Match story
- Uruguay created the clearer chances on xG (0.66 vs 1.72, Δ 1.06).
- Uruguay fired more attempts (27 vs 7 shots).
- Uruguay held more of the ball (67% possession).
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay drew 1-1 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Maurizio Mariani, Italy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay meeting in World Cup 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 Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia and Uruguay drew 1-1 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Maurizio Mariani, Italy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay meeting in World Cup 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 Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Saudi Arabia
Today’s fluff has sought shade As these glorious pages reported on Thursday, Galatasaray wanted Gabriel Martinelli. In the following 24 hours things changed a bit, creating greater complexity, something we do not approve of. Arsenal have supposedly been offered the chance to involve the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in exchange for the Brazilian, which could be temptong for a side looking for a new No 9. To further sweeten any potential, Ethan Nwaneri could be chucked into it too to make it a mega swap.Tijjani Reijnders may struggle to find a perfect role within Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. The Dutchman has already been linked with Nottingham Forest, which has stirred some interest in Saudi Arabia from Al Qadsiah, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers and are willing to cough up £51m for the midfielder. Continue reading...
Ahead of the beginning of the 2026-27 season without, Cristiano Ronaldo's new coach Ange Postecoglou made an honest take on Al Nassr's trophy hopes: "I don't promise anything." Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined his teammates and completed his first training session at Al Nassr as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 season under new management. However, new head coach Ange Postecoglou was quick to temper expectations ahead of the upcoming campaign, stating plainly: “I do not promise anything.“ Last season, Jorge Jesus was appointed by Al Nassr to snap a multi-year silverware drought, ultimately guiding the club to a Saudi Pro League title. With Jesus now taking charge of the Portugal national team, Postecoglou was brought in as his replacement, tasked with maintaining that championship momentum. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at the Dar Al Nassr training complex, Postecoglou was asked about the road ahead following a demanding preseason in which Al Nassr posted a 1-3 record: “When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well.“ While he stopped short of guaranteeing trophies, the new Al Nassr boss made no secret of his ambition for his debut campaign in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season,” he said. “The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success,” he added. The captain is back. The message is clear 💛Coach Ange: “The league starts today” 🟡 pic.twitter.com/I8BLGWgPIo— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 Unlike last season, Al Nassr will be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier continental tournament, alongside their domestic duties in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top competition last year, finishing as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, but punched their ticket back to the elite tier by winning the SPL title. Postecoglou and his second-season pedigree Under contract through June 2028, Postecoglou’s tenure with the Saudi club extends beyond Ronaldo’s current deal, which runs through June 2027. However, much of the Australian manager’s famed track record has come during his second years in charge, a pattern he readily acknowledges. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he famously declared, “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them,” a claim that has consistently held up. That history of second-year triumphs spans stops at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and Tottenham, where he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. Postecoglou also became the first manager from his country to take charge of a Saudi Pro League side, a milestone he proudly highlighted. “I am proud of where I am working now. I am an Australian born in Greece, and I have become the first Australian coach in Saudi Arabia, just as I was in England and Japan,” he said during the press conference.
Nottingham Forest remain in the frame for the Netherlands international but he is weighing up whether to accept the offer to link up with coach Brendan Rodgers.
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders will reportedly make a final decision on his future amid speculation that a Saudi Pro League side have made a substantial bid for his signature.
Al-Qadsiah and Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement in principle for Tijjani Reijnders, according to Fabrizio Romano. The proposed transfer is worth €61 million, but Al-Qadsiah must still convince Reijnders to accept the move to Saudi Arabia. No agreement has been reached with the Netherlands international, leaving his decision as the central part of […] The post Al-Qadsiah reaches €61 million club agreement for Tijjani Reijnders appeared first on SoccerNews.
This should be a big year for Jarrod Bowen, Zan Vipotnik, Ethan Galbraith, Lorent Tolaj, Léo Scienza, Othmane Maamma and Mason MeliaBy Opta AnalystThe Championship, often called the most exciting league in football, is also among the least predictable competitions in Europe. It’s the perfect stage for players to show off their talent before progressing to top-flight football. We’ve picked seven players we’re excited to see in the Championship this season. Continue reading...
PSG and Aston Villa decide the first champion of the European season at the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where Omar Artan will be the match referee. The man in the middle for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup 2026 final between PSG and Aston Villa is Omar Artan, a 34-year-old Somali official who becomes the first non-European referee to take charge of the fixture in its history. Artan was appointed to the match in Salzburg, Austria, in what marks his first assignment on a European pitch. The appointment carries extra weight given what Artan went through just months earlier. He was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with U.S. authorities citing security concerns. The incident forced him out of officiating at the tournament and sparked outrage back home. Reflecting on the experience, Artan told UEFA: “A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging“. On his Super Cup appointment, he added: “I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud“. Artan’s refereeing record Artan has built one of the most decorated résumés among African officials in recent years. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, a milestone for a country with limited footballing infrastructure, and was subsequently recognized as Africa’s leading referee for his performances that season. #SuperCup referee Omar Artan has touched down in Salzburg 🇸🇴🛬🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/t4mwbPwFEZ— UEFA (@UEFA) August 10, 2026 His CV also includes the 2025 CAF Champions League final, one of the most prestigious club fixtures on the continent, before FIFA selected him for the 2026 World Cup — an appointment that never materialized due to his U.S. entry denial. Wednesday’s Super Cup final now stands as the biggest match of his career to date, and his first ever in Europe. The full officiating team for PSG vs Aston Villa Artan will be assisted on the touchline by Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti as first assistant referee and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe of Kenya as second assistant, while Slovenia’s Rade Obrenovič takes charge as the fourth official. In the VAR booth, Marco Di Bello of Italy will serve as the Video Assistant Referee, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernández of Spain assisting him as AVAR — rounding out a team that, like Artan himself, reflects just how far UEFA has widened its pool of match officials for its showpiece fixtures.
Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo is a low-risk move that makes lots of sense, says Reds fan and author Adam Beattie. The versatile Uruguay defender has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Beattie believes the 27-year-old can hit the ground running at Anfield despite struggling in Spain for the past three years. "I think it makes loads of sense to be honest," Beattie said.
As Ronaldo heads towards 1,000 career goals, the league plans to lift the standard of Saudi Arabian football, not just the clubsThere is no Mohamed Salah in the new Saudi Pro League season that kicks off on Thursday and while the era of the ageing megastar is ending, there is still the strong chance the next few months will be dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old is 24 shy of 1,000 career goals and, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having scored 102 in 107 league games for Al-Nassr, the milestone could – should – be reached this season.Huge as that will be, just how it fits into the plans of the league is unclear. This is the fourth season since the spending started with $957m splashed out in the summer of 2023. It produced thousands of articles, dozens of international broadcasting deals and untold numbers of people worldwide sporting the yellow CR7 Al-Nassr shirt. Now, though, the focus is on getting a little more value for money and lifting not just the clubs, but the standard of Saudi Arabian football in general. Continue reading...
Fabrizio Romano reports that the decision has been made for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye to continue in the Premier League instead of moving to Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal had been keen on Ndiaye this summer, but it seems the Senegal international has decided that he wants to stay in the English top flight instead of […] The post “Decision made” – Boost for Arsenal as Fabrizio Romano delivers major transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.
While announcing his marriage with Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss the first two games of the 2026-27 season for Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrating one of the happiest personal milestones of his life after officially confirming his marriage to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez. However, the wedding celebration will temporarily impact Al Nassr, as the Portuguese legend is reportedly expected to miss the club’s first two official matches of the campaign. On Tuesday, August 12, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez publicly confirmed their marriage following an extended summer vacation following the conclusion of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup run. Taking to social media, the couple published a joint post showcasing matching gold bands with a brief caption that read, “I do.“ According to People, the civil ceremony embraced an intimate setting rather than a lavish public spectacle. Reports indicate the wedding took place in Cascais, an upscale coastal town west of Lisbon, Portugal, with attendance limited exclusively to the couple’s five children: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda. The marriage took place exactly one year after Ronaldo proposed to the model on August 11, 2025. “Yes, I do. In this life and in all my lives,” Rodriguez wrote at the time while displaying her oval-cut diamond engagement ring, valued at roughly €6 million (around $7.8 million USD), which also appeared in the background of their official wedding announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announce their marriage. (@cristiano/Instagram) Ronaldo set to miss first two Al Nassr fixtures Following Portugal’s World Cup elimination on July 6, Ronaldo did not join his Al Nassr teammates for their preseason preparations. While Al Nassr completed their overseas training camp in Portugal before returning to Riyadh, the club captain did not attend a single session, with the competitive season commencing in less than a week. According to a report from Al Riyadhiah, team sources confirmed that Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s first two competitive fixtures of the 2026-27 campaign across two separate competitions. Having been granted an extended leave of absence following international duty at the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo was absent from the club’s summer training program. The forward utilized the additional rest period to complete his marriage to Rodriguez in Portugal before traveling to Saudi Arabia to resume club activities. Lacking full match fitness for the opening fixtures, Ronaldo will first miss Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on Saturday, August 15, as the club begin their title defense. Al Nassr will then play their second fixture on Tuesday, August 18, facing Al Diriyah in the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup. Based on those reports, Ronaldo is targeted to make his seasonal debut on Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on Friday, August 21. Until his return, new head coach Ange Postecoglou will need to adjust his attacking options to fill the central No. 9 role.
Hudson, who worked with the USMNT as an assistant at the 2022 World Cup, and served as an interim head coach in 2025, he was named head coach of Thailand's national team, qualified Thailand for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The post Anthony Hudson on finding success in Thailand and working with USMNT appeared first on Soccer America.
After joining LA Galaxy in look for minutes, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has used Lionel Messi's success in the 2026 World Cup as an inspiration to eventually return to the Mexico national team. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano completed his transfer to the LA Galaxy seeking the consistent minutes he was unable to secure at San Diego FC, aiming to relaunch his career on the international stage. Looking for a blueprint to return to the Mexico national team, Lozano cited Lionel Messi‘s success during the 2026 World Cup while competing in MLS as a primary source of inspiration. Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS. Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.” The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added. Welcome to Los Ángeles, @HirvingLozano70 💫 pic.twitter.com/Ggc7WkHRhI— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2026 Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance. Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy. “Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management. Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez. El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6). Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.
A footballer hoping for a smooch on one of the proudest days of his career was left with lonely lips after his girlfriend blanked and abandoned him on stage.
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Today’s fluff has sought shade As these glorious pages reported on Thursday, Galatasaray wanted Gabriel Martinelli. In the following 24 hours things changed a bit, creating greater complexity, something we do not approve of. Arsenal have supposedly been offered the chance to involve the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in exchange for the Brazilian, which could be temptong for a side looking for a new No 9. To further sweeten any potential, Ethan Nwaneri could be chucked into it too to make it a mega swap.Tijjani Reijnders may struggle to find a perfect role within Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. The Dutchman has already been linked with Nottingham Forest, which has stirred some interest in Saudi Arabia from Al Qadsiah, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers and are willing to cough up £51m for the midfielder. Continue reading...
Ahead of the beginning of the 2026-27 season without, Cristiano Ronaldo's new coach Ange Postecoglou made an honest take on Al Nassr's trophy hopes: "I don't promise anything." Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined his teammates and completed his first training session at Al Nassr as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 season under new management. However, new head coach Ange Postecoglou was quick to temper expectations ahead of the upcoming campaign, stating plainly: “I do not promise anything.“ Last season, Jorge Jesus was appointed by Al Nassr to snap a multi-year silverware drought, ultimately guiding the club to a Saudi Pro League title. With Jesus now taking charge of the Portugal national team, Postecoglou was brought in as his replacement, tasked with maintaining that championship momentum. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at the Dar Al Nassr training complex, Postecoglou was asked about the road ahead following a demanding preseason in which Al Nassr posted a 1-3 record: “When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well.“ While he stopped short of guaranteeing trophies, the new Al Nassr boss made no secret of his ambition for his debut campaign in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season,” he said. “The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success,” he added. The captain is back. The message is clear 💛Coach Ange: “The league starts today” 🟡 pic.twitter.com/I8BLGWgPIo— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 13, 2026 Unlike last season, Al Nassr will be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier continental tournament, alongside their domestic duties in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top competition last year, finishing as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, but punched their ticket back to the elite tier by winning the SPL title. Postecoglou and his second-season pedigree Under contract through June 2028, Postecoglou’s tenure with the Saudi club extends beyond Ronaldo’s current deal, which runs through June 2027. However, much of the Australian manager’s famed track record has come during his second years in charge, a pattern he readily acknowledges. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he famously declared, “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them,” a claim that has consistently held up. That history of second-year triumphs spans stops at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and Tottenham, where he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League. Postecoglou also became the first manager from his country to take charge of a Saudi Pro League side, a milestone he proudly highlighted. “I am proud of where I am working now. I am an Australian born in Greece, and I have become the first Australian coach in Saudi Arabia, just as I was in England and Japan,” he said during the press conference.
Nottingham Forest remain in the frame for the Netherlands international but he is weighing up whether to accept the offer to link up with coach Brendan Rodgers.
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders will reportedly make a final decision on his future amid speculation that a Saudi Pro League side have made a substantial bid for his signature.
Al-Qadsiah and Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement in principle for Tijjani Reijnders, according to Fabrizio Romano. The proposed transfer is worth €61 million, but Al-Qadsiah must still convince Reijnders to accept the move to Saudi Arabia. No agreement has been reached with the Netherlands international, leaving his decision as the central part of […] The post Al-Qadsiah reaches €61 million club agreement for Tijjani Reijnders appeared first on SoccerNews.
This should be a big year for Jarrod Bowen, Zan Vipotnik, Ethan Galbraith, Lorent Tolaj, Léo Scienza, Othmane Maamma and Mason MeliaBy Opta AnalystThe Championship, often called the most exciting league in football, is also among the least predictable competitions in Europe. It’s the perfect stage for players to show off their talent before progressing to top-flight football. We’ve picked seven players we’re excited to see in the Championship this season. Continue reading...
PSG and Aston Villa decide the first champion of the European season at the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where Omar Artan will be the match referee. The man in the middle for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup 2026 final between PSG and Aston Villa is Omar Artan, a 34-year-old Somali official who becomes the first non-European referee to take charge of the fixture in its history. Artan was appointed to the match in Salzburg, Austria, in what marks his first assignment on a European pitch. The appointment carries extra weight given what Artan went through just months earlier. He was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with U.S. authorities citing security concerns. The incident forced him out of officiating at the tournament and sparked outrage back home. Reflecting on the experience, Artan told UEFA: “A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging“. On his Super Cup appointment, he added: “I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud“. Artan’s refereeing record Artan has built one of the most decorated résumés among African officials in recent years. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, a milestone for a country with limited footballing infrastructure, and was subsequently recognized as Africa’s leading referee for his performances that season. #SuperCup referee Omar Artan has touched down in Salzburg 🇸🇴🛬🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/t4mwbPwFEZ— UEFA (@UEFA) August 10, 2026 His CV also includes the 2025 CAF Champions League final, one of the most prestigious club fixtures on the continent, before FIFA selected him for the 2026 World Cup — an appointment that never materialized due to his U.S. entry denial. Wednesday’s Super Cup final now stands as the biggest match of his career to date, and his first ever in Europe. The full officiating team for PSG vs Aston Villa Artan will be assisted on the touchline by Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti as first assistant referee and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe of Kenya as second assistant, while Slovenia’s Rade Obrenovič takes charge as the fourth official. In the VAR booth, Marco Di Bello of Italy will serve as the Video Assistant Referee, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernández of Spain assisting him as AVAR — rounding out a team that, like Artan himself, reflects just how far UEFA has widened its pool of match officials for its showpiece fixtures.
Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo is a low-risk move that makes lots of sense, says Reds fan and author Adam Beattie. The versatile Uruguay defender has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Beattie believes the 27-year-old can hit the ground running at Anfield despite struggling in Spain for the past three years. "I think it makes loads of sense to be honest," Beattie said.
As Ronaldo heads towards 1,000 career goals, the league plans to lift the standard of Saudi Arabian football, not just the clubsThere is no Mohamed Salah in the new Saudi Pro League season that kicks off on Thursday and while the era of the ageing megastar is ending, there is still the strong chance the next few months will be dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old is 24 shy of 1,000 career goals and, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having scored 102 in 107 league games for Al-Nassr, the milestone could – should – be reached this season.Huge as that will be, just how it fits into the plans of the league is unclear. This is the fourth season since the spending started with $957m splashed out in the summer of 2023. It produced thousands of articles, dozens of international broadcasting deals and untold numbers of people worldwide sporting the yellow CR7 Al-Nassr shirt. Now, though, the focus is on getting a little more value for money and lifting not just the clubs, but the standard of Saudi Arabian football in general. Continue reading...
Fabrizio Romano reports that the decision has been made for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye to continue in the Premier League instead of moving to Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal had been keen on Ndiaye this summer, but it seems the Senegal international has decided that he wants to stay in the English top flight instead of […] The post “Decision made” – Boost for Arsenal as Fabrizio Romano delivers major transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.
While announcing his marriage with Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss the first two games of the 2026-27 season for Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrating one of the happiest personal milestones of his life after officially confirming his marriage to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez. However, the wedding celebration will temporarily impact Al Nassr, as the Portuguese legend is reportedly expected to miss the club’s first two official matches of the campaign. On Tuesday, August 12, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez publicly confirmed their marriage following an extended summer vacation following the conclusion of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup run. Taking to social media, the couple published a joint post showcasing matching gold bands with a brief caption that read, “I do.“ According to People, the civil ceremony embraced an intimate setting rather than a lavish public spectacle. Reports indicate the wedding took place in Cascais, an upscale coastal town west of Lisbon, Portugal, with attendance limited exclusively to the couple’s five children: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda. The marriage took place exactly one year after Ronaldo proposed to the model on August 11, 2025. “Yes, I do. In this life and in all my lives,” Rodriguez wrote at the time while displaying her oval-cut diamond engagement ring, valued at roughly €6 million (around $7.8 million USD), which also appeared in the background of their official wedding announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez announce their marriage. (@cristiano/Instagram) Ronaldo set to miss first two Al Nassr fixtures Following Portugal’s World Cup elimination on July 6, Ronaldo did not join his Al Nassr teammates for their preseason preparations. While Al Nassr completed their overseas training camp in Portugal before returning to Riyadh, the club captain did not attend a single session, with the competitive season commencing in less than a week. According to a report from Al Riyadhiah, team sources confirmed that Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s first two competitive fixtures of the 2026-27 campaign across two separate competitions. Having been granted an extended leave of absence following international duty at the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo was absent from the club’s summer training program. The forward utilized the additional rest period to complete his marriage to Rodriguez in Portugal before traveling to Saudi Arabia to resume club activities. Lacking full match fitness for the opening fixtures, Ronaldo will first miss Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on Saturday, August 15, as the club begin their title defense. Al Nassr will then play their second fixture on Tuesday, August 18, facing Al Diriyah in the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup. Based on those reports, Ronaldo is targeted to make his seasonal debut on Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on Friday, August 21. Until his return, new head coach Ange Postecoglou will need to adjust his attacking options to fill the central No. 9 role.
Hudson, who worked with the USMNT as an assistant at the 2022 World Cup, and served as an interim head coach in 2025, he was named head coach of Thailand's national team, qualified Thailand for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The post Anthony Hudson on finding success in Thailand and working with USMNT appeared first on Soccer America.
After joining LA Galaxy in look for minutes, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has used Lionel Messi's success in the 2026 World Cup as an inspiration to eventually return to the Mexico national team. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano completed his transfer to the LA Galaxy seeking the consistent minutes he was unable to secure at San Diego FC, aiming to relaunch his career on the international stage. Looking for a blueprint to return to the Mexico national team, Lozano cited Lionel Messi‘s success during the 2026 World Cup while competing in MLS as a primary source of inspiration. Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS. Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.” The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added. Welcome to Los Ángeles, @HirvingLozano70 💫 pic.twitter.com/Ggc7WkHRhI— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2026 Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance. Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy. “Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management. Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez. El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6). Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.
A footballer hoping for a smooch on one of the proudest days of his career was left with lonely lips after his girlfriend blanked and abandoned him on stage.
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