Jurgen Klinsmann has named Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing similarities with Lionel Messi's Argentina as part of his reasoning. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, debates over the tournament favorites continue to intensify. Jurgen Klinsmann weighed in on the discussion, naming Portugal as one of the leading contenders while comparing Cristiano Ronaldo‘s role with the team to the one Lionel Messi has with Argentina. During a recent appearance on The Overlap podcast, Klinsmann was asked for his prediction on the next World Cup champion. He made it clear that he has at least two favorites and began by naming one of them. “Portugal, because I see a little bit similarities to Argentina in Qatar, where everybody played for Messi,” said the German legend. “In Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team.” However, Klinsmann did not limit his praise of Portugal to Ronaldo‘s presence alone. He also highlighted other qualities that make the national team a serious contender: “It’s an incredible team of quality, with a very very good coach, Roberto Martinez.” Jurgen Klinsmann was head coach of the USMNT. The other World Cup favorites, according to Klinsmann In the same conversation, Jurgen Klinsmann named two other teams that, in his view, have just as much chance as Portugal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I think Brazil has also a shot at it,” said the former striker. “And England has absolute qualit… if they have the believe,” added Klinsmann before joking: “I’m not saying that because they have a German coach. I’m saying that because they have the team to do that.” The joke was, of course, a reference to the fact that he shares his nationality with Thomas Tuchel. Who is Jurgen Klinsmann? Jurgen Klinsmann‘s comments carry weight given his status as one of soccer’s biggest stars of the late 20th century. He spent five seasons with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga before joining Inter Milan in 1989, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. He later played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, and Bayern Munich. Klinsmann is especially remembered for his performances with the Germany national team. He played a key role in Germany’s triumph at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and also represented his country at the 1994 and 1998 editions of the tournament.
According to The Telegraph, Real Madrid will make an offer of €150 million for the services of Bayern Munich star Michael Olise – if Florentino Perez is re-elected as the club president. The election is set to take place on Sunday, and Perez, who is expected to beat rival candidate Enrique Riquelme, has vowed to […] The post Real Madrid to make huge Olise bid appeared first on SoccerNews.
One of Argentina's opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Austria, will be without their biggest star, Christoph Baumgartner. Austria have joined the list of teams that have lost one of their key stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Christoph Baumgartner suffered an injury that will keep him out of the tournament, including the group-stage clash against Argentina. “Christoph Baumgartner will be missed by the national team at the World Cup,” Austria announced in a statement published Tuesday on their official X account. “We wish you all the best, Baumi!” The team also provided details about the attacking midfielder’s injury: “This was confirmed following today’s MRI examination. The 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh.” The injury occurred Monday during Austria’s warm-up session ahead of their friendly match against Tunisia. Baumgartner was expected to be part of the squad for that game, the first of two scheduled tune-ups before the World Cup. The second will take place on June 11 against Guatemala. 💔 Christoph Baumgartner wird dem Nationalteam bei der WM fehlen.ℹ️ Das steht nach der heutigen MRT-Untersuchung fest. Der 26-Jährige zog sich eine Verletzung der Muskulatur im rechten Oberschenkel zu.Wir wünschen dir nur das Beste, Baumi! #GemeinsamÖSTERREICH pic.twitter.com/bEz8g6r1Oo— ÖFB – oefb.at (@oefb1904) June 2, 2026 Even without the 26-year-old midfielder, Austria managed to secure a victory at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, defeating the African side 1-0 thanks to a goal from Marcel Sabitzer in the 62nd minute. Baumgartner was in top form heading into the World Cup The loss of Christoph Baumgartner is especially painful for Austria considering the outstanding form he displayed during the 2025-26 season. With RB Leipzig, he recorded 17 goals and nine assists in 37 matches across the Bundesliga and the German Cup. “This is undoubtedly very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team. He is a very important player and a key personality within the squad,” head coach Ralph Rangnick said, according to Marca. “Right now, all our efforts are focused on giving him every possible support so that he can recover properly.” Austria’s path at the World Cup After completing their second and final friendly against Guatemala, Austria will turn their attention to their 2026 World Cup opener. The team will face Jordan on June 17 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Five days later, they will likely face their toughest test in Group J when they take on Argentina. Austria will then close out the group stage on June 27 against Algeria, hoping to secure a place in the Round of 32.
Manchester United will not pay €100million to sign Ivory Coast international winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian journalist said about Man Utd and Diomande on his YouTube channel on Friday evening: “The name of Yan Diomande remains, for sure. “Liverpool are in conversations, in active talks, with […] The post Man Utd will not pay €100m for Yan Diomande appeared first on Soccer News.
Liverpool could try to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain if they are unable to get a deal done for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Romano said about Liverpool, Diomande and Barcola on his YouTube channel on Friday evening: “Liverpool are in conversations with Yan Diomande, Paris Saint-Germain, too. “Paris Saint-Germain had […] The post Liverpool target Bradley Barcola as Yan Diomande alternative appeared first on Soccer News.
