Wataru Endō (Japan National Team, Liverpool)
March 2025 (World Cup Qualifiers)
Endō is on the verge of becoming the latest Japan captain to secure World Cup qualification.
Japan leads Group C with a nine-point advantage and can qualify with a win against Bahrain. If not, they have another chance against Saudi Arabia next week.
Mexico national team
September 2025
Mexico will host Uruguay at Estadio TSM Corona, returning to Torreón for the first time since 2022. The friendly is meant to test El Tri against elite opposition ahead of the 2026 World Cup, building experience for Javier Aguirre’s squad. Director Ivar Sisniega highlighted Torreón’s world-class facilities and Uruguay’s strong competition as key factors. The match, part of Aguirre’s preparation strategy, continues a tradition of Mexico using Torreón as a proving ground, having hosted Brazil and other rivals there previously.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
June 2025
Rico Lewis’ red card suspension has been extended to three matches by FIFA, ruling him out of City’s final Club World Cup group game vs. Juventus and their last-16 tie.
Lewis was sent off for a late challenge against Wydad AC. City appealed, but FIFA upheld the extended ban under Article 14(1)(e). Guardiola must now reshuffle, with no natural right-back available and Kyle Walker absent from the U.S. tour.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
October 2025
Glasner rejected claims that Palace’s 3-0 win over Liverpool was devalued by Arne Slot’s rotation, calling such remarks “disrespectful.” Palace dominated through Ismaila Sarr’s first-half brace and Yeremy Pino’s late finish, exploiting Liverpool’s inexperience and booking a place in the Carabao Cup fifth round. Glasner praised his side’s intensity and transitional sharpness, crediting disciplined pressing and swift counter-attacks. He reaffirmed belief in his depth players, contrasting Palace’s structure with Liverpool’s disjointed shape. With consistent execution, Glasner’s team now position themselves as dark horses in domestic cup competition.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
September 2025
Lionel Messi played his final competitive game on home soil, scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela. The Inter Miami star admitted emotions ran high, calling it “a dream” to finish in front of his people.
Argentina, already qualified with 35 points from 16 games, gave Messi the perfect send-off at Estadio Monumental. While Messi hasn’t confirmed his World Cup participation, he said he’ll decide based on fitness in 2026, stressing honesty with himself over playing if unfit.
Scotland, Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park ahead of the 2026 tournament
Scotland clinched a first World Cup spot since 1998 with a wild 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden, then an emotional Andy Robertson dedicated qualification to late Liverpool team mate Diogo Jota as he described the night as possibly his last World Cup chance.
Robertson revealed he spent the day in tears thinking about Jota and the World Cup dream, praised Steve Clarke’s stirring team talk and Scotland’s never say die mentality, as late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sparked euphoric celebrations at Hampden.