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England FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad Announced: Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Maguire Left Out

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:28:54 +0530

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among a number of high-profile players left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad announced on Friday.

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold was also omitted, with Saudi-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney the surprise inclusion.

Tuchel, a Champions League winner during his time at Chelsea, was hired to end England's 60-year wait to win a major international tournament.

The German former Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss has made a series of bold calls that will be harshly judged if the Three Lions fall short of glory in the coming weeks.

Palmer and Foden played a major role in England's run to the final of Euro 2024.

However, Chelsea playmaker Palmer and Manchester City's Foden have paid the price for poor seasons with their clubs.

Tuchel said telling players they would not be travelling to the World Cup, being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, had been tough.

"It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult and like even in the phone calls I felt the emotion," he said.

"So I called all players that were with us in camp at least one time, I called them, I wanted to show at least the appreciation and the respect for what they have done."

Tuchel said he had used the blueprints from team camps in September, October and November, with a mix of younger and more experienced players.

"I love the tough decisions because they bring in the end clarity, they bring a certain edge and it's what you need to go all the way," he added.

He added: "In the end it comes down to that -- who do we really trust, who delivered for us, who created a culture especially from September onwards, who set the standards, who were the drivers, who was the leadership group and then we heavily relied on that because I think the connection has to be there."

Captain Harry Kane said he was "extremely proud" to be going to another World Cup.

"Never take these moments for granted," the forward said in a social media post. "It's what you dream of as a kid. Can't wait to get out there!!"

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been overlooked despite being two of the highest-scoring Englishmen in the Premier League this season.

Veteran Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been included at the expense of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday he was shocked at his exclusion.

"I was confident I could (have) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," the 33-year-old posted on social media.

Maguire's United team-mate Luke Shaw has also been overlooked.

Tuchel has taken a risk on centre-back John Stones despite his lack of involvement at Manchester City during an injury-hit season.

Toney made an impact off the bench at the Euros two years ago, but has played only two minutes of international football since after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2024.

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before playing Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli/KSA), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/ESP), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Tottenham Survival Clash Headlines Final PL Weekend As Salah & Guardiola Bid Emotional Farewell

Vaishnav Akash — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:39:59 +0530

Tottenham must avoid defeat against Everton on Sunday to guarantee their place in the Premier League next season as Pep Guardiola and Mohamed Salah prepare for emotional farewells.

Liverpool and Bournemouth could both secure places in the Champions League, while European football is also on the line for Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea and Sunderland.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the action:

Spurs 'dignity' at stake

This time last year Tottenham fans were basking in the glow of a first trophy for 17 years after beating Manchester United to lift the Europa League.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes the visit of Everton dwarfs the importance of that victory, with Premier League survival at stake.

"There is something more important than the trophy and the bonus," he said. "There is the future of the club, there is the history of the club, there is the pride of the players, there is the pride of the families of the players.

"There is the dignity of every one of us."

A point will be enough to secure survival and relegate West Ham due to Tottenham's vastly superior goal difference.

But Spurs have already lost 10 of their 18 home league games this season and another defeat would open the door to Nuno Espirito Santo's Hammers, if they can beat Leeds.

Battle for Europe

Liverpool should ensure a terrible season does not end on a fresh low note by securing a top-five finish in Mohamed Salah's farewell to Anfield.

Finishing in the top five would ensure Champions League football next season -- a consolation prize after a shocking title defence.

Egypt international Salah criticised Liverpool's performances under Arne Slot this season after last week's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa.

"I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies," he said in a social media post, pointedly referring to the football played under Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

"Qualifying to next season's Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen," he added.

Liverpool, who host Brentford, have a three-point lead and a six-goal cushion on goal difference over sixth-placed Bournemouth.

Sixth could be enough to qualify for the Champions League if Liverpool win and leapfrog Aston Villa, who travel to Manchester City, into fifth spot.

As it stands, the sixth and seventh-placed teams would go into the Europa League and the eighth would qualify for the Conference League.

Brighton would be guaranteed at least Europa League football with victory over Manchester United.

Sunderland host Chelsea with a chance of qualifying for continental competition for the first time in more than half a century.

Premier League greats depart

Mohamed Salah's outburst gives Arne Slot a tough decision to make on whether to start the 33-year-old, who has only recently returned from a hamstring injury.

The already unpopular coach risks infuriating the Liverpool fans even further if he does not give the man they christened "The Egyptian King" one last run out in front of the Kop.

With increasing speculation over his future, Slot can ill afford to let any personal issues with Salah get in the way of finishing the season on a high.

Liverpool have failed to win any of the nine league games that Salah has not started in 2026.

At the Etihad, Guardiola is set for a rousing send-off after amassing 20 trophies in his decade in charge, including six Premier League titles and City's only Champions League.

"It's been the experience of my life," said the Catalan after announcing his departure on Friday.

Fixtures

Sunday (all 1500GMT)

Brighton v Manchester United, Burnley v Wolves, Crystal Palace v Arsenal, Fulham v Newcastle, Liverpool v Brentford, Manchester City v Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth, Sunderland v Chelsea, Tottenham v Everton, West Ham v Leeds

Ebola Fear Clouds FIFA World Cup 2026: Authorities on Edge As Outbreak in Africa Spreads

Vaishnav Akash — Sat, 23 May 2026 21:02:00 +0530

The DR Congo national football team has been given a strict condition. If they want to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, they must first spend 21 days in an isolation bubble in Belgium. This decision comes because of a serious Ebola outbreak in Africa. Andrew Giuliani, the Executive Director of the White House's World Cup task force, announced that special precautions are being taken for the Congo team. He warned that if the team members don't follow the health guidelines, they will not be allowed to enter the United States. The main goal is to stop Ebola from spreading in the US, especially when millions of people are expected for the World Cup.

A Strong Message to Congo

Giuliani made the US position crystal clear. 'We have made it very clear to the Congolese that they have to be in a bubble for 21 days before they come here on June 11th in Houston,' he said. He warned that this is a non-negotiable condition for their entry. 'We've told the Congolese government that they have to be in a bubble, or they're not coming. We can't be any clearer than that.' He explained that the main aim is to ensure the infection doesn't spread in the US during the World Cup.

Over 100 Dead from Ebola in Congo

The situation in Congo is quite serious. The Congolese government has reported that a rare strain of Ebola has caused at least 130 deaths this month alone. The number of infected people has crossed 600, and the disease has turned into an epidemic there. As of now, it is not known if any of the Congolese footballers have been infected. Despite this, the US government is not taking any chances. They are being extremely cautious and might even block entry for anyone from Congo besides the players, coaches, support staff, and officials during the World Cup.

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Neymar’s FIFA World Cup Dream Hit, Brazil Star Suffers Fresh Injury Blow During Santos Game

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:50:20 +0530

Just when things were looking up, Neymar's bad luck with injuries has struck again. After making a comeback to the Brazil World Cup squad, the star player has suffered another serious injury during a club match. While playing for the Brazilian club Santos FC, Neymar injured his right calf muscle. It's not yet clear how bad the injury is.

This news comes just as the Brazilian players are about to join a special camp for the World Cup next week, causing a lot of concern. Brazil's first match in the upcoming World Cup is on June 14 against Morocco.

Before that, the five-time world champions will play warm-up matches against Panama on June 1 and Egypt on June 6. After the Morocco game, Brazil's other group stage opponents are Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25.

Neymar hasn't played for his country in three years

After a long wait filled with injuries and uncertainty, Neymar finally secured his place in the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has been out of the national team for almost three years, so his return was a huge emotional moment. But right after this happy news, he got injured again, creating fresh tension in the Brazil camp.

Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, recently announced the final 26-member World Cup squad. The inclusion of 34-year-old Neymar was one of the biggest surprises and talking points. His last match for the national team was in 2023.

After that, he spent a long time off the field due to multiple injuries, especially a severe knee problem. However, the coach said the decision was based on Neymar's recent fitness and preparation.

He got emotional after making the World Cup squad

After the squad was announced, Neymar had a very emotional reaction. Reports claim that he broke down and cried with joy upon hearing the news of his World Cup return. He also thanked his family, teammates, and the rehabilitation team for their role in his comeback.

But that happiness didn't last long. Just a few days after getting the World Cup call, Neymar got injured again. The problem in his right calf was discovered while he was playing for his Brazilian club, Santos FC.

The club's medical head, Rodrigo Zogaib, said that it's not a major injury, just a small edema or swelling in the calf, measuring about 2 millimetres.

How serious is Neymar's new injury?

Because of this injury, Neymar is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at his club's training centre. His personal fitness team is also keeping a close watch on the situation, along with the club's medical staff. It's been reported that he will have to rest for the next few days and will miss a few club matches.

However, the Brazil camp is not panicking just yet. The initial assessment suggests that he could recover within 5 to 10 days. The plan is for him to join the national team's camp on May 27. The national team's medical staff is also monitoring the situation and will conduct their own assessment if needed.

5 Key Factors Behind Arsenal’s Stunning Premier League Win After 22 Years Of Waiting

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 20 May 2026 09:42:02 +0530

Arsenal clinched the Premier League after 22 years. From David Raya’s Golden Glove heroics to record set-piece goals, Declan Rice’s tireless midfield, squad depth, and rivals faltering — here are 5 reasons why.

For the third consecutive year David Raya won the Golden Glove for most clean sheets in the Premier League, but this has been the Spaniard's best season yet since joining from Brentford in 2023.

An ever-present in the league, Raya bookended the campaign with match-winning performances in vital 1-0 wins at Manchester United and West Ham.

A string of saves denied United on the opening day of the season.

And Raya was at the heart of one of the biggest moments of the season when a VAR review adjudged he had been fouled, ruling out West Ham's stoppage-time equaliser earlier this month.

Minutes earlier he stood tall to save from Mateus Fernandes when the West Ham midfielder could have put the destiny of the title back in City's hands.

"David Raya, for me, has to be the player of the season," former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira told Sky Sports. "I think he was outstanding from the first game until the end of the season, I think he was really impressive."

More than 40 percent of the Gunners' Premier League goals this season have come from dead balls.

Of their 28 goals from set pieces, 18 have come from corners to set a new single-season Premier League record.

Often derided by rival fans as "Set Piece FC" for a lack of creativity, specialist coach Nicolas Jover has devised a series of inventive schemes to give Arsenal an edge.

Blessed with the precise delivery of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, the Arsenal squad is packed with aerial threats their opponents have found impossible to keep out.

Rice may have missed out to Bruno Fernandes as football writers' player of the year, but the England midfielder has embodied a collective triumph for Arteta's men.

The 27-year-old has amassed more than 4,000 minutes in all competitions in a tireless effort to deliver the title Arsenal envisioned when paying more than £100 million ($134 million) to beat City to the signing of Rice three years ago.

Rice has chipped in with four league goals and five assists but his work rate off the ball has been a key factor for Arsenal, who have the tightest defence in the league.

Injuries played a ruinous role in Arsenal's failed pursuit of Liverpool last season.

The decision to invest heavily in bulking out Arteta's squad paid off despite injuries to Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

New signings Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have all made significant contributions to get Arsenal over the line in the Premier League and within one game of winning the Champions League for the first time.

Arsenal accumulated more points two years ago when they were pipped to the title by City despite winning 16 of their final 18 games.

Over the past decade City and Liverpool have often set the bar high, winning the league with more than 90 points.

This time 82 was enough to see Arsenal over the line.

Despite taking the title race into the final week of the campaign, City lacked the same consistency and relentlessness of Guardiola's best sides.

Liverpool's title defence imploded while Manchester United finished third despite sacking Ruben Amorim mid-season.

Aston Villa End 30‑Year Wait With Europa Glory As Emery Demands Ambitious New Era

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 +0530

Unai Emery urged Aston Villa to use their historic Europa League final triumph against Freiburg as the foundation for an "ambitious" new era.

Emery's side ended the club's 30-year trophy drought with a stylish 3-0 win in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Spectacular first-half goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia put Villa in control before Morgan Rogers netted after the interval to kill off outclassed Freiburg.

Villa's first trophy since the 1996 League Cup was also their first major European prize in 44 years.

After long spells in the doldrums prior to Emery's arrival to replace the sacked Steven Gerrard in 2022, Villa are back among the elite both in the Premier League and Europe.

They have qualified for next seafifason's Champions League and Emery called on his players and the club's hierarchy to match his desire to keep Villa in contention for silverware.

"I am myself ambitious and of course I need support. The owners, everyone that works in the club. Development is everything," he said.

"The players are following us. We are doing it together. But we must try to set this ambition, being clear and realistic. As a team, ambitious and improving. This is our next step.

"We are getting stronger but we are trying to be demanding. Next year we will play in Champions League and the Premier League is the most difficult in the world. This is the challenge."

Emery has now won the Europa League five times after leading Sevilla to the trophy three times and clinching it once with Villarreal.

"It's fantastic. Europe gave us a lot. For myself as well. I'm always very grateful for Europe. For every competition but especially the Europa League," the Spaniard said.

"The support I had with Valencia, with Sevilla, with Villarreal and here at Villa. We played it in a very serious way this year, so focused.

"Getting this trophy adds experience for us. And those experiences for the players are important. Because we can play next year trying as well to be in contention for trophies."

- 'So happy and proud' -

Villa last won a major continental trophy when they stunned Bayern Munich to win the 1982 European Cup.

For Emery, following in the footsteps of Tony Barton as Villa's second manager to land a major European trophy, emphasised how far they have come since he arrived in 2022 with the club languishing near the Premier League relegation zone.

"This final is confirmation of how we are progressing. It is very important," he said.

"Of course my dream was to play in Europe and play to win trophies. We played the Conference League semi-final and Champions League quarter-finals. We were very close.

"This club won the European title in 1982. And again competing for a title in Europe is something which makes sense of everything we are doing."

On an unforgettable evening on the banks of the Bosphorus, Emery and his team ensured they will be ranked alongside the 1982 heroes as Villa legends forever.

But Emery has no intention of resting on his laurels.

"We are improving. We are playing finals. We are winning trophies. I think the brand is increasing," he said.

"Achieving this makes us so happy and proud. But we are not going to stop."

Freiburg's first European final proved to be an anti-climax, leaving the German club still waiting to win their maiden major trophy.

"At this moment, there is no room for satisfaction. We lost the final," Freiburg boss Julian Schuster said.

"It is, of course, very painful. We believed we could win. In the first half, for the first 40 minutes, everything was fine.

“However, we lost control of the game, specifically due to set pieces. That is very tough to take.”

Historic Women’s Asian Champions League Clash Sees Tickets Sell Out Fast For South Korea vs North Korea

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:30:55 +0530

Tickets in South Korea for a rare match against a visiting North Korean team sold out within half a day, Seoul's football association told AFP on Friday.

All 7,087 general admission tickets for the game on May 20 between home side Suwon FC Women and Naegohyang Women's FC were snapped up within about 12 hours of going on sale on Tuesday, an official from the Korea Football Association said.

The two sides meet in the semi-finals of the Women's Asian Champions League in the city of Suwon, about 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of Seoul.

It will be the first time that a sports team from isolated and nuclear-armed North Korea has played in the neighbouring South since 2018.

The two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

As the Champions League is a club competition, national flags and anthems will not be used during the match, local reports said.

There will be no away supporters because North Koreans are generally not allowed into the South.

Seoul's unification ministry said it will provide 300 million won ($200,000) to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer both teams at the match.

The Naegohyang squad are set to arrive in South Korea on Sunday by air from Beijing.

The winner of the semi-final will advance to the final of Asia's top women's club competition in Suwon on May 23, against either Australia's Melbourne City or Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza.

North Korea are traditionally strong in women's football, especially at youth level, where they have won multiple World Cups in recent years.

From Bottlers to EPL Champions After 22 Years: How Arteta Finally Took Arsenal Out of Man City’s Shadow

Sunita Iyer — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:51:30 +0530

How Mikel Arteta transformed Arsenal from serial heartbreakers into Premier League champions after 22 painful years — through belief, psychology, culture and ruthless evolution.

For 22 years, Arsenal supporters carried the weight of longing.

A generation had grown up without witnessing their club lift the Premier League trophy. They had lived through the late Wenger decline, the chaos of the post-Wenger years, humiliating defeats, broken promises, and seasons that always seemed to collapse just before glory arrived.

And perhaps that is why this title means more.

Not because Arsenal were perfect. Not because they stormed through the season untouched. But because they finally learned how to survive.

This was not simply a football team winning matches. It was a club learning how to heal old scars.

And at the centre of it all stood Mikel Arteta — obsessive, emotional, relentless, and finally vindicated.

ARSENAL ARE CHAMPIONS pic.twitter.com/l5GrveCpZg

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 19, 2026

The season could have broken in April.

A damaging 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on April 19 left Arsenal wobbling dangerously. It came barely weeks after losing the EFL Carabao Cup final to the same opponents. Once again, the familiar fear crept in.

Was this another collapse?

Inside Arsenal’s London Colney training base, though, the response was startlingly calm.

Three years of finishing second behind his mentor Pep Guardiola had changed Arteta. Previous heartbreaks had taught him something vital: when pressure reaches unbearable levels, suffocating players with intensity can destroy them.

So instead of anger, he chose release.

The squad were given two days off. When they returned, there were no furious meetings, no tactical autopsies, no exhausting drills designed to punish failure.

Instead, Arteta hit reset.

Players were divided into small teams for light-hearted five-a-side games. Staff and players gathered for a barbecue at the training ground. Laughter replaced tension. Conversations drifted away from football. The atmosphere softened.

It sounds small. Almost insignificant.

But inside elite sport, tiny emotional shifts can decide entire seasons.

Away from cameras and headlines, Arsenal slowly rebuilt their spirit.

The club that had spent years being labelled “nearly men” suddenly began behaving like champions.

We did it, together. pic.twitter.com/wQDp02LvLd

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026

One of Arteta’s biggest frustrations in previous campaigns had been injuries.

Privately, he believed Arsenal’s title challenges had repeatedly fallen apart because the squad simply lacked the depth required to compete across every competition.

By January 2025, that pressure became impossible to ignore.

During one press conference, a journalist once again questioned Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker. Arteta delivered his usual controlled answer — insisting the club were “actively looking in the market.”

But when the cameras stopped rolling, his frustration finally surfaced.

He reportedly marched toward the journalist and fixed him with a cold stare from close range. The strain had clearly been building for months.

This time, Arsenal refused to repeat old mistakes.

The club committed heavily in the summer transfer window, spending around £250 million to reshape the squad. Most importantly, they finally signed the centre-forward supporters had demanded for years: Viktor Gyokeres.

The former Coventry striker needed time to settle, but his 14 league goals proved decisive by season’s end.

He was not alone.

Arsenal also strengthened across midfield and defence, bringing in players including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.

The architect behind that rebuild was Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, appointed after the shock departure of Edu.

Berta quickly became a popular figure internally.

The day after his appointment, he surprised journalists waiting at London Colney by casually greeting them before Arteta’s press conference. Arteta silently waited nearby until Berta finished speaking. When the Italian finally noticed him, the pair embraced warmly and laughed together before walking away.

It was a brief moment, but revealing.

People inside Arsenal immediately sensed chemistry between the two men.

Soon after, Berta handed custom red ties to club executives before Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Arsenal won the first leg 3-0.

Executives wore the same ties again at the Bernabeu for the return fixture — believing them to be lucky charms after another victory secured a semi-final place.

Football clubs are built on tactics and talent. But sometimes they are also built on superstition, belief, and emotional connection.

In previous years, injuries had shattered Arsenal’s momentum.

This season, the squad finally looked prepared.

Even when six players were unavailable for a Champions League clash against Club Brugge in December, Arsenal comfortably won 3-0.

That resilience mattered enormously.

Arteta finally had options everywhere: multiple defenders for each role, midfield balance through Zubimendi, and genuine attacking depth.

The days of emergency solutions were gone.

No more makeshift full-backs. No more desperate reliance on players like Rob Holding during title run-ins. No more academy teenagers filling Champions League benches during crucial knockout ties.

Depth was no longer treated as a luxury.

At Arsenal, it became survival.

And two players ultimately transformed Arsenal from challengers into champions: Declan Rice and David Raya.

Rice brought control, authority, and leadership to midfield. Raya repeatedly rescued Arsenal with match-saving interventions.

One controlled the rhythm of games. The other controlled moments of chaos.

Together, they gave Arsenal stability they had lacked in previous collapses.

Success brought a different kind of fear. For years, Arsenal fans desperately wanted a title challenge. But as the season intensified, hope slowly transformed into anxiety.

The Emirates began feeling tense.

A home defeat against Manchester United in January produced genuine boos from supporters after Matheus Cunha’s late winner completed a miserable run.

By March, even victories were met with groans.

Then came a damaging home loss against AFC Bournemouth — a match that could have moved Arsenal 12 points clear. Instead, frustration exploded around the stadium.

Players noticed it.

They spoke privately about the atmosphere. It became impossible to ignore.

Arteta himself seemed increasingly tense.

Before one match, he passionately urged supporters to arrive early and create noise: “Bring your lunch, bring your dinner…”

Then Arsenal produced a dreadful performance.

Days later came one of his strangest press conferences.

“No fear. Pure fire,” Arteta declared emotionally before a Champions League match against Sporting CP.

As he continued speaking, it felt less like a media briefing and more like a man pleading for recognition.

He reminded reporters Arsenal had reached the Champions League quarter-finals three seasons in a row. He argued that achievements once considered impossible were now being taken for granted.

The pressure was visible.

For perhaps the first time during his reign, Arteta looked vulnerable.

Then came the defeat at the Etihad.

And somehow, that became the turning point.

These streets are our own ❤️‍ pic.twitter.com/6vGfNKsNNI

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 20, 2026

After the Manchester City loss, Arteta subtly altered his approach.

Internally, he became more careful with messaging around fans and expectations. He recognised the growing nervousness around the club and knew more emotional pressure could damage the squad.

At the same time, Arsenal actively tried to reconnect supporters with the team.

Ahead of a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting, fans involved in designing a stadium tifo were invited to attend open training and meet players and staff.

Arteta personally supported supporter-led atmosphere initiatives.

One proposal from REDAction Gooners involved organising a “greet the coach” event before Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Arteta reportedly loved the idea immediately.

The result was unforgettable.

Hours before kick-off, thousands of supporters flooded streets around the Emirates with red smoke, flares, chants and deafening noise.

Many inside the club described it as the greatest atmosphere in the stadium’s history.

At precisely the moment tension threatened to consume Arsenal, Arteta managed to unite the crowd behind the players again.

That emotional alignment changed the season.

When Arteta arrived in 2019, Arsenal felt broken.

The dressing room lacked discipline. Standards had collapsed. Toxicity lingered everywhere.

One of his earliest priorities was cultural cleansing.

Senior figures like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi eventually exited as Arteta rebuilt leadership around younger figures like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Inside the club, Arteta’s control extended far beyond tactics.

Departments like nutrition and sports science operated under his close oversight. Staff would present ideas and data, but ultimately Arteta made the decisions.

Some outsiders viewed it as excessive.

Inside Arsenal, it was seen differently.

Everything had to align with his vision.

Arteta’s obsession with detail became legendary.

During one press conference, he interrupted a journalist mid-question simply to point out that the reporter had changed seats.

Nothing escaped his attention.

Yet beneath the intensity was another side.

When a staff member’s son experienced bullying at school, Arteta invited him to train with players and spend time around the club.

When Raya signed, Arteta arranged a custom Arsenal shirt for the goalkeeper’s grandfather.

Those gestures mattered deeply inside the dressing room.

Players did not simply respect Arteta.

Many genuinely loved him.

There were still painful moments.

A 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers exposed defensive cracks, with Raya and Gabriel arguing furiously after conceding late.

The Bournemouth defeat was even worse.

Arsenal looked emotionally fragile, overwhelmed by the burden of being chased by Manchester City.

That had always been Guardiola’s greatest strength.

For years, City hunted relentlessly once Arsenal stumbled. Winning streaks of 11 matches, then nine matches, had previously crushed Arsenal’s dreams.

This season felt different.

City repeatedly failed to punish Arsenal’s mistakes.

Their chaotic 3-3 draw against Everton became symbolic. For once, Guardiola’s machine looked vulnerable.

And Arsenal finally sensed it.

After losing at the Etihad, they responded with four consecutive league wins without conceding a goal.

No panic. No collapse. No surrender.

The old Arsenal would have folded.

This version endured.

Not everyone admired Arsenal’s football.

Opposition managers complained frequently about their aggressive set-piece routines. Critics mocked their physicality. Rivals accused them of bending rules.

Arteta did not care.

Neither did Arsenal supporters.

The numbers were devastating.

Arsenal scored 24 league goals from set-pieces — more than any other team in the Premier League.

When opponents defended deep, Arsenal often found salvation through corners and free-kicks.

Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover became one of the most influential figures behind the scenes.

His decision to make Declan Rice Arsenal’s primary set-piece taker transformed their attacking threat.

One symbolic detail captured Arteta’s mindset perfectly.

For away matches, Arsenal carried a banner reading “BASICS” into dressing rooms.

It stood for: Boxes. Attack. Shape. Intensity. Compete. Set-pieces.

To Arteta, those details were not secondary.

They were everything.

Arsenal did not become champions because they suddenly turned flawless.

They became champions because they evolved emotionally.

For years, setbacks destroyed them. Pressure suffocated them. Fear consumed them.

This time, they survived the moments that once broke them.

They absorbed tension instead of collapsing beneath it.

And when Manchester City finally left the door open, Arsenal walked through it without hesitation.

For supporters who waited 22 years, this was more than a title.

It was release. It was redemption. It was proof that heartbreak does not last forever.

Arsenal were no longer contenders.

At long last, they were champions.

Party on the streets of north London pic.twitter.com/JtWl6fjOMf

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026

Arsenal Survive Dramatic VAR Earthquake At West Ham To Stay On Course For First Title Since 2004

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 11 May 2026 11:58:14 +0530

Arsenal are within touching distance of their first Premier League crown for 22 years after a VAR "earthquake" rocked the title race in their contentious 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta's side were embroiled in a controversial stoppage-time incident that looked set to derail their title bid before a VAR intervention tilted the balance of power back to north London.

Leading through Leandro Trossard's deflected 83rd minute goal, the Gunners were stunned when West Ham's Callum Wilson lashed home in the final moments after Arsenal keeper David Raya dropped the ball inside his penalty area.

But West Ham's celebrations were curtailed when VAR official Darren England told referee Chris Kavanagh to consult the pitch-side monitor to check a potential foul by Pablo on Raya before his fumble.

After a lengthy delay ratcheted up the drama, Kavanagh agreed that Pablo had impeded the keeper and returned to the pitch to announce the goal had been disallowed.

Arteta and his players breathed a collective sigh of relief, while Arsenal's fans exploded in celebration as jeers rang out from disbelieving West Ham supporters.

It was a moment of such emotional intensity that it will surely stand as the defining image of the season if Arsenal go on to win their 14th English title and first since 2004.

The Gunners are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and will be crowned champions if they win their last two matches at home to Burnley on May 18 and at Crystal Palace on May 24.

They could seal the trophy even earlier if City fail to win their game in hand against Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

That would allow Arsenal to wrap up the title with a victory over relegated Burnley.

For third-bottom West Ham, it was a brutal blow in their battle to avoid relegation.

The Hammers remain one point from safety but fourth-bottom Tottenham would extend that gap to four with just two games left if they beat Leeds on Monday.

- 'Doubt and speculation' -

What was surely the most consequential VAR decision in Premier League history inevitably sparked differing verdicts from Arteta and West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

"It was a call from the ref that is very brave," Arteta said. "I have to praise them, for giving the option to a referee to decide, away from the lights and the chaos, to give clarity to him to make the right call.

"When you look at the action in that way, it is an obvious error. It is a free-kick, and the goal has to be disallowed.

"You're talking about a moment that can decide the history, and the course, of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives.

"The pressure is huge. So congratulations, because they made a big call in very difficult circumstances."

Nuno saw it far differently, insisting the decision was the result of debatable rule-making and inconsistent interpretation of those laws in recent seasons.

"The way the game finished, we're all upset of course," he said.

"There's a referee, there's VAR, there's circumstances in the past that would be judged different.

"Even the referees don't know what is a foul, what isn't a foul. It creates a lot of doubt and speculation around it."

Since being introduced to the Premier League in 2019, VAR has been a lightning rod for criticism from managers and fans infuriated by a system that is far from fool-proof and often sucks the spontaneity out of matches.

But former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville felt the seismic call was correct: "This is an earthquake, a tremor of a moment.

"It is probably the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League. This is massive.

"I think it's a foul. His arm is held on Raya. It's on him all the time. He's holding across his neck and chest."

Whether the decision was legitimate or not, the after-shocks will be felt from London all the way to Manchester.

India Finally Close to Securing FIFA World Cup TV Rights, Shaji Prabhakaran Confirms Major Breakthrough

Vaishnav Akash — Sat, 23 May 2026 15:14:32 +0530

Good news for football fans in India! The anxiety over the TV broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 seems to be clearing up. Shaji Prabhakaran, the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), has dropped a major hint. He confirmed that negotiations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in India are done, and a formal announcement is just around the corner. He has assured fans that the tournament will be easily and widely available for everyone to watch across the country.

In a post on 'X' (what we used to call Twitter), Prabhakaran wrote: “Huge news for Indian football fans! The wait is finally over. Discussions are complete, and an official announcement on the broadcast partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India is expected next week! After months of uncertainty, fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief; the World Cup will be fully accessible in India. Get ready for the biggest World Cup in history!”

Besides his role at AIFF, Prabhakaran is also the founder and president of the 'Association for Sports Industry Professionals' (ASIP). This organisation operates under the 'Khel India Sports Foundation' (KISF). ASIP is a non-profit that works to develop sports at the grassroots level and empower women in sports. Its main goal is to promote professional excellence and contribute to the overall growth of the sports industry.

There was recently a lot of concern about how accessible the 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage would be for Indian viewers. Earlier in May, the Delhi High Court had sent a notice to the Central Government and Prasar Bharati. This was in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to make sure the tournament is broadcast in India, especially on free-to-air channels like Doordarshan and DD Sports. The writ petition, filed by advocate Avadhesh Bairwa under Article 226 of the Constitution, was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.

The FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time the tournament will be held across 16 cities in three different countries. It will run for about a month and a half, with the final on July 19. And for the first time ever, 48 teams will compete, up from the usual 32.

Initially, FIFA had started the process to sell the broadcast rights for both the 2026 and 2030 World Cups in India. The starting price was set at a whopping $100 million, which is about ₹930 crore. However, no company showed interest. FIFA was then forced to drop the price to $35 million, but even that didn't change the situation, leading to the recent uncertainty.

Manchester City Battle Fatigue Ahead Of FA Cup Final While Chelsea Seek End To Trophy Drought

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:23:58 +0530

Pep Guardiola hopes Manchester City can overcome mounting fatigue in Saturday's FA Cup final as Chelsea aim to salvage a turbulent season by ending their domestic trophy drought.

Guardiola's side are embroiled in a last-ditch bid to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal, but their slender title hopes will be on hold this weekend as they head to Wembley in search of a cup double.

City, who beat Arsenal in the League Cup final in March, had to play Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday and they will be back in top-flight action just three days after facing Chelsea when they head to Bournemouth.

Although Guardiola made six changes for a 3-0 win against Palace that left them two points behind Arsenal with two games left, the City boss is concerned his team's gruelling fixture schedule could hand Chelsea an advantage in the final.

"After the FA Cup, it is Bournemouth, we play every three days. Chelsea have a week at home training, preparing the final," he said.

"We have to travel to London. They will be at home with their wife and kids. So that is fatigue and fatigue and fatigue."

Guardiola tried to alleviate the physical toll by starting with Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku on the bench against Palace.

"I have full confidence in all the squad, including the ones that didn't play against Palace. They are so good," Guardiola said

"I thought we needed more energy. Savinho, Antoine (Semenyo) and Omar (Marmoush) were really good. Now we rest and focus on the final."

City are appearing in the FA Cup final for a record fourth successive season, but they lost the last two, against Crystal Palace in 2025 and Manchester United two years ago.

Guardiola has won the FA Cup twice, in 2019 and 2023, and a third triumph in the competition would seal his 20th trophy since arriving at City a decade ago.

- Chaotic period -

Uncertainty has swirled around Guardiola's future all season and, with just one year left on his contract, he is yet to give an indication if he plans to stay or go at the end of this term.

For now, the 55-year-old is looking forward to one more trip to Wembley.

"It is a pleasure to go to the cathedral of English football to play the final," he said.

"Hopefully the result will be better than the last two times."

Guardiola's glittering array of trophies and vast experience are a stark contrast to Chelsea's novice interim boss Calum McFarlane.

McFarlane took over following Liam Rosenior's sacking in April after just 106 days in charge.

The former Chelsea under-21 coach finds himself in the extraordinary position of leading the Blues in the FA Cup final with no realistic prospect of landing the job on a full-time basis.

It is the second time McFarlane has been in interim charge this season. After Enzo Maresca's exit in January, he damaged City's title challenge in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

The managerial turnover at Chelsea is emblematic of the troubled club's chaotic period since owners BlueCo took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022.

Chelsea are without a win in their last seven league games, a dismal streak that has left them with virtually no chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Winning the FA Cup for the first time since 2018 -- in the process ending eight years without a domestic trophy -- would only partially salve the wounds of such a traumatic campaign.

AFP (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

How To Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets Safely: Official Platform, Resale Marketplace & Hospitality Options

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:28:44 +0530

Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 can only be purchased safely through the FIFA Official Ticketing Platform. FIFA has warned fans against using third‑party resale sites, which often lead to scams or inflated prices.

The major ticket lotteries, including the Visa Presale, Early Ticket Draw, and Random Selection Draw, have already concluded. Over 500 million requests were processed during these phases, leaving primary availability at historic lows.

Last‑Minute Sales Phase

The final sales window opened on April 1. Unlike earlier rounds, this phase is not a lottery. Tickets are sold strictly on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with immediate confirmation at checkout. This represents the last opportunity to buy tickets directly from FIFA before the tournament begins.

Fans must first create a FIFA Ticket ID account on the official website. Once registered, they can browse available matches by host city, date, and category. Prices start at $60 and rise dynamically based on demand.

If a match is sold out, FIFA advises checking the official resale marketplace. This platform allows verified tickets to be listed at face value, ensuring buyers avoid inflated costs.

Hospitality Packages

For those unable to secure standard tickets, hospitality packages remain an option. These packages guarantee seats and include additional services, though at premium prices.

The resale marketplace has become the primary destination for fans as the tournament approaches. Tickets released from unallocated federation holds and previous phases are being added back into the system in real time. Buyers know instantly if their purchase is successful.

While secondary marketplaces such as StubHub may list tickets, FIFA stresses that only its official channels guarantee authenticity. Fans are urged to read terms and conditions carefully if considering alternatives.

Nervy Victory Against Burnley Leaves Arsenal One Step Away From Premier League Glory After Two Decades

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:19:50 +0530

Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top.

Kai Havertz headed in the only goal but was also lucky to avoid a second-half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City's favour.

The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday should City fail to win at Bournemouth.

Even if City do end the Cherries' 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will secure the title with victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"One more to go," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

"We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomorrow and then it's time to prepare for the Palace game."

However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side that have long since been relegated does offer City hope.

An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola's team win their final two matches.

To add extra intrigue to the final days of the season, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge after Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday.

Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease.

Burnley have taken just two points from their last 10 matches but made Arteta's men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.

Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area before Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waived away as he attempted to turn in Havertz's low cross.

Arsenal were forced to rely on their set piece threat once more to prise Burnley open.

Havertz rose highest to power in Saka's delivery on 37 minutes as they scored from a corner for the 18th time in the league this season.

Yet the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were very fortunate not to have to defend their lead with 10 men for the final quarter.

Havertz raked his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge.

Despite a VAR review, the original decision of a yellow card was not upgraded to red.

Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede's arrival failed to kickstart Arsenal as an attacking force.

But their rock solid defensive record again edged them closer to the title.

Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games.

"The margin should have been bigger but we haven't achieved that," added Arteta.

“We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way.”

5 Football Superstars Facing Form And Fitness Battles Before The Upcoming FIFA World Cup

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 22 May 2026 13:30:28 +0530

Form and fitness concerns are hanging over some of football's biggest names just three weeks before the World Cup kicks off.

Five of the stars who must shoulder the burden of their nations' expectation in the first-ever 48-team finals spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada:

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe could become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history over the next few weeks, but will cross the Atlantic after a troubled time at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old is yet to win a major trophy in two seasons at the Spanish giants despite his prolific goalscoring record.

Mbappe's commitment has been questioned after he went on holiday while nursing a hamstring injury towards the end of the season.

A change of scenery on the international stage could be just what he needs as he aims to write more history on the global stage.

Mbappe took the tournament by storm as a teenager in France's 2018 World Cup win. He plundered another eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final, as Les Bleus missed out on penalties to Argentina four years ago.

He needs just four more to match Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland finally gets his first taste of a major international tournament after ending Norway's 28-year wait to reach the World Cup.

The Manchester City striker struck 16 times in eight games during Norway's flawless qualifying campaign that included two thrashings of Italy.

That took his tally to a remarkable 55 goals in 49 international appearances.

Haaland is the poster boy for a golden generation of Norwegian players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, that have been tipped as dark horses.

But Norway will need their star striker in top form after being handed a tough draw alongside France and African champions Senegal in Group I.

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

Neymar's return to the Brazil squad has caught the imagination, but it is Vincius' performance that will likely determine whether Carlo Ancelotti's men end up with a sixth star on the famous yellow jersey.

He and Mbappe have had to share the spotlight in Madrid, but the World Cup gives Vinicius the chance to become a national hero in Brazil and win the Ballon d'Or he craves.

Vinicius and his club team-mates famously boycotted the ceremony after he was overlooked for Manchester City's Rodri despite scoring in the Champions League final two years ago.

But his record for Brazil is patchy. He scored just once in the World Cup four years ago and has only eight goals in 47 caps overall.

Harry Kane (England)

England's captain and all-time record goalscorer enters probably his last shot at World Cup glory off the back of a stunning season for Bayern Munich.

Kane scored 58 goals in 50 games as Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title and narrowly missed out on the Champions League final.

At international level he has spearheaded the rise of the Three Lions to serial contenders, but is yet to end his nation's 60-year wait to win a major tournament.

Kane has often been hampered physically at international tournaments, exhausted by his exertions during the club season.

However, this time his minutes have been managed by Bayern for months as they prioritised a deep run in the Champions League, with the Bundesliga long since won.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The breakout star of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal's hopes of taking the world by storm will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 18-year-old has not featured since suffering the injury for Barcelona on April 22 and could reportedly miss Spain's first two group games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.

After a slow start to the season, Yamal had been in blistering form prior to his injury, scoring 24 goals in all as Barca cruised to a second consecutive La Liga title.

Spain will be confident of negotiating the early stages of the tournament before unleashing the player many regard as the best in the world for the latter stages.

Antoine Griezmann Apologises Again To Atletico Fans In Final Home Game Before MLS Move

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:40:00 +0530

Antoine Griezmann bade farewell to Atletico Madrid fans on Sunday after playing his final home match for the club, and apologised again for his decision to leave for Barcelona in 2019.

The 35-year-old is joining MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season after 10 seasons with the Rojiblancos, split in two by an ill-fated move to join the Catalan giants.

Griezmann gave a speech on the pitch after Atletico beat Girona 1-0 in La Liga, with the French forward setting up the only goal for Ademola Lookman.

"I know many of you have (forgiven me), but some still haven't, so I apologise again," said Griezmann at a packed Metropolitano stadium.

"I didn't realise how much love I had here, I was very young, and well, I made a mistake.

"I reconsidered and we did everything to come back here and enjoy it again."

Griezmann joined Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014 as a left winger but became a world-class striker under coach Diego Simeone.

The forward is Atletico's all-time top goalscorer with 212 strikes in 500 matches for them. He arrived at the stadium for the match visibly emotional.

"I want to thank all my teammates from 2014 until today," continued Griezmann.

"It's incredible to share everything with them. Every battle, every victory, and every defeat."

The forward also thanked his family, the club's staff, and coach Simeone, saying the Argentine had "changed everything" for Atletico.

Simeone led Atletico to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, but Griezmann arrived after the first and was at Barca when they secured the second.

Griezmann's only major trophy with Atletico was the 2018 Europa League, which he lifted before triumphing with France at the World Cup in Russia that summer.

Atletico greats including Fernando Torres and Diego Godin appeared to take part in the celebrations of the forward's career, along with his family and president Enrique Cerezo.

"Today is Antoine's day -- he's surely the best any of us have seen here with our own eyes," said Torres.

Simeone echoed Torres's words. "You arrived playing on the wing and we put you in the middle, and you became insatiable for goals," said the coach.

“You have something that's contagious for your team-mates, and it took you to the place you deserve.”

"Major Diplomatic Asset" – Iran Warns Of Consequences If FIFA World Cup Participation Is Blocked By Hosts USA

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:15:51 +0530

The president of the Iranian Football Federation said late Saturday that if Iran dropped out of the World Cup, it would deprive the country of a "major diplomatic asset".

Mehdi Taj was speaking after the federation (FFIRI) said on Saturday that Iran would take part in the men's football showpiece this summer despite the Middle East War, but demanded that joint hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada agree to its conditions.

"If we do not participate in the World Cup, we will lose a major diplomatic asset," Taj said in an interview broadcast late Saturday on state television.

Iran's participation in the tournament has been surrounded by uncertainty since the outbreak of war in February, following strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

But on Saturday, the FFIRI said on its official website: "We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.

"We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions."

Taj has set 10 conditions for attending the global spectacle, seeking assurances over the country's treatment.

The conditions include visas being granted and respect for the national team staff, the team's flag and its national anthem during the tournament, as well as demands for elevated security at airports, hotels and routes to the stadiums where they will play.

World football's governing body FIFA has insisted for weeks that Iran will take part.

Iran, who are due to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the World Cup, face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

The Iranians open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

Neymar Jr: Tears of Joy! Star's Emotional Reaction to FIFA World Cup Call-Up Goes Viral (WATCH)

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:04:05 +0530

Santos: Will Neymar Jr. bring back the glory days of Samba football for Brazil? Can the 'Sultan' finally deliver the sixth World Cup trophy for the yellow army? Fans are buzzing with hope now that Neymar is back in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. His return to the Brazilian team was a really emotional moment. Just like the fans, Neymar was on the edge of his seat as Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, announced the squad. A video of him anxiously watching the announcement has already been seen by nearly 200 million people.

Neymar breaks down in tears of joy after hearing the team announcement

As Brazil's head coach, 'Don' Carlo, was announcing the World Cup squad, you could see all the pressure of a three-year break from the team on Neymar Jr.'s face. His family and friends, who were with him, were just as tense. Neymar, who usually celebrates every moment of his life, watched the announcement from his own bungalow. The tension built up as the announcement began. His partner, Bruna Biancardi, was right there beside him, watching anxiously. The moment Ancelotti called out the superstar's name, the whole house erupted in celebration, but Neymar just broke down in happy tears. He shared his joy with his close friend Rafinha and his father, with tears streaming down his face.

Neymar is Brazil's top goal scorer

Neymar's inclusion was a huge relief and a reason to celebrate for the fans too. He was sidelined from the Brazil team after getting injured during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay back in October 2023. A series of injuries and controversies had become a major setback for the star. After Ancelotti took over as coach, Neymar was consistently overlooked. But finally, the Italian coach's announcement confirmed his place in the World Cup team. The 34-year-old Neymar is Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer, with an incredible 79 goals in 128 matches. The superstar has also scored eight goals in 13 matches across the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. Neymar has promised his fans that he will bring the World Cup trophy back to Brazil after a 24-year wait.

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Neymar Returns: He's Back! Brazil Announces Power-Packed Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:26:57 +0530

Sao Paulo: The wait is finally over for football fans. Superstar Neymar Jr. has officially made it to Brazil's World Cup squad. Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, announced the final 26-man team, and the 34-year-old Neymar is back in the mix. This announcement puts an end to months of intense speculation about his international career and whether he would even play in the World Cup.

The last time Neymar played for Brazil was way back in October 2023. Since then, he has been constantly battling serious injuries and fitness problems. But now, he's back with a single goal: to help Brazil win its sixth World Cup title. Neymar is also Brazil's all-time top goalscorer.

Coach Ancelotti, who had earlier taken a tough stand that Neymar would only be picked if he was fully fit, said the star player has improved his fitness a lot. "Neymar will be a crucial player for us in this World Cup," Ancelotti said. He added, "For big tournaments like the World Cup, you need players with a lot of experience in certain positions. Neymar can still improve his fitness before the first match. More importantly, his presence creates a great positive vibe in the team." This will be Neymar's fourth World Cup. He currently has 79 goals, having surpassed the legendary Pelé to become Brazil's all-time top scorer.

The Brazilian attack looks deadly with Neymar joining Vinicius Jr., wonder kid Endrick, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli. The midfield is solid with the experienced Casemiro, alongside Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, and Paquetá. In defence, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães will form a strong wall. Brazil is in Group C for the World Cup, along with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Their first match is against Morocco on June 14.

Brazil's FIFA World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Bremer, Ibañez, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos.

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá.

Forwards: Neymar Jr., Vinícius Jr., Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Luiz Henrique.

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Portugal Squad: Ronaldo All Set for 6th FIFA World Cup, Late Diogo Jota Named in Touching Tribute

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:30:21 +0530

Lisbon: The big news is out! Portugal has officially announced its squad for the FIFA World Cup, and yes, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo is on the list. This will be the sixth World Cup for the 41-year-old football icon.

In a really touching move, coach Roberto Martinez has also included the name of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last year. The 27-member squad list serves as a tribute to the late player. Of course, the team is packed with other big names like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leão, João Félix, and Nuno Mendes.

Portugal will be playing in Group K, where they will face off against Congo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Even though Portugal has won the Euro Cup and the UEFA Nations League, they've never lifted the World Cup trophy. Everyone is wondering if the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo can finally lead his team to their first-ever World Cup win.

Portugal World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho

Defenders: Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Nélson Semedo, Matheus Nunes, Gonçalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Rúben Neves, Samú Costa

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Guedes, Francisco Trincão.

Pep Guardiola Keeps City In Hunt With Palace Win, Admits Arsenal Hold Premier League Advantage

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:39 +0530

Pep Guardiola said all Manchester City can do is stay alive and hope for an Arsenal slip-up in the Premier League title race after a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush both struck from Phil Foden passes in the first half at the Etihad before Savinho added a late third to lift City two points behind leaders Arsenal.

With two games remaining for both challengers, City still have a chance of securing a seventh league crown in nine years.

Guardiola, who made multiple changes to his starting line-up, said his team had to work hard to break down a hard-working Palace team, who face Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final later this month.

Now the City boss turns his attention to Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley against Chelsea.

"We try to be alive until the next (Premier League) game, which is Bournemouth," he told Sky Sports. "Now focus on the final."

The City boss said the title was firmly in the hands of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, chasing their first Premier League crown since 2004.

If the Gunners overcome relegated Burnley next Monday, City must beat Bournemouth, who are chasing Champions League qualification, the following day, to keep the title race alive.

"Depends on them (Arsenal)," he told the BBC. "If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough."

Guardiola, whose team have lost the past two FA Cup finals, is chasing a domestic cup double after City lifted the League Cup earlier this season.

"All we can do is go to sleep as quickly as possible and prepare for the FA Cup," he said. "That is what we have to do.

"The FA Cup, incredible respect. We lost the last two times because we were not good enough.

"We are going to go there to win. We have to be ready physically and mentally against a team who are not in the best season, but the quality is there. Of course, they will do their best, and we have to do our best to try to win."

AFP (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)