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    Messi to Come Off Bench Against Jordan

    Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni and Argentina.
    Before Argentina’s final Group J match against Jordan.

    Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina’s final group match against eliminated Jordan, with Lionel Scaloni confirming he will still get minutes. Argentina have already won Group J after two wins and Messi’s five goals at this tournament.

    Scaloni said rotation rewards players who have trained hard but not featured, while keeping Messi active before the round of 32. Argentina face the Group H runners-up next, with Cape Verde viewed as a likely opponent.

    Madrid Pause Midfield Signing Plans

    Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
    During Real Madrid’s summer transfer work.

    Real Madrid have reportedly paused plans to sign another midfielder until at least one current option leaves. Jose Mourinho still wants reinforcement, but the squad already includes Tchouameni, Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva.

    Sources say Madrid would like Camavinga to leave, but he wants to stay at the Bernabeu. Tchouameni is also admired in England, though the club are not actively pushing him out under current conditions this summer.

    USMNT Jersey Demand Nears Sellout

    U.S. Soccer, Nike and World Cup fans.
    After the United States won Group D.

    USMNT jerseys are close to selling out across major retailers after a surge in World Cup demand. The Athletic reported limited availability at Nike, Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Soccer.com and the official U.S. Soccer store.

    U.S. Soccer said jersey sales through its e-commerce store have more than doubled the 2022 group-stage total. Retail sources blamed cautious production planning, warning supply could disappear before the knockout run gains momentum in coming days.

    AC Milan Name Calvelli CEO

    AC Milan, Massimo Calvelli and RedBird Capital Partners.
    After Milan’s boardroom clearout.

    AC Milan have named Massimo Calvelli as chief executive, with RedBird saying the mandate is to restore a winning culture. He replaces Giorgio Furlani after a season the ownership described as an unequivocal failure publicly.

    The appointment follows major changes at Milan, including the departures of senior executives and the hiring of Ruben Amorim. The club are also trying to stabilise Christian Pulisic’s future after rejecting New York City FC’s approach.

    Anderson Doubt Adds to England Injury Concerns

    Elliot Anderson, Reece James and England.
    Before England’s final Group L match against Panama.

    Elliot Anderson is a doubt for England’s Panama match with a glute issue, while Reece James has been ruled out with a minor hamstring injury. James could also miss the round of 32 if England qualify.

    Anderson’s issue comes as he prepares to complete a record move to Manchester City, while James’ absence leaves England short at full-back. Tuchel said James is on an accelerated rehabilitation programme and hopes remain alive.

    Colombia-Portugal Becomes Hottest Group Ticket

    Colombia, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez.
    Before the final Group K match in Miami.

    Colombia against Portugal has become the most in-demand group-stage ticket of the World Cup, with five million requests reportedly made in the first 24 hours of the December draw. Resale listings have reached more than $6,000.

    Demand has been fuelled by Florida’s large Colombian community and Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely final World Cup. Martinez said he bought family tickets months ago, knowing access would be difficult for such a high-profile group decider.

    Dembele Hat-Trick Sends France Top

    France, Norway and Ousmane Dembele.
    In France’s final Group I match.

    Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning first-half hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 to secure top spot in Group I. Desire Doue added the fourth, while Norway rested Erling Haaland and most of their regular starters.

    Assistant coach Guy Stephan led France with Didier Deschamps absent for his mother’s funeral. France now likely face Sweden, while Norway play Ivory Coast after a rotation call Stale Solbakken defended as necessary for player recovery.

    Venezuelan Teen Footballer Dies in Earthquakes

    Yimvert Berroteran, Venezuela’s football federation and Universidad Central de Venezuela.
    After major earthquakes struck Venezuela.

    Venezuelan Under-20 footballer Yimvert Berroteran has died aged 18 after two powerful earthquakes hit the country. The Venezuelan Football Federation confirmed his death, while officials reported hundreds killed and thousands injured in the national disaster.

    Berroteran had represented Venezuela from under-15 level and played at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup. His club, federation and agency paid tribute, while the football body also used social media to share urgent missing-person appeals nationwide.

    Como Agree New €60m Paz Deal With Madrid

    Como, Real Madrid and Nico Paz.
    During Real Madrid’s summer transfer planning.

    Como have agreed a new €60m arrangement with Real Madrid over Nico Paz, replacing earlier buy-back and sell-on terms. The Argentine midfielder will stay at Como for now, with Madrid retaining a new €80m buy-back option.

    The deal removes Madrid’s previous €9m buy-back clause and 50 percent sell-on right, while allowing Como to keep their star for a Champions League season. Madrid see the restructure as preserving long-term access without blocking development.

    Madrid Weigh Paz-Bastoni Transfer Domino

    Real Madrid, Nico Paz, Inter Milan and Alessandro Bastoni.
    During Real Madrid’s summer defensive search.

    Real Madrid are considering triggering Nico Paz’s €9m buy-back clause from Como, then using his value to help unlock a move for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni. Jose Mourinho wants another elite centre-back at the Bernabeu.

    Inter’s interest in Paz could create a complex negotiation, especially if Madrid value him near €60m. Bastoni remains difficult to prise away, but Madrid see the Argentine as a possible bargaining chip.

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