Tag: World Cup

Zidane Reportedly in Line to Succeed Deschamps as France Plan Post-World Cup Transition

Zinedine Zidane
March 2026

Zinedine Zidane is being widely reported as the leading choice to take over France after the 2026 World Cup, though there is still no official federation confirmation of a signed appointment. Didier Deschamps is set to leave after the tournament, making the succession plan a major national talking point. Reports say Zidane has a verbal agreement in place, while federation president Philippe Diallo has indicated that the next coach is effectively decided. Until an official announcement is made, the situation remains advanced but not formally completed.

Portugal Leave Out Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for March Friendlies

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
March 2026

Portugal have named a 27-man squad for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States without Cristiano Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez instead selected a group built around other senior regulars and younger attacking options. Portugal’s official squad list includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos, but neither Ronaldo nor Bernardo Silva appears among the selections. The camp forms part of Portugal’s final preparation phase before the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti Leaves Neymar Out of Brazil Squad Despite Return From Injury

Neymar
March 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of Brazil’s latest squad, saying the forward is not yet physically ready despite his return to action with Santos. The coach stressed that selection was based on fitness levels, not technical quality or long-term World Cup potential. Neymar recently played 90 minutes after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery, but Ancelotti said he and his staff do not believe the forward is at 100 percent yet. Brazil want fully fit players for the upcoming friendlies, while still leaving open the chance of Neymar making the World Cup squad later.

Neymar admits retirement after 2026 is possible as injuries persist

Neymar
February 2026

Neymar says he could retire at the end of 2026, describing uncertainty about his future as he manages recurring injuries and prioritises a Brazil recall and another World Cup run. After knee issues and surgery in December 2025, Neymar has returned to Santos and agreed an extension through the end of the year, but says he will decide longer-term plans only after pursuing national-team goals and assessing how his body responds.

Tab Ramos expects Mauricio Pochettino to leave USMNT after the 2026 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino
February 2026

Tab Ramos says he expects Mauricio Pochettino to leave the USMNT after the World Cup, predicting a return to Europe regardless of how the tournament goes and questioning whether the US group can justify “Golden Generation” labels. Ramos told GOAL he believes no extension is likely and that Pochettino’s long-term future points back to club football in Europe. He also referenced speculation linking Pochettino with jobs back in Europe, including Tottenham’s longer-term plans.

Carlo Ancelotti plans Brazil extension through 2030 after taking job in 2025

Carlo Ancelotti
February 2026

Carlo Ancelotti says he intends to sign a new Brazil contract that would keep him in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup and potentially through to 2030, as he settles into international management after leaving Real Madrid in 2025. Ancelotti discussed his enjoyment of the Brazil role in quotes carried by AS ahead of a Universo Valdano episode, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is already in place. Brazil head toward 2026 as contenders but not unanimous favourites, with expectations that Ancelotti’s tenure could target ending their wait for another World Cup.

Collymore Says Tuchel Must Take Morgan Gibbs-White to the World Cup

Morgan Gibbs-White
January 2026

Collymore argues Gibbs-White should be in England’s World Cup plans despite stiff competition for attacking midfield spots, claiming he offers a different profile and proven Premier League output. Gibbs-White has six caps and has featured under Tuchel but was omitted from the latest squad and has not played in the last three matches. Collymore believes squad balance and Tuchel’s striker choices could squeeze midfield places, so Gibbs-White must be protected.

Hamann Pushes Tuchel as Man United’s Prime Target After Carrick Interim Spell

Didi Hamann
January 2026

Hamann says United should prioritise Tuchel as the next permanent manager, arguing he has the authority and edge to reset standards, even with Luis Enrique also being linked. The pitch is that Tuchel brings proven big-club management, cuts through politics, and focuses on winning over reputations, but timing is awkward because United may need to choose before the World Cup while Tuchel is focused on England.

Real Madrid loan Endrick to Lyon in search of minutes and World Cup push

Endrick
December 2025

Lyon have struck a deal with Real Madrid to take Brazilian forward Endrick on a straight six-month loan, giving the 19-year-old a leading attacking role in Ligue 1 after limited minutes in Spain, with no option or obligation to buy attached to the agreement. With only one La Liga and one Champions League appearance under Xabi Alonso, Endrick pushed for regular game time to strengthen his World Cup chances, accepting Lyon’s project as Madrid bank a €1m fee, retain him under contract until 2030 and hand him the No.9 shirt for his French audition.

Enzo Fernandez openly targets Argentina captaincy after Messi era

Enzo Fernandez
December 2025

Enzo Fernandez has admitted he dreams of captaining Argentina once Messi steps aside, stressing he is not chasing the iconic No.10 status but would be honoured to wear the armband when the coaching staff decide the team is ready for a new leader. The Chelsea midfielder pointed to his own experience as captain at club level and said he would gladly accept the responsibility if chosen, while acknowledging the timing and decision rest entirely with Lionel Scaloni’s staff and the natural evolution of the squad.

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