Initially diagnosed as an edema by his club, further examinations conducted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed a more serious problem. The tests confirmed a grade II calf muscle injury, leading medical staff to place the forward on a carefully managed recovery program. As a result, Neymar missed Brazil’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Panama and will also sit out the final pre-World Cup friendly against Egypt. Neymar Junior of Brazil. Instead of traveling with the squad to Cleveland, the veteran star remained at the team’s base in New Jersey, where he continues undergoing physiotherapy and individualized treatment under medical supervision. Despite the concerns surrounding Neymar’s fitness, Ancelotti has remained remarkably calm. The key factor that will determine Neymar’s availability Although Neymar’s chances of featuring against Morocco appeared slim only days ago, fresh reports suggest the situation is evolving positively. According to journalist Pedro Lopes of UOL, Neymar will undergo a new medical examination on Monday, June 8. The results of that assessment will play a crucial role in determining the next step of his recovery. Segundo round de treinamento da quinta-feira! 🔥🇧🇷#BateNoPeito 📸 Rafael Ribeiro/CBF📸 Sam Robles/CBF pic.twitter.com/dZLxm6VoIi— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 4, 2026 Should the examination produce encouraging results, the Selecao’s technical staff could allow Neymar to return to training with the rest of the squad, significantly improving his chances of being available for the World Cup opener. Internally, there is growing optimism that the recovery is progressing faster than initially expected. While no guarantees have been made, the possibility of Neymar appearing against Morocco remains alive. Brazil preparing for multiple scenarios Ancelotti and his coaching staff are understandably preparing for every possibility. World Cup regulations allow teams to replace injured outfield players until 24 hours before their opening match. However, Brazil has shown no signs of considering such a move, reflecting the confidence the coaching staff has in Neymar’s recovery timetable. Neymar Jr. of Brazil celebrates scoring his side’s first goal with his teammate Lucas Paqueta . If the forward were unable to participate immediately, Brazil would still possess considerable attacking depth. Players such as Endrick, Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, and Igor Thiago provide alternative options capable of carrying the attacking burden. Still, there is little doubt that Neymar’s presence would significantly strengthen Brazil’s ambitions.
The Milan forward finally ended a frustrating scoring drought, but even that positive moment was followed by a sobering reminder from former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard about the expectations that come with being the face of the national team. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup enters its final days, Christian Pulisic finds himself back in the spotlight for two very different reasons. The Milan forward finally ended a frustrating scoring drought, but even that positive moment was followed by a sobering reminder from former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard about the expectations that come with being the face of the national team. For the United States national team, confidence is building at the perfect time. Yet while Pulisic’s long-awaited goal against Senegal provided relief ahead of the tournament, it also sparked a wider conversation about pressure, leadership, and what will be expected from him once the World Cup begins on home soil. The breakthrough arrived during the USMNT’s 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal. Pulisic had gone nearly five months without finding the net for either club or country. His previous goal came for Milan in a Serie A victory over Hellas Verona on December 28, while his last international goal had arrived back in November 2024 against Jamaica. Against Senegal, however, the 27-year-old delivered exactly the kind of performance supporters wanted to see before the World Cup. After creating the opening goal for Sergino Dest with a perfectly weighted assist, Pulisic added a goal of his own in the 20th minute. Receiving a clever pass from Ricardo Pepi, he rounded goalkeeper Mory Diaw before calmly finishing from a tight angle to give the United States national team a 2-0 advantage. “I have played really well in recent months, but all everyone seems to care about is goals,” Pulisic said afterward. “Hopefully, we can stop talking about it. We’ve got big games ahead, and I’ve got to be ready.” Timely boost before World Cup The goal could hardly have arrived at a better moment. With the World Cup opener against Paraguay rapidly approaching, questions had begun to emerge regarding Pulisic’s form in front of goal. Despite producing solid performances and contributing creatively, the lack of goals had become one of the dominant storylines surrounding the United States national team. United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino had publicly predicted that Pulisic would soon rediscover his scoring touch. Throughout the training camp leading up to the Senegal match, the Argentine manager consistently praised the forward’s attitude and commitment. According to Pochettino, the goal was simply the reward for the work Pulisic had been putting in behind the scenes. “The performance of Christian was really, really good,” Pochettino said after the match. “I think he still has potential to improve, but my thing is, this is the way he’s been training from Day 1.” Christian Pulisic of United States scores his team’s second goal against Mory Diaw of Senegal The coach added that the goal was exactly what his star player needed before entering the biggest tournament of his career. “[Scoring] is important for a player preparing for the World Cup. I’m so happy for him.” Tim Howard delivers sobering reminder While many supporters viewed the goal as the perfect way to silence criticism, former United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard offered a different perspective. Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer Podcast, Howard reacted to Pulisic’s suggestion that people might finally stop discussing his goal drought. The World Cup veteran made it clear that life as the country’s biggest star comes with constant scrutiny. “He is not living on this planet if he truly believes that one goal after a very long drought is going to ‘people can stop talking about it’, they won’t,” Howard said. Tim says one goal from Pulisic won't silence people. pic.twitter.com/ueAo2lC7UR— Unfiltered Soccer (@UnfilteredSoccr) June 4,
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are very much interested in bringing Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin this summer. They’ve already spoken to the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy on this subject ahead of the Champions League final in Budapest, and further talks are expected to take place in the coming days. Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti […] The post Juventus and PSG in Kolo Muani talks appeared first on SoccerNews.
