FOOTBALL

Pochettino to Rest Yellow-Carded US Stars

Mauricio Pochettino, United States players Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.
Ahead of the United States’ final World Cup group match against Türkiye.

Mauricio Pochettino said the United States will not start four players on yellow cards against Türkiye, with top spot already secured and the round of 32 ahead. Christian Pulisic is available again, while Cristian Roldan remains a doubt.

The decision protects Adams, Balogun, Richards and Robinson from suspensions before yellow cards are wiped after the group stage. Pochettino wants a rotated side to stay aggressive, while managing injuries and preparing for a likely Bosnia-Herzegovina knockout test.

United Track Free-Agent Angus Gunn

Manchester United and Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
During United’s summer squad overhaul.

Manchester United have identified Angus Gunn as a surprise goalkeeping target, with the Scotland international available on a free transfer after leaving Nottingham Forest. The 30-year-old featured in Scotland’s World Cup campaign against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

United are planning changes in goal, with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana expected to leave. Gunn’s availability, experience and past connection with football director Jason Wilcox make him a low-cost option for a reshaped squad.

De Vrij Nears Panathinaikos Move

Stefan de Vrij, Panathinaikos and Inter Milan.
As De Vrij prepares to leave Inter on a free transfer.

Stefan de Vrij is close to a surprise move to Panathinaikos after eight years with Inter. The 34-year-old Netherlands defender is in advanced talks and is expected to sign once the remaining paperwork is completed.

Panathinaikos want a statement signing after a disappointing fourth-place finish, while De Vrij offers elite experience from more than 300 Serie A appearances. His leadership could anchor a defensive rebuild as the Greek club resets.

Conte Set for Italy Return

Antonio Conte and the Italian Football Federation.
After Italy’s latest national-team crisis and World Cup absence.

Antonio Conte is set to return as Italy head coach, with reports saying the federation plans to give him a four-year contract through 2030. The move is framed as a long-term reset after another painful World Cup failure.

FIGC wants Conte to restore discipline, standards and identity after years of instability. Serie A clubs are reportedly supportive, viewing him as a demanding figure who can lift the wider system and prepare Italy for the next cycle.

Chelsea Target Lacroix as Chalobah Interest Grows

Chelsea, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah.
During Chelsea’s defensive rebuild.

Chelsea are preparing to step up their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as they rebuild under Xabi Alonso. The move comes as Como show interest in Trevoh Chalobah, who is open to a Serie A switch.

Chelsea have sold Marc Cucurella and are closing on Marco Palestra, but centre-back remains the next priority. Palace want to keep Lacroix and offer him a new contract, though Chelsea are expected to test their stance.

Bosnia Near USMNT Clash After Qatar Win

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
After their final Group B match.

Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third in Group B on four points, putting them on the brink of the knockout stage. They are now widely projected to face the United States in the round of 32.

The result leaves Bosnia almost certain to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams after earlier games against Canada and Switzerland. Their route now likely sends them to San Francisco for a high-profile meeting with the USMNT.

Brazil Beat Scotland to Top Group C

Brazil, Scotland and Vinicius Junior.
In the final Group C match.

Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 in Miami to finish top of Group C, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Matheus Cunha adding the third. Scotland ended third with three points and a damaging minus-three goal difference.

Brazil punished defensive mistakes early, as Rayan’s press created the opener before Bruno Guimaraes set up the second and third. Neymar also returned as a substitute, while Scotland now wait anxiously on other third-place results.

Tottenham Push for Mateus Fernandes

Tottenham, West Ham and Mateus Fernandes.
During Tottenham’s midfield search.

Tottenham have accelerated their interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes after seeing an £80m bid for Sandro Tonali rejected. Talks over Fernandes are progressing positively, with West Ham expected to demand around £80m overall.

Roberto de Zerbi wants midfield reinforcement after Spurs moved quickly on defensive signings. Fernandes is also linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but Tottenham are optimistic they can reach an agreement with West Ham.

Pochettino Protects USMNT Yellow-Card Risks

Mauricio Pochettino and the United States.
Before the USMNT’s final group match against Turkey.

Mauricio Pochettino says Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will not start against Turkey because all four are on yellow cards. The United States have already secured top spot in Group D.

Pochettino said the risk of suspension for the round of 32 is unnecessary, especially with group position settled. Christian Pulisic is available after a calf issue, while Cristian Roldan remains a doubt with a quad problem.

Bellingham Avoids Mouth-Cover Red Card

Jude Bellingham, Jordan Ayew and FIFA.
After England’s draw with Ghana.

Jude Bellingham avoided a red card after covering his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew because officials judged the exchange was not confrontational. The incident sparked debate after FIFA’s new World Cup mouth-cover rule was used earlier.

The rule targets players hiding their mouths during confrontations, not friendly conversations. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was sent off in a heated melee, but sources said Bellingham’s chat with Ayew lacked aggression and did not trigger VAR action.