Arsenal
October 2025
Arsenal beat Atlético Madrid 4–0 at the Emirates, marking seven straight Champions League wins over Spanish clubs—an unprecedented run. It follows victories over Athletic Club this season and last year’s wins versus Real Madrid, Girona, and Sevilla across league phase and knockouts. Arteta’s side overwhelmed Atlético after the opener, exploiting half-spaces and quick switches. Viktor Gyökeres ended his drought with a brace, validating pressing triggers and set-piece routines. Arteta praised stepped-up intensity “in every phase,” targeting continuity as group-stage seeding leverage.
FIFA World Cup 2026
October 2025
FIFA says over one million tickets were allocated in the Visa pre-sale draw across 212 countries as anticipation builds for the first 48-team World Cup in North America. Demand is led by host nations with phased sales continuing into general windows. Stadium allocations and knock-on travel planning will tighten as schedules lock.
Santi Giménez (AC Milan)
October 2025
Javier Aguirre has named AC Milan striker Santi Giménez in Mexico’s 25-man squad for friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador, but left out senior figures including Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Julián Araujo. Injured winger Rodrigo Huescas also misses out.
Jiménez’s omission raised eyebrows as he chases Javier Hernández’s scoring record, but Aguirre chose rotation. Captain Álvarez continues rehab from a muscle injury. Surprise inclusions Alexis Gutiérrez, Kevin Álvarez, Luis Romo, and goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo headline a squad mixing youth, experience, and unexpected names.
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
September 2025
Antoine Griezmann scored his 200th goal for Atlético Madrid in a 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The French forward, already the club’s all-time leading scorer, celebrated the milestone with fans and a jersey tribute to his “Grizi” nickname.
Griezmann’s close-range strike capped a decade-long journey with Atlético, interrupted only by a brief Barcelona spell. With his contract extended to 2027, he remains central to Atlético’s resurgence, receiving a standing ovation as fans honoured his landmark achievement at the Metropolitano.
João Félix (Al-Nassr)
September 2025
João Félix declared Al-Nassr “closer to the title” after his electric start in Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring five goals in three league matches as Jorge Jesus’ side extended their perfect campaign with another dominant win. Félix credited teammates for making football “easier,” saying their collective quality drives individual brilliance. With Ronaldo also on form, Al-Nassr’s attack looks unstoppable. Félix insisted consistency and clean sheets must improve but believes togetherness will power their title challenge across the season.
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.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
September 2025
Erling Haaland delivered a stunning five-goal masterclass in Norway’s 11-1 demolition of Moldova, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s most ruthless strikers. He also provided an assist as Norway stayed top of Group I with maximum points. Haaland struck a first-half hat-trick, added two more after the break, and set up Felix Myrhe’s opener. Martin Ødegaard and Rangers’ Thelo Aasgaard, who netted four off the bench, contributed, but it was Haaland’s relentless finishing that defined a one-sided night in Oslo.
Harry Kane (England)
September 2025
Harry Kane equalled Wayne Rooney’s record of scoring away against 16 different nations as he opened the scoring in England’s 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade. The dominant victory eased pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Kane struck early to settle nerves before England exploited Serbia’s red card to cruise to a commanding win. His milestone places him alongside Rooney in the record books, boosting team morale after recent criticism of Tuchel’s tenure and England’s uneven form.