Defence Force defeated Mount Pleasant Academy 0-1 in CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2025 season. The full-time result capped a Mount Pleasant Academy vs Defence Force meeting in CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Mount Pleasant Academy and Defence Force. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
CONCACAF Caribbean Club ChampionshipRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Defence Force defeated Mount Pleasant Academy 0-1 in CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship. The fixture is part of the Semi-finals stage in the 2025 season. The full-time result capped a Mount Pleasant Academy vs Defence Force meeting in CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Mount Pleasant Academy and Defence Force. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
CONCACAF Caribbean Club ChampionshipRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Arsenal have a leadership group that supports club captain Martin Odegaard but, with the addition of Bruno Guimaraes, they will be bringing in a player who is a natural leader. Guimaraes became Newcastle's talisman during his time at St James' Park and, as Arteta looks to maximise every marginal gain he can, the Brazilian's ability and his way of connecting with supporters will be another weapon. Arsenal have had campaigns seriously affected by injury, but Guimaraes has missed just 16 Premier League games since he signed for Newcastle in 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!Here we go again. And, no, we are not talking about the start of the new Scottish Premiership season or the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup – although that Tranmere v Rochdale shootout was a cracker. Yes, after a week of talk about money, greed and Donald Trump’s son-in-law’s brother, the hot topic around the water cooler on Monday was again Gianni Infantino and, more specifically, the English and Welsh FAs’ decisions to row back on their support of a stalling ship. Along with Finland, they’re the first of Uefa’s 55 members to withdraw their letters of support for next year’s Fifa overlord elections.I write to you with my deep regret on hearing about the death of the heroic and granite-made Franco Baresi. Two moments stand out to me, both off the pitch, and show what a great man he was. The first was when Arrigo Sacchi, the Milan manager, dropped his intensity in training, fearing he was overworking the players; Baresi convinced Sacchi to up it instead for the sake of the team, with spectacular results. The second was an older Baresi reflecting on his 1994 World Cup final loss to Brazil, which he appeared in 25 days after knee surgery. Rather than lamenting his lot, having missed a penalty and lost the final, Baresi instead recalled watching the 1970 final between Italy and Brazil, only the second game he had seen on TV. The first game was the West Germany v Italy semi-final, where he recalled watching the players who ‘to me, they were Martians’. He said: ‘I would never have thought 24 years later, at 34 years old, I would have the possibility to play in that same game, the final, against Brazil, the same team. It was a dream that came true.’ Rest in peace” – Nick Kinsella.I was wondering if Gianni Infantino might revist his Big Sale Opportunity by allowing smaller, club-level contestants from less lucrative leagues to participate in a seriously revamped World Cup, replacing their boycotting national sides. For instance, from the lower leagues of Scottish competitions. Mainly to render possible the wonderful hypothetical headline result of the last match of the (?) 2038 edition: Fifa Forward Final fiasco … East Fife 4, Forfar 5” – Russell Richardson.Steve Bennett’s comment on Newcastle United’s new kit (Friday’s Football Daily letters) made me think of West Bromwich Albion’s similarly ‘bar-coded’ Premier League strip from the 2020-21 season, at the end of which they were relegated. Newcastle may have to hope that isn’t an omen” – Derrick Cameron.This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!You have to hand it to Gianni Infantino, his timing was impeccable. After the relative on-field success of the Geopolitics World Cup, Fifa’s omnipresent overlord knew he had to strike while the iron was hot. There would be a small gap in the news cycle. Domestic seasons around the world would be starting soon and there is always transfer news to dominate column inches and air time. But Gianni would not be denied. It was time to announce his grand plan. People like the World Cup? Great! Then why not sell stakes in the World Cup to rich private investors and make Fifa some more cash – genius! However, he managed to get his timing all wrong, allowing the brave boys from Uefa and Concacaf to take action, the former threatening to boycott all Fifa competitions until the plans are ditched.I have no problem with Gianni Infantino seeking to sell the commercial rights for the next World Cup finals for $20bn or more. This is the biggest sporting competition and deserves to raise as much revenue as possible from sponsors. That he can offer all the member countries upwards of $30m each would be a godsend for many smaller associations. What I do expect for the good of the game and for spectators of all ages is that the broadcasting of all matches remains free to air and doesn’t end up behind expensive paywalls. It’s bad enough in the UK that the Premier League, Football League, Prem Rugby and all first-class cricket matches are now behind paywalls and that access to actual matches is priced well beyond the average spectator’s ability to pay. How are fans, particularly those who are young and/or from poorer households, going to be able to afford to see matches? Fifa, Uefa and the FA have a duty to bring their sport to the widest audience possible at reasonable entrance prices at stadiums or for free on television. Rant over” – Tim Leech.Amid all the speculation over the demise of Eddie Howe at Newcastle (yesterday’s Football Daily), surely one look at that new kit would’ve been enough to see off anyone with a modicum of taste. He departs with dignity intact” – Steve Bennett. Continue reading...
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has suffered a foot injury which is set to rule him out for three to four months and Alexander Smith, senior reporter at the Daily Echo, believes he will be "a big miss" for the side. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign with the Cherries.
Everything was looking rosy for Howe at St James’ Park until Alexander Isak’s departure led to rushed signings and a messy seasonLast September, David Hopkinson, just installed as Newcastle’s chief executive, perched on a stool at a downstairs corner table in Shearer’s Bar at St James’ Park and between sips of zero alcohol lager, likened Eddie Howe to Bruce Springsteen. According to Hopkinson, Newcastle’s manager was “the Boss” and “the talent”. He conjured up an imaginary scene involving Springsteen asking for M&M’s before a concert and being duly supplied with a dressing room overflowing with the brightly coloured confectionery. The same principle, he said, would apply to “Eddie”, who would e furnished with “whatever he wants”.Six months later, things had changed. In late March, Hopkinson sat around a heavy wooden table in a St James’ Park boardroom and, between sips of coffee, said he did not “have a stance on the manager’s future”. What he could tell assembled reporters was that a recent home defeat by Sunderland “hurt”. It “resonated” and was being taken “seriously”. Given that Newcastle had just lost a Champions League tie 8-3 to Barcelona on aggregate and were en route to finishing 12th in the Premier League, Howe admitted to “sleepless nights” before a summit with the club’s majority Saudi Arabian ownership at Matfen Hall hotel in Northumberland the following month. Continue reading...
European football's governing body UEFA said on Thursday it would boycott the World Cup if FIFA pressed ahead with its private investor plan. "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership," UEFA said in a statement. FRANCE 24's James Vasina reports.
When Elliot Anderson completed his £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City last week, there was a sense of deja vu. It is not the first time City has signed one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League fresh from an impressive first international tournament with England. A similar story unfolded in 2022 when Kalvin Phillips left his boyhood club, Leeds United, to join City on a six-year deal.
Wrexham and Liverpool will face each other in a 2026 club friendly. Here’s how fans in the United States can watch the matchup live. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Wrexham vs Liverpool on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Wrexham vs Liverpool WHAT International Friendly WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, July 29, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Liverpool and Wrexham meet in a preseason matchup as both clubs continue preparations for important campaigns ahead. Wrexham are aiming to reignite their push for a historic Premier League promotion after narrowly missing the Championship playoffs last season. On the other hand, Liverpool are using these summer contests to sharpen a squad expected to compete for trophies on multiple fronts. Although it’s only a friendly, this game offers an early look at two teams with big ambitions. Don’t miss the action. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Wrexham vs Liverpool 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.
Manchester City reportedly already have Ayyoub Bouaddi lined up as Rodri's replacement, depending on what the Spaniard decides about his future. Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Fabrizio Romano, with negotiations between the club and Lille now described as actively advancing. The Moroccan midfielder, still just 18 years old, has emerged as one of the standout young talents to come out of the 2026 World Cup, and City appear determined to get a deal over the line. Bouaddi’s rise has been rapid. He featured in five of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament before the team was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals, and that performance has only intensified interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. City are said to have gotten ahead of their fiercest Premier League rival in the race, Arsenal, who previously were viewed as favorites to sign him but have reportedly shifted their attention toward Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes instead. Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. (Getty Images) Whether Bouaddi arrives now or waits until June 2027 hinges largely on what happens with Rodri. According to Romano, if Rodri stays at the Etihad, City could delay Bouaddi’s arrival until next summer; but if Rodri departs for Real Madrid, City may move to complete the deal within the current transfer window instead, bringing the Moroccan in immediately rather than waiting a full year. Where things stand with Rodri and Real Madrid Bouaddi’s timeline at City is reportedly tied directly to what happens with Rodri, which makes the ongoing Real Madrid negotiation the key variable. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks over the Spanish midfielder have advanced, and Florentino Perez has now given the green light for the clubs to negotiate directly. City, for their part, are said to be in no rush to accept, hoping PSG or Barcelona push the price higher before any deal is finalized. Manchester knows it will be very difficult to hold on to the Spanish midfielder, meaning he could depart either in this transfer window or next year, when his contract expires.
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Arsenal have a leadership group that supports club captain Martin Odegaard but, with the addition of Bruno Guimaraes, they will be bringing in a player who is a natural leader. Guimaraes became Newcastle's talisman during his time at St James' Park and, as Arteta looks to maximise every marginal gain he can, the Brazilian's ability and his way of connecting with supporters will be another weapon. Arsenal have had campaigns seriously affected by injury, but Guimaraes has missed just 16 Premier League games since he signed for Newcastle in 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!Here we go again. And, no, we are not talking about the start of the new Scottish Premiership season or the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup – although that Tranmere v Rochdale shootout was a cracker. Yes, after a week of talk about money, greed and Donald Trump’s son-in-law’s brother, the hot topic around the water cooler on Monday was again Gianni Infantino and, more specifically, the English and Welsh FAs’ decisions to row back on their support of a stalling ship. Along with Finland, they’re the first of Uefa’s 55 members to withdraw their letters of support for next year’s Fifa overlord elections.I write to you with my deep regret on hearing about the death of the heroic and granite-made Franco Baresi. Two moments stand out to me, both off the pitch, and show what a great man he was. The first was when Arrigo Sacchi, the Milan manager, dropped his intensity in training, fearing he was overworking the players; Baresi convinced Sacchi to up it instead for the sake of the team, with spectacular results. The second was an older Baresi reflecting on his 1994 World Cup final loss to Brazil, which he appeared in 25 days after knee surgery. Rather than lamenting his lot, having missed a penalty and lost the final, Baresi instead recalled watching the 1970 final between Italy and Brazil, only the second game he had seen on TV. The first game was the West Germany v Italy semi-final, where he recalled watching the players who ‘to me, they were Martians’. He said: ‘I would never have thought 24 years later, at 34 years old, I would have the possibility to play in that same game, the final, against Brazil, the same team. It was a dream that came true.’ Rest in peace” – Nick Kinsella.I was wondering if Gianni Infantino might revist his Big Sale Opportunity by allowing smaller, club-level contestants from less lucrative leagues to participate in a seriously revamped World Cup, replacing their boycotting national sides. For instance, from the lower leagues of Scottish competitions. Mainly to render possible the wonderful hypothetical headline result of the last match of the (?) 2038 edition: Fifa Forward Final fiasco … East Fife 4, Forfar 5” – Russell Richardson.Steve Bennett’s comment on Newcastle United’s new kit (Friday’s Football Daily letters) made me think of West Bromwich Albion’s similarly ‘bar-coded’ Premier League strip from the 2020-21 season, at the end of which they were relegated. Newcastle may have to hope that isn’t an omen” – Derrick Cameron.This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!You have to hand it to Gianni Infantino, his timing was impeccable. After the relative on-field success of the Geopolitics World Cup, Fifa’s omnipresent overlord knew he had to strike while the iron was hot. There would be a small gap in the news cycle. Domestic seasons around the world would be starting soon and there is always transfer news to dominate column inches and air time. But Gianni would not be denied. It was time to announce his grand plan. People like the World Cup? Great! Then why not sell stakes in the World Cup to rich private investors and make Fifa some more cash – genius! However, he managed to get his timing all wrong, allowing the brave boys from Uefa and Concacaf to take action, the former threatening to boycott all Fifa competitions until the plans are ditched.I have no problem with Gianni Infantino seeking to sell the commercial rights for the next World Cup finals for $20bn or more. This is the biggest sporting competition and deserves to raise as much revenue as possible from sponsors. That he can offer all the member countries upwards of $30m each would be a godsend for many smaller associations. What I do expect for the good of the game and for spectators of all ages is that the broadcasting of all matches remains free to air and doesn’t end up behind expensive paywalls. It’s bad enough in the UK that the Premier League, Football League, Prem Rugby and all first-class cricket matches are now behind paywalls and that access to actual matches is priced well beyond the average spectator’s ability to pay. How are fans, particularly those who are young and/or from poorer households, going to be able to afford to see matches? Fifa, Uefa and the FA have a duty to bring their sport to the widest audience possible at reasonable entrance prices at stadiums or for free on television. Rant over” – Tim Leech.Amid all the speculation over the demise of Eddie Howe at Newcastle (yesterday’s Football Daily), surely one look at that new kit would’ve been enough to see off anyone with a modicum of taste. He departs with dignity intact” – Steve Bennett. Continue reading...
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has suffered a foot injury which is set to rule him out for three to four months and Alexander Smith, senior reporter at the Daily Echo, believes he will be "a big miss" for the side. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign with the Cherries.
Everything was looking rosy for Howe at St James’ Park until Alexander Isak’s departure led to rushed signings and a messy seasonLast September, David Hopkinson, just installed as Newcastle’s chief executive, perched on a stool at a downstairs corner table in Shearer’s Bar at St James’ Park and between sips of zero alcohol lager, likened Eddie Howe to Bruce Springsteen. According to Hopkinson, Newcastle’s manager was “the Boss” and “the talent”. He conjured up an imaginary scene involving Springsteen asking for M&M’s before a concert and being duly supplied with a dressing room overflowing with the brightly coloured confectionery. The same principle, he said, would apply to “Eddie”, who would e furnished with “whatever he wants”.Six months later, things had changed. In late March, Hopkinson sat around a heavy wooden table in a St James’ Park boardroom and, between sips of coffee, said he did not “have a stance on the manager’s future”. What he could tell assembled reporters was that a recent home defeat by Sunderland “hurt”. It “resonated” and was being taken “seriously”. Given that Newcastle had just lost a Champions League tie 8-3 to Barcelona on aggregate and were en route to finishing 12th in the Premier League, Howe admitted to “sleepless nights” before a summit with the club’s majority Saudi Arabian ownership at Matfen Hall hotel in Northumberland the following month. Continue reading...
European football's governing body UEFA said on Thursday it would boycott the World Cup if FIFA pressed ahead with its private investor plan. "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership," UEFA said in a statement. FRANCE 24's James Vasina reports.
When Elliot Anderson completed his £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City last week, there was a sense of deja vu. It is not the first time City has signed one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League fresh from an impressive first international tournament with England. A similar story unfolded in 2022 when Kalvin Phillips left his boyhood club, Leeds United, to join City on a six-year deal.
Wrexham and Liverpool will face each other in a 2026 club friendly. Here’s how fans in the United States can watch the matchup live. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Wrexham vs Liverpool on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Wrexham vs Liverpool WHAT International Friendly WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, July 29, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Liverpool and Wrexham meet in a preseason matchup as both clubs continue preparations for important campaigns ahead. Wrexham are aiming to reignite their push for a historic Premier League promotion after narrowly missing the Championship playoffs last season. On the other hand, Liverpool are using these summer contests to sharpen a squad expected to compete for trophies on multiple fronts. Although it’s only a friendly, this game offers an early look at two teams with big ambitions. Don’t miss the action. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Wrexham vs Liverpool 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.
Manchester City reportedly already have Ayyoub Bouaddi lined up as Rodri's replacement, depending on what the Spaniard decides about his future. Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Fabrizio Romano, with negotiations between the club and Lille now described as actively advancing. The Moroccan midfielder, still just 18 years old, has emerged as one of the standout young talents to come out of the 2026 World Cup, and City appear determined to get a deal over the line. Bouaddi’s rise has been rapid. He featured in five of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament before the team was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals, and that performance has only intensified interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. City are said to have gotten ahead of their fiercest Premier League rival in the race, Arsenal, who previously were viewed as favorites to sign him but have reportedly shifted their attention toward Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes instead. Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. (Getty Images) Whether Bouaddi arrives now or waits until June 2027 hinges largely on what happens with Rodri. According to Romano, if Rodri stays at the Etihad, City could delay Bouaddi’s arrival until next summer; but if Rodri departs for Real Madrid, City may move to complete the deal within the current transfer window instead, bringing the Moroccan in immediately rather than waiting a full year. Where things stand with Rodri and Real Madrid Bouaddi’s timeline at City is reportedly tied directly to what happens with Rodri, which makes the ongoing Real Madrid negotiation the key variable. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks over the Spanish midfielder have advanced, and Florentino Perez has now given the green light for the clubs to negotiate directly. City, for their part, are said to be in no rush to accept, hoping PSG or Barcelona push the price higher before any deal is finalized. Manchester knows it will be very difficult to hold on to the Spanish midfielder, meaning he could depart either in this transfer window or next year, when his contract expires.
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