With the 2026 World Cup officially getting underway on Thursday night, Mexico will have the honour of opening proceedings when they welcome South Africa to the Estadio Banorte. Enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch so far this calendar year, Mexico have certainly hit top gear at a crucial time and one of this […] The post Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder Tips – 5/1 World Cup Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on SoccerNews.
Aleksander Ceferin has taken another step in UEFA after approving new formats for the 2029 Nations League and 2030 World Cup qualifiers. Aleksander Ceferin and the UEFA Executive Committee convened on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey, to address proposed modifications to competition formats. Following the meeting, European soccer’s governing body announced approved changes to be implemented beginning with the 2029 Nations League and carrying through to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. In recent years, UEFA has shown a willingness to restructure its club competitions significantly. The introduction of the Conference League brought a third tier to European club football, while the replacement of the traditional group stage with a league phase format was rolled out across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Wednesday’s decisions bring that reform mindset to the international stage. The changes announced apply to competitions involving European national teams, with the timeline skewed toward the medium term. With the 2027 Nations League and Euro 2028 still operating under the existing format, the first edition to reflect the new structure will be the 2029 UEFA Nations League, followed by the World Cup qualifying campaign for the 2030 edition. Changes for the 2029 Nations League Managing the wide range of competitive levels among European national teams has always been a challenge, and one of the Nations League’s core purposes was to bring order to that imbalance by grouping nations into tiers and divisions. That structure will now be refined under the new format. UEFA Nations League new format. As confirmed in a statement released by UEFA on Wednesday, the Nations League will transition from four leagues to three, namely League A, League B and League C, each consisting of 18 national teams. Those teams will be divided into groups of six, with each side playing six matches against five different opponents, facing teams from other pots either home or away and meeting their same-pot opponent in a home-and-away format. The one exception to the group-of-six structure applies to League C, where one group will contain seven teams. All other established mechanisms, including promotion and relegation between tiers and the quarterfinals and Final Four format hosted at a single venue, will remain in place. Changes for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers Up through the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle, European teams were organized into 12 groups of varying sizes, with some containing four and others five teams depending on the adjustments required by Nations League Final Four participants. The upcoming cycle will introduce a broader, tier-based approach that mirrors the Nations League structure. The new qualifying format will feature two tiers, League 1 and League 2. League 1 will include 36 nations drawn from the top two tiers of the Nations League, split into three groups of 12, with each team playing six matches against six different opponents, two from each seeding pot. The top finishers in each group will earn automatic qualification, with the remaining spots decided through a playoff system. New format for the 2030 UEFA World Cup qualifiers. League 2 will be composed of the remaining 18 to 19 nations from the Nations League, split into three groups of six, or one group of seven where necessary. UEFA president Čeferin framed the reforms as a meaningful step forward for the competition’s integrity and appeal. “The new formats will improve competitive balance, reduce the number of dead matches, offer a more appealing and dynamic competition to fans, while ensuring a fair qualification chance for all teams and without adding any additional dates in the international calendar,” he said. These changes, alongside the broader structural concept, will be subject to further refinement in the coming months before receiving final approval at the next UEFA Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for September 15, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Gre
Ousmane Dembele picked an injury on Sunday, raising the alarms in both PSG and France national team with the UEFA Champions League and the 2026 World Cup just around the corner. Ousmane Dembele has the opportunity to make 2026 one of the most memorable years of his career, with both a UEFA Champions League title and a World Cup campaign with one of the tournament’s top contenders on the horizon. However, a fresh injury scare has set alarm bells ringing at Paris Saint-Germain and with the France national team, with the most important weeks of his season now just around the corner. On Sunday, PSG traveled to Paris FC for the final matchday of Ligue 1, a title the club had already secured four days earlier with a 2-0 win over RC Lens. Despite the championship being wrapped up, coach Luis Enrique opted to field a strong starting lineup that included Dembele. The concern arose in the 27th minute when Dembele signaled to the bench with discomfort in his left leg and asked to come off. He was replaced by Goncalo Ramos, and rather than taking a seat on the bench to watch the rest of the match alongside his teammates, Dembele headed straight to the locker room, a sight that deepened the worry around his condition, even though he was able to walk off under his own power. RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins reported that the substitution was made purely as a precaution following an alert from Dembele, though the French journalist noted it would be a situation to monitor closely in the days ahead. 🥶❌ AIE AIE AIE ! DEMBELE SORT DU TERRAIN À LA 28EME MINUTE ! À SURVEILLER À QUELQUES JOURS DE LA FINALE DE LIGUE DES CHAMPIONS !https://t.co/PlcI1LlqpF pic.twitter.com/rDdOGdZ1sQ— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) May 17, 2026 What did Luis Enrique say about Dembele? Losing a Paris derby 2-1 after squandering the lead was hardly the ideal end to the Ligue 1 season for Luis Enrique, but the greater concern was the potential loss of a player he has considered the best in the world following Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or victory. Stars including Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and William Pacho had already been absent from Sunday’s game through injury, and a Dembele setback would only add to the headaches heading into the business end of the season. When asked about his star forward in the post-match press conference, Luis Enrique sought to calm the situation: “Nothing to say about Ousmane; we will have to wait until tomorrow (Monday) to know exactly what it is, but I think it’s just fatigue. What we are saying today is only speculation, but I don’t think it’s complicated, and there are still two weeks left (before the Champions League final).” Dembele and the decisive weeks ahead Winning the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup in the same calendar year has become one of the rarest feats in modern soccer, with Raphael Varane’s double with Real Madrid and France in 2018 serving as the most recent high-profile example. As the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Dembele is perfectly positioned to join that exclusive company, though the latest injury scare has tightened an already demanding timeline. The Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, less than two weeks away, while France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16. Dembele has already been confirmed in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament, but with such high-stakes matches stacked so closely together, the risk of a further setback in the lead-up to either game will be weighing heavily on both PSG and the French national team.
Roma receive Lazio in the Matchday 37 of the 2025/2026 Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico. Both rivals are looking for 3 points in this new edition of the Derby della Capitale. Here you can find how to watch this game live in the USA. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Roma vs Lazio on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Roma vs Lazio WHAT Serie A WHEN 6:00am ET / 3:00am PT • Sunday, May 17, 2026 WHERE Fubo, Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, DAZN and FOX Deportes STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The ‘Derby della Capitale’ arrives with monumental stakes, particularly for Roma, who are locked in a fierce battle for a top-four finish and a coveted Champions League spot. Currently riding a three-match winning streak, the Giallorossi have transformed their home ground into a fortress, remaining unbeaten at the Stadio Olimpico since November 2025. Their incredible home form, the third-best in Serie A, puts immense pressure on them to secure a statement win against their bitter rivals. For Lazio, the season’s ambitions have faded after a painful Coppa Italia final loss to Inter confirmed another year without European soccer. With nothing left to play for but pride, their sole motivation is to act as the ultimate spoiler and shatter Roma‘s Champions League dreams. Coming off two consecutive losses without scoring a single goal, Lazio will be desperate to salvage their season with a victory in the most important match on their calendar. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The two clubs enter this derby on completely different trajectories. Roma is arguably the most in-form side in the league, collecting 13 points from their last five matches and demonstrating relentless attacking firepower. Their season hinges on this single result. In stark contrast, Lazio‘s identity under Maurizio Sarri has evaporated, replaced by a passive, reactive style that has left them toothless in attack and vulnerable against aggressive opponents. This match presents a classic clash of styles: Roma’s high-intensity, possession-based attack against Lazio’s rigid 4-5-1 low block. Roma has been lethal at home, averaging 2.22 goals per game in 2026, and will look to overwhelm Lazio from the start. Lazio, who rank last in Serie A for pressing intensity, will aim to absorb pressure, keep the game tight, and frustrate their rivals, hoping to capitalize on a counter-attack or a set-piece opportunity. The motivations couldn’t be clearer. For Roma, a victory is non-negotiable to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands ahead of the final matchday. Every point is critical. For Lazio, this is their championship match. Denying their eternal rivals a place among Europe’s elite would serve as a major consolation prize in an otherwise disappointing campaign, making this a high-stakes battle for city bragging rights. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Recent history heavily favors the home side in this fixture. Roma is currently on a four-game unbeaten streak against Lazio in all competitions, securing three wins and one draw. This run includes a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, where a Lorenzo Pellegrini goal was enough to seal the three points. Looking at the last five encounters, Roma has won three, Lazio has won one, and one match ended in a draw. Lazio’s sole victory in that span came in a Coppa Italia quarter-final clash. The trend indicates that Roma has figured out how to neutralize their cross-town rivals, consistently getting the better of them in league play. One of the most defining trends in the Derby della Capitale is the lack of goals. The last eight matches between the two clubs have seen two goals or fewer, with a paltry average of just 1.13 goals per game. Furthermore, only one of the last five meetings has seen both teams find the back of the net, highlighting the defensive, hard-fought nature of this historic rivalry. Squad News & Projected Lineups Roma enters the derby managing several key injuries,
The acting president of Barcelona Rafael Yuste responded to Florentino Perez's press conference. Tuesday was marked on the calendar by Florentino Pérez’s unexpected press conference, in which he criticized several people, from the media to Real Madrid’s rivals. Barcelona acting president Rafael Yuste responded. Yuste said: “It’s pointless to bring up Negreira again when we’ve won two leagues with a project built around players from La Masia and others who came from elsewhere. We’re winning by 14 points, and this is just a smokescreen to justify poor management.” In Pérez’s lengthy statement, he claimed that Real Madrid had been robbed of seven La Liga titles, which Yuste rejected. However, this may not be a problem for Barcelona as they celebrate another trophy after winning El Clásico. Yuste questions his counterpart’s claims The press conference was not expected by the media, as it was an emotional move from Pérez to defend his club. However, Barcelona’s response did not take long, as the club released a statement. Perez was critical of almost everybody (David Ramos/Getty Images) In that statement, the club told supporters it was reviewing everything the Real Madrid president said and would decide how to respond. Yuste also had strong words about Real Madrid’s position. Yuste said: “Florentino’s words struck me as pathetic and full of falsehoods. The club already issued a statement yesterday considering legal action, but I want to say that this was a move to cover up a sporting disaster that has been going on for two years will get him nowhere.” Barcelona statement “Regarding the press conference held by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, we inform that our legal department is carefully examining his statements and accusations. They are currently being reviewed and the steps to be taken are being assessed. When considered appropriate, any positions and decisions that are adopted will be communicated.”
Manchester United have been warned that Michael Carrick could face a similar fate to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a permanent appointment. The former midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach on a deal until the end of the season and has been impressive in the role. Carrick has made a hugely positive impression as United head coachGetty Carrick has won ten of his 15 matches in charge and, as talkSPORT reported earlier this week, is close to becoming the permanent boss. United are yet to offer him any assurances, but are aware that he has the backing of the dressing room. Sources close to Carrick, who guided the club to Champions League qualification, expect formal discussions to begin imminently. However, Jason Cundy does not believe that he is the right man for role long-term despite his accomplishments this season. He cited Solskjaer, who Carrick replaced as caretaker manager in 2021, as a cautionary tale of how initial success could cloud their judgement. Solskjaer took the permanent job in 2019 after winning 14 of his 19 matches as caretaker, but left two years later with the club seventh. “I can see both sides, and I am so torn on this,” Cundy said on the GameDay Phone-In for talkSPORT after their 0-0 draw at Sunderland. “The reason I’m torn on this is, has Carrick come into Man United and done a good job? Results wise, yes… I’ve seen performances, they’re unconvincing.” Cundy then delivered a passionate explanation as to why he may be sceptical of Carrick’s ability to take on the permanent job, saying: “They’ve had half a season off! “Honestly, you’re all dancing around the elephant in the room. The elephant in the room is that Manchester United, and Carrick has come in, he has had to deal with just one game a week. Cundy has his reservations about Carrick being in the job beyond the summerGetty “You are crazy if you don’t have that conversation with yourself, I think if you just go (on about) how well he’s done, (that) they’re six points off (Manchester) City… “But here’s the thing, City have won the Carabao Cup, City have been in Europe, City have got the FA Cup (final) coming up.” “Why are we talking about City?” Jamie O’Hara asked, and Cundy said: “Because you said they’re six points off City… City will probably play more games this calendar year than Man United will all season! “They’ve played 40 games, it’s a travesty! If you really want to say how well he’s done and blow smoke up his backside, fine. “But when you look at the bigger picture… Bruno (Fernandes) has had half a season off, all the Man United players have had half a season off, they all have. “Man City players haven’t, Arsenal players haven’t, Chelsea players haven’t… we’re in an FA Cup final, we got to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, got to the knockout stages of the Champions League.” United have been tough to beat during Carrick’s reign His co-host Jamie O’Hara stressed that United weren’t in any extra competitions when Carrick took over, and that it’s not his fault. “Next season, when they’ve got the Champions League, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, then you judge him and say, ‘Is he good enough?'” Cundy responded: “Right, okay, but if you’re not prepared to take that into consideration now, what’s the point? “‘Look how well he’s done, look, he’s done this, he’s done that’. Fine, it’s not a Carabao Cup semi-final, it’s not an FA Cup final, Champions League.” “He hasn’t had the opportunity!” O’Hara cried, but Cundy insisted: “I know, but you’ve got to factor that into your answer. Every single Man United player has had half a season off, every single one!” O’Hara then asked Cundy if he would give Carrick the job, with the latter laid out his thoughts: “I think he’s going to get it. “I’m not convinced it’s the right answer, I think he’s going to get it by default, it’s almost like you can’t not give it to him now. “But I think they could be sleepwalking themselves into an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation… they could be, sleepwalking into a situation wh
Archives reveal how a format that even one winning manager wanted abolished four decades ago came to beAs the playoffs begin for the 40th time, it is easy to forget there was once a world without them. But where did they come from? Whose idea were they? And how did they take root in English football? The EFL granted access to its archives containing the documents and meeting minutes charting how an idea, conceived to help lower-league clubs financially and add late-season spice, evolved into one of the most cherished set of fixtures in the English football calendar and gave birth to the “richest game in football”, as the Championship final is known.It is hard to comprehend quite how broken English football was in the mid-1980s. In the 1988 book League Football and the Men Who Made it, Simon Inglis writes: “The year 1985 was the most devastating in the hundred years of the Football League.” Hooligans attracted headlines, fans were killed in riots and clashes with police drew the attention of the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, who told football to get its house in order. Continue reading...
