The 2026 FIFA World Cup is truly underway, and two Barcelona players, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, have already played their first games with their respective nations.Tonight, Spain are set to take o...
After a season disrupted by injuries, Barcelona forward Raphinha is fully focused on the biggest challenge in international football as Brazil prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 29-year-old may n...
Bruno Guimaraes defended Brazil's chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by using Argentina as an example. Brazil are set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign looking to end a 24-year drought without lifting the trophy. Bruno Guimaraes addressed the widespread perception that his national team are not among the leading favorites and pointed to Argentina as an example. “Argentina weren’t favorites at the last World Cup, and they won,” Guimaraes said during a press conference this week when asked whether he believed Brazil could win the trophy despite their struggles in recent years and the team’s unconvincing performances. However, the comparison with Argentina is open to debate. Four years ago, Lionel Messi and his teammates entered the 2022 World Cup as the reigning Copa America and Finalissima champions. They were playing convincing soccer and carried a 36-match unbeaten streak that ended in their opener against Saudi Arabia. There was no unanimous agreement at the time regarding Argentina’s status as title contenders, but many observers did hold that view. By contrast, caution surrounding Brazil‘s chances now appears to be more widespread and supported by tangible evidence. Carlo Ancelloti, head coach of Brazil. Brazil finished fifth in the World Cup qualifiers, 10 points behind Argentina, after a turbulent cycle that included the departures of two head coaches before Carlo Ancelotti arrived last summer. Under the Italian manager, they have played 12 matches across official competitions and friendlies, recording seven wins, two draws and three losses. Guimaraes defends Brazil’s chances At the same press conference, Bruno Guimaraes defended Brazil’s chances of competing for the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He first pointed to the history and tradition of the national team. “No one has five stars on their chest,” he said, referring to Brazil’s record as the most successful team in World Cup history. “We have great players shining at the best teams in the world, like Vini and Raphinha,” added the Newcastle midfielder while explaining his optimism about Brazil’s chances. “We must show proper respect to our players.” Brazil face a tough challenge in their opener As members of Group C, Brazil will be among the first teams to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. They will face Morocco on Saturday in a difficult test against a team that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022 and finished as runners-up at the 2025 AFCON just a few months ago. On paper, that will be Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s toughest challenge of the group stage. They will then face Haiti on Friday, June 19, before wrapping up that phase of the tournament five days later against Scotland.
After delivering solid performances under Hansi Flick, Marcus Rashford seemed destined to continue at Barcelona. However, the Englishman’s future now appears uncertain, as the Blaugranas have reportedly decided not to pay the €30 million buy option to Manchester United. Marcus Rashford managed to rediscover his spark at Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick, he became one of the team’s most productive players. With this, he seemed destined to remain at the Spanish side. However, the 28-year-old star’s professional future now appears uncertain. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, the Blaugranas have reportedly decided not to pay the €30 million buy option to Manchester United for the Englishman. According to Ferran Correas, via Diario Sport, the Blaugrana have already informed Rashford’s camp that they will not activate the €30 million purchase option, which expires in five days. Although they attempted to negotiate a reduced fee or a new loan deal, this was not possible. As a result, Marcus will have to return to Manchester United after the 2026 World Cup to define his next professional steps. After this information became known, Rashford removed from his Instagram profile the description stating that he was a Barcelona player. With the World Cup just days away, his performance in the tournament could define his future, as several clubs appear to be monitoring his situation closely. In addition, the Blaugrana could still wait for the 28-year-old star to pressure the Red Devils into accepting a lower offer to return to Hansi Flick’s team. Marcus Rashford is emerging as the favourite to start for England at the 2026 World Cup. Although head coach Thomas Tuchel has Anthony Gordon available, the 28-year-old star has had a more prominent role in recent matches, delivering very strong performances. Because of this, he could produce a standout tournament in an attempt to convince Barcelona to pursue his signing, as he appears to have a clear priority of remaining at the Spanish side. Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona smiling prior a game. Anthony Gordon’s arrival jeopardizes Rashford’s future at Barcelona While Rashford delivered some good performances, he did not manage to secure a starting spot at Barcelona. In fact, he was often used as a substitute in the second half of the season, disappointing in the Champions League. Due to his inconsistency and being 28 years old, the Blaugrana decided to bet on Anthony Gordon, paying €80 million to Newcastle United. With this move, Marcus now appears to have no place in Hansi Flick’s team. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Raphinha re-emerges as the starter on the left wing, as he is key to the collective system. As his backup, Hansi Flick could rely on Gordon, as his high-pressing and pace makes him a huge asset for the future. Because of this, Marcus Rashford appears to be without a role, as he would have to play as a centre-forward or right winger, not on his natural left spot. With no guaranteed place in Hansi Flick’s rotation, the Blaugrana could decide not to go ahead with his signing, as they would have to pay at least €20 million or even more. In addition, Marcus Rashford may be tempted to join any other top European clubs, where he could have much more prominence and play in his preferred left-wing position, something Barcelona do not seem able to offer.
Barcelona acting president Rafael Yuste responded to Atletico Madrid's post about Lamine Yamal. The saga between these clubs for Julian Alvarez continued last week in an expected way as Atletico Madrid published a photo of Lamine Yamal wearing their jersey next to a fake low offer. This wasn’t taken lightly by Barcelona, which responded with their acting president Rafael Yuste on Friday. Yuste said: “Atlético de Madrid’s posts? I thought they were in very bad taste. We have a very clear way of acting as a club. I believe education comes above everything, and therefore we must continue giving an example, from the president to the last member of the board.” In the posts of the matter, Atletico Madrid joked they offered “4 tickets for Bad Bunny’s concert, an annual subscription to ABC, and a bag of sunflower seeds” for the right winger after what they considered a low offer for Alvarez. They also made similar posts involving Pedri and Raphinha. Yuste on Alvarez The reported offer from Barcelona was 100 million euros, according to Marca. Even if this may not be enough for Atletico Madrid, it wasn’t a disrespectful one. However, they responded to all the pressure they think is being put on them claiming they have been “suffering a smear campaign against one of our players”. HERE WE GO! Hemos enviado un fax al @FCBarcelona_es con nuestra oferta de traspaso: 4 entradas para el concierto de Bad Bunny de mañana, una suscripción anual al ABC y una bolsa de pipas. Esperamos ansiosos la respuesta para preparar el ‘announce’. pic.twitter.com/e0J7mPljHa— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 29, 2026 Purchasing a forward seems to be the priority for Barcelona in this transfer window after the void left by Robert Lewandowski, who’s replacement solution isn’t being commanded by the acting president. Yuste said when asked about the possible arrival of the Argentine forward: “Deco is managing the sporting plans very well, and we want him to continue with this great work he has been doing.” Yuste’s role While Yuste remains in one of the highest ranks in the club’s organization, he’s only the acting president, so it makes total sense he isn’t following these types of negotiations firsthand as he must take a back seat to Joan Laporta. The winner of the elections has a date to officially become the president of Barcelona on July 1.
After rediscovering his best form under Hansi Flick, Marcus Rashford appears determined to remain at FC Barcelona. With his firm stance, the English star is reportedly forcing Manchester United FC to negotiate a lower transfer fee with the Blaugranas in the summer of 2026. Marcus Rashford managed to relaunch his career at Barcelona, becoming a regular part of Hansi Flick’s rotation. As a result, the Englishman appears determined to remain at the club, rejecting any transfer to other teams. Following his inflexible stance, Manchester United have reportedly decided to change their position, becoming more open to negotiating a lower transfer fee with the Blaugranas. According to Luis Miguel Sanz, via Diario AS, Manchester United do not plan to count on Marcus Rashford in their sporting project, seeking to get rid of his extremely high salary. Despite multiple clubs inquiring about his signing, the 28-year-old star has made it clear that he only wants to join FC Barcelona. Following his inflexibility, the Red Devils have decided to sit down and negotiate a more affordable departure once again. After signing Anthony Gordon, Hansi Flick’s side are no longer in any rush to complete the signing of Rashford, giving them greater leverage in negotiations with the Red Devils. With the need to stop paying his very high wages, the Blaugranas are looking to negotiate a lower transfer fee or even another loan deal. To facilitate this, they have reportedly reached an agreement with Marcus for him to reduce his salary demands. With the 2026 World Cup only a few weeks away, the future of Marcus Rashford is expected to be decided after the tournament, with the chance to convince even more during the competition with England. In addition, Barcelona reportedly have the signing of a striker as their first priority, leaving the arrival of the Englishman as an option. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old star’s arrival would imply the direct departure of Roony Bardghji. Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match. Marcus Rashford may not have a guaranteed role at Barcelona Throughout the 2025–26 season, Marcus Rashford was a very important player for Hansi Flick. Due to the numerous injuries suffered by Raphinha, the English star enjoyed significant playing time on the left wing. However, the signing of Anthony Gordon and the continued presence of the Brazilian star could relegate him to a less prominent role or force him to play in two positions where he has not managed to shine. With Gordon and Raphinha occupying the left wing, Rashford would be forced to play on the right wing, serving as the backup to Lamine Yamal. Not only does the 18-year-old star tend to have very little rotation, but the Englishman has also never truly excelled in that position throughout his career. In addition, he could serve as a third alternative at center forward. However, Hansi Flick will have Ferran Torres and another world-class signing available. Without a guaranteed role in the rotation, Marcus Rashford’s second season with the Blaugranas may not be as significant as the first. At 28 years old, he could need a team where he has a more prominent role, especially after proving that he can still be a key player. Under Hansi Flick, he would be an option from the bench rather than a certainty in the rotation.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the focus of Brazil’s fans is on Neymar and his physical condition. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to put the focus on Raphinha, calling him “the best in the world” at attacking deep. Neymar Jr’s comeback has taken all the attention from Brazil’s fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Not only his physical condition, but also his appearance after several years of absence has taken center stage. Far from continuing to build the discussion around the veteran, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to shift the focus toward Raphinha, praising him as “the best player in the world” at attacking deep. “What I ask of him is to stay close to the defensive line because I believe that, when it comes to attacking space in behind, he is the best in the world… I think being close to the defensive line to attack from deep is more important, but I’m never going to tell Raphinha where he has to play when we have the ball,” Carlo Ancelotti said in the latest press conference. After becoming one of the best players at Barcelona, Raphinha arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Although he is coming off numerous injuries, he has recorded 21 goals and eight assists. With this in mind, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to make the 29-year-old star one of the cornerstones of the national team, with him being a regular starter since the Italian manager’s arrival. Not only does Raphinha excel as a dribbling winger, but he is also a world-class creative hub. With his vast experience, Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to limit the 29-year-old star to being just a wide player, instead deploying him as an attacking midfielder. In addition, he has proven to be an outstanding goalscorer, meaning he will be one of the key players when attacking space in behind, especially against top opponents such as France and others. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha of Brazil talk Raphinha emerges as Neymar’s rival for a place in Brazil’s XI Raphinha comes from being one of the best wingers in the world, being an undisputed starter under Hansi Flick at Barcelona. However, he does not appear set to have a similar role with Brazil, as he has always played more toward the inside, being a regular in the double attacking-midfielder system. With this in mind, the 29-year-old star appears to be the direct competition for Neymar Jr. in his final World Cup edition. If he manages to recover in time to face Haiti or Scotland, Neymar could have a chance of playing as an attacking midfielder for Brazil. Without great pace and with his physical condition still in question, he would start at a significant disadvantage compared to Raphinha. However, Carlo Ancelotti could still choose to field both players together, as they are not entirely incompatible and could help boost the attack against highly defensive opponents.
Anthony Gordon’s long-awaited unveiling as a Barcelona player finally took place after a dramatic delay that stretched for more than seven hours beyond the originally scheduled time.Despite growing ...
