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  • Qatar favored to host Argentina vs. Spain Finalissima.

    The matchup between the Argentina and Spain national teams for the Finalissima is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The game, which will feature the champions of the Copa América and the Euro Cup, reportedly already has a date and venue, with a location that brings strong memories for the Albiceleste.

    According to Marca, the tentative date is Saturday, March 28, 2026, during the FIFA international window. Official confirmation on the venue and date is still pending, but Qatar has emerged as the leading option compared to other cities considered over recent months, such as Miami—current home of Lionel Messi—Montevideo, and other Middle Eastern destinations.

    Reports indicate that the Finalissima could take place at Lusail Stadium, which offers favorable weather at that time of year and relative convenience for players based in European clubs, though Messi would face a significant trip from Miami. Marca also noted that Qatar is highly regarded by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and the country is set to host the upcoming U-17 World Cup.

    The realization of the Finalissima largely depends on Spain’s performance in World Cup qualifying. While Argentina has already secured its place at the 2026 tournament, Spain, comfortably leading its group, could confirm qualification in upcoming matches, paving the way for the organization of the game.

    How many times has the Finalissima been played?

    The competition has been held only three times, twice under the Copa Artemio Franchi name. France defeated Uruguay 2-0 in 1985, and in 1993, Argentina overcame Denmark 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

    After nearly 30 years, the tournament—now known as the Finalissima—returned in 2022, featuring the champions of CONMEBOL and UEFA. In that edition, Argentina emerged victorious over Italy, solidifying its position as the most decorated team in the competition’s history.

    The potential dates for the Finalissima

    The FIFA calendar includes an international window from March 23 to March 31, 2026. Another window for friendlies will open June 1–9, serving as preparation for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

    For this reason, organizing the Finalissima in June has been ruled out. If the game cannot take place in March, alternative dates after the World Cup could fall between September 21 and October 6, allowing space for four matches, with an additional window from November 9–17.

  • USMNT confirms date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup

    USMNT confirms date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup

    The USMNT will have a tough test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, the Stars and Stripes have confirmed the date and venue in which they will face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.

    Next year, the United States, alongside Mexico and Canada, will host the FIFA World Cup. It is the first time that three countries host the tournament together, and they surely want to prove they can be more than just hosts.

    For that reason, the USMNT wants to face top contenders to test themselves. Now, it has selected Portugal as a rival in a friendly match that will push the Stars and Stripes to their limits.

    When and where will the USMNT face Portugal?

    The USMNT confirmed that Portugal will be one of its first rivals for a friendly match in 2026. The Stars and Stripes will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s squad on March 31, 2026.

    Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host the duel. The home of the Atlanta Falcons is one of the 11 stadiums in the United States selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    USMNT’s confirmed friendly matches in 2026

    Besides Portugal, the USMNT also confirmed a friendly match against Belgium on March 28, also at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Two back-to-back matches that will be very demanding for the United States.

    The federation also confirmed that there is a match scheduled for May 31, with the rival still to be determined. Then, on June 6, five days before the start of the World Cup, the USMNT will face Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

  • Lionel Messi could lose key Inter Miami teammate to Argentine giants in 2026

    Lionel Messi could lose key Inter Miami teammate to Argentine giants in 2026

    Lionel Messi is looking to lead Inter Miami to their first MLS title in club history when they face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the grand final this Saturday, December 6th, at Chase Stadium.

    Amid this crucial final preparation, the club’s front office also have one eye on the next season, and reports indicate that a major contributor could be departing for Argentina.

    According to Argentine journalist German Garcia Grova in a report for Bolavip Argentina, South American giants River Plate are closely monitoring the situation of Tadeo Allende in a potential move for the 2026 season.

    The 26-year-old Argentine attacker joined Inter Miami at the beginning of 2025 on a one-year loan deal from Celta Vigo. This means he must return to the Spanish club in the coming weeks, unless the Florida team negotiates to extend his continuity.

    Tadeo Allende’s breakout 2025

    Allende has played a critical role for Inter Miami this year, appearing in a total of 53 matches across all competitions, including MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and the Club World Cup. He has developed a strong understanding with Lionel Messi over these months, and his statistics reflect his impact.

    In 4,002 minutes of play, he has scored 25 goals and tallied two assists. During the MLS Cup Playoffs, he has already scored 8 goals and is a key force as Inter Miami aim to secure the trophy on Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

  • Neymar steps up with heroic hat-trick, gives Santos crucial win in battle to avoid relegation

    Neymar steps up with heroic hat-trick, gives Santos crucial win in battle to avoid relegation

    Neymar became the hero tonight, leading Santos with a hat-trick to a crucial road victory against Juventude to stay alive in the fight to avoid relegation to the second division of Brazilian soccer.

    With this important triumph, Santos climbed to 14th place in the standings with 44 points, pulling clear of the relegation zone. In the final matchday, they will face Cruzeiro, where they will have a strong chance to remain in the top flight regardless of the result.

    The former Barcelona forward appeared when his team needed him most, and his feat is even more valuable knowing he played the entire match dealing with a meniscus injury.

    The Brazilian star is currently enjoying a strong spell of form, having scored five goals and delivered one assist in the last four matches, piloting Santos to three victories and one draw.

    Neymar wants to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has left Neymar out of the most recent National Team call-ups due to the forward dealing with physical issues. The Italian manager made it clear that the Santos star, like any other player, must be at 100% to be considered for selection.

    “Neymar? He has to be at 100%. There are many very good players, I need to choose players who are at 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I will call up another player who is at 100%, because it is a team with an extremely high level of competition, especially in attack. In attack, we have many very good players,” Ancelotti indicated in his interview with Esporte Record of TV Record.

    The Santos star has recently been dealing with left knee meniscus problems, but his recent performances demonstrate that Neymar is still capable of leading his team to victory, even while managing physical issues.

    With less than seven months remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti will have to consider whether the best decision is to leave the Santos star out of the squad or give him an opportunity in what could be his final appearance in a World Cup.

  • Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami teammate gets fined before 2025 MLS Cup final vs Vancouver Whitecaps

    Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami teammate gets fined before 2025 MLS Cup final vs Vancouver Whitecaps

    Lionel Messi is one step away from capturing his third title with Inter Miami when they face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, December 6th, in the MLS Cup final. Heading into the crucial contest, the league announced a fine against an important teammate of the Argentine superstar.

    The player in question is Jordi Alba, who was fined by MLS for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent during the Conference Final against New York City FC at Chase Stadium.

    “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent in the 22nd minute of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on November 29th,” the official MLS website announced in a statement.

    To provide immediate relief to Inter Miami fans, the fine imposed on Jordi Alba is solely monetary, meaning his availability for Saturday’s grand final is not at risk, where the Herons will search for their first MLS Cup title in franchise history.

    Jordi Alba’s major impact this season

    Despite having announced his professional retirement for the end of this season, the Spanish defender has been a decisive player for Inter Miami since his arrival, standing out as one of the team’s best players throughout 2025.

    During the current season, the left-back has tallied 51 matches across all competitions, recording eight goals and 16 assists. The match against the Whitecaps will be the final professional appearance for the Spanish star, leaving a huge legacy in soccer history.